Species library

Pacific Dampwood Termite

Zootermopsis angusticollis

The Pacific Dampwood Termite is the giant of the termite world, a master of decomposition that thrives in the misty f...

Insects

Pacific Forktail

Ischnura cervula

A tiny, electric-blue marvel of the western wetlands, the Pacific Forktail is the perfect subject for macro-wildlife ...

Insects

Pacific Mole Crab

Hippa marmorata

A camouflage expert of the shoreline, the Pacific Mole Crab lives its life in reverse, dancing with the waves and dis...

Insects

Painted Lady

Vanessa cardui

Known as the "Cosmopolitan" butterfly, the Painted Lady is the world's most frequent flyer. With its stunning orange-...

Insects

Painted Skimmer

Libellula semifasciata

A masterpiece of the marsh, the Painted Skimmer stands out with its glowing amber wings and intricate markings. As on...

Insects

Pale-banded Dart

Agnorisma badinodis

A signature species of the autumn night, the Pale-banded Dart is recognized by its chocolate-colored wings and elegan...

Insects

Pale Mottled Willow Moth

Caradrina clavipalpis

An understated master of camouflage, the Pale Mottled Willow Moth is a fascinating nocturnal visitor that has recentl...

Insects

Palo Verde Root Borer

Derobrachus hovorei

One of North America's largest beetles, the Palo Verde Root Borer is a spectacular desert giant that emerges with the...

Insects

Pea Aphid

Acyrthosiphon pisum

The Pea Aphid is a tiny, translucent wonder of the garden world, known for its incredible reproductive speed and its ...

Insects

Pea Blue

Lampides boeticus

A master of disguise and a world-class traveler, the Pea Blue butterfly brings a shimmer of violet to any backyard ga...

Insects

Peacock Royal

Tajuria cippus

A master of deception and a flash of cerulean beauty, the Peacock Royal is one of the most stunning butterflies you c...

Insects

Peck's Skipper

Polites peckius

Meet the 'fighter jet' of the butterfly world. The Peck's Skipper is a pint-sized powerhouse of the backyard, easily ...

Insects

Pelomyxa

Pelomyxa palustris

The giant of the microscopic world, Pelomyxa is a massive, multi-nucleated amoeba that roams the muddy depths of back...

Insects

Pepsis grossa

Pepsis grossa

The Tarantula Hawk is a shimmering titan of the insect world, famous for its vivid orange wings and a legendary sting...

Insects

Pernicious Scale

Comstockaspis perniciosa

The Pernicious Scale is a tiny but tenacious inhabitant of the backyard orchard. Though individually microscopic, the...

Insects

Phacus pyrum

Monomorphina pyrum

The emerald jewel of the microscopic world, Phacus pyrum is a pear-shaped wonder found in nearly every backyard pond....

Insects

Pigweed Flea Beetle

Disonycha glabrata

A striking gymnast of the garden, the Pigweed Flea Beetle sports bold racing stripes and a 'spring-loaded' escape pla...

Insects

Pine Bark Adelgid

Pineus strobi

Transform your view of the Eastern White Pine by zooming in on the Pine Bark Adelgid. These tiny architects create sn...

Insects

pine needle scale

Chionaspis pinifoliae

Transforming green needles into white-flecked landscapes, the pine needle scale is a master of camouflage and station...

Insects

Pine Woolly-aphid

Pineus pini

Look closely at the 'snow' on your pine branches and you might find the Pine Woolly-aphid. These tiny architects shro...

Insects

Pink-barred Sallow

Xanthia togata

With its vibrant canary-yellow wings and royal purple accents, the Pink-barred Sallow is a stunning late-season visit...

Insects

Plains Blue Royal

Tajuria jehana

A flash of sky-blue in the canopy, the Plains Blue Royal is a master of high-speed maneuvers and delicate beauty. Wit...

Insects

Polyphemus Moth

Antheraea polyphemus

Meet the titan of the backyard: the Polyphemus moth. With its massive wingspan and hypnotic eyespots, this nocturnal ...

Insects

Poplar Catkin Sallow

Anathix puta

A delicate master of autumn camouflage, the Poplar Catkin Sallow is a late-season visitor to North American backyards...

Insects

Potato Aphid

Macrosiphum euphorbiae

A tiny titan of the vegetable garden, the Potato Aphid is a master of disguise and survival. Whether appearing in vib...

Insects

Potato Leaf Miner

Liriomyza huidobrensis

Though barely larger than a pinhead, the Potato Leaf Miner leaves its mark through intricate, winding white trails pa...

Insects

Potato Leafhopper

Empoasca fabae

A tiny neon-green traveler with a knack for sideways scuttling, the Potato Leafhopper is a master of the garden vanis...

Insects

Powdered Dancer

Argia moesta

Looking like they've been dusted in fine white flour, the Powdered Dancer is a robust river-dweller. This master of t...

Insects

Poweshiek Skipperling

Oarisma poweshiek

A rare treasure of the American prairie, the Poweshiek Skipperling is a tiny flyer with a mighty story. Known for its...

Insects

Privet Leafhopper

Fieberiella florii

A master of the garden hedge, the Privet Leafhopper is a miniature marvel covered in delicate black speckles. While s...

Insects

Promethea Silkmoth

Callosamia promethea

Witness the dramatic 'cobra' mimicry and striking sexual dimorphism of the Promethea Silkmoth. One of North America's...

Insects

Provence chalk-hill blue

Polyommatus hispana

A shimmering herald of the Mediterranean spring, the Provence chalk-hill blue is a master of the limestone hills. Wit...

Insects

Purple Emperor

Apatura iris

Known as the 'Emperor of the Woods,' this magnificent butterfly is famous for its elusive canopy-dwelling lifestyle a...

Insects

Purple Encrusting Bryozoan

Reptadeonella violacea

Transforming rocky shorelines into vibrant violet mosaics, the Purple Encrusting Bryozoan is a master of colonial arc...

Insects

Purple Leaf Blue

Amblypodia anita

A spectacular example of evolutionary mimicry, the Purple Leaf Blue disguises itself as a withered leaf to hide from ...

Insects

Pustulated Carrion Beetle

Nicrophorus pustulatus

A striking nocturnal 'gravedigger' with a hidden life, the Pustulated Carrion Beetle is famous for its bright orange ...

Insects