Western-north-america
Guides
Apamea siskiyou
Siskiyou cutworm
Apamea siskiyou is a noctuid moth species described in 2009 from the Siskiyou Mountains region of the Pacific Northwest. The specific epithet references the Siskiyou Mountains, a mountain range spanning the California-Oregon border. As a recently described species, its biology remains poorly documented.
Apamea sora
Apamea sora is a nocturnal moth in the family Noctuidae found in western North America. The species exhibits considerable color variation, with forewings ranging from orange and ochre to gray, gray-violet, and black. It inhabits high-elevation spruce-fir forests and mid-elevation ponderosa pine forests of the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest. The species was formerly treated as a subspecies of Apamea auranticolor but is now recognized as distinct.
Apamea spaldingi
Spalding's Quaker
Apamea spaldingi, commonly known as Spalding's Quaker, is a noctuid moth native to interior western North America. First described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1909, it is a relatively small cutworm moth with distinctive early-season flight timing compared to congeners. The species is recognized by its mottled grey forewings and lighter hindwings.
Apamea unita
Apamea unita is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1904. It occurs in western North America, with a documented range extending from Alberta, Canada southward to Arizona, United States. Like other members of the genus Apamea, it belongs to a group of cutworm moths that are often challenging to identify due to individual variation and overlapping morphological traits with congeners. The species is represented by relatively few observations, with limited published information on its biology.
Apantesis behrii
Apantesis behrii is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Stretch in 1872. The species occurs in the western United States from Oregon south through California, with highest abundance in the Siskiyou and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. It inhabits dry, rocky mountain environments and has a narrow adult flight period from early August to late September. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Lotus humistratus and Amsinckia species. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis based on phylogenetic revision.
Apantesis nevadensis
Nevada tiger moth
Apantesis nevadensis, the Nevada tiger moth, is a small tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Grote and Robinson in 1866. The species occurs across western North America from the Pacific Northwest through the Rocky Mountain states and intermountain region, extending into the Canadian prairies. It inhabits arid and semi-arid environments including deserts, sagebrush rangelands, juniper woodlands, and open forests. The species was transferred from the genus Grammia to Apantesis in 2009 along with related tiger moth genera.
Apantesis ornata
Ornate Tiger Moth, Achaia Moth
Apantesis ornata is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, originally described by Packard in 1864 under the name Callarctia ornata. The species was long classified in the genus Grammia before being transferred to Apantesis in a 2016 revision that consolidated several related genera. It occurs across western North America from southern British Columbia to southern California and eastward to the Rocky Mountain states. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to light. The species exhibits the bright warning coloration typical of tiger moths, though specific details of its biology remain incompletely documented.
Apertochrysa sierra
Apertochrysa sierra is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The species is known from the western United States and Baja California, Mexico. As a member of the Chrysopidae, it belongs to a family of predatory insects commonly recognized by their delicate, net-veined wings and often green coloration. Available records for this species are limited, with few documented observations.
Aphaenogaster occidentalis
Western Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster occidentalis is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Western Collared Ant. It is a generalist omnivore found in western North America. The species is known to be maintained in live colonies for research and educational display purposes, including at the Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis.
Aphaenogaster uinta
Aphaenogaster uinta is a myrmicine ant species described by Wheeler in 1917. It is native to the western United States and may also occur in Saskatchewan, Canada. Like other members of the genus Aphaenogaster, it belongs to the spine-waisted ant group, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Aphalaroida pithecolobia
Aphalaroida pithecolobia is a psyllid species in the family Psyllidae, described by Crawford in 1914. It belongs to a genus associated with host-specific relationships on leguminous plants. The species has been documented across multiple western North American states based on collection records.
Aphelosternus interstitialis
Aphelosternus interstitialis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John L. LeConte in 1851. The species is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California. Like other members of the subfamily Saprininae, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter and carrion, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Aphelosternus is a small group within the diverse Histeridae, and species-level biology for most members is not well studied.
Aphilanthops subfrigidus
Western Queen Ant Kidnapper
Aphilanthops subfrigidus, known as the Western Queen Ant Kidnapper, is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae. Like other members of its genus, this species is a specialist predator of winged ant queens, particularly those in the genus Formica. The wasp hunts during the brief annual swarming period of ant colonies, paralyzing queens and transporting them to underground nest burrows as provisions for its larvae. It is native to western North America and is most commonly encountered when adults visit flowers for nectar.
Aphrophora canadensis
conifer spittlebug
Aphrophora canadensis is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae, originally described from Canada in 1928. The genus Aphrophora comprises conifer-associated spittlebugs that are frequently attracted to lights at night. This species occurs in western North America, with records from British Columbia, California, and Idaho. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with coniferous host plants.
Aphrophora irrorata
Speckled spittlebug
Aphrophora irrorata is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae, first described by Ball in 1899. The species is recognized as valid by GBIF and NCBI, though listed as a synonym in the Catalogue of Life. It belongs to the subgenus Plesiommata within Aphrophora. Like other spittlebugs, it feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The specific epithet 'irrorata' refers to a speckled or sprinkled appearance, likely describing the color pattern.
Aphrophora maculosa
Conifer spittlebug
Aphrophora maculosa is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae, described by Doering in 1941. It belongs to a genus commonly known as conifer spittlebugs, many of which feed on coniferous trees. The species is found in western North America, ranging from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada south through Washington, Oregon, and California in the United States. Like other Aphrophora species, it is attracted to lights at night.
Aphrophora princeps
cone spittlebug
Aphrophora princeps, commonly known as the cone spittlebug, is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae. It is found in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. The species was described by Walley in 1928. Like other spittlebugs, the nymphs produce protective froth masses on host plants.
Aphrophora regina
Aphrophora regina is a species of spittlebug in the family Aphrophoridae, described by Hamilton in 1982. The species is currently recognized as valid, though it has been treated as Peuceptyelus regina in some taxonomic arrangements. Spittlebugs in this genus are commonly known as conifer spittlebugs and are associated with coniferous host plants. The species occurs in western North America, with records from British Columbia.
Apiocera chrysolasia
Apiocera chrysolasia is a species of flower-loving fly described by Cazier in 1982. It belongs to the family Apioceridae, a small group of brachyceran flies commonly known as apiocerid flies or sometimes 'flower-loving flies' due to their association with floral resources. The species epithet 'chrysolasia' derives from Greek roots suggesting golden or woolly appearance. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with arid or semi-arid environments in western North America, though specific details remain poorly documented.
Apiocera macswaini
Apiocera macswaini is a species of flower-loving flies in the family Apioceridae, described by Cazier in 1982. The genus Apiocera is endemic to western North America, with species typically associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. Adults are known to visit flowers for nectar. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Apiocera painteri
Apiocera painteri is a species of flower-loving fly described by Cazier in 1963. It belongs to the family Apioceridae, a small group of brachyceran flies commonly known as flower-loving flies due to their association with flowers. The genus Apiocera is primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Like other apiocerids, this species is likely associated with sandy soils where larvae develop.
Aplanusiella
Aplanusiella is a genus of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) in the tribe Platymetopiini, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The genus was established by Nielson and Haws in 1992 and contains species found in western North America. Like other deltocephaline leafhoppers, members of this genus are small, active insects that feed on plant vascular tissues.
Apocellus analis
spiny-legged rove beetle
Apocellus analis is a spiny-legged rove beetle described by LeConte in 1877. It belongs to the subfamily Oxytelinae within the large rove beetle family Staphylinidae. The species has been documented in western North America and Mexico.
Apodemia mormo autumnalis
Autumn Metalmark
Autumn Metalmark is a subspecies of butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It is part of the Apodemia mormo species complex, commonly known as the Mormon Metalmark. The subspecies is distinguished by its fall flight period compared to other populations. Limited observational data exists for this taxon.
Apodemia mormo deserti
Apodemia mormo deserti is a subspecies of the Mormon metalmark butterfly, a riodinid butterfly found in arid regions of western North America. The subspecies designation 'deserti' indicates adaptation to desert environments within the broader range of the species. The Mormon metalmark complex has been subject to taxonomic revision, with various subspecies recognized based on geographic and morphological differences. Like other members of the genus, this butterfly is associated with specific host plants in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).
Aporus hirsutus
hirsute spider wasp
Aporus hirsutus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1917. It belongs to a genus characterized by a streamlined thorax that slopes gradually toward the head, short legs relative to body size, and short, thick antennae. Members of the genus Aporus are known to parasitize trapdoor spiders and other mygalomorph spiders, with females utilizing the host's own burrow as a nest after paralyzing the spider with a sting.
Aporus luxus
Aporus luxus is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, recognized by its iridescent blue-black coloration and streamlined body form. Adults measure 8-15 mm in length and are frequently observed on flowers, particularly umbellifers such as Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota), where they feed on nectar. The species is a specialist parasitoid of trapdoor spiders in the family Euctenizidae, with at least one confirmed record of rearing from Aptostichus sp. Females sting spiders into paralysis and deposit a single egg on the host within the spider's own burrow.
Aporus luxus assimilis
Aporus luxus assimilis is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, originally described by Banks in 1917. Current taxonomic databases list this name as a synonym of Aporus luxus rather than a valid subspecies. The parent species A. luxus is a small iridescent blue-black wasp, 8–15 mm in length, known from western North America. Adults are commonly found on flowers of umbellifers and other plants where they feed on nectar. Females hunt trapdoor spiders (family Euctenizidae), paralyzing them and using the spider's own burrow as a nest for their offspring.
Apteroloma caraboides
Apteroloma caraboides is a species of primitive carrion beetle in the family Agyrtidae, described by Fall in 1907. It belongs to a small group of beetles considered basal to the staphyliniform lineage. The species is restricted to western North America and is rarely encountered in field collections.
Araeopidius
toe-winged beetles
Araeopidius is a monotypic genus of toe-winged beetles (family Ptilodactylidae) containing the single species A. monachus. Adults are uncommon and occur along the western coast of North America. The genus is notable for its three-year life cycle and unusual larval diet of woody material.
Araeopidius monachus
Araeopidius monachus is the sole species in the subfamily Araeopidiinae within the beetle family Ptilodactylidae. It is endemic to western North America, where adults are rarely encountered. The species exhibits an unusual three-year life cycle among beetles, with larvae feeding on woody material while adults appear to be non-feeding. Its biology remains poorly understood due to the scarcity of specimens and limited field observations.
Aragnomus griseus
Aragnomus griseus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It was described by Horn in 1876. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from the western United States. As a member of the Entiminae subfamily, it possesses the characteristic short, broad rostrum typical of this group.
Araneus gemma
Gem-shaped Orbweaver, cat-faced spider, jeweled orbweaver spider
Araneus gemma is a common outdoor orb-weaver spider native to western North America. It is one of several species commonly called the "cat-faced spider" due to abdominal markings resembling feline features. The species is harmless to humans despite possessing venom containing argiotoxin, a neurotoxin that antagonizes glutamate. It constructs typical circular orb webs and is frequently encountered in residential areas during autumn when mature females become conspicuous.
Archytas metallicus
Archytas metallicus is a species of tachinid fly (family Tachinidae) distributed across North America. As a member of the Tachininae subfamily, it belongs to a group of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species has been documented visiting flowers of Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush), where it occurs alongside other pollinators and flower-visiting insects. It is one of numerous Archytas species in the Nearctic region, many of which remain poorly studied in terms of their specific host relationships and ecological details.
Arctia virginalis
Ranchman's Tiger Moth, woolly bear caterpillar (larval form)
Arctia virginalis is a tiger moth species in the family Erebidae, found in western North America. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1852 and was formerly placed in the genus Platyprepia before being transferred to Arctia. Adults are brightly colored with black forewings bearing light yellow spots and orange hindwings with black bands. The larvae, known as woolly bears, are densely hairy caterpillars with distinctive orange-black-orange coloration. A 40-year population study at Bodega Bay, California, found that precipitation is the primary driver of abundance, with wet winters and wet sites supporting higher densities.
Argia agrioides
California Dancer
Argia agrioides, commonly known as the California Dancer, is a damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae native to western North America. The species ranges from Oregon south through California to Arizona and into adjacent parts of Mexico. Like other members of the genus Argia, it exhibits the characteristic jerky, bouncing flight pattern that gives these damselflies their common name of "dancers."
Argia hinei
Lavender Dancer
Argia hinei, commonly known as the Lavender Dancer, is a damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is native to the western United States and adjacent northern Mexico. The species belongs to the speciose genus Argia, which has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision by Rosser Garrison and colleagues.
Argyresthia franciscella
Argyresthia franciscella is a small moth in the family Argyresthiidae, described by Busck in 1915. It is native to western North America, with records from California. The species has a single generation annually. Larvae are specialized miners of cypress foliage, feeding within the growing tips of Cupressus species.
Argyrotaenia dorsalana
Argyrotaenia dorsalana is a small tortricid moth of western North America, with a wingspan of 18–24 mm. The species is associated with coniferous forests, where its larvae feed primarily on Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western larch. Adults emerge in late June following a brief larval period in spring and overwintering in the egg stage.
Arhopalus asperatus
Arhopalus asperatus is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. Adults range from 18 to 33 mm in length, with antennae measuring approximately 50-75% of body length. The species occurs across western North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba) through the western United States. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with coniferous wood, particularly pines.
Arhopalus productus
New House Borer
Arhopalus productus is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, commonly known as the New House Borer. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. The species is attracted to fire and has been observed at night near campfires and on recently dead coniferous trees. It is distributed across western North America, including the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba, and extends into the southwestern United States.
Arhyssus validus
Western Boxelder Bug
Arhyssus validus is a true bug in the family Rhopalidae, commonly known as the Western Boxelder Bug. The species occurs in western North America and parts of Middle America. Like other members of its family, it is a seed-feeding insect that uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract nutrients from host plants. The species is closely related to the more widely known Boisea trivittata, the Eastern Boxelder Bug, with which it shares ecological similarities.
Aristotelia
twirler moths
Aristotelia is a genus of micro-moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. These small, boldly marked moths are primarily nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America, with additional undescribed species awaiting scientific description. Larvae are specialized feeders on particular host plants, with diverse plant families including Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Rosaceae, Fagaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae documented as hosts across different species.
Aristotelia
twirler moths
Aristotelia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths. These microlepidoptera are characterized by their tiny size yet bold, exotic-looking markings. The genus contains approximately 35 named species in North America north of Mexico, with many additional species awaiting formal description. Aristotelia moths are attracted to blacklights and are frequently encountered during nocturnal insect surveys. Each species specializes on a particular host plant, though collectively the genus utilizes many plant families.
Aristotelia adceanotha
Aristotelia adceanotha is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Keifer in 1935. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California and Washington. The species has a wingspan of 11–12 mm and exhibits distinctive wing patterning with orange-roseate, dark fuscous brown, and white markings. Larvae are specialized feeders on Ceanothus cuneatus, a native shrub in the buckthorn family.
Aristotelia elegantella
Elegant Aristotelia
Aristotelia elegantella is a tiny moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as the Elegant Aristotelia. It was described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1874 and is found across much of North America, from southern Canada through the western and central United States. The species is notable for its striking wing pattern featuring bands of white, ochreous-yellow, and iridescent brown. It has been recorded at blacklight setups and appears to be attracted to artificial light sources.
Arphia
band-winged grasshoppers
Arphia is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing at least 11 described species distributed across western North America. The genus is characterized by species with brightly colored hind wings—typically red, yellow, or orange—that are concealed at rest but displayed during flight. Several species are notable for producing audible crepitation sounds by snapping their wings together during courtship and territorial displays. Members occupy diverse grassland habitats from lowland prairies to high-elevation mountain meadows.
Arphia conspersa
Speckle-winged Rangeland Grasshopper, Speckled Rangeland Grasshopper
Arphia conspersa is a large band-winged grasshopper (family Acrididae, subfamily Oedipodinae) distributed across western North America from Alaska to Mexico. Adults are active primarily in spring, distinguishing them seasonally from the related redwinged grasshopper (Arphia pseudonietana) which appears in late summer and fall. The species exhibits distinctive visual and acoustical courtship displays, with males performing aggregation flights accompanied by crackling crepitation. It inhabits diverse grassland habitats including prairies, desert shrub communities, and montane meadows up to 11,000 feet elevation.
Arrhenopeplus brunneus
Bruner slantfaced grasshopper
Arrhenopeplus brunneus is a medium-sized, colorful grasshopper of the slantfaced subfamily Gomphocerinae, widely distributed in the hills and mountains of the northwestern United States. The species inhabits mixedgrass and bunchgrass prairies, mountain meadows, parklands, and alpine tundra at elevations from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. During population irruptions, it becomes a serious pest of mountain and foothill grasslands, capable of causing considerable damage to range grasses. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle in mountain meadows and northern grasslands, with hatching occurring in June and adults appearing in July or August depending on seasonal temperatures.
Artochia
Artochia is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Omaliinae, tribe Anthophagini. The genus contains two described species: Artochia californica (California) and Artochia productifrons (distributed across British Columbia, Alaska, California, Oregon, Utah, and Washington). It is a small, rarely encountered genus with limited documented observations.