Maple clearwing moth Order: Lepidoptera Family: Sesiidae Genus and species: Synanthedon acerrubri  Englehardt Moths of the family Sesiidae are called clearwing moths due to the dearth of scales on one or both pairs of long, narrow wings, which lends the insects a...

Stinging rose caterpillar Order: Lepidoptera Family: Limacodidae Genus and species: Parasa indetermina (Boisduval) The black-tipped spines on the elongate body wall projections have poison glands at their bases. Venom enters the skin of humans or animals when the...

Cross-striped cabbageworm Order: Lepidoptera Family: Pyralidae Genus and species: Evergestis rimosalis (Guenée) The cross-striped cabbageworm is a pest of Brassica crops, including cabbage, broccoli, turnips, Brussels sprouts, collards, rutabaga, rape, cauliflower,...

Indian meal moth Order: Lepidoptera Family: Pyralidae Genus and species: Plodia interpunctella Hübner The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, is one of the most important household pests in Arkansas. It often infests dried fruits, nuts, cereals, powdered milk,...

Ailanthus webworm moth Order: Lepidoptera Family: Yponomeutidae Genus and sepcies: Atteva punctella (Cramer) In their native habitats of Central and South America, Ailanthus webworm caterpillars build communal webs in native trees of the family Simaroubaceae. The...

Bagworm Order: Lepidoptera Family: Psychidae Genus and species: Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth) Bagworms are among the most important pests of ornamental trees and shrubs in the eastern United States. They are native to North America, and they have only one...

Purple small-headed fly Order: Diptera Family: Acroceridae Genus and species: Lasia purpurata Bequaert In 1933, Harvard University entomologist Joseph Bequaert described Lasia purpurata from a large, pilose, metallic blue fly with strong purple reflections that was...

Robber Flies Order: Diptera Family: Asilidae Diogmites symmachus Lampria rubriventris Laphria thoracica Holcocephala fusca Nerax aestuans Proctacanthus duryi Promachus hinei Triorla interrupta Ommatius sp Diogmites symmachus Laphria lata Prolepsis tristis Mallophora...

Mydas fly Order: Diptera Family: Mydidae Genus and species: Mydas clavatus (Drury) This common Arkansas species is a large, 1.0-1.5 inch, striking, velvety-black wasp mimic with smoky wings, long antennae, and a bright orange marking on the top and sides of the second...

Snake-worm Order: Diptera Family: Sciaridae Genus and species: Members of the fly family Sciaridae are known as darkwinged fungus gnats. They are often found in dark, shady places, such as forests, caves, and animal burrows. Their larvae have a shiny black head...