Arizona-endemic
Guides
Acmaeodera carlota
Acmaeodera carlota is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by H.C. Fall in 1931 from specimens collected near Globe, Arizona. It belongs to the 'tubulus-species group' within the genus, characterized by small size (<8 mm), black coloration with confused yellow maculations on the elytra, and membership in the 'Truncatae' group (prosternal margin nearly straight). The species is poorly known due to limited collection records and inadequate original description, making identification difficult without comparison to determined specimens.
Acmaeodera horni
Acmaeodera horni is a rare species of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Fall in 1899. It has been documented from the Dragoon Mountains of southeastern Arizona, where adults have been found on flowers of Fallugia paradoxa (Apache plum). The species is considered one of the rarest Acmaeodera in North America, with very few collection records and observations.
Acoma arizonica
Acoma arizonica is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Brown in 1929. Adults measure 4.7–7.6 mm in length. The species is known only from Arizona in the southwestern United States, where it occurs in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Agallia bidactylata
A small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Oman in 1933. It belongs to the tribe Agalliini, a group of leafhoppers often associated with herbaceous vegetation. The species is documented from Arizona and is characterized by distinctive genital structures that aid in identification.
Agrilus chiricahuae
Agrilus chiricahuae is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Fisher in 1928. The species is named after the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, where it occurs. It belongs to the large genus Agrilus, which contains hundreds of species that are often challenging to distinguish from one another. The species has been documented in pine slash habitats in the Chiricahua Mountains.
Alaus zunianus
Zuni Click Beetle, Arizona Eyed Click Beetle
Alaus zunianus, the Zuni Click Beetle or Arizona Eyed Click Beetle, is a large, striking species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It is characterized by prominent false eyespots on the pronotum, a robust body, and the ability to produce an audible clicking sound by snapping a prosternal spine into a mesosternal groove. This species appears confined to Arizona and is distinguished from related eyed elaters by its rounder eyespots and ivory or beige mottled coloration rather than stark white.
Anaxipha hyalicetra
Ruby Road Trig
A sword-tailed cricket described in 2019 from southeastern Arizona near the Mexico border. It is the only North American Anaxipha species with broad, glassy tegmina. The species name 'hyalicetra' references the translucent wing membrane.
Anycteola fotelloides
Anycteola fotelloides is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Anycteola, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1916 and placed in the family Noctuidae. Originally described as Stilbia fotelloides, it was later transferred to the new genus Anycteola erected by Barnes and Benjamin in 1929. The species is known only from Arizona, USA, and is classified within the subfamily Acronictinae.
Aphonopelma paloma
Paloma dwarf, Paloma Dwarf Tarantula
Aphonopelma paloma, commonly known as the Paloma dwarf, is the smallest known species of tarantula, with a leg span of approximately 5 cm. This diminutive theraphosid is native to southern Arizona and is notable for its extremely small burrow entrances, measuring only 5–10 mm in width. The species was described by Prentice in 1993 and is considered difficult to detect in the field due to its small size and cryptic habits.
Apsaphida
Apsaphida is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by John G. Franclemont in 1973. It contains a single species, Apsaphida eremna, known only from Arizona. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of owlet moths. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Arizonapsallus stonedahli
Arizonapsallus stonedahli is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Randall T. Schuh in 2006. It is a member of the genus Arizonapsallus, which was established to accommodate several mirid species with restricted distributions in the southwestern United States. The species is known only from Arizona and represents part of the diverse mirid fauna of the Sonoran Desert region. As a recently described species with limited collection records, its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Arthmius morsus
ant-loving beetle
Arthmius morsus is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Fletcher in 1932. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group characterized by small size and association with ant colonies. The species is documented from Arizona, USA. Like other members of the tribe Batrisini, it is presumed to inhabit ant nests, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Athysanella globosa
Athysanella globosa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, described by Ball and Beamer in 1940. The specific epithet "globosa" refers to its rounded or globular body shape, a characteristic that distinguishes it within the genus. It belongs to the tribe Chiasmini, a group of leafhoppers often associated with grasses and herbaceous vegetation.
Bisulcopsallus fulvipunctatus
Bisulcopsallus fulvipunctatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1964. It belongs to the genus Bisulcopsallus, a group of small predatory or phytophagous true bugs within the suborder Heteroptera. The species is known from Arizona, USA. Like other mirids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of the family. Published biological and ecological information for this species is extremely limited.
Cacotherapia bilinealis
Cacotherapia bilinealis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described from Arizona in 1918. It belongs to the subfamily Galleriinae, which includes many species associated with stored products and plant materials. The species remains poorly known, with only five observations recorded on iNaturalist. Its specific epithet "bilinealis" refers to two lines, likely describing a wing pattern feature.
Caphys arizonensis
Caphys arizonensis is a species of snout moth in the genus Caphys, first described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1970. The species is endemic to Arizona, United States, with its specific epithet derived from this type locality. As a member of the subfamily Chrysauginae within the family Pyralidae, it represents a relatively poorly documented pyralid moth with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Carmenta apache
Carmenta apache is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by George Paul Engelhardt in 1946. The species is known exclusively from Arizona, United States, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist. As a member of the clearwing moth group, it likely exhibits wasp-mimicking morphology typical of the family, though specific details remain undocumented in available sources.
Carmenta arizonae
Carmenta arizonae is a clearwing moth (family Sesiidae) described by William Beutenmüller in 1898. It is known only from Arizona, USA. As a member of the genus Carmenta, it belongs to a group of seed-feeding clearwing moths primarily distributed in the Americas. The species is documented by only 18 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly known.
Catonia arbutina
Catonia arbutina is a species of planthopper in the family Achilidae, first described by Ball in 1933. It belongs to the tribe Plectoderini within the subfamily Myconinae. The species is known from Arizona and is associated with the genus Arbutus. Like other achilid planthoppers, it is presumed to feed on plant sap, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Chionodes elainae
Chionodes elainae is a species of gelechiid moth described by Hodges in 1999. It is known from a very limited number of records in Arizona, with only two observations documented in iNaturalist. The species belongs to a large genus of small moths whose larvae are often associated with specific host plants, though details for this particular species remain undocumented.
Chionodes repertor
Chionodes repertor is a species of small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Hodges in 1999. It is known only from Arizona in the southwestern United States. As a member of the large genus Chionodes, it belongs to a group of gelechiid moths whose larvae are often associated with plant material, though specific biological details for this species remain unreported.
Cisthene coronado
Cisthene coronado is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, tribe Lithosiini. Described by Carroll B. Knowlton in 1967, it is currently known only from the US state of Arizona. As a member of the lichen moth genus Cisthene, it likely exhibits the typical aposematic coloration and lichen-mimicking appearance characteristic of this group, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Colaspis cruriflava
Colaspis cruriflava is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, known only from Arizona, United States. The species was described by entomologist Doris Holmes Blake in 1977. Its specific epithet "cruriflava" refers to yellow legs, a distinctive morphological feature. The genus Colaspis includes numerous species associated with various host plants, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Ctenisodes abruptus
Ctenisodes abruptus is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small, often ant-associated beetles. The species was described by Casey in 1893. It belongs to the tribe Ctenistini, characterized by specialized morphological adaptations. Records indicate presence in Arizona, USA.
Cyclocephala aravaipensis
Cyclocephala aravaipensis is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, first described by Brett Ratcliffe in 1992. It belongs to the masked chafer genus Cyclocephala, a group of beetles whose larvae are commonly known as "white grubs" and are significant pests of turfgrass. The species epithet "aravaipensis" refers to the Aravaipa region in Arizona, indicating its known geographic association. Like other members of its genus, adults are small brown beetles with a distinctive dark facial marking, while larvae are cream-colored, C-shaped grubs that feed on plant roots.
Dasymutilla thetis
minute thistledown velvet ant, Little Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla thetis, commonly known as the minute thistledown velvet ant, is a small velvet ant species endemic to Arizona. First described by Charles A. Blake in 1886 as Sphaerophthalma thetis, it was later transferred to Dasymutilla. The species is notable for its entirely white-furred females, which participate in a Müllerian mimicry complex among pale desert velvet ants. Its small size (approximately 7 mm) distinguishes it from larger thistledown velvet ants such as Dasymutilla gloriosa.
Dendrobias mandibularis
Long-jawed Longhorn Beetle
Dendrobias mandibularis is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Dupont in 1834. The species is notable for its enlarged mandibles, particularly in males. It has been collected in desert thorn-scrub habitats in Arizona and is associated with Baccharis sarothroides vegetation. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in mandible development, with major males possessing substantially enlarged jaws.
Deraeocoris apache
Deraeocoris apache is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1921. It belongs to the genus Deraeocoris, a diverse group of predatory mirids found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Very little specific information is available for this particular species.
Diplotaxis saylori
Diplotaxis saylori is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, first described by Cazier in 1940. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is a chafer beetle with adults that are attracted to lights at night. The species is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona. Little detailed biological information has been published for this particular species.
Efferia subarida
Tucson Hammertail
Efferia subarida is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, first described by Bromley in 1940. It is commonly known as the Tucson Hammertail and is found in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. The species belongs to the diverse genus Efferia, which contains many large, predatory flies characterized by their stout bodies, prominent compound eyes, and powerful flight capabilities. Like other robber flies, E. subarida is an active aerial predator that captures other insects in flight.
Ephestiodes monticolus
Ephestiodes monticolus is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Herbert H. Neunzig in 1990. It is currently known only from the US state of Arizona. As a member of the genus Ephestiodes, it belongs to a group of small moths commonly associated with dried plant materials, though specific biological details for this species remain undocumented.
Eunota fulgoris erronea
Willcox Tiger Beetle
Eunota fulgoris erronea is a subspecies of tiger beetle endemic to the Willcox Playa area of the Sulphur Springs Valley in southeastern Arizona. Formerly placed in the genus Habroscelimorpha, this taxon is now classified under Eunota following molecular phylogenetic revisions. It is considered a classic example of a geographically restricted tiger beetle with striking coloration and intricate white elytral markings. The subspecies name 'erronea' reflects its historical taxonomic confusion.
Eupithecia cazieri
Eupithecia cazieri is a small moth in the family Geometridae, described by Kirkwood in 1961. It is endemic to Arizona and belongs to the diverse 'pug' moth genus Eupithecia, characterized by narrow wings and distinctive resting posture. The species is named in honor of Dr. Mont A. Cazier, former Director of the Southwestern Research Station.
Eupithecia herefordaria
Hereford's eupithecia
Eupithecia herefordaria, known as Hereford's eupithecia, is a small moth in the family Geometridae. It is restricted to south-eastern Arizona in the United States. Adults are active in early spring and have forewings measuring 9–10.5 mm in length. Like other Eupithecia species, it has been documented visiting flowers and may contribute to nocturnal pollination.
Givira minuta
Givira minuta is a small moth in the family Cossidae, first described from southern Arizona in 1910. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, with a wingspan of approximately 17 mm, and distinctive wing coloration featuring light ocherous brown forewings with a creamy costal margin and dark smoky brown hindwings. Adults are active during spring months, with flight records from April through June. The species belongs to a genus of carpenter moths, though specific biological details beyond basic morphology and phenology remain poorly documented.
Gloridonus ajo
Gloridonus ajo is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 2014. The specific epithet 'ajo' refers to the type locality in Arizona. As a member of the diverse leafhopper family, it belongs to a group of phloem-feeding insects with specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Gloridonus is part of the Nearctic leafhopper fauna.
Gymnognathus chiricahuae
Gymnognathus chiricahuae is a species of fungus weevil (family Anthribidae) described by Sleeper in 1954. The species epithet references the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, indicating the type locality and primary known distribution. Like other members of the genus Gymnognathus, this species belongs to a group of weevils associated with fungal substrates. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases and has been recorded from North America.
Hadoa longiopercula
Spade Sun-Singer
Hadoa longiopercula is an annual cicada species in the genus Hadoa, native to southeastern Arizona. It inhabits desert scrub ecosystems, particularly areas with Alligator Juniper (Juniperus deppeana). The species was originally described as Tibicen longiopercula by Davis in 1926 and later transferred to the genus Hadoa. Known records are sparse, with confirmed observations limited to a few localities in the southeastern corner of Arizona.
Heliades huachucalis
Heliades huachucalis is a species of pyralid moth known only from the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The species was described from this restricted geographic area, and records remain sparse. It belongs to a genus of small moths whose biology is poorly documented.
Heliothelopsis unicoloralis
Heliothelopsis unicoloralis is a small crambid moth described in 1914. It is known from a single U.S. state (Arizona) with limited collection records. The species exhibits distinctive dark coloration with subtle metallic and light speckling.
Hellinsia auster
Austere Plume Moth
Hellinsia auster is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, restricted to Arizona in the southwestern United States. First described in 1921, this small moth exhibits the characteristic wing structure of its family, with wings split into feathery plumes. Adults are active during spring and late summer to early autumn. The species is known from limited collections, with the type locality in Mohave County.
Heminocloa
Heminocloa is a monotypic genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) established by Barnes and Benjamin in 1924. It contains a single species, Heminocloa mirabilis, first described by Neumoegen in 1884. The genus is restricted to Arizona, United States.
Heminocloa mirabilis
Heminocloa mirabilis is a moth species and the sole member of its monotypic genus within the family Noctuidae. Originally described as Basilodes mirabilis by Berthold Neumoegen in 1884, it was later placed in the genus Heminocloa erected by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924. The species is known only from the US state of Arizona, with 69 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Himmacia huachucella
Himmacia huachucella is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by August Busck in 1908. It is known from Arizona in the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of 21–25 mm and exhibits distinctive salmon-ochreous forewings. Larvae feed on specific oak species, including Quercus hypoleucoides and Quercus arizonica.
Himmacia stratia
A small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1974. Known from a single state in the southwestern United States, this species has a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and adult flight activity limited to mid-summer months.
Homocerynea
Homocerynea is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, established in 1913 by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough. It contains a single species, Homocerynea cleoriformis, known only from Arizona. The genus has been classified in various subfamilies, including Phytometrinae within Erebidae and Acontiinae within Noctuidae, reflecting taxonomic uncertainty.
Homocerynea cleoriformis
Homocerynea cleoriformis is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Homocerynea. The species was described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1913 from material collected in Arizona. It belongs to the family Erebidae (formerly classified in Noctuidae). No observations have been recorded in iNaturalist, indicating extreme rarity or possible extinction.
Hymenochara arizonensis
Hymenochara arizonensis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Campbell in 1978. As a member of this large beetle family, it shares characteristics typical of tenebrionids including a hardened exoskeleton and generally nocturnal habits. The species epithet 'arizonensis' indicates its association with Arizona, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Hyperaspis dobzhanskyi
Dobzhansky's lady beetle
Hyperaspis dobzhanskyi is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, known from Arizona in the southwestern United States. Adults measure approximately 2.45 mm in length. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are notable for producing waxy secretions that camouflage them among scale insects, their primary prey. Like other Hyperaspis species, it likely serves as a biological control agent of scale insect pests.
Jikradia sp-az
Jikradia sp-az is an undescribed species in the leafhopper genus Jikradia, currently known only from Arizona. It belongs to the family Cicadellidae, a diverse group of sap-feeding insects. The 'sp-az' designation indicates this is a morphologically distinct population awaiting formal taxonomic description. Like other Jikradia species, it is likely associated with woody vegetation.