Invertebrates are animals that lack a backbone or spinal column. This diverse group includes insects, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and similar organisms. Invertebrates are found in freshwater and marine environments as well as in terrestrial habitats. Invertebrates that depend on freshwater ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, streams and ponds are called freshwater invertebrates. By contrast, terrestrial invertebrates are species that live entirely on land and do not depend on aquatic ecosystems to complete any phase of their life cycle.

One hundred and forty-five invertebrate species have been identified in state wildlife action plans as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (GCN) for the Pacific Northwest Region, which includes Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Pacific Northwest Species of Greatest Conservation Need interactive application brings together resources on these 145 GCN invertebrate species and other GCN taxa from multiple authoritative sources including the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) and NatureServe.

Butterflies and Moths Learn about butterflies and moths and explore additional resources for the region, for North America, for kids, and for teachers.