Western-north-america
Guides
Idiocerus ramentosus
Idiocerus ramentosus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Uhler in 1877. It belongs to a genus of relatively large, often host-specific leafhoppers associated with woody plants. The species is recorded from western North America, with documented occurrences spanning from British Columbia south through the western United States to Arizona.
Idionotus
shield-backed katydids
Idionotus is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, containing seven described species. These insects are endemic to western North America, with records from California and Oregon. The genus was established by Scudder in 1894 and includes species such as the siskiyou shieldback (I. siskiyou) and tehachapi shieldback (I. tehachapi).
Idiostatus
Idiostatus is a genus of katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, tribe Platycleidini, native to western North America. The genus was established by Pictet in 1888 and contains approximately 28 species. A diagnostic feature is the lateral lobes of the prothorax, which are as deep as they are long. These insects are part of the diverse bush-cricket fauna of the region.
Idiostatus aequalis
uniform shieldback
Idiostatus aequalis, commonly known as the uniform shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is native to western North America and is characterized by its distinctive shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen. The species was first described by Scudder in 1899 under the basionym Cacopteris aequalis. Like other members of the genus Idiostatus, it belongs to the tribe Platycleidini within the subfamily Tettigoniinae.
Idiostatus hermannii
Idiostatus hermannii is a species of katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, originally described as Steiroxys hermannii by Thomas in 1875. It belongs to a genus of North American katydids characterized by relatively short wings and male genitalia with distinctive morphological features. The species has been recorded across the western United States, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Idiostatus variegatus
variegated shield-back, variegated shieldback
Idiostatus variegatus, commonly known as the variegated shield-back, is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. The species was described by Caudell in 1907. It belongs to the genus Idiostatus, which comprises shield-backed katydids characterized by their distinctive pronotal morphology.
Incisitermes minor
Western Drywood Termite
Incisitermes minor, commonly known as the western drywood termite, is a drywood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae. Native to western North America, it has become established across much of the United States and has been introduced to Hawaii, China, and Japan. It is a significant structural pest, ranking as the second most destructive termite in California after the western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus), with estimated annual economic impact of approximately $250 million in California and Arizona combined. The species forms one-piece nests entirely within dry wood, does not require soil contact, and exhibits temperature-driven seasonal and daily activity patterns.
Insara
western bush katydids
Insara is a genus of katydids commonly known as western bush katydids, established by Walker in 1869. The genus belongs to the tribe Insarini within the subfamily Phaneropterinae of family Tettigoniidae. Species in this genus are found primarily in western North America and Mexico, with at least 20 described species recognized. The genus is notable as a host for predatory wasps, particularly Sphex lucae, which paralyzes species such as Insara elegans (elegant bush katydid) to provision its nests.
Ips paraconfusus
California fivespined ips, California fivespined ip
Ips paraconfusus is a bark beetle species native to western North America, notable as the first bark beetle from which a pheromone was identified in 1967. Males produce aggregation pheromones ipsenol and ipsdienol primarily through de novo biosynthesis, with minor contribution from host-tree myrcene conversion. The species colonizes various pine species, with strong preference for ponderosa pine over non-host trees such as white fir.
Ips plastographus
California pine engraver, Forgery Bark Weevil
Ips plastographus, commonly known as the California pine engraver, is a bark beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae. It is native to western North America and primarily associated with pine hosts, particularly lodgepole pine. New adult beetles have been documented overwintering in short tunnels within the sapwood of windfelled trees. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases and has limited published natural history documentation.
Iridopsis clivinaria
mountain mahogany looper moth
Iridopsis clivinaria is a geometrid moth commonly known as the mountain mahogany looper moth. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 22–25 mm. The species has a single annual generation and is active from spring through early summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on woody shrubs in western North America.
Ischnura denticollis
Black-fronted Forktail
Ischnura denticollis, commonly known as the Black-fronted Forktail, is a small damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is a western North American species with an exceptionally long adult lifespan for a damselfly, persisting up to six weeks. The species is notable for its distinctive lack of pale thoracic markings, which separates it from most other forktails. It occupies a variety of aquatic habitats including springs, ponds with emergent vegetation, and slow-moving stream sections.
Ischyropalpus cochisei
antlike flower beetle
Ischyropalpus cochisei is a small antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, measuring 2.5–3.2 mm. The species was described by Werner in 1973 and is named for its type locality at Cochise Stronghold in Arizona. It occurs across western North America from southwestern Canada through the western United States to Mexico.
Ischyropalpus turgidicollis
antlike flower beetle
Ischyropalpus turgidicollis is a small antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, measuring 2.4–3.2 mm in length. The species is recognized by its notably swollen or thickened pronotum, as suggested by the specific epithet 'turgidicollis' (from Latin 'turgidus' meaning swollen and 'collum' meaning neck). It inhabits western North America across a broad latitudinal range from temperate to arid regions.
Isomira comstocki
Isomira comstocki is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Papp in 1956. The species is recorded from western Canada, specifically Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Isomira, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized tenebrionid beetles. Information on its biology and ecology is limited.
Isoperla marmorata
red stripetail
Isoperla marmorata, commonly known as the red stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Needham and Claassen in 1925. The species is found in western North America, with documented occurrences in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Like other perlodid stoneflies, it belongs to the order Plecoptera, an ancient group of aquatic insects with incomplete metamorphosis.
Isoperla sobria
Colorado Stripetail
Isoperla sobria is a species of stonefly in the family Perlodidae, commonly known as the Colorado Stripetail. It is a member of the genus Isoperla, which comprises numerous small to medium-sized predatory stoneflies found in running waters of the Northern Hemisphere. The species has been documented across western North America from Alaska to California. Like other perlodids, its larvae develop in freshwater streams and are indicators of good water quality.
Ixodes pacificus
Western black-legged tick, Western blacklegged tick
Ixodes pacificus, the western black-legged tick, is a hard tick (family Ixodidae) and the principal vector of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) in the western United States. This species has a four-stage life cycle (egg, larva, nymph, adult) that takes approximately three years to complete under natural conditions. Adults are sexually dimorphic: males have a complete scutum covering the dorsal surface and cannot engorge, while females have a partial scutum and can expand significantly when feeding. The species is a known vector for multiple human pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and others.
Kalissus nitidus
Kalissus nitidus is a small rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Micropeplinae. First described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1874, this species is distributed in western North America, with records from Alaska, Washington, and British Columbia. The genus Kalissus belongs to a small, morphologically distinctive subfamily of rove beetles characterized by their compact body form.
Kalohydnobius strigilatus
Kalohydnobius strigilatus is a species of round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae, first described by Horn in 1880. It belongs to the tribe Sogdini within the subfamily Leiodinae. The species is documented from western North America, with records spanning from southwestern Canada through the western United States.
Kleidocerys franciscanus
Kleidocerys franciscanus is a species of true bug in the family Lygaeidae, subfamily Ischnorhynchinae. Originally described as Cymus franciscanus by Stål in 1859, it was later transferred to the genus Kleidocerys. The species is known from the United States, with records from the western region. As a member of the seed bug family Lygaeidae, it likely feeds on seeds, though specific host plants have not been documented.
Knowltonia
Burnleafs
Knowltonia is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in western North America. The genus contains four species characterized by extreme sexual dimorphism in antennae: males possess highly modified, bipectinate (biflabellate) antennae with dual projections from terminal antennomeres, while females retain unmodified serrate antennae. This antennal modification is presumed to function in detecting female sex pheromones. The genus is notable for its independent evolution of male antennal elaboration similar to that seen in the tribe Xenorhipidini and other disparate buprestid taxa.
Knowltonia calida
Knowltonia calida is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The genus Knowltonia is characterized by extreme sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males possessing highly modified flabellate or bipectinate antennae while females retain unmodified serrate antennae. This antennal modification is presumed to function in detecting female sex pheromones.
Koebelia
mottled pine leafhoppers
Koebelia is a genus of leafhoppers endemic to western North America, commonly known as mottled pine leafhoppers. Members of this genus are small insects, measuring 3–5 mm in length, with distinctive brown or gray coloration marked by darker spots. The genus is distinguished morphologically by a head that is wider than the prothorax. All known species are associated with pine trees as their host plants.
Koebelia californica
Koebelia californica is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Baker in 1897. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Athysanini. The species is known from limited distributional records in western North America.
Koebelia irrorata
Koebelia irrorata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. Described by Ball in 1909, this species belongs to a small genus of leafhoppers found in western North America. The genus name honors the German entomologist Carl Koebele, who worked extensively on North American Hemiptera in the late 19th century. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Kybos columbiana
Kybos columbiana is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Members of the genus Kybos are small, slender leafhoppers associated with woody plants. This species is part of a diverse group of typhlocybines that feed on vascular plant fluids using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Records indicate occurrence in western North America.
Laccocera vanduzeei
Laccocera vanduzeei is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae. It was described by Penner in 1945 and is found in western North America. As a member of the Delphacidae, it belongs to a family of planthoppers characterized by a distinctive enlarged hind tibia with a large movable spur, an adaptation for jumping. The species is named in honor of the entomologist Edward P. Van Duzee.
Laccocera zonata
Laccocera zonata is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Van Duzee in 1897. It belongs to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group of sap-feeding insects commonly known as planthoppers. Distribution records indicate this species occurs in western North America, with documented presence in Alberta, Arizona, California, Colorado, and Montana. As a member of Delphacidae, it is likely associated with grassland and wetland habitats where its host plants grow, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lacinipolia acutipennis
Lacinipolia acutipennis is a noctuid moth occurring in xeric, low-elevation habitats of western North America. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn, with flight records from mid-August through late September. The species is most readily distinguished from its congener Lacinipolia pensilis by forewing shape and color pattern details. Larval biology remains poorly documented, though they are suspected to be generalist feeders that may climb shrubs to forage.
Lacinipolia pensilis
Lacinipolia pensilis is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, distributed across the western cordilleran region of North America. Adults are active from August to September and are attracted to lights. The species can be distinguished from close relatives by its well-defined forewing markings and richer brown coloration. Larvae are thought to be ground-dwelling generalist feeders on shrubs and herbs.
Lacinipolia sareta
Sincere Arches
Lacinipolia sareta is a noctuid moth species found across western North America. It is one of the larger 'owlet moths' in the genus Lacinipolia, with adults showing variable coloration including gray and green forms. The species has two flight periods in its southern range, with adults active in early summer and again in autumn. Larvae are ground-dwelling and polyphagous, feeding on a variety of plant materials.
Lampronia aenescens
Lampronia aenescens is a small moth in the family Prodoxidae, first described by Walsingham in 1888. It is known from western North America, where adults are active in June. The species has a wingspan of 10.5–13.5 mm. Larvae feed on Rosa woodsii.
Lampronia oregonella
Lampronia oregonella is a small moth species in the family Prodoxidae, first described by Walsingham in 1880. It is known from a limited number of observations in western North America. The larvae have been documented feeding on Heuchera species.
Lampronia sublustris
Lampronia sublustris is a small moth in the family Prodoxidae, first described by Annette Braun in 1925. It occurs in western North America from southern British Columbia to northern California, with eastern records extending to Alberta, Utah, and Colorado. The species belongs to a family of primitive moths that includes yucca moths, though its specific biology remains poorly documented. Records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Laphria felis
Laphria felis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, found in western North America. It belongs to a genus known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with several species exhibiting dense hair patterns and coloration that closely resemble bumble bees. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1877.
Lapposyrphus aberrantis
Western Loopwing Aphideater
Lapposyrphus aberrantis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Charles Howard Curran in 1925. It is commonly known as the Western Loopwing Aphideater. The genus Lapposyrphus comprises aphidophagous hoverflies, and this species follows the general ecological pattern of the group. Observations are relatively sparse, with 54 records on iNaturalist.
Largus californicus
California bordered plant bug
Largus californicus, commonly known as the California bordered plant bug, is a true bug in the family Largidae. Adults are black with orange marginal markings on the thorax and abdomen, measuring approximately 25 mm in length. Nymphs are metallic blue with a distinctive red spot at the base of the abdomen, often forming large aggregations of 100 or more individuals. The species occurs in western North America and parts of Central America, with two generations annually in coastal southern California.
Largus convivus
bordered plant bug
Largus convivus is a bordered plant bug in the family Largidae, native to western North America and Middle America. Adults are characterized by black bodies with orange or red marginal markings on the pronotum and abdomen. Nymphs display striking aposematic coloration: metallic blue-black bodies with a bright red central dorsal spot. The species undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal instars and typically produces two generations annually in suitable climates.
Largus sculptilis
bordered plant bug
Largus sculptilis is a true bug in the family Largidae, commonly known as a bordered plant bug. Like other members of the genus Largus, adults are black with orange or red trim along the margins of the body. Nymphs display striking aposematic coloration: metallic blue-black with a prominent scarlet dot on the dorsal midline. The species occurs in western North America and Middle America. Adults are flightless and can be confused with stink bugs (Pentatomidae), leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae), or cotton strainers (Pyrrhocoridae).
Largus semipletus
bordered plant bug
Largus semipletus is a bordered plant bug in the family Largidae, described by Bliven in 1959. Like other members of the genus Largus, adults are relatively large true bugs (13-17 mm) with black bodies and orange markings. The species is part of a taxonomically complex genus with ongoing debate about species boundaries based on color pattern and geography. It is native to North America with distribution records in the western United States.
Larinus minutus
lesser knapweed flower weevil
Larinus minutus is a small true weevil used as a biological control agent against invasive knapweeds, particularly diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) and spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa). Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, it was first released in the United States in 1991 and is now established throughout the western United States. Adults feed on knapweed foliage and flowers, while larvae develop within flower heads and consume developing seeds, often destroying 100% of seeds in infested heads.
Lasioglossum pacificum
Pacific Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum pacificum is a small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, one of more than 1,700 species in the genus Lasioglossum. The species was described by Cockerell in 1898 and is native to western North America. Like other halictids, it is a ground-nesting bee that visits flowers for pollen and nectar.
Lasioglossum sisymbrii
Tansy Mustard Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum sisymbrii is a small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Tansy Mustard Sweat Bee. It belongs to one of the largest bee genera, with over 1,700 species. The species is frequently captured in bowl traps used for bee monitoring, often in large numbers relative to other bee species. It occurs in western North America and has been documented visiting flowers of tansy-mustard (Descurainia spp.) and related plants in the mustard family.
Lasionycta perplexella
Lasionycta perplexella is a species of noctuid moth described by Crabo and Lafontaine in 2009. It inhabits subalpine coniferous forests in western North America, ranging from southern Yukon through Alberta to Washington State. Adults are active during mid-July through August. The species was one of 17 new species described in a comprehensive 2009 revision of the genus Lasionycta.
Lasionycta poca
Lasionycta poca is a noctuid moth described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1923. It occurs in alpine and subalpine habitats of the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Range in western North America. The species is predominantly found near timberline, with occasional records from adjacent forest habitats. Adults are active from mid-June through August.
Lasionycta subfuscula
A noctuid moth of western North America, ranging from southwestern British Columbia and Alberta through the Rocky Mountains to southern Oregon, Colorado, and Utah. Adults fly from mid-June to early September in transition zone and subalpine forests. Two subspecies are recognized: L. s. subfuscula in the southern Rocky Mountains and L. s. livida in the Pacific Northwest.
Lasionycta uniformis
Lasionycta uniformis is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1893. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution across montane regions of western North America, ranging from southern Yukon to northern California and Colorado, with an isolated eastern population in the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec. Five subspecies have been recognized, differentiated primarily by geographic range and subtle morphological variation. Adults are active during mid-summer.
Lasiopogon chaetosus
Lasiopogon chaetosus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their bristly appearance and ground-perching hunting behavior. Species in this genus are typically found in open, sandy or rocky habitats. The specific epithet 'chaetosus' refers to the bristly or hairy condition of the body surface.
Lasiopogon coconino
Lasiopogon coconino is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cannings in 2002. The genus Lasiopogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies primarily distributed in western North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their bristly bodies and predatory habits, typically hunting other insects from perches on vegetation or ground surfaces.