Western-north-america
Guides
Melanoplus cinereus
grayish sagebrush grasshopper, Gray Sagebrush Grasshopper
Melanoplus cinereus, commonly known as the grayish sagebrush grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to western North America and has been documented in California and Washington. The species is characterized by its association with sagebrush habitats and its secretive behavior, which makes it difficult to detect using standard sweep-net sampling methods. Two subspecies are recognized: M. c. cinereus and M. c. cyanipes.
Melanoplus cinereus cinereus
Melanoplus cinereus cinereus is a subspecies of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is documented from California and Washington in western North America. The species is characterized by secretive behavior, hiding in sagebrush vegetation, which makes it underrepresented in standard sweep-net surveys.
Melanoplus cinereus cyanipes
Melanoplus cinereus cyanipes is a subspecies of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It occurs in the western United States, with records from California and Washington. The subspecies was described by Scudder in 1897 and is distinguished from other M. cinereus populations by leg coloration and geographic isolation. It is a member of the diverse Melanoplus genus, which contains over 200 North American species.
Melanoplus complanatipes
Western Sagebrush Grasshopper
A spur-throated grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the western sagebrush grasshopper. The species comprises two recognized subspecies and occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Central America.
Melanoplus dodgei group
The Melanoplus dodgei-species-group is a taxonomic grouping within the genus Melanoplus (spurthroated grasshoppers). Species groups in Melanoplus represent clusters of morphologically similar species that share diagnostic characteristics, particularly in male genitalia and pronotal structure. The group is part of the diverse western North American Melanoplus fauna documented in regional field guides and distribution atlases. Individual species within this group are recorded from Wyoming and Colorado, with M. dodgei itself being a documented western species.
Melanoplus flavidus elongatus
Yellowish spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus flavidus elongatus is a subspecies of the yellowish spur-throat grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is part of the diverse Melanoplus genus, which contains numerous grasshopper species across North America. The nominate subspecies M. flavidus flavidus occurs in Colorado and surrounding regions. This subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the species, though specific distinguishing characteristics for the subspecies are not well documented in available sources.
Melanoplus flavidus flavidus
Yellowish spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus flavidus flavidus is a subspecies of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The common name "Yellowish spur-throat grasshopper" reflects its characteristic coloration. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains numerous economically significant grasshopper species in western North America. This subspecies was described by Scudder in 1878 and is currently considered a synonym in modern taxonomic databases.
Melanoplus infantilis
little spur-throat grasshopper, tiny spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus infantilis is a small spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species is distinguished by its diminutive size relative to other Melanoplus species. It occurs in western North America, with documented presence in Colorado. As a member of the genus Melanoplus, it possesses the characteristic spur on the ventral surface of the throat that defines this species group.
Melanoplus montanus species group
The Melanoplus montanus species group comprises a complex of closely related short-horned grasshoppers within the genus Melanoplus, characterized by montane and subalpine distributions across western North America. These species share morphological similarities that have historically complicated taxonomic boundaries, with members often distinguished by subtle differences in male genitalia and subtle coloration patterns. The group includes multiple named species that occupy overlapping elevational ranges and share ecological preferences for cooler, higher-elevation habitats.
Melanoplus yarrowii
Yarrow's grasshopper, Yarrow's spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus yarrowii is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to western North America. The species was described by Thomas in 1875, originally as Caloptenus yarrowii. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species. Available sources confirm its presence in Colorado and California, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the provided material.
Melecta separata
Melecta separata is a cleptoparasitic bee (cuckoo bee) in the family Apidae, native to North America. The species contains six recognized subspecies distributed across western and southwestern regions of the continent. Like other members of the genus Melecta, it is a nest parasite of solitary bees, particularly species in the genus Anthophora. The subspecies M. separata callura has been specifically documented as a cleptoparasite of Anthophora pacifica.
Meris
Meris is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was established by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. It contains five described species, all restricted to western North America. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns and is part of a diverse group of inchworm moths.
Mesochorus giberius
Mesochorus giberius is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Mesochorus comprises hyperparasitoids, meaning they parasitize other parasitoids rather than attacking host insects directly. Records indicate this species has been reared from caterpillars of the California Oak Moth (Phryganidia californica), suggesting it may function as a tertiary parasitoid in oak moth food webs. The species was described by Thunberg in 1822 and occurs in western North America.
Mestobregma
Mestobregma is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Scudder in 1876. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in western North America, including the Platte range grasshopper (M. plattei), narrow-fronted grasshopper (M. impexum), and dirt-colored grasshopper (M. terricolor). These grasshoppers are associated with shortgrass prairie habitats and are not considered economically significant pests.
Mestobregma impexum
narrow-fronted grasshopper
Mestobregma impexum, the narrow-fronted grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Utah. The species belongs to the genus Mestobregma, which contains at least one other species, M. plattei. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Mestobregma plattei
Platte Range Grasshopper
Mestobregma plattei, known as the Platte Range Grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is uncommon in eastern Wyoming and occurs in limited areas throughout the state. The species inhabits shortgrass prairie with patches of barren rocky soil. Adults are present in late summer, with collections documented in July and August. Its economic impact is minimal.
Metator
blue-legged grasshopper (for M. pardalinus)
Metator is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by McNeill in 1901. The genus contains at least two described species: Metator nevadensis and Metator pardalinus. Species in this genus are large-bodied grasshoppers characteristic of western North American grasslands. M. pardalinus, commonly known as the blue-legged grasshopper, has been documented in comparative studies with other large band-winged grasshoppers regarding nymphal development and growth patterns.
Metepeira ventura
labyrinth spider
Metepeira ventura is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, found in the United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a characteristic web consisting of a small orb web connected to a thimble-like retreat surrounded by a tangled network of lines. A California population has been studied for genetic diversity and its relationship to reproductive fitness.
Metrius contractus contractus
Contracted Bombing Beetle
Metrius contractus contractus is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to western North America. It belongs to the tribe Metriini, which is notable for its specialized chemical defense mechanisms. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States, with observations concentrated in western regions. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the ability to discharge defensive chemicals, earning it the common name 'Contracted Bombing Beetle.'
Mezira pacifica
Mezira pacifica is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Usinger in 1936. The species is found in western North America. Flat bugs (Aradidae) are characterized by their extremely flattened bodies and are typically associated with dead wood or bark habitats. As with other members of this family, M. pacifica likely feeds on fungal hyphae through its piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Microcentrum californicum
California Angle-winged Katydid, California Anglewing
Microcentrum californicum, the California Angle-winged Katydid, is the smallest member of its genus, with adults measuring 41-52 millimeters. Males possess a brown stridulation area on the shoulders, similar to the Lesser Angle-wing Katydid, but the species' geographic range prevents confusion. It is nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Microhexura idahoana
Microhexura idahoana is a mygalomorph spider described in 1945 from Idaho. It is one of only two species in the genus Microhexura, and the sole member of the family Microhexuridae. The species is known from a limited number of observations in the western United States.
Microphotus
Microphotus is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) in western North America. At least one undescribed species is known to exist, distinguished from described congeners by morphological and potentially genetic differences. The genus is poorly studied relative to more widespread firefly genera, and taxonomic revision is needed to clarify species boundaries.
Microrhopala rubrolineata rubrolineata
A subspecies of hispine leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, Microrhopala rubrolineata rubrolineata is found in western North America. The species Microrhopala rubrolineata, along with the eastern M. vittata, belongs to a genus of leaf-feeding beetles that specialize on Asteraceae host plants. Adults and larvae both feed on their host plants, with larvae mining within leaves.
Microvelia californiensis
Microvelia californiensis is a species of small water strider in the family Veliidae, described by McKinstry in 1937. The species is known from California and adjacent regions of western North America. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits the surface film of freshwater habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented in public databases.
Mimoschinia rufofascialis
Rufous-banded Crambid Moth, Rufous-banded Pyralid Moth, Barberpole Caterpillar
Mimoschinia rufofascialis, commonly known as the Rufous-banded Crambid Moth, is the sole species in its genus. This crambid moth has been documented across a broad North American range from western Canada through the southwestern United States and into Mexico, as well as in the Caribbean. The species is attracted to artificial light sources and has been observed during summer moth surveys.
Mischocyttarus flavitarsis
Western Paper Wasp, Yellow-legged Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus flavitarsis is a social paper wasp native to western North America, distinguished by its relatively docile defensive behavior compared to other vespids. Colonies are initiated in spring by foundress queens and persist until autumn, with nests typically containing fewer than 300 cells. The species exhibits flexible nesting habits, utilizing both natural cavities in riparian forests and anthropogenic structures such as building eaves. Unlike many social wasps, M. flavitarsis rarely stings, instead employing ramming behavior against perceived threats. Males engage in elaborate lekking and territorial scent-marking behaviors near female hibernation sites in autumn.
Momoria californica
Momoria californica is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, described by Baker in 1900. It is one of few species in the genus Momoria, which belongs to the tribe Hyalojassini. The species is documented from western North America, with records from California and Colorado.
Monochamus clamator
spotted pine sawyer
Monochamus clamator, the spotted pine sawyer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae described by LeConte in 1852. The species exhibits several recognized subspecies across western North America and has been documented in pine woodland habitats. Research indicates host plants serve as a selective pressure driving genetic divergence in this species. Adults have been observed at blacklights and on stressed or dead pine trees.
Monochamus clamator nevadensis
Spotted Pine Sawyer
Monochamus clamator nevadensis is a subspecies of the spotted pine sawyer, a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It belongs to a genus of large woodboring beetles that infest coniferous trees, particularly pines. The subspecies was described by Dillon & Dillon in 1941 and is distributed in western North America, including Nevada and surrounding regions. Like other Monochamus species, it develops in dead, dying, or stressed coniferous wood and is attracted to blacklights at night.
Monochamus clamator rubigineus
Spotted Pine Sawyer (for species complex)
Monochamus clamator rubigineus is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Bates in 1880. It belongs to the Spotted Pine Sawyer species complex, which are large woodboring beetles associated with coniferous forests. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to blacklights. The species breeds in dead, dying, or stressed pine trees.
Monochamus obtusus
Monochamus obtusus is a longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1891. It belongs to a genus of sawyer beetles that develop as wood-borers in coniferous trees. The species is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada and the western United States. Two subspecies have been recognized: M. o. obtusus (the nominate form) and M. o. fulvomaculatus described by Linsley & Chemsak in 1983. Like other Monochamus species, it likely plays a role in forest nutrient cycling through its association with dead and dying conifer wood.
Monoxia angularis
angular flea beetle
Monoxia angularis, commonly known as the angular flea beetle, is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, and from Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, North Dakota, and Kentucky in the United States. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion.
Myrmecophilus oregonensis
Oregon ant cricket, west coast ant cricket
Myrmecophilus oregonensis, commonly known as the Oregon ant cricket or west coast ant cricket, is a small myrmecophilous cricket species found in the western United States and Canada. Like other ant crickets in the genus Myrmecophilus, it lives within ant colonies and has adapted to a subterranean lifestyle with reduced eyes and enhanced sensory structures. The species ranges west of the Cascade Mountains from southern British Columbia through Oregon, Washington, and most of California.
Myzia interrupta
Broken-dashed Lady Beetle
Myzia interrupta, commonly known as the broken-dashed lady beetle, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 6.5–8 mm in length and are characterized by pale yellowish-brown coloration with distinctive pronotal spotting and elytral markings. The species is found across western North America, from Alberta and British Columbia south to western Texas and California.
Myzia subvittata
Subvittate Lady Beetle
Myzia subvittata is a North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 5.7–8 mm in length and exhibit distinctive yellowish brown coloration with dark brown markings on the pronotum and elytra. The species has been documented from western Canada through the western United States to southern California.
Nabis alternatus
Western Damsel Bug
Nabis alternatus, commonly known as the western damsel bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. It occurs across western North America and into Central America. As a member of the damsel bug family, it is a small, active predator that feeds on other insects. The species has been documented in agricultural settings where it contributes to biological control of pest populations.
Nabis vanduzeei
Nabis vanduzeei is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae, a group of small predatory true bugs. Like other members of the genus Nabis, this species is a nocturnal predator that subdues insects often larger than itself using raptorial forelegs. The species is documented from limited observations, with 14 records on iNaturalist. Damsel bugs in this genus are economically significant as biological control agents in agricultural systems.
Naemia seriata litigiosa
Western Seaside Lady Beetle
Naemia seriata litigiosa is a subspecies of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) known as the Western Seaside Lady Beetle. It is distributed in coastal regions of western North America and the Caribbean. The species belongs to a small genus of lady beetles associated with saline and coastal environments.
Nannobotys commortalis
Sunshine Bantam
Nannobotys commortalis is a small crambid moth and the sole species in its genus. It occurs in western North America from eastern Washington through California to Nevada. The common name 'Sunshine Bantam' refers to its small size and diurnal activity pattern. Adults have been observed flying during daylight hours, an uncommon trait among moths.
Narpus
riffle beetles
Narpus is a genus of riffle beetles in the family Elmidae, established by Casey in 1893. The genus contains three described species: Narpus angustus, Narpus arizonicus, and Narpus concolor. These beetles are restricted to western North America and are strongly associated with clean, fast-flowing stream habitats. As members of the Elmidae family, they are adapted to life in running water environments.
Nebria crassicornis intermedia
Nebria crassicornis intermedia is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Van Dyke in 1949. It belongs to the subgenus Boreonebria within the genus Nebria, a group of carabid beetles often associated with cool, moist environments. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader species N. crassicornis, which occurs in western North America.
Nebria diversa
sea beach gazelle beetle
Nebria diversa is a coastal ground beetle endemic to sandy Pacific beaches of western North America. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), restricting dispersal to coastal habitats. The species is nocturnal and occupies a narrow ecological niche beneath driftwood and debris on open sandy shorelines.
Nebria eschscholtzii
Eschscholtz's gazelle beetle
Nebria eschscholtzii, commonly known as Eschscholtz's gazelle beetle, is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It occurs in western North America, ranging from Alaska through the Pacific Northwest to California. The species inhabits riparian zones along stream edges from lowland to upland elevations. Adults are nocturnal and carnivorous.
Nebria gebleri
Gebler's gazelle beetle
Nebria gebleri is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Dejean in 1831. It is found in North America, with a distribution spanning Alaska, Canada, and the western United States. The species comprises six recognized subspecies, each associated with specific mountain ranges. Adults are nocturnal and carnivorous.
Nebria schwarzi
Schwarz's gazelle beetle
Nebria schwarzi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1925. The species is endemic to western North America, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form N. s. schwarzi found in Alberta and British Columbia, and N. s. beverlianna restricted to Wyoming. Like other members of the genus Nebria, it is commonly referred to as a 'gazelle beetle' due to its characteristic rapid running behavior.
Necrophilus hydrophiloides
flat brown scavenger beetle
Necrophilus hydrophiloides is a species of primitive carrion beetle in the family Agyrtidae, commonly known as the flat brown scavenger beetle. It belongs to a relict lineage of beetles that represent an early-diverging branch of the staphylinoid beetles. The species is found in western North America, where it inhabits moist forest habitats and is associated with carrion and decaying organic matter.
Necydalis cavipennis
Necydalis cavipennis is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, characterized by its wasp-mimicking appearance. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records extending into British Columbia. It belongs to the subfamily Necydalinae, a group noted for their striking mimicry of Hymenoptera. The genus Necydalis contains several species with similar mimetic adaptations.
Nedra stewarti
Nedra stewarti is a moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1875. It is found in California and Oregon. The species belongs to the genus Nedra, which is part of the subfamily Noctuinae. Limited information is available regarding its biology, ecology, and specific habitat requirements.
Neduba
shield-back katydid
Neduba is a genus of shield-back katydids (Tettigoniidae) endemic to North America. The genus comprises 21 described species, including one extinct species (N. extincta). A 2021 revision established species boundaries using molecular phylogenetics, morphology, quantitative analysis of calling songs, and karyotypes. The group represents a relict lineage whose diversification reflects cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact in western North America.