Wetland
Guides
Boloria bellona
Meadow Fritillary
Boloria bellona, commonly known as the meadow fritillary, is a North American butterfly in the brushfoot family Nymphalidae. It is distinguished from other fritillaries by its lack of silver spots on the wing underside and its squared-off forewing apex. The species inhabits wet, open grasslands and has been observed using violets (Viola spp.) as host plants for its larvae. It produces one or two broods annually and overwinters in the larval stage.
Brachycara slossonae
Brachycara slossonae is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Nemotelinae. Originally described as Euryneurasoma slossonae by Johnson in 1913, it was later transferred to the genus Brachycara. The species is broadly distributed across Brazil, with records from nearly all states and the Federal District. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized flies associated with wetland and riparian habitats.
Bucrates malivolans
Cattail Conehead
Bucrates malivolans, commonly known as the Cattail Conehead, is a katydid species in the family Tettigoniidae. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. The species is associated with wetland habitats, particularly those supporting cattail vegetation. It belongs to the conehead tribe Copiphorini, characterized by elongated cone-shaped heads.
Calamotropha paludella
Bulrush Veneer
Calamotropha paludella is a crambid moth with broad distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and a recent accidental introduction to the eastern United States. It is commonly known as the Bulrush Veneer due to its larval association with Typha plants. The species is notable for its wetland habitat specialization and transcontinental range.
Calephelis muticum
Swamp Metalmark
Calephelis muticum, known as the swamp metalmark, is a small riodinid butterfly with a restricted distribution across wetlands of the upper Midwest, Ohio Valley, Ozark Mountains, and parts of Arizona. The species is globally vulnerable (G3) and endangered in Illinois, with small, isolated colonies scattered across ten states. It is distinguished from the northern metalmark (Calephelis borealis) by habitat preference, wing morphology, and host plant associations. Conservation concerns center on habitat loss from wetland conversion, invasive species, pesticides, and fire suppression.
Callibaetis
Speckled Duns
Callibaetis is a genus of small minnow mayflies in the family Baetidae, comprising at least 30 described species distributed across North and South America. The genus has been taxonomically problematic, with recent phylogenetic work confirming its monophyly and establishing four subgenera. Species occupy diverse lentic habitats including ponds, lakes, and wetlands, with some populations adapted to variable salinity conditions.
Calycomyza eupatoriphaga
Calycomyza eupatoriphaga is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2018 from specimens reared from host plants in the genus Eupatorium. The species name reflects its specialized association with boneset and related plants (Asteraceae). As with other Calycomyza species, the larvae produce distinctive serpentine or blotch mines in leaves. The species is known from eastern North America.
Capis curvata
Curved Halter Moth, Bog Capis Moth
Capis curvata is a small moth species in the family Erebidae (formerly Noctuidae), described by Grote in 1882. It occurs in wetland habitats across northern North America, with records from Canadian provinces including Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the northeastern United States. The species has been documented in 689 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-recorded though not extensively studied.
Carectocultus
Carectocultus is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Schoenobiinae. The genus was established by A. Blanchard in 1975 and contains three recognized species. Members of this genus are associated with wetland habitats and are distributed across parts of North America. The genus includes the species Carectocultus perstrialis, which was described as early as 1831.
Celithemis
pennants, small pennants
Celithemis is a monophyletic genus of eight dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as pennants or small pennants. Species are primarily distributed in eastern North America. Males of multiple species perch conspicuously on vegetation to defend territories and exhibit resource partitioning through differential perch height selection.
Cerodontha angulata
Cerodontha angulata is a species of leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Cerodontha is part of a diverse group of small flies whose larvae develop within the tissues of grasses, sedges, and rushes, creating distinctive feeding tunnels between leaf layers. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range including North America, South America, and Europe.
Cerodontha dorsalis
grass sheathminer, grass sheathminer fly
Cerodontha dorsalis is a leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as the grass sheathminer. Larvae bore between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes, creating internal mines. The species exhibits two color forms: a pale eastern form and a dark western form, with intermediate forms where distributions overlap. It has a broad geographic range spanning the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Neotropical regions.
Cerodontha scirpi
Cerodontha scirpi is a leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species name 'scirpi' refers to its association with sedges (genus Scirpus). Larvae mine between the layers of grass blades and leaves of sedges and rushes. It is recorded from North America and Europe.
Chaetocnema quadricollis
hibiscus flea beetle
Chaetocnema quadricollis is a minute flea beetle in the subfamily Galerucinae, tribe Alticini. Originally described from Florida in 1878, it occurs across North America and has been documented from numerous localities in Missouri. The species is strongly associated with Hibiscus species, particularly Hibiscus lasiocarpus (rose mallow), on which adults feed gregariously on foliage. It was previously recorded under the synonym C. decipiens in Missouri state records.
Chlosyne harrisii
Harris's checkerspot
Chlosyne harrisii, or Harris's checkerspot, is a North American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is a Batesian mimic of the unpalatable Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton), sharing similar orange and black checkered wing patterns. The species has a single flight period in early summer and is closely associated with wet meadow habitats where its host plant, flat-topped white aster (Aster umbellatus), grows. It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
Choristoneura parallela
parallel-banded leafroller moth
Choristoneura parallela, commonly known as the parallel-banded leafroller moth, is a tortricid moth distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from March through October, with a wingspan of 21–23 mm. The larvae feed on a diverse range of host plants including goldenrod, blueberry, rose, citrus, and various other woody and herbaceous species.
Cocytius antaeus
giant sphinx
Cocytius antaeus is a large sphinx moth with a wingspan of 126–178 mm, found from Brazil through Central America to the southern United States. The species is notable for its exceptionally long proboscis, which was once thought to be the only insect proboscis long enough to pollinate the ghost orchid in North America. It is very rare in the United States, with records limited to southern California, Texas, and Florida.
Coenonympha
heaths, ringlets
Coenonympha is a genus of brush-footed butterflies in the subfamily Satyrinae, containing species distributed across temperate regions of the Holarctic. Palearctic species are commonly called heaths, while Nearctic species are called ringlets. The genus exhibits complex evolutionary patterns involving hybrid speciation, with some species complexes showing homoploid hybrid speciation and extensive gene flow. Many species are habitat specialists associated with peatlands, salt marshes, or alpine meadows, and several are of conservation concern due to habitat degradation.
Coenonympha tullia
large heath, common ringlet
Coenonympha tullia is a Holarctic butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, found across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. The species inhabits diverse grassy environments including peat bogs, wet meadows, prairies, and arctic tundra. It serves as a flagship species for peatland restoration efforts, with documented reintroduction programs in the UK. The species exhibits poor flight capability and has been observed seeking new grounds along ditches. Multiple subspecies have been described across its broad range, with some forms formerly considered subspecies now elevated to species rank.
Coenonympha tullia columbiana
Coenonympha tullia columbiana is a subspecies of the large heath butterfly, a member of the Nymphalidae family. This subspecies is part of a complex of heathland and bog-dwelling butterflies distributed across North America and Europe. The species group is associated with peatland and wetland habitats, where larvae feed on specific grass species. Conservation concerns exist for related taxa due to habitat degradation from peatland drainage and wildfire.
Coenonympha tullia subfusca
Coenonympha tullia subfusca is a subspecies of the large heath butterfly, a member of the family Nymphalidae. It is associated with peatland and bog habitats, where it occurs alongside other bog-specialist species. The subspecies is part of a complex that shows variation across its range in Europe and North America. Like other Coenonympha species, it is dependent on specific habitat conditions that have become increasingly threatened by drainage, peat extraction, and climate change-induced wildfires.
Coenophila
rosy marsh moth (for C. subrosea)
Coenophila is a genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) established by Stephens in 1850. The genus contains at least two recognized species, including the rosy marsh moth (C. subrosea), which is found in northern Europe and has been introduced to North America. Records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the northeastern United States.
Coleophora latronella
Coleophora latronella is a case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae, described by McDunnough in 1940. The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from Nova Scotia. Its larvae are seed-feeders on Juncus (rush) species and construct distinctive trivalved, tubular silken cases.
Coleophora ledi
Coleophora ledi is a small case-bearing moth (family Coleophoridae) with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. It has a trans-Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia from Fennoscandia to Japan, and in North America in eastern Canada, Michigan, and Alaska. The species is notable for its larval specialization on Ericaceae shrubs, particularly Ledum and Chamaedaphne species.
Coleophora quadrilineella
Coleophora quadrilineella is a case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae, first described by Chambers in 1878. The species is known from the United States, with records from Kentucky and Manitoba, Canada. Larvae are seed-feeders on Juncus (rush) species, constructing distinctive tubular silken seed cases.
Colobochyla interpuncta
Yellow-lined Owlet, Swamp Belle
Colobochyla interpuncta, known as the yellow-lined owlet or swamp belle, is a small erebid moth found in North American wetlands. Adults have a wingspan of 20–24 mm and are active from April through September, with multiple generations per year in southern portions of its range. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. Larvae are known to feed on willow (Salix).
Conocephalus hygrophilus
Conocephalus hygrophilus is a species of meadow katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Rehn & Hebard in 1915. As a member of the genus Conocephalus, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized katydids commonly known as lesser meadow katydids or coneheads. The species epithet "hygrophilus" suggests an affinity for moist or wet habitats. Like other Conocephalus species, it is expected to possess the characteristic long, thread-like antennae that distinguish katydids from true grasshoppers, along with enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping.
Contacyphon
marsh beetles
Contacyphon is a genus of marsh beetles in the family Scirtidae, comprising over 100 described species. The genus was established to accommodate species formerly placed under the invalid name Cyphon. These beetles are associated with moist habitats and are frequently encountered at artificial lights.
Contacyphon americanus
Contacyphon americanus is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae. The species is known from North America, where it occurs in marsh and wetland habitats typical of the genus. Like other scirtid beetles, it is associated with moist environments and has aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages.
Contacyphon padi
Contacyphon padi is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae. It has been recorded across Europe and Northern Asia, excluding China, with additional observations in North America including Canada and the United States. The species is part of a genus of small beetles associated with moist habitats.
Contacyphon punctatus
Contacyphon punctatus is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae. Members of this family are small beetles commonly found in moist habitats near water. The genus Contacyphon is characterized by small body size and association with aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. The specific epithet "punctatus" suggests the presence of punctate (dotted) surface sculpturing on the body.
Coranarta luteola
Small Dark Yellow Underwing
Coranarta luteola is a small noctuid moth native to boreal North America. First described in 1865, it occurs from Alaska and Labrador south through the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, and eastward to Maine. The species has a forewing length of 11–12 mm. Its larvae feed on laurels (Kalmia species), while adults visit flowers, particularly Andromeda polifolia. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut.
Coryphaeschna viriditas
Mangrove Darner
Coryphaeschna viriditas, commonly known as the mangrove darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It inhabits coastal and wetland environments across the Americas, with a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified.
Cosmopterix fernaldella
Fernald's Cosmopterix Moth
Cosmopterix fernaldella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Walsingham in 1882. Adults have distinctive golden brown forewings with complex white line patterns and metallic greenish-gold spots. The species is known from the northeastern and north-central United States and parts of Canada. Larvae are leaf miners on Carex species.
Cosmopterix nitens
Cosmopterix nitens is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, with adults measuring 3.8-4.5 mm in forewing length. The species is native to the southeastern and south-central United States, ranging from coastal South Carolina to southwestern Texas, with an established population in Michigan. Larvae are leaf miners on Phragmites australis (common reed), creating distinctive gallery mines 3-7 cm long. Adults are multivoltine in the southern part of their range but likely univoltine in Michigan, flying from March through October.
Cosmopterix scirpicola
Cosmopterix scirpicola is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Hodges in 1962. It is known from scattered localities across the United States, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is associated with Scirpus host plants, on which larvae mine stems.
Culex erraticus
Erratic Mosquito
Culex erraticus is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, subgenus Melanoconion. It is a documented vector of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus, with females exhibiting aggressive biting behavior toward birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. The species shows distinctive seasonal host-shifting behavior, feeding primarily on ectothermic hosts during warmer months and shifting to endothermic hosts during cooler periods. It has been observed overwintering as adults in gopher tortoise burrows in Florida and in swamp habitats elsewhere.
Darapsa versicolor
Hydrangea Sphinx
Darapsa versicolor is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 58–80 mm with green-brown forewings marked by curved white patches. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats. Larvae feed on specific host plants including wild hydrangea, buttonbush, and water-willow.
Delphacodes anufrievi
Delphacodes anufrievi is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Wilson in 1992. It belongs to a genus containing numerous species associated with grasses and sedges. The species is known from western Canada, with records from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. Like other delphacids, it likely inhabits wetland and grassland ecosystems where its host plants occur.
Delphacodes quadridentis
Delphacodes quadridentis is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Beamer in 1948. It belongs to a genus of small, often economically significant planthoppers that feed on grasses and sedges. The specific epithet "quadridentis" refers to a distinctive four-toothed structure, likely on the male genitalia or other diagnostic feature. Species in this genus are known vectors of plant pathogens and are studied for their agricultural impact.
Delphacodes turgida
Delphacodes turgida is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1948. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States, specifically Florida and Georgia. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts and is associated with grassland and wetland habitats typical of delphacid planthoppers. The taxonomic status of this species has been subject to some confusion, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym while GBIF treats it as accepted.
Depressaria daucella
Dingy Flat-body
Depressaria daucella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, commonly known as the Dingy Flat-body. Adults have a wingspan of 21–24 mm and exhibit a distinctive light brown, whitish-sprinkled forewing pattern with dark fuscous dashes. The species is notable for its bivoltine adult activity period, with adults flying from September through winter and again in spring to April. Larvae are leaf miners specializing on umbelliferous plants, particularly Oenanthe species.
Dioryctria pygmaeella
baldcypress coneworm moth, cypress coneworm moth
Dioryctria pygmaeella is a snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1887. The species is restricted to the coastal plains of the eastern United States and eastern Texas. Larvae feed within the cones of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and pondcypress (Taxodium ascendens). The species completes up to three generations annually.
Dolerus nortoni
Dolerus nortoni is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. Sawflies are non-stinging relatives of wasps, bees, and ants, distinguished by a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen (lacking the narrow 'wasp waist' of Apocrita). The genus Dolerus comprises numerous species, many of which are associated with grasses and sedges. Adults are typically active in spring and early summer.
Dolerus versus
Dolerus versus is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus Dolerus comprises medium to large sawflies commonly associated with grasses and sedges. Like other members of the subfamily Dolerinae, adults are typically active in spring and early summer. The larvae feed on monocotyledonous plants and can be distinguished from lepidopteran caterpillars by having six or more pairs of prolegs rather than five or fewer.
Dolichoderus pustulatus
Bog Odorous Ant
Dolichoderus pustulatus is a North American ant species in the subfamily Dolichoderinae. Workers exhibit geographic color variation, with southern populations showing orangish-brown heads, antennae, metasoma, and legs with a darker gaster, while northern populations tend toward uniform reddish-brown or dark brown. The species constructs distinctive nests with carton material or under leaf litter in wetland and grassland habitats.
Donacaula n-sp-one
Donacaula n-sp-one is a moth species in the family Crambidae, subfamily Schoenobiinae. The genus Donacaula comprises wetland-associated moths, commonly known as the Vagabond Crambus group. This species has not been formally described in the scientific literature and is designated here as an informal placeholder name. Members of this genus are typically associated with marsh and wetland habitats.
Donacaula undescribed-one
Donacaula undescribed-one is an undescribed species within the genus Donacaula, a group of grass moths in the family Crambidae. Members of this genus are typically associated with wetland and marsh habitats. As an undescribed species, formal documentation and characterization remain pending.
Donacia fulgens
Glittering reed beetle
Donacia fulgens, commonly known as the glittering reed beetle, is a species of leaf beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae. Members of this genus are aquatic or semi-aquatic beetles closely associated with emergent vegetation in freshwater habitats. The species was described by LeConte in 1851 and is known to occur in North America, with records from Canada including Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Donacia piscatrix
Donacia cf. piscatrix is a reed beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae, recorded from Northern Ireland during 2023 coastal habitat surveys. The genus Donacia comprises aquatic leaf beetles associated with emergent vegetation in freshwater and brackish habitats. The specific epithet 'piscatrix' refers to the species' association with water, from Latin 'piscator' meaning fisher. The 'cf.' designation indicates probable but unconfirmed identification, reflecting the taxonomic challenges within this genus.