Caribbean
Guides
Acratodes suavata
Acratodes suavata is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Sterrhinae, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1900. The species is recorded from the Caribbean and North America, with 310 observations documented on iNaturalist. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7148.
Adaina ambrosiae
ragweed plume moth, ambrosia plume moth
Adaina ambrosiae is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, recognized by its distinctive split-wing appearance. The species has a broad distribution across North America and extends into the Caribbean and Central America. Adults are active year-round in southern portions of the range. Larvae feed on multiple host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly Ambrosia species, from which the specific epithet derives.
Adaina bipunctatus
Three- and Two-dotted Plume Moth
A small plume moth (Pterophoridae) with wingspan of 9–11.5 mm. Adults are pale yellowish-white with brown spotting on the forewings. The species occurs from the southeastern United States through the Caribbean to South America. Larvae feed on multiple asteraceous host plants.
Adaina ipomoeae
Pork Vine Plume Moth
Adaina ipomoeae is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, distributed across the Caribbean and Florida. Adults have a wingspan of 11–13 mm with pale ochreous forewings marked with dark brown patterns. The species is known to be active in January, August, and October. Larvae feed on morning glory relatives Ipomoea tiliacea and Merremia umbellata.
Adaina perplexus
Perplexing Plume Moth
Adaina perplexus is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, characterized by its distinctive wing structure with divided fringes. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, Caribbean, and Trinidad. Adults are active across multiple months, with records from January through October. The specific epithet and common name reflect historical taxonomic uncertainty, as some authors have treated it as synonymous with Adaina ambrosiae.
Adaina thomae
St. Thomas Island Plume
Adaina thomae is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, characterized by its small size with a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. The species has a broad neotropical distribution spanning from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. Adults have been recorded in multiple months throughout the year, suggesting extended or year-round flight activity in suitable climates. The specific epithet and common name reference Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, one of the localities where this species occurs.
Aethiophysa
Aethiophysa is a genus of crambid moths established by Munroe in 1964. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed across North America, the Caribbean, and the Neotropics. Species were previously classified under other genera, with several transferred from Pyralis and related groups. The genus belongs to the subfamily Glaphyriinae within the family Crambidae.
Agrotis apicalis
Agrotis apicalis is a noctuid moth described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1868. It has a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. The species is restricted to the Caribbean region and Florida, with records from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Florida. Like other members of the genus Agrotis, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Aguayomiris
Aguayomiris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Maldonado Caprilles in 1987. As a member of the subfamily Bryocorinae (tribe Dicyphini or related group), it belongs to a lineage of mirids often associated with mosses, liverworts, or other cryptogamic vegetation. The genus is endemic to Puerto Rico, reflecting the island's distinctive Caribbean fauna. Very few species have been described, and the group remains poorly known biologically.
Alaus patricius
Caribbean Eyed Click Beetle
Alaus patricius, known as the Caribbean Eyed Click Beetle, is a large click beetle in the family Elateridae. Like other members of the genus Alaus, it is characterized by prominent false eyespots on the pronotum that serve as a defensive adaptation against predators. The species exhibits the family's namesake clicking mechanism, using a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch to launch itself into the air when threatened or overturned. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting decaying wood where they hunt other insect larvae.
Allocyclosa bifurca
Bifurcate Trashline Orbweaver, Forked-tail Trashline Orbweaver
Allocyclosa bifurca is a small orb-weaving spider and the sole species in its genus. Adult females measure 5.1–8.5 mm in body length and are silvery or white in color. The species is distinguished by a forked (bifurcate) projection at the rear of the abdomen—two humps shaped like the letter 'M'—giving it the Latin name meaning 'two-forked.' This is the only Cyclosa-like species north of Mexico with this forked tail structure. The spider exhibits remarkable camouflage behavior, arranging debris and egg sacs in a vertical line through its web to masquerade as bird droppings. Unusually, males are rarely observed, and females possess vestigial external genitalia with no external opening, suggesting possible parthenogenic reproduction. The species is also notable as a host for parasitic wasps that chemically manipulate its web-building behavior.
Alpheias
Alpheias is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Galleriinae. The genus was established by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1891 and contains species found in North America and the Caribbean. Members are small to medium-sized moths with the characteristic snout-like labial palps typical of pyralid moths. The genus is relatively poorly documented compared to many other pyralid genera.
Ametris
seagrape spanworm moth (for Ametris nitocris)
Ametris is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Desmobathrinae, established by Hübner in 1822. The genus contains two described species: Ametris monilaria (Fabricius, 1776) and Ametris nitocris (Cramer, 1780), the latter commonly known as the seagrape spanworm moth. The genus is classified within the geometer moth family, a large group characterized by slender bodies and larvae that move with a looping gait.
Ametris nitocris
seagrape spanworm moth, greater inchworm
Ametris nitocris, commonly known as the seagrape spanworm moth, is a geometrid moth species described by Pieter Cramer in 1780. The species occurs throughout the Neotropical region, from the southern United States through Central America to South America, including the Caribbean islands. Its larvae are known locally in Florida as the greater inchworm and feed specifically on seagrape (Coccoloba diversifolia).
Ammotrechella
Ammotrechella is a genus of curve-faced solifugids (camel spiders) in the family Ammotrechidae, established by Carl Friedrich Roewer in 1934. The genus contains approximately 15-18 described species distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of North and South America. Several species show transoceanic distributions, with some occurring on both sides of the Atlantic. One species, A. manggi, has been studied in Colombian mangrove ecosystems.
Amphicrossus ciliatus
sap-feeding beetle
Amphicrossus ciliatus is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. As a member of Nitidulidae, it is associated with fermenting plant materials, sap flows, and fungal substrates.
Anacyptus testaceus
Anacyptus testaceus is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. It belongs to the tribe Mesoporini, a group of aleocharines characterized by particular morphological features of the mouthparts and tarsal structure. The species was described by J.L. LeConte in 1863 and occurs across a broad geographic range in North America, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
Anaea troglodyta
Florida leafwing, Portia, Florida goatweed butterfly, Jamaican tropical leafwing, Cuban red leaf
A Nymphalidae butterfly with a wingspan of 76–90 mm, found in southern Florida and throughout the Caribbean. The species exhibits seasonal polyphenism, with distinct dry-season and wet-season forms. Larvae feed on Croton species, while adults consume rotting fruit, dung, and fluids. Taxonomic status is contested: some authorities recognize over 230 species in the genus Anaea, while others (following Lamas 2004) treat all populations as a single species, Anaea troglodyta.
Anagyrus pulchricornis
Anagyrus pulchricornis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Howard in 1894. It belongs to a genus widely used in biological control programs targeting mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The species is known from the Caribbean region, with records from Jamaica, the Grenadines, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Like other members of Anagyrus, it likely parasitizes mealybug hosts, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Anasa andresii
Anasa andresii is a leaf-footed bug species in the family Coreidae, first described by Guérin-Méneville in 1857. It belongs to a genus containing several economically significant agricultural pests, though specific information about this species remains limited. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America.
Anastrepha suspensa
Caribbean fruit fly, Greater Antillean fruit fly, guava fruit fly, Caribfly
Anastrepha suspensa is a tephritid fruit fly native to the Caribbean region and now established in Florida. Adults are 11–14 mm long with yellow-orange-brown coloration and distinctive wing venation patterns. The species is a significant agricultural pest, infesting over 100 host plants with particular preference for guava, Cayenne cherry, and citrus. Females possess a serrated ovipositor for cutting into fruit to deposit eggs. Mating occurs through lek formation on host fruit, with males establishing territories and producing acoustic signals through wing vibrations.
Anaxipha exigua
Say's trig, Say's bush cricket
Anaxipha exigua is a small cricket species in the family Trigonidiidae, commonly known as Say's trig or Say's bush cricket. It belongs to the genus Anaxipha, whose members are often called "brown trigs." The species occurs across the Caribbean and North America, with documented records from states including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. As a member of the subfamily Trigonidiinae, it is among the "winged bush crickets" or "trigs," a group of small, often arboreal crickets.
Anaxipha imitator
Cuban trig
Anaxipha imitator, commonly known as the Cuban trig, is a species of cricket in the family Trigonidiidae. It was originally described by Saussure in 1878 as Cyrtoxiphus imitator before being transferred to the genus Anaxipha. The species is part of the diverse Grylloidea superfamily, which includes many small, often colorful crickets commonly referred to as 'trigs.'
Anopliomorpha
Anopliomorpha is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Elaphidiini, established by Linsley in 1936. The genus contains six described species distributed in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Species within this genus are small cerambycids that have been collected by sweeping low vegetation and are attracted to ultraviolet light.
Antillocoris pilosulus
dirt-colored seed bug
Antillocoris pilosulus is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, first described by Stål in 1874. It belongs to the tribe Antillocorini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. The species has been documented from multiple localities across North America and the Caribbean, with confirmed records from the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic.
Antiplecta triangularis
Antiplecta triangularis is a scoopwing moth in the family Uraniidae, first described by Warren in 1906. The species occurs across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7652. As a member of subfamily Epipleminae, it belongs to a group of small moths characterized by distinctive wing shapes and postures.
Anurida
Anurida is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, established in 1865 by Laboulbène. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with species occupying diverse habitats including intertidal marine zones, river floodplains, riparian areas, and forest ecosystems. Well-studied species include the intertidal specialist Anurida maritima, which exhibits complex tidal-entrained behaviors, and the terrestrial A. granaria, which has documented mycophagous associations. The genus shows notable morphological diversity in chaetotaxy and eye reduction, with some species groups exhibiting cryptic genetic divergence despite morphological similarity.
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coriacea
Apenes coriacea is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chevrolat in 1863. The species has a documented distribution across the Caribbean region and North America. Records indicate presence in the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Lesser Antilles, and the United States. As a member of the genus Apenes, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles often associated with coastal and insular habitats.
Apenes lucidula
Apenes lucidula is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The species was originally described as Cymindis lucidula by Dejean in 1831. It includes three recognized subspecies: A. l. lucidula (the nominate subspecies), A. l. dulculia, and A. l. michelii, the latter two described by Ball & Shpeley in 1992. Like other members of the genus Apenes, it belongs to the diverse tribe Lebiini within the subfamily Lebiinae.
Aphrissa
sulphurs, sulfurs
Aphrissa is a genus of sulphur butterflies in the family Pieridae, comprising approximately eight species distributed across Central and South America, with some species extending into the Caribbean and southern Florida. The genus was established by Butler in 1873. Species within Aphrissa are characterized by yellow to pale orange wings and are commonly known as sulphurs or sulfurs. Several species exhibit migratory behavior, most notably Aphrissa statira, which undertakes seasonal movements in large numbers.
Aradus gracilicornis
Aradus gracilicornis is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Stål in 1873. It belongs to a family of true bugs characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and association with dead wood habitats. The species is known from the Caribbean Sea region and North America.
Argyrodes pluto
Argyrodes pluto is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States, Mexico, and Jamaica. Like other members of the genus Argyrodes, it is likely a kleptoparasite that lives on the webs of larger orb-weaving spiders, though specific behavioral observations for this species are not documented.
Asbolis capucinus
Asbolis capucinus is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, native to the Caribbean and parts of North America. This species belongs to a genus of relatively poorly documented Neotropical skippers. Records indicate presence in Caribbean islands and southern Florida, though detailed natural history information remains sparse in published literature.
Ascalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
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Ataxia spinicauda is a longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Schaeffer in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Pteropliini. The species has been documented from the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and the United States, indicating a Caribbean-North American distribution pattern. Like other members of the genus Ataxia, it likely develops in living plant tissues, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented.
Atheloca subrufella
Palm Bud Moth, Coconut Moth
Atheloca subrufella is a small snout moth (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) known as a significant pest of coconut and other palms. Adults have a wingspan of 14–18 mm and brownish coloration. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Caribbean islands, and Brazil. Larvae are specialized feeders on developing palm fruits, causing substantial agricultural damage through gallery formation in the mesocarp and premature fruit shedding.
Atholus confinis
Atholus confinis is a small histerid beetle with a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Afrotropical region, Middle East, and introduced populations in the southeastern United States. The species has been recorded from numerous island and mainland localities, suggesting either natural dispersal capabilities or human-mediated spread. As a member of the Histeridae, it likely occupies microhabitats associated with decaying organic matter. The scattered distribution pattern indicates potential for synanthropic association or long-distance dispersal.
Axion plagiatum
Twice-struck Lady Beetle
Axion plagiatum is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is commonly known as the Twice-struck Lady Beetle. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America, with records from Louisiana to Oregon and southern California. Adults can be distinguished from the closely related Axion tripustulatum by the absence of a sutural spot on the elytron.
Balclutha rosacea
Balclutha rosacea is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Osborn in 1929. The genus Balclutha belongs to the tribe Macrostelini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae, a diverse group of small, plant-feeding insects commonly known as leafhoppers. Species in this genus are typically associated with grasses and sedges, though specific ecological details for B. rosacea remain poorly documented in available literature. The species has been recorded from Puerto Rico based on distribution data in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
Barronopsis floridensis
Barronopsis floridensis is a funnel weaver spider in the family Agelenidae, originally described from Florida. It belongs to the large-bodied B. texana species group, characterized by robust morphology and distinct genitalic structures. Phylogenetic analysis places it in a clade with B. arturoi, sister to a clade containing B. texana and B. jeffersi. The species has been documented in the southeastern United States and the Bahama Islands.
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.
Belostoma minor
giant water bug
Belostoma minor is a species of giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae. It occurs in the northern Caribbean bioregion, with documented records from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and southern Florida. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic predator. The species was described by Palisot de Beauvois in 1820.
Bicilia iarchasalis
Bicilia iarchasalis is a crambid moth described by Francis Walker in 1859. Adults are active during two periods: March through May and August through September. The species has a broad Caribbean-Gulf distribution, with larvae feeding specifically on Rivina humilis.
Blaberus craniifer
Death's Head Cockroach, Death's-head Cockroach
Blaberus craniifer is a large cockroach species distinguished by the distinctive jack-o'-lantern marking on its pronotum. It exhibits complex sexual behavior including male-produced substrate vibrations and sex pheromones for long-distance female attraction, followed by stereotyped courtship rituals and post-copulatory mate guarding. Unlike the closely related Periplaneta americana, this species shows reduced wind-mediated escape responses and prefers digging behaviors when disturbed. It serves as a host for specific gregarine and nematode parasites that occupy different gut regions without significantly affecting host growth, indicating long co-evolutionary adaptation. The species is valued in entomological collections and hobbyist rearing due to its striking appearance and minimal care requirements.
Blaberus discoidalis
discoid cockroach, tropical cockroach, West Indian leaf cockroach, false death's head cockroach, Haitian cockroach, drummer
Blaberus discoidalis is a large cockroach in the family Blaberidae, native to Central America and the Caribbean. Adults measure 35–45 mm and are tan with a distinctive dark brown to black pronotal patch that resembles the death's head marking of Blaberus craniifer, hence the common name "false death's head cockroach." The species is gregarious and has been extensively studied in laboratory settings for its locomotion, sensory processing, and social behavior. It is widely used as feeder insects for captive reptiles and amphibians due to its ease of rearing and nutritional profile.
Bledius mandibularis
spiny-legged rove beetle
Bledius mandibularis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, characterized by spiny legs typical of its genus. The species was described by Erichson in 1840 and occurs across a broad geographic range spanning North America and the Caribbean. Like other members of the genus Bledius, it is associated with riparian and shoreline habitats.
Blepharomastix achroalis
Blepharomastix achroalis is a small crambid moth distributed across the Caribbean and southeastern United States. Originally described as Pyrausta achroalis by Hampson in 1913, it has been reclassified to the genus Blepharomastix. The species exhibits a multivoltine flight pattern in Florida, with adult activity spanning most of the year except April and September.
Brachinus adustipennis
Brachinus adustipennis is a species of bombardier beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Terry Erwin in 1969. It belongs to the genus Brachinus, which is renowned for its remarkable chemical defense mechanism—producing a hot, noxious spray from the abdomen when disturbed. The species occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, and North America, with confirmed records from Cuba, Mexico, Panama, and the United States.
Brunerella magnifica
Brunerella magnifica is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Young in 1952. As a member of the tribe Alebrini, it belongs to a group of small, often colorful leafhoppers that feed on plant phloem. The specific epithet "magnifica" suggests notable or striking appearance, though detailed morphological descriptions are scarce in the accessible literature. The species has been recorded from Cuba and Mexico based on distribution data.
Buprestis apricans
turpentine borer
Buprestis apricans, commonly known as the turpentine borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Herbst in 1801. It occurs in the Caribbean and North America, where it develops in coniferous trees. Like other members of the genus Buprestis, adults display metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles.