Wildlife Species Library
Identification guides, behavior notes, and camera tips for the wildlife visiting backyard habitats across the EverydayEarth community.
Magnolia scale
Neolecanium cornuparvum
Often mistaken for plant buds, the Magnolia scale is a giant among scale insects. These sap-sucking specialists creat...
Margined Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus marginatus
Meet the 'sexton' of the insect world, a colorful recycler that performs a vital role in our ecosystems. With its bri...
Marsh Bluet
Enallagma ebrium
A jewel of the wetlands, the Marsh Bluet brings a flash of brilliant sky-blue to backyard ponds. This delicate damsel...
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...
Meadow Grasshopper
Pseudochorthippus parallelus
The Meadow Grasshopper is the rhythmic soul of the summer garden, famous for its 'sewing-machine' song and vibrant gr...
Meadow Spittlebug
Philaenus spumarius
A master of physics and foam, the Meadow Spittlebug is famous for its bubbly 'cuckoo spit' nurseries and record-break...
Mealybug Destroyer
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
The Mealybug Destroyer is the garden's ultimate secret agent, using a brilliant 'wolf in sheep's clothing' disguise t...
Median Wasp
Dolichovespula media
The Median Wasp is a master of aerial engineering, building impressive hanging paper nests in the heart of suburban g...
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...
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...
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...
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...
minute cypress scale
Carulaspis minima
A microscopic architect of the evergreen world, the minute cypress scale hides beneath a snowy white shield. These ti...
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 ...
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,...
Mottled Grasshopper
Myrmeleotettix maculatus
A miniature marvel of camouflage, the Mottled Grasshopper is the hidden gem of dry, sunny gardens. Look closely for i...
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...
Muslin Moth
Diaphora mendica
The Muslin Moth is a master of disguise and transformation, featuring a unique look for both males and females. Disco...
Not sure what you saw?
Upload a wildlife photo and let AI identify the species for you instantly.
Identify a speciesStart recording your backyard wildlife
Connect a camera and build your own species record — a personal field guide generated automatically.