Americas
Guides
Mecynogea
basilica spiders
Mecynogea is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1903. The genus contains nine species distributed across the Americas, from the United States to Argentina. The name derives from Greek words meaning "to lengthen" and "earth." Members of this genus are commonly known as basilica spiders.
Megalographa
Megalographa is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths). The genus is primarily known from the Americas, with most species distributed in North and Central America. Species in this genus are generally medium-sized nocturnal moths. The genus name refers to the large size of the wing markings relative to body size.
Melanaethus subglaber
A burrowing bug in the family Cydnidae, first described by Walker in 1867. Records indicate presence across the Americas, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Melanaethus contains species associated with soil-dwelling habits.
Melipotis
Melipotis is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains approximately 50 recognized species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are nocturnal and have been observed visiting flowers, including dandelions. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including modified palps and leg structures.
Melissoptila otomita
Otomi Longhorn
Melissoptila otomita is a species of longhorn bee in the family Apidae, tribe Eucerini. Commonly known as the Otomi Longhorn, this bee belongs to a genus characterized by males with exceptionally long antennae. The species occurs across much of the Americas, from North America through Middle America to South America. As a member of the Eucerini, it is a solitary bee that likely nests in the ground and visits flowers for pollen and nectar.
Microcrambus
Microcrambus is a genus of grass-veneer moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Crambinae. The genus was established by Polish lepidopterist Stanisław Błeszyński in 1963 and contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species in this genus are small moths characterized by narrow wings and relatively simple wing patterns. Many species were originally described in other genera and later transferred to Microcrambus based on genitalic and external morphological characters.
Mioptachys
Mioptachys is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, described by Bates in 1882. The genus contains 13 described species distributed across the Americas, from the United States through Central America and into South America. Species in this genus are small carabids, with several exhibiting notable morphological adaptations including reduced or absent eyes in some taxa. The genus is classified within the subtribe Xystosomina of the tribe Bembidiini.
Neobrotica
Neobrotica is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Jacoby in 1887. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America to northern South America. Most species were described in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, with significant contributions by Jacoby, Blake, and Bechyné. The genus is characterized by species with distinctive color patterns, often featuring maculations or fasciae on the elytra.
Neoconocephalus
common coneheads, conehead katydids
Neoconocephalus is a genus of large katydids in the tribe Copiphorini, commonly known as conehead katydids. Members are characterized by a prominent cone-shaped projection on the head, which varies in shape and size among species. The genus is distributed across the Americas, with many species in North America and additional diversity in Central and South America. Conehead katydids are notable for their acoustic communication, with males producing species-specific songs to attract females. Some species exceed seven centimeters in length, making them among the largest katydids in their range.
Neodiplotoxa
Neodiplotoxa is a genus of small flies in the family Chloropidae, established by Malloch in 1914. The genus contains four described species distributed in the Americas: N. pulchripes, N. nigricans, N. mexicana, and N. albiseta. Chloropidae, commonly known as grass flies or frit flies, are generally associated with grasses and sedges. Species-level biology of Neodiplotoxa remains poorly documented.
Neoheliodines
Neoheliodines is a genus of small moths in the family Heliodinidae, described by Hsu and Powell in 2005. The genus is endemic to the Americas and contains five described species. Members of this genus are part of a family known for their often metallic or iridescent wing coloration.
Neotuerta
Neotuerta is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Agaristinae. The genus was established by Sergius G. Kiriakoff in 1976. It comprises at least five described species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. The genus appears to be associated with dry or sandy habitats based on species epithets and collection localities.
Neoxabea
Smooth-legged Tree Crickets
Neoxabea is a genus of smooth-legged tree crickets in the family Oecanthidae, comprising approximately 14 described species. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced tibial spines compared to other tree crickets. The genus has been documented in the Americas, with records from the United States through Central America to South America. Research on Neoxabea bipunctata has revealed distinctive post-copulatory reproductive behaviors including male mate guarding and extended spermatophore attachment.
Nyctelius nyctelius
Violet-banded Skipper, Nyctelius Skipper
Nyctelius nyctelius is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the violet-banded skipper or nyctelius skipper. It is a widespread species found across the Americas, with two recognized subspecies. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 4123.
Oedancala
Oedancala is a genus of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the family Pachygronthidae, established by Amyot & Serville in 1843. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species distributed in the Americas. Members are classified within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, superfamily Lygaeoidea. Some species have been documented utilizing grasses as host plants.
Ommatospila
Ommatospila is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. It was established by Julius Lederer in 1863 and contains three described species distributed across the Americas. The genus belongs to a diverse group of pyraloid moths commonly known as grass moths or snout moths.
Onota angulicollis
Onota angulicollis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described as Lebia angulicollis by Reiche in 1842. It is distributed across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America. As a member of the subfamily Lebiinae, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles, many of which are associated with vegetation rather than ground-dwelling habits. The specific epithet angulicollis refers to the angular or angled collar (pronotum) characteristic of this species.
Orthemis ferruginea
Roseate Skimmer
A dragonfly in the family Libellulidae native to the Americas, with distribution extending from the United States to Brazil. Mature males are distinctive for their hot pink coloration. The species is common and widespread, and has been introduced to Hawaii. First complete life cycle description for a Mexican odonate documented 17 larval instars.
Oxaeinae
Oxaeinae is a subfamily of large, fast-flying bees within the family Andrenidae. They are endemic to the Americas, with 19 described species across four genera ranging from the United States to Argentina. Formerly treated as a distinct family (Oxaeidae), they were reclassified as a subfamily in 1995.
Panoquina
Panoquina is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, established by Hemming in 1934. The genus comprises approximately 17 recognized species distributed across the Americas. Several species, such as Panoquina lucas (purple-washed skipper) and Panoquina ocola (ocola skipper), are relatively well-known and frequently observed. Members of this genus are characterized by their rapid, darting flight patterns typical of skippers. The genus has accumulated substantial observational records, with over 21,000 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Parepalpus
Parepalpus is a genus of tachinid flies established by Coquillett in 1902. The genus contains six described species distributed across the Americas. As members of the family Tachinidae, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Parepalpus species remain poorly documented. The genus is classified within the subfamily Tachininae and tribe Tachinini.
Phelister
clown beetles
A large genus of clown beetles (Histeridae) comprising over 90 described species. Members of the genus occupy diverse habitats including carrion, dung, and vertebrate nests. The P. panamensis species group is distinguished by unique hooks on the apex of the male 8th sternite.
Phelister haemorrhous
clown beetle
Phelister haemorrhous is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Marseul in 1854. The species has a notably broad distribution spanning multiple continents, including native ranges in the Americas and an apparent introduced population in Italy. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family of beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter.
Phengodes mexicana
glowworm beetle
Phengodes mexicana is a species of glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae. The species was described by Wittmer in 1976. It occurs in Central America and North America. Members of the genus Phengodes are notable for their bioluminescent larvae and adult females, which are wingless and resemble larvae in appearance.
bioluminescentwingless-femalelarviform-femaleglowworm-beetlePhengodidaeElateriformiaPolyphagaColeopteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaCentral-AmericaNorth-AmericaWittmer-1976PhengodesPhengodes-mexicanaspeciesglowwormbeetleinsectarthropodanimalbioluminescencelarviformwinglessfemalelarvalarvaeadultmaledistributionrangegeographic-rangegeographic-distributionMiddle-AmericaAmericaAmericasWittmer1976descriptiontaxonomyclassificationmexicanaPhyllovates
Phyllovates is a genus of mantids in the family Mantidae, subfamily Vatinae. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Pseudovates in major taxonomic databases. It includes species native to the Americas, with Phyllovates chlorophaea (Texas unicorn mantis) being a notable representative in the southern United States.
Pnirontis languida
Pnirontis languida is a species of assassin bug described by Stål in 1859. It belongs to the subfamily Stenopodainae within the family Reduviidae. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, with records from North America, Central America, South America, and Caribbean islands. As a member of Reduviidae, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ponometia
Ponometia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. The genus was erected by Herrich-Schäffer in 1868 and contains approximately 45 described species. Some authorities treat Ponometia as a synonym of Acontia, reflecting ongoing taxonomic debate. Species in this genus have been historically classified under several other genera including Conochares, Fruva, and Tarachidia.
Progomphus
sanddragons
Progomphus is a genus of medium-sized dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as sanddragons. The genus is distinguished among Gomphidae by its colored wings, a relatively rare trait in this family. Species are found primarily in tropical regions of the Americas, with adults typically observed near freshwater sandy beaches and pools.
Prosenoides
Prosenoides is a genus of tachinid flies established by Brauer and Bergenstamm in 1891. The genus comprises 12 described species distributed across the Americas. As members of the Dexiini tribe, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host records for most Prosenoides species remain poorly documented.
Prosoparia
Prosoparia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Formerly classified within Noctuidae, it was reassigned to Erebidae following taxonomic revisions. The genus includes both temperate and tropical species with varying ecological preferences.
Protandrenini
Protandrenini is a tribe of mining bees within the family Andrenidae, subfamily Panurginae. The tribe comprises approximately 10–12 genera and at least 380 described species. Members are primarily distributed in the Americas, with notable diversity in South America. The group is characterized by ground-nesting behavior typical of mining bees, though detailed biological information varies among constituent genera.
Prytanes fuscicornis
dirt-colored seed bug
Prytanes fuscicornis is a species of seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly referred to as a dirt-colored seed bug. The species was described by Stål in 1874 and is distributed across the Americas, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Ecuador. It belongs to the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. As a member of the Rhyparochromidae, it is part of a family of true bugs associated with seed feeding.
Psamatodes
Psamatodes is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Achille Guenée in 1857. The genus contains at least 20 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species-level taxonomy remains partially unresolved, with some names treated as synonyms in recent databases. The genus is placed in the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of inchworm moths.
Pselliopus inermis
Orange assassin bug
Pselliopus inermis is an assassin bug species in the family Reduviidae, native to the Americas. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory true bug that hunts on flowers and vegetation. The species was described by Champion in 1899 and occurs in Middle America and North America.
Ptiloglossa
Ptiloglossa is a genus of large, hairy bees in the family Colletidae, endemic to the Americas. The genus is notable for being among the most common nocturnal colletid bees, with activity restricted to very low light conditions. Species possess enlarged ocelli that facilitate flight in dim light. The genus contains approximately 55 species, with highest diversity in South and Central America.
Pyrisitia
little yellows
Pyrisitia is a genus of small yellow butterflies in the family Pieridae, commonly known as "little yellows." The genus was established by Butler in 1870 and is sometimes treated as a synonym of Eurema. Species in this genus are characterized by their diminutive size and yellow coloration, and they occur in the Americas. The type species and most members are found in North, Central, and South America.
Rafaelia
Rafaelia is a genus of flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae, established by Townsend in 1917. The genus contains nine described extant species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Central America. Species within this genus are characterized by their association with the Sarcophagidae family, commonly known as flesh flies due to the typical feeding habits of their larvae. The genus has been documented through museum collections and limited field observations.
Rhopalosoma nearcticum
Rhopalosoma nearcticum is a parasitoid wasp in the family Rhopalosomatidae. Its larvae develop as ectoparasitoids on crickets, with documented hosts including multiple Hapithus species and the Anaxipha exigua species-group. The species is found in the Americas from the United States to Brazil, though phylogenetic studies suggest at least two genetically distinct Rhopalosoma clades exist in America north of Mexico.
parasitoidectoparasitoidcricket-parasitewaspshymenopterarhopalosomatidaenearcticumbrues-1943americasunited-statesbrazilmid-atlantictennesseehapithusanaxiphagryllidaetrigonidiidaebarcodingphylogeneticsgenetic-cladeslarval-developmenthost-specificityinsect-parasitoidaculeatavespoideaapocritahexapodaarthropodainsectaanimaliametazoaeukaryotacypress-grove-nature-parkjackson-tennesseeopen-journal-of-animal-sciencesjournal-of-hymenoptera-researchgbifinaturalistcatalogue-of-lifencbi-taxonomywikipediadna-barcodingnew-host-recordspecies-complexcryptic-speciesnorth-americacentral-americasouth-americamexicomexican-statesutahdistribution-recordsobservations327-observations737475767778mxcmxemxgmximxnmxsmxtutaacceptedexact-matchspecies-rank1943bruesrhopalosoma-cressonhymenoptera-rhopalosomatidaeamerica-north-of-mexicocricket-parasitizing-wasphabitat-abundancesmid-atlantic-parkectoparasitoid-larvaehost-speciesgryllidae-hapithinaetrigonidiidae-trigonidiinaegenetic-evidencesecond-speciesphylogenetic-analysesgenetically-distinct-cladesat-least-two-speciesdocumented-specieslarvae-collectedcollection-sitenature-parkconservativefactualaccuratestructuredentomologyguidetaxon-recordjson-schemahigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguishsimilar-taxaenvironmentconditionsgeographic-rangetimingactivityfeedingdevelopmentalstagesnotableactionshabitsecosysteminteractionmeaningfuladditional-contextcleardirectconcretenon-overlappinguniquecautiousobservedknownnullsupportedjustifiedinferredmediumlowsparsewell-supportedpartialreliablecritical-rulesfield-intentstyle-rulesquality-rulesoutput-formatstrictly-matchno-extra-fieldsno-commentaryprioritycorrectnesscompletenessclarityverbosityusefulnessspeculationvaguegeneralizationsfabricatebehaviorsdiet-detailslife-cycle-detailshost-relationshipsflufffillertaxonomyprosetechnical-jargonconcrete-statementsabstract-descriptionsRhyphonemognatha rufa
Rose-winged Blister Beetle
Rhyphonemognatha rufa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It is commonly known as the Rose-winged Blister Beetle. The species occurs in the Americas, with records from North America, Middle America, and South America. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The genus Rhyphonemognatha is distinguished by its elongated rostrum and is closely related to Nemognatha and Zonitis.
Scaphomorphus pleuralis
Scaphomorphus pleuralis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, genus Scaphomorphus. The genus Scaphomorphus is a group of lixine weevils (subfamily Lixinae) distributed in the Americas. The species epithet 'pleuralis' refers to lateral (pleural) features, likely describing some aspect of the thoracic structure. Very few documented observations of this species exist, with only a single observation recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, cryptic, or under-collected. The genus is related to Scaphomorphus subcylindricus, a Florida endemic found on Lupinus ocalensis (Ocala lupine).
Scolecocampa
Scolecocampa is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus was previously classified in the subfamily Calpinae of Noctuidae before reclassification to Erebidae. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed in the Americas. Species-level biology remains poorly documented for most members.
Siphosturmia
Siphosturmia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Coquillett in 1897. The genus comprises eleven described species distributed across the Americas. At least one species, S. rafaeli, has been documented as a parasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, specifically Diatraea saccharalis. Like other tachinids, members of this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of arthropods, though species-level biological data remain sparse.
Stenancylus
Stenancylus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) established by Casey in 1892. The genus contains nine described species, most described by Wibmer & O'Brien in 1986. Species are distributed across the Americas, with records from Panama, Colombia, and the United States. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting narrow or slender form.
Stenomacra marginella
bordered plant bug
Stenomacra marginella is a bordered plant bug in the family Largidae, found across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America. The species has been documented feeding on various plants including Seep Willow (Baccharis salicifolia) and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia). Research has examined male copulatory behavior and its effects on reproduction. The species serves as a host for parasitoids and has been observed in high abundance in riparian habitats.
Stittocapsus
Stittocapsus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Knight in 1942. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in the Americas, including North and South America. As members of Miridae, these insects are likely small, soft-bodied true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Sutyna
Sutyna is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Todd in 1958. The genus contains four described species distributed in the Americas, with records from the United States (including Vermont) and Colombia. As members of the subfamily Noctuinae, these moths are part of one of the largest and most diverse lineages within Noctuidae. The genus remains poorly documented in published literature beyond taxonomic descriptions.
Tachytes amazonus
Tachytes amazonus is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini, described by F. Smith in 1856. The species is distributed across the Americas from the Caribbean through Central and South America, with records in Brazil across multiple states including Amazonas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Roraima, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo. Like other members of the genus Tachytes, it is a ground-nesting wasp that provisions its burrows with paralyzed orthopteran prey.
Tanaops
Tanaops is a genus of soft-winged flower beetles (family Melyridae) comprising approximately 25 described species distributed in the Americas. These beetles belong to a family known for their flexible, often colorful elytra and frequent association with flowers. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. Members of Tanaops share the general melyrid body plan but specific ecological and behavioral traits remain poorly documented in the literature.
Tauriphila australis
Garnet Glider
Tauriphila australis, commonly known as the Garnet Glider, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across the Americas, with records from North America, Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America. The species was described by Hagen in 1867. As a member of the skimmer family, it likely exhibits typical libellulid characteristics including broad wings and perching behavior, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Teminius
Teminius is a genus of spiders in the family Miturgidae, first described by Keyserling in 1887. The genus contains four recognized species distributed across the Americas, from the United States through Central America and the Caribbean to Argentina. Teminius species are long-legged wandering spiders that do not build permanent webs for prey capture.