Big-bend
Guides
Acronicta valliscola
Acronicta valliscola is a small noctuid moth described by André Blanchard in 1968. It is known exclusively from Big Bend National Park in western Texas, making it one of the most geographically restricted species in the genus. The species has a wingspan of 30–35 mm. Very little is known about its biology or ecology due to its limited known distribution and few documented observations.
Agrilus gillespiensis
Enchanted Rock Agrilus
Agrilus gillespiensis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1947. The species is a west Texas specialty, with records from the Big Bend region and adjacent areas of New Mexico. Adults have been collected from flowers of Echinocereus enneacanthus carnosus (strawberry cactus) and Opuntia camanchica (tulip pricklypear cactus), suggesting a floral association uncommon for the genus. The specific epithet refers to Gillespie County, Texas, though the species has a broader distribution in the region. Like other members of the enormous genus Agrilus, it presumably develops as a larva in dead woody branches, though no confirmed larval host records are documented.
Amblycorypha insolita
Big Bend Oblong-winged Katydid, Big Bend False Katydid
Amblycorypha insolita is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Rehn & Hebard in 1914. Known as the Big Bend oblong-winged katydid or Big Bend false katydid, this species is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent northeastern Mexico. It belongs to a genus renowned for exceptional camouflage and acoustic communication.
Arethaea arachnopyga
Big Bend Thread-leg Katydid, Spider-tail Thread-legged Katydid
Arethaea arachnopyga is a phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Rehn and Hebard in 1914. The species is known from the Big Bend region of Texas and adjacent Mexico, where it inhabits arid and semi-arid environments. Like other members of the genus Arethaea, it possesses the characteristic extremely slender, thread-like hind legs that give these katydids their common name.
Macroscytalus chisosensis
Macroscytalus chisosensis is a species of seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. It is endemic to the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park in Texas, USA. The species is known from a limited number of specimens collected at high elevations in this isolated mountain range. Its restricted distribution makes it a notable example of localized endemism in the Chihuahuan Desert region.
Netrosoma fusiformis
Fusiform camel cricket
Netrosoma fusiformis is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The species was described by Scudder in 1897. It is associated with aridland scrub habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico, particularly in the Big Bend region of Texas. The species has been observed sheltering beneath leaves of sotol (Dasylirion) during extreme midday heat alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers.
Phaulotettix eurycercus
Sotol Grasshopper
Phaulotettix eurycercus, commonly known as the sotol grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species is found in arid regions of North America, particularly in Texas and northeastern Mexico. It is associated with desert scrub habitats and has been observed using sotol plants (Dasylirion) for shelter and possibly feeding. The species is flightless and belongs to a group of desert grasshoppers adapted to extreme heat conditions.
Thrincopyge
jewel beetles
Thrincopyge is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Polycestinae. The genus contains three described species: T. alacris, T. ambiens, and T. marginata. Adults are known for their striking metallic coloration, typically combining blue or green with vivid yellow. Larvae develop within the dried flowering stalks of sotol plants (Dasylirion spp.), while adults conceal themselves at the base of the plants among the long, strap-like leaves. The genus occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.