Species library
Field marks, habits, and camera tips for the wildlife that visits backyard habitats.
Io Moth
Automeris io
With a dramatic 'startle' display that mimics the eyes of a much larger animal, the Io moth is a brilliant example of...
Insects
Ipsilon Dart Moth
Agrotis ipsilon
A champion of the night sky, the Ipsilon Dart Moth is a migratory marvel identified by the distinctive 'dagger' marks...
Insects
Isabella Tiger Moth
Pyrrharctia isabella
Famous for the 'woolly bear' caterpillar stage, the Isabella Tiger Moth is a master of winter survival. This hardy in...
Insects
Japanese Beetle
Popillia japonica
A shimmering jewel of the garden with a voracious appetite, the Japanese Beetle is a master of social feeding. While ...
Insects
Jet Ant
Lasius fuliginosus
The Jet Ant is the master architect of the woodland world, building reinforced fungal fortresses inside ancient trees...
Insects
Julia Heliconian
Dryas iulia
A flash of brilliant orange in the tropical sun, the Julia Heliconian is one of the fastest and most vibrant butterfl...
Insects
Juniper Scale
Carulaspis juniperi
Don't let their tiny size fool you—the Juniper Scale is a master of suburban camouflage. These armored invaders can t...
Insects
Keeled Skimmer
Orthetrum coerulescens
A slender, sky-blue sentinel of the summer wetlands, the Keeled Skimmer is a favorite for backyard observers. Watch a...
Insects
Keyhole Glider
Tramea basilaris
A master of the trade winds, the Keyhole Glider is a vibrant red voyager famous for its trans-oceanic journeys. With ...
Insects
Knotgrass leaf beetle
Chrysolina polita
A gem of the undergrowth, the Knotgrass leaf beetle brings a splash of metallic brilliance to the garden. Often found...
Insects
Knotweed Leaf Beetle
Gastrophysa polygoni
Meet the jewel of the garden weeds. With its shimmering metallic armor and vibrant orange accents, the Knotweed Leaf ...
Insects
Kudzu Bug
Megacopta cribraria
An invasive visitor with a distinctive square shape and a potent scent, the Kudzu Bug is a fascinating example of ins...
Insects
Large Pine Aphid
Cinara pinea
The Large Pine Aphid is a master of the miniature forest, a 'spider-like' insect that thrives in the needles of the S...
Insects
Large Rose Sawfly
Arge pagana
A striking visitor to the summer garden, the Large Rose Sawfly is easily identified by its vibrant orange abdomen and...
Insects
Large Skipper
Ochlodes sylvanus
Meet the 'jet fighter' of the butterfly world. With its stout, furry body and unique angled-wing resting pose, the La...
Insects
Large Waxy Willow Aphid
Plocamaphis flocculosa
Often mistaken for a patch of summer snow or fuzzy mold, the Large Waxy Willow Aphid is a master of disguise. These '...
Insects
Large White
Pieris brassicae
A bold and powerful flyer, the Large White is a staple of the summer garden. Known for its brilliant white wings and ...
Insects
Large Yellow Underwing
Noctua pronuba
A frequent visitor to backyard porch lights, the Large Yellow Underwing hides a brilliant secret beneath its drab ext...
Insects
Larger Citronella Ant
Lasius interjectus
Known for their striking golden color and surprising lemon scent, Larger Citronella Ants are the "invisible gardeners...
Insects
Least Skipper
Ancyloxypha numitor
The Least Skipper is a tiny, golden treasure that dances through the tall grass. With its rhythmic, bobbing flight an...
Insects
Leopard Slug
Limax maximus
The Leopard Slug is nature's most stylish 'cleaner,' sporting striking spots and performing high-wire mating acrobati...
Insects
Lepocinclis ovum
Lepocinclis ovum
Peer into a drop of pond water and discover the emerald-green wonder of Lepocinclis ovum. This microscopic, egg-shape...
Insects
Lepocinclis oxyuris
Lepocinclis oxyuris
Step into the hidden world of the micro-wildlife in your backyard pond. Lepocinclis oxyuris is a stunning, needle-tai...
Insects
Lepocinclis spirogyroides
Lepocinclis spirogyroides
Discover the hidden geometry of the microworld! Lepocinclis spirogyroides is a stunning, spiral-shaped single-celled ...
Insects
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
Noctua janthe
A master of disguise with a hidden flash of gold, this common garden moth is a nighttime jewel waiting to be discover...
Insects
Lesser Marsh Grasshopper
Chorthippus albomarginatus
A slender and adaptable resident of Europe's meadows, the Lesser Marsh Grasshopper is a master of camouflage. Famous ...
Insects
Lesser Stag Beetle
Dorcus parallelipipedus
The Lesser Stag Beetle is a sturdy, matte-black 'lumberjack' of the backyard. Frequently found near old wood, these f...
Insects
Lesser Thick-legged Flower Beetle
Ischnomera cyanea
A shimmering jewel of the late spring garden, the Lesser Thick-legged Flower Beetle dazzles with its metallic blue-gr...
Insects
Lesser Vespillo Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus vespilloides
The forest's most colorful undertaker, the Lesser Vespillo Burying Beetle, is a master of recycling. Known for its de...
Insects
Lesser Yellow Underwing
Noctua comes
A common yet stunning visitor to the night garden, the Lesser Yellow Underwing carries a secret splash of saffron hid...
Insects
Lily Leaf Beetle
Lilioceris lilii
A brilliant scarlet gem of the garden, the Lily Leaf Beetle is as beautiful as it is destructive to prize-winning lil...
Insects
Lime Swallowtail
Papilio demoleus
A vibrant, tailless traveler of the citrus groves, the Lime Swallowtail is one of the most common and energetic butte...
Insects
Little Glassywing
Vernia verna
The Little Glassywing is a dark, dashing inhabitant of summer meadows, named for the shimmering 'windows' on its wing...
Insects
Long-banded Silverline
Cigaritis lohita
A shimmering jewel of the garden, the Long-banded Silverline dazzles with metallic markings and clever mimicry that p...
Insects
Long Dash
Limochores mystic
A vibrant summer visitor, the Long Dash skipper is a master of high-speed maneuvers and golden-orange hues. Look for ...
Insects
long-tailed mealybug
Pseudococcus longispinus
The long-tailed mealybug is a master of waxy armor, recognizable by the elegant, thread-like filaments that trail beh...
InsectsNot sure what you saw?
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