Wetland
Guides
Abedus immaculatus
Abedus immaculatus is a species of giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae. It is the only Abedus species found in the eastern United States, with a range extending throughout Florida north into Georgia and west along the Gulf Coast to Mississippi. Adults measure 13–14 mm in length, making them the smallest species in the genus Abedus and the smallest belostomatid in the United States. The species is the sole member of the subgenus Microabedus. It is locally common in parts of the Everglades, where it occurs in shorter hydroperiod sites.
giant-water-bugaquatic-insectfreshwaterwetlandEvergladesendemiceastern-United-Statessmallest-belostomatid-USAmale-parental-careBelostomatidaeHemipteraMicroabedushydroperiodFloridaGeorgiaMississippiGulf-CoastThomas-Say1832Abedus-cantrallisynonymywater-bugtrue-bugNepomorphaHeteropteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaAcentropinae
China-mark Moths
Acentropinae is a subfamily of aquatic moths within the family Crambidae, comprising approximately 730 species in 78 genera. It represents the largest lineage of moths with at least one life stage adapted to aquatic environments. The subfamily includes two tribes: Argyractini and Acentropini (the latter including the former Nymphulinae). Larvae are aquatic and feed on submerged vegetation, while adults are terrestrial but associated with wetland habitats.
Achorotile stylata
Achorotile stylata is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Beamer in 1954. The genus Achorotile comprises small delphacid planthoppers distributed in the Nearctic region. Members of this genus are associated with wetland and grassland habitats.
Acilius sylvanus
Woodland Predaceous Diving Beetle
Acilius sylvanus is a predaceous diving beetle described by Hilsenhoff in 1975. It belongs to the family Dytiscidae, a group of aquatic beetles adapted for underwater predation. The species is known from forested wetland habitats in North America.
Acronicta insularis
cattail caterpillar, Henry's marsh moth
Acronicta insularis is a noctuid moth native to North America, with larvae known as the cattail caterpillar and adults as Henry's marsh moth. The species was first described in 1868 and was reclassified from Simyra to Acronicta in 2015 based on phylogenetic analysis. It has a transcontinental distribution across the United States and southern Canada, with adults active from spring through late summer and larvae feeding on wetland plants including cattails and various grasses.
Acronicta oblinita
Smeared Dagger, Smeared Dagger Moth, Arioch Dagger, Smartweed Caterpillar (larva)
Acronicta oblinita is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the smeared dagger moth. Adults display cryptic gray forewings with distinctive smeared dark wedge spots and white hindwings. The larva, called the smartweed caterpillar, bears urticating hairs and bright yellow caret-shaped markings. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797.
Actenicerus
Marsh Click Beetles
Actenicerus is a genus of click beetles (Elateridae: Dendrometrinae) comprising approximately 37 species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere, with exceptional diversity in Japan where 26 species are endemic. The genus includes the well-documented Marsh Click-beetle (A. siaelandicus), a Palaearctic wetland specialist. Members exhibit the family's characteristic escape mechanism—producing an audible click to right themselves when overturned.
Aedes cinereus
Minute Floodwater Mosquito
Aedes cinereus, commonly known as the minute floodwater mosquito, is a widespread mosquito species found across northern North America and Europe. It is notable for its aggressive biting behavior toward humans and its role as a vector for arboviruses, particularly Ockelbo virus in northern Europe. The species thrives in wetland habitats with semi-permanent water bodies and demonstrates adaptability by occasionally breeding in artificial containers. Research has also demonstrated its competence for Lammi virus, an insect-specific orthoflavivirus with possible transovarial transmission.
Aeshna interrupta
Variable Darner
Aeshna interrupta, commonly known as the Variable Darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae native to North America. Its range extends from Alaska and the Northwest Territories through Newfoundland, south to New Hampshire and Michigan in the eastern United States, and to the mountains of New Mexico, Arizona, and California in the west. The species is named for the distinctive broken stripes on the sides of the thorax present in many male specimens. It occupies diverse habitats including northern and mountain peatlands, cattail marshes, and other wetland environments.
Aeshna verticalis
Green-striped Darner
Aeshna verticalis, the green-striped darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is distinguished from similar darners by its green lateral thoracic stripes. The species is found in northeastern North America and holds an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population.
Agabetes acuductus
Agabetes acuductus is a small predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It inhabits shaded, vegetated wetlands in North America. The species is associated with wooded pools and cattail ponds, often found in leaf litter. It is one of few species in the genus Agabetes.
Agonum darlingtoni
Darlington's Harp Ground Beetle
Agonum darlingtoni is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Platyninae. It measures 4.9–5.9 mm in length and is black with iridescent, deeply striated elytra. The species occurs in northeastern North America, including the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada. It is associated with wet habitats and likely overwinters as an adult.
Agonum ferruginosum
Agonum ferruginosum is a ground beetle in the subfamily Platyninae, described by Dejean in 1828. It occurs in North America with records from the United States, Canada, and Alaska. In central Alberta marshes, it is one of the most abundant carabid species in emergent vegetation of flooded zones, where it exhibits habitat partitioning with sympatric congeners. The species is nocturnal and shows earlier reproduction and teneral adult emergence compared to some co-occurring Agonum species.
Agonum thoreyi
Agonum thoreyi is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. In central Alberta marshes, it is one of four most abundant carabid species in emergent vegetation of flooded zones. It shows relatively even distribution across macrohabitats compared to congeners, with preference for microsites featuring emergent substrate or dead vegetation piles. Its reproductive timing is later than sympatric Agonum nigriceps and A. ferruginosum. The species is nocturnal.
Agonum trigeminum
triple harp ground beetle
Agonum trigeminum is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, measuring 8.3–10 mm in length. It is deep black in color and occurs in the eastern United States and eastern Canada. The species is associated with margins of eutrophic ponds and pools with dense vegetation. It is one of several Agonum species studied as part of predator communities in turfgrass ecosystems.
Airaphilus
Airaphilus is a genus of beetles in the family Silvanidae, subfamily Silvaninae. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Europe, North Africa, Madagascar, and Japan. At least one species, Airaphilus abei, is flightless (apterous) and has been assessed as potentially endangered due to habitat loss. The genus was first described by Redtenbacher in 1858.
Aleodorus bilobatus
Two-lobed Minute Rove Beetle
Aleodorus bilobatus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) native to eastern North America. Adults measure 2.8–4.1 mm and exhibit variable coloration from light brown to black. The species is associated with wet riparian habitats, particularly vegetation along rivers and ditches. It is classified in the tribe Falagriini within the subfamily Aleocharinae.
Amblyscirtes carolina
Carolina Roadside-Skipper, Carolina roadside skipper
Amblyscirtes carolina is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Carolina roadside skipper. It occurs in the southeastern United States with scattered populations extending northward and westward. Adults are active from spring through late summer with multiple generations per year. The species has a wingspan of 29–37 mm and is associated with moist habitats where its larval host plant grows.
Anasimyia
swamp flies
Anasimyia is a genus of wetland hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by aquatic larval development. The genus was historically treated as a subgenus of Lejops but has been elevated to full generic status based on morphological and molecular evidence. Adults are associated with marshy and aquatic habitats. The genus includes approximately 20 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region.
Anasimyia distincta
short-spurred swamp fly
Anasimyia distincta, known as the short-spurred swamp fly, is a rare syrphid fly species documented in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are commonly observed on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are aquatic and possess the characteristic rat-tailed morphology of eristaline hoverflies.
Anasimyia perfidiosus
Treacherous Swamp Fly
Anasimyia perfidiosus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found in North America. It was originally described in the genus Lejops and is still sometimes referenced by that synonym. The species is known by the common name Treacherous Swamp Fly. It belongs to the subfamily Eristalinae, a group of syrphid flies often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Anatrytone logan
Delaware Skipper
Anatrytone logan, commonly known as the Delaware skipper, is a North American grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It ranges from the southern Canadian Prairies and southern Ontario through the midwestern and eastern United States. The species exhibits sexual monomorphism in coloration, with both sexes displaying yellow-orange wings with black borders and dark brown venation. It is multivoltine in warmer regions and univoltine in northern areas, with larval development dependent on native grasses.
Anax
Emperors, Green Darners
Anax is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae, commonly known as emperors and green darners. The genus includes some of the largest and most powerful dragonflies in the world, with species distributed across multiple continents. Several Anax species are notable long-distance migrants, with Anax junius (the common green darner) being one of the most studied migratory dragonflies in North America. The genus name derives from the ancient Greek word for 'lord' or 'king', reflecting their imposing size and predatory dominance.
Anax junius
Common Green Darner, Green Darner
Anax junius, the common green darner, is among the most abundant and widespread dragonflies in North America, ranging from Canada to Panama and with populations in the Caribbean, Tahiti, and Asia. This large aeshnid is renowned for its extensive seasonal migrations, with individuals traveling up to 2,800 km between northern breeding grounds and southern overwintering areas. The species exhibits complex population dynamics, with both migratory and resident cohorts coexisting at many locations. Adults are powerful aerial predators, while aquatic nymphs are similarly voracious, making this species a significant component of both terrestrial and aquatic food webs.
Anax longipes
Comet Darner
Anax longipes, commonly known as the Comet Darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is a common North American species with a distinctive appearance and migratory behavior. Adults are large, powerful fliers that prey on other insects in flight. The species is part of the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership monitoring program due to its seasonal movements.
Ancyloxypha numitor
Least Skipper
Ancyloxypha numitor, commonly known as the least skipper, is a small North American butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distinguished by rounded wings, a slender body, and checkered antennae lacking hooks. The species exhibits weak, fluttering flight reminiscent of Satyrinae butterflies. It completes multiple broods annually and overwinters as a larva.
Anotylus rugosus
Anotylus rugosus is a spiny-legged rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. It is strongly associated with moist, decomposing organic matter in wetland margins, salt marshes, and coastal habitats. The species has been introduced to parts of Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Adults fly in warm weather, particularly in afternoon and evening hours.
Apamea inebriata
drunk apamea
Apamea inebriata, commonly known as the drunk apamea, is a noctuid moth species described by Ferguson in 1977. It occurs along the Atlantic coast of North America with a disjunct distribution pattern consisting of scattered local populations. The species remains poorly known, with limited documentation of its biology and ecology.
Apamea unanimis
Small Clouded Brindle
Apamea unanimis, commonly known as the small clouded brindle, is a noctuid moth first described by Jacob Hübner in 1813. Native to Europe, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and western Siberia, it has been introduced to North America and is established in parts of Canada and the northern United States. The species is associated with wetland habitats where its larval host plants grow.
Aphthona lacertosa
Brown-legged Leafy Spurge Flea Beetle
Aphthona lacertosa is a root-feeding flea beetle native to Eurasia, introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). It was first released in 1990 and more widely in 1997, specifically targeting wet habitats where herbicide use is restricted. The species has established populations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Adults are black and morphologically indistinguishable from A. czwalinae in field settings; larvae are the primary damaging stage.
Apocellus
Apocellus is a genus of spiny-legged rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, containing approximately 11 described species. These beetles are characterized by their elongated bodies and relatively short elytra typical of rove beetles. The genus was established by Erichson in 1839 and occurs primarily in the Americas, with records from North and South America.
Archips goyerana
baldcypress leafroller, BCLR
Archips goyerana, the baldcypress leafroller, is a tortricid moth native to the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The species has undergone significant range expansion since 1983, spreading from forested wetlands in southern Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi. Larvae are specialized herbivores of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and have been identified as a serious pest of this tree species, particularly in restoration plantings.
Argyrotaenia amatana
pondapple leafroller moth
Argyrotaenia amatana is a small tortricid moth precinctive to Florida and The Bahamas. Adults have a wingspan of 13–16 mm and have been recorded active nearly year-round, with peak activity from October through April. The species is associated with native Florida vegetation in scrub and wetland habitats.
Arundanus
Arundanus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, established by DeLong in 1935. The genus is associated with grassland and wetland habitats, with species often found in association with sedges and rushes. It belongs to the tribe Deltocephalini, one of the largest and most diverse groups of leafhoppers.
Attulus floricola
Flower Jumping Spider
Attulus floricola is a small jumping spider in the family Salticidae with a widespread Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Originally described as Euophrys floricola in 1837, the species has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with North American populations formerly recognized as separate species or subspecies before being synonymized in 2020. The species name refers to its habit of living on flower heads and similar vegetation. It inhabits wetland habitats including bogs, marshes, fens, and meadows.
Bactra furfurana
mottled marble
Bactra furfurana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 13–19 mm, found across the Nearctic and Palearctic realms. Adults fly in June and July in damp marshy habitats. The larvae are stem-borers in rushes, feeding internally on Schoenoplectus lacustris and Juncus conglomeratus. The species closely resembles Bactra lancealana but can be distinguished by subtle wing shape and pattern differences.
Bactra lancealana
Black-blotched Bactra Moth
Bactra lancealana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 11–20 mm, distributed across Europe. Adults are active from May to October. Larvae feed primarily on rushes in the genera Juncus and Scirpus. The species is morphologically similar to Bactra furfurana, requiring careful examination for identification.
Badister
Badister is a genus of small ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 54 species distributed across North Africa, the Near East, and the Holarctic. Members of this genus are characterized by asymmetric mandibles adapted for shell-breaking predation on gastropods. The genus is classified within the tribe Licinini, a group widely associated with snail-eating behavior. Badister species occupy wetland and riparian habitats, with documented activity in wet grasslands, lakeshores, and riverbanks.
Badister ferrugineus
Badister ferrugineus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1831. The species belongs to the genus Badister, a group of small predatory beetles found primarily in wetland and riparian habitats. Records indicate presence in Canada and the United States.
Bagoinae
Bagoinae is a subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) containing the genus Bagous and related genera. Members are primarily associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats, though some occupy terrestrial environments. The group has been variously classified, with some treatments placing it within Molytinae. The subfamily includes approximately 130 species in the Palaearctic region, with the genus Bagous distributed globally except Central and South America.
Bagous bituberosus
Bagous bituberosus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Bagous, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The specific epithet 'bituberosus' refers to a morphological feature of two tubercles or protuberances.
Bellura anoa
Arrowhead Diver Moth
Bellura anoa is a North American moth in the family Noctuidae. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with aquatic habitats during its larval stage. The species is poorly studied compared to its congener Bellura melanopyga, with limited published biological data available.
Bellura brehmei
Narrow-leaved Cattail Diver Moth
Bellura brehmei is a North American moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Narrow-leaved Cattail Diver Moth. It is one of approximately 800 species of Lepidoptera with aquatic or semi-aquatic larvae. Like other members of its genus, the caterpillar likely inhabits wetland environments and feeds on aquatic vegetation, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Bellura obliqua
Cattail Borer Moth, cattail borer
Bellura obliqua, commonly known as the cattail borer moth, is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1865. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The common name suggests larval association with cattails (Typha spp.), though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Belostoma flumineum
giant water bug, toe biter
Belostoma flumineum is a North American giant water bug reaching 2–2.5 cm in length. This aquatic predator inhabits ponds, wetlands, and marshes with muddy bottoms, where it preys on aquatic invertebrates including backswimmers, water boatmen, dragonfly nymphs, and snails. The species exhibits exclusive paternal care: females deposit eggs on the male's back, and males carry and oxygenate the eggs for 7–14 days until hatching. Recent studies document significant shifts in reproductive phenology, with northeastern populations losing their historical fall breeding peak between 2005–2006 and 2012–2015.
Beris fuscipes
Short-horned Black Legionnaire
Beris fuscipes, commonly known as the short-horned black legionnaire, is a European soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. The species is distinguished by its bright shining green thorax and scutellum, black abdomen, and extensively dark dull orange or dusky legs. It inhabits damp woodlands, marshes, and fens, with adults active from May through September.
Bibarrambla allenella
Bog Bibarrambla Moth
Bibarrambla allenella is a small moth species and the sole member of its genus. It occurs in wetland habitats across northern and eastern North America. The species was first described by Walsingham in 1882 from specimens collected in the region.
Blattellinae
wood cockroaches
Blattellinae is a subfamily of Ectobiidae containing approximately 70 genera. It includes the globally distributed German cockroach (Blattella germanica), a major household pest, as well as several endangered species such as those in Hololeptoblatta and Miriamrothschildia. The subfamily exhibits diverse ecological adaptations, with members occupying habitats ranging from wetlands and grasslands to caves and human dwellings.
Bledius semiferrugineus
Bledius semiferrugineus is a rove beetle in the tribe Blediini, characterized by its semiferrugineous (half rusty-brown) coloration. The species occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States, with records extending to Cuba. Like other members of Bledius, it is associated with moist habitats, particularly shorelines and wetland margins. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863.
Boloria
Lesser Fritillaries
Boloria is a genus of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the lesser fritillaries. The genus includes approximately 50 species distributed across the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in boreal and montane habitats. The related genus Clossiana is now generally treated as part of Boloria, though it may warrant subgeneric recognition. Species in this genus are typically associated with wetlands, peat bogs, damp meadows, and forest clearings, and many have highly specific larval host plant requirements.