Arid-habitat
Guides
Ablautus mimus
Arizona Prospector
Ablautus mimus is a small robber fly (family Asilidae) native to arid regions of western and southwestern North America. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters and exhibit sand-colored camouflage. The species has been documented in association with sandy soils in sagebrush habitats and shows documented mimicry of Lestomyia sabulonum, another small fly species sharing its habitat. It is also known to occur alongside Cyrtopogon ablautoides in sandy desert regions.
Aeoloplides californicus
California saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides californicus is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to western North America. The species is associated with saltbush habitats in arid and semi-arid regions. It belongs to a genus specialized for feeding on chenopod plants. Despite its common name, detailed biological studies of this species remain limited.
Agonopterix sabulella
Agonopterix sabulella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Walsingham in 1881. It is native to western North America, with records spanning from British Columbia and Alberta south through the western United States to Arizona and California. The species appears to be associated with arid and semi-arid environments, as suggested by its specific epithet (from Latin 'sabulum', meaning sand or gravel). Like other members of Agonopterix, it likely has concealed larval habits, though detailed biology remains poorly documented.
Anconia hebardi
Hebard's blue-winged desert grasshopper
Anconia hebardi, commonly known as Hebard's blue-winged desert grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper described by Rehn in 1919. It belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, a group characterized by often colorful hind wings used in display flight. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Apiocera macswaini
Apiocera macswaini is a species of flower-loving flies in the family Apioceridae, described by Cazier in 1982. The genus Apiocera is endemic to western North America, with species typically associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. Adults are known to visit flowers for nectar. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Apioceridae
Flower-loving Flies
Apioceridae, commonly known as flower-loving flies, is a family of true flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 150 species. The family was historically considered to contain multiple genera, but taxonomic revision has restricted it to the single genus Apiocera. Members are notable for their strong, fast flight and association with flowers. The family exhibits a disjunct distribution across arid regions of North America, South America, and Australia, with the Australian fauna being the most diverse globally. Adults are active primarily in spring and summer, with midday activity in hot, sunny conditions. Larvae develop in sandy soils.
Apiomerus flaviventris
Yellow-bellied Bee Assassin, bee assassin bug
Apiomerus flaviventris is a predatory assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the yellow-bellied bee assassin. This species is notable for its specialized feeding habits targeting bees and its remarkable use of plant-derived chemical defenses. Females collect resin from brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) and apply it to their eggs as a protective barrier against predation, particularly by ants. The species inhabits arid and semiarid regions of southwestern North America.
Arenivaga gaiophanes
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga gaiophanes is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. The genus Arenivaga, previously containing only nine species, was expanded to include 39 new species in this revision. Members of this genus inhabit harsh, arid environments and exhibit dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing entirely different from males. The species epithet 'gaiophanes' derives from Greek roots meaning 'earth-revealing,' alluding to their subterranean habits.
Arenochroa flavalis
Arenochroa flavalis is a small moth species and the sole member of its genus. It belongs to the family Crambidae, commonly known as grass moths. The species is found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It was first described by Fernald in 1894, originally placed in the genus Loxostege.
Arethaea phantasma
Rio Grande thread-leg katydid, Rio Grande katydid
Arethaea phantasma is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, commonly known as the Rio Grande thread-leg katydid. It was described by Rehn & Hebard in 1914. The species is characterized by extremely slender, thread-like legs that give the genus its common name. It occurs in sand dune habitats and arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Asbolus papillosus
Asbolus papillosus is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It inhabits arid, sandy environments including the Sonoran Desert. The species is distinguished from congeners by its granular elytra and relatively short tarsal hairs. Like other members of the genus, it likely exhibits thanatosis (death-feigning behavior) as an antipredator defense, though this has not been specifically documented for this species.
Asidini
Asidini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae) containing more than 30 genera and over 260 described species in North America alone. Members are primarily flightless and inhabit arid and semi-arid environments across western North America and Mexico. The tribe is notable for exhibiting diverse defensive strategies including crypsis and Batesian mimicry of chemically defended Eleodes species.
Atomoscelis onustus
Atomoscelis onustus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It exhibits a broad Holarctic distribution spanning the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. The species has been documented across diverse environments from the western Mediterranean and Middle East to western North America. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to be phytophagous, though specific host plant associations remain poorly documented.
Autumnimiris koebelei
Autumnimiris koebelei is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, originally described by Van Duzee in 1921. The genus Autumnimiris is a small group within the Miridae, with species primarily distributed in southwestern North America and Mexico. This species has been recorded from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Bootettix
creosote bush grasshoppers
Bootettix is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, first described by Bruner in 1889. The genus contains at least two described species, including Bootettix argentatus, commonly known as the creosote bush grasshopper. Species in this genus are associated with arid environments in southwestern North America. The genus is classified within the subfamily Gomphocerinae and tribe Acrolophitini.
Bothrotes plumbeus
Bothrotes plumbeus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Records indicate it has been collected in the southwestern United States, with observations from locations in New Mexico and surrounding regions. The species is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats, including grasslands and open woodlands. Like other tenebrionids, it is likely nocturnal and ground-dwelling, though specific behavioral details remain limited.
Cacama crepitans
Coastal Cactus Dodger
A medium to large cicada species commonly known as the Coastal Cactus Dodger. Males produce a loud, distinctive song described as a high-pitched metallic buzz or shrill, often delivered in short bursts. The species is closely associated with cactus hosts, particularly cholla and prickly pear, in arid and semi-arid regions. Adults are fast-flying and alert, making them challenging to approach. Females oviposit into dry, dead cactus stems rather than living tissue.
Cacama dissimilis
Plateau Cactus-Dodger
Cacama dissimilis is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Plateau Cactus-Dodger. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Central America. Like other members of the genus Cacama, it is associated with cactus habitats. The species was originally described as Cicada dissimilis by Distant in 1881.
Cacama variegata
Variegated Cactus Dodger
Cacama variegata is a large cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the variegated cactus dodger. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Texas and Mexican states including Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Like other members of the genus Cacama, this species is associated with cactus habitats.
Caeculidae
rake-legged mites
Caeculidae, commonly called rake-legged mites, is a family of large prostigmatic mites (750–3000 µm) and the sole family of the superfamily Caeculoidea. The family contains approximately 100 described species in seven genera distributed worldwide, with the oldest fossil records dating to the Cenomanian (approximately 100 million years ago) in Burmese amber. These mites are specialized ambush predators of arid environments, using modified forelegs to capture prey.
Caeculus
rake-legged mites
Caeculus is a genus of large prostigmatic mites in the family Caeculidae, commonly known as rake-legged mites. The genus contains approximately 20 described species, predominantly distributed in North America. Members are characterized by spiniform setae on their first pair of legs, which function in prey capture. These mites are ambush predators of small arthropods in arid environments.
Calephelis nemesis
Fatal Metalmark, Dusky Metalmark
Calephelis nemesis, commonly known as the fatal metalmark or dusky metalmark, is a small butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It is distinguished by its modest wingspan of 20–25 mm and its association with arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species has been documented at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and is one of several Calephelis species with evocative names referencing loss or fate.
Calosoma latipenne
broad beautiful black searcher
Calosoma latipenne is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the broad beautiful black searcher. It inhabits sandy soils in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and have been observed preying on grasshopper species. The species belongs to a genus renowned for its caterpillar-hunting behavior, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Camponotus acutirostris
Camponotus acutirostris is a species of carpenter ant described by Wheeler in 1910. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent regions of northern Mexico, occurring in arid and semi-arid environments. As a member of the genus Camponotus, it nests in wood and exhibits the typical carpenter ant biology of excavating galleries rather than consuming wood as a food source.
Centronopus opacus
Centronopus opacus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. It is endemic to North America, with records spanning the United States and potentially southern Canada. Like other tenebrionids, it is a ground-dwelling beetle adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The genus Centronopus is small and poorly studied, with limited published information on the biology and ecology of its constituent species.
Cephennium aridum
Cephennium aridum is a species of minute rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Scydmaeninae. It was described in 2009 from California and is distinguished by its association with arid habitats. The specific epithet "aridum" refers to the dry conditions of its type locality. Members of this genus are among the smallest beetles, often less than 2 mm in length.
Ceratagallia pallida
Ceratagallia pallida is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, originally described by Oman in 1933. The species has been reclassified under the genus Aceratagallia in some taxonomic treatments, creating nomenclatural confusion in the literature. It is recorded from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States. As with many leafhoppers, detailed biological information remains limited.
Cerenopus
Cerenopus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Cerenopini. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851 and is native to North America. Species in this genus are ground-dwelling beetles associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The genus is moderately well-represented in entomological collections, with over 500 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Chyphotes evansi
Chyphotes evansi is a species of wasp in the family Bradynobaenidae, a group of aculeate Hymenoptera. The genus Chyphotes is endemic to the New World, with species distributed primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North and South America. Bradynobaenidae are solitary wasps, and like other members of this family, Chyphotes species are likely parasitoids or predators, though specific biological details for C. evansi remain poorly documented. The species was named in honor of the entomologist Howard E. Evans.
Chyphotidae
Chyphotid Wasps
Chyphotidae is a small family of wasps in the order Hymenoptera, recently separated from Bradynobaenidae based on molecular and morphological studies. The family contains two subfamilies: Chyphotinae (nocturnal) and Typhoctinae (diurnal). Females are wingless and resemble velvet ants (Mutillidae), but can be distinguished by a visible suture between the pronotum and mesonotum. Biological knowledge remains extremely limited, with only a single confirmed host association documented.
Cibolacris parviceps
Cream Grasshopper
Cibolacris parviceps, commonly known as the cream grasshopper, is a small grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It inhabits arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species is notable for its cryptic, stone-like coloration that provides effective camouflage in desert habitats. It overwinters as nymphs rather than eggs, an uncommon trait among North American grasshoppers.
Cicadettini
True Largeclasper Cicadas
Cicadettini is a large tribe of cicadas within the family Cicadidae, comprising at least 110 genera and over 520 described species. Members are distributed worldwide except for the Neotropics, with notable radiations in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Palearctic. The tribe includes diverse ecological specialists, from grassland inhabitants to species associated with seasonal riverine floodplains. Many species produce species-specific acoustic signals used for mate recognition.
Cicindela tranquebarica arida
Death Valley Tiger Beetle
Cicindela tranquebarica arida is a subspecies of the oblique-lined tiger beetle, known by the common name Death Valley Tiger Beetle. It is currently considered a synonym of Cicindela arida. The species to which it belongs, C. tranquebarica, is a spring-fall active tiger beetle found in open, sandy to clay habitats across North America, with adults typically present for only a few weeks. The subspecific epithet 'arida' suggests an association with arid environments.
Cleonini
Cleonini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Lixinae, comprising approximately 96 extant genus-group taxa distributed globally. All extant members are hypothesized to be flightless despite frequently possessing fully developed wings (macropterous), a unique condition among Lixinae. The tribe exhibits widespread adult morphological homoplasy that obscures phylogenetic relationships, with many genera radiating from a common ancestor with weakly resolved internal branching. Cleonini are primarily associated with arid and semi-arid habitats, including deserts and steppe environments across North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and western North America.
Coniontini
Coniontini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the subfamily Pimeliinae of the family Tenebrionidae. The tribe contains at least four genera distributed in North America. Notable included genera are Coelus (dune beetles), Coniontis, Conisattus, and Eusattus. Members are ground-dwelling beetles associated with arid and sandy environments.
Cordylospasta opaca
Cordylospasta opaca is a large, black blister beetle (Meloidae) endemic to arid regions of central and southern California. Males are fully winged and reach 12 mm in length, while females are flightless with reduced elytra and reach 19 mm. The species is distinguished from its closest relative, C. fulleri, by having 11 antennal segments (versus 8-10 in C. fulleri) and by its strictly allopatric distribution. Six biological races, equivalent to subspecies, have been recognized based on step-clinal geographic variation in seven anatomical characters.
Corydiidae
Sand Cockroaches, Sand Roaches
Corydiidae is a family of cockroaches in the order Blattodea, commonly known as sand cockroaches or sand roaches. The family was previously classified as Polyphagidae and contains approximately 40 genera divided among five subfamilies: Corydiinae, Latindiinae, Tiviinae, Euthyrrhaphinae, and Holocompsinae. Members are frequently associated with harsh, dry habitats including deserts and arid regions—environments not typically associated with cockroaches. Many species exhibit subterranean habits, making them easily overlooked. The genus Arenivaga (desert cockroaches) is particularly notable, with 39 new species described in a 2014 revision, expanding from 9 previously known species. The family has a worldwide distribution with significant diversity in North America, Asia, and other arid regions.
Cryptolepidus
Cryptolepidus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Van Dyke in 1936. The genus comprises approximately eight described species, distributed primarily in western North America. Species are found in arid and semi-arid regions, with several named after their type localities in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. The genus is classified within the tribe Geonemini of the subfamily Entiminae.
Cuerna alta
Cuerna alta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman and Beamer in 1944. It belongs to the tribe Proconiini, a group known for their relatively large size and robust build among leafhoppers. The species is documented from the southwestern United States, specifically New Mexico and Texas. Like other members of the genus Cuerna, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host plant associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Cycloptilum comprehendens fortior
Desert Syncopated Scaly Cricket
Cycloptilum comprehendens fortior is a subspecies of scaly cricket in the family Mogoplistidae, commonly known as the Desert Syncopated Scaly Cricket. It was described by Hebard in 1931 and occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the central and western United States. As a member of the Mogoplistidae, it possesses distinctive scale-like body covering. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader species C. comprehendens.
Daihinibaenetes giganteus
Giant Sand Treader Camel Cricket, Giant Sand-treader Cricket
Daihinibaenetes giganteus, commonly known as the giant sand-treader cricket or giant sand treader camel cricket, is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. First described by Tinkham in 1962, this species is found in North America, with distribution records specifically from Colorado. As a member of the camel cricket group, it is adapted to arid environments and exhibits the characteristic morphology of sand-treading species.
Dasymutilla fasciventris
Dasymutilla fasciventris is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of solitary parasitoid wasps in which females are wingless and males are winged. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and western Mexico. Like other Dasymutilla species, females possess a powerful sting used for defense and host subjugation, while males are harmless and fly in search of nectar and mates. The species develops as an external parasitoid of ground-nesting bees and wasps.
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia
Nevada nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, originally described by Cockerell in 1910 as a form of Nomia nevadensis. It belongs to a genus of ground-nesting bees found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the widespread D. nevadensis species complex.
Diplotaxis brevicollis
short-necked scarab
Diplotaxis brevicollis is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species is distributed across western North America from Canada through the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. Adults are known to aggregate on low vegetation, apparently to detect pheromone trails for mate location. The specific epithet 'brevicollis' refers to the short-necked appearance of this beetle.
Diplotaxis truncatula
Diplotaxis truncatula is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by LeConte in 1856 and is distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to a genus of chafers commonly attracted to lights at night.
Dorymyrmex smithi
Smith's Pyramid Ant
Dorymyrmex smithi is a species of pyramid ant in the genus Dorymyrmex, described by Cole in 1936. The species is endemic to the United States and Mexico. Pyramid ants are known for their distinctive conical nest mounds and preference for open, dry habitats. Dorymyrmex smithi is part of a genus that exhibits high diversity in the Neotropics and has undergone rapid evolutionary radiation in North America.
Dryudella caerulea
Dryudella caerulea is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Astatinae. It is one of approximately ten North American species in the genus Dryudella. Females are fossorial, excavating nest burrows in soil, and provision nests with paralyzed true bugs (Hemiptera) as food for their larvae. The species is found in arid habitats of western North America and Central America. Males possess holoptic eyes that meet at the top of the head and broader hind wings than females, adaptations associated with their rapid, darting flight behavior while perching on vegetation to detect mates and rivals.
Eleodes cordata
desert stink beetle, clown beetle
Eleodes cordata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle or clown beetle. The species is part of a large genus of flightless, ground-dwelling beetles native to arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Like other Eleodes species, it possesses defensive chemical capabilities and exhibits the characteristic "headstand" defensive posture when threatened. The species was described by Eschscholtz in 1829.
Eleodes longicollis
desert stink beetle, clown beetle
Eleodes longicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the desert stink beetle or clown beetle. It is a large, flightless beetle native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is notable for its distinctive defensive behavior of raising its abdomen and standing on its head when threatened, a posture that has earned members of the genus the common name 'clown beetles.' Like other Eleodes species, it possesses defensive glands capable of producing noxious secretions.
Eleodes parowana
Eleodes parowana is a species of darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) described by Blaisdell in 1925. The genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles or stink beetles, is characterized by defensive head-standing behavior when disturbed. Species within this genus are primarily nocturnal and inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of North America. E. parowana is one of numerous Eleodes species found in western North American deserts and grasslands.