Arizona
Guides
Aneflomorpha gilana
Aneflomorpha gilana is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Casey in 1924. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a group of small to medium-sized cerambycids commonly known as flat-faced longhorns. The species name references the Gila region of the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody vegetation in arid and semi-arid environments.
Aneflus protensus
Aneflus protensus is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Elaphidiini. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. The species is known from southwestern North America, with records from Arizona and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Aneflus, it is associated with woody vegetation and has been collected on Baccharis sarothroides.
Aneflus sonoranus
Aneflus sonoranus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Casey in 1924. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a diverse group of small to medium-sized cerambycids. Records indicate presence in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with observations from Arizona and the Sonoran region. The genus Aneflus comprises multiple species distributed across North America, many of which are associated with woody vegetation in arid and semi-arid environments.
Anemosella nevalis
Anemosella nevalis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. It was described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1925. The species is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Anisostena cyanea
Anisostena cyanea is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Hispinae, first described by Staines in 1994. The species has been recorded from Arizona and Texas in the southwestern United States, and from Mexico. Adults have been collected on several species of Bothriochloa grasses, though whether these represent true host plants remains uncertain.
Anoncia venis
Anoncia venis is a small moth species in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by Ronald Hodges in 1978. The species is known from a limited geographic range in the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona and California. Like other members of the genus Anoncia, it likely has narrow, elongated forewings and a relatively plain appearance typical of many cosmet moths.
Anopliomorpha rinconia
Anopliomorpha rinconia is a small cerambycid beetle in the tribe Elaphidiini, recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species has been documented from Arizona, where it was collected by sweeping low vegetation in canyon habitats. It is one of several small, inconspicuous elaphidiine species that are often encountered in low numbers during general collecting.
Anoplocurius canotiae
Anoplocurius canotiae is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Fisher in 1920. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Anorus arizonicus
soft-bodied plant beetle
Anorus arizonicus is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Dascillidae. The species was described by Blaisdell in 1934. It belongs to a small family of beetles whose members are generally associated with moist habitats and riparian vegetation. Very little is known about the specific biology of this species.
Antaeotricha furcata
Antaeotricha furcata is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Lord Walsingham in 1889. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and size.
Antaeotricha fuscorectangulata
Antaeotricha fuscorectangulata is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by W. Donald Duckworth in 1964. It is known from Arizona in North America. The species is characterized by distinctive wing patterning that includes a rectangular dark area along the inner margin of the forewing.
Anthanassa frisia
Cuban Crescent, Cuban Crescentspot, Cuban Checkerspot
A small to medium-sized checkerspot butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, with a complex subspecies structure spanning the Caribbean, southern Florida, and the Neotropics. The nominate subspecies occurs in the West Indies and Florida, while subspecies tulcis (sometimes treated as a separate species) ranges from Argentina to the southwestern United States. Adults fly year-round in tropical regions and have distinct seasonal activity patterns in temperate areas. Larvae feed on specific Acanthaceae host plants.
Antron quercusnubila
Antron quercusnubila is a gall-inducing cynipid wasp native to the southwestern United States. The species exhibits an alternating sexual and asexual generation cycle, a trait confirmed through molecular analysis of cytb and ITS2 sequences. Like other members of the Cynipidae, this wasp manipulates oak host tissue to form protective galls that shelter and nourish developing larvae.
Anycteola
Anycteola is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acronictinae. It was erected by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1929. The genus contains a single species, Anycteola fotelloides, described by Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1916.
Apachekolos confusio
Arizona Pixie
Apachekolos confusio is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1957. It is known by the common name 'Arizona Pixie'. As a member of the Asilidae, it belongs to a diverse family of predatory flies characterized by their robust build, strong flight capabilities, and aggressive hunting behavior. The genus Apachekolos is part of the North American robber fly fauna.
Apamea unita
Apamea unita is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1904. It occurs in western North America, with a documented range extending from Alberta, Canada southward to Arizona, United States. Like other members of the genus Apamea, it belongs to a group of cutworm moths that are often challenging to identify due to individual variation and overlapping morphological traits with congeners. The species is represented by relatively few observations, with limited published information on its biology.
Aphaenogaster huachucana
Aphaenogaster huachucana is a rarely collected ant species described from the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona. The sexual forms (males and females) were described for the first time in 1951. Two subspecies are recognized: A. h. huachucana and A. h. crinimera. The species belongs to the spine-waisted ant genus Aphaenogaster, which includes frequent hosts for myrmecophilous beetles in the southwestern United States.
Aphonopelma catalina
Santa Catalina Mountain Tarantula
Aphonopelma catalina is a tarantula species described in 2016 from the Santa Catalina Mountains of southeastern Arizona. It belongs to a genus of large-bodied, ground-dwelling spiders native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other Aphonopelma species, it exhibits characteristics typical of primitive mygalomorph spiders, including simple genitalia that complicate species identification. The species is endemic to a single mountain range, making it vulnerable to habitat loss.
Aphonopelma madera
Madera Canyon Tarantula
Aphonopelma madera is a species of tarantula in the family Theraphosidae, described in 2016 from specimens collected in the Santa Rita Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The species is named for Madera Canyon, a well-known locality in its range. Like other members of the genus Aphonopelma, it is a large, ground-dwelling spider with urticating defensive hairs. The species is part of a taxonomic revision that split the formerly broadly-defined Aphonopelma chalcodes complex into multiple distinct species based on morphological and molecular data.
Aphonopelma vorhiesi
Tucson Bronze Tarantula, Madrean Red Rump
Aphonopelma vorhiesi is a tarantula species in the family Theraphosidae, commonly known as the Tucson Bronze or Madrean Red Rump. It occurs in Arizona and New Mexico. The species resembles Aphonopelma chalcodes but is considerably rarer in captivity. Like other Aphonopelma species, it is a ground-dwelling spider that constructs and occupies burrows.
Apogonalia omani
A leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Young in 1977. The species is known from Oman and has been documented in the southwestern United States (Arizona). It belongs to a genus of sharpshooters, a group known for their xylem-feeding habits and potential role as vectors of plant pathogens.
Aptostichus chemehuevi
Chemehuevi Desert Trapdoor Spider
Aptostichus chemehuevi is a species of trapdoor spider in the family Euctenizidae, described by arachnologist Jason Bond in 2012. It belongs to a genus of mygalomorph spiders known for constructing silk-lined burrows with hinged trapdoor lids. The species epithet references the Chemehuevi people, a Native American group whose traditional territory includes parts of the southwestern United States where this spider occurs. Like other Aptostichus species, it is a fossorial predator with limited dispersal capability.
Aradus unnamed-ariz
A flat bug species in the genus Aradus, presumably from Arizona based on the provisional name. The genus Aradus comprises bark-dwelling true bugs characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies adapted for living in narrow spaces under bark. Species in this genus are commonly associated with dead or dying trees where they feed on fungal hyphae.
Arawana arizonica
Arawana arizonica is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, measuring 3.25–3.50 mm in length. Adults are black or piceous with a distinctive red spot on each elytron. The species is known only from Arizona in southwestern North America.
Arenivaga hopkinsorum
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga hopkinsorum 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. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing wingless and males possessing fully developed wings. The species inhabits arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it contributes to decomposition despite limited plant matter. The specific epithet honors the Hopkins family, particularly referencing the author's father and brother.
Arethaea coyotero
Mojave Thread-leg Katydid, Coyotero Thread-leg Katydid
Arethaea coyotero is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, commonly known as the Mojave thread-leg katydid or coyotero thread-leg katydid. The species was described by Hebard in 1935. It belongs to the genus Arethaea, a group characterized by their elongated, thread-like hind legs. Distribution records indicate presence in Arizona and Nevada.
Argyrotaenia martini
Argyrotaenia martini is a small tortricid moth described by Powell in 1960. It is known only from Arizona, where adults have been recorded in mid-summer. The species belongs to a genus containing several economically important leafroller moths, though specific information about this species' biology remains limited.
Arta brevivalvalis
Arta brevivalvalis is a species of pyralid moth endemic to Arizona, United States. It was described by Cashatt in 2012. The species is characterized by distinctive wing coloration: forewings are reddish brown to purplish brown with ochreous antemedial and postmedial lines, while the hindwings are greyish brown.
Ateloplus luteus
Yellow Shieldback
Ateloplus luteus, commonly known as the yellow shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed distribution records from Arizona. The species was described by Caudell in 1907. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen, giving these insects their common name.
Ateloplus schwarzi
Schwarz's Shieldback
Ateloplus schwarzi is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Arizona. The species was described by Caudell in 1907. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen.
Athysanella occidentalis
Athysanella occidentalis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Baker in 1898. It belongs to the order Hemiptera, a group of true bugs characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species has been recorded in western North America including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Idaho. As a member of the genus Athysanella, it is part of a diverse group of leafhoppers, though specific biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Atractotomus nicholi
Atractotomus nicholi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1968. It is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and California. As a member of the genus Atractotomus, it belongs to a group of small predatory or plant-feeding bugs within the diverse Miridae family.
Atrusca capronae
striped oak-apple gall wasp
Atrusca capronae, commonly called the striped oak-apple gall wasp, is a cynipid wasp species that induces characteristic galls on oak leaves in southwestern North America. The species is most frequently observed in Arizona but occurs throughout the region where its host plants grow. The wasp's common name derives from the striped appearance of the galls it produces, though stripe intensity varies geographically. The species is considered fairly common within its range.
Atymna reticulata
Atymna reticulata is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Ball in 1937. The specific epithet 'reticulata' suggests a net-like or reticulated pattern, likely referring to body surface sculpturing. Distribution records indicate presence in Arizona. As a member of Smiliini, it belongs to a diverse tribe of treehoppers primarily associated with woody host plants.
Atymna simplex
Atymna simplex is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Smiliinae and tribe Smiliini. The species has been recorded in Arizona and Texas, with limited observational data available.
Auridius thapsinus
Auridius thapsinus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1999 from material collected in Arizona and Nevada. It belongs to a genus characterized by wing polymorphism, where individuals may exhibit either fully developed wings or reduced wing forms. The species is one of eight new species described in a comprehensive revision of the Nearctic genus Auridius.
Aztecacris gloriosa
Atascosa Gem Grasshopper
Aztecacris gloriosa is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Atascosa Gem Grasshopper. The species name refers to its type locality near Atascosa Peak in Arizona. It is a small grasshopper measuring 16–25 mm in length and is restricted to the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Bajulata bajula
Bajulata bajula is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Goding in 1893. It belongs to the tribe Amastrini within the subfamily Smiliinae. The genus Bajulata is monotypic, containing only this species. Records indicate it occurs in Arizona.
Baldulus montanus
Baldulus montanus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman in 1934. It belongs to the tribe Macrostelini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. Distribution records indicate presence in Arizona, though detailed biological information appears limited in available sources.
Balduza bufo
Balduza bufo is a species of planthopper in the family Issidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1923. It belongs to the order Hemiptera, which includes true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is part of the genus Balduza within the tribe Thioniini. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification and geographic distribution.
Baliosus ferrugineus
Baliosus ferrugineus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It was described by Staines in 2006. The species is known from North America, with records from Arizona. Like other members of the genus Baliosus, it belongs to the tribe Chalepini, a group of tortoise beetles characterized by their flattened, often expanded bodies and association with host plants.
Ballella basicornis
Ballella basicornis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1959. It belongs to the genus Ballella, a small group within the diverse plant bug family. The species is known from limited records in Arizona, USA, and remains poorly documented in scientific literature.
Beameromyia monticola
Santa Rita Pixie
Beameromyia monticola is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. The species epithet 'monticola' (mountain-dwelling) suggests an association with montane habitats. The common name 'Santa Rita Pixie' indicates a likely connection to the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona. As a member of the Asilidae, it belongs to a family of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive morphology.
Beata wickhami
Beata wickhami is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, first described by the Peckhams in 1894. It is one of the few species in the genus Beata that occurs in North America, with most Beata diversity concentrated in the Neotropics. The species has been recorded from the southern United States, the Bahama Islands, and Cuba, representing a Caribbean-North American distribution pattern. Like other jumping spiders, it possesses excellent vision and active hunting behavior characteristic of the family.
Berosus rugulosus
Berosus rugulosus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Berosus, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species was described by George Henry Horn in 1873.
Beyeria vespa
Beyeria vespa is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Fenyes in 1910. It belongs to the tribe Crematoxenini within the subfamily Aleocharinae. The species is known to occur in North America, with documented records from Arizona, USA. As a member of Staphylinidae, it possesses the characteristic short elytra that leave most of the abdomen exposed.
Bisulcopsallus pallidus
Bisulcopsallus pallidus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Schuh in 2006. The genus Bisulcopsallus belongs to the diverse family of true bugs known for their plant-feeding habits. This species is known from Arizona, USA, though detailed biological information remains limited in published literature. As a member of Miridae, it likely exhibits typical characteristics of the family including small size, membranous wings with distinct venation, and piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant fluids.
Blaisdelliana sexualis
Pitch Lady Beetle
Blaisdelliana sexualis is a minute lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) found in the southwestern United States. Adults measure approximately 1.25–1.78 mm in length. The species has been recorded from California and Arizona, where it inhabits arid and semi-arid environments. Little is known of its biology beyond basic morphological description.
Blapstinus alutaceus
Blapstinus alutaceus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blatchley in 1910. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species is part of the tribe Blapstinini, which contains numerous taxonomically challenging species that are often distinguished by subtle morphological characters.
Blepharomastix potentalis
Blepharomastix potentalis is a small crambid moth described from Arizona in 1914. It is a rarely encountered species with limited documentation, known from only a handful of observations. The species belongs to a genus of grass moths whose larvae generally feed on grasses and sedges.