Western-north-america
Guides
Pteronarcys princeps
Ebony Salmonfly
Pteronarcys princeps, commonly known as the ebony salmonfly, is a species of giant stonefly in the family Pteronarcyidae. It is among the largest stonefly species in North America. The species is found in the western United States and southwestern Canada, with records from British Columbia, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon. As a member of the Pteronarcyidae, it belongs to a primitive family of stoneflies whose larvae are aquatic and typically require well-oxygenated, cold-water habitats.
Pterostichus lama
giant woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus lama is a large, flightless ground beetle native to western North America. Adults measure 15–29 mm and are uniformly black with strong mandibles. The species inhabits woodland environments and has been documented feeding on termites and ants. It occurs in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
Pterostichus vicinus
A species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to western North America. Records indicate presence in the USA, with observations documented in the western United States. As a member of the genus Pterostichus, it belongs to a diverse group of carabid beetles commonly found in forested and montane habitats. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843.
Ptomaphagus nevadicus
Ptomaphagus nevadicus is a small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, first described by Horn in 1880. It is a member of the subfamily Cholevinae, a group commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species has a broad distribution across western and central North America, extending into Mexico.
Purshivora aculeata
Purshivora aculeata is a species of jumping plant louse (psyllid) in the family Psyllidae. As a member of Sternorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant vascular fluids. The genus Purshivora comprises psyllids associated with host plants in the genus Purshia (bitterbrush), suggesting a specialized plant-insect relationship. Limited observational records exist for this species.
Purshivora insignita
Purshivora insignita is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. It is associated with host plants in the genus Purshia (bitterbrush), from which its generic name is derived. The species is known from western North America. It is a specialist feeder with a narrow host range.
Purshivora media
Purshivora media is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is a specialist feeder associated with plants in the genus Purshia, commonly known as bitterbrush or cliffrose. The species is native to western North America where its host plants occur in arid and semi-arid shrubland habitats. Like other aphids, it reproduces parthenogenetically during favorable conditions.
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pubescens
Purshivora pubescens is a species of psyllid, a group of sap-feeding insects in the family Psyllidae. The genus Purshivora is named in reference to its association with plants in the genus Purshia (bitterbrush), suggesting a specialized host relationship. Like other psyllids, this species likely feeds on phloem sap and may produce honeydew. The species was described by Crawford in 1914.
Pyramidobela
Pyramidobela is a genus of small moths described by Braun in 1923. Its familial placement has been disputed; it was originally described in Ethmiidae, later transferred to Oecophoridae, and some sources place it in Depressariidae. The genus contains seven described species distributed in western North America. The genus name refers to the pyramid-shaped scales found on the wings of some species.
Pyrausta californicalis
California Pyrausta Moth, Mint Moth
Pyrausta californicalis is a small crambid moth native to western North America. Adults are active throughout much of the year, with records spanning February to October. The species is commonly known as the Mint Moth due to its larval association with Mentha species. It was first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1873.
Pyrausta dapalis
Pyrausta dapalis is a small crambid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. Adults are active during winter months in western North America, with flight records from January through March. The species has been reared on Salvia species, indicating a larval association with this plant genus. Like other Pyrausta species, it is part of the snout moth group characterized by elongated labial palps.
Pyrausta linealis
Pyrausta linealis is a small crambid moth described by Charles H. Fernald in 1894. Adults have a wingspan of 17–20 mm and are active from March to June. The species is distributed in western North America from eastern Washington through Nevada to the Mojave Desert of California.
Pyrausta morenalis
Pyrausta morenalis is a small crambid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1908. It occurs in western North America from Washington to California and westward to Texas and Nevada, with additional records in Mexico. The species has a wingspan of 18–22 mm and exhibits distinctive dark reddish-brown forewings with a bronzy sheen contrasting with pale hindwings. Adults are active primarily from spring through mid-summer, with some records extending into autumn and early winter.
Pyrausta napaealis
Pyrausta napaealis is a small crambid moth described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. It is found in western North America from Washington to California and eastward to Texas, as well as in northern Mexico. Adults have a wingspan of 17–22 mm and exhibit distinctive ash gray and brown forewing patterning. The species is active primarily from March through August, with some records in October.
Pyrausta volupialis
volupial pyrausta moth, Volupial Mint Moth
Pyrausta volupialis is a small crambid moth described by Grote in 1877. The species occurs across western North America from the southwestern United States through Mexico. Larvae feed on plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Adults are active year-round in suitable climates.
Pyrgus ruralis
Two-banded Checkered-Skipper, Two-banded Checkered Skipper
Pyrgus ruralis is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the two-banded checkered skipper. It occurs across western North America from southern British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains south to central California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The species has one generation annually, with adults active from April to July. A federally endangered subspecies, P. r. lagunae (Laguna Mountains skipper), persists in a restricted range in the mountains east of San Diego, California.
Pyropyga decipiens
Sneaky Elf
Pyropyga decipiens is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the 'Sneaky Elf.' It belongs to the 'dark firefly' group—species that lack the conspicuous bioluminescent flashes typical of better-known fireflies. The species is widely distributed across North America, with records from New Brunswick, Canada, throughout the United States, and into the southwestern regions. Despite being one of the most common fireflies in parts of the western United States, particularly the Front Range of Colorado and the Southwest, it was notably omitted from major firefly field guides. Adults are diurnal or crepuscular and do not produce the dramatic light displays associated with other firefly genera.
Pyrota bilineata
Pyrota bilineata is a blister beetle (family Meloidae) distributed across western North America. The species exhibits extreme sexual size dimorphism, with males frequently less than half the size of females. Adults are diurnal and commonly observed feeding and mating on flowers of yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) and related Asteraceae. Like other meloids, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that renders it unpalatable to predators.
Quedius erythrogaster
Quedius erythrogaster is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1852 and is currently accepted as valid. It belongs to the subgenus Microsaurus within the genus Quedius. Records indicate a restricted western Nearctic distribution.
Quedius limbifer
Quedius limbifer is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) described by Horn in 1878. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it has been treated as a synonym in some historical taxonomic works. It belongs to the subgenus Microsaurus within the large genus Quedius. Records indicate it is a western North American species with limited observational data available.
Quedius prostans
Quedius prostans is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described by Horn in 1878. The species has been reclassified under the genus Iratiquedius in some taxonomic treatments, reflecting ongoing revisionary work within the Quediina subtribe. It is distributed across western North America from British Columbia to Arizona.
Quernocoris caliginosus
Quernocoris caliginosus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Weirauch in 2006. It is a true bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) belonging to the large and diverse mirid fauna of western North America. The genus Quernocoris is associated with oak (Quercus) habitats, reflecting its etymology. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited in the primary literature.
Rasahus thoracicus
Western Corsair Bug, Western Corsair
Rasahus thoracicus, commonly known as the Western Corsair Bug, is an assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. Adults display orange and black coloration with distinctive orange spots on each wing. The species is nocturnal and attracted to bright lights, where it hunts other insects. Unlike most assassin bugs, its bite is notably painful to humans. It is one of two "two spotted corsairs," the other being Rasahus biguttatus.
Reptalus exoptatus
Reptalus exoptatus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1917. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized fulgoroid insects characterized by their reduced wing venation and often cryptic coloration. The species has been documented in western North America, with records spanning from British Columbia to several western U.S. states. Like other cixiids, it is presumed to have plant-sucking mouthparts and a life cycle that likely involves root-feeding nymphal stages, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Reticulitermes hesperus
western subterranean termite
A subterranean termite species native to the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from British Columbia to Southern California. Recent molecular studies indicate this name may represent a species complex rather than a single biological species, with spring-swarming populations in California now recognized as distinct from fall-winter swarming populations (described as R. rusti). Colonies are eusocial with queens, workers, soldiers, and winged reproductives. This species is a significant structural pest in its native range.
Retinia edemoidana
Retinia edemoidana is a small moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Harrison G. Dyar in 1903. It belongs to the pine cone moth genus Retinia, whose larvae develop within conifer cones. The species is documented from western North America, where it associates with pine hosts.
Rhagoletis indifferens
Western Cherry Fruit Fly, Western Cherry Fruitfly
Rhagoletis indifferens, the western cherry fruit fly, is a specialist tephritid fruit fly native to western North America and a major pest of cultivated sweet and sour cherries. Adults are slightly smaller than a housefly with distinctive white abdominal stripes and patterned wings. The species exhibits obligate winter diapause as pupae in soil and has been introduced to Switzerland. Climate change poses a threat due to its diapause requirements.
Rheumaptera subhastata
white-banded black moth
Rheumaptera subhastata is a geometrid moth occurring across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms, with a broad distribution in western North America. Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with a single annual generation. The species is one of two Rheumaptera in North America, closely related to and often confused with R. hastata.
Rhigopsis effracta
broad-nosed weevil
Rhigopsis effracta is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It was described by LeConte in 1874. The species is found in western North America, specifically in California and Baja California.
Rhionaeschna californica
California Darner
Rhionaeschna californica, the California darner, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. Adults are distinguished by bright blue diagonal spots on the abdomen and exhibit sexual dimorphism in coloration and eye color. The species occupies aquatic habitats across western North America and Central America, with larvae requiring several years of aquatic development before nocturnal emergence as adults.
Rhionaeschna multicolor
Blue-eyed Darner
Rhionaeschna multicolor, commonly known as the Blue-eyed Darner, is a large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. The species is distinguished by its striking blue eyes and multicolored thoracic patterning. It occurs across much of western North America and extends south into Middle America. Adults are strong fliers often observed patrolling over water bodies.
Rhizagrotis stylata
Rhizagrotis stylata is a noctuid moth species described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1893. It occurs across western North America from south-eastern Alberta through the Rocky Mountain and Great Basin regions to at least Arizona. The species includes two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and R. s. arida. Adults have a wingspan of 38–40 mm.
Rhopalomyia ericameriae
Rosette Bud Gall Midge
Rhopalomyia ericameriae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the Rosette Bud Gall Midge. The species induces distinctive gall formations on host plants. As a member of the genus Rhopalomyia, it belongs to one of the most diverse genera of gall midges, with many species specialized on Asteraceae hosts.
Rhyacionia multilineata
A small tortricid moth described by Powell in 1978. The specific epithet "multilineata" refers to multiple lines on the forewings. Like other members of the genus Rhyacionia, it likely has associations with coniferous plants, though specific host records for this species remain limited.
Rickera sorpta
Palestripe Springfly
Rickera sorpta is a stonefly species in the family Perlodidae, known by the common name Palestripe Springfly. It is distributed across the western United States, with records from California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it is associated with freshwater habitats and likely exhibits the aquatic larval and terrestrial adult life history typical of stoneflies.
Rifseria
Rifseria is a monotypic genus of gelechiid moths established by Hodges in 1966. The genus contains a single species, Rifseria fuscotaeniaella, distributed across western North America. The larvae are leaf miners specializing on plants in the Asteraceae family.
Rifseria fuscotaeniaella
Rifseria fuscotaeniaella is a small moth and the sole species in the monotypic genus Rifseria, family Gelechiidae. It is endemic to western North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies through the Rocky Mountain region to the Pacific coast. The species was originally described as Gelechia fuscotaeniaella by Chambers in 1878. It is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats including sagebrush steppe and dry open woodlands.
Rindgea subterminata
Rindgea subterminata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It belongs to the genus Rindgea, a group of North American moths characterized by relatively plain, grayish-brown coloration and subtle wing patterns. The species is known from western North America, where adults are active during the summer months.
Ripiphorus californicus
Ripiphorus californicus is a beetle species in the family Ripiphoridae, described by LeConte in 1880. The genus Ripiphorus comprises unusual beetles with highly modified morphology and complex life histories involving hypermetamorphosis. Members of this family are typically associated with bees as hosts. The species is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada.
Rosalia funebris
Banded Alder Borer
Rosalia funebris, commonly known as the Banded Alder Borer, is a striking longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is notable for its bold black-and-white coloration and elongated body form. Adults are active in spring and summer and are frequently observed on the bark of hardwood trees, particularly alders. The species is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to California and New Mexico. Unlike many wood-boring beetles, it is not considered a significant pest as it generally lays eggs in downed rather than living trees.
Rushia californica
California False Darkling Beetle
Rushia californica is a beetle species in the family Melandryidae, commonly known as the California False Darkling Beetle. It was described by Fall in 1907. The species is known from limited observations in western North America.
Sanfilippodytes compertus
Cool Predaceous Diving Beetle
Sanfilippodytes compertus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is known from western North America, with confirmed records in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. The species was described by Brown in 1932. Like other members of the genus, it is likely associated with freshwater habitats.
Saprinus fimbriatus
Saprinus fimbriatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, subfamily Saprininae. It is native to western North America, with records from the western United States, southwestern Canada, and Mexico. As with other histerid beetles, it is likely associated with carrion and decomposing animal matter, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851.
Saprinus oregonensis
clown beetle
Saprinus oregonensis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by LeConte in 1844. The species is distributed across western North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan), the United States (California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington), and Mexico. As a member of the Saprininae subfamily, it belongs to a group of predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion, dung, and other decomposing organic matter.
Satyrium behrii
Behr's Hairstreak
Satyrium behrii, the Behr's hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae found in western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 24–32 mm and are active from June to July in a single annual generation. The species inhabits dry slopes and canyons, where adults feed on flower nectar and larvae feed on specific host plants in the Rosaceae family.
Satyrium californicum
California Hairstreak
Satyrium californicum is a species of hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It belongs to a genus of small butterflies whose larvae typically feed on oaks and other woody plants. Adults in this genus often exhibit canopy-dwelling behavior and may utilize non-nectar food sources such as honeydew and plant exudates. The specific ecology of S. californicum has been less documented than some congeners, though it shares the genus-typical association with ant mutualists and woody host plants.
Satyrium saepium
Hedgerow Hairstreak
Satyrium saepium, the hedgerow hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae endemic to western North America. The species exhibits significant geographic variation, with eleven recognized subspecies distributed across diverse habitats from coastal California to interior montane regions. Adults are active from spring through late summer and have been documented feeding on nectar from specific flowering plants. Larval development is tied to buckbrush (Ceanothus), a genus of flowering shrubs in the family Rhamnaceae.
Satyrium semiluna
Sagebrush Sooty Hairstreak, Half-moon Hairstreak
Satyrium semiluna is a small hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, distributed across western North America in sagebrush steppe habitats. Larvae feed on lupines, particularly Lupinus sericeus and Lupinus lepidus. The species was formerly treated as a subspecies of Satyrium fuliginosa but is now recognized as distinct. It is similar in range to Satyrium behrii but does not extend as far south.
Scaphinotus cristatus
ridged thorax snail-eating beetle, ridged snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus cristatus is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the ridged thorax snail-eating beetle. It is restricted to western North America, occurring in California and Oregon. The species inhabits mixed and coniferous forests and is specialized for feeding on snails. Adults possess brachypterous (shortened) wings that render them incapable of flight.
Scaphinotus elevatus coloradensis
Scaphinotus elevatus coloradensis is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Carabinae, which includes the so-called "caterpillar hunters" and "snail hunters"—large, charismatic beetles known for their prominent mandibles. The subspecies epithet "coloradensis" indicates its association with Colorado, and records indicate it occurs in the western United States and Canada. Like other members of the genus Scaphinotus, it is likely a nocturnal predator adapted to montane or foothill habitats.