Arid-habitat
Guides
Phytocoris acaciae
Phytocoris acaciae is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1925. The specific epithet "acaciae" suggests an association with Acacia plants, though detailed biological studies remain limited. As a member of the genus Phytocoris, it is expected to share the general characteristics of mirid plant bugs, including piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant fluids. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Phytocoris roseus
Phytocoris roseus is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, first described by Uhler in 1894. It belongs to the large genus Phytocoris, which comprises numerous species of plant-feeding true bugs found across North America. The specific epithet 'roseus' (Latin for 'rosy' or 'pinkish') likely refers to coloration features of this species. As with other mirid plant bugs, it is presumed to be associated with vegetation, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Plagiostira
shield-backed katydids
Plagiostira is a North American genus of shield-backed katydids (family Tettigoniidae) containing at least three described species. It is the sole genus in the monotypic tribe Plagiostirini, established by Storozhenko in 1994. The genus was erected by Scudder in 1876, with Plagiostira albonotata designated as the type species. Species in this genus are large, robust katydids associated with arid and semi-arid habitats of the southwestern United States.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
shield-backed-katydidOrthopteraTettigoniidaedesertsouthwestern-United-Statesnocturnalbrachypterouskatydidinsectarid-habitatyucca-associationsummer-activitywhite-markingslarge-body-sizePlagiostiriniTettigoniinaeNew-MexicoArizonaUtahwest-Texassand-dunesdesert-scrubcrepuscularlimited-flightScudder-1876Plagiostira-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldbackEnsiferaTettigoniideaTettigonioideaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaMetazoagrasshoppers,-crickets-&-katydidsPlagiostira28-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyWikipediaBeetles-In-The-Bush2018-New-Mexico/Texas-Insect-Collecting-TripTed-C.-MacRaeJeff-HuetherJune-2–9,-2018southeastern-New-MexicoMescalero-Sand-DunesKermit,-TexasHwy-380San-AntonioBinghamSandia-MountainsWalking-Sands-Rest-AreaValley-of-Fire-National-Recreation-AreaSierra-Blanca-MountainsSunset,-New-MexicoHobbs,-New-MexicoKermit-Sand-DunesI-10-Rest-AreaFabens,-TexasCarlsbad,-New-MexicoLoco-Hills,-New-MexicoCarrizozo,-New-MexicoBingham,-New-MexicoSocorro,-New-MexicoThe-BoxyuccaProsopis-glandulosamesquiteOpuntia-imbricatachollaJuniperus-monospermajuniperSapindus-drummondiisoapberryAcacia-greggiicatclaw-acaciaAcacia-rigidablack-acaciaThelespermaDaleaPenstemonRobiniaCeltisGaillardiaOenetheraBaccharisSphaeralceaEphedraCacamacactus-dodger-cicadaTragidion-armatumPrionus-arenariusPrionus-palparisPrionus-integerPolyphyllaMoneilemacactus-beetleGyascutusAcmaeoderaChrysobothrisAgrilusEnoclerusActenodesParatyndarisAcmaeoderopsisBrachysNeoclytusCleridaeCerambycidaeBuprestidaeScarabaeidaeCarabidaeTenebrionidaeMeloidaeCoreidaePompilidaetarantula-hawkCicindelidaeCylindera-lemniscatatiger-beetleLycaenidaeBrephidium-exiliswestern-pygmy-blueEchinargus-isolaReakirt's-blueshieldbackdesert-insectnocturnal-insectbrachypterous-insectsummer-insectarid-land-insectyucca-associated-insectNew-Mexico-insectArizona-insectUtah-insectTexas-insectsouthwestern-US-insectNorth-American-insectNearctic-insectTettigoniidae-insectOrthoptera-insectEnsifera-insectTettigoniinae-insectPlagiostirini-insectPlagiostira-insectP.-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldback-katydidgiant-katydidlarge-katydiddesert-katydidsand-dune-katydidyucca-katydidnocturnal-katydidbrachypterous-katydidsummer-katydidScudder's-katydid1876-katydidOrthopterankatydid-speciesshieldback-speciesTettigoniidae-speciesPlagiostira-speciesdesert-speciesarid-speciesnocturnal-speciesbrachypterous-speciessummer-speciesNew-Mexico-speciesArizona-speciesUtah-speciesTexas-speciessouthwestern-US-speciesNorth-American-speciesNearctic-speciesPlatystoechotes
Platystoechotes is a genus of lacewings in the family Ithonidae, established by Carpenter in 1940. The genus belongs to the order Neuroptera, a group of insects characterized by their highly veined, membranous wings. Members of Ithonidae, including Platystoechotes, are often associated with warm, dry habitats and are among the more relictual lineages of Neuroptera.
Plectreurys tristis
primitive hunting spider
Plectreurys tristis is a large venomous spider in the family Plectreuridae, found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, Central America, and Mexico. Adult males reach approximately 12 mm in body length (25 mm with legs extended), with females larger in all proportions. The species produces a venom containing plectoxins, insecticidal peptides that specifically target N-type calcium channels. It constructs webs under rocks and debris, with females and immatures remaining in webs while adult males wander nocturnally.
Probethylus
Probethylus is a genus of chrysidoid wasps in the family Sclerogibbidae, established by Ashmead in 1902. These wasps are specialized parasitoids of webspinners (order Embioptera). The genus has been documented in arid and semiarid regions of the Americas, with a recent first record from Argentina in 2019.
Probethylus callani
Probethylus callani is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Sclerogibbidae, described by Richards in 1939. Members of this family are small chrysidoid wasps that parasitize webspinners (Embioptera). The species has a broad distribution across the Americas from Mexico to Argentina, with additional records from the United States, Yemen, and some Afrotropical countries. A 2023 record from Valle Fértil, San Juan Province, Argentina marked the first documentation of this species in that country.
Pseudomasaris
pollen wasps
Pseudomasaris is a genus of solitary pollen wasps in the family Vespidae, comprising 15 species found exclusively in arid regions of western North America. Unlike most wasps, which provision their nests with paralyzed prey, Pseudomasaris females collect pollen and nectar to feed their larvae—a behavior convergent with bees. The genus is the sole representative of the subfamily Masarinae in North America. Adults are typically black with yellow or white markings; some species exhibit coloration resembling yellowjackets (Vespula), though they lack the longitudinal fold characteristic of social vespids when at rest.
Pseudomyrmex apache
Apache Twig Ant
Pseudomyrmex apache is a species of twig ant in the subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, with unconfirmed reports from Florida. The species is characterized by its golden yellow coloration and wasp-like body form typical of the genus. Like other Pseudomyrmex species, it has notably large compound eyes relative to body size.
Scenopinidae
window flies
Scenopinidae, commonly known as window flies, comprise approximately 400 described species of small brachyceran flies distributed worldwide. Adults are typically found on windows in buildings, giving rise to their common name. The family includes three subfamilies: Caenotinae, Proratinae, and Scenopininae. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting diverse environments from sandy arid soils to decaying organic matter, animal nests, and synanthropic settings. Two species, Scenopinus fenestralis and S. glabrifrons, have achieved cosmopolitan distributions through association with human trade.
Scolops austrinus
Scolops austrinus is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by an elongated cephalic projection resembling a snout or horn. It is native to the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona and Oklahoma. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits arid grasslands and dry prairie habitats. The species was described by Breakey in 1929 and belongs to a genus of 32 recognized species endemic to southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico.
Scolops grossus
Scolops grossus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated head projection. The species was described by Uhler in 1876. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits arid and semi-arid environments in western North America. It feeds on plant sap, primarily from host plants in the families Asteraceae and Chenopodiaceae.
Scolops hesperius
Scolops hesperius is a small planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated rostrum that gives the genus its common nickname "rhinoceros planthoppers." The species occurs in western North America and shares the genus-wide traits of squat body form, straw to brown or gray coloration, and enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping. Like other Scolops species, it inhabits arid environments including dry fields, prairies, and grasslands. The biology of this species specifically remains poorly documented, as most research has addressed the genus collectively.
Scolops maculosus
Scolops maculosus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated snout or 'horn' projection. It was described by Ball in 1902. Like other members of the genus Scolops, it is a small, squat insect feeding on plant sap. The species is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Scolops perdix
Partridge Scolops
Scolops perdix, commonly known as the Partridge Scolops, is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae. It is one of 32 recognized species in the genus Scolops, which is endemic to North America. The species is characterized by its distinctive elongated rostrum that gives the appearance of a horn or nose. Like other Scolops, it is not considered an agricultural pest.
Scolops pruinosus
Scolops pruinosus is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by an elongated rostrum or 'horn' projecting from the head. Like other members of the genus Scolops, it is a small, squat insect with reduced wings in some individuals. The genus is endemic to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. These planthoppers feed on plant sap, primarily from host plants in the families Asteraceae and Chenopodiaceae. Very little is known about the specific biology of S. pruinosus, as most Scolops species remain poorly studied.
Scolops robustus
Scolops robustus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the genus Scolops, a group of distinctive planthoppers characterized by an elongated facial projection often compared to a rhinoceros horn. The species is part of a genus endemic to southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Like other Scolops species, S. robustus is small (approximately 5-8 mm), typically straw-colored to brown or gray, and possesses the genus-defining elongated cephalic projection.
Scotobaenus
Scotobaenus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by LeConte in 1859. Species in this genus are found in the Nearctic region, with records primarily from western North America. The genus is part of the large and diverse darkling beetle family, whose members are generally associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Scotobaenus species are ground-dwelling beetles, though specific ecological details for the genus remain limited in published literature.
Stenomorpha angulata
Stenomorpha angulata is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) within the large genus Stenomorpha, a group historically comprising 88 species with limited modern taxonomic revision until recent decades. The genus Stenomorpha underwent significant taxonomic reorganization, with 51 valid species now recognized across seven newly established subgenera. Members of this genus include both winged and flightless species, with some flightless forms restricted to specific mountain ranges in Mexico. Stenomorpha angulata is one of the species within this revised framework, though specific details about its biology remain limited in available sources.
Stenomorpha cressoni
Stenomorpha cressoni is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1933. It belongs to a genus of elongate beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. The species is known from very few observations, with limited published information on its biology. It is one of approximately 30 species currently recognized in the genus Stenomorpha.
Stenomorpha muricatula
Stenomorpha muricatula is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. The genus Stenomorpha is large and taxonomically complex, with species distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, particularly the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are generally flightless and associated with rocky or sandy habitats. The specific epithet "muricatula" suggests a rough or spiny surface texture. Like other Stenomorpha species, S. muricatula is likely nocturnal and cryptic in habit, with limited published information on its natural history.
Stenomorpha rimata
Stenomorpha rimata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. The genus Stenomorpha is large and taxonomically complex, historically containing 88 species with limited modern revision until recent work by Fran Keller and colleagues. S. rimata was described by LeConte in 1854. Species in this genus occur in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Mexico, with some flightless species restricted to specific mountain ranges.
Trachitropis arizonicus
Trachitropis arizonicus is a species of grasshopper in the family Pamphagidae, a group commonly known as the toad grasshoppers. The genus Trachitropis is native to arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their robust, toad-like body form and are typically associated with rocky or gravelly desert habitats. The specific epithet "arizonicus" indicates its primary association with Arizona.
Trachusa larreae
Trachusa larreae is a solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, tribe Anthidiini. It is an oligolectic specialist pollinator of Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), with documented nesting biology and immature stages. The species occurs in arid regions of North and Central America where its host plant is present.
Tytthotyle maculata
Furnace Heat Lubber
Tytthotyle maculata is a species of lubber grasshopper in the family Romaleidae, commonly known as the Furnace Heat Lubber. It is native to arid regions of western North America, particularly California and surrounding areas. As a member of the Romaleidae, it belongs to a family known for large, flightless or poorly flying grasshoppers with aposematic coloration. The specific epithet 'maculata' refers to spotted or mottled patterning.
Uroctonites
Uroctonites is a genus of scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, established by Williams and Savary in 1991. Species within this genus are found in western North America, particularly in California and surrounding regions. The genus was separated from related taxa based on morphological characteristics of the pedipalps and metasoma. Members are generally small to medium-sized scorpions adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Varneria
Varneria is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. The genus was described by Dyar in 1904 and contains multiple species distributed primarily in the Americas. These moths are part of a diverse group of small to medium-sized pyralids often associated with dry or arid environments. The genus is documented through over 1,000 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate field recognition.
Xerochlora
Xerochlora is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, erected by Ferguson in 1969. The genus contains five described species, all restricted to North America with distributions centered in the southwestern United States and extending into Mexico and Central America. Most species show strong affinities for arid and semi-arid regions. The genus is classified within the subfamily Geometrinae, commonly known as the emerald moths.
Yersiniops
Grasshopper Mantises
Yersiniops is a genus of ground-dwelling mantids native to the Americas, distinguished by their cursorial hunting strategy of actively running down prey rather than ambushing from vegetation. The genus is characterized by pointed, 'horned' eyes and predominantly gray coloration. Two species, Y. solitarius and Y. sophronicus, occur in the United States, where they inhabit arid western regions. These small mantids represent one of two ground mantid genera in North America, alongside Litaneutria.