Arizona
Guides
Hadoa simplex
Madrean Grassland Sun-Singer
Hadoa simplex is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, originally described by Davis in 1941 as a subspecies of Tibicen bifidus before being elevated to species status and transferred to the genus Hadoa. It is known from Arizona and is associated with Madrean grassland habitats. The species is one of relatively few confirmed observations, with limited documented occurrence data.
Halticotoma andrei
Sotol Plant Bug
Halticotoma andrei is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1968. It is known from the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. The species is commonly referred to as the Sotol Plant Bug, suggesting an association with sotol plants (Dasylirion spp.) in its native range. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of true bugs.
Hamana herbida
Hamana herbida is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1942. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The species has been documented in Arizona, USA. Like other members of this genus, it likely inhabits vegetation where it feeds on plant sap.
Haplaxius balli
Haplaxius balli is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Kramer in 1979. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species is known from Arizona, USA, based on distribution records. Like other cixiid planthoppers, it is a member of the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, characterized by their distinctive head morphology and wing venation patterns.
Haplaxius beameri
Haplaxius beameri is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Ball in 1933. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona.
Haplaxius yuccandus
Haplaxius yuccandus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Ball in 1933. The species name suggests an association with yucca plants. It belongs to a genus of small, often cryptic planthoppers that inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Like other Cixiidae, adults are capable of flight and nymphs are subterranean root-feeders.
Heliades lindae
Heliades lindae is a small pyralid moth endemic to Arizona, described by Cashatt in 2012. The species is known from limited observations and has a wingspan of 15–17 mm. It is distinguished by brownish red forewings with white dentate antemedial and postmedial lines and light greyish brown hindwings.
Heliastus benjamini
Arroyo Grasshopper
Heliastus benjamini, commonly known as the arroyo grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Arizona and broader distribution in the southwestern United States. The species inhabits desert environments, particularly canyon and arroyo systems.
Heliocheilus toralis
Heliocheilus toralis is a small noctuid moth found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species was described by Grote in 1881 and is characterized by a wingspan of 23–25 mm. It belongs to the subfamily Heliothinae, a group whose larvae often feed on developing seeds.
Hellinsia arion
Long-harped Plume Moth
Hellinsia arion is a plume moth (family Pterophoridae) first described by William Barnes and Arthur Ward Lindsey in 1921. The species occurs in western North America, with records from Alberta, Canada, and Arizona, USA. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 22.5 mm and display characteristic brownish-grey and white scaled coloration with distinctive wing markings.
Helops arizonensis
Helops arizonensis is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by George Henry Horn in 1874. The species epithet reflects its association with Arizona. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of darkling beetles that can be distinguished from superficially similar ground beetles (Carabidae) by concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae, though some Helops species exhibit ground beetle-like antennae. The genus Helops is noted for species with elongated antennae segments that approach the filiform appearance of carabids, making identification more challenging than with typical darkling beetles.
Hemioslaria pima
Hemioslaria pima is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, representing the sole member of its monotypic genus. The species was first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924. It is known only from the US state of Arizona, with 47 documented observations on iNaturalist. The genus and species are classified within the subfamily Acontiinae and tribe Chamaecleini.
Hemipenthes blanchardiana
A species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. Larvae of the genus Hemipenthes are hyper-parasites, developing as parasites of ichneumon wasps, tachinid flies, and other insects that are themselves parasites of caterpillars. This makes them secondary consumers in parasitoid food webs. Adults visit flowers for nectar. The species has been documented in Arizona and other parts of North America.
Hemipenthes scylla
Hemipenthes scylla is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Hemipenthes is notable for its unusual larval ecology: larvae are hyper-parasites that parasitize the larvae of other parasitic insects, including ichneumon wasps and tachinid flies, which themselves attack caterpillars of butterflies and moths. The species has been documented in Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.
Hemipepsis
tarantula hawks, Old and New World Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Hemipepsis is a genus of large spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as tarantula hawks. The genus contains approximately 180 species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with significant diversity in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Hemipepsis wasps are distinguished from the related genus Pepsis by subtle differences in wing venation patterns. In South Africa, Hemipepsis wasps serve as exclusive pollinators for 18 plant species across three families (Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, and Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloodeae). The genus has been extensively studied for its complex male territorial behavior, particularly in the North American species H. ustulata.
Henribautia beameri
Henribautia beameri is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Christian in 1953. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group commonly known as typhlocybine leafhoppers. The species is known from Arizona. As a member of this subfamily, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap, though specific host plants and detailed biology remain undocumented.
Henribautia hubbardi
A species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Described by McAtee in 1924, this species is placed in the genus Henribautia, a group of small, delicate leafhoppers typically associated with specific host plants. The species epithet honors an individual named Hubbard, a common pattern in early 20th century entomological nomenclature.
Hepzygina milleri
Hepzygina milleri is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Beamer in 1929. The species belongs to the tribe Erythroneurini, a group of small leafhoppers commonly associated with vascular plants. Records indicate occurrence in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. The genus Hepzygina is part of the diverse membracoid lineage of sap-feeding insects.
Hesperorhipis hyperbola
A small metallic wood-boring beetle in the tribe Xenorhipidini, distinguished by abbreviated elytra and pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennal structure. The species was described by Knull in 1938 and includes two recognized subspecies. Like other members of its tribe, males possess highly modified flabellate antennae while females retain unmodified serrate antennae.
Hesperorhipis mirabilis
Hesperorhipis mirabilis is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Xenorhipidini. It is one of four species in the genus Hesperorhipis, which is restricted to Arizona and California. The species is characterized by highly abbreviated elytra, particularly in males, and belongs to a tribe notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure. Two subspecies are recognized: H. m. mirabilis and H. m. albopennis.
Heteropogon arizonensis
Heteropogon arizonensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1941. The genus Heteropogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Members of this genus are known for their characteristic perching behavior on twigs and vegetation while hunting flying insect prey. The specific epithet "arizonensis" indicates the species was described from Arizona, though detailed natural history information for this particular species remains limited.
Heteropogon chiricahua
A species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1965. The specific epithet "chiricahua" refers to the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, suggesting a geographic association with this Sky Island region. As with other members of the genus Heteropogon, this species is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific observations of its behavior and ecology remain undocumented in available sources.
Heteropogon martini
Heteropogon martini is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors and twig-perching habits. The species is part of the diverse asilid fauna of North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to some congeners.
Hexorthodes catalina
Hexorthodes catalina is a noctuid moth species described from the Santa Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona. The species epithet references this type locality. As a member of the genus Hexorthodes, it belongs to a group of moths within the family Noctuidae. Specific ecological details about this species remain limited in published literature.
Hippomelas planicauda
Hippomelas planicauda is a large buprestid beetle (family Buprestidae) found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly Mimosa dysocarpa (velvetpod mimosa), on which adults are frequently collected by beating flowering branches. It occurs in desert scrub and canyon habitats of southeastern Arizona and adjacent regions, where it is often found in company with other large buprestids such as Hippomelas sphenicus and Gyascutus caelatus.
Hydriomena arizonata
A species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Larentiinae, described from Arizona in 1917. Known from a small number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or locally distributed. As a member of the genus Hydriomena, it belongs to a group of moths commonly known as highfliers or carpet moths, many of which are associated with montane or northern habitats.
Hydriomena chiricahuata
Hydriomena chiricahuata is a species of geometrid moth described by Swett in 1909. It belongs to the subfamily Larentiinae, a group of moths commonly known as carpet moths. The species name references the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, suggesting a type locality in that region. Records indicate presence in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Hydrophilus insularis
Hydrophilus insularis is a water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is distributed across a broad geographic range from northern South America through the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico into the southern United States. The species is aquatic and belongs to a genus known for scavenging behavior in freshwater habitats.
Hymetta arizoniana
Hymetta arizoniana is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. The species was described by Fairbairn in 1928. Members of the genus Hymetta are commonly referred to as microleafhoppers due to their small size. The specific epithet "arizoniana" indicates the species was originally described from Arizona. As a member of the tribe Erythroneurini, this species belongs to a diverse group of small leafhoppers often characterized by colorful markings on their wings.
Hyperaspis aemulator
Hyperaspis aemulator is a small lady beetle in the tribe Hyperaspini, first described by Casey in 1908. Adults measure approximately 2.40–2.80 mm in length. The species is poorly documented, with only one observation recorded on iNaturalist and limited published information available.
Hyperaspis conspirans
Hyperaspis conspirans is a small predatory lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 1.90–2.30 mm in length. Males have a black pronotum with a yellow lateral area, while females show a slightly reddened yellow area on the pronotum. The elytra bear three yellow spots. The species is known from Arizona and Texas in southwestern North America. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, larvae are covered in white wax secreted from lateral glands, which serves as protection against ants and other predators while hunting scale insects.
Hyperaspis haematosticta
Hyperaspis haematosticta is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.70–3.80 mm in length. The species is native to North America, with documented records from New Mexico and Arizona. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis medialis
medial lady beetle
Hyperaspis medialis, the medial lady beetle, is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2–2.5 mm in length. The species is native to North America and has been recorded from Arizona and Texas. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a predator of scale insects. The larvae are covered in white waxy secretions that serve as camouflage and protection against predators.
Hyperaspis oculifera
Hyperaspis oculifera is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, recorded from Arizona. Adults measure 2.0–2.6 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration: males have yellow anterior margins and lateral areas of the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with yellow lateral areas. Each elytron bears a yellow spot. As a member of the genus Hyperaspis, it is likely a predator of scale insects, though specific prey records for this species are not documented.
Hyperaspis pinguis
Hyperaspis pinguis is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 3.30–3.50 mm in length. The species is known from Arizona in North America and is closely related to Hyperaspis lateralis, from which it can be distinguished by specific pronotal coloration patterns. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, this species is a predator of scale insects and likely contributes to biological control of these pests in its native range.
Hypotrix optima
Hypotrix optima is a small noctuid moth described by Dyar in 1920. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with a range extending from southeastern Arizona and central New Mexico south to Mexico City. Adults are active during a narrow mid-summer window. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the genus Eriopyga.
Idia suffusalis
Idia suffusalis is a species of litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Smith in 1899 from the Santa Rita Mountains in southeastern Arizona. It belongs to the subfamily Herminiinae, a group commonly known as litter moths due to their association with decaying plant material. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States.
Insara tessellata
Tessellate Bush Katydid
Insara tessellata, commonly known as the tessellate bush katydid, is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Arizona. The species was described by Hebard in 1935. As a member of the subfamily Phaneropterinae, it belongs to a group of katydids commonly referred to as bush katydids, which are typically associated with shrubby vegetation.
Irbisia oreas
black grass bug
Irbisia oreas is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, first described by Bliven in 1963. It belongs to a genus commonly known as black grass bugs. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, with confirmed records from California, Arizona, and Baja California Norte.
Knullana huachuca
Knullana huachuca is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by DeLong in 1941. The species epithet references the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, where it was originally described. It belongs to the tribe Scaphoideini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. Records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA and Mexico.
Koebelia irrorata
Koebelia irrorata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. Described by Ball in 1909, this species belongs to a small genus of leafhoppers found in western North America. The genus name honors the German entomologist Carl Koebele, who worked extensively on North American Hemiptera in the late 19th century. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Laccocera minuta
Laccocera minuta is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Penner in 1945. It belongs to the genus Laccocera, which comprises small delphacid planthoppers. The species has been recorded from Arizona, North America. Like other delphacids, it is likely associated with grass or sedge hosts, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lachnodactyla
Lachnodactyla is a genus of toe-winged beetles in the family Ptilodactylidae, established by Champion in 1897. The genus contains at least two described species: L. arizonica and L. texana, both described by Schaeffer in 1906. These species are known from the southwestern United States. The family Ptilodactylidae is characterized by expanded tarsal segments that give the common name 'toe-winged beetles'.
Lachnodactyla arizonica
toe-winged beetle
Lachnodactyla arizonica is a species of toe-winged beetle in the family Ptilodactylidae. It was described by Schaeffer in 1906. The species is known from North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a primary association with Arizona. Like other members of Ptilodactylidae, it possesses the distinctive expanded hind tarsi that give the family its common name of toe-winged beetles.
Lactista gibbosa
Lactista gibbosa is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The genus Lactista includes small to medium-sized grasshoppers with distinctive wing patterns, typically found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are characterized by their banded hindwings and relatively short flight distances compared to some other grasshopper groups.
Lambdina punctata
Lambdina punctata is a geometrid moth species known as a looper, documented in Utah and recorded as a host for the ichneumon wasp Coccygomimus sanguinipes erythropus. The species belongs to a genus of moths commonly associated with woody plants, though specific life history details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Laniifera cyclades
Cactus Moth, Prickly Pear Moth
Laniifera cyclades is a snout moth in the family Crambidae and the sole member of its genus. It is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species is notable for its specialized diet on prickly pear cactuses (Opuntia), which has led to its introduction as a biological control agent in regions where these cactuses are invasive. Adults are active from July to September and have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm.
Lasius arizonicus
Arizona Citronella Ant
Lasius arizonicus is a species of ant in the genus Lasius, described by William Morton Wheeler in 1917. It is native to the United States, with records from Arizona. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as citronella ants due to the lemony scent produced by defensive secretions. Like other Lasius species, it likely produces citronellal and formic acid as chemical defenses.
Lebia histrionica
Lebia histrionica is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species has been recorded from Arizona in the United States, as well as Mexico and Guatemala. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it likely exhibits bright metallic coloration on its wing covers.
Leioscyta pallidipennis
Leioscyta pallidipennis is a treehopper species (Family Membracidae) described by Stål in 1869. The genus Leioscyta belongs to the tribe Membracini within the subfamily Membracinae. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona (USA) and the Mexican states of Morelos and Puebla. As a member of Membracidae, this species possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends over the body, though specific morphological details for this species are not well documented in available sources.