Species library

Viceroy

Limenitis archippus

Often mistaken for the Monarch, the Viceroy is a master of mimicry and a stunning addition to any wetland garden. Wit...

Insects

Vine's Rustic

Hoplodrina ambigua

A master of suburban camouflage, the Vine's Rustic is a common yet fascinating visitor to night-blooming gardens. Whi...

Insects

Virginian Tiger Moth

Spilosoma virginica

Known for its pristine white wings and its fuzzy 'Yellow Bear' caterpillar, the Virginian Tiger Moth is a common but ...

Insects

Vivid Dancer

Argia vivida

The Vivid Dancer is a jewel of the American West, known for its brilliant electric-blue color and its ability to thri...

Insects

Volvox

Petrosimonia triandra

A master of the salt flats, the Volvox (Petrosimonia triandra) is a unique 'rolling' plant that thrives where others ...

Insects

Wandering Glider

Pantala flavescens

Meet the world’s ultimate traveler: the Wandering Glider. This golden-winged dragonfly holds the record for the longe...

Insects

Water Ermine

Spilosoma urticae

A ghostly beauty of the night, the Water Ermine captivates with its pristine, snowy-white wings. This elusive moth is...

Insects

Welsh Chafer

Hoplia philanthus

A glittering jewel of the summer garden, the Welsh Chafer dazzles with its iridescent scales and sun-loving personali...

Insects

West Coast Lady

Vanessa annabella

A vibrant orange jewel of the American West, the West Coast Lady is a territorial sun-lover that brings life to backy...

Insects

Western Black Carpenter Ant

Camponotus modoc

The Western Black Carpenter Ant is a forest architect recognizable by its impressive size and signature reddish-maroo...

Insects

Western Bumble Bee

Bombus occidentalis

Recognizable by the snowy white tip of its abdomen, the Western Bumble Bee is a master of buzz pollination and a vita...

Insects

Western Corn Rootworm

Diabrotica virgifera

A striking yellow-and-black beetle with a big reputation, the Western Corn Rootworm is a fascinating study in miniatu...

Insects

Western Drywood Termite

Incisitermes minor

The Western Drywood Termite is a master of hidden architecture, living entirely within the wood it consumes. While th...

Insects

Western Forktail

Ischnura perparva

The Western Forktail is a miniature marvel of the backyard pond, sporting a brilliant green thorax and an electric-bl...

Insects

Western Pondhawk

Erythemis collocata

The Western Pondhawk is the 'blue bomber' of the garden, a fierce and beautiful aerial acrobat that provides natural ...

Insects

Western Striped Cucumber Beetle

Acalymma trivittatum

A striking but tiny visitor to the summer garden, the Western Striped Cucumber Beetle is easily identified by its bol...

Insects

Western Subterranean Termite

Reticulitermes hesperus

The Western Subterranean Termite is a hidden architect of the underground world, essential for forest health but a ch...

Insects

Western Tent Caterpillar Moth

Malacosoma californica

Famed for their communal silk fortresses, Western Tent Caterpillars are one of the most visible signs of spring in th...

Insects

Western Thatching Ant

Formica obscuripes

The Western Thatching Ant is a legendary architect, building massive organic mounds that dot the North American lands...

Insects

Western Yellowjacket

Vespula pensylvanica

The Western Yellowjacket is the bold architect of the backyard underground. Recognized by its striking yellow 'specta...

Insects

Whirlabout

Hedone vibex

A golden-hued speedster of the garden, the Whirlabout is famous for its rapid-fire flight and intricate wing patterns...

Insects

White Ermine

Spilosoma lubricipeda

The White Ermine is a masterpiece of nocturnal camouflage and elegance, sporting a snowy-white coat and hidden flashe...

Insects

White-faced Meadowhawk

Sympetrum obtrusum

A crimson jewel of the late summer garden, the White-faced Meadowhawk is easily recognized by its ghostly pale face a...

Insects

White-marked Tussock Moth

Orgyia leucostigma

The White-marked Tussock Moth is a backyard marvel with a caterpillar that looks like a high-fashion accessory. From ...

Insects

White Peach Scale

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona

Often mistaken for a splash of white paint or a dusting of snow, the White Peach Scale is a master of camouflage and ...

Insects

White Royal

Pratapa deva

A master of deception and a jewel of the forest canopy, the White Royal captivates with its brilliant iridescent blue...

Insects

White Satin Moth

Leucoma salicis

A nocturnal beauty with shimmering, silk-like wings, the White Satin Moth is a ghostly visitor to mid-summer gardens....

Insects

Willow Flea-beetle

Crepidodera aurata

A shimmering jewel of the riverside, the Willow Flea-beetle is a master of the high jump and a vibrant inhabitant of ...

Insects

Willow Leaf Beetle

Plagiodera versicolora

A shimmering emerald of the garden, the Willow Leaf Beetle is a master of the macro world. These tiny metallic wonder...

Insects

Willow Spittlebug

Aphrophora salicina

Look closely at the branches of your local willow tree and you might find a hidden architectural marvel. The Willow S...

Insects

Wood Carpet

Epirrhoe rivata

A masterpiece of natural geometry, the Wood Carpet moth brings a touch of intricate elegance to the night garden. Oft...

Insects

Wood Tiger Beetle

Cicindela sylvatica

Meet the 'cheetah' of the heathland. The Wood Tiger Beetle is a lightning-fast predator that combines a dark, bronzed...

Insects

Woolly Alder Aphid

Prociphilus tessellatus

Often mistaken for a fungus or a dusting of snow, the Woolly Alder Aphid is one of the most charismatic insects in th...

Insects

Woolly Apple Aphid

Eriosoma lanigerum

Often mistaken for a fungus or a bit of cotton, the Woolly Apple Aphid is a fascinating insect that builds its own wa...

Insects

Woolly Beech Aphid

Phyllaphis fagi

Look closely at the underside of beech leaves and you might find a miniature winter wonderland. These tiny sap-sucker...

Insects

Woolly Whitefly

Aleurothrixus floccosus

The Woolly Whitefly is a master of disguise, cloaking itself in intricate waxy curls. This tiny Neotropical native ha...

Insects