Brachypterous
Guides
Nebria vandykei
Van Dyke's gazelle beetle
Nebria vandykei is an alpine ground beetle in the family Carabidae, endemic to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal, and carnivorous. The species occupies a specialized niche along stream margins and snowfield edges, habitats subject to extreme environmental stress. Research indicates this species has undergone adaptive evolution in response to cold, heat, and desiccation stress, with selection acting on stress response pathways despite a history of rapid demographic shifts.
Notiophilus intermedius
intermediate big-eyed beetle
Notiophilus intermedius is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Lindroth in 1955. It is commonly known as the intermediate big-eyed beetle. The species occurs in northern North America, including Alaska and several Canadian provinces. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and primarily diurnal in activity.
Notiophilus sierranus
mountain big-eyed beetle
Notiophilus sierranus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, endemic to California. Adults are characterized by reduced flight wings (brachypterous condition). The species belongs to a genus known for large, prominent eyes adapted for visual hunting.
Oecleus sagittanus
Oecleus sagittanus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Ball & Klingenberg in 1935. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini, a group of small to medium-sized fulgoroid insects characterized by their brachypterous or macropterous wing conditions and association with host plants. The species epithet 'sagittanus' refers to an arrow-like shape, likely describing a morphological feature of the male genitalia or wing structure. Like other cixiids, it is presumed to feed on plant phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Olixon
Olixon is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Rhopalosomatidae, established by Cameron in 1887. All known species are brachypterous (short-winged) ectoparasitoids of crickets, primarily in the family Gryllidae. The genus is distributed across the African, Australian, and American continents, with a notable concentration of diversity in Australia. Species are generally considered rare in collections and infrequently observed in the field.
Paraliburnia lecartus
Paraliburnia lecartus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Hamilton in 2002. It belongs to the genus Paraliburnia, a group of small delphacid planthoppers characterized by their reduced wings and associated with wetland habitats. The species is known from British Columbia, Canada, and represents one of the few documented members of this genus in North America.
Paranovelsis mcdonaldi
Paranovelsis mcdonaldi is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The genus Paranovelsis contains species characterized by reduced or absent flight wings (brachypterous or apterous condition), an adaptation associated with restricted geographic distributions. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it inhabits specialized microhabitats. Like other Hawaiian tiger beetles, it represents part of a distinctive insular radiation within the family.
Piesma
ash-grey leaf bugs
Piesma is a genus of small ash-grey leaf bugs in the family Piesmatidae, serving as the type genus of the family. Members are less than 4 mm in length and occur across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The genus is distinguished from the similar genus Parapiesma by a notch in the side margins of the pronotum. Species in this genus are primarily phytophagous and include economically significant pests such as Piesma quadratum, which transmits viral and rickettsia-like pathogens to sugar beet and related crops.
Pilophoropsis
Pilophoropsis is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) established by Poppius in 1914. The genus contains seven described species, with most described relatively recently (2015) and one dating to 1927. Species occur in North America, with records from the United States including Texas and California.
Pilophoropsis brachyptera
Pilophoropsis brachyptera is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Steyskal in 1973. The specific epithet "brachyptera" refers to short wings, a characteristic feature of this species. It belongs to the genus Pilophoropsis, which contains species known for their distinctive morphological adaptations. Very little published information exists on the biology and ecology of this particular species.
Plagiostira
shield-backed katydids
Plagiostira is a North American genus of shield-backed katydids (family Tettigoniidae) containing at least three described species. It is the sole genus in the monotypic tribe Plagiostirini, established by Storozhenko in 1994. The genus was erected by Scudder in 1876, with Plagiostira albonotata designated as the type species. Species in this genus are large, robust katydids associated with arid and semi-arid habitats of the southwestern United States.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
shield-backed-katydidOrthopteraTettigoniidaedesertsouthwestern-United-Statesnocturnalbrachypterouskatydidinsectarid-habitatyucca-associationsummer-activitywhite-markingslarge-body-sizePlagiostiriniTettigoniinaeNew-MexicoArizonaUtahwest-Texassand-dunesdesert-scrubcrepuscularlimited-flightScudder-1876Plagiostira-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldbackEnsiferaTettigoniideaTettigonioideaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaMetazoagrasshoppers,-crickets-&-katydidsPlagiostira28-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyWikipediaBeetles-In-The-Bush2018-New-Mexico/Texas-Insect-Collecting-TripTed-C.-MacRaeJeff-HuetherJune-2–9,-2018southeastern-New-MexicoMescalero-Sand-DunesKermit,-TexasHwy-380San-AntonioBinghamSandia-MountainsWalking-Sands-Rest-AreaValley-of-Fire-National-Recreation-AreaSierra-Blanca-MountainsSunset,-New-MexicoHobbs,-New-MexicoKermit-Sand-DunesI-10-Rest-AreaFabens,-TexasCarlsbad,-New-MexicoLoco-Hills,-New-MexicoCarrizozo,-New-MexicoBingham,-New-MexicoSocorro,-New-MexicoThe-BoxyuccaProsopis-glandulosamesquiteOpuntia-imbricatachollaJuniperus-monospermajuniperSapindus-drummondiisoapberryAcacia-greggiicatclaw-acaciaAcacia-rigidablack-acaciaThelespermaDaleaPenstemonRobiniaCeltisGaillardiaOenetheraBaccharisSphaeralceaEphedraCacamacactus-dodger-cicadaTragidion-armatumPrionus-arenariusPrionus-palparisPrionus-integerPolyphyllaMoneilemacactus-beetleGyascutusAcmaeoderaChrysobothrisAgrilusEnoclerusActenodesParatyndarisAcmaeoderopsisBrachysNeoclytusCleridaeCerambycidaeBuprestidaeScarabaeidaeCarabidaeTenebrionidaeMeloidaeCoreidaePompilidaetarantula-hawkCicindelidaeCylindera-lemniscatatiger-beetleLycaenidaeBrephidium-exiliswestern-pygmy-blueEchinargus-isolaReakirt's-blueshieldbackdesert-insectnocturnal-insectbrachypterous-insectsummer-insectarid-land-insectyucca-associated-insectNew-Mexico-insectArizona-insectUtah-insectTexas-insectsouthwestern-US-insectNorth-American-insectNearctic-insectTettigoniidae-insectOrthoptera-insectEnsifera-insectTettigoniinae-insectPlagiostirini-insectPlagiostira-insectP.-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldback-katydidgiant-katydidlarge-katydiddesert-katydidsand-dune-katydidyucca-katydidnocturnal-katydidbrachypterous-katydidsummer-katydidScudder's-katydid1876-katydidOrthopterankatydid-speciesshieldback-speciesTettigoniidae-speciesPlagiostira-speciesdesert-speciesarid-speciesnocturnal-speciesbrachypterous-speciessummer-speciesNew-Mexico-speciesArizona-speciesUtah-speciesTexas-speciessouthwestern-US-speciesNorth-American-speciesNearctic-speciesPlagiostira gillettei
Gillette's shieldback
Plagiostira gillettei is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Caudell in 1907. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, with records from California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. One subspecies, P. g. utahensis, is endemic to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes in Kane County, Utah. The common name honors an individual named Gillette, likely the collector or an entomological colleague.
Plagiostira gillettei gillettei
A subspecies of katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, recorded from arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States. The type subspecies of Plagiostira gillettei. One observation from a 2018 collecting trip in New Mexico/Texas documented a large individual with brachypterous (short-winged) adults.
Plagiostira gillettei utahensis
Plagiostira gillettei utahensis is a subspecies of katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Tinkham in 1962. It belongs to a genus characterized by large body size and brachypterous (short-winged) adults. The subspecies is distributed across the western United States including California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats.
Podismini
spur-throated grasshoppers
Podismini is a tribe of spur-throated grasshoppers within the subfamily Melanoplinae of the family Acrididae. It is distinguished from other Melanoplinae tribes by a cosmopolitan northern hemisphere distribution, with substantial representation outside the Americas. The tribe comprises approximately 12 genera and at least 20 described species, organized into four subtribes (Miramellina, Podismina, Tonkinacridina) and one genus group (Bradynotae). Members are characterized by winglessness or reduced wings in many species, particularly in montane and temperate lineages.
Proteinus brachypterus
Proteinus brachypterus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) characterized by reduced hind wings (brachyptery), a trait reflected in its species name. It is widely distributed across the Holarctic region, with confirmed records from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Russia, and western North America. The species inhabits various decaying organic substrates and is associated with forest floor and riparian environments. Like other members of Proteininae, it is presumed to be a predator or scavenger in microarthropod communities, though specific ecological studies are limited.
Pseudometapterus
Pseudometapterus is a genus of thread-legged bugs (Reduviidae: Emesinae) established by Wygodzinsky in 1966. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Most members are brachypterous or apterous, with reduced or absent wings, though winged forms have been documented in P. umbrosus.
Psoloessa
brown-spotted range grasshopper (P. delicatula), Texas spotted range grasshopper (P. texana)
Psoloessa is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across western North America, from British Columbia to Mexico. Two species—P. delicatula (brown-spotted range grasshopper) and P. texana (Texas spotted range grasshopper)—are documented in Colorado and Wyoming grasshopper surveys. Members of this genus are characterized by their slant-faced morphology typical of the Gomphocerinae.
Rhadine caudata
Rhadine caudata is a brachypterous (flightless) ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863 as Platynus caudatus and later transferred to Rhadine. The species is considered globally Vulnerable by NatureServe, Imperiled in Alabama, and Vulnerable in Virginia. It is widely distributed across the eastern United States but is rare throughout its range, with low dispersal capability.
Rhopalosomatidae
Rhopalosomatid Wasps
Rhopalosomatidae is a small family of aculeate wasps containing approximately 68 extant species in four genera: Rhopalosoma, Olixon, Liosphex, and Paniscomima. Adults are solitary and often ant-like in appearance. Larvae are obligate ectoparasitoids of crickets (Orthoptera: Grylloidea), attaching to the lateral side of the host between the metafemur and abdomen. The family exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, with winged species typically nocturnal and brachypterous species mainly diurnal. The family has a worldwide tropical and subtropical distribution, absent from Europe and Antarctica.
Scaphinotus aeneicollis
Coppery-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus aeneicollis, commonly known as the coppery-collared snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is a member of the Carabinae subfamily, which includes large predatory beetles often called 'snail hunters' or 'caterpillar hunters.' The species is restricted to the southern Appalachian region of North America, specifically in coniferous forest habitats in North Carolina. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal.
Scaphinotus angulatus
Angular Snail-eating Beetle, Angulate Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus angulatus is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the angular snail-eating beetle. It is a specialist predator of snails, possessing elongated mandibles adapted for extracting prey from shells. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The species is restricted to temperate coniferous rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
Scaphinotus angusticollis
Narrow-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus angusticollis is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the narrow-collared snail-eating beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), gregarious, and nocturnal. The species exhibits regional color polymorphism, with individuals appearing in dark black or deep red morphs. It has been observed preying on snails, slugs, earthworms, and spiders.
Scaphinotus behrensi
Behrens' Snail-eating Beetle, Behren's snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus behrensi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Behrens' Snail-eating Beetle. It is endemic to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, occurring in California and Oregon. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, inhabiting temperate coniferous rainforests. The species belongs to the tribe Cychrini, a group of large carabid beetles known as 'snail hunters' due to their specialized diet.
Scaphinotus bilobus
Bilobed Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus bilobus, commonly known as the bilobed snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is a brachypterous (short-winged), nocturnal predator specialized in feeding on snails. The species occurs across a broad swath of North America, ranging from eastern Canada through the Great Lakes region and into the north-central United States.
Scaphinotus bullatus
Inflated Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus bullatus, commonly known as the inflated snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to California, where it inhabits coniferous and mixed forests. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait associated with its forest floor habitat. The species belongs to the tribe Cychrini, whose members are specialized predators of snails and slugs.
Scaphinotus cavicollis
Concave-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus cavicollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the concave-collared snail-eating beetle. It is a member of the Cychrini tribe, a group of large, nocturnal carabids specialized for snail predation. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and flightless, and have been observed to be nocturnally active. The species occurs in coniferous forest habitats in the south-central United States.
Scaphinotus cordatus
Heart-shaped Thorax Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus cordatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Heart-shaped Thorax Snail-eating Beetle. It is found in North America, specifically in California, where it inhabits coastal mixed forests. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait common in the genus Scaphinotus. The species belongs to the tribe Cychrini, a group of large ground beetles often referred to as "snail hunters" due to their specialized diet.
Scaphinotus crenatus
Notched Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus crenatus, commonly known as the notched snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is a member of the subfamily Carabinae, which includes the so-called "caterpillar hunters" and "snail hunters." This species is endemic to California, where it inhabits forested environments. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal in their activity patterns.
Scaphinotus cristatus
ridged thorax snail-eating beetle, ridged snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus cristatus is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the ridged thorax snail-eating beetle. It is restricted to western North America, occurring in California and Oregon. The species inhabits mixed and coniferous forests and is specialized for feeding on snails. Adults possess brachypterous (shortened) wings that render them incapable of flight.
Scaphinotus fissicollis
Cleft-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus fissicollis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the cleft-collared snail-eating beetle. It belongs to the tribe Cychrini, a group of large, specialized ground beetles often referred to as "snail hunters" due to their elongated head and mandibles adapted for extracting snails from their shells. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait common in this genus that reflects their ground-dwelling, non-flying lifestyle. The species occurs in the central United States.
Scaphinotus guyotii
Guyot's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus guyotii is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Guyot's Snail-eating Beetle. It is a specialized snail predator found in the Appalachian region of eastern North America, inhabiting montane coniferous and mixed deciduous forests. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, reflecting adaptations to their forest floor habitat and predatory lifestyle. The species is named in honor of Arnold Henry Guyot, a 19th-century geographer and geologist.
Scaphinotus hubbardi
Hubbard's snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus hubbardi, commonly known as Hubbard's snail-eating beetle, is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is endemic to the southern Appalachian region of the eastern United States, where it inhabits coniferous forests. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, reflecting adaptations to their forest floor habitat. As a member of the tribe Cychrini, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, though direct dietary observations are limited.
Scaphinotus imperfectus
Imperfect Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus imperfectus, commonly known as the imperfect snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae and suborder Adephaga. It is a member of the Cychrini tribe, which includes specialized snail-feeding beetles. The species is found in North America, specifically in the eastern United States including Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, inhabiting deciduous and coniferous forests and thickets along streams.
Scaphinotus incompletus
incomplete snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus incompletus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the incomplete snail-eating beetle. It is one of the "snail-eating beetles" in the genus Scaphinotus, characterized by adaptations for predation on terrestrial mollusks. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait common in this genus that reflects their ground-dwelling lifestyle and reduced need for flight. The species is known from a restricted range in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States.
Scaphinotus infletus
Forgotten Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus infletus, commonly known as the forgotten snail-eating beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to North America, with known occurrence in Arkansas. The species is characterized by brachypterous (short-winged) adults and inhabits moist, shaded environments. As a member of the genus Scaphinotus, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, feeding on snails and slugs.
Scaphinotus interruptus
Ménétriés' snail-eating beetle, Menetries' Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus interruptus is a species of ground beetle in the tribe Cychrini, commonly known as Ménétriés' snail-eating beetle. Adults are flightless due to reduced wings (brachyptery) and are specialized predators of terrestrial snails. The species is endemic to mountainous regions of the western United States, specifically California and Oregon.
Scaphinotus johnsoni
Johnson's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus johnsoni is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the snail-eating beetles. It is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, where it inhabits coniferous forests in montane and subalpine zones. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), flightless, and nocturnal, with gregarious tendencies. As a member of the genus Scaphinotus, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, using its elongated jaws to extract snails from their shells.
Scaphinotus kelloggi
Kellogg's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus kelloggi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Dury in 1912. It is one of the 'snail hunter' carabids in the genus Scaphinotus, a group characterized by large size, powerful mandibles, and specialized predation on mollusks. The species is known from New Mexico, where it inhabits canyon environments with streams or rivers. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), a trait common in this genus that reflects their ground-dwelling, non-dispersing lifestyle.
Scaphinotus longiceps
Long-headed Snail-eating Beetle, Humboldt ground beetle
Scaphinotus longiceps is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Long-headed Snail-eating Beetle or Humboldt ground beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The species inhabits coastal temperate coniferous rainforests and mixed forests in California.
Scaphinotus marginatus
Margined Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus marginatus is a large, flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the margined snail-eating beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, preying exclusively on snails and slugs. The species inhabits coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests across western North America, typically near streams and lakes. It is distinguished from similar Scaphinotus species by subtle elytral margin characteristics and geographic distribution.
Scaphinotus obliquus
Oblique Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus obliquus is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the oblique snail-eating beetle. It belongs to the Carabinae subfamily, which includes specialized snail-hunting beetles characterized by their elongated jaws adapted for extracting snails from shells. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), rendering them flightless. The species occurs in forested regions of California and Oregon.
Scaphinotus oreophilus
mountain loving snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus oreophilus is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the mountain loving snail-eating beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), rendering them flightless. The species belongs to a group of "snail hunters" characterized by robust bodies and prominent, sculptured mandibles adapted for crushing mollusk shells. It occurs in montane regions of the western United States.
Scaphinotus parisiana
Ozark Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus parisiana, commonly known as the Ozark Snail-eating Beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to the Ozark region, specifically found in Arkansas within the Ouachita Mountains. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, inhabiting deciduous forest habitats. The species is one of the snail-eating beetles in the genus Scaphinotus, which are specialized predators of terrestrial mollusks.
Scaphinotus punctatus
Punctate Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus punctatus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the punctate snail-eating beetle. It is found in forests of Central America and western North America, including California and Baja California. Adults are nocturnal and brachypterous (short-winged). The species has been documented feeding on snails, caterpillars, berries, and other beetles.
Scaphinotus regularis
Measured Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus regularis, commonly known as the measured snail-eating beetle, is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species belongs to the nominate subfamily Carabinae, a group of "snail hunters" and "caterpillar hunters" characterized by their large size and powerful mandibles. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal. The species inhabits forest environments in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
Scaphinotus relictus
Relic Snail-eating Beetle, rilictual snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus relictus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Relic Snail-eating Beetle. This species is found in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada southward through Idaho, Montana, Washington, and California in the United States. It inhabits deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forest habitats. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal in their activity patterns.
Scaphinotus riversi
Rivers' snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus riversi, commonly known as Rivers' snail-eating beetle, is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is endemic to California, where it inhabits forested environments. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and exhibit nocturnal activity patterns. As a member of the genus Scaphinotus, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, feeding on snails and slugs, though direct dietary observations for this specific species are not documented.
Scaphinotus rugiceps
wrinkle-headed snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus rugiceps is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Adults are notably brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, inhabiting mixed and coniferous forests in California and Oregon. The species belongs to the Cychrini tribe, commonly known as snail-eating beetles, reflecting their specialized predatory ecology.