Western-north-america
Guides
Phytocoris cercocarpi
Phytocoris cercocarpi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1928. The species epithet 'cercocarpi' indicates an association with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany), a genus of woody shrubs in the Rosaceae family. This species is part of the large and diverse genus Phytocoris, which contains numerous plant-feeding mirid bugs.
Phytocoris eurekae
Phytocoris eurekae is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Bliven in 1966. It belongs to a large genus of mirid bugs that are primarily associated with vegetation. The species is documented from western North America, with records from California. Like other members of its genus, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs.
Phytocoris laevis
Phytocoris laevis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Uhler in 1895. The genus Phytocoris is diverse and widespread, with species typically found in North America. Like other members of its genus, this species is primarily a plant-feeder, though Phytocoris species have been observed occasionally preying on smaller insects. The species occurs in western North America, with documented records from Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington.
Phytocoris minituberculatus
Phytocoris minituberculatus is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1968. It belongs to a large genus of mostly plant-feeding true bugs, with some species known to occasionally prey on smaller insects. The species has been documented in the western United States, specifically Nevada and California. Like other members of the genus Phytocoris, it is attracted to lights at night.
Phytocoris roseus
Phytocoris roseus is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, first described by Uhler in 1894. It belongs to the large genus Phytocoris, which comprises numerous species of plant-feeding true bugs found across North America. The specific epithet 'roseus' (Latin for 'rosy' or 'pinkish') likely refers to coloration features of this species. As with other mirid plant bugs, it is presumed to be associated with vegetation, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Phytocoris simulatus
Phytocoris simulatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1928. It belongs to a genus of generally gray or brown plant-feeding insects that occasionally prey on smaller insects. The species has been recorded in western North America, particularly in Colorado and surrounding states.
Phytocoris tenuis
Phytocoris tenuis is a plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Van Duzee in 1920. It belongs to a large genus of mostly plant-feeding true bugs. The species is documented from western North America, with records from California, Nevada, and Utah. As a member of Phytocoris, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Phytocoris vanduzeei
Phytocoris vanduzeei is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Reuter in 1912. The species occurs in western North America and Middle America, with records from the southwestern United States (California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico) and Mexico including Baja California. As a member of the genus Phytocoris, it is likely associated with vegetation where it feeds on plant sap, though specific host plants and detailed biology remain poorly documented.
Phytomyza eriodictyi
Phytomyza eriodictyi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1981. As a member of the genus Phytomyza, it likely shares the characteristic larval habit of feeding within leaf tissue, creating distinctive serpentine mines. The specific epithet 'eriodictyi' suggests an association with Eriodictyon, a genus of flowering plants in the waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae) native to western North America.
Pidonia nitidicollis
A small black and yellow longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of various herbaceous plants in western North America. The species is currently accepted under this name, though some sources list it as a synonym of Pidonia ruficollis.
Pidonia quadrata
Pidonia quadrata is a species of flower longhorn beetle (subfamily Lepturinae) in the family Cerambycidae. Described by Hopping in 1931, this species occurs in western North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Pidonia, adults are likely associated with flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar.
Pidonia scripta
Pidonia scripta is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1869. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as flower longhorns. The species is native to western North America and has been documented in both Canada and the United States.
Pieris marginalis
margined white
Pieris marginalis, commonly known as the margined white, is a butterfly species distributed across western North America from the Yukon through Western Canada to the Rocky Mountains. It exhibits seasonal polyphenism, with distinct spring and summer wing forms. The species utilizes plants in the family Brassicaceae as larval hosts and has been observed in both disturbed and undisturbed habitats, suggesting ecological flexibility.
Pilophorus tibialis
Pilophorus tibialis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1918. It belongs to the genus Pilophorus, which is noted for ant-mimicking species that exhibit morphological and behavioral adaptations resembling ants. The species has been documented in western North America and Mexico.
Pima albocostalis
Pima albocostalis is a species of snout moth (family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae) occurring in western North America. The species was described by Hulst in 1890 and is currently recognized as a synonym of Pima albocostalialis. It has been documented from California, Colorado, Utah, Alberta, and British Columbia. Like other pyralid moths, adults likely possess the characteristic snout-like labial palps that give the family its common name.
Pima fosterella
snout moth
Pima fosterella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, first described by Hulst in 1888. It is known from western North America, with records from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. As a member of the Phycitinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of small moths commonly referred to as snout moths due to their elongated labial palps.
Pimpla aquilonia
Pimpla aquilonia is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It is a parasitoid wasp that targets moth caterpillars, including several agricultural and forestry pests. The species has been recorded in western North America, with distribution records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta and British Columbia.
Pissonotus frontalis
Pissonotus frontalis is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. It belongs to a genus of small, delicate insects commonly known as delphacid planthoppers. The species has been recorded in western North America, including California, Oregon, and British Columbia. Like other delphacids, it is likely associated with grassland or wetland habitats where its host plants grow.
Pissonotus rubrilatus
Pissonotus rubrilatus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Morgan and Beamer in 1949. It belongs to a genus of small delphacid planthoppers found in North America. The specific epithet 'rubrilatus' refers to reddish lateral coloration. Very few observations or detailed studies of this species have been published.
Pityogenes carinulatus
Pityogenes carinulatus is a small bark beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae, described by Wood & Bright in 1992. It belongs to the subfamily Scolytinae (true bark and ambrosia beetles), a group of economically significant forest pests. The species has been recorded in western North America including British Columbia, Canada, and parts of Middle America. Like other members of the genus Pityogenes, it is associated with coniferous trees.
Pityogenes fossifrons
Pityogenes fossifrons is a species of bark beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae, described by Wood & Bright in 1992. It belongs to the genus Pityogenes, a group of small scolytine beetles that colonize coniferous trees. The species is known from western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of its genus, it likely functions as a primary or secondary bark beetle associated with pine hosts.
Pityohyphantes minidoka
Pityohyphantes minidoka is a sheetweb spider in the family Linyphiidae, described by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1943. The genus name derives from Greek meaning 'pine weaver,' reflecting the typical habitat association of related species. As a member of the hammock spider group, it constructs a distinctive web architecture. The species is known from the United States, with records from Idaho and potentially broader western North American distribution.
Plagiognathus longipennis
Plagiognathus longipennis is a plant bug species in the family Miridae. It is found at higher elevations of western North America. The species measures 5 to 6 millimeters in length with a long, slender body form.
Plagiognathus shoshonea
Plagiognathus shoshonea is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1964. It occurs across western North America from Canada to the southwestern United States. The species is one of numerous small mirid bugs in the genus Plagiognathus, which are generally associated with vegetation.
Plagiognathus verticalis
Plagiognathus verticalis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Uhler in 1894 under the basionym Macrotylus verticalis. The species is distributed across western North America from the Pacific states to the Intermountain West, with records extending into Baja California. As a member of the diverse genus Plagiognathus, it belongs to a group of small, often plant-associated true bugs, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Plagiomimicus yakama
Plagiomimicus yakama is a noctuid moth species described by Crabo & Wikle in 2018. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae, a group of small to medium-sized owlet moths. The genus Plagiomimicus is part of the diverse Noctuidae family, which contains many species that are attracted to artificial light sources at night. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Plateumaris germari
Germar's reed beetle
Plateumaris germari is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. It occurs in western North America, with records extending from western Canada through the western United States. The species is associated with wetland and riparian habitats where emergent vegetation provides food and substrate for larval development. Like other members of the genus, it is believed to complete its life cycle in close association with aquatic or semi-aquatic plants.
Plathemis subornata
Desert Whitetail
Plathemis subornata, commonly known as the Desert Whitetail, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is native to arid regions of western North America, where it frequents ponds, streams, and other water bodies in desert and semi-desert habitats. The species is often placed in the genus Libellula by some authorities. Adults are active during warmer months and are frequently observed perching on rocks or vegetation near water.
Platyceroides keeni
Keen's Stag Beetle
Platyceroides keeni is a species of stag beetle in the family Lucanidae, found in western North America from British Columbia to California. It is one of the smaller members of its genus and is associated with forested habitats. Adult beetles are active during warmer months, with larvae developing in decaying wood.
Platyceroides laticollis
Platyceroides laticollis is a species of stag beetle described by Casey in 1914. It belongs to the family Lucanidae, a group characterized by enlarged mandibles in males. The species has been documented in western North America, specifically in California and Oregon. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with decaying wood habitats.
Platycheirus kelloggi
Broad-bodied Sedgesitter
Platycheirus kelloggi is a rare species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) endemic to western North America. The species is distinguished by its broad, oval abdomen with dull orange spots and distinctive leg morphology in males. It has been documented from Alaska south to southern California and in the Rocky Mountains, including Canada.
Platycholeus leptinoides
Platycholeus leptinoides is a small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by Crotch in 1874. It is native to western North America, with records from California, Nevada, and Oregon. The species is termitophilous, indicating an association with termite colonies.
Platydracus sepulchralis
Platydracus sepulchralis is a species of large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is a member of the diverse Staphylininae subfamily and belongs to the genus Platydracus, which includes many of the larger rove beetles. The species is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Platypedia
Wing-tapping Cicadas
Platypedia is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae containing at least 20 described species distributed across western North America. Unlike most cicadas, males in this genus lack tymbal organs and instead produce sound through crepitation—snapping their wings together or striking them against vegetation. This alternative sound production mechanism enables two-way acoustic communication between males and females, as females also produce sound. The genus occurs primarily in montane habitats, with species segregated by elevation.
Platypedia areolata
Salmonfly Cicada, salmonfly
Platypedia areolata, commonly known as the salmonfly cicada, is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae found in western North America. Unlike most cicadas that produce sound using tymbal organs, males of this species communicate through crepitation—snapping their wings together or against vegetation to create audible signals. This species is part of a genus containing 21 species and four subspecies distributed across western North America.
Platypedia barbata
Platypedia barbata is a species of cicada described by Davis in 1920. Like other members of its genus, it lacks the timbal organs used by most cicadas for sound production. Instead, it produces sound through crepitation—snapping its wings against its body or substrate. The species occurs in California and is part of a diverse western North American genus comprising 21 species and four subspecies.
Platypedia bernardinoensis
Platypedia bernardinoensis is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae. It belongs to a group of cicadas known as "wing-bangers" or "wing-tappers" that produce sound by snapping their wings against vegetation rather than using the tymbal organs typical of most cicadas. The species is found in western North America.
Platypedia minor
Minor Cicada
Platypedia minor is a small cicada species in the genus Platypedia, a group known for producing sound through wing-snapping rather than abdominal tymbals. Like other Platypedia species, males lack the timbal organs typical of most cicadas and instead communicate via crepitation—snapping their wings against their bodies or substrate. The species occurs in western North America, where it inhabits montane and foothill environments.
Platypedia mohavensis
Platypedia mohavensis is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, first described by Davis in 1920. It is native to western North America, with records from Arizona. Like other members of the genus Platypedia, it belongs to a group of cicadas that have lost timbal organs and instead produce sound through wing crepitation. The species includes two recognized subspecies: P. m. mohavensis and P. m. rufescens.
Platypedia putnami
Putnam's Cicada, Putnam's Wing-banger
Platypedia putnami is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as Putnam's Cicada or Putnam's Wing-banger. It occurs in mountainous regions of western North America, typically at elevations around 6,000 feet in evergreen forest understory. Unlike most cicadas, males lack abdominal tymbals and instead produce sound by snapping their wings against vegetation—a behavior termed crepitation. The species has four recognized subspecies distributed across its range.
Platypedia putnami keddiensis
Putnam's Cicada
Platypedia putnami keddiensis is a subspecies of Putnam's cicada, a small, slender, hairy black cicada with orange highlights and a distinctive orange pronotal collar. Unlike most cicadas, males lack timbal organs and instead produce sound through crepitation—snapping their wings together or against vegetation to create a subtle tick-ticking noise. This subspecies occurs in western North America at elevations around 6,000 feet, primarily in evergreen forest understory. Both sexes can produce sound through this wing-snapping mechanism, potentially enabling two-way acoustic communication.
Platypedia scotti
Platypedia scotti is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, described by Davis in 1935. Like other members of the genus Platypedia, males of this species lack tymbal organs and produce sound through crepitation—snapping their wings against vegetation—rather than the typical cicada singing mechanism. The species is known from California and belongs to a group of western North American cicadas often called "wing-bangers" or "wing-tappers."
Platypedia vanduzeei
Platypedia vanduzeei is a small cicada species in the family Cicadidae, native to western North America. It belongs to a group of "wing-banger" or "wing-tapper" cicadas that produce sound through crepitation—snapping their wings against vegetation—rather than using the abdominal tymbal organs typical of most cicadas. The species was described by Davis in 1920 and is known from California and Nevada.
Platyptilia percnodactylus
Aquiline Plume Moth
Platyptilia percnodactylus is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae known from western North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 22 mm and display distinctive pale brown coloration with contrasting wing patterns. The species is attracted to artificial light sources and has been documented in California and Alberta.
Platyptilia williamsii
Calendula Plume Moth
Platyptilia williamsii, commonly known as the calendula plume moth, is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae found in western North America. Adults display distinctive wing patterning with ocherous-brown forewings marked by dark brown patches and white speckling. The larvae are known to feed on Calendula species and certain Senecio species.
Platysoma punctigerum
clown beetle
Platysoma punctigerum is a small predatory beetle in the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles. The species occurs in western North America and has been documented under bark of coniferous trees, particularly in association with logging operations and freshly cut pine logs. As a member of the genus Platysoma, it is presumed to be a predator of other insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Platystoechotes lineatus
Platystoechotes lineatus is a species of spongillafly in the family Sisyridae, a group of lacewing relatives specialized for feeding on freshwater sponges. The species is native to western North America. Like other sisyrids, its larvae are aquatic predators with piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for extracting fluids from sponge tissue. Adults are terrestrial and typically found near streams or lakes where their larval hosts occur.
Platyusa sonomae
Platyusa sonomae is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is the sole described species in the monotypic genus Platyusa. The species is found in the western United States, particularly in California and Arizona, with scattered records elsewhere.
Plebejus acmon
Acmon Blue
Plebejus acmon, commonly known as the Acmon Blue, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found across western North America and is frequently encountered in diverse habitats from lowland areas to montane regions. The species is known to utilize various lupine species and other legumes as larval host plants. Adults are active spring through fall depending on elevation and region, with multiple generations produced annually in warmer areas.
Plebejus icarioides
Melissa blue, Fender's blue
Plebejus icarioides is a species of lycaenid butterfly commonly known as the Melissa blue. The species has been observed colonizing alfalfa in the Great Basin region, representing a notable host range expansion. One subspecies, P. icarioides fenderi (Fender's blue), is federally endangered in the United States and has been the focus of intensive conservation research. The species exhibits ant tending behavior, with caterpillars producing sugar secretions that ants collect in exchange for protection from natural enemies.