Caribbean
Guides
Heza similis
Heza similis is a species of assassin bug described by Carl Stål in 1859. It belongs to the family Reduviidae, a diverse group of predatory true bugs. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the Harpactorinae subfamily, it likely exhibits the typical assassin bug predatory lifestyle, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Hibana futilis
ghost spider
Hibana futilis is a small cursorial spider in the family Anyphaenidae, commonly known as ghost spiders. Adults reach a maximum body length of slightly over 8 millimeters. The species is nocturnal, hunting insects on foliage at night and hiding in silk-lined curled leaves by day. It is found from the United States through Central America to Venezuela and Cuba. Research has documented its restricted area searching behavior following consumption of both prey and non-prey food, suggesting cognitive flexibility in foraging.
Hileithia magualis
Magician Moth
Hileithia magualis is a crambid moth commonly known as the Magician Moth, described by Guenée in 1854. It occurs in the southern United States and the Caribbean, with substantial observational records from citizen science platforms. The species belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized pyraloid moths, though detailed natural history information remains limited in published literature.
Hister coenosus
clown beetle
Hister coenosus is a predatory clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has been documented across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Laboratory studies indicate it develops in soil and preys on dipteran larvae.
Hister servus
clown beetle
Hister servus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, characterized by its compact, shiny black body typical of the genus. It belongs to the H. servus species group, a Neotropical radiation centered in Mexico and Central America with some lineages extending into the southeastern United States. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, and North America.
Homaledra sabalella
Palm Leaf Skeletonizer Moth
Homaledra sabalella, commonly known as the palm leaf skeletonizer moth, is a small moth in the family Pterolonchidae. The species has undergone multiple taxonomic reclassifications, moving from Coleophoridae to Batrachedridae before its current placement. It is found in the southeastern United States and Caribbean islands. The larvae are specialized feeders on palm fronds.
Hoterodes ausonia
Hoterodes ausonia is a small crambid moth described by Pieter Cramer in 1777. It is distributed across the Caribbean and mainland Neotropics, ranging from Florida through Central America to northern South America. The species is characterized by a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. It belongs to the subfamily Spilomelinae, a diverse group of grass moths.
Hydrocanthus oblongus
Hydrocanthus oblongus is a small burrowing water beetle in the family Noteridae. The species inhabits aquatic environments in the Caribbean and North America. Like other noterids, it has been observed in shallow, muddy substrates where it burrows. The species was described by David Sharp in 1882.
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.
Hypasclera nesiotes
Hypasclera nesiotes is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae, described by Arnett in 1951. The species is known from the Caribbean and North America, though published records remain sparse. Like other members of Oedemeridae, it likely exhibits the soft-bodied form characteristic of the family. Available information on its biology and ecology is limited.
Indiopsocus campestris
common barklouse
Indiopsocus campestris is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, originally described by Aaron in 1886. It is found in the Caribbean Sea and North America. Barklice are small, soft-bodied insects that are easily mistaken for planthoppers or tiny moths but possess chewing mouthparts rather than piercing-sucking or siphoning mouthparts.
Indiopsocus ceterus
common barklouse
Indiopsocus ceterus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Mockford in 1974. It is a small, winged insect that inhabits bark and foliage surfaces. The species is known from the Caribbean Sea region and North America, including Cuba and the United States. It has been documented at blacklight stations, indicating nocturnal activity.
Indiopsocus texanus
common barklouse
Indiopsocus texanus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Aaron in 1886. It belongs to the order Psocodea, which includes barklice and booklice. The species has been recorded from Texas in the United States and Cuba in the Caribbean. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with bark, lichens, and other organic substrates in its environment.
Isogona scindens
Isogona scindens is a noctuid moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It has a broad Neotropical distribution spanning from the southern United States through Central America to Paraguay, with established populations on multiple Caribbean islands. The species is relatively well-documented, with over 800 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Junonia zonalis
Northern Tropical Buckeye
Junonia zonalis, the northern tropical buckeye, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Junonia evarete but was elevated to full species status based on phylogenetic and DNA research. The species occurs in Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America.
Lachesilla tropica
Lachesilla tropica is a species of barklouse in the family Lachesillidae, described by García-Aldrete in 1982. The species belongs to the order Psocodea, a group of small insects commonly known as barklice or booklice. It has been recorded from the Caribbean Sea region, Central America, and North America, with specific distribution records from Mexico. As a member of Lachesillidae, it is part of a family of free-living barklice typically associated with vegetation and bark habitats.
Langurites lineatus
Red-shouldered Lizard Beetle
Langurites lineatus, commonly known as the Red-shouldered Lizard Beetle, is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. The species has been recorded across North America, Middle America, and South America. As a member of Erotylidae, it is associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Lasaia sula peninsularis
Lasaia sula peninsularis is a subspecies of metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae. The species Lasaia sula is distributed across parts of Central America and the Caribbean, with the subspecies peninsularis occurring in specific peninsular regions. Members of the genus Lasaia are small butterflies often noted for their dark coloration with metallic blue or green markings.
Lebia abdominalis
Lebia abdominalis is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, distributed across Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States. The genus Lebia comprises colorful foliage ground beetles often noted for their bright metallic wing covers. This species has been recorded from Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the United States, though detailed ecological information remains limited in the available literature.
Lebia esurialis
Lebia esurialis is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is distributed across the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean islands including Cuba and the Bahamas. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it is likely attracted to lights at night. The species was described by Casey in 1920.
Leiopleura otero
Leiopleura otero is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Fisher in 1935. The species is known from the Caribbean Sea and North America. As a member of Buprestidae, it exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles. Available information about this species is limited, with only a single observation recorded in iNaturalist.
Lema confusa
Lema confusa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Chevrolat in 1835. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the genus Lema, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles commonly associated with plants in the family Solanaceae.
Leptotes cassius
Cassius blue, tropical striped blue
Leptotes cassius is a small, strikingly blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, distributed across the southern United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The species exhibits facultative myrmecophily, with larvae tended by Camponotus ants, though ant presence does not significantly influence oviposition decisions. Caterpillars are florivorous, developing inside flower buds of leguminous host plants. Multiple subspecies are recognized, with L. c. theonus serving as the type species of the genus Leptotes.
Leptysma marginicollis
cattail toothpick grasshopper, slender locust
Leptysma marginicollis is a grasshopper species known by the common names cattail toothpick grasshopper and slender locust. It is distinguished from superficially similar Gomphocerinae grasshoppers by a diagnostic spur or spine between the front legs. The species is strongly associated with wetland vegetation, particularly emergent plants such as cattails and sedges, across a broad geographic range spanning North America, the Neotropics, and the Caribbean.
Lepyronia angulifera
angular spittlebug
Lepyronia angulifera, commonly known as the angular spittlebug, is a spittlebug species in the family Aphrophoridae. It is distributed across the Caribbean and North America, with records from the eastern and southeastern United States including Florida, Georgia, and the Mid-Atlantic region. The species inhabits fen habitats and has documented associations with specific host plants. Two subspecies are recognized: L. a. angulifera and L. a. robusta.
Leucauge licina
Dominican Spider
Leucauge licina is a species of long-jawed orbweaver spider in the family Tetragnathidae. It is known from Caribbean islands including Cuba and Jamaica, with most records from the Dominican Republic. Like other members of the genus Leucauge, it constructs horizontal orb webs and displays distinctive coloration with silvery or pearly markings. The species is part of a genus containing over 200 species worldwide, with only two species (L. venusta and L. argyra) documented in North America north of Mexico.
Leucochrysa floridana
Florida Lacewing
Leucochrysa floridana is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The genus Leucochrysa belongs to the subgenus Nodita, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. Adults are predatory insects commonly found in various habitats across the southeastern United States, Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Larvae of related species in this genus are known for carrying debris on their backs as camouflage.
Lineodes fontella
Eastern Lineodes Moth
Lineodes fontella, commonly known as the eastern lineodes moth, is a small crambid moth described by Walsingham in 1913. It is widely distributed across the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America. The species is notable for its specialized larval association with Physalis fruits.
Linsleyonides
Linsleyonides is a small genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Skiles in 1985. The genus belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. It contains three described species distributed in North America and the Caribbean.
Linsleyonides albomaculatus
Linsleyonides albomaculatus is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Elaphidiini. The species was described from specimens collected in 1922. It is known from the Caribbean region and North America, with records from the Bahamas and Cuba. The genus Linsleyonides was established to accommodate species formerly placed in related genera.
Liris apicipennis
Liris apicipennis is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini. The genus Liris contains over 260 species worldwide, with most diversity concentrated in tropical regions. Liris species are among the earliest solitary wasps to appear in spring, as females overwinter as adults. Like other members of its genus, L. apicipennis likely hunts crickets as prey and constructs underground nests, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Litoprosopus
Palm Flower Moth, Palm Budworm
Litoprosopus is a genus of moths in the subfamily Dyopsinae of the family Erebidae, containing approximately seven described species. The genus is best known for Litoprosopus coachella, commonly called the palm flower moth or palm budworm, whose caterpillars feed on ornamental fan palms and frequently enter human dwellings to pupate. Adult moths are medium-sized with relatively dull coloration, while larvae are grub-like, nearly hairless, and possess powerful mandibles capable of delivering a noticeable bite.
Litopyllus cubanus
Litopyllus cubanus is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Bryant in 1940. It occurs across parts of the Caribbean and southeastern United States. As a member of Gnaphosidae, it belongs to a diverse family of nocturnal hunting spiders commonly known as ground spiders.
Longitarsus varicornis
Banded Heliotrope Longitarsus
Longitarsus varicornis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Suffrian in 1868. It belongs to the tribe Alticini, a group characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As with other members of the genus Longitarsus, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific host plant records for this species remain limited.
Loxomorpha cambogialis
Loxomorpha cambogialis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1854. The species has a wingspan of approximately 18 mm and occurs across a broad geographic range in the Neotropics and subtropical North America, including Brazil, Venezuela, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Florida. Adults are active from June to September. The larval biology and host associations remain undocumented.
Lysmata
cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp
Lysmata is a genus of marine caridean shrimp distinguished by its unique sexual system of protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism. The genus includes two main ecological groups: cleaner shrimp that live in pairs and remove parasites from fish, and peppermint shrimp that often live in aggregations and consume pest anemones. All studied species begin life as males before maturing into functional simultaneous hermaphrodites capable of both producing and fertilizing eggs. Members of this genus are heavily targeted by the ornamental aquarium trade, with some species commanding high prices.
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mahogany webworm moth, mahogany webworm
Macalla thyrsisalis, known as the mahogany webworm moth, is a snout moth in the family Pyralidae described by Francis Walker in 1859. The larval stage is a strikingly colored caterpillar that feeds on West Indies mahogany, causing damage to the host plant. The species is distributed across southern Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.
Madoryx pseudothyreus
False-windowed Sphinx
Madoryx pseudothyreus, the false-windowed sphinx, is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1865. It occurs in southern Florida, Cuba, and surrounding Caribbean islands. The common name refers to its resemblance to the windowed sphinx (Madoryx oiclus), from which it can be distinguished by subtle wing pattern differences.
Malacopterus tenellus
Malacopterus tenellus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1801. The species is distributed across parts of South America and the Caribbean, with records from Brazil, Bolivia, and other regions. As a member of the tribe Oemini within the subfamily Cerambycinae, it represents a lineage of wood-boring beetles. The original description placed it in the genus Callidium, but it was later transferred to Malacopterus.
Manduca brontes
Manduca brontes is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) first described by Dru Drury in 1773. The species occurs in the Caribbean region and northern South America. Adults are known to be active from April to June in Florida. Larvae feed on several host plant species including Tecoma and Fraxinus.
Mangora fascialata
Mangora fascialata is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, described by Franganillo in 1936. The species occurs across the Caribbean, Middle America, and southern North America, with records from the USA through Honduras, as well as Cuba, Hispaniola, and Trinidad. Like other Mangora species, it constructs vertical orb webs rather than the horizontal webs of related genera such as Leucauge.
Marimatha tripuncta
Three-spotted Lemon Moth
Marimatha tripuncta is a small noctuid moth described by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. It occurs in the Caribbean and southern Florida, with adults active from late April through mid-October. The species belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group of generally small, often yellowish moths. The common name "Three-spotted Lemon Moth" refers to the characteristic three dark spots on the pale yellow forewings.
Mastogenius castlei
Mastogenius castlei is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Champlain and Knull in 1922. The genus Mastogenius comprises some of the smallest buprestids, with adults measuring approximately 2 mm in length. Very little specific information is documented for this species; most knowledge of the genus derives from congeneric species.
Melipotis contorta
Melipotis contorta is a noctuid moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Adults have been recorded flying in Florida during January–February, May, July, and December. The species was originally described as Bolina contorta by Guenée in 1852. Little is known about its biology beyond distributional records.
Melormenis basalis
West Indian Flatid Planthopper
Melormenis basalis is a species of flatid planthopper in the family Flatidae, commonly known as the West Indian Flatid Planthopper. It belongs to the order Hemiptera, the true bugs, and is characterized by the flattened, often leaf-like body form typical of the family Flatidae. The species has been recorded from several Caribbean islands and has established populations in Florida and Hawaii, indicating potential for human-mediated dispersal. Like other planthoppers, it feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Mermessus bryantae
dwarf spider
Mermessus bryantae is a species of dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by Ivie & Barrows in 1935. Originally described as Eperigone bryantae, this species has a broad native distribution across North America, Cuba, and Venezuela, and has been introduced to the Azores archipelago. As a member of the Linyphiidae, it belongs to one of the most species-rich spider families, commonly known as sheet-web weavers or money spiders. The genus Mermessus is part of an emerging research system for studying heritable bacterial symbionts in spiders.
Mermessus tridentatus
dwarf spider
Mermessus tridentatus is a species of dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, described by American arachnologist James Henry Emerton in 1882. It is a small sheet-web weaving spider with a documented distribution across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The species belongs to a genus that has become notable in recent research as a model system for studying heritable bacterial symbiont communities in spiders.
Merocoris typhaeus
leaf-footed bug
Merocoris typhaeus is a species of leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. It is found in the Caribbean and North America, with records from Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, and Illinois. The species was described by Fabricius in 1798. A subspecies, M. typhaeus distinctus, was described by Dallas in 1852 but is now considered a synonym.
Methia necydalea
Methia necydalea is a species of longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1798. It is classified in the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Methiini. The species has been documented in Caribbean localities including Barbados (BB) and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (BQ). As of the available data, 322 observations have been recorded on iNaturalist.
Metrobates hesperius
Metrobates hesperius is a water strider (family Gerridae) distributed across eastern North America and the Caribbean. It belongs to the subfamily Trepobatinae, a group of semiaquatic bugs that inhabit flowing water habitats. The species was described by Uhler in 1871 and includes three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions.