Americas-distribution
Guides
Cerastipsocus trifasciatus
common barklouse
Cerastipsocus trifasciatus is a barklouse species in the family Psocidae, described by Provancher in 1876. It is widely distributed across the Americas, with records from North America (Canada, USA, Mexico), Central America (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama), and South America (Colombia, Venezuela). As a member of the Psocidae, it inhabits bark and related microhabitats.
Cryphula
dirt-colored seed bugs
Cryphula is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs (family Rhyparochromidae) comprising approximately 14 described species distributed in the Americas. The genus was established by Stål in 1874. Species in this genus have been documented in association with decomposing plant material, particularly dead Heliconia inflorescences and leaves.
Geocoris thoracicus
big-eyed bug
A predatory true bug in the family Geocoridae. Like other Geocoris species, it is a generalist predator of small arthropods and insect eggs. The species occurs in the Americas from the southern United States through Central America to northern South America.
Heterostylum
bee-flies
Heterostylum is a genus of bee-flies (Bombyliidae) comprising 14 described species distributed throughout the Americas. These robust, densely hairy flies measure 10–15 mm in body length. The genus is distinguished by diagnostic morphological features including an indentation in the hind margin of the eye and distinctive wing venation patterns. Larvae are parasitoids that develop within the nests of mining bees.
Ischyrus quadripunctatus
four-spotted fungus beetle
Ischyrus quadripunctatus, commonly known as the four-spotted fungus beetle, is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. The species is broadly distributed across the Americas, occurring in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It is one of two recognized subspecies, with Ischyrus quadripunctatus quadripunctatus (Olivier, 1791) as the nominate form and Ischyrus quadripunctatus chiasticus Boyle, 1954 as a subordinate taxon. Several junior synonyms have been synonymized under this species, including I. graphicus, I. subcylindricus, and I. puncticollis.
Lobiopa insularis
strawberry sap beetle
Lobiopa insularis is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, widely distributed across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America and the Caribbean. It is a significant agricultural pest of strawberry and other soft fruits, causing direct feeding damage and indirect losses through fungal dispersal. The species has been extensively studied for its biology, life history, and control options, including biological control using parasitoids and entomopathogenic nematodes.
agricultural-pestsap-beetlestrawberry-pestbiological-controlNitidulidaefrugivoroussexual-dimorphismmate-guardingparasitoid-hostentomopathogenic-nematode-hostpolyphagousfungal-dispersal-agentoverwintering-adultlong-lived-adulthigh-fecunditysoil-ovipositionripening-fruit-attractionintegrated-pest-managementBrazilArgentinaAmericas-distributionMegachile zaptlana
Megachile zaptlana is a solitary leafcutter bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cresson in 1878. The species belongs to the subgenus Sayapis and has been documented across the Americas from the southern United States through Central America to South America. As a member of the genus Megachile, it exhibits the characteristic trait of cutting leaves or other plant materials to line its nest cavities. Research indicates it utilizes pre-existing cavities for nesting and shows specific floral associations, though detailed natural history remains incompletely documented.
Megalostomis
Megalostomis is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus contains 42 valid species following a 2013 taxonomic revision, with most species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are notable for their ant associations and case-bearing larval biology. The genus is divided into seven subgenera, including the arid-adapted subgenus Scaphigenia found in South America.
Microtheoris ophionalis
Yellow-veined Moth
Microtheoris ophionalis, commonly known as the yellow-veined moth, is a crambid moth species first described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is widely distributed across the Americas, ranging from southern Canada through the United States and Mexico to South America. The species is relatively well-documented with over 2,300 observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is common and readily encountered by observers.
Platydracus femoratus
Platydracus femoratus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, distributed across much of the Americas from the United States through Central America to South America. Like other members of the genus Platydracus, it is a predatory beetle typically found in association with decaying organic matter. The species is part of a diverse genus of large, active rove beetles that occupy various ecological niches including fungal habitats and decomposing substrates.
Psorophora varipes
Psorophora varipes is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, belonging to the genus Psorophora, which includes some of the largest and most aggressive mosquitoes in the world. The genus is notable for containing predatory species whose larvae feed on other insect larvae. Adults are robust and capable of delivering painful bites. The species occurs across the Americas, from North America through the Caribbean to South America.