Species library
Field marks, habits, and camera tips for the wildlife that visits backyard habitats.
Tile-horned Prionus
Prionus imbricornis
A nocturnal giant with architecturally stunning antennae, the Tile-horned Prionus is one of North America's most impr...
Insects
Tobacco Budworm Moth
Chloridea virescens
A delicate visitor of the night, the Tobacco Budworm Moth features subtle green hues and elegant stripes. While often...
Insects
Tomentose Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus tomentosus
The Tomentose Burying Beetle is the golden-haired undertaker of the forest floor. With its striking orange-on-black p...
Insects
Triangle Plume Moth
Platyptilia gonodactyla
With wings like feathery fans and a silhouette like a tiny aircraft, the Triangle Plume Moth is one of the most archi...
Insects
Tricolored Bumble Bee
Bombus ternarius
With its signature sunset-orange belt and industrious nature, the Tricolored Bumble Bee is one of the most striking p...
Insects
Triple-spotted Clay
Xestia ditrapezium
A nocturnal gem of the Eurasian woodlands, the Triple-spotted Clay is prized by moth-watchers for its rich purplish h...
Insects
Tule Bluet
Enallagma carunculatum
The Tule Bluet is a dazzling splash of electric blue found dancing across North American wetlands. This resilient dam...
Insects
Tulip-tree Silkmoth
Callosamia angulifera
A nocturnal giant of the Eastern forests, the Tulip-tree Silkmoth is a master of camouflage and a spectacular find fo...
Insects
Tuliptree scale
Toumeyella liriodendri
The Tuliptree scale is a master of the sedentary life, masquerading as a simple bump on a branch while supporting an ...
Insects
Turnip Sawfly
Athalia rosae
The Turnip Sawfly is a jewel-toned visitor to the summer garden, easily recognized by its glowing orange body and dar...
Insects
Twelve-spotted Skimmer
Libellula pulchella
A master of aerial maneuvers, the Twelve-spotted Skimmer is easily recognized by its ornate, spotted wings and bold t...
Insects
Twin-spot Skipper
Oligoria maculata
A small but striking resident of the Southeast, the Twin-spot Skipper is easily identified by the bright white dots t...
Insects
Twister
Tholymis tillarga
The ghost of the twilight garden, the Twister is a master of evening aerobatics. Known for its glowing white wing pat...
Insects
Two-lined Spittlebug
Prosapia bicincta
A striking master of disguise and jumping, the Two-lined Spittlebug brings a splash of racing-stripe color to Eastern...
Insects
Two-spotted Bumble Bee
Bombus bimaculatus
The Two-spotted Bumble Bee is the herald of spring, often the very first bee to visit your garden as the weather warm...
Insects
Two-spotted Lady Beetle
Adalia bipunctata
A pint-sized guardian of the garden, the Two-spotted Lady Beetle is a vibrant red ally in the fight against plant pes...
Insects
Twospotted Spider Mite
Tetranychus urticae
The Twospotted Spider Mite is a master weaver that builds an entire world on the underside of a single leaf. Nearly i...
Arachnids
Vagrant Darter
Sympetrum vulgatum
A vibrant master of the late-summer garden, the Vagrant Darter is easily identified by its unique 'moustache' and its...
Insects
Vancouver Bumble Bee
Bombus vancouverensis
The Vancouver Bumble Bee is a vibrant, mountain-dwelling pollinator known for its striking orange bands and sophistic...
Insects
Variable Dancer
Argia fumipennis
A flash of neon purple in the reeds, the Variable Dancer is one of nature's most vibrant aerial acrobats. Found danci...
InsectsVariable Sallow
Sericaglaea signata
A master of autumn camouflage, the Variable Sallow is one of the few moths you'll spot braving the chilly winter nigh...
Insects
Variegated Fritillary
Euptoieta claudia
A restless nomad of the Americas, the Variegated Fritillary dazzles with its checkered orange wings and incredible sp...
Insects
Variegated Meadowhawk
Sympetrum corruptum
A master of migration and a champion mosquito hunter, the Variegated Meadowhawk brings a splash of intricate color to...
Insects
Vedalia Beetle
Novius cardinalis
The tiny red hero of the citrus grove, the Vedalia Beetle is a master hunter that saved California's orange industry....
Insects
Vegetable Leafminer
Liriomyza sativae
The Vegetable Leafminer is a tiny architect of the garden, creating shimmering, winding galleries inside the leaves o...
Insects
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...
InsectsNot sure what you saw?
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