Western-north-america
Guides
Chonaphini
Chonaphini is a tribe of flat-backed millipedes (Polydesmida) within the family Xystodesmidae, established by Verhoeff in 1941. The tribe comprises approximately 6 genera and 19 described species distributed across western North America. Members exhibit the characteristic dorsoventrally flattened body form typical of xystodesmid millipedes.
Choristoneura carnana
Choristoneura carnana is a species of tortricid moth first described from the western United States in 1920. It is a conifer-feeding specialist with documented larval associations with fir and Douglas-fir species. The species exhibits a relatively broad adult flight period spanning late spring through summer. Two subspecies are recognized, differing in geographic distribution within the species' range.
Choristoneura lambertiana
sugar pine tortrix, sugar pine tortrix moth
Choristoneura lambertiana, commonly known as the sugar pine tortrix, is a tortricid moth native to western North America. The species exhibits pronounced host-specific variation across its range, with three recognized subspecies each associated with different pine hosts: C. l. lambertiana on sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), C. l. ponderosana on ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa) and limber pine (P. flexilis), and C. l. subretiniana on lodgepole pine (P. contorta) and Jeffrey pine (P. jeffreyi). Populations have been documented as outbreak defoliators of lodgepole pine in Idaho and Montana during the mid-to-late 1960s.
Choristostigma disputalis
Choristostigma disputalis is a small crambid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1917. It is distributed across western North America from Alberta and British Columbia south to California, Oregon, and Arizona. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and are active from April through August. The species is most readily distinguished from its congener Choristostigma elegantalis by its paler forewing ground color and distinctive wing pattern elements.
Choristostigma elegantalis
Choristostigma elegantalis is a small crambid moth described by Warren in 1892. It is known from the western United States, with confirmed records from Arizona, California, and Washington. Adults are active from spring through early autumn, with forewings measuring 9–11.5 mm in length. The species exhibits distinctive pale yellow forewings marked with tawny patterns and yellowish-white hindwings with a dark central spot.
Choristostigma plumbosignalis
Choristostigma plumbosignalis is a small crambid moth described by Charles H. Fernald in 1888. The species is distributed across western and central North America, from British Columbia and Alberta south to Arizona and New Mexico, and east to South Dakota. Adults have a wingspan of 20–21 mm and are active during summer months.
Chrysanthrax vanus
Chrysanthrax vanus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar, while larvae are parasitoids of ground-nesting bees. The species ranges from British Columbia through the western United States to Mexico.
Chrysobothris pseudotsugae
Chrysobothris pseudotsugae is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1916. The specific epithet "pseudotsugae" indicates an association with Pseudotsuga (Douglas-fir), though detailed biological information remains limited. The species is recorded from western North America, particularly British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it likely develops in dead or dying wood, though this has not been explicitly documented.
Chrysobothris vulcanica
A metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, found in western North America. The species is named for its volcanic association, with records from volcanic regions of the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it develops in dead or dying wood, though specific host plant associations remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners.
Chrysocharis minuta
Chrysocharis minuta is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Christer Hansson in 1986. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of leaf-mining insects, though specific host records for this species remain limited. The species has been documented in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada, and the United States.
Chrysochus cobaltinus
Cobalt Milkweed Beetle, Blue Milkweed Beetle
Chrysochus cobaltinus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, notable for its iridescent cobalt-blue coloration and specialized association with milkweed and dogbane plants. The species sequesters toxic cardenolides from its host plants for chemical defense against predators. Adults emerge in early summer and remain on host plants for approximately six weeks. The species exhibits polygamous mating with extended post-copulatory mate guarding by males, and hybridizes with its sister species C. auratus in narrow contact zones.
Chrysops impunctus
Chrysops impunctus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Krober in 1926. The genus Chrysops is well-documented as biting flies that feed on vertebrate blood, though specific details for this species remain limited. The species name "impunctus" (meaning "unspotted" or "without punctures") suggests a diagnostic lack of wing spots or thoracic markings typical of many congeners. Records indicate this is a rarely encountered species with sparse observational data.
Chrysurissa densa
Chrysurissa densa is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. It is known as a parasite of the nests of pollen wasps in the genus Pseudomasaris, specifically targeting the mud nests of Pseudomasaris vespoides. The species was first described by Cresson in 1865. Like other cuckoo wasps, females lay their eggs in the nests of host wasps, where their larvae consume the pollen and nectar provisions intended for the host's offspring.
Chyphotes petiolatus
Chyphotes petiolatus is a species of wingless wasp in the family Chyphotidae, a small family of solitary parasitoid wasps allied to Bradynobaenidae. The genus Chyphotes comprises flightless, ant-like species found in arid regions of western North America. Chyphotes petiolatus is known from extremely limited material, with only a single observation recorded in iNaturalist. Members of this genus are poorly studied, with most information derived from scattered museum specimens rather than field biology.
Cicadula longiseta
Cicadula longiseta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, described by Van Duzee in 1892. The species has been recorded across western North America from British Columbia and Alberta south through California, Arizona, and Colorado. As a member of the genus Cicadula, it belongs to a group of small, active leafhoppers commonly associated with grasses and herbaceous vegetation.
Cicindela decemnotata
Badlands Tiger Beetle
Cicindela decemnotata, commonly known as the badlands tiger beetle, is a flashy tiger beetle species in the family Carabidae. It is the westernmost representative of a species group characterized by green coloration with variable red markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra. The species has undergone recent and rapid phylogenetic radiation following glacial recession, with five recognized subspecies based on morphological and molecular evidence. Populations show relatively low genetic divergence despite marked morphological differences, suggesting colonization within the past 10,000 years.
Cicindela decemnotata decemnotata
Badlands Tiger Beetle
Cicindela decemnotata decemnotata is the nominate subspecies of the Badlands Tiger Beetle, a western North American cicindelid occupying the northwestern Great Plains, northern Great Basin, and Rocky Mountains north to Yukon. This subspecies is part of a species complex characterized by green coloration with variable red markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra, along with variably developed white elytral markings. Molecular and morphological evidence supports the recognition of this and three other subspecies, with populations having undergone rapid phylogenetic radiation following glacial recession within the last 10,000 years.
Cicindela latesignata
Western Beach Tiger Beetle, Angel's Tear
Cicindela latesignata is a tiger beetle species known by the common names Western Beach Tiger Beetle and Angel's Tear. It belongs to the subfamily Cicindelinae within the ground beetle family Carabidae. The species is native to coastal regions of western North America and Mexico, where it inhabits sandy beach habitats. Like other tiger beetles, it is a fast-running, visually acute predator with distinctive elytral markings.
Cicindela oregona
Western Tiger Beetle
Cicindela oregona, commonly known as the Western Tiger Beetle, is a North American tiger beetle species found from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast and north into Alaska. It is closely related to C. duodecimguttata (Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle), with which it forms a hybrid zone along the Front Range of the Rockies. The species exhibits distinctive microhabitat segregation with co-occurring tiger beetles, preferring moist stream edge habitats and showing physiological adaptations for foraging in wet conditions at temperatures between 25-38°C.
Cicindela oregona guttifera
Dappled Tiger Beetle
Cicindela oregona guttifera is a subspecies of the Western Tiger Beetle, a ground-dwelling predatory beetle in the family Carabidae. The subspecies occurs in western North America, where adults are active hunters in sandy riparian and coastal habitats. Like other tiger beetles, it is characterized by large eyes, long legs, and prominent mandibles adapted for capturing small prey. The species exhibits the typical tiger beetle behavior of fast running, intermittent stopping to refocus vision, and rapid flight when disturbed.
Cicindela oregona maricopa
Maricopa Tiger Beetle
Cicindela oregona maricopa is a subspecies of the Western Tiger Beetle, first described by Leng in 1902. This tiger beetle inhabits sandy shoreline and riparian habitats, particularly along beaches and muddy banks of lakes and rivers. The subspecies is part of the broader C. oregona complex, which replaces the closely related C. duodecimguttata west of the Rocky Mountains. Adults are active predators with excellent vision, though they can become difficult to approach during warm conditions.
Cicindela oregona oregona
Oregon Tiger Beetle
Cicindela oregona oregona is a subspecies of tiger beetle found in western North America. It inhabits moist shoreline habitats along streams and lakes, where it exhibits distinctive microhabitat segregation with co-occurring congeners. The species demonstrates behavioral thermoregulation through progressive daily movement from drier to wetter microhabitats as ambient temperatures rise. Adults are active foragers throughout daylight hours, showing higher metabolic activity at moderate temperatures compared to sympatric species.
Cicindela parowana parowana
Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle
Cicindela parowana parowana is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Wickham in 1905. It is one of the nominate subspecies of the Dark Saltflat Tiger Beetle, a species associated with saline or alkaline habitats. The subspecies occurs in western North America where it inhabits salt flat environments. Like other tiger beetles, it is a fast-running, visually-oriented predator.
Cicindela parowana platti
Platt's Tiger Beetle
Cicindela parowana platti is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Cazier in 1937. It belongs to the widespread genus Cicindela, which contains numerous fast-running, predatory beetles. The subspecies is part of the parowana species group and is known from western North America.
Cicindela purpurea hatchi
Hatch's Tiger Beetle
Cicindela purpurea hatchi is a subspecies of the purple tiger beetle endemic to western North America, particularly in intergrade zones with the nominate subspecies in the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain regions. Adults exhibit the characteristic spring-fall life history of the Cicindela purpurea complex, emerging in fall as sexually immature adults, overwintering in burrows, and re-emerging in spring to mate and oviposit. The subspecies shows color polymorphism including green and black morphs, with black morphs occurring at lower frequency than in the nominate subspecies C. p. audubonii.
Cicindela tranquebarica vibex
Wealed Tiger Beetle
Cicindela tranquebarica vibex is a subspecies of oblique-lined tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. It is a spring-fall species active during cooler months, spending summer as larvae in soil burrows. Adults are ground-dwelling predators that hunt small invertebrates using rapid pursuit and visual tracking. The subspecies occurs in western North America, where it has been observed in sandy and clay habitats including saline flats and dry creek beds.
Cicindela willistoni pseudosenilis
Owens Lake Tiger Beetle
Cicindela willistoni pseudosenilis is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae. It is known from western North America, particularly associated with saline lake habitats. Adult emergence is triggered by summer monsoonal rains. The subspecies is part of a complex of tiger beetles that exhibit fine-scale habitat partitioning in salt flat environments.
Cicindelidia haemorrhagica arizonae
Arizona wetsalts tiger beetle
Cicindelidia haemorrhagica arizonae is a subspecies of the wetsalts tiger beetle, a member of the family Cicindelidae. The nominate subspecies C. h. haemorrhagica is known for its remarkable ability to inhabit hot springs environments in Yellowstone National Park, where it tolerates temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F). Adults display the characteristic run-stop-run hunting behavior typical of tiger beetles. The subspecies epithet 'arizonae' suggests a geographic association with Arizona, though specific ecological data for this subspecies is limited.
Cimbex pacificus
Pacific Sawfly
Cimbex pacificus, the Pacific Sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Cimbicidae. As a member of the order Hymenoptera, it is related to wasps, bees, and ants. The species is part of the genus Cimbex, which contains some of the largest sawflies in North America. Limited observational data exists for this species, with records primarily from western North America.
Cimex pilosellus
Western Bat Bug, Bat Bug
Cimex pilosellus, commonly known as the western bat bug, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite in the family Cimicidae. The species is native to North America and primarily parasitizes bats, though it can bite humans when bat hosts are absent. It is morphologically similar to the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) and requires microscopic examination for accurate identification. The species has been documented across western North American regions.
Cinacanthus militaris
Cinacanthus militaris is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It occurs in western North America, with records from California, Nevada, Oregon in the United States, and Baja California in Mexico. As a member of the Aphodiinae, it is part of a group commonly known as small dung beetles or aphodiine dung beetles. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858.
Circotettix
Circotettix is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing approximately 9-10 described species. The genus is notable for its cytogenetic characteristics, with several species studied for chromosomal variations that correlate with geographic distribution. Species within this genus are distributed across western North America, with records from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, and Kansas. Some species, such as C. rabula, have been subjects of thermal behavior studies examining altitudinal variation.
Circotettix shastanus
Shasta grasshopper, sierra crackler
Circotettix shastanus is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Shasta grasshopper or sierra crackler. It is native to western North America, with documented presence in California. The species belongs to a genus characterized by crackling flight sounds produced by specialized wing structures.
Circotettix stenometopus
Circotettix stenometopus is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, described by Strohecker & Buxton in 1963. It belongs to the genus Circotettix, which contains several North American species characterized by their banded wing patterns and active flight behavior. The species is known from limited records in western North America.
Cissusa indiscreta
Indiscreet Cissusa Moth, Indiscrete Cissusa Moth
Cissusa indiscreta is a moth species in the family Erebidae, distributed across western North America from British Columbia to central Colorado. Adults are active in spring with a single annual generation. Larvae are specialized feeders on Quercus species.
Cisthene deserta
Cisthene deserta is a small moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. First described by Felder in 1868, this species has a restricted distribution in western North America, recorded from Utah and California. Adults are active from spring through mid-summer, with forewings measuring 9–11 mm.
Cixidia fusiformis
Cixidia fusiformis is a species of planthopper in the family Achilidae, described by Van Duzee in 1910. It belongs to a family of fulgoroid insects commonly known as achilid planthoppers. The species has been recorded from western North America including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Like other members of Achilidae, it is presumed to feed on fungal hyphae, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Cixidia shoshone
Cixidia shoshone is a species of planthopper in the family Achilidae, first described by Ball in 1933. It belongs to a group of insects commonly known as achilid planthoppers, which feed on plant sap and are associated with woody vegetation. The species has been recorded from several western U.S. states including Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, and Wyoming. As with many members of this family, detailed biological information remains limited in published sources.
Claassenia sabulosa
Shortwing Stonefly, short-wing stone
Claassenia sabulosa, commonly known as the shortwing stonefly, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is found in North America, with documented populations in the western United States including Colorado, as well as Canada. The species has been studied for its life cycle dynamics in Colorado streams and its adult mate-finding behaviors.
Clastoptera binotata
twomarked spittlebug
Clastoptera binotata is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, first described by Ball in 1896. The species is found in western North America, with records from Arizona, California, Colorado, and British Columbia. As a member of the spittlebug family, it produces protective froth during its nymphal stage. The specific epithet 'binotata' refers to two distinct markings, likely on the dorsal surface.
Clastoptera brunnea
brown spittlebug
Clastoptera brunnea is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, first described by Ball in 1919. The species is distributed across western North America, with records from Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Nevada. As a member of the spittlebug family, it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis and nymphs produce characteristic foam masses ('spittle') for protection. Specific ecological details regarding host plants and habitat preferences for this species remain poorly documented.
Clastoptera delicata
spittlebug
Clastoptera delicata is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, first described by Uhler in 1876. It is found in western North America, with records from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon. Like other spittlebugs, its nymphs produce characteristic frothy masses of spittle on host plants. The species has been documented as prey for the crabronid wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata, which paralyzes and provisions its nests with adult spittlebugs.
Clastoptera doeringae
Mountain-juniper Spittlebug
Clastoptera doeringae, the mountain-juniper spittlebug, is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae. It is found in western North America, with records from Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Nevada. As a member of the spittlebug family, it is known to produce protective frothy masses as nymphs. The species was described by Hamilton in 1978.
Clastoptera juniperina
Juniper Spittlebug
Clastoptera juniperina, known as the juniper spittlebug, is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae. The species is native to North America and was first described by Ball in 1919. As a member of the spittlebug group, the nymphs likely produce characteristic foam masses on host plants. The species name suggests an association with juniper plants.
Clastoptera lineatocollis
Clastoptera lineatocollis is a species of spittlebug (family Clastopteridae) described by Stål in 1854. It occurs in western North America, with records from the southwestern United States through British Columbia. Like other spittlebugs, it produces protective froth during nymphal development. The species is among the prey items recorded for the sand wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata.
Clepsis penetralis
Clepsis penetralis is a small tortricid moth described by Razowski in 1979. It occurs in western and northeastern North America, with records from Utah, Colorado, Vermont, Washington, and southern Canada including Alberta. Adults are active from late June through early September. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae typically roll or tie leaves for shelter.
Clidophleps
American Stridulating Cicadas
Clidophleps is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, established by Van Duzee in 1915. The genus comprises eight described species, all endemic to western North America. Members are commonly known as American Stridulating Cicadas, a name referencing their sound production. The genus is classified within the subfamily Tibicininae and tribe Tibicinini.
Clivina
A ground beetle in the genus Clivina, family Carabidae, from Stanislaus County, California. Members of this genus are small, fossorial carabid beetles adapted to burrowing in soil. The specific identity of this specimen is not determined beyond genus level.
Clypeadon
Clypeadon is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Philanthinae. These wasps are known to hunt harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex species) as prey for their larvae. The genus contains nine described species distributed in North America, primarily in western and southwestern regions of the United States.
Clypeadon sculleni
harvester ant hunter
Clypeadon sculleni is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Aphilanthopini. It is a specialist predator of harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex species), paralyzing workers to provision nests for its larvae. The species has been documented in western North America, particularly in association with flowering saltcedar (Tamarix) where adults seek nectar.