Western-north-america
Guides
Panscopus rugicollis
broad-nosed weevil
Panscopus rugicollis is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Buchanan in 1927. It belongs to the genus Panscopus, a group within the Brachyceridae subfamily of weevils. The species is known from limited collection records across western North America.
Panscopus torpidus
Panscopus torpidus is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Brachycerinae. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized weevils associated with coniferous forests in western North America. The species name 'torpidus' (meaning sluggish or inactive) may reflect behavioral traits or was applied descriptively by early taxonomists. It is among the less commonly encountered species in its genus, with few documented observations.
Pantarbes earinus
Pantarbes earinus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Hall & Evenhuis in 1984. It is distributed across western North America, ranging from British Columbia, Canada to New Mexico, United States. As a member of the subfamily Cythereinae, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by particular wing venation and body plan features.
Panthea gigantea
Giant Panthea Moth
Panthea gigantea is a large noctuid moth native to western North America. It is recognized as the largest New World species in its genus, with females occasionally exceeding 60 mm in wingspan. The species inhabits warmer, drier regions across a broad latitudinal range from British Columbia to Mexico.
Papilio eurymedon
Pale Swallowtail, Pallid Swallowtail
Papilio eurymedon, commonly known as the pale swallowtail or pallid swallowtail, is a swallowtail butterfly native to western North America. It is distinguished from the western tiger swallowtail by its white-cream to very pale yellow coloration. The species exhibits single-brooded development across most of its range, with multiple broods along the Pacific Coast. Adults are active from April through October, with peak abundance in May and July.
Papilio indra
Indra Swallowtail, Short-tailed Black Swallowtail, Cliff Swallowtail
Papilio indra is a western North American swallowtail butterfly distinguished by its predominantly black coloration with minimal blue and whitish markings. The species exhibits a notably short tail and dark blue crescents on the topside of the hindwing. It occupies diverse elevations from sea level to montane habitats and has been documented in ecosystems ranging from urban areas to remote high deserts and pristine forests. The Indra swallowtail completes one brood annually, with flight timing varying by latitude and elevation.
Papilio multicaudata
Two-tailed Swallowtail
Papilio multicaudata, the two-tailed swallowtail, is a large butterfly species in the family Papilionidae found across western North America. It is distinguished from related tiger swallowtails by having two tails on each hindwing rather than one, and by the presence of a black 'slit pupil' in the orange eyespot on each hindwing. It is the largest swallowtail in western North America and serves as the state butterfly of Arizona. Adults fly during spring and summer with one brood per year.
Papilio zelicaon zelicaon
Anise Swallowtail
The nominate subspecies of the Anise Swallowtail, found in western North America. Larvae possess distinctive defensive osmeteria—scent glands that evert when disturbed, releasing foul-smelling compounds. The species has been extensively studied for diapause dynamics and host plant relationships, with research demonstrating Type III diapause-induction curves. Laboratory life table studies have been conducted to test survivorship hypotheses across its elevational range.
Parabacillus
Short-horn Walkingsticks
Parabacillus is a genus of short-horn walkingsticks in the family Heteronemiidae, established by Caudell in 1903. The genus contains at least three described species: Parabacillus coloradus, P. hesperus, and P. palmeri. These stick insects are native to western North America and are characterized by their cryptic, twig-like appearance. They are seldom encountered due to their excellent camouflage.
Parabacillus hesperus
western short-horn walkingstick, western short-horned walkingstick
Parabacillus hesperus is a stick insect species in the family Heteronemiidae, commonly known as the western short-horn walkingstick. It exhibits strong crypsis, blending with vegetation to avoid detection by predators. The species has been documented across the western United States with recent range extensions into the Pacific Northwest.
Parabagrotis formalis
cutworm moth, dart moth
Parabagrotis formalis is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1874. It is recorded from North America, with observations from California and other western regions. The species is attracted to ultraviolet light and has been documented at blacklighting events. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 11047.1.
Paracantha gentilis
Paracantha gentilis is a tephritid fruit fly species described by Hering in 1940 from Wyoming specimens. The species has a complex taxonomic history, with several taxa described by Malloch in 1941 (mimetica, mimetica elongata, mexicana) and Aczél in 1953 (sobrina) later synonymized under P. gentilis when wing pattern variation proved continuous rather than discrete. It is the first Tephritidae species in which the median oral lobe of larvae was described, a character now known to be shared by all non-frugivorous Tephritinae. The species exhibits a bivoltine life cycle with distinct behavioral and morphological adaptations for exploiting Cirsium thistle flowerheads.
Paracardiophorus cardisce
Paracardiophorus cardisce is a click beetle in the family Elateridae, placed in the subfamily Cardiophorinae. The genus Paracardiophorus is distinguished from the related genus Cardiophorus by subtle morphological characters, particularly in the structure of the pronotum and prosternal process. This species is known from a limited number of observations, with records primarily from western North America.
Paracimbocera
Paracimbocera is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Van Dyke in 1938. It belongs to the tribe Byrsopagini within the subfamily Entiminae, a group characterized by their elongated snouts and often flightless adults. The genus is known from the western United States. Species in this genus are poorly documented in the literature.
Paracosmus edwardsii
Paracosmus edwardsii is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is known from California and Utah. The genus Paracosmus belongs to the diverse assemblage of bee flies, which are characterized by their stout, often fuzzy bodies and long proboscises adapted for nectar feeding. Most bee flies are parasitoids or predators in their larval stages, though specific life history details for this species remain undocumented.
Paracosmus insolens
Paracosmus insolens is a species of bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae) described by Coquillett in 1891. It belongs to the subfamily Tomomyzinae. The species is documented from California and Nevada in western North America. As with other bee flies, it likely exhibits parasitoid larval biology, though specific details remain unverified.
Paracotalpa
little bears
Paracotalpa is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as "little bears" due to the fuzzy, hairy appearance of adults. The genus contains four recognized species distributed west of the Rocky Mountains in western North America. Adults are active primarily in spring and are associated with various plant communities in arid and semi-arid regions.
Paracotalpa leonina
Paracotalpa leonina is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. It belongs to the genus Paracotalpa, which comprises several species of leaf chafer beetles distributed in western North America. The species is documented in iNaturalist with 42 observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with vegetation and soil habitats typical of ruteline scarabs.
Paracotalpa ursina
little-bear scarab beetle, little bear
Paracotalpa ursina, commonly known as the little-bear scarab beetle or little bear, is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. Adults range from 10 to 23 mm in length and display distinctive coloration with black, metallic blue, or metallic green head and thorax, and red-brown or black elytra. The species is distributed in the western United States and Mexico.
Paradejeania
Spiny Tachinid Fly, Hedgehog Fly
Paradejeania is a genus of tachinid flies comprising four described species. The genus is characterized by an exceptionally spiny abdomen, earning species like P. rutilioides the common name "Hedgehog Fly." These are large, robust flies that visit flowers for nectar and function as parasitoids of caterpillars. The genus occurs in western North America, with adults active primarily in late summer and fall.
Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens
Spiny Tachinid Fly, Hedgehog Fly
Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens is a subspecies of the spiny tachinid fly, a large, robust parasitoid fly in the family Tachinidae. It is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by darker coloration. The species is known from western North America, where adults are active in late summer and fall, commonly visiting flowers of rabbitbrush and other late-season blooms. Like other tachinids, it parasitizes caterpillars, with documented hosts including tiger moths in the family Erebidae.
Paraleuctra vershina
summit needlefly
Paraleuctra vershina, commonly known as the summit needlefly, is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. It was described by Gaufin & Ricker in 1974. The species is distributed across western North America, with records from Alaska through western Canada to California and Colorado. As a member of the Leuctridae, it is characterized by wings that roll tightly around the body when at rest.
Paranaemia vittigera
Broad-striped Lady Beetle
Paranaemia vittigera, the broad-striped lady beetle, is the sole described species in the genus Paranaemia. It is native to western North America and has been introduced to Hawaii. Unlike the familiar spotted ladybugs, this species displays longitudinal stripes rather than spots. It preys on aphids and has been documented visiting flowers, particularly the California poppy.
Paranomada
Paranomada is a genus of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, tribe Brachynomadini. The genus contains three described species, all endemic to western North America. As cleptoparasites, these bees do not construct their own nests or provision their own young, but instead lay eggs in the nests of host bees.
Paranonychus brunneus
armoured harvestman
Paranonychus brunneus is an armoured harvestman (Order Opiliones) in the family Paranonychidae. The species was originally described as Sclerobunus brunneus by Banks in 1893 and later transferred to Paranonychus. It is found in western North America, with records from Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. The species belongs to the suborder Laniatores, characterized by relatively short legs and heavily sclerotized body armor.
Paranoplium
Paranoplium is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) established by Casey in 1924. The genus contains a single species, Paranoplium gracile, distributed in the western United States and Mexico. It belongs to the tribe Oemini within the subfamily Cerambycinae.
Paranthrene robiniae
western poplar clearwing, western poplar clearwing moth
Paranthrene robiniae, commonly known as the western poplar clearwing moth, is a species of clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. This species is notable for its broad geographic distribution across western North America, ranging from Alaska to southern California and eastward into the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. As a member of the Sesiidae, it likely exhibits wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family, though specific morphological details are not well documented in available sources. The species name 'robiniae' suggests a possible association with Robinia (locust/black locust), though this host relationship requires confirmation.
Paraphlepsius apertinus
Paraphlepsius apertinus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Osborn & Lathrop in 1923. It is a member of the subfamily Deltocephalinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups of leafhoppers. The species is known from western North America. It has been recorded as a prey item for the sand wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata, which paralyzes adult leafhoppers to provision its nests.
Paraphlepsius lascivius
Paraphlepsius lascivius is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1900. It occurs in western North America, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Arizona, California, Colorado, and other regions. The species is known to be preyed upon by the wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata, which paralyzes adult leafhoppers to provision underground nest cells.
Paraphlepsius occidentalis
Paraphlepsius occidentalis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Baker in 1898. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Pendarini. The species is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in Alberta, British Columbia, California, Idaho, and Montana. As a member of the leafhopper family, it is likely a plant-feeding insect, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Paraplatyptilia cooleyi
Cooley's Plume Moth
Paraplatyptilia cooleyi is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, found in western North America. The species was named in honor of Mr. R. A. Cooley. Adults have a wingspan of 21–27 mm and exhibit distinctive wing markings including variable dark brown spots and a subterminal whitish stripe on the forewing first lobe. The moth's yellowish-brown coloration and divided wing structure are characteristic of plume moths.
Paraplatyptilia shastae
Mount Shasta Plume Moth
Paraplatyptilia shastae is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, known from a small number of observations in western North America. The species was named for Mount Shasta in northern California, reflecting its type locality. Like other plume moths, it possesses distinctive divided wings with fringed margins. It remains poorly known, with limited published biological information.
Paraproba cincta
Paraproba cincta is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1917. It is a small predatory or plant-feeding true bug distributed across western North America. The species has been recorded from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States (California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington). Like other mirids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of the order Hemiptera.
Parapsyche elsis
Parapsyche elsis is a netspinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae, first described by Milne in 1936. It is one of five western North American species in the genus Parapsyche. The species has been documented through adult females, pupae, and larvae, with morphological descriptions and identification keys available in taxonomic literature.
Paraptochus
Paraptochus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae, tribe Peritelini. It contains six described species, primarily distributed in western North America. The genus was established by Seidlitz in 1868. Taxonomic treatment has varied, with some authorities historically placing certain species in the genus Peritelinus, though current databases recognize Peritelinus as a synonym of Paraptochus.
Paraptochus variegatus
Paraptochus variegatus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. First described by Casey in 1888, this beetle is native to western North America with documented occurrences in British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. As a member of the Peritelini tribe, it shares characteristics with other root-feeding weevils in this group. The specific epithet 'variegatus' suggests variable coloration, though detailed morphological descriptions remain limited in available literature.
Paratimia conicola
Paratimia conicola is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Atimiini. It was described by Fisher in 1915. The genus Paratimia is small and poorly documented, with species known from western North America. Atimiini beetles are generally associated with coniferous forests and are considered relictual in distribution.
Parauleutes
Parauleutes is a genus of metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, subfamily Polycestinae. The genus is closely related to Acmaeodera and is restricted to western North America. Species within Parauleutes remain poorly represented in collections due to cryptic habits, and the genus is currently in need of taxonomic revision with multiple undescribed species known to exist.
Paravilla deserta
Paravilla deserta is a species of bee fly (Bombyliidae) described by Hall in 1981. It belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini. The species is known from arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.
Paravilla syrtis
Paravilla syrtis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It occurs in arid regions across western North America, ranging from the Yukon through the United States to Mexico. As with other bee flies, adults are likely nectar feeders, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Parcoblatta americana
Western Wood Cockroach
Parcoblatta americana, the western wood cockroach, is a species native to Mexico and the western United States. The species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism in wing development: males possess fully developed tegmina and wings, while females have greatly reduced tegmina and lack hind wings entirely. Both sexes display considerable color variation, ranging from dark brown or blackish to pale yellowish or reddish tan in males, and from reddish orange to dark brown or black in females. The species has been documented in association with harvester ant nests and pack rat houses.
Pardalosus
Pardalosus is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles described by Gordon & Skelley in 2007. The genus is native to North America, with highest species diversity in western regions. Unlike many aphodiine beetles, most Pardalosus species appear to be detritivores with weak dung associations, though some species have documented relationships with rodents.
Pardosa wyuta
Wyuta Wolf Spider
Pardosa wyuta is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Gertsch in 1934. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it is a small to medium-sized active hunter with characteristic long spines on its legs. The species occurs in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As with most Pardosa species, identification to species level requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Parkana alata
Parkana alata is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1950. It belongs to a group of small, often overlooked insects that inhabit grassland and wetland ecosystems. The species has been documented across western North America from British Columbia to Arizona, suggesting adaptation to varied temperate and semi-arid conditions. As with many delphacid planthoppers, detailed biological information remains sparse due to their cryptic habits and the historical taxonomic challenges of this diverse family.
Parnassius clodius strohbeeni
Strohbeen's Parnassian
Parnassius clodius strohbeeni is a subspecies of the American Apollo butterfly, a cold-adapted member of the snow Apollo genus in the swallowtail family. As part of the Parnassius clodius species complex, this subspecies inhabits high-elevation environments in western North America. The species is notable for its physiological adaptations to cold climates, with research indicating that overwintering eggs can survive temperatures as low as -30°C. Like other Parnassius species, it is considered vulnerable to climate change due to its specialized alpine habitat requirements and limited dispersal ability.
Parnopes edwardsii
cuckoo wasp
Parnopes edwardsii is a parasitic cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, native to western North America. The species exhibits metallic blue-green coloration typical of chrysidid wasps. Females are nest parasites of sand wasps, specifically targeting burrows of species in the genus Steniolia and related crabronid wasps.
Paromalus mancus
clown beetle
Paromalus mancus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1893. It belongs to a group of small beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion. The species has been documented across western North America, with records spanning from Alaska to California and inland to Idaho.
Parothius californicus
California Rove Beetle
Parothius californicus is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, originally described as Othius californicus by Mannerheim in 1843. It is a member of the tribe Othiini within the subfamily Staphylininae. The species is found in western North America, with records from California, Oregon, and Washington in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada. It is one of relatively few documented species in the genus Parothius.
Paruroctonus
Paruroctonus is a genus of small to medium-sized scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, containing approximately 30 described species distributed primarily in arid regions of western North America. The genus includes notable alkali sink specialists such as P. soda and P. conclusus, which inhabit dry lake beds (playas) in California. Several species have been studied for their chemical communication systems and thermal ecology.
Pediacus hesperoglaber
Pediacus hesperoglaber is a species of flat bark beetle described from western North America in 2004. It belongs to the family Cucujidae, a group of elongate beetles associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The species epithet 'hesperoglaber' references its western distribution and smooth appearance. Like other members of the genus, it likely inhabits forest environments where it occurs under bark or in wood-decay communities.