Species library
Field marks, habits, and camera tips for the wildlife that visits backyard habitats.
Mexican Bean Beetle
Epilachna varivestis
A striking copper-colored cousin of the common ladybug, the Mexican Bean Beetle is a master of the legume patch. Whil...
Insects
Mexican Silverspot
Dione moneta
A shimmering jewel of the tropics, the Mexican Silverspot dazzles with its bright orange wings and brilliant metallic...
Insects
Mint beetle
Chrysolina coerulans
The Mint beetle is a living jewel of the garden, boasting a shimmering cobalt armor that stands out against the green...
Insects
minute cypress scale
Carulaspis minima
A microscopic architect of the evergreen world, the minute cypress scale hides beneath a snowy white shield. These ti...
Insects
Monarch
Danaus plexippus
The Monarch is the crown jewel of the backyard garden, famous for its vibrant orange wings and its legendary multi-ge...
Insects
Morning-glory Plume Moth
Emmelina monodactyla
A master of disguise that looks more like a floating twig than a moth, the Morning-glory Plume Moth is a fascinating ...
Insects
Morrison's Bumble Bee
Bombus morrisoni
The Morrison's Bumble Bee is the golden icon of the American West. With its fuzzy yellow coat and industrious spirit,...
Insects
Mottled Grasshopper
Myrmeleotettix maculatus
A miniature marvel of camouflage, the Mottled Grasshopper is the hidden gem of dry, sunny gardens. Look closely for i...
Insects
Mountain Cornflower Aphid
Uroleucon montanivorum
A high-altitude specialist of the Rocky Mountains, the Mountain Cornflower Aphid is a master of survival in rugged me...
Insects
Muslin Moth
Diaphora mendica
The Muslin Moth is a master of disguise and transformation, featuring a unique look for both males and females. Disco...
Insects
Neon Skimmer
Libellula croceipennis
With its electrifying red body that looks almost battery-powered, the Neon Skimmer is the crown jewel of southwestern...
Insects
Nevada Bumble Bee
Bombus nevadensis
Meet the golden giant of the West. The Nevada Bumble Bee is a robust, hardworking pollinator that brings a flash of b...
Insects
Noble Chafer
Gnorimus nobilis
A rare and shimmering emerald of the insect world, the Noble Chafer is a prized find for any nature enthusiast. This ...
Insects
Noble Scoliid Wasp
Scolia nobilitata
A striking native wasp with golden spots and iridescent wings, the Noble Scoliid Wasp is a peaceful garden guardian. ...
Insects
Nomad
Sympetrum fonscolombii
True to its name, the Nomad is a world traveler that brings a splash of scarlet to backyards across the globe. With i...
Insects
North American Luna Moth
Actias luna
A breathtaking emerald of the night, the Luna Moth is a short-lived wonder of the backyard world. With its long flowi...
Insects
Northern Bluet
Enallagma annexum
A masterpiece of biological engineering in miniature, the Northern Bluet dazzles with its electric blue segments and ...
Insects
Northern Broken-Dash
Polites egeremet
The Northern Broken-Dash is a zippy, olive-brown skipper that brings a touch of subtle elegance to summer meadows. Lo...
Insects
Northern Brown Argus
Aricia artaxerxes
A chocolate-colored jewel of the northern grasslands, the Northern Brown Argus is famous for the tiny white 'beauty m...
Insects
northern corn rootworm
Diabrotica barberi
A gem-like visitor of the late-summer garden, the northern corn rootworm is a master of finding the best pollen in to...
Insects
Northern Crab Spider
Mecaphesa asperata
A tiny, bristly master of disguise that hunts the giants of the pollinator world from the petals of your backyard flo...
Insects
Northern Paper Wasp
Polistes fuscatus
Meet the garden’s most misunderstood architect. The Northern Paper Wasp is a master of facial recognition and a natur...
Insects
Nutmeg Moth
Anarta trifolii
A master of midnight camouflage, the Nutmeg moth is a subtle beauty that hides in plain sight among our gardens and g...
Insects
Oak Bush-cricket
Meconema thalassinum
The ghost of the canopy, the Oak Bush-cricket is a silent drummer that trades loud chirps for secret vibrations. This...
Insects
Ocola Skipper
Panoquina ocola
The Ocola Skipper is a master of high-speed maneuvers, easily identified by its exceptionally long wings and chocolat...
Insects
Oleander Aphid
Aphis nerii
The Oleander Aphid is a tiny, brilliant yellow gem of the garden world. Often found in bustling colonies on milkweed,...
InsectsOne-spotted Stink Bug
Euschistus variolarius
A common but often overlooked resident of North American gardens, the One-spotted Stink Bug is a marvel of natural ca...
Insects
Orange Ladybird
Halyzia sedecimguttata
A luminous garden ally that trades aphids for fungi, the Orange Ladybird is a master of the night. Easily recognized ...
Insects
Orange Sallow
Tiliacea citrago
With its vibrant golden-orange wings, the Orange Sallow is a true jewel of the autumn night. This moth is a master of...
Insects
Orange Skipperling
Oarisma aurantiaca
A tiny, golden gem of the grasslands, the Orange Skipperling is a master of low-altitude flight. Though small, its vi...
Insects
orange-tip
Anthocharis cardamines
A signature sign of spring, the orange-tip brings a splash of vibrant color to garden hedgerows. With its unique 'mos...
Insects
Orchard Swallowtail
Papilio aegeus
Australia's largest common butterfly, the Orchard Swallowtail, is a spectacular garden visitor known for its bold bla...
Insects
Orchid Tit
Hypolycaena othona
A gem of the tropical garden, the Orchid Tit is a master of disguise with delicate tails and striking orange-banded w...
Insects
Organ-pipe Mud-dauber Wasp
Trypoxylon politum
The master architect of the backyard, this elegant black wasp constructs sophisticated clay nurseries that look like ...
Insects
Ornate Pennant
Celithemis ornata
A jewel of the wetlands, the Ornate Pennant dazzles with its ruby-red spots and delicate wing patterns. This small bu...
Insects
Oystershell Scale
Lepidosaphes ulmi
Hidden in plain sight on the bark of your favorite trees, the Oystershell Scale is a marvel of natural camouflage. Th...
InsectsNot sure what you saw?
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