Western-north-america
Guides
Calliopsis coloradensis
Colorado Calliopsis Bee
A small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to western North America. Females are solitary ground-nesters that provision burrows with pollen and nectar for their offspring. Males are often observed flying low over nesting aggregations in search of mates. The species is associated with sandy soils in prairie and open habitats.
Calliopsis hesperia
Calliopsis hesperia is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Swenk and Cockerell in 1907. The species is native to North America and belongs to a genus of small, ground-nesting bees commonly found in sandy soils. Two subspecies are recognized: C. h. hesperia and C. h. equina. As a member of the Panurginae subfamily, this bee is part of a diverse group of solitary bees that are important native pollinators.
Calliphora latifrons
blue bottle fly
Calliphora latifrons is a species of blow fly (family Calliphoridae) commonly known as a blue bottle fly. The species has limited geographic distribution in North America and is associated with undisturbed habitats. It is considered one of the most forensically important blow fly species due to its predictable life cycle and colonization patterns on carrion, which can be used to estimate postmortem intervals. Adults are known to enter houses and breed in small carcasses.
Calloides lorquinii
Calloides lorquinii is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Clytini. It is native to western North America. The species is named after the French entomologist Pierre Lorquin, who collected extensively in California during the 19th century. Like other members of the genus Calloides, it is associated with woody habitats and is likely attracted to fermenting baits.
Calloides nobilis mormonus
Calloides nobilis mormonus is a western North American subspecies of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Clytini. The nominate subspecies C. n. nobilis occurs in eastern North America, while C. n. mormonus is restricted to western regions. This subspecies has been documented from burned coniferous forest habitats in Arizona and attracted to sweet red wine-baited traps. The species is associated with fire-damaged oak and conifer wood, suggesting a reliance on recently dead or stressed woody hosts.
Callophrys affinis
Western Green Hairstreak, Immaculate Green Hairstreak
Callophrys affinis is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the western green hairstreak or immaculate green hairstreak. It is found in western North America from western Canada through the western United States. Adults fly in a single generation from early spring to mid-summer. The larvae feed specifically on Eriogonum umbellatum.
Callophrys affinis affinis
Western Green Hairstreak, Immaculate Green Hairstreak
Callophrys affinis affinis, the western green hairstreak, is a subspecies of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in western North America, where adults have been observed in early summer. The subspecies is distinguished by its greenish wing coloration, typical of the green hairstreak group. Limited specific information exists for this subspecies separate from the broader species Callophrys affinis.
Callophrys affinis apama
Western Green Hairstreak
Callophrys affinis apama is a subspecies of the western green hairstreak butterfly, a small lycaenid found in western North America. It is one of several subspecies within the C. affinis complex, which shows geographic variation across its range. The species is associated with open habitats where its larval host plants grow. Adults are active in spring and early summer, with a rapid, low flight pattern typical of hairstreak butterflies.
Callophrys affinis homoperplexa
Western Green Hairstreak
Callophrys affinis homoperplexa is a subspecies of the western green hairstreak butterfly, a member of the gossamer-winged family Lycaenidae. It occurs in western North America, where adults are active during spring and early summer. The subspecies is distinguished from related populations by subtle differences in wing pattern and coloration.
Callophrys gryneus muiri
Muir's Hairstreak, Muir Juniper Hairstreak
A western North American subspecies of Juniper Hairstreak, historically treated as a distinct species (Callophrys muiri) based on phenotypic differences and geographic isolation. DNA barcoding studies indicate it is genetically divergent from other C. gryneus populations, though its taxonomic status remains debated. Associated with coniferous habitats in California.
Callophrys gryneus nelsoni
Nelson's Hairstreak, Nelson's Juniper Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus nelsoni is a western North American subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly. Its taxonomic status has been debated, with some authorities treating it as a distinct subspecies while others have elevated it to full species rank as Mitoura nelsoni. DNA barcode studies indicate it is genetically divergent from other C. gryneus populations, though the magnitude of divergence is comparable to that seen between other recognized species in the genus. Adults are associated with juniper woodlands.
Callophrys gryneus siva
Siva Juniper Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus siva is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, native to western North America. It is one of multiple named subspecies within the polytypic species C. gryneus, a group whose taxonomic boundaries have been debated based on mitochondrial DNA barcode analysis. The subspecies is associated with juniper host plants in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Callophrys johnsoni
Johnson's Hairstreak
Callophrys johnsoni, commonly known as Johnson's Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in coniferous forests of western North America from British Columbia to central California. The species has a highly specialized larval diet, feeding exclusively on dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium species). Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.
Callophrys spinetorum
Thicket Hairstreak
Callophrys spinetorum, the thicket hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae described by William Chapman Hewitson in 1867. It is distributed across western North America from British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and Mexico, and through California to Baja California. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed exclusively on dwarf mistletoes in the genus Arceuthobium, exhibiting remarkable mimicry of their host plants.
Calophya oweni
A small psyllid in the family Calophyidae, described by Tuthill in 1939. Very little published information exists on this species. The few available records suggest it occurs in western North America. As with other Calophya species, it likely develops on specific host plants, though these remain undocumented for this particular species.
Caloptilia acerifoliella
Caloptilia acerifoliella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is known from limited records in Colorado and Utah in the United States. The larvae feed on Acer species, creating blotch mines in leaves. The species was described by Chambers in 1875.
Calosaturnia
Calosaturnia is a small genus of giant silk moths in the family Saturniidae, first described by John Bernhard Smith in 1886. The genus contains three recognized species, all endemic to western North America. Taxonomic placement has been unstable; the group is sometimes treated as a subgenus of Saturnia. The genus is notable for its restricted geographic range and distinctive wing patterns.
Calosoma moniliatum
collared beautiful black searcher
Calosoma moniliatum, commonly known as the collared beautiful black searcher, is a large predatory ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged and flightless). The species occurs in western North America, inhabiting short grass prairies and dry forests.
Calosoma monticola
mountain beautiful black searcher
Calosoma monticola is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1913. It is found in the western United States, where it inhabits sagebrush areas. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and have been documented preying on various soil-dwelling insect larvae and other beetles. The species belongs to a genus known for active predation on caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Calosoma semilaeve
Black Calosoma, Semi-smooth Beautiful Black Searcher
Calosoma semilaeve is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the black calosoma or semi-smooth beautiful black searcher. First described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851, this species inhabits cultivated fields and roadsides in the western United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Calosoma, it is an active predator of caterpillars and other insects.
Calosoma subaeneum
coppery beautiful black searcher
Calosoma subaeneum is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by Maximilien Chaudoir in 1869. It belongs to the genus Calosoma, commonly known as caterpillar hunters or searchers, which are large predatory beetles. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait that limits dispersal ability. The species occurs in lowland areas of western North America.
Calosoma tepidum
lukewarm beautiful black searcher
Calosoma tepidum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Carabinae, first described by LeConte in 1851. It belongs to the 'caterpillar hunter' group within the genus Calosoma, characterized by large size and predatory habits. The species is flightless despite possessing fully developed wings, a condition attributed to thoracic muscle reduction. It has been the subject of recent genomic research as part of a model system for studying wing evolution in insects.
Calosoma wilkesii
Wilkes's beautiful black searcher
Calosoma wilkesii is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Wilkes's beautiful black searcher. It is one of approximately 120 species in the genus Calosoma, a group known as "caterpillar hunters" for their predatory habits on lepidopteran larvae. The species has been the subject of genomic research due to its brachypterous (short-winged) condition, which represents an evolutionary transition to flightlessness. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California.
Cameraria pentekes
Cameraria pentekes is a small leaf-mining moth described by Opler and Davis in 1981. The species is restricted to western North America, occurring in British Columbia, Canada, and the states of California and Washington in the United States. Its larvae are specialized miners of oak leaves, feeding exclusively on Quercus douglasii and Quercus lobata. The species name refers to the distinctive five-pointed vincular process of the male genitalia.
Campiglossa murina
Campiglossa murina is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Doane in 1899. It is distributed across western North America from Alaska and Yukon south to California and New Mexico. The species belongs to a genus of true fruit flies that are often associated with plants in the Asteraceae family.
Camponotus bakeri
Baker's Carpenter Ant
Camponotus bakeri is a species of carpenter ant endemic to the Channel Islands of California, with additional populations in mainland California and Arizona. It nests in dead wood, including decaying stumps, fallen branches, and hollow trees. Like other members of the genus Camponotus, it excavates galleries rather than consuming wood for nutrition. The species is named in honor of an individual with the surname Baker, following standard entomological naming conventions of the early 1900s.
Camponotus clarithorax
Carpenter ant
Camponotus clarithorax is a species of carpenter ant in the subgenus Camponotus, native to western North America. It was described by William Morton Creighton in 1950. The species occurs in California, Oregon, and the Baja California Peninsula, with possible records from the eastern United States. Like other carpenter ants, it nests in wood and exhibits the polymorphic worker caste system typical of the genus.
Camponotus essigi
Essig's Carpenter Ant
Camponotus essigi is a carpenter ant species native to the western United States and possibly Coahuila, Mexico. It belongs to the large genus Camponotus, which comprises over 1,000 species worldwide. A mislabeled specimen reportedly from Trinidad and Tobago was determined to be a location error by R. R. Snelling in 2000, confirming the species' restricted western North American distribution. Like other carpenter ants, it nests in wood and exhibits the polymorphic worker caste system typical of the genus.
Camponotus laevissimus
giant carpenter ant, Hairy Smooth Carpenter Ant
Camponotus laevissimus is a large carpenter ant native to western North America, ranging from western Canada through the United States to Mexico. Workers are among the largest in the genus, measuring 7–13 mm. The species is notable for its distinctive shiny black coloration with a blue iridescent tint and dense covering of short white hairs. It is primarily diurnal and specializes in nesting within redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens), hollowing out cavities rather than consuming the wood. A documented predator of western spruce budworm pupae, this species plays a role in forest pest dynamics. Formerly known as C. laevigatus, it was reclassified by Mackay in 2019.
carpenter-antredwood-specialistdiurnalforest-pest-predatorwestern-North-AmericaCamponotusFormicidaeHymenopterablue-iridescencewhite-pubescencewestern-spruce-budworm-predatorSequoia-sempervirens-associatemoist-wood-nestinglarge-ant-speciespolymorphic-workersclaustral-colony-foundationhoneydew-tendingstructural-pestMackay-2019formerly-C.-laevigatusCamponotus modoc
Western Carpenter Ant, Western Black Carpenter Ant
Camponotus modoc, the western carpenter ant, is a large black ant species native to western North America. Workers exhibit polymorphism, ranging from 7 to 13 mm in length, with dark red legs contrasting against a black body. The species constructs nests in dead wood, including forest logs and human structures, and is known for its mutualistic associations with aphids, particularly Cinara occidentalis on white fir. Research demonstrates trail fidelity and colony recognition abilities, with workers returning to specific aphid colonies even after displacement.
carpenter-antwestern-north-americaaphid-mutualismstructural-pestpolymorphismtrail-fidelitychemical-ecologygiant-sequoia-forestforest-ecologyurban-pestCamponotiniFormicinaeHymenopterainvasive-potentialnestmate-recognitionalarm-communicationforaging-ecologyconifer-forestwood-excavationsatellite-colonyCamponotus sansabeanus
Camponotus sansabeanus is a species of carpenter ant native to western North America and parts of the southern United States. It belongs to the large genus Camponotus, which comprises over 1,000 species worldwide. Like other carpenter ants, it excavates wood to create nest galleries rather than consuming wood as food. The species is found in diverse habitats ranging from arid western regions to more humid southeastern localities.
Camponotus vicinus
Bicolored Carpenter Ant
Camponotus vicinus is a large, conspicuous carpenter ant distributed across western North America from Alaska to Mexico and east to Texas and Manitoba. Unlike many carpenter ants that nest in wood, this species typically nests in soil under stones and other objects, though it also uses fallen, decomposing logs in higher elevation conifer forests. It is a prominent scavenger and predator in terrestrial ecosystems and is one of the most abundant ground-dwelling arthropods in California's higher elevation conifer forests. The species belongs to a genetically diverse species complex with cryptic diversity, including localized populations of conservation interest such as an undescribed species endemic to the Channel Islands.
Campylacantha
Campylacantha is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains five described species, including the fuzzy olive-green grasshopper (C. olivacea). These grasshoppers are placed in the tribe Dactylotini and are characterized by the presence of a spur on the ventral surface of the throat (prosternum), a defining trait of spur-throated grasshoppers.
Capnia lineata
Straight Snowfly
Capnia lineata is a species of small winter stonefly in the family Capniidae. It is known from scattered records in western North America, including California and Idaho. As a member of the Capniidae, it belongs to a group commonly called "small winter stoneflies" or "snowflies" that are typically active during cold months. The species was described by Hanson in 1943. Very little detailed biological information has been published specifically for this species.
Capnobotes fuliginosus
sooty longwing
Capnobotes fuliginosus, commonly known as the sooty longwing, is a large katydid species found in arid regions of western North America and Mexico. First described by Cyrus Thomas in 1872, this species reaches up to 75 mm in length and is characterized by its brownish-gray coloration, long wings, and notably darker hindwings that are displayed when the insect is startled. It produces a loud, continuous, shrill song and is known to be preyed upon by the wasp Palmodes praestans.
Capperia ningoris
Hedgenettle Plume Moth
Capperia ningoris is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, native to western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 18–20 mm and exhibit dark-brown coloration with a grayish tint. The larvae are specialized herbivores that feed on Hieracium albiflorum, webbing flower heads and deforming leaves.
Caradrina montana
Civil Rustic Moth
Caradrina montana is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 26–31 mm. It has a broad distribution spanning western North America, western Asia, and Europe. The species is known to feed on alfalfa leaves, making it a documented herbivore of agricultural crops.
Cardiophorus edwardsi
Cardiophorus edwardsi is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by Horn in 1871. As a member of the subfamily Cardiophorinae, it possesses the characteristic heart-shaped prosternal process that gives the genus its name. The species is documented from western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other click beetles, it is capable of the 'clicking' mechanism that allows it to right itself when flipped onto its back.
Carmenta giliae
Carmenta giliae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It occurs in montane meadows of western North America, from Alberta and British Columbia south to Arizona and New Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. Larvae are root borers in wild Geranium species.
Carmenta verecunda
Carmenta verecunda is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It occurs in the western United States, with records from Colorado, Utah, California, and Arizona. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed on Lithospermum ruderale, a plant in the borage family. Like other clearwing moths, it exhibits wasp-mimicry in its adult form.
Carterocephalus skada
Western Arctic Skipper
Carterocephalus skada, commonly known as the Western Arctic Skipper, is a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It belongs to the genus Carterocephalus, which includes several Arctic and subarctic skipper species. The species is part of a group of butterflies adapted to cooler climates and northern latitudes.
Catastia actualis
Catastia actualis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. It is found in western North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies through the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada. Adults are active in early summer with a relatively narrow flight period.
Catocala californica
Western Underwing Moth
Catocala californica is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. It belongs to the underwing moth genus Catocala, characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. The species is found in western North America from British Columbia and Alberta south to California. Adults are active during summer months, with larvae feeding on specific host plants.
Catocala faustina
Faustina Underwing
Catocala faustina is a western North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of approximately 58 mm. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic, bark-patterned forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, with flight records from September to October. The larvae feed exclusively on willow species (Salix).
Catocala ilia zoe
Ilia Underwing
Catocala ilia zoe is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. It is one of several subspecies of Catocala ilia, a widespread North American underwing moth known for its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The subspecies was described by Behr in 1874. Like other underwings, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Catocala jessica
Jessica underwing
Catocala jessica, commonly known as the Jessica underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Henry Edwards in 1877, this species is found in western and central North America. The species is named with the specific epithet "jessica" and is one of many underwing moths in the genus Catocala, which are characterized by their cryptically patterned forewings and brightly colored hindwings.
Catocala luciana
Shining Underwing, Luciana Underwing Moth
Catocala luciana is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1874. The species is native to western North America, with a distribution spanning the Great Plains from southern Canada to the southwestern United States. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defensive adaptation. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn.
Catocala ophelia
Ophelia Underwing
Catocala ophelia is a moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Ophelia Underwing. It inhabits dry forests in the southwestern United States. Adults are active from July to October with likely one generation per year. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of dull forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings.
Catoptria oregonicus
Western Catoptria, Oregon Catoptria Moth
Catoptria oregonicus is a small crambid moth found in western North American mountain meadows. Described by Grote in 1880, this species is active during mid to late summer. It is one of several Catoptria species in the region, distinguished by its specific geographic range and habitat preferences.
Cauchas simpliciella
Cauchas simpliciella is a species of fairy longhorn moth in the family Adelidae. It was described by Walsingham in 1880. The species is found in western North America, ranging from Montana to the Pacific Northwest and south along the coast to California. As with other adelid moths, adults are characterized by extremely long antennae, particularly in males.