Wildlife Species Library

Identification guides, behavior notes, and camera tips for the wildlife visiting backyard habitats across the EverydayEarth community.

Showing 1-36 of 58 species

Saffron Sapphire
Insects

Saffron Sapphire

Iolaus pallene

With its brilliant golden wings and hidden metallic 'sapphire' spots, the Saffron Sapphire is a high-speed jewel of t...

Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
Insects

Saffron-winged Meadowhawk

Sympetrum costiferum

A late-season gem of the insect world, the Saffron-winged Meadowhawk brings a flash of brilliant red and gold to the ...

Salt Marsh Moth
Insects

Salt Marsh Moth

Estigmene acrea

A snowy white beauty with a hidden splash of orange, the Salt Marsh Moth is a master of adaptation found from Canadia...

Saxon Wasp
Insects

Saxon Wasp

Dolichovespula saxonica

A sophisticated aerial architect, the Saxon Wasp is a gardener's friend that builds intricate paper nests and provide...

Say's Burying Beetle
Insects

Say's Burying Beetle

Nicrophorus sayi

The Say's Burying Beetle is a striking, orange-spotted marvel of the forest floor, known for its incredible parental ...

Scarce Chaser
Insects

Scarce Chaser

Libellula fulva

A rare gem of the wetlands, the Scarce Chaser dazzles with its striking transition from vibrant orange to sky blue. W...

Scarlet Malachite Beetle
Insects

Scarlet Malachite Beetle

Malachius aeneus

A jewel of the summer meadow, the Scarlet Malachite Beetle captivates with its brilliant metallic green and fiery red...

Scarlet Skimmer
Insects

Scarlet Skimmer

Crocothemis servilia

A flash of fire in the garden, the Scarlet Skimmer is one of the most vibrant dragonflies you can encounter. Renowned...

Sculptured Resin Bee
Insects

Sculptured Resin Bee

Megachile sculpturalis

An architectural marvel of the insect world, the Sculptured Resin Bee is a large, solitary pollinator known for its g...

Scurfy Scale
Insects

Scurfy Scale

Chionaspis furfura

The Scurfy Scale is a tiny architect of the backyard, building protective white armor that can coat the branches of f...

Setaceous Hebrew Character
Insects

Setaceous Hebrew Character

Xestia c-nigrum

Named for the cryptic, ancient-looking symbol on its wings, the Setaceous Hebrew Character is a master of the night. ...

Seven-spotted Lady Beetle
Insects

Seven-spotted Lady Beetle

Coccinella septempunctata

The iconic 'C-7' is a gardener's most colorful ally, patrolling backyard plants for pests with its striking red-and-b...

Sharp-angled Carpet
Insects

Sharp-angled Carpet

Euphyia unangulata

A masterpiece of geometric camouflage, the Sharp-angled Carpet is a frequent but often overlooked visitor to damp sum...

Sharp-nosed Leafhopper
Insects

Sharp-nosed Leafhopper

Scaphytopius acutus

The Sharp-nosed Leafhopper is a master of miniature camouflage, featuring a uniquely pointed head and intricate wing ...

Shiny Flea Beetle
Insects

Shiny Flea Beetle

Asphaera lustrans

A miniature marvel of the insect world, the Shiny Flea Beetle dazzles with its metallic blue shell and golden spots. ...

Short-tailed Blue
Insects

Short-tailed Blue

Cupido argiades

A tiny, violet-hued gem of the grassy meadows, the Short-tailed Blue is famous for its delicate 'cupid' tails and low...

Short-winged Conehead
Insects

Short-winged Conehead

Conocephalus dorsalis

A gem of the marshland, the Short-winged Conehead is a vibrant green bush cricket that thrives in the humid micro-cli...

Silky Field Ant
Insects

Silky Field Ant

Formica subsericea

The Silky Field Ant is a shimmering, high-speed architect that brings life to your garden soil. Recognizable by their...

Silver-ground Carpet
Insects

Silver-ground Carpet

Xanthorhoe montanata

A common but beautiful summer visitor, the Silver-ground Carpet is easily recognized by its striking chocolate-brown ...

Silver-spotted Skipper
Insects

Silver-spotted Skipper

Epargyreus clarus

Don't let the drab brown wings fool you—the Silver-spotted Skipper is a master of disguise with a brilliant metallic ...

Silver Streaked Acacia Blue
Insects

Silver Streaked Acacia Blue

Zinaspa todara

A shimmering jewel of the forest edge, the Silver Streaked Acacia Blue is famous for the brilliant metallic streaks t...

Silver-studded Blue
Insects

Silver-studded Blue

Plebejus argus

A shimmering jewel of the heathland, the Silver-studded Blue is a tiny marvel with a secret. Beyond its iridescent wi...

Silverleaf Whitefly
Insects

Silverleaf Whitefly

Bemisia tabaci

The Silverleaf Whitefly is a tiny, waxy-winged traveler that has conquered gardens across the globe. Though barely th...

Silverstreak Blue
Insects

Silverstreak Blue

Iraota timoleon

A shimmering jewel of the canopy, the Silverstreak Blue combines high-speed aerial acrobatics with stunning metallic ...

Six-striped Rustic
Insects

Six-striped Rustic

Xestia sexstrigata

With its warm cinnamon tones and elegant geometric markings, the Six-striped Rustic is a classic visitor of the Europ...

Slate Flash
Insects

Slate Flash

Rapala manea

A metallic marvel of the garden, the Slate Flash is a tiny powerhouse of speed and color. Look for its shimmering blu...

Small Blue
Insects

Small Blue

Cupido minimus

Meet the Small Blue, a tiny treasure of the butterfly world that trades vibrant colors for subtle elegance. As the sm...

Small Blue Leaf Beetle
Insects

Small Blue Leaf Beetle

Nisotra breweri

A tiny jewel of the garden, the Small Blue Leaf Beetle dazzles with its metallic sheen and surprising jumping power.

Small Skipper
Insects

Small Skipper

Thymelicus sylvestris

A golden-orange spark in the summer grass, the Small Skipper is the engine of the meadow. Watch for its unique 'jet-p...

Small White
Insects

Small White

Pieris rapae

The Small White is the quintessential backyard butterfly, a snow-colored aerialist that brings life to every garden. ...

Smith's Dart
Insects

Smith's Dart

Xestia smithii

A warm-toned wonder of the northern night, Smith's Dart is a master of camouflage. This cinnamon-colored moth is a st...

Smoky Rubyspot
Insects

Smoky Rubyspot

Hetaerina titia

The Smoky Rubyspot is a gothic beauty of the waterways, sporting dramatic dark-stained wings and brilliant crimson ac...

Solomon's-seal sawfly
Insects

Solomon's-seal sawfly

Phymatocera aterrima

A specialist of the shaded garden, the Solomon's-seal sawfly is a master of disguise until its spotted larvae begin t...

Soothsayer Dart
Insects

Soothsayer Dart

Graphiphora augur

A master of the midnight garden, the Soothsayer Dart is recognized by its mysterious 'dart' markings and earthy camou...

Southern Carpenter Bee
Insects

Southern Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa micans

With its shimmering violet-blue armor and gentle nature, the Southern Carpenter Bee is a crown jewel of the southeast...

Southern Darter
Insects

Southern Darter

Sympetrum meridionale

A sun-loving master of the skies, the Southern Darter is recognized by its warm red tones and remarkably pale, clean ...

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