Flying Insects

Wings can be a hidden or an utterly obvious quality of some insects, allowing them to fly for short durations or over very long distances.

There are a total of 442 Flying Insects in the Insect Identification database. Entries are listed below in alphabetical order (A-to-Z).

User Tip

Click on the red "X" icons in the panels below to remove bugs that do not match your specimen. Note that each panel is numbered for your reference.

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Thumbnail picture of the Achemon Sphinx Moth

Achemon Sphinx Moth
The large Achemon Sphinx Moth comes out at night, but if you're up, look for its bright flashes of pink when it stretches its hindwings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Acorn Weevil

Acorn Weevil
The nut-loving Acorn Weevil efficiently uses acorns that it collects: as larvae, acorns are food, and as adults, acorns are a secret nursery.

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Thumbnail picture of the Agapostemon Sweat Bee

Agapostemon Sweat Bee
Agapostemon Sweat Bees seem drawn to perspiration, flying around and landing on sweaty arms and legs of unsuspecting people.

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Thumbnail picture of the Ailanthus Webworm Moth

Ailanthus Webworm Moth
The skinny, orange Ailanthus Webworm Moth looks more like a flower beetle thanks to its colorful pattern, tightly closed wings, and appreciation for the flowers of its namesake.

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Thumbnail picture of the Ambush Bug

Ambush Bug
Ambush Bugs truly live up to their name, waiting patiently for unsuspecting insects to get just close enough to become lunch.

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Thumbnail picture of the American Bumble Bee

American Bumble Bee
The iconic yellow and black American Bumble Bee is a classic summertime friend doing tremendous amounts of good for plants and virtually no harm to people.

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Thumbnail picture of the American Carrion Beetle

American Carrion Beetle
The American Carrion Beetle helps to complete the circle of life, though their diet is usually something living things avoid.

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Thumbnail picture of the American Cockroach

American Cockroach
The ubiquitous American Cockroach isn't actually a native species, but it has done quite well in its new homeland thanks to its adaptability.

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Thumbnail picture of the American Copper

American Copper
Though found on other continents, the American Copper is one of North America's most popular and wide-ranging butterflies.

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Thumbnail picture of the American Dagger Moth

American Dagger Moth
The large adult American Dagger Moth may seem harmless, but its bristly, stinging caterpillar has a reputation for teaching small children not to touch everything they see.

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Thumbnail picture of the American Lady Butterfly

American Lady Butterfly
The American Lady's enormous geographic range covers all three countries on her continent - just not all at the same time of year.

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Thumbnail picture of the American Pelecinid Wasp

American Pelecinid Wasp
The Pelecinid Wasp make look like a small alien and evoke anxiety on sight, but it is actually a useful parasite that naturally controls beetle numbers.

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Thumbnail picture of the American Salmonfly

American Salmonfly
The large and unassuming American Salmonfly is a water-loving, ecologically sensitive insect that occasionally plays opossum.

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Thumbnail picture of the Antlion

Antlion
Elegant adult Antlions may be delightful to watch, but their quirky little larvae offer far more interesting behaviors to observe.

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Thumbnail picture of the Antlion

Antlion
This large and distinctively patterned Antlion is commonly spotted in Florida where it is found inside tree holes as well as gopher tortoise burrows.

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Thumbnail picture of the Antlion

Antlion
Large adult Antlions look frightening, but it is their charming offspring that earned them their ferocious name.

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Thumbnail picture of the Aphids

Aphids
Aphids may seem too small to bother with, but many of these small insects can together become a mighty destructive plant foe.

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Thumbnail picture of the Aphrodite Fritillary Butterfly

Aphrodite Fritillary Butterfly
A garden filled with violets, milkweed and thistles will tempt an Aphrodite Fritillary in any stage of life while keeping future generations interested for years to come.

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Thumbnail picture of the Arched Hooktip Moth

Arched Hooktip Moth
The splendid, curvy ends of the Arched Hooktip's forewings are made more dramatic by the dark gradient that bleeds into them.

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Thumbnail picture of the Ashy Gray Lady Beetle

Ashy Gray Lady Beetle
Placed next to each other, the varieties of Ashy Gray Lady Beetles would have one believe they are looking at different species.

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Thumbnail picture of the Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle

Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle
The Asian Mulitcolored Lady Beetle is exceptionally good at spreading out, maiming blossoms, and permanently taking over native territories.

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Thumbnail picture of the Augochlora Sweat Bee

Augochlora Sweat Bee
The small and charming Augochlora Sweat Bee looks like a little winged jewel with its brilliant metallic gleam that has a few color forms.

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Thumbnail picture of the Bald-Faced Hornet

Bald-Faced Hornet
The Bald-Faced Hornet is helpful to humans dealing with other flying pests, but the warning to keep your distance is black and white.

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Thumbnail picture of the Banded Alder Borer Beetle

Banded Alder Borer Beetle
The larvae of the black-and-white Banded Alder Borer Beetles enjoys digging into the heartwood of more than just alder trees.

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Thumbnail picture of the Banded Horntail

Banded Horntail
A Banded Horntail seems like its a mean wasp with a long, nasty stinger, but its looks don't do its passive nature justice.

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Thumbnail picture of the Banded Longhorn Beetle

Banded Longhorn Beetle
The red and yellow Banded Longhorn Beetle likes visiting flowers, but it really digs trees.

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Thumbnail picture of the Banded Net-Winged Beetle

Banded Net-Winged Beetle
The intricately textured wings of the orange and black Banded Net-winged Beetle are said to resemble the flaxen nets used by fishermen.

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Thumbnail picture of the Banded Tiger Moth

Banded Tiger Moth
The flash of bright color on the hindwings of the Banded Tiger Moth adds more intrigue to this uniquely patterned moth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Banded Tussock Moth

Banded Tussock Moth
The furry tufts, or tussocks, of the subdued Banded Tussock Moth add a delightful spark of color to its otherwise brown body.

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Thumbnail picture of the Banded Woollybear Caterpillar Moth

Banded Woollybear Caterpillar Moth
The incredibly bristly Banded Woollybear Caterpillar is a bit slow on the move, allowing observers plenty of time to look, but be sure not touch.

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Thumbnail picture of the Beautiful Wood-Nymph Moth

Beautiful Wood-Nymph Moth
The unique coloration of the Beautiful Wood Nymph Moth has the appearance of something most humans find more annoying than beautiful.

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Thumbnail picture of the Beech Blight Aphid

Beech Blight Aphid
The tiny Beech Blight Aphid resembles a tuft of cotton, and in great numbers, can leave a plant high and dry.

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Thumbnail picture of the Bee-Like Tachinid Fly

Bee-Like Tachinid Fly
The Bee-Like Tachinid Fly looks like an unsightly, hairy mess, but this fly is very useful in controlling nuisance insects.

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Thumbnail picture of the Bicolored Agapostemon Sweat Bee

Bicolored Agapostemon Sweat Bee
The Bicolored Agapostemon Sweat Bee has a two-in-one appearance: the shimmering front half looks nothing like its more recognizable backside.

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Thumbnail picture of the Big Dipper Firefly

Big Dipper Firefly
The gentle, harmless Big Dipper Firefly brings delight to gazers of the night sky - and a genuine smile to the child in all of us.

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Thumbnail picture of the Big Poplar Sphinx Moth

Big Poplar Sphinx Moth
The large and quick Big Poplar Sphinx Moth is at home in the wild and domesticated West.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber

Black and Yellow Mud Dauber
Bright legs and a dark body signal danger, but the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber is a less aggressive wasp species.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black Blister Beetle

Black Blister Beetle
Blister Beetles can look ordinary and unassuming, but under duress, they can leave quite a mark on insects and humans alike.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black Carpenter Ant

Black Carpenter Ant
The large and bulky Black Carpenter Ant is an unwelcome house guest for good reason.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black Firefly

Black Firefly
The Black Firefly has light organs, but prefers using aerial pheromones instead of bioluminescence to communicate presence and position.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black Saddlebags Skimmer

Black Saddlebags Skimmer
The Black Saddlebags dragonfly only looks like it is carrying a big load, but this advanced flier definitely travels light.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black Swallowtail

Black Swallowtail
Adult and larval Black Swallowtails may be so abundant because they have great defensive strategies: excellent mimicry and an acrid discharge.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black Witch Moth

Black Witch Moth
The Black Witch is a huge moth that prefers a tropical habitat, but can be found in the some of the strangest locations through no fault of its own.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black-and-White Click Beetle

Black-and-White Click Beetle
Native to the arid regions of the U.S. Southwest and Mexico, the Black-and-White Click Beetle is found where pockets of moisture spring up.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black-Bordered Lemon Moth

Black-Bordered Lemon Moth
Lemony yellow wings with crisp black accents decorate the small Black-Bordered Lemon Moth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Black-Tailed Bee Fly

Black-Tailed Bee Fly
The Black-Tailed Bee Fly is disguised as a fuzzy stinging bee, giving it time for tranquil visits to flowers and drink the nectar.

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Thumbnail picture of the Blinded Sphinx Moth

Blinded Sphinx Moth
The Blinded Sphinx Moth has vision, but its well-camouflaged caterpillar and pupa make it difficult for observers to see them.

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Thumbnail picture of the Blue Dasher

Blue Dasher
The fast and bright Blue Dasher is one of the most commonly sighted and enjoyed dragonflies in all of North America.

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Thumbnail picture of the Blue Morpho

Blue Morpho
Observers of the huge Blue Morpho are in for a surprise once it spreads its wings and flashes a stunning sapphire color.

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Thumbnail picture of the Blue-Eyed Darner

Blue-Eyed Darner
The striking Blue-Eyed Darner is one of the earliest Darners to make an appearance in Spring west of the Rockies.

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Thumbnail picture of the Blue-fronted Dancer

Blue-fronted Dancer
The slender Blue-fronted Dancer is a Damselfly that flits, flutters, and bounces as it flies making it a natural choreographer.

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Thumbnail picture of the Blue-Winged Wasp

Blue-Winged Wasp
The non-native, multicolored Blue-Winged Wasp is a great help to gardeners battling a different imported pest.

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Thumbnail picture of the Bordered Plant Bug

Bordered Plant Bug
The bright color on the Bordered Plant Bug makes it a real stand out on the green, leafy plants it likes to feed on.

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Thumbnail picture of the Boxwood Leaftier Moth

Boxwood Leaftier Moth
Boxwood Leaftier Moths have unusually tufted legs and a curious posture, leaving observers to wonder what they are actually looking at.

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Thumbnail picture of the Braconid Wasp

Braconid Wasp
Tiny female Braconid Wasps have mastered the art of child rearing thanks to long ovipositors .

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Thumbnail picture of the Broad-Headed Sharpshooter

Broad-Headed Sharpshooter
The vibrant Broad-Headed Sharpshooter is a type of Leafhopper that can always hits its target.

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Thumbnail picture of the Broad-Necked Root Borer

Broad-Necked Root Borer
The giant size of female Broad-Necked Root Borer Beetles and the fierce jaws of the smaller male give this species an unfortunately menacing appearance to humans.

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Thumbnail picture of the Broken-Backed Bug

Broken-Backed Bug
The natural bend in the wings of the Broken-Backed Seed Bug evoke sympathy for this healthy and hungry insect.

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Thumbnail picture of the Brown Mantidfly

Brown Mantidfly
It looks like it's part wasp and part brown mantis, but the Brown Mantidfly is its own kind of special insect.

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Thumbnail picture of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
When the unwelcome Brown Marmorated Stink Bug infiltrates human-occupied spaces, its size is quickly overshadowed by the smelly impression it leaves behind.

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Thumbnail picture of the Brown-Shaded Gray

Brown-Shaded Gray
The native Brown-Shaded Gray sports a variety of colors that bounce and wave their ways across the wings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Buffalo Treehopper

Buffalo Treehopper
The popular Buffalo Treehopper is a tiny, green plant jumper with the horns and tail of a bison.

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Thumbnail picture of the Burrowing Mayfly

Burrowing Mayfly
The short-lived adult Burrowing Mayfly can be a useful bioindicator for the cleanliness and health of the Great Lakes and connected waterways.

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Thumbnail picture of the Burying Beetle

Burying Beetle
Burying Beetles are efficient consumers of small, dead vertebrates making them a critical part of the food web.

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Thumbnail picture of the Bush Cicada

Bush Cicada
The flashy coloring and huge size of Bush Cicadas are overshadowed only by the deafening chorus they create every summer.

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Thumbnail picture of the Calligrapha Beetle

Calligrapha Beetle
The intricate black markings on the elytra of Calligrapha Beetles resemble the delicate script usually reserved for fine stationery.

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Thumbnail picture of the Camel Cricket

Camel Cricket
The Camel Cricket has a hump on its back and can be found in arid regions, but that's where its similarities with camels end.

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Thumbnail picture of the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
A classic northern native, the big and bold Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is found coast to coast in the northern part of the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Carolina Locust

Carolina Locust
The Carolina Locust is a large herbivore that can decimate swaths of commercial crops, leaving economic ruin in its wake.

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Thumbnail picture of the Carolina Pine Sawyer

Carolina Pine Sawyer
Carolina Pine Sawyer Beetles are found in evergreen forests, unaware they are carrying a tiny tree killer inside them.

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Thumbnail picture of the Carolina Tiger Beetle

Carolina Tiger Beetle
Large jaws, metallic coloring and stark white legs make the Carolina Tiger Beetle a real standout and a popular addition to collector showcases.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cassius Blue

Cassius Blue
When resting on a plant, the small Cassius Blue uses its dark black-and-blue eyespots to confuse predatory birds.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cecropia Silk Moth

Cecropia Silk Moth
In addition to its remarkable size, North America's largest native moth, boasts brilliant colors, distinctive patterns, and curvy shapes.

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Thumbnail picture of the Changeable Grass-Veneer

Changeable Grass-Veneer
A long, furry snout and a flexible stretch while resting are hallmarks of the Changeable Grass-Veneer Moth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Chickweed Geometer

Chickweed Geometer
Bright yellow with lines of pink, the low-flying Chickweed Geometer is a cheerful summer moth that shows its colors all day long.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cicada Killer

Cicada Killer
The large Cicada Killer is a wasp that very rarely attacks humans, however, dispatching Cicadas may be its favorite pastime.

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Thumbnail picture of the Click Beetle

Click Beetle
Click Beetles come in a variety of colors and patterns, but they are all slow walkers and quick to click and flip.

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Thumbnail picture of the Clouded Skipper

Clouded Skipper
A common sight in the southern region of the continent, the unassuming Clouded Skipper is a small butterfly that is often overlooked.

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Thumbnail picture of the Clouded Sulphur

Clouded Sulphur
The pale yellow Clouded Sulphur Butterfly is a common summertime guest in backyards and parks, happily flitting about the flowers.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly

Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly
Cloudless Sulphurs migrate north in warmer months, stretching their typical range across the U.S. so everyone can see them in the summer.

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Thumbnail picture of the Clymene Haploa Moth

Clymene Haploa Moth
It may be fitting that the Clymene Haploa Moth looks like a Star Trek badge because it boldly goes everywhere, all day and night.

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Thumbnail picture of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
The invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle has moved to Hawaii and its fondness for coconut palms could threaten an island staple.

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Thumbnail picture of the Coffinfly

Coffinfly
The sensitive Coffinfly's presence indicates the health of the nearby water source so if you see them, the water must be clean.

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Thumbnail picture of the Columbine Duskywing

Columbine Duskywing
The delicate, colorful columbine flower is a favorite food and hangout for northern Columbine Duskywing adults and caterpillars.

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Thumbnail picture of the Common Coneheads

Common Coneheads
The unusual head shape of Common Coneheads tips off their membership to a special group of Katydids.

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Thumbnail picture of the Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Common Eastern Bumble Bee
The ubiquitous Common Eastern Bumble Bee is a busy, buzzing pollinator that helps gardens bloom and crops flourish.

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Thumbnail picture of the Common Gray Moth

Common Gray Moth
The gray color and mottled pattern on the wings of the Common Gray can offer this moth a degree of camouflage on light tree trunks, but its caterpillar is a master of disguise.

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Thumbnail picture of the Common Green Darner

Common Green Darner
The large Common Green Darner is as fast as it is long and these water-loving insects are iconic summertime spectacles.

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Thumbnail picture of the Common Greenbottle Fly

Common Greenbottle Fly
The metallic green Common Greenbottle Fly can bring help, health, or harm depending on who you are talking to.

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Thumbnail picture of the Common Sanddragon

Common Sanddragon
The Common Sanddragon is an in-flight hunter, zipping back-and-forth from rest to ambush in mere seconds.

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Thumbnail picture of the Common Thread Waisted Wasp

Common Thread Waisted Wasp
The Thread-Waisted Wasp is an active hunter, searching for and paralyzing caterpillars and other insects in order to feed its offspring.

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Thumbnail picture of the Common Whitetail Skimmer

Common Whitetail Skimmer
The Common Whitetail Skimmer is a popular sight in summer, sporting a chalky white tail and an affinity for aerial acrobatics.

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Thumbnail picture of the Convergent Lady Beetle

Convergent Lady Beetle
The native Convergent Lady Beetle is beloved for its diet of pesky insects, benefiting plants and the people that eat them.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cottonwood Borer Beetle

Cottonwood Borer Beetle
The threat to Cottonwood, Poplar, and Willow tree populations by the Cottonwood Borer is black-and-white.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cottonwood Leaf Beetle

Cottonwood Leaf Beetle
True to its name, the Cottonwood Leaf Beetle is found in groves and forests filled with cottonwood trees so its caterpillar can feast.

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Thumbnail picture of the Crambid Snout Moth

Crambid Snout Moth
Crambid Snout Moths vary in appearance, but Herpetogramma sphingealis goes a step further with a different look for each gender.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cranefly

Cranefly
The Cranefly is not a mosquito, but it unfortunately resembles one of humanity's most annoying insects and pays the price.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cross-Striped Cabbageworm Moth

Cross-Striped Cabbageworm Moth
A plain-looking adult Cross-Striped Cabbageworm Moth can beget an army of leaf-chewing caterpillars that quickly consume garden produce.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cuban Cockroach

Cuban Cockroach
The pale green Cuban Cockroach expanded its range from small islands to the Southeast, where it enjoys warm weather even in winter.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cuckoo Bee

Cuckoo Bee
The Cuckoo Bee, like its avian counterpart the Cuckoo Bird, wins the award for laziest, yet perhaps most clever parenting strategy.

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Thumbnail picture of the Cuckoo Wasp

Cuckoo Wasp
The bright, metallic shades of Cuckoo Wasps make these little jewels easy to spot despite their small stature.

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Thumbnail picture of the Curve-Toothed Geometer Moth

Curve-Toothed Geometer Moth
The wing tips of the Curve-Toothed Geometer Moth are unlike those of almost every other moth, pointing the way to its identity.

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Thumbnail picture of the Deer Fly

Deer Fly
Female Deer Flies are a biting nuisance to both people and livestock as well as any other warm-blooded animal it comes across.

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Thumbnail picture of the Delicate Cycnia

Delicate Cycnia
The Delicate Cycnia is also known as the Dogbane Tiger Moth, an ethereal gold and white moth with the uncommon ability to audibly communicate.

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Thumbnail picture of the Diana Fritillary

Diana Fritillary
The large and round Diana Fritillary is a butterfly that makes a different impression depending on its gender.

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Thumbnail picture of the Dirt-Colored Seed Bug

Dirt-Colored Seed Bug
The ubiquitous Dirt-Colored Seed Bug camouflages itself well among its food source, escaping the attention and interest of most people.

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Thumbnail picture of the Dobsonfly

Dobsonfly
The large jaws and long mandibles on a male Dobsonfly may cry 'caution', but it's the fierce bite from a female that should have you on guard.

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Thumbnail picture of the Dog Day Cicada

Dog Day Cicada
The Dog-Day Cicada cover neighborhoods in massive numbers desperate to reproduce before its short adult life ends.

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Thumbnail picture of the Dogbane Leaf Beetle

Dogbane Leaf Beetle
The glimmering Dogbane Leaf Beetle may be a dog's best friend or a plant's nemesis, but it is always lovely to look at.

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Thumbnail picture of the Earth-Boring Scarab Beetle

Earth-Boring Scarab Beetle
Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles are important environmental cleaners and take nutrients through a critical part of the cycle.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eastern Amberwing

Eastern Amberwing
The orange Eastern Amberwing is a fiery dragonfly that adds a flash of raging color as it flies just above the water.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eastern Carpenter Bee

Eastern Carpenter Bee
The female Eastern Carpenter Bee bores holes into wood homes, fences and patios to place her eggs while her mate plays the part of bodyguard.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eastern Pondhawk

Eastern Pondhawk
The Eastern Pondhawk is a adept predator of other flying insects, making full use of its territory.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth

Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
The popular and furry Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth picks the perfect tree to start a family where the offspring make a mess of things.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
The popular Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large butterfly that bears a proud honor in a variety of American states.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eastern Yellowjacket

Eastern Yellowjacket
Eastern Yellowjackets are members of an aggressive hornet family with painful stings and are best given wide berth if spotted.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eastern-Eyed Click Beetle

Eastern-Eyed Click Beetle
The harmless Eastern-Eyed Click Beetle's large eyespots simultaneously distract and mesmerize.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eastern-tailed Blue Butterfly

Eastern-tailed Blue Butterfly
The charming Eastern-Tailed Blue Butterfly is a small, delicate visitor to flowers of all kinds.

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Thumbnail picture of the Ebony Jewelwing

Ebony Jewelwing
The gleaming, slender bodies and jet-black wings of the Ebony Jewelwing are traits to look out for when trekking near water.

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Thumbnail picture of the Edwards Glassy Wing Moth

Edwards Glassy Wing Moth
The shimmering, iridescent wings of the Edward's Glassy Wing Moth lend it an understated beauty.

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Thumbnail picture of the Eight-Spotted Forester Moth

Eight-Spotted Forester Moth
Saturated colors and bold patterns are a typical in butterflies, but the Eight-Spotted Forester Moth proves that moths can have a similar impact.

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Thumbnail picture of the Elderberry Borer Beetle

Elderberry Borer Beetle
The yellow and blue colors on the Elderberry Borer Beetle are striking and unusual, just like the fruit of their host plant.

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Thumbnail picture of the Elm Seed Bug

Elm Seed Bug
The name and large swarming tendencies of Elm Seed Bugs suggest it is dangerous, but the harmless insect is really just a seasonal nuisance.

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Thumbnail picture of the Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer
The small Emerald Ash Borer Beetle has a justifiably bad reputation for destruction, radically deforesting neighborhoods in just a few years.

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Thumbnail picture of the European Hornet

European Hornet
More North Americans will eventually see the European Hornet firsthand as it expands its range westward across the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Evergreen Bagworm Moth

Evergreen Bagworm Moth
The Evergreen Bagworm Moth is visually interesting, but its littered larval form really gets people's attention.

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Thumbnail picture of the Faint-Spotted Angle Moth

Faint-Spotted Angle Moth
The pretty, unassuming Faint-Spotted Angle Moth can be seen around Locust trees all across the eastern parts of the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Fall Webworm

Fall Webworm
The native Fall Webworm produces an active caterpillar that has expanded its geographical range across both oceans into two continents.

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Thumbnail picture of the False Bombardier Beetle

False Bombardier Beetle
Though it looks like its explosive cousin, the False Bombardier Beetle lacks the same firepower that can kill its enemies.

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Thumbnail picture of the False Chinch Bug

False Chinch Bug
Pervasive pests like the False Cinch Bug roam from crop to crop, damaging new leaf growth wherever they land.

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Thumbnail picture of the Familiar Bluet

Familiar Bluet
The Familiar Bluet is a common damselfly with flexibility when choosing a habitat: where there is water, there they will be.

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Thumbnail picture of the Fiery Searcher Caterpillar Hunter

Fiery Searcher Caterpillar Hunter
The metallic green, gold and copper colors of the Fiery Searcher add beauty to function thanks to this Caterpillar Hunter's healthy appetite.

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Thumbnail picture of the Fiery Skipper

Fiery Skipper
The Fiery Skipper is a bright butterfly with big eyes and a flight posture that looks more like soaring than fluttering.

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Thumbnail picture of the Fire-Colored Beetle

Fire-Colored Beetle
Slow, yet elusive, Fire-Colored Beetles are content outside on flowers and plants where alarming colors may ward off predators.

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Thumbnail picture of the Five-Banded Thynnid Wasp

Five-Banded Thynnid Wasp
The parasitic Five-Banded Thynnid Wasp is good news for flowers, but bad news for beetles.

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Thumbnail picture of the Five-Spotted Hawk Moth

Five-Spotted Hawk Moth
The Five-Spotted Hawk Moth is a large, strong flier that has a reputation for laying waste to fields and gardens trying to grow popular vegetables.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flatid Planthopper

Flatid Planthopper
Some are as white as a snowflake, but all Flatid Planthoppers are challenging to catch as they flit about the foliage.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flesh Fly

Flesh Fly
Some Flesh Flies are found on dead and rotting animal tissue, making them useful forensics tools when determining time of death for human victims.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Fly

Flower Fly
Flower Flies are excellent bee mimics, able to hover over flowers and people, but despite the warning colors, they are completely harmless.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Fly

Flower Fly
The harmless Flower Fly mimics a more unsavory wasp, making life a bit easier by taking advantage of an aggressive reputation.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Fly

Flower Fly
This hearty, harmless, and adaptable species of Flower Fly can be found all across North America and even into Central America.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Fly

Flower Fly
Flower Flies in the Toxomerus genus look like tiny wasps, but these flies are interested in plant pests, not people.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Fly

Flower Fly
The harmless, tiny, hovering Flower Fly is a clever mimic of bees and wasps that gets noticed when it comes around.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Longhorn Beetle

Flower Longhorn Beetle
This slender Flower Longhorn Beetle may look starved, but the larvae's ubiquitous food supply makes it difficult to be undernourished.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Longhorn Beetle

Flower Longhorn Beetle
Flower Longhorn Beetles from the genus Strangalia have tapered bodies and are frequently found walking among the petals of flowers.

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Longhorn Beetle

Flower Longhorn Beetle
Patient and persistent attempts to lure this species in front of a camera are usually rewarded .

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Thumbnail picture of the Flower Longhorn Beetle

Flower Longhorn Beetle
Bright yellow and bold black bands suggest warning, but this Flower Longhorn Beetle genus is harmless, even helpful, to people.

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Thumbnail picture of the Forage Looper Moth

Forage Looper Moth
The understated, brown Forage Looper Moth can be found all across the continent, and unlike most moths, is active day and night.

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Thumbnail picture of the Forbes' Silk Moth

Forbes' Silk Moth
The nocturnal Forbes' Silk Moth is a sight to behold thanks to its late-night activity, large wingspan, handsome pattern, and small range.

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Thumbnail picture of the Fork-Tailed Bush Katydid

Fork-Tailed Bush Katydid
The Fork-Tailed Bush Katydid is common throughout the continent, with calls worth listening for.

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Thumbnail picture of the Four-Toothed Mason Wasp

Four-Toothed Mason Wasp
Sometimes mistaken for the Bald-Faced Hornet, the Four-Toothed Mason Wasp is not nearly as social.

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Thumbnail picture of the German Cockroach

German Cockroach
The German Cockroach is a well-established import known for its efficiency in infesting human spaces.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Darner

Giant Darner
The longest and largest dragonfly in the U.S., the beneficial and beautiful Giant Darner is hard to miss.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Ichnemon Wasp

Giant Ichnemon Wasp
Females with long syringe-like ovipositors may strike fear in humans, but these 'tails' are designed to bring forth life, not ruin someone's day.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Ichneumon Wasp

Giant Ichneumon Wasp
The long, syringe-like ovipositor on female Ichneumon Wasps looks like a mean stinger, but it's really all about the babies.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Ichneumon Wasp

Giant Ichneumon Wasp
Long, lean bodies of Giant Ichneumon Wasps bespeak speed, but it's the thin, bendable, needle-like ovipositor of females that make most people worry.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Leopard Moth

Giant Leopard Moth
The black and white wings of the Giant Leopard Moth hide a body that also sports a punch of bright red.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Mayfly

Giant Mayfly
Swarms of Giant Mayflies occur in the summer and are a sign of the season in the eastern part of the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Mesquite Bug

Giant Mesquite Bug
Giant Mesquite Bugs are at home in the Southwest, where their favorite plant grows in the Sonoran desert chapparal.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Stonefly

Giant Stonefly
The Giant Stonefly is a sensitive and useful insect for anglers and biologists alike.

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Thumbnail picture of the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly

Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
The huge Giant Swallowtail is a large North American butterfly that never fails to make an impression.

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Thumbnail picture of the Globemallow Leaf Beetle

Globemallow Leaf Beetle
The Globemallow Leaf Beetle changes colors from bold to bright as it matures all while retaining its metallic luster.

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Thumbnail picture of the Gold-and-Brown Rove Beetle

Gold-and-Brown Rove Beetle
Gold-and-Brown Rove Beetles may spend all their time in places of rot and decay, but they must go where there food grows.

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Thumbnail picture of the Gold-Backed Snipe Fly

Gold-Backed Snipe Fly
A bright gold spot on the thorax of the Gold-Backed Snipe Fly draws immediate attention to this big fly.

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Thumbnail picture of the Golden Northern Bumble Bee

Golden Northern Bumble Bee
The industrious Golden Northern Bumble Bee is a fuzzy, buzzing, picture-perfect, honey-making machine.

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Thumbnail picture of the Golden Tortoise Beetle

Golden Tortoise Beetle
The lustrous Golden Tortoise Beetle gnaws on some garden favorites, but its unusual color often affords it a home in the backyard.

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Thumbnail picture of the Goldenrod Stowaway

Goldenrod Stowaway
Goldenrod Stowaways use their sunny coloring to remain well-hidden as they rest on the various yellow parts of assorted flowers.

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Thumbnail picture of the Grape Leaffolder

Grape Leaffolder
Active during the day, the Grape Leaffolder can have an impact on grapevines in one summer and fruit production in the next.

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Thumbnail picture of the Grapevine Epimenis Moth

Grapevine Epimenis Moth
Often mistaken for a butterfly, Grapevine Epimenis Moths are springtime flyers with bold colors and a fondness for flowers.

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Thumbnail picture of the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly

Gray Hairstreak Butterfly
The small Gray Hairstreak Butterfly can be found all over the continent, flitting and flying in dizzying patterns.

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Thumbnail picture of the Great Black Wasp

Great Black Wasp
The iridescent Great Black Wasp pollinates flowers while feeding itself, and removes plant pests while feeding its young making it a great friend to gardens and fields.

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Thumbnail picture of the Great Golden Digger Wasp

Great Golden Digger Wasp
The Great Golden Digger Wasp is a benign, gentle wasp currently being studied by scientists for its behavioral responses.

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Thumbnail picture of the Great Spangled Fritillary

Great Spangled Fritillary
The Great Spangled Fritillary has a different hue in different parts of the continent, adding a bit more difficulty in identify it.

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Thumbnail picture of the Great Tiger Moth

Great Tiger Moth
The Great Tiger Moth is large, boldly patterned and more closely resembles a giraffe than its namesake.

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Thumbnail picture of the Greater Arid-Land Katydid

Greater Arid-Land Katydid
The pink eyes and spiky legs of the enormous Greater Arid-land Katydid make it difficult to miss.

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Thumbnail picture of the Green Lacewing

Green Lacewing
The minty, dainty Green Lacewing is a wonderful friend to the gardener. They are visually appealing and voracious predators of pests.

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Thumbnail picture of the Green Mantisfly

Green Mantisfly
In a natural mash-up, Green Mantisflies have the head and front arms of a Praying Mantis, but the abdomen and wings more like that of a Lacewing.

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Thumbnail picture of the Green Stink Bug

Green Stink Bug
The Green Stink Bug stinks literally and figuratively: it smells bad and is destroys a wide variety of food crops and plants.

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Thumbnail picture of the Gypsy Moth

Gypsy Moth
The unwelcome, exotic Gypsy Moth travels across a large range, and every few years, becomes a notorious pest in hardwood forests.

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Thumbnail picture of the Hackberry Emperor

Hackberry Emperor
The warm weather of the southern U.S. and Mexico allows the Hackberry Emperor butterfly to produce up to three generations in just one year.

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Thumbnail picture of the Hag Moth

Hag Moth
The distinctive Hag Moth has an even more unusual caterpillar that rendered the need for its own name: Monkey Slug.

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Thumbnail picture of the Halloween Pennant

Halloween Pennant
The bright and flashy Halloween Pennant is a dragonfly that floats like a butterfly.

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Thumbnail picture of the Hardwood Stump Borer Beetle

Hardwood Stump Borer Beetle
The durable Hardwood Stump Borer Beetle male has quite a set of jaws on it, but its the larvae that do the most damage to trees.

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Thumbnail picture of the Harlequin Bug

Harlequin Bug
The many colors and varied patterns on the Harlequin Bug are attractive to observers, but their appetites are really destructive.

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Thumbnail picture of the Harnessed Tiger Moth

Harnessed Tiger Moth
The Harnessed Tiger Moth could be mistaken for a butterfly with its stripes, contrasting colors and splashes of orange underneath.

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Thumbnail picture of the Hazelnut Lace Bug

Hazelnut Lace Bug
The small, dainty Hazelnut Lace Bug comes from a family known to be garden and agricultural pests.

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Thumbnail picture of the Hermit Flower Beetle

Hermit Flower Beetle
Harmless yet stinky, the Hermit Flower Beetle is quiet, minds its own business and doesn't hurt anything, like some people in a way.

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Thumbnail picture of the Himmelman's Plume Moth

Himmelman's Plume Moth
The T-shaped Himmelman's Plume Moth is a small wonder. Spiky legs and a T-shaped stance are hallmarks of this unusual moth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Hoary Edge Skipper

Hoary Edge Skipper
The big, dark Hoary Edge Skipper is alone in having a smidgen of light color on its wings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Holly Borer Moth

Holly Borer Moth
The Holly Borer Moth strikes a keen resemblance to a wasp, but the hairy moth is more dangerous to plants than people.

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Thumbnail picture of the Horace's Duskywing

Horace's Duskywing
The brown color, similar spots and regional variations in shade make Horace's Duskywing easy to mistake for other Duskywings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Horntail Wasp

Horntail Wasp
Horntail Wasps look like they can deliver a wicked sting, but that stout syringe is actually for laying eggs.

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Thumbnail picture of the Horse Lubber Grasshopper

Horse Lubber Grasshopper
The huge Horse Lubber Grasshopper flashes bright pink wings when under threat.

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Thumbnail picture of the Horse-Bean Longhorn Beetle

Horse-Bean Longhorn Beetle
The large Horse-Bean Longhorn Beetle loves southern latitudes, from the east to the west coast.

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Thumbnail picture of the Hover Fly

Hover Fly
A great bee mimic and pollinator, a Hover Fly does not have a stinger and is only a threat to pesky aphids that attack plants.

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Thumbnail picture of the Hummingbird Moth

Hummingbird Moth
The delightful Hummingbird Moth is often first thought to be a bird, making potential predators as well as humans take a second look.

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Thumbnail picture of the Imperial Moth

Imperial Moth
Imperial Moths are bright and beautiful members of a family known for its giants.

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Thumbnail picture of the Io Moth

Io Moth
The large and conspicuous Io Moth comes in two shades, one for each gender, and has a visually striking caterpillar that can leave a painful impression.

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Thumbnail picture of the Iron Clad Beetle

Iron Clad Beetle
The extremely durable Ironclad Beetle prefers the dry heat of the Sonoran desert.

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Thumbnail picture of the Iron Cross Blister Beetle

Iron Cross Blister Beetle
Native to the Sonoran desert, the Iron Cross Blister Beetle is dangerous to touch and poisonous to eat, making it hazardous to people, pets and livestock.

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Thumbnail picture of the Ironweed Borer

Ironweed Borer
The larvae of the Ironweed Borer feed on and dig into the stems of ironweed, a native flowering shrub, making them just as rare to see as adults.

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Thumbnail picture of the Ivory Marked Beetle

Ivory Marked Beetle
The Ivory Marked Beetle is a late bloomer. Its larvae bore deep into trees, possibly emerging years later from furniture.

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Thumbnail picture of the Japanese Beetle

Japanese Beetle
The invasive Japanese Beetle wreaks havoc on roses, hibiscus and other showy flowers and is incredibly difficult to get rid of.

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Thumbnail picture of the Julia Longwing Butterfly

Julia Longwing Butterfly
Alligator tears are a welcome sight to the Julia Longwing Butterfly, a Brazilian transplant that thrives in the heat.

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Thumbnail picture of the Juvenal's Duskywing

Juvenal's Duskywing
One of many Duskywings, the Juvenal's Duskywing is a larger yet more varied species that is commonly found in eastern and southwestern states.

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Thumbnail picture of the Lace-Bug

Lace-Bug
Piercing mouthparts allow Lace Bugs to drain needed fluids from leaves, damaging the appearance of plants but little else.

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Thumbnail picture of the Large Flathead Pine Heartwood Borer Beetle

Large Flathead Pine Heartwood Borer Beetle
A flash of metallic colors on the abdomen of the Large Flathead Pine Heartwood Borer can be seen when they take flight.

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Thumbnail picture of the Large Lace-Border Moth

Large Lace-Border Moth
The soft colors of the Large Lace-Border Moth are detailed with a delicate lace-patterned border on the wings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Large Maple Spanworm Moth

Large Maple Spanworm Moth
Thanks to grand variation between individual Large Maple Spanworm Moths, it is possible to think several species are present in the same area.

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Thumbnail picture of the Large Tolype Moth

Large Tolype Moth
The fluffy brown and white Large Tolype Moth is so furry, its hard to not want to pet one.

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Thumbnail picture of the Larger Elm Leaf Beetle

Larger Elm Leaf Beetle
Some are orange, some are yellow, some have spots, some do not, and sometimes Larger Elm Leaf Beetles are considered a small pest.

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Thumbnail picture of the Leaf Miner Fly

Leaf Miner Fly
Leaf Miner Fly larvae burrow into and between layers of plant tissue, blemishing foliage and compromising plant health.

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Thumbnail picture of the Leaf-Footed Bug

Leaf-Footed Bug
The stout and sturdy Leaf-Footed Bug will fight with males of its own species, but takes flight at the first sign of danger.

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Thumbnail picture of the Leaf-Footed Bug

Leaf-Footed Bug
Flattened 'thighs' that shaped like leaves, often with ridges of spiky teeth, are hallmarks of Leaf-footed Bugs and this species is no exception.

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Thumbnail picture of the Leaf-Footed Bug

Leaf-Footed Bug
Leaf-Footed Bugs are moving into and spending more time in backyards and that may mean a bit more work for the gardener.

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Thumbnail picture of the Least Skipper

Least Skipper
The Least Skipper is a small butterfly that prefers humid regions and tall grasses.

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Thumbnail picture of the Leucospid Wasp

Leucospid Wasp
The round bottom of a Leucospid Wasp helps differentiate it from similar-looking mason bees.

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Thumbnail picture of the Locust Borer Beetle

Locust Borer Beetle
At first glance, the Locust Borer Beetle appears to be a skinny little bee, pollinating flowers.

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Thumbnail picture of the Long-Horned Slug Moth

Long-Horned Slug Moth
The name for the Long-horned Slug Moth stems from its caterpillar's long antennae at the head that are double the size of the protrusions at its rear.

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Thumbnail picture of the Long-legged Fly

Long-legged Fly
The metallic Long-Legged Fly is fast and friendly, eating some annoying insects instead of human food.

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Thumbnail picture of the Long-Legged Fly

Long-Legged Fly
The fast, jumping movement of the Long-Legged Fly makes is difficult to catch, by predators and photographers alike.

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Thumbnail picture of the Long-Tailed Skipper

Long-Tailed Skipper
The Long-Tailed Skipper loves the east coast, but has occasionally popped up on the west coast.

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Thumbnail picture of the Luminescent Click Beetle

Luminescent Click Beetle
The Luminescent Click Beetle has all the options: glowing body parts, sound production, gymnastic ability and wings for flight.

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Thumbnail picture of the Luna Moth

Luna Moth
Sightings of the Luna Moth send North Americans over the moon.

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Thumbnail picture of the Lunate Zale Moth

Lunate Zale Moth
The Lunate Zale Moth is well camouflaged on brown tree trunks. It blends in flawlessly and has likely helped it expand its range .

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Thumbnail picture of the Manto Tussock Moth

Manto Tussock Moth
A marbled mess of color and pattern, the caterpillars of the Manto Tussock Moth have a hankering for certain evergreens.

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Thumbnail picture of the Many-Spotted Tiger Moth

Many-Spotted Tiger Moth
The Many-Spotted Tiger Moth looks more like a snow leopard with its bold black spots on a stark white body.

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Thumbnail picture of the Margined Blister Beetle

Margined Blister Beetle
The Margined Blister Beetle is as black as ebony, but for a thin white line that runs down the middle of the elytra.

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Thumbnail picture of the Margined Burying Beetle

Margined Burying Beetle
A type of Sexton beetle, the Margined Burying Beetle works to break down decomposing animals to the benefit of everyone and everything.

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Thumbnail picture of the Masked Hunter

Masked Hunter
The Masked Hunter may be a predator to small insects, but that doesn't stop it from inflicting painful bites on careless handlers.

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Thumbnail picture of the May Beetle

May Beetle
May Beetles are a frequent visitor during summer evenings, bumping into windows and hanging out in groups.

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Thumbnail picture of the Meadow Fritillary Butterly

Meadow Fritillary Butterly
True to its name, the Meadow Fritillary can be found in meadows and flower fields, often with others, taking in nectar and the sun.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mealy Bug Destroyer Larvae

Mealy Bug Destroyer Larvae
Mealy Bug Destroyers are imported help that has successfully controlled a pest, making plants everywhere very happy.

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Thumbnail picture of the Megetra cancellata

Megetra cancellata
The red and black coloring should serve as a warning against touching this caustic Blister Beetle.

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Thumbnail picture of the Milkweed Assassin Bug

Milkweed Assassin Bug
Milkweed Assassin Bugs mimic the abundant herbivore, Large Milkweed Bug, adding another advantage to its mode of food-hunting.

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Thumbnail picture of the Milkweed Bug

Milkweed Bug
There are plenty of Milkweed Bugs to be found in the eastern states with a variety of looks at different life stages.

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Thumbnail picture of the Milkweed Tussock Moth

Milkweed Tussock Moth
Sometimes a bit of youthful color spills over into adulthood as is the case with the Milkweed Tussock Moth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mimosa Yellow Sulphur

Mimosa Yellow Sulphur
The Mimosa Yellow Sulphur is a small butterfly that prefers the forest to open fields.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mini Bagworm

Mini Bagworm
Covered in dead grasses, Mini Bagworm larvae take up very little space, but they can be found in all sorts of places.

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Thumbnail picture of the Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly
The king of the North American Butterflies is the Monarch Butterfly. It reigns over the entire continent and has even moved to Hawaii.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mosquito

Mosquito
The ubiquitous Mosquito ranges from a valuable food source to a human nuisance in rainy and wet areas around the world.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mottled Grass Veneer Moth

Mottled Grass Veneer Moth
A tubular body and a long furry snout make the Mottled Grass Veneer Moth peculiar when compared to more familiar moth physiology.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mottled Gray Carpet Moth

Mottled Gray Carpet Moth
While the pattern design remains the same, the color scheme varies per individual of the aptly named Mottled Gray Carpet Moth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mottled Tortoise Beetle

Mottled Tortoise Beetle
The Mottled Tortoise Beetle looks like a smaller, metallic version of its namesake though the edges of their 'shells' are clear.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Mourning Cloak Butterfly
The dark, velvety wing of the Mourning Cloak Butterfly helps warm this sun-loving species after a long winter's nap.

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Thumbnail picture of the Mydas Fly

Mydas Fly
The Mydas Fly does not turn anything to gold, but there are only a few types in North America, making it somewhat precious.

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Thumbnail picture of the Nason's Slug

Nason's Slug
The oblong, spiky, green larvae of Nason's Slug garner far more attention than its brown adult form.

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Thumbnail picture of the Nessus Sphinx Moth

Nessus Sphinx Moth
Its large size, day-time flying habit and bright twin yellow abdominal stripes make it hard to miss the Nessus Sphinx Moth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Net-Winged Beetle

Net-Winged Beetle
The Net-Winged Beetle has fine texture on its soft wing covers, something not seen on many beetles.

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Thumbnail picture of the Northern Caddisfly

Northern Caddisfly
Northern Caddisflies are a group of highly beneficial insects that split their lives between water, land and air.

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Thumbnail picture of the Northern Mole Cricket

Northern Mole Cricket
The mud-loving Northern Mole Cricket has short wings and strong back legs allowing it to fly and jump whenever it likes.

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Thumbnail picture of the Northern Paper Wasp

Northern Paper Wasp
The very social Northern Paper Wasp can make a nest in unusual and unexpected places, requiring only a bit of wood of get started.

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Thumbnail picture of the Notch-Tipped Flower Longhorn Beetle

Notch-Tipped Flower Longhorn Beetle
The Notch-Tipped Flower Longhorn Beetle splits time between woods and gardens, using both landscapes during its life.

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Thumbnail picture of the Nysa Roadside Skipper

Nysa Roadside Skipper
True to their name, Nysa Roadside Skippers are commonly seen fluttering along highways and thoroughfares early in the day.

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Thumbnail picture of the Oak Treehopper

Oak Treehopper
With or without a horn, the Oak Treehopper still charms with its bright colors and giant leaps.

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Thumbnail picture of the Oil Beetle

Oil Beetle
An Oil Beetle may seem like an ordinary black garden bug but it has a secret weapon making it capable of blistering human skin.

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Thumbnail picture of the Oldwife Underwing

Oldwife Underwing
The Oldwife Underwing seems drab and ordinary until seen in flight where its bright orange hindwings are exposed in a marvelous flash of color.

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Thumbnail picture of the Orange Assassin Bug

Orange Assassin Bug
The nymphs of the Orange Assassin Bug bear bold alarm colors that tell prudent observers they are best left undisturbed.

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Thumbnail picture of the Orange Meadowhawk

Orange Meadowhawk
A long abdomen and bright orange body contrasts with the natural habitat of Orange Meadowhawks making it easier to spot them in the wild.

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Thumbnail picture of the Ox Beetle

Ox Beetle
The hefty Ox Beetle makes a grand first impression, though their larvae are quite ordinary.

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Thumbnail picture of the Painted Lady Butterfly

Painted Lady Butterfly
A commonly seen native butterfly ranging across the entire continent, the flashy Painted Lady is as pretty as its name suggests.

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Thumbnail picture of the Painted Lichen Moth

Painted Lichen Moth
The Painted Lichen Moth warns predators with its alarming colors while its larval form feeds on the slow-growing lichens across the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Painted Tiger Moth

Painted Tiger Moth
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Thumbnail picture of the Pale Beauty

Pale Beauty
An pearly moth, the Pale Beauty has sculpted hindwings, misty green hues and a range that allows most North Americans to glimpse it.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pale Green Weevil

Pale Green Weevil
The light green body of the Pale Green Weevil helps hide it while it feasts for a short time on the leaves of various hardwood trees.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pandorus Sphinx Moth

Pandorus Sphinx Moth
The Pandorus Sphinx Moth is a large, patchy moth seen in the eastern part of the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Paper Wasp

Paper Wasp
Paper Wasps come in a variety of colors and patterns, but all of them let people know its best to keep a safe distance from a nest.

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Thumbnail picture of the Parthenice Tiger Moth

Parthenice Tiger Moth
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Thumbnail picture of the Pearl Crescent Butterfly

Pearl Crescent Butterfly
The small white crescent moon on the wing of the Pearl Crescent Butterfly is a good indicator to use for identifying it.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pennsylvania Firefly

Pennsylvania Firefly
Summer evenings are made brighter by the Pennsylvania Firefly, but that doesn't mean better for every male firefly in the area.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle

Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle
The aphid-eating, flower-loving Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle doubles as a pollinator and a pest controller, and they tend to travel in groups.

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Thumbnail picture of the Periodical Cicada

Periodical Cicada
The 17-year Periodical Cicada is both seen and heard when huge population explosions occur.

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Thumbnail picture of the Picture-Winged Fly

Picture-Winged Fly
The family of Picture-Winged Flies is filled with bold, flashy and striking members and Delphinia picta is no exception.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pigeon Tremex

Pigeon Tremex
The non-aggressive Pigeon Tremex looks like a wasp, but is actually a horntail, which explains one of those two 'stingers'.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pine Sawyer Beetle

Pine Sawyer Beetle
Since the Pine Sawyer Beetle loves high altitudes and evergreens, the Rocky Mountains are the right place to call home.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pink Underwing Moth

Pink Underwing Moth
A dull brown and gray color with fine black lines successfully masks a shock of bright pink underwing on a Pink Underwing Moth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pink-Striped Oakworm Moth

Pink-Striped Oakworm Moth
Pink-Striped Oakworm Moths are an attractive moth casting shades of brown, pink and purple as they roam through groves of oak trees.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pipevine Swallowtail

Pipevine Swallowtail
The Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly is a dark beauty with a range that covers most of the U.S. and Mexico.

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Thumbnail picture of the Planthopper

Planthopper
Planthoppers are well-camouflaged in the leafy foliage that they feed on, jumping from one plant to another with ease and speed.

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Thumbnail picture of the Pleasing Fungus Beetle

Pleasing Fungus Beetle
The high altitudes are the home of this Pleasing Fungus Beetle. Rotting wood loaded with fungus is a good place to look for them.

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Thumbnail picture of the Plume Moth

Plume Moth
The tiny, .

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Thumbnail picture of the Polka Dot Wasp Moth

Polka Dot Wasp Moth
The colorful, clownish Polka Dot Wasp Moth is a clever mimic that only hurts the oleander bush.

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Thumbnail picture of the Polyphemus Moth

Polyphemus Moth
The huge, seemingly drab, Polyphemus Moth shows flashes of color when it opens its wings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Potter Wasp

Potter Wasp
The parasitic Potter Wasp has purple wings and get its own urn-shaped room as larvae.

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Thumbnail picture of the Predaceous Diving Beetle

Predaceous Diving Beetle
The Predaceous Diving Beetle is a 'tiger' among the underwater larval insect world. Adults don't mind a little time on land either.

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Thumbnail picture of the Predatory Stink Bug

Predatory Stink Bug
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Thumbnail picture of the Promethea Moth

Promethea Moth
With a wingspan over 3 inches (7.5 cm), the Promethea Moth is right at home in the Giant Silk Moth family.

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Thumbnail picture of the Question Mark Butterfly

Question Mark Butterfly
The silvery white dot and curved line on the underside of the hindwing resemble the punctuation mark the Question Mark Butterfly is named after.

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Thumbnail picture of the Rabbit Bot Fly

Rabbit Bot Fly
The parasitic Rabbit Bot Fly doesn't bite, but its maggots are a nuisance to lagomorphs and other small mammals unfortunate enough to cross paths with them.

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Thumbnail picture of the Rainbow Scarab Beetle

Rainbow Scarab Beetle
The female Rainbow Scarab Beetle is a delight to the eyes with her many metallic colors.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red Admiral Butterfly

Red Admiral Butterfly
Strong migration habits ensure the Red Admiral reaches across all three countries on the North American continent, making it easy to run into.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red Flat Bark Beetle

Red Flat Bark Beetle
Leveled out and low, Flat Bark Beetles are half the height of normal beetles, allowing them to squeeze into places most beetles their age couldn't fit.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red Headed Ash Borer

Red Headed Ash Borer
The distinctly marked Red Headed Ash Borer Beetle works on trees that are dead, dying or already chopped down.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red Oak Borer

Red Oak Borer
The Red Oak Borer Beetle makes a mess of good timber, wreaking havoc on the industry.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red Paper Wasp

Red Paper Wasp
Red with black wings, Red Paper Wasps meander around shrubs, flowers, hose wranglers, and patio furniture looking for places to call home.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red Saddlebags

Red Saddlebags
The fiery red patches on the hindwings of the Red Saddlebags, fast-flying Skimmer, are flashy and bright, making it easier to spot.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Banded Hairstreak Butterfly

Red-Banded Hairstreak Butterfly
A reddish-orange line of color on a dull gray-brown wing lent itself nicely to finding a common name for the Red-Banded Hairstreak.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Bordered Emerald

Red-Bordered Emerald
Red-Bordered Emeralds are a southern and eastern moth that accents its bright green wings with a deep red edging along the fringe.

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Thumbnail picture of the Reddish Potato Beetle

Reddish Potato Beetle
The tomato-colored Reddish Potato Beetle is a Sonoran Desert native, standing out in gardens and chapparal.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Fringed Emerald Moth

Red-Fringed Emerald Moth
The Red-Fringed Emerald is a moth with rusty red tinted edges that contrast nicely with vibrant green wings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Headed Bush Cricket

Red-Headed Bush Cricket
Three bright, bold colors, a pair of fighting 'fists' and a loud, distinct call are part of the Red-Headed Bush Crickets repertoire.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Legged Buprestis

Red-Legged Buprestis
The green and yellow Red-Legged Buprestis has a splash of red underneath making both sides of it interesting to see.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Legged Grasshopper

Red-Legged Grasshopper
The Red-Legged Grasshopper are primary consumers in the food web. The feast on crops and are food for hungry fowl.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Lined Carrion Beetle

Red-Lined Carrion Beetle
Seeing a Red-Lined Carrion Beetle suggests a rotting bird or mammal is nearby and hosting the beetle's preferred food item: fly larvae.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Shouldered Bug

Red-Shouldered Bug
The bulbous red eyes on the Red-Shouldered Bug, an uncommon feature in insects, generate a curious interest in this otherwise overlooked insect.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-Shouldered Ctenucha Moth

Red-Shouldered Ctenucha Moth
The Red-Shouldered Ctenucha Moth lives on the West Coast where is enjoys life in the sun, and an all-natural diet of flowers and grasses.

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Thumbnail picture of the Red-spotted Purple Admiral

Red-spotted Purple Admiral
The large size and vibrant blue on the wings of the Red-spotted Purple Admiral butterfly may be more than just pretty features.

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Thumbnail picture of the Regal Moth

Regal Moth
The striking patterns on the large Regal Moth make it easier to spot on the walnut and hickory trees it visits.

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Thumbnail picture of the Reticulated Netwinged Beetle

Reticulated Netwinged Beetle
The Reticulated Net-Winged Beetle is a common beetle thanks to its unpleasant taste to predators.

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Thumbnail picture of the Rhinoceros Beetle

Rhinoceros Beetle
The conspicuous and harmless Rhinoceros Beetle male is a large and easily recognizable beetle that doesn't let its fame go to its head.

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Thumbnail picture of the Robber Fly

Robber Fly
One could mistake a Robberfly from the genus Efferia for some kind of strange black-and-white bee.

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Thumbnail picture of the Robber Fly (<em>Diogmites</em>)

Robber Fly (Diogmites)
Robberflies are hanging thieves in the insect world. They are always ready to drop and go when a good-looking meal flies by.

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Thumbnail picture of the Robberfly

Robberfly
The Robberflies from the genus Promachus are quite loud, but they are very effective hunters.

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Thumbnail picture of the Robberfly

Robberfly
A fast-flying bee mimic, fuzzy and buzzing Laphria astur is a Robberfly that may have people needlessly dodging for cover.

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Thumbnail picture of the Robinson's Annual Cicada

Robinson's Annual Cicada
Robinson's Annual Cicada can be seen every year, ensuring the sounds of summer and shells of early life are around for humans to enjoy.

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Thumbnail picture of the Rose Chafer

Rose Chafer
Rose Chafers love to congregate on their namesake and chip away at a rose bush's health, eating its blooms and leaves..

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Thumbnail picture of the Rosy Maple Moth

Rosy Maple Moth
The pink and yellow, bright and furry Rosy Maple prefers maple trees when housing and feeding its caterpillars.

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Thumbnail picture of the Round-Headed Apple Tree Borer

Round-Headed Apple Tree Borer
The small larvae of the Round-Headed Apple Tree Borer are responsible for many tree deaths thanks to their interruptive tunneling.

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Thumbnail picture of the Rustic Sphinx Moth

Rustic Sphinx Moth
The Rustic Sphinx Moth is a big and beautiful specimen that prefers southern latitudes and sea-level altitudes.

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Thumbnail picture of the Rusty-Tipped Page

Rusty-Tipped Page
The large Rusty-Tipped Page prefers tropical elevations, but occasionally visits the southern parts of North America.

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Thumbnail picture of the Sachem Skipper

Sachem Skipper
Sachem Skippers are common and prolific with multiple populations reaching all of North America's states and provinces.

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Thumbnail picture of the Saddleback Caterpillar

Saddleback Caterpillar
It is prudent to avoid touching something that looks so strange. Saddleback Caterpillars have stinging spines.

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Thumbnail picture of the Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth

Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth
The bold and colorful Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth effectively uses warning colors to avoid common moth-eating predators.

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Thumbnail picture of the Scarlet-Winged Lichen Moth

Scarlet-Winged Lichen Moth
The medium-sized Scarlet-winged Lichen Moth adult has bright colors, while its dull caterpillar blends in nicely on the lichens that speckle tree trunks everywhere.

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Thumbnail picture of the Scentless Plant Bug

Scentless Plant Bug
Odorless, but conspicuous, Scentless Plant Bugs love everything about the plants most people consider weeds.

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Thumbnail picture of the Scoliid Wasp

Scoliid Wasp
Scoliid Wasps are a parasitic wasp that uses beetle grubs to feed it own young, even going so far as to use the grub's own lair for a nursery.

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Thumbnail picture of the Scorpionfly

Scorpionfly
Scorpionfly males have tails that look just like their ground-dwelling desert namesakes, but they do not sting nor bite.

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Thumbnail picture of the Shining Leaf Chafer

Shining Leaf Chafer
The yellow-green Shining Leaf Chafer is a bright leaf-chomping beetle native to North America, but found only in Mexico.

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Thumbnail picture of the Silver-Spotted Skipper

Silver-Spotted Skipper
Silver-Spotted Skippers are fast little butterflies that can be found warming itself with open wings at sunrise.

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Thumbnail picture of the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly

Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly
The fast flying Silvery Checkerspot is a cheery summertime visitor with a preference for sunflowers.

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Thumbnail picture of the Six-Spotted Neolema

Six-Spotted Neolema
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Thumbnail picture of the Skiff Moth

Skiff Moth
Like a freshly made latte, the adult Skiff Moth's black and tan colors swirl over its wings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Slaty Skimmer

Slaty Skimmer
Slaty Skimmers are dragonflies that find themselves at home in virtually any type of habitat, which means they are observed more often than their specialized relatives.

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Thumbnail picture of the Slug Caterpillar Moth

Slug Caterpillar Moth
The Slug Caterpillar Moth is more interesting as a juvenile where it breaks the mold for caterpillars everywhere.

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Thumbnail picture of the Small Carpenter Bee

Small Carpenter Bee
The metallic Small Carpenter Bee works as a pollinator and builds nests in wooded areas. Various colorations of them are found all over the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Small House Fly

Small House Fly
Small House Flies are annoying because they are attracted to food and toilets, but their affinity for corpses makes they quite useful to Forensic Entomologists.

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Thumbnail picture of the Small Milkweed Bug

Small Milkweed Bug
The conspicuous coloring and sometimes groupings of the Small Milkweed Bug may cause alarm when sighted, but this ubiquitous insect is mostly innocuous.

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Thumbnail picture of the Small Minnow Mayfly

Small Minnow Mayfly
Small Minnow Mayflies are tiny meals to the trout that love them. They are also useful in telling biologists the level of pollution in water.

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Thumbnail picture of the Smaller Parasa

Smaller Parasa
Furry brown and green, adult Smaller Parasa moths start their lives as short, stubby caterpillars that look more like slugs.

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Thumbnail picture of the Small-Eyed Sphinx Moth

Small-Eyed Sphinx Moth
The Small-Eyed Sphinx Moth is quite large with vivid blue eyes on their hindwings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Snakefly

Snakefly
The name for the non-aggressive Snakefly stems from their physical, not behavioral, resemblance to snakes.

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Thumbnail picture of the Snow Mosquito

Snow Mosquito
The cold weather doesn't stop the Snow Mosquito from living, feeding and breeding year-round.

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Thumbnail picture of the Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Snowberry Clearwing Moth
The Snowberry Clearwing Moth is a large, furry Sphinx moth that greatly resembles a bee and a hummingbird.

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Thumbnail picture of the Soldier Beetle

Soldier Beetle
The Soldier Beetle is a steadfast ally to the home gardener. It both protects and pollinates, doing plants two favors at once.

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Thumbnail picture of the Soldier Beetle

Soldier Beetle
Soldier Beetles are great aphid hunters, helping gardeners control pest populations that often undermine food harvests or ornamental aesthetics.

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Thumbnail picture of the Soldier Fly

Soldier Fly
Solider Flies are brilliant mimics of wasps and bees, but they do not sting and are so tiny, they may be difficult to find.

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Thumbnail picture of the Southern Emerald Moth

Southern Emerald Moth
The Southern Emerald Moth enlivens dark nights in the warm, humid South. Its caterpillar has a reputation for 'inching' its way across foliage.

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Thumbnail picture of the Southern Sculpted Pine Borer Beetle

Southern Sculpted Pine Borer Beetle
The bronzed Southern Sculpted Pine Borer is a pest of pine trees' interiors despite its own glamorous exterior.

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Thumbnail picture of the Southern Tussock Moth

Southern Tussock Moth
Adult Southern Tussock Moths can be difficult to distinguish from other Tussocks, but their caterpillars can be differentiated with a quick glance or two.

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Thumbnail picture of the Southern Yellowjacket

Southern Yellowjacket
The large, aggressive Southern Yellowjacket dominates its territory and takes over ones it likes better, even from humans.

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Thumbnail picture of the Southwestern Eyed Click Beetle

Southwestern Eyed Click Beetle
The Southwestern Eyed is at home in the arid southwestern part of the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Southwestern Squash Vine Borer Moth

Southwestern Squash Vine Borer Moth
Larvae of the Southwestern Squash Vine Borer can rot a healthy plant from the inside out without being seen.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spangled Flower Beetle

Spangled Flower Beetle
The Spangled Flower Beetle is a Scarab Beetle resembles a bee in flight, but acts like all other flower-loving beetles when it lands.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spanish Moth

Spanish Moth
The unusual wing colors and patterns coupled with a furry black 'shoulder wrap' make the fashionable Spanish Moth a true standout.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly

Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly
The Spicebush Swallowtail is one of North America's most popular butterflies and it benefits from mimicking a toxic doppleganger.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spider Wasp

Spider Wasp
Spider Wasps are adept at taking on all kinds and sizes of spiders as soon as springtime rolls in.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spider Wasp

Spider Wasp
Spider Wasps become unexpected friends to other insects by removing a shared predator.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spiny Oak Slug Moth

Spiny Oak Slug Moth
The stinging Spiny Oak Slug is no where near as sweet to handle as its chocolate-colored and minty green adult form.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spotted Apatelodes

Spotted Apatelodes
The curved handstands done by the resting adult Spotted Apatelodes draws almost as much attention as its vivid caterpillar.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spotted Beet Webworm Moth

Spotted Beet Webworm Moth
The Spotted Beet Webworm Moth caterpillar happily to expanded its diet to garden produce beyond its namesake.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spotted Cucumber Beetle

Spotted Cucumber Beetle
The Spotted Cucumber Beetle eats more than just its namesake, thus making it a very destructive force in the vegetable patch.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spotted Tree Borer Beetle

Spotted Tree Borer Beetle
The pesky Spotted Tree Borer Beetle attacks trees at the larval stage, making sick trees sicker.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spotted-Winged Antlion

Spotted-Winged Antlion
Spotted-winged Antlions have longer wings than bodies and look nothing like their more famous, artistic offspring.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spring Azure Butterfly

Spring Azure Butterfly
Differences in color, shade, and pattern within the Spring Azure species complicate its identification almost as much as its similarities to close cousins.

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Thumbnail picture of the Spur-throated Grasshopper

Spur-throated Grasshopper
The popular Spur-Throated Grasshopper is a pest of the highest order, ruining harvests across the Bread Basket of the continent.

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Thumbnail picture of the Squash Bug

Squash Bug
Smelly little Squash Bugs can ruin fruit and vegetable plants and their ability to survive winters can make them a chronic pest.

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Thumbnail picture of the Squash Lady Beetle

Squash Lady Beetle
The Squash Lady Beetle is one of the few Lady Beetles that eat plants instead of other insects, much to the dismay of gardeners.

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Thumbnail picture of the Squash Vine Borer Moth

Squash Vine Borer Moth
The Squash Vine Borer is a moth that mimics stinging bees and is harmless to people, but its offspring are efficient damage dealers.

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Thumbnail picture of the St. Andrew's Cotton Stainer

St. Andrew's Cotton Stainer
Originally a pest of cotton plants, St. Andrew's Cotton Stainer has moved on to another important cash crop in the sunshine state.

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Thumbnail picture of the Stag Beetle

Stag Beetle
Looks can be deceiving. The Stag Beetle drinks sap and uses those intimidating mandibles for courting.

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Thumbnail picture of the Stinkbug

Stinkbug
Stink Bugs are pesky insects that ruin fruits and vegetables, relax on walls and curtains inside, and live up to their name.

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Thumbnail picture of the Striped Blister Beetle

Striped Blister Beetle
The Striped Blister Beetle uses familiar warning colors to keep predators at bay. Insects and people who do not heed the warnings suffer for it.

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Thumbnail picture of the Striped Cucumber Beetle

Striped Cucumber Beetle
The small, bright Striped Cucumber Beetle is a common garden insect that feeds on more than just the leaves of its namesake.

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Thumbnail picture of the Summer Fishfly

Summer Fishfly
A Fishfly doesn't eat fish, but its makes a feast out of the small aquatic insects and plant matter that are found in the same habitat.

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Thumbnail picture of the Swamp Cicada

Swamp Cicada
Swamp Cicadas are at home in the hot, humid marshes of the southern U.S., but they also fare well enough in the colder states up north.

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Thumbnail picture of the Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle

Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle
Orange and black Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetles are part of a varied group of insects that live on, and eat off of, a natural staple plant: milkweed.

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Thumbnail picture of the Sycamore Tussock Moth

Sycamore Tussock Moth
The Sycamore Tussock Moth lives on and eats off of its namesake tree, sometimes to the point of destroying them.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tachinid Fly

Tachinid Fly
An adult Tachinid Fly looks ugly, but it's the young fly larva that is most grotesque. It feasts on a caterpillar's insides, saving the most important organs for the last meal.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tachinid Fly

Tachinid Fly
Spiky, hairy Tachinid Flies look like they would be harmful to humans, but caterpillars should be the worried ones.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula Hawk
The Tarantula Hawk is a parasitic wasp that uses the spider to feed its young in a macabre scene one expects in a horror story.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tawny Mole Cricket

Tawny Mole Cricket
The rich brown Tawny Mole Cricket is a burrowing nightmare for anyone trying to keep a pristine lawn or putting green.

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Thumbnail picture of the Ten-Lined June Beetle

Ten-Lined June Beetle
The well-defined Ten-Lined June Beetle is a western native that sticks to its roots and even gets a little hissy when disturbed.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tephritid Fruit Fly

Tephritid Fruit Fly
The lesser known Tephritid Fruit Fly sports the same kind of wild markings on its wings that its more familiar cousins have.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tersa Sphinx Moth

Tersa Sphinx Moth
Big, bold Tersa Sphinx Moths are sleek, modern looking moths, deviating from the fluttering wing usually seen with these nocturnal insects.

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Thumbnail picture of the The Beggar

The Beggar
The yellow, round wings of The Beggar are dabbed with dark spots, giving the wings a worn-through and weathered look.

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Thumbnail picture of the The Hebrew Moth

The Hebrew Moth
The white Hebrew Moth is covered with black markings which somewhat resemble characters in Hebrew script.

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Thumbnail picture of the The Joker

The Joker
The chaotic green coloring, zig-zag stripes, and varied patches on The Joker make it hard to miss, but hopefully not hard to get.

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Thumbnail picture of the The Wedgeling

The Wedgeling
Unassuming in color and shape, the Wedgeling is a .

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Thumbnail picture of the Thistle Down Velvet Ant

Thistle Down Velvet Ant
The desert dwelling Thistle Down Velvet Ant is actually a wasp in disguise, delivering a far more painful sting than its cute, fluffly appearance implies.

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Thumbnail picture of the Thread-Waisted Wasp

Thread-Waisted Wasp
Fans of sandy soil, the Thread-waisted Wasps from the Ammophila genus use the loose earth to house their offspring.

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Thumbnail picture of the Thread-Waisted Wasp

Thread-Waisted Wasp
Thread-Waisted Wasps may look fragile, but they have tremendous strength in their small bodies, tackling caterpillars with wider girth.

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Thumbnail picture of the Three Lined Potato Beetle

Three Lined Potato Beetle
The multicolored Three-Lined Potato Beetle loves to eat a wide array of food plants making them a real pest.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tiger Bee Fly

Tiger Bee Fly
It may look like a black bumble bee or mosquito, but the Tiger Bee Fly is simply a large fly.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tobacco Hornworm Moth

Tobacco Hornworm Moth
Tobacco Hornworm Moth has a destructive plant-based diet that goes beyond the tobacco plant.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tri-Colored Bumble Bee

Tri-Colored Bumble Bee
The Tri-Colored Bumble Bee goes by many common names, but its color contrast always elicits the same reaction: curiosity.

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Thumbnail picture of the True Katydid

True Katydid
Bright green True Katydids are more often heard than seen thanks to their extremely loud and raucous warning call.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tulip-Tree Beauty Moth

Tulip-Tree Beauty Moth
The Tulip-Tree Beauty Moth gains camouflage on a variety of trees resulting in more than just tulip tree leaves for dinner.

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Thumbnail picture of the Tumblebug

Tumblebug
Watching Tumblebugs gather animal dung into balls and whimsically roll them away can be entertaining for people at any age.

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Thumbnail picture of the Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetle

Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetle
The Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetle is an excellent friend to gardeners thanks to its ability to hunt and consume plant-harming bugs at an astonishing rate.

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Thumbnail picture of the Two-Lined Spittlebug

Two-Lined Spittlebug
Both adults and larvae of Two-Lined Spittlebugs are capable of secreting a useful fluid for protection.

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Thumbnail picture of the Two-Marked Treehopper

Two-Marked Treehopper
Small but mighty, the Two-Marked Treehopper is an able jumper and flier moving from branch to branch on trees and plants.

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Thumbnail picture of the Two-Spotted Long-Horned Bee

Two-Spotted Long-Horned Bee
Look for two light patches at the tip of the abdomen on the beneficial and non-aggressive Two-Spotted Longhorned Bee.

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Thumbnail picture of the Two-Tailed Swallowtail

Two-Tailed Swallowtail
A popular Tiger Swallowtail west of the Mississippi River, the Two-Tailed Swallowtail is blessed with an extra pair of tails at the tip of its hindwings.

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Thumbnail picture of the Velvet Ant

Velvet Ant
Velvet Ants are excellent mimics of the less intimidating insect it's named after, but this wasp-in-disguise inflicts terrible stings on prey and people alike.

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Thumbnail picture of the Vietinghoff's Ground Beetle

Vietinghoff's Ground Beetle
Little is known about the two-toned Vietinghoff Ground Beetle, but that only adds to its intrigue.

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Thumbnail picture of the Vine Sphinx Moth

Vine Sphinx Moth
The Vine Sphinx Moth is a large, streamlined flier with a caterpillar that has a fondness for grape leaves.

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Thumbnail picture of the Virginia Flower Fly

Virginia Flower Fly
This harmless woodland Flower Fly doesn't float like a butterfly or sting like a bee, but it behaves a little bit like both of them.

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Thumbnail picture of the Virginian Tiger Moth

Virginian Tiger Moth
Virginian Tiger Moths are part of a colorful family though they seem to lack any pigment whatsoever with their bright white wings and furry pronotum.

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Thumbnail picture of the Walnut Sphinx Moth

Walnut Sphinx Moth
The Walnut Sphinx Moth is frequently seen east of the Rocky Mountains where nut trees are abundant.

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Thumbnail picture of the Wandering Glider

Wandering Glider
The hardy Wandering Glider is found on almost every continent on Earth, weathering all sorts of storms and covering long distances in flight.

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Thumbnail picture of the Wasp Moth

Wasp Moth
Wasp Moths mimic a stinging insect that most predators would rather avoid.

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Thumbnail picture of the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth

Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth
The bright green color of the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth proves that butterflies aren't the only cheery Lepidopterans.

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Thumbnail picture of the Wee Harlequin Bug

Wee Harlequin Bug
Though small in stature, the Wee Harlequin Bug has made an entire continent a place to call home.

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Thumbnail picture of the Weevil Wasp

Weevil Wasp
Weevil Wasps are solitary hunters. They prey on Weevils, using them as a food source for their own offspring.

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Thumbnail picture of the Western Cicada Killer

Western Cicada Killer
The robust body and large size of a Western Cicada Killer can alarm anyone recognizing it as a wasp, but its focus is on the mid-air raids that will feed its young.

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Thumbnail picture of the Western Conifer Seed Bug

Western Conifer Seed Bug
The Western Conifer Seed Bug has spread eastward to cooler climates, but it still consumes the seeds of evergreen trees.

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Thumbnail picture of the Western Flying Adder

Western Flying Adder
Western Flying Adders are long, hairy dragonflies that are quite at home in the Pacific Northwest.

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Thumbnail picture of the Western Hercules Beetle

Western Hercules Beetle
The large, robust Western Hercules Beetle can easily grow fit in the palm of your hand.

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Thumbnail picture of the Western Wood Cockroach

Western Wood Cockroach
The native Western Wood Cockroaches prefer the great outdoors, enjoying arid environments over homesteads.

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Thumbnail picture of the Wheel Bug

Wheel Bug
The Wheel Bug is a stealthy assassin with a fang even humans would be wise to avoid.

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Thumbnail picture of the White Admiral Butterfly

White Admiral Butterfly
Variations in orange color and geographic range gave rise to subspecies and, hence, multiple names for the White Admiral Butterfly.

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Thumbnail picture of the White Oak Borer Beetle

White Oak Borer Beetle
The White Oak Borer Beetle is a Long-Horned beetle that can be a bit troublesome if its numbers get out of control.

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Thumbnail picture of the White-Blotched Heterocampa

White-Blotched Heterocampa
The bright and unusual colors of the caterpillar are in stark contrast to the black-and-white adult White-Blotched Heterocampa.

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Thumbnail picture of the White-Dotted Prominent

White-Dotted Prominent
The White-Dotted Prominent is a forest moth that may go by many names, but its preference for oak trees is the same regardless of what its called.

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Thumbnail picture of the White-lined Sphinx Moth

White-lined Sphinx Moth
White-Lined Sphinx Moths are big, brown and abundant across the continent. They can resemble streamlined jets with their solid wings and sleek lines.

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Thumbnail picture of the White-Margined Burrower Bug

White-Margined Burrower Bug
The White-Margined Burrower Bug spends time above ground and below, giving gardeners a chance to save their plant from their voracious appetites.

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Thumbnail picture of the White-Marked Tussock Moth

White-Marked Tussock Moth
The caterpillar for the White-Marked Tussock Moth is unlike any other, but be sure to look and not touch.

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Thumbnail picture of the White-Spotted Sawyer Beetle

White-Spotted Sawyer Beetle
The White-Spotted Sawyer Beetle can be found in most evergreen forests across the continent. Their larvae bore into the trees.

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Thumbnail picture of the Widow Skimmer

Widow Skimmer
Widow Skimmers are large and slow, making them great for observers to study. Males and females do not look alike, but they have no problem recognizing each other.

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Thumbnail picture of the Wood Leopard Moth

Wood Leopard Moth
The bold black spots of the Wood Leopard Moth are unique and attractive, but this moth is an enemy to fruit and decorative trees alike.

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Thumbnail picture of the Woodrat Bot Fly

Woodrat Bot Fly
The large Woodrat Bot Fly is a terrible menace to woodland rodents and squirrels as well as domestic cats and dogs, often requiring an eventual trip to the veterinarian.

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Thumbnail picture of the Yellow Jacket

Yellow Jacket
The justly feared Yellow Jacket is a wasp with a sting so painful that when sighted, it literally sends people briskly in the opposite direction.

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Thumbnail picture of the Yellow-Collared Scape Moth

Yellow-Collared Scape Moth
The wings of the Yellow-Collared Scape Moth have a metallic blue-black sheen which help the orange cowl around its neck pop.

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Thumbnail picture of the Yellow-Faced Bumble Bee

Yellow-Faced Bumble Bee
The Yellow-Faced Bumble Bee is a crop farmer and gardener's best friend, pollinating all sorts of fruits and vegetables.

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Thumbnail picture of the Yellow-Fly

Yellow-Fly
The bites of the female Yellow Fly are both annoying and painful. They attack at will and usually with friends.

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Thumbnail picture of the Yellowjacket Fly

Yellowjacket Fly
Easily mistaken for a Yellowjacket, this species of Flower Fly is a great pollinator and a harmless guest in a lively flower bed.

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Thumbnail picture of the Yellow-Striped Armyworm Moth

Yellow-Striped Armyworm Moth
The Yellow-Striped Armyworm Moth can give rise to an large and rapid-aging infantry of garden and crop destroyers that are difficult to stop.

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Thumbnail picture of the Yucca Plant Bug

Yucca Plant Bug
The Yucca Plant Bug is small on its own, but mighty in great numbers. Its shy nature makes it difficult to get a look at the plant-killing culprit.

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Thumbnail picture of the Zabulon Skipper

Zabulon Skipper
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Thumbnail picture of the Zebra Butterfly

Zebra Butterfly
The classic white and black stripes of the Zebra Butterfly are bold and stately on this Longwing Butterfly.

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Thumbnail picture of the Zebra Conchylodes Moth

Zebra Conchylodes Moth
The North and Central American Zebra Conchylodes is a moth that looks more at home in the grassland and savannas of Africa.

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Thumbnail picture of the Zig-Zag Furcula Moth

Zig-Zag Furcula Moth
A robust body, feathery tufts of hair, woolly legs and conspicuous markings make the Zig-Zag Furcula Moth one to look for at nightfall.