7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates

We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present you about these 7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and inspiration.

Certainly, these few creatures herein represent only a small portion of the species found throughout the area. It’s our belief, though, that these few examples serve as excellent representatives of the wide variety of life here. Read on for more information.

Hemlock Looper

Hemlock Looper Facts

• Leading off this article about these 7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates we give you the beautiful insect aptly known as the Hemlock Looper.
• This delicate marvel of Nature, an excellent example of native Lepidoptera, most frequently goes by the unexpected common name. The invertebrate also has another, though less used common name. That’s the term of the mournful thorn.
• Professionals, however, typically refer to it by yet another name. That’s the technical name for the small species. Unfortunately, however, like many such terms, its’ rather hard to pronounce. That’s due to the fact that it’s also called the Lambdina fiscellaria.
• The respected French entomologist, Achille Guenée, assigned this tonge-twisting formal name. He made the first known official recognition of the insect as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy event further occurred in 1857.
• Regrettably, though, in some parts of its native range, it’s viewed as a serious pest. That holds true due to the feeding habits of its caterpillar form. When present in sufficient numbers, these pose a serious threat to several varieties of trees in local area.
• For the moment, this impressive invertebrate appears to be maintaing a population base that’s both sizeable and stable. This also seems to hold tue throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN, therefore, presently has no listing for it on its Red List.
• The Hemlock Looper nevertheless should be considered as facing several threats to its continued existence. Habitat loss, chiefly due to human activities, naturally constitutes a potential danger. Its greatest threat, however, comes from climate change.

Hemlock Looper Physical Description

The appealing Lepidoptera known by the attention-grabbing common name of the Hemlock Looper garners some attention due to its dietary habits, to be sure. Yet the remarkable insect also merits its own degree of appreciation due to its sheer visual appeal, too.

It further manages to earn a certain degree of appreciation for its natural beauty alone. Its physical size isn’t a factor in that particular aspect. That’s because it remains only an average-sized specimen of its kind, unlike some giants, like the Giant Atlas Moth.

More specifically, mature adults of the species possess an average wingspan of roughly 1.4 in (3.5 cm). Exceptional individuals do occur occasionally, of course. These uncommon specimens, however, rarely exceed this measurement by more than a small fraction.

Unlike many of its relatives, though, the Hemlock Looper displays no noticeable degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. This lack of distinguishing traits between the genders further includes both sheer size and physical appearance.

Adults of both genders therefore present the same general pattern of colors, as well as size. This principally manifests as a cream colored background over most of the body and wings. Thin, dark lines, however, generally also cross both the forewings and hindwings.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Geometridae
• Genus: Lambdina
• Species: L. fiscellaria

Hemlock Looper Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Fortunately, both for the Hemlock Looper itself, and those of us who appreciate Nature, it evolved as native to a relatively wide section of the globe. That’s due to the fact that the Arthropod evolved as native to much of the continent of North America.

Within that vast area, though, its range extends as far north as the southern portions of the country of Canada. From there, it makes appearances throughout the United States. The range of the small moth does not, however, extend into the country of Mexico.

In both of the countries on the continent that it does appear in, though, the great majority of its numbers tend to live in the eastern half of the continent. In all regions, however, the creature typically makes its home in areas of either coniferous or deciduous forests.

Although the caterpillar froms feed on virtually every variety of tree in their habitat range, they do show certain preferences. As the common name implies, though, these show a strong preference for hemlock trees. Yet they consume most others, as well as some shrubs.

Other than hemlock trees, the favorite food sources of the caterpillar form includes such indigenous tree species as white spruce, oak, and balsam fir. The mature adults, meanwhile, like many of their relatives, feed on the nectar of various local plant species.

The adult Hemlock Looper typically flies between August and early October, in most instances. After mating, the female lays large numbers of eggs, usually either in small groupings, or even singly. These she further places on bark, twigs, foliage, or even debris.

Magnolia Green Jumper

Magnolia Green Jumper Facts

• The species appearing next in this compilation of 7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates understandably goes by the name of the Magnolia Green Jumper.
• The descriptive term applied to the spider presently serves as the most frequently used name for this gorgeous arachnid. It also happens to be the only generally accepted common name it has. Though certainly not unknown, that’s somewhat uncommon.
• Scientific professionals, meanwhile, more often refer to this invertebrate by its official moniker. This term, however, typically used by experts, such as researchers, is harder to pronounce. That’s because the spider bears the official name of he Lyssomanes viridis.
• The dazzling creation of Nature and evolution received this name due to the work of the respected French scientist, Charles, Athanase Walckenaer. He made the first formal acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. This he accomplished in 1837.
• For the moment, this remarkable creature appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sizeable and stable. That trend further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its native range. The IUCN, therefore, currently has no listing for it.
• This distinctive arachnid should nevertheless be considered to be facing at least some threats to its continued existence. The majority of these, however, are the same as those perils currently facing the majority of the species on earth, if not all of them.
• Due to the nature of its habitat, the brilliant Magnolia Green Jumper faces the degradation or outright loss of much of its previous range. The greatest threat the Arthropod faces, though, most likely consists of the effects of ongoing climate change.

Magnolia Green Jumper Physical Description

The dazzling Green Magnolia Jumper quickly draws the interest of all those fortunate enough to encounter one. You might even say their distinctiveness jumps out at you! It’s worth noting, however, that the spider merits this interest for reasons other that sheer size.

That’s because this gorgeous creation of millions of years of evolution easily ranks as comparatively small for a variety of jumping spider. Like many of its kindred, the remarkable arachnid also displays a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism.

In its case, this manifests itself in terms of size. Specifically, the females typically attain a slightly greater size than their male counterparts. Females average a body length measuring about 0.28 – 0.31 in (7 – 8 mm). Males, though, only average 0.20 – 0.24 in (5 – 6 mm).

It’s also noted for possessing somewhat longer legs than average, for a jumping spider, relative to body size. This arachnid further evolved highly complex eyes. These, in fact, provide it with some of the most highly developed and acute vision of all known arthropds.

Yet, it’s the coloring of the aptly-named Magnolia Green Jumper that receives most of the attention. Among mature specimens of both genders, this consists of a mainly pale, nearly translucent green. This, obviously, serves as the source of part of its name.

Other colors also appear, though usually in minute quantities. Several small black spots typically appear on the abdomen. Small scales on the fringes of the body also often manifest varying shades. These generally include such colors as orange, yellow, red, or white.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Araneae
• Family: Salticidae
• Genus: Lyssomanes
• Species: L. viridis

Magnolia Green Jumper Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Fortuntely for it, the Magnolia Green Jumper seems to inhabit a comparatively broad section of the globe. That holds true due to the fact that it resides in an area that extends across much of the continent of North America. It also appears in Central America.

Within that broader range, however, it makes its home in only selected sections. The great majority of its numbers live in the southeastern section of the United States. Sporadic sightings of the small animal do occur as far south as the country of Guatemala, though.

The impressive species further exhibits decided preferences in its choice of habitat. Most sighted specimens live in regions of warm, humid forests. Part of its common name also derives from its strong preference for magnolia trees, especially the Southern Magnolia.

Yet, this wonder of Nature also makes appearances in other types of trees, including such types as pine, maple, and oak. Some individuals also live on bushes near the ground. Although it seems to prefer moister climates, specimens often appear in dryer climates, too.

Like virtually all of its relatives, the Magnolia Green Jumper evolved as carnivorous in nature. The only known exception to that pattern is the Bagheera kiplingi. This spider hunts as an ambush predator, typically lunging short distances to pounce on its hapless prey.

Mating occurs in Spring, mainly in May. Subsequent to that, females lay between 25 – 70 eggs. These she places on the underside of leaves. She also guards them closely until they hatch. Folowing their hatching, the female generally perishes soon after, usually by August.

Magicicada

Magicicada Facts

• Placing in the third position in this collection of 7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates, the Magicicada appears there only due to random selection.
• Most notably, the term applied to it actually refers to either of two separate but closely related varieties of periodical cicadas. In a truly extraordinary adaptation of Nature, the two members of this genus evolved an astounding instinctive trait.
• That holds true due to the unbelievable fact that these actually represent 13 and 17-year cycle periodical cicadas. Tthe insects additionally possess yet another remarkable behavioral pattern. In fact, they spend most of their lives underground.
• There, it feeds on the fluids from the roots of deciduous trees native to the part of the world it inhabits. After either of the two time periods, the mature nymphs emerge at random locations. This action occurs in tandem with others, in incredible numbers.
• After such an extended developmental phase, the next chapter of the lives of these invertebrates seems quite brief in comparison. To be precise, the adult specimens of the amazing invertebrate remain active for only about 4-6 weeks.
• Fascinatingly, the cycle of life of the Magicicada actually becomes complete within two months of the original emergence. By that time the eggs have been laid and the adult cicadas vanish beneath the surface, to begin the cycle again. 

Magicicada Physical Description

Confusing matters somewhat, both known species of the remarkable Magicicada display almost the exact same physical appearance. Part of this distinctive look is quite readily apparent to the observer. This remains the startling red eyes possessed by the creatures.

This display, consequently, starkly contrasts with that of the completely black thorax. The wings of both forms of the awesome Magicicada further typically appear translucent, in sharp contrast. These also display bright orange colored veins.

The underside of the abdomen also presents as either black, orange, or striped with orange and black. This pattern holds for the great majority of specimens. Which pattern individuals display also depends on the individual species of this insect.

Adults attain an impressive size. In fact, these average 0.9-1.3 in (2.4-3.3 cm) in length. This makes them slightly smaller than the annual cicada species living in the same regions. The species also displays sexual dimorphism. Mature females grow slightly larger than males.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hemiptera
• Family: Cicadidae
• Genus: Magicicada

Magicicada Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite unfortunately for those who appreciate the beauty of Nature, both forms of the Magicicada inhabit a restricted portion of the globe. This holds true because of the fact that this genus only inhabits a small, and concentrated, section of North America.

Even more precisely, though, these incredible insects only appear across areas of the eastern, upper mid-western, and Great Plains states within the United States. Within this region of the country, however, it inhabits virtually all types of habitats.

This occurs because nymphs spend nearly their entire lives underground. That’s true regardless of which variety the individual forms a member of. The nymphs also undergo a total of 5 distinct developmental stages in their lives beneath the surface.

The difference in the two different life cycles is the time it takes the second stage to mature. While underground, the nymphs move ever deeper below ground, to feed on larger roots. However, these do eventually emerge, at the end of their respective cycles.

The nymphs also typically emerge at a very specific time. This consists of a spring evening. In most years, this will occur in either late April or early May in far southern states. In the far northern states, though, it usually happens in late May or early June.

Emerging nymphs climb to a suitable place on the nearby vegetation to complete their transformation. The astonishing numbers of Magicicada will then molt one final time, and then spend about six days in the leaves waiting for the exoskeletons to finish hardening.

The short adult life cycle of the creatures has one purpose. That’s to reproduce, during which time they sing in a chorus that can be nearly deafening. In point of fact, these often number more than 1.5 million individuals per acre (0.4 hectares).  

Grizzled Mantis

Grizzled Mantis Facts

• Holding down the fourth position in this article about 7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates we present the insect named the Grizzled Mantis.
• The highly descriptive term given it serves as generally used common name for a most unusual variety of mantid. But that’s not its only name. Professional researchers likely know it better by the scientific name of the Gonatista grisea.
• Regardless of the name used for this mantis, it remains a most remarkable species. This holds true due to the extreme camouflage abilities it displays. While most mantises utilize this principle, very few take it to the level of this creature.
• The first known identification of this marvel of Nature actually occurred more than two centuries ago. More precisely, that took place in the year 1793. That arose from the incredible work of the Danish zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius.
• For the moment, the IUCN has no listing for this species. Any such listing would appear on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. This occurs because of a combination of its natural range and apparently stable population base.
• The Grizzled Mantis, like many related species, nonetheless may be considered to be at risk. Just as them, this insect must deal with ever-declining choices of habitat. It must, however, also be considered to be at further risk from the effects of climate change.

Grizzled Mantis Physical Description

While the beautiful Grizzled Mantis does impress the viewer, it does not do so due to physical size. In point of act, this amazing invertebrate represents slightly smaller than average-sized variety of mantid. Like its many brethren, it also displays sexual dimorphism.

In its case, though, the difference remains quite small. As it happens, females attain an average body length roughly 0.08 in (2 mm) greater than the males. Males reach an average length equaling 1.5 in (38 mm). Meanwhile, the females average 1.58 in (40 mm) long.

The males also tend to have a somewhat slimmer form than their female counterparts. Otherwise, both genders appear identical. The overall color scheme consists of a grayish-green, with mottled dark markings. These usually appear as a mix of brown and black.

It head further displays the triangular shape typical of mantises. However, the eyes of the Grizzled Mantis grow particularly large. Those of the males generally grow slightly larger. The antennae of this species are commonly about half the length of the body.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Mantodea
• Family: Mantidae
• Genus: Gonatista
• Species: G. grisea

Grizzled Mantis Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The fabulous Grizzled Mantis has a moderately extensive range of habitation. However, that’s also quite broken in nature. The majority of individuals appear in an area from the states of Florida to South Carolina, in the United States, in North America.

But, scattered smaller populations also appear kin other locations. These include portions of Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Yet, it remains unknown if these represent true native populations. The possibility exists that these could have been unknowingly transplanted.

Wherever it appears, the arthropod has decided habitat preferences. This species prefers any area with plentiful foliage, most especially various trees. Obviously, this mainly includes local forests, but can include parks, and even private yards.

Like other mantids, the fascinating Grizzled Mantis evolved as a fully predatory carnivore. In its case, it prefers to hunt on trees, where it can make maximum use of its camouflage abilities. Its prey consists almost exclusively of varying small arthropods.

After mating, eggs are enclosed in a protective case. Most commonly, the female attaches this to a leaf or twig. As many as 200 eggs may be found in a single case, known as an ootheca. Once hatched, these quickly progress to adulthood, usually with a 1-year life span.

Delhi Sands flower-loving fly

Delhi Sands flower-loving fly Facts

• Our next choice for inclusion in this presentation of 7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates is the surprising creature named the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly.
• This intriguing, and highly isolated species of insect, still remains best known by the cumbersome common name. The term might be lengthy, but it’s nevertheless also quite informative. For the moment, it has no other general name.
• Despite the length of the common name, though, it pales in comparison to the official, scientific name. That’s because it bears the burden of the formal name of Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis! It’s also a subspecies of another variety of fly.
• It received that name at the hands of the respected American entomologist, Mont Aldebert Cazier. He achieved the first formal acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. He recorded this scientifically noteworthy action in the year 1941.
• For now, the marvel of Nature does not appear on the IUCN Red List. It does, however, hold the status of Endangered in the country in which it lives. That status itself, though, remains an ongoing source of some controversy, due to solely political reasons.
• The Delhi Sands flower-loving fly nevertheless faces numerous threats to its continued existence. Given its habitat range, habitat loss obviously ranks high on that list. The greatest threat it faces, however, most likely consists of ongoing climate change.

Delhi Sands flower-loving fly Physical Description

The remarkable Delhi Sands flower-loving fly quickly draws the interest of those fortunate enough to encounter them. It does so for several reasons, though. Several of those factors pertain to its physical characteristics. For one, it ranks as a fairly large variety of fly.

In this area, as well as overall appearance, the species displays no noticeable degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In terms of size, both genders vary significantly in length. Overall, however, mature adults attain an average size of about 1 in (2.5 cm).

The body further develops as elongated, and tapers at both the head and tail. Its proboscis also develops as highly elongated, as well as being tubular-shaped. It also develops relatively long wings for a fly. These also typically display a somewhat elongated shape when open.

The impressive Delhi Sands flower-loving fly also presents a striking visual image, as well. Its body displays broad brownish band across the abdomen. Separating these it further shows narrow bands of an orange-yellow hue. Small brown spots also sometimes manifest.

Yet, the rest of its body presents strikingly different shades. This creates a strong contrast. The head develops shades of green and ocher. But the legs really set this off. That’s because these appendages typically present a bright orange color, with darker spots at the joints.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Diptera
• Family: Mydidae
• Genus: R. terminatus
• Species: R. t. abdominalis

Delhi Sands flower-loving fly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The amazing Delhi Sands flower-loving fly evolved as endemic to a general region of the world already well known for its variety of wildlife. That’s due to the fact that it developed as native to a portion of North America. Within that area, though, it’s range is limited.

In point of fact, it’s extremely so. This product of evolution inhabits an extremely tiny area of the United States. More precisely, it appears in only a tiny part of southern California. Evidence additionally indicates that its range never exceeded 40 sq mi (100 sq km)!

Sadly, however, roughly 98% of that original territory now remains undeveloped for human habitation. Fortunately, a private conservation group purchased 7 separate small parcels of land, to set aside as a sanctuary. This, though, only totals about 100 acres (40.4 ha).

Its original and remaining habitat remains the same. That’s comprised solely of the Delhi Sand Dunes formation. This ancient area of arid, inland dunes also serves as the only known home to several other recently discovered, but as yet unnamed insect species.

Detailed information on the life cycle of the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly presently remains limited. As part of its name indicates, mature adults appear to feed exclusively on nectar. It also appears to feed exclusively on nectar from the blooms of the California buckwheat.

Its total lifespand also remains undetermined. It’s believed, though, that its larval stage last 1-2 years. That period of its life appears to be spent entirely underground. Adults begin to emerge during early summer. Once these appear, however, each only lives a few weeks.

Delta Green Ground Beetle

Delta Green Ground Beetle Facts

• Now we present the next species appearing in this compendium of 7 Intriguin North American Invertebrates, the Delta Green Ground Beetle.
• This dazzling invertebrate most frequently, and understandably, goes by the descriptive common name. Unlike most of its kindred, however, it possesses no alternate general name. That’s largely due to limited human awareness of its presence.
• Among professionals, however, it’s usually referred to by its formal name. That term, though, as many researchers can attest, is somewhat difficult to pronounce. That’s because it bears the moderately cumbersome, as such things go, name Elaphrus viridus.
• It received its official moniker due to the efforts of the respected American entomologist, George Henry Horn. He accomplished the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy event occurred in 1878.
• Unfortunately, this marvelous product of Nature and evolution faces numerous factors limiting its chances of survival. This sad fact also holds true throughout the entirety of its range. In fact, the nature of its range itself qualifies as one of those factors.
• Precise estimates of the population of the insect do not currently exist. Nevertheless, given the other problems it faces, the IUCN currently lists it as Critically Endangered. That status appears on the organization’s published Red List of Threatened Species.
• One of the greatest perils the Delta Green Ground Beetle faces stems from the nature of its habitat. Many of the remaining locations of this specific type of ecosystem face possible destruction due to human expansion. It’s also endangered by climate change.

Delta Green Ground Beetle Physical Description

The Delta Green Ground Beetle fasciantes those who know of it. This holds true due to various reasons, of course. One of these, though, pertains to its physical appearance. More specifically, the few studies conducted differ concerning the presence of sexual dimorphism.

Even if present, however, some researchers believe this physiological characteristic manifests itself in terms other than size. Observations remain few, but those indicate that, if indeed exiting, this trait develops in terms of color patterns. That, however, isn’t uncommon.

Mature adults do seem to attain the same approximate physical size, though. All observed mature specimens measured roughly 0.25 in (0.6 cm) in length. It’s therefore immediately obvious that this marvel of Nature enthralls the observor for reasons other than sheer size.

The name of the Delta Green Ground Beetle clearly derives partly from its coloring. This primarily consists of a background of bright metallic-green. Yet, small bronze-colored spots also appear. These markings further vary in size and patterns between individuals.

The other inspiration for its general name also comes from a characteristic of its physiology. This too is a matter of appearance. That’s true because of a small marking appearing on the foremost of its body segments. Many believe this to resemble the Greek letter Delta.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Coleoptera
• Family: Carabidae
• Genus: Elaphrus
• Species: E. viridis

Delta Green Ground Beetle Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Delta Green Ground Beetle evolved as native to a region of the world well known for its abundant natural beauty. That’s due to the fact that its evolution occurred within the boundaries of what now represents North America. Its range remained limited, however.

More precisely, the Arthropod only lives in a tiny portion of what’s now the United States. Even there, though, it only lives in an overall area comprising no more than 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares). Its entire known territorial range lies inside of Solano County, California.

Evidence further indicates that it never existed beyond the boundaries of what’s now the Central Valley. Presently, it’s only known to be present in 5 small concentrations. In each case, however, the species demonstrates decided preferences for its choice of habitat.

It seems to prefer riparian ecosystems. These typically consist of such locations as on or near the banks of a river or stream, for one. This also includes regions of wetlands. It also appears along the edges of small, temporary pools of water, generally known as vernal pools.

In both its larval and adult forms, the Delta Green Ground Beetle feeds as a carnivore. It further tends to hunt as an active predator, rather than as an ambush predator. Evidence indicates that it hunts small, soft-bodied arthropods. That mainly consists of springtails.

For the moment, scientists remain uncertain of its own predators. It’s believed to emit a noxious substance from glands, making it unpalatable to most species otherwise prone to hunting it. Observors believe the most likely creature to eat it is a locally abundant tree frog.

Perdita minima

Perdita minima Facts

• Closing out this gathering of 7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates we give you the astonishing creation of Nature named the Perdita minima.
• The truly incredible marvel of evolution ranks as one of the most fascinating of bees. That’s understandable, given the fact that individuals of the arthropod remain so tiny that most people don’t even know the species exists.
• In point of fact, entomologists know this insect as the smallest species of bee currently known to man. To give a comparison that allows one to put this into perspective, its entire body could easily fit on the head of an average-sized bee.
• Scientists know that it has a moderately restricted habitat range. Yet we know virtually nothing about its numbers. Not surprisingly, its tiny size literally makes it difficult for experts to find individuals to determine accurate information.
• Due to this lack of sufficient information, the IUCN currently has no status listing for it on the organization’s Red List. Nevertheless, while we know almost nothing about its numbers, many suspect that its existence might be threatened.
• This belief springs from a combination of factors relating to its habitat and environment. The area the Perdita minima inhabits remains especially vulnerable to climate change. Human expansion also threatens to further reduce its natural range.

Perdita Minima Physical Description

Much as all members of its genus, the Perdita Minima, as the name implies, has a very small body. Yet even among its own genus, this truly astonishing insect ranks as incredibly tiny. Adults of this species average slightly less than 0.08 in (2 mm) in total body length.

Its natural coloring typically presents viewers with dazzling hues, at least when they do actually manage to spot it. This color pattern primarily consists of shades of bright yellow. However, some individuals also display streaks of gold or even white.

While it does technically have a stinger, it remains incapable of piercing the skin of a human, however. The wings of the Perdita minima also merit attention. That holds true because these actually qualify as powerful and large, at least relative to the body size.

These comparatively strong wings also allow it to often carry comparatively large quantities of pollen. In another marvel of evolutionary development, numerous relatively large hairs cover the tiny legs of this small but surprisingly impressive insect.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Andrenidae
• Genus: Perdita
• Species: P. minima

Perdita Minima Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Its tiny size does not solely hold responsibility for the fact that few people even know the Perdita Minima exists. That’s also due to the nature of the region it inhabits. In point of fact, the naturally evolved native habitat range it has may surprise many.

This zone of habitation consists primarily of the thinly populated sections of the southwestern United States, in North America. Further amazing the learner, the great majority of individuals choose to live in the numerous desert regions of the area.

To the surprise of many who learn of its existence, this variety of bee does not live in colonies like many do. Instead, individuals live solitary lives and build nests in soil that remains sandy and loose. While the body stays tiny, its effect on the environment does not.

That holds true because it pollinates vast quantities of plants and wildflowers native to the region, including some endangered species. Not surprisingly, the adults and larvae alike feed primarily on the pollen and nectar of these same wildflowers.

Much like other members of its genus, the Perdita minima appears to be highly selective. That’s due to its tendency to feed entirely on a single species of flora. Thus, any environmental factor that threatens its food source also naturally threatens the insect itself.

7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates

We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 7 Intriguing North American Invertebrates. It’s also our sincere hope that doing so has left you with a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.

Unfortunately, many other such species around the world now find themselves facing threats to their continued existence. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all for the future.

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