Arizona
Guides
Blepharomastix pseudoranalis
Blepharomastix pseudoranalis is a small crambid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1914. It is known from limited records in Arizona, with adults active during mid-summer. The species is characterized by pale ochreous wings with brown scaling and dark forewing lines.
Bothriocera knulli
Bothriocera knulli is a small planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Caldwell in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Bothriocerini and is found in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. Like other cixiids, it is a phloem-feeding insect associated with vascular plants. The species epithet honors Joseph Knull, a prominent American coleopterist who described many western North American beetles.
Brachiacantha arizonica
Arizona lady beetle, Arizona Spurleg
Brachiacantha arizonica, known as the Arizona lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.90–3.60 mm in length. The species is characterized by distinctive coloration: a yellow anterior margin and anterolateral angle on the pronotum, with black elytra bearing four yellow spots. It has been recorded from Arizona in North America.
Brachiacantha stephani
Stephan's lady beetle
Brachiacantha stephani, known as Stephan's lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults exhibit distinctive coloration with black bodies marked by yellow and reddish-orange patterns on the pronotum and elytra. The species is known from a limited geographic range in North America, specifically recorded from Arizona. It is named in honor of Karl Stephan, collector of part of the type series.
Brachys floccosus
Brachys floccosus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, originally described by Mannerheim in 1837. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Records indicate it has been collected from oak woodland habitats in montane regions of southeastern Arizona, specifically from Quercus hypoleucoides (silverleaf oak).
Brachys querci
Brachys querci is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Knull in 1952. The species is found in North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States including Arizona and New Mexico. It is associated with oak species (Quercus), particularly gray oak (Quercus grisea), and has been collected by beating or sweeping foliage of trees with newly flushed leaves. The species is part of a genus that is taxonomically challenging and has been subject to recent revisionary work.
Brasiella wickhami
Sonoran Tiger Beetle
Brasiella wickhami, commonly known as the Sonoran Tiger Beetle, is a small, cursorial tiger beetle species and the only member of its genus to reach the United States. It occurs in southern Arizona and extends southward into Mexico. Adults are active runners found in arid habitats, representing the northernmost extension of an otherwise exclusively Neotropical genus.
Brooksetta malvastri
Brooksetta malvastri is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1968. The specific epithet "malvastri" suggests an association with plants in the genus Malvastrum or related Malvaceae, though detailed biological information remains limited. The species is recorded from California and Arizona in the southwestern United States. As a member of Miridae, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts, but specific ecological details are sparse in the available literature.
Bryolymnia biformata
Bryolymnia biformata is a small noctuid moth described in 2010 from the sky island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona. The species is distinguished by two distinct color forms of adults, which inspired its Latin name. It has been documented only from the Huachuca, Patagonia, and Santa Rita Mountains.
Bryolymnia ensina
Bryolymnia ensina is a small noctuid moth restricted to montane coniferous forests in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It was first described from Arizona in 1907 and remains one of the more narrowly distributed species in its genus. Adults fly during a brief mid-summer window, and the species is rarely encountered.
Bucculatrix sororcula
Bucculatrix sororcula is a micro-moth in the family Bucculatricidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1963. It is recorded from Arizona and California in western North America. Members of this genus are commonly known as ribbed cocoon-maker moths due to the distinctive ribbed structure of their larval cocoons. The family Bucculatricidae is a small group of leaf-mining moths within the superfamily Gracillarioidea.
Buprestis prospera
Buprestis prospera is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in pinyon-juniper woodland habitats. Adults have been found associated with dead and dying Pinus edulis (Colorado pinyon pine), suggesting a larval host relationship with this conifer species. The species was described by Casey in 1909.
Cactobrosis fernaldialis
blue cactus borer
Cactobrosis fernaldialis, commonly known as the blue cactus borer, is a snout moth species found in desert regions of the southwestern United States. Adults exhibit bivoltine flight periods in spring and late summer through autumn. The species is notable for its larval specialization on Ferocactus wislizeni.
Caenochrysis deversor
Caenochrysis deversor is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. The genus Caenochrysis comprises small, brilliantly metallic wasps that are parasitoids of other insects. Members of this genus are known to parasitize larvae of various hymenopteran hosts, particularly other wasps. The species was documented in the southwestern United States during field observations in ponderosa pine forests.
Caenochrysis doriae
Caenochrysis doriae is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, first described by Gribodo in 1874. Members of this genus are kleptoparasitic, laying eggs in the nests of other wasps and bees. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including Arizona and Utah. Specific biological details for C. doriae remain poorly documented in published literature.
Callistege diagonalis
Callistege diagonalis is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Harrison Dyar in 1898. It is known from the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. It belongs to a genus of underwing-like moths whose members are often characterized by distinctive wing patterns.
Calloides nobilis mormonus
Calloides nobilis mormonus is a western North American subspecies of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Clytini. The nominate subspecies C. n. nobilis occurs in eastern North America, while C. n. mormonus is restricted to western regions. This subspecies has been documented from burned coniferous forest habitats in Arizona and attracted to sweet red wine-baited traps. The species is associated with fire-damaged oak and conifer wood, suggesting a reliance on recently dead or stressed woody hosts.
Calosoma simplex
simple beautiful black searcher
Calosoma simplex is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the genus Calosoma, whose members are known for arboreal hunting behaviors and caterpillar predation. The species occurs in southwestern North America, including parts of the United States and Mexico. Like other Calosoma species, it likely functions as a predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Carmenta engelhardti
Carmenta engelhardti is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described from Arizona in 1973. The species was collected on Brickellia foliage along small creeks in the Patagonia and Huachuca mountains. As a member of the genus Carmenta, it belongs to a group of seed-feeding clearwing moths primarily distributed in the Americas. The species has been documented in August.
Carmenta pallene
Carmenta pallene is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Herbert Druce in 1889 from specimens collected in Tabasco, Mexico. The species is also known from Arizona in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic wasp-mimicking appearance of sesiid moths, with reduced wing scaling that leaves much of the wing membrane transparent. The original description and limited subsequent records provide sparse information on its biology and ecology.
Carmenta querci
Carmenta querci is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1882. The species is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Colorado and Arizona. Larvae develop within galls on oaks, with documented associations to Quercus arizonica and Quercus oblongifolia. As a member of the Carmenta genus, it exhibits the transparent wings and wasp-mimicking appearance typical of sesiid moths.
Carmenta rubricincta
Carmenta rubricincta is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by William Beutenmüller in 1909. It is known from North America, with records from Arizona. As a member of the genus Carmenta, it belongs to a group of seed-feeding clearwing moths primarily distributed in the Americas.
Carmenta subaerea
Carmenta subaerea is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1883. The species is documented from Arizona, USA, and belongs to a genus of seed-feeding clearwing moths distributed primarily in the Americas. Like other sesiids, it likely exhibits wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and a slender body form.
Carmenta tecta
mistletoe stem borer
Carmenta tecta is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1882. It is commonly known as the mistletoe stem borer due to its larval association with mistletoe plants. The species is documented from the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. Its biology is closely tied to oak-mistletoe ecosystems.
Carpelimus dentiger
Carpelimus dentiger is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxytelinae. It is known from the southwestern United States (Arizona and New Mexico). As a member of Carpelimus, it likely inhabits moist, organic-rich environments near water or in decomposing materials, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Carptima
Carptima is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, containing a single species, Carptima hydriomenata. The genus was described by Pearsall in 1906. It is endemic to Arizona, USA. The genus is classified within the subfamily Larentiinae.
Carptima hydriomenata
Carptima hydriomenata is a rare moth and the sole member of its genus. It was first described by Pearsall in 1906 and is known only from Arizona. The species belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group of moths commonly called inchworms or geometer moths due to their larvae's characteristic looping gait. Its restricted range and limited number of observations make it one of the more poorly documented geometrid moths in North America.
Catadelphops nasutus
Catadelphops nasutus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ichneumoninae. It was described by Heinrich in 1962 from specimens collected in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona. The species name "nasutus" refers to the distinctive bipartite swelling on the clypeus. The genus Catadelphops was erected by Heinrich based on this single species, with females characterized by being amblypygous—having a very short ovipositor and broad subgenital plate.
Catocala andromache
Andromache Underwing
Catocala andromache, the Andromache Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by their cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The species is found in the southwestern United States, specifically from southern California to Arizona. Like other underwings, it exhibits the genus's namesake trait of concealing its vibrant hindwings beneath dull forewings at rest.
Cedusa arizonensis
Cedusa arizonensis is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, first described by Flynn & Kramer in 1983. As a member of the order Hemiptera, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs. The species epithet indicates its association with Arizona, which is confirmed by distribution records. Like other derbid planthoppers, it likely feeds on plant vascular fluids. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Centrinogyna hispidula
flower weevil
Centrinogyna hispidula is a species of flower weevil in the family Curculionidae. It was described by Casey in 1920. The species is found in southwestern North America, with its range extending from Arizona into Mexico. As a member of the flower weevil group, it likely associates with flowering plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Ceratagallia curta
Ceratagallia curta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman in 1933. It is currently treated as a synonym of Aceratagallia curta in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in generic placement within the Megophthalminae subfamily. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA and Mexico.
Ceratagallia grisea
Ceratagallia grisea is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Megophthalminae, described by Oman in 1935. As a member of the genus Ceratagallia, it belongs to a group of small, often inconspicuous leafhoppers associated with diverse plant hosts. The species epithet 'grisea' (Latin for 'gray') likely refers to its coloration. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Ceratagallia nana
Ceratagallia nana is a small leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman in 1933. It belongs to a genus of minute leafhoppers within the tribe Agalliini. The species is currently considered a synonym of Aceratagallia nana in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in this group. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona.
Ceratagallia nanella nanella
Ceratagallia nanella nanella is a subspecies of leafhopper originally described from Arizona by Oman in 1933. It is currently treated as a synonym of Aceratagallia nanella, reflecting taxonomic revisions that merged the genus Ceratagallia into Aceratagallia. The subspecies designation has not been maintained in recent literature. Records are limited to the type locality region.
Ceratagallia nitidula
Ceratagallia nitidula is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, originally described by Oman in 1933. The species has been reclassified under the genus Aceratagallia in some taxonomic treatments, and is currently considered a synonym of Aceratagallia nitidula in major biodiversity databases. It belongs to the tribe Agalliini within the subfamily Megophthalminae. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA and Mexico.
Ceratagallia nubila
Ceratagallia nubila is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Oman in 1939. It belongs to the tribe Agalliini, a group of small sap-feeding insects commonly found on vegetation. The species has been recorded from Arizona, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Ceratonyx arizonensis
Ceratonyx arizonensis is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. It belongs to the genus Ceratonyx, which contains species commonly known as spanworms or loopers. The species epithet 'arizonensis' indicates its association with Arizona. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species in available sources.
Ceuthophilus arizonensis
Arizona camel cricket
Ceuthophilus arizonensis, the Arizona camel cricket, is a camel cricket species in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to North America, with records from Arizona. Like other members of its genus, it is wingless and adapted to dark, moist habitats.
Ceuthophilus chiricahuae
Chiricahua cave cricket
Ceuthophilus chiricahuae is a species of camel cricket (family Rhaphidophoridae) endemic to North America. The species was described by Hubbell in 1936 and is named for the Chiricahua Mountains region. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is wingless and adapted to cool, dark, moist habitats. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only six documented occurrences in biodiversity databases.
Ceuthophilus lamellipes
Ceuthophilus lamellipes is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, described by Rehn in 1907. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is wingless and adapted to dark, moist habitats. The species is recorded from Arizona and is part of a diverse North American genus containing approximately 90 species. As a camel cricket, it possesses the characteristic hump-backed appearance, elongated antennae, and powerful jumping legs typical of this group.
Ceuthophilus yavapai
Yavapai Camel Cricket
Ceuthophilus yavapai is a camel cricket species in the family Rhaphidophoridae, first described by Hubbell in 1936. It belongs to a genus of wingless crickets commonly associated with dark, humid habitats. The species is known from Arizona and is part of the North American camel cricket fauna, which includes species often found in caves, woodlands, and occasionally human structures. Like other Ceuthophilus, it likely possesses the enlarged hind legs and long antennae characteristic of camel crickets.
Chaetarthria ochra
Chaetarthria ochra is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It was described by D.C. Miller in 1974. The species is known from Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States (Arizona and California) and Mexico. As a member of the Chaetarthriinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of small hydrophilid beetles often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Chalcolepidius
click beetles
Chalcolepidius is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) comprising approximately 63 species, with the majority distributed in the Americas. Species within this genus are typically large, metallic-colored beetles associated with woody vegetation. The genus was revised by Casari in 2002, and new distribution records continue to be documented, particularly in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Chalcolepidius apacheanus
Apache click beetle
Chalcolepidius apacheanus is a large click beetle (family Elateridae) native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species belongs to a genus characterized by metallic coloration and substantial body size among click beetles. Field observations indicate adults are associated with dead or dying coniferous trees, particularly ponderosa pine, where they have been observed at the base of trunks and in association with wood-boring beetle galleries. The species is active during summer months in montane pine-oak woodlands.
Chalcolepidius lenzi
Chalcolepidius lenzi is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae. It has been documented in Arizona, specifically in the Santa Rita Mountains, where it was observed at sap flows on Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom). The genus Chalcolepidius is known for large, robust click beetles with metallic coloration. Observations suggest this species is associated with woody vegetation in arid and semi-arid environments.
Chalcolepidius smaragdinus
A large click beetle species in the family Elateridae, notable for its striking metallic green coloration. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, where it has been observed on desert vegetation including Baccharis sarothroides and Prosopis glandulosa. Adults are active during the summer months and are sometimes attracted to blacklights.
Chalcolepidius tartarus
Chalcolepidius tartarus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It belongs to a genus known for large, striking species often associated with woody vegetation. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, where it has been collected from desert scrub habitats.
Charhyphus arizonensis
A small rove beetle species in the subfamily Phloeocharinae, described from Arizona in 1972. Like other members of Staphylinidae, it exhibits the characteristic short elytra that leave much of the abdomen exposed. The genus Charhyphus contains few described species, and C. arizonensis appears restricted to the southwestern United States.
Chauliognathus
An undescribed species within the soldier beetle genus Chauliognathus, known from field observations in southern Arizona. The genus comprises soft-bodied beetles commonly called leatherwings or soldier beetles, characterized by their elongated bodies and frequent association with flowers. This particular specimen was encountered during a targeted collecting trip for cerambycid beetles in September 2019.