Woodland
Guides
Acholla
Autumn Assassins
Acholla is a genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) in the tribe Harpactorini. Adults are most conspicuous in autumn, though they can be found from July onward in some regions. The genus contains three recognized species: A. multispinosa (widespread in eastern and central North America), A. ampliata (western North America), and A. tabida (California and Mexico). These predatory true bugs are primarily arboreal and associated with woodlands and orchards.
Acleris inana
Acleris inana is a tortricid moth native to North America. The species is characterized by a wingspan of approximately 19 mm and exhibits a bimodal adult flight period with records from February and August through September. Larvae are known to feed on woody plants in the genera Alnus, Betula, and Corylus.
Acronicta lepusculina
Cottonwood Dagger Moth, Cottonwood Dagger
Acronicta lepusculina, commonly known as the cottonwood dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to July. The species is notable for its larval association with woody plants in the genera Salix, Populus, and Betula.
Adela
fairy longhorn moths
Adela is a genus of fairy longhorn moths in the family Adelidae, characterized by exceptionally long antennae—especially in males, which can possess antennae up to three times the length of their forewings. These small, delicate moths exhibit metallic coloration and are diurnal, often observed nectaring on flowers. The genus belongs to the subfamily Adelinae and is widespread across the Holarctic region.
Adela caeruleella
Southern Longhorn Moth
Adela caeruleella is a small diurnal moth in the family Adelidae, known as fairy longhorn moths. Adults are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, especially in males which can reach three times the forewing length. The species occurs across the eastern and southern United States, where adults have been observed nectaring on flowers in woodland habitats during spring.
Agonum placidum
Agonum placidum is a black ground beetle in the Platyninae subfamily. It inhabits woodlands, thickets, and open fields across southern Canada and the northeastern United States. The species has been documented in turfgrass environments where it functions as a generalist predator.
Agulla
Common Snakeflies
Agulla is a genus of modern snakeflies (Raphidiidae) characterized by an elongated prothorax that creates a distinct "neck" appearance. These predatory insects inhabit wooded areas and are associated with tree bark. The genus belongs to an order considered living fossils, with modern species closely resembling Jurassic-era relatives from 140 million years ago.
Agulla unicolor
Agulla unicolor is a species of snakefly (order Raphidioptera) in the family Raphidiidae, described by Carpenter in 1936. The species epithet "unicolor" refers to its uniform coloration. Snakeflies are predatory insects characterized by their elongated prothorax that gives them a distinctive 'necked' appearance. As a member of the genus Agulla, this species occurs in North America where it inhabits wooded environments. The larvae and adults are both predatory, feeding on small arthropods.
Anacampsis agrimoniella
Agrimony Anacampsis Moth
Anacampsis agrimoniella is a gelechiid moth described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The species is associated with woodlands and wood edges across eastern North America. Its larval development is tied to Agrimonia host plants. The common name references both the genus Anacampsis and the agrimony host genus.
Ancistrocerus albophaleratus
White-banded Potter Wasp
Ancistrocerus albophaleratus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as the White-banded Potter Wasp. Like other Ancistrocerus species, it is a cavity-nesting wasp that constructs nests using mud in pre-existing hollows. The species is part of a genus characterized by distinctive morphological traits including a transverse carina on the first abdominal segment. It is native to North America with confirmed records in the northeastern United States.
Anisopodidae
Wood Gnats, Window-Gnats
Anisopodidae is a small, cosmopolitan family of gnat-like flies comprising 154 described extant species across 15 genera, with additional fossil taxa known from the Jurassic through Cenozoic. Commonly called wood gnats or window-gnats, most species are small to medium-sized (4–12 mm), though genera Olbiogaster and Lobogaster are notably larger (17–18 mm) with distinctive spatulated abdomens. The family's phylogenetic placement remains controversial, with proposals ranging from sister group to Brachycera to recognition as multiple distinct families. Some authors recognize four separate families: Anisopodidae, Mycetobiidae, Olbiogastridae, and Valeseguyidae.
Apantesis nais
Nais tiger moth
Apantesis nais, commonly known as the Nais tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this medium-sized moth is distinguished by its striking black-and-cream forewing pattern and variable reddish or yellow hindwings with bold black spotting. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with males displaying more extensive pale markings than females. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America.
Apantesis phyllira
Phyllira Tiger Moth
Apantesis phyllira, commonly known as the Phyllira Tiger Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Dru Drury in 1773, this moth was formerly classified under the genus Grammia but was transferred to Apantesis along with related species. It occurs across a broad range of North America from eastern Canada to the southern United States and west to the Great Plains. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut, reflecting conservation concerns in parts of its range.
Apomyelois bistriatella
Heath Knot-horn
A small pyralid moth (wingspan 15–25 mm) with a circumpolar distribution across North America and northern Eurasia. Adults are active from May to September, with peak flight in June–July. Larvae are specialized fungivores that develop within Daldinia and Hypoxylon fungi growing on burnt or dead woody plants, particularly gorse and birch. Colonies are ephemeral and shift location based on the availability of suitable host fungi.
Argyrostrotis sylvarum
Woodland Chocolate Moth, Brown Wavy Line Argyrostrotis
A small nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It occurs in woodland habitats of the southeastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. It is known by two common names reflecting its coloration and habitat association.
Asterocampa celtis
Hackberry Emperor
Asterocampa celtis, the Hackberry Emperor, is a North American brush-footed butterfly (Nymphalidae) whose life cycle is entirely dependent on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). Adults are known for their rapid, erratic flight and frequent habit of landing on humans to feed on sweat. The species ranges across much of the eastern and central United States, with larvae feeding exclusively on hackberry foliage.
Asterocampa celtis celtis
Eastern Hackberry Butterfly
Asterocampa celtis celtis is the nominate subspecies of the Hackberry Butterfly, a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is strongly associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.) throughout its life cycle, with larvae feeding exclusively on these host plants. The subspecies ranges across eastern North America, where it is a common and widespread resident of woodland edges and riparian corridors.
Athous excavatus
Athous excavatus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae. It is a European species associated with woodland and forest habitats. Adults are active during spring and summer months. The species is part of the diverse Athous genus, which contains numerous similar-looking species that require careful examination for identification.
Baniana minor
Baniana minor is a small moth species in the family Erebidae, described by Lafontaine and Walsh in 2010. The species is known from open woodland and grassland scrub habitats in southeastern Arizona, with additional records from Guanacaste Province in Costa Rica. Adults are active during mid-summer in Arizona and have been recorded across multiple months in Costa Rica.
Blera armillata
Orange-faced Wood Fly
Blera armillata is an uncommon syrphid hoverfly first described by Osten Sacken in 1875. Adults are known as flower flies and visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished from congeners by its entirely black abdomen, pale scutum, and black gena with a yellow face. The rat-tailed larvae develop in exuding sap or rot holes of trees.
Blera confusa
Confusing Wood Fly
Blera confusa, commonly known as the Confusing Wood Fly, is a syrphid fly species first described by Johnson in 1913. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in exuding sap or rot holes of trees. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America.
Blera pictipes
Painted Wood Fly
Blera pictipes is a rare syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) distributed across the eastern and central United States. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies with distinctive yellow and black abdominal markings and yellow-banded legs. The species exhibits rat-tailed larval morphology typical of related genera, with larvae developing in rot holes and on exuding sap of trees. First described by Bigot in 1884, it remains infrequently encountered despite its relatively broad geographic range.
Blera robusta
Greenish Wood Fly
A rare Nearctic syrphid fly first described by Curran in 1922. Adults are known as flower flies, feeding on nectar and pollen. Larvae are rat-tailed type, developing in exuding sap or rot holes of trees. The species is considered uncommon throughout its range.
Blera scitula
Western Wood Fly
Blera scitula, commonly known as the western wood fly, is a syrphid hoverfly species first described by Williston in 1882. It is an uncommon Nearctic species found along the western coastal area of North America. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen, while larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing in tree rot holes or feeding on exuding sap.
Bombus rufocinctus
red-belted bumblebee
Bombus rufocinctus, commonly known as the red-belted bumblebee, is a North American bumble bee species characterized by striking color polymorphism in abdominal patterning. Queens measure 16-18 mm, workers 11-12 mm, and males 12-13 mm. The species inhabits wooded areas, urban parks, and gardens across Canada and the western, midwestern, and northeastern United States. Males exhibit perching behavior and possess cephalic labial glands that secrete complex chemical mixtures likely involved in mating signaling. Nests are typically constructed on or above ground level.
Brachypalpus undescribed-b
Brachypalpus undescribed-b is an undescribed species within the hoverfly genus Brachypalpus (family Syrphidae). The genus Brachypalpus comprises medium-sized, often hairy hoverflies with larvae that develop in decaying wood and sap flows. This particular taxon is recognized from specimens that have been collected but not yet formally described in the scientific literature, indicating it represents a distinct morphological entity awaiting taxonomic treatment. As with other members of the genus, it is presumed to be associated with woodland habitats and saproxylic (dead wood-dependent) ecological systems.
Brumus quadripustulatus
Cream-spot ladybird, Cream-spot lady beetle
Brumus quadripustulatus is a small ladybird beetle native to Europe and northern Asia, now established in North America. It is recognized by its distinctive cream-colored spots on a dark, nearly black background. The species inhabits various wooded and shrubby environments and has been observed preying on aphids and scale insects.
Cabera exanthemata
Common Wave, Northern Wave Moth
Cabera exanthemata, known as the Common Wave or Northern Wave Moth, is a geometrid moth species distributed across the Palearctic region and Near East, with established populations in North America. The species is well-documented with over 5,900 observations on iNaturalist. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae within the diverse Geometridae family.
Callophrys gryneus loki
Juniper Hairstreak, Olive Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus loki is a subspecies of juniper hairstreak butterfly historically recognized from parts of the central and southern United States. The name is currently treated as a synonym in GBIF, with specimens reclassified under the nominate form Callophrys gryneus. These butterflies are associated with juniper and cedar host plants. Adults have been observed nectaring on milkweeds and other flowering plants in prairie and open woodland habitats. The taxon represents part of a complex of similar hairstreaks whose taxonomy remains under revision.
Callopistromyia strigula
Callopistromyia strigula is a small picture-winged fly (family Ulidiidae) found in Canada and the northeastern United States. Adults measure approximately 3.5-5.5 mm and display patterned wings characteristic of the family. Males perform distinctive courtship displays, raising their wings perpendicular to the body while moving sideways on fence rails or logs. The species is closely related to C. annulipes, the "Peacock Fly," and shares its behavioral repertoire.
Calvia quatuordecimguttata
cream-spot ladybird, cream-spotted ladybird, polkadot ladybird, eighteen spot ladybird
A small Holarctic ladybird measuring 4–5.5 mm, highly variable in coloration across its range. In Europe it appears maroon-brown with fourteen cream spots; in North America and eastern Asia, color forms range from black with white spots to yellow or pink with eighteen large blotches. It inhabits deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and ruderal areas, overwintering in bark crevices and leaf litter.
Capperia
Capperia is a genus of plume moths in the family Pterophoridae, established by Tutt in 1905. Species are small with wingspans ranging from approximately 12.5 to 20.5 mm. The genus is distributed across Europe, extending into parts of Asia including Kazakhstan and Turkey. Members exhibit bivoltine flight periods with adults active in late spring and mid-summer.
Carabus sylvosus
woodland ground beetle, sylvan worm and slug hunter, silvan worm and slug hunter
Carabus sylvosus, commonly known as the woodland ground beetle or sylvan worm and slug hunter, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to North America, where it inhabits wooded environments including deciduous mixed forests, coniferous forests, and orchards. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, preying on Lepidoptera pupae and scarabaeids. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States.
Carterocephalus
skipperlings, chequered skippers, Arctic skippers
Carterocephalus is a Holarctic genus of small skipper butterflies (skipperlings) in the family Hesperiidae. The genus contains approximately 20 described species, with the majority endemic to China. The most widely distributed species, C. palaemon (chequered skipper), has been the focus of conservation efforts in Europe following its extinction in England in 1976 and subsequent reintroduction from Belgium in 2018.
Castianeira descripta
Red-spotted Ant-mimic Sac Spider, Redspotted Antmimic
Castianeira descripta is a small ant-mimicking spider in the family Corinnidae. It exhibits Batesian mimicry of ants, particularly carpenter ants, through body shape, coloration, and behavioral adaptations. The species is distributed across the United States and Canada.
Catocala
underwing moths, underwings
Catocala is a large Holarctic genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing over 250 species. Adults are medium to large with cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. The genus is renowned among collectors for its diversity of hindwing patterns in orange, red, white, blue, or black. The common name "underwings" derives from the habit of hiding the colorful hindwings beneath the dull forewings. The genus name combines Greek words meaning "beautiful below" or "beautiful hindwings."
Catocala andromedae
Gloomy Underwing, Andromeda Underwing
Catocala andromedae, known as the Gloomy Underwing or Andromeda Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings—a defensive trait shared with other underwing moths. Larvae feed on a documented range of woody plants including oaks, hickories, blueberries, and Andromeda.
Cheilosiina
Cheilosiina is a subtribe of hoverflies within the family Syrphidae. Members are small to medium-sized flies with distinctive facial and thoracic morphology. The group is taxonomically defined by specific cranial and mouthpart structures rather than conspicuous external features. Many species are associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Chrysopilus griffithi
Griffith's snipe fly
Chrysopilus griffithi is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Johnson in 1897. It is a member of the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by delicate metallic scales that give adults a sparkly, golden appearance. The specific epithet honors an individual named Griffith. Like other rhagionids, this species likely has larvae that develop in damp soil or decaying organic matter, though detailed life history information remains poorly documented.
Chrysopilus ornatus
Ornate Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus ornatus is a small, metallic snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, distinguished by its ornate gold-colored scales that cover the body. Adults are found primarily in moist woodlands and forest edges of the northeastern United States and adjacent southern Canada, with activity peaking in June. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males have eyes in contact at the top of the head and more slender abdomens, while females have separated eyes and more robust, pointed abdomens. Surprisingly little is known about its life history; larvae are suspected to occur in damp soil rich in decaying organic matter or in rotting wood, and may be predatory on other invertebrates.
Chrysopilus thoracicus
Golden-backed Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus thoracicus, commonly known as the golden-backed snipe fly, is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. It is typically found in woodland habitats of eastern North America. The species is distinguished by its golden or yellowish coloration on the thorax, which gives rise to its common name. Adults are most commonly observed during late spring and early summer months.
Chrysopilus tomentosus
Chrysopilus tomentosus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. The genus name derives from Greek 'chryso' (gold) and Latin 'pilus' (hair), referring to the metallic golden scales that cover the body. Like other members of Chrysopilus, this species likely inhabits moist woodland environments. Adults are active during late spring and summer months. Very little is known about its specific biology or life history.
Chytolita morbidalis
Morbid Owlet, Morbid Owlet Moth
Chytolita morbidalis is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Morbid Owlet. It is widely distributed across North America, ranging from coast to coast in the northern United States and Canada, extending south to North Carolina, Texas, and Florida. The species inhabits deciduous woodlands and forest edges. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Coenomyia
stink fly
Coenomyia is a genus of flies in the family Xylophagidae, commonly known as "stink flies." The genus contains at least four described species, including the widespread Coenomyia ferruginea. These flies are characterized by their large size, brown coloration, and slow, clumsy movements. The family name Xylophagidae derives from Greek roots meaning "wood-eating," reflecting the larval habitat in dead and decaying wood where they prey on wood-boring beetle larvae.
Craspedosoma rawlinsii
A small European millipede in the family Craspedosomatidae, notable as the first chordeumatidan species introduced to North America. Adults reach 15–16 mm in length with 30 body segments and distinctive reddish-brown coloration with dark dorsal markings. The species exhibits extreme morphological variability, leading to the description of numerous subspecies and varieties across its range.
Criorhina
Bumble Flies
Criorhina is a genus of medium to large hoverflies (Syrphidae) that exhibit Batesian mimicry of bumblebees. The genus is characterized by a flattened, broad head and distinctive antennal placement on a prominent conical frontal process. Larvae develop in rot holes and decaying hardwoods. Several species show pronounced geographical variation in abdominal colour patterns, with morphological differences correlated with the distribution of their hymenopteran models.
Cybaeus reticulatus
Common West Coast Woodland Spider
Cybaeus reticulatus is a species of true spider in the family Cybaeidae. It was first described by French arachnologist Eugène Simon in 1886. The species is found in the United States and Canada, with observations concentrated on the West Coast. It belongs to the marronoid clade, a group of spiders united by molecular phylogenetics rather than obvious morphological synapomorphies.
Cybaeus signifer
Night-hunting Woodland Spider
Cybaeus signifer is a species of true spider in the family Cybaeidae, described by Eugène Simon in 1886. It is distributed across the United States and Canada. The species belongs to the marronoid group of spiders, a diverse clade that has been subject to recent phylogenetic revision using genetic data from museum specimens.
Cyclotrachelus approximatus
Cyclotrachelus approximatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by LeConte in 1846. It belongs to the subfamily Pterostiginae, a group of woodland ground beetles. The species is distributed in North America, with records from the United States.
Cyclotrachelus blatchleyi
Cyclotrachelus blatchleyi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, occurring in woodland habitats of North America. The genus Cyclotrachelus comprises woodland ground beetles characterized by their terrestrial habits and predatory ecology. This species was described by Casey in 1918.