Species library

Martha's Pennant

Celithemis martha

A small but brilliant jewel of the summer wetlands, Martha’s Pennant is famous for its habit of flagging from the tal...

Insects

Meadow Grasshopper

Pseudochorthippus parallelus

The Meadow Grasshopper is the rhythmic soul of the summer garden, famous for its 'sewing-machine' song and vibrant gr...

Insects

Meadow Spittlebug

Philaenus spumarius

A master of physics and foam, the Meadow Spittlebug is famous for its bubbly 'cuckoo spit' nurseries and record-break...

Insects

Mealybug Destroyer

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

The Mealybug Destroyer is the garden's ultimate secret agent, using a brilliant 'wolf in sheep's clothing' disguise t...

Insects

Median Wasp

Dolichovespula media

The Median Wasp is a master of aerial engineering, building impressive hanging paper nests in the heart of suburban g...

Insects

Melon Aphid

Aphis gossypii

The Melon Aphid is a tiny titan of the garden, capable of building massive colonies through the power of cloning. Dis...

Insects

Metallic Brown Flea Beetle

Crepidodera browni

The Metallic Brown Flea Beetle is a shimmering, coppery gymnast of the insect world. Though no larger than a grain of...

Insects

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,...

Insects

One-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