Caribbean
Guides
Micracisella nanula
Micracisella nanula is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Corthylinae, described by Wood & Bright in 1992. The genus Micracisella comprises small bark beetles associated with coniferous hosts. This species is recorded from the Caribbean and North America, though specific details of its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Micratopus insularis
Micratopus insularis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Darlington in 1934. The species is endemic to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. As a member of the tribe Bembidiini, it belongs to a diverse group of small carabid beetles often associated with riparian or moist habitats. The genus Micratopus is part of the subtribe Tachyina, which contains numerous species with reduced or modified wings and island-associated distributions.
Micromus posticus
brown lacewing
Micromus posticus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. It is a predatory insect found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Both larvae and adults feed on aphids, making it a potentially beneficial species in agricultural and garden settings. The species has been documented through blacklighting observations and is one of the more commonly encountered brown lacewings in its range.
Microvelia cubana
Microvelia cubana is a small semiaquatic true bug described from Cuba in 1951. As a member of the family Veliidae, it belongs to a group of insects commonly known as small water striders or riffle bugs. The species inhabits freshwater environments in the Caribbean region. Limited published information exists regarding its biology and ecology.
Minitingis minusculus
Minitingis minusculus is a species of lace bug described by Barber in 1954. It belongs to the family Tingidae, a group of true bugs characterized by their distinctive reticulated, lace-like forewings. The species has been synonymized under the genus Zetekella in some taxonomic treatments, though it remains recognized as Minitingis minusculus in other sources. It is known from the Caribbean region.
Monalocoris americanus
American Bracken Bug
Monalocoris americanus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is found in North America and the Caribbean. The species is commonly known as the American Bracken Bug.
Monoedus guttatus
Monoedus guttatus is a species of cylindrical bark beetle in the family Zopheridae. It was described by LeConte in 1882. The species is distributed in the Caribbean and North America. As a member of the cylindrical bark beetle group, it is associated with dead wood and bark habitats.
Mulsantina
Mulsantina is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) native to North and Central America and the Caribbean. The genus was established by Julius Weise in 1906, honoring French entomologist Étienne Mulsant, who had previously described this group under the name Cleis—a name later found to be preoccupied. The genus contains approximately nine species.
Myopsocus antillanus
Myopsocus antillanus is a species of barklouse in the family Myopsocidae, described by Mockford in 1974. The species belongs to a genus characterized by eyes with distinct facets and reduced or absent ocelli. Like other members of Psocodea, it is a small, soft-bodied insect associated with vegetation and decaying organic matter.
Naemia seriata litigiosa
Western Seaside Lady Beetle
Naemia seriata litigiosa is a subspecies of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) known as the Western Seaside Lady Beetle. It is distributed in coastal regions of western North America and the Caribbean. The species belongs to a small genus of lady beetles associated with saline and coastal environments.
Nallachius pulchellus
pleasing lacewing
Nallachius pulchellus is a species of pleasing lacewing in the family Dilaridae, described by Nathan Banks in 1938. The species is distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. As a member of the Dilaridae, it belongs to a small family of lacewings commonly known as pleasing lacewings, characterized by their relatively broad wings and often colorful appearance.
Nelphe carolina
little Carol's wasp moth, Florida eucereon
Nelphe carolina is a moth species in the subfamily Arctiinae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1887. It is known from southern Texas, Florida, Mexico, and Cuba. Adults have a wingspan of 31–34 mm and have been recorded on wing year-round. The larvae feed on Cynanchum species. The species is also known as the Florida eucereon or little Carol's wasp moth, and is currently placed in the genus Nelphe, though it was formerly treated under Eucereon.
Neoclytus senilis
Neoclytus senilis is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1798. As a member of the genus Neoclytus, it likely exhibits wasp-mimic coloration and rapid movement characteristic of this group. The species has been recorded from the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.
Neolepolepis
Neolepolepis is a genus of scaly-winged barklice in the family Lepidopsocidae, established by Mockford in 1993. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across the Caribbean and Central America. Members of this genus are characterized by their scale-covered wings, a defining trait of the family Lepidopsocidae. These insects are part of the order Psocodea, which includes barklice, booklice, and parasitic lice.
Neomegalotomus rufipes
broad-headed bug
Neomegalotomus rufipes is a species of broad-headed bug in the family Alydidae. It was described by Westwood in 1842. The species occurs in the Caribbean region and parts of North America. Like other members of Alydidae, it possesses the characteristic broad, flattened head that gives the family its common name. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Neopamera albocincta
Horn-banded Seed Bug
Neopamera albocincta is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly known as the Horn-banded Seed Bug. It has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species belongs to a diverse group of ground-dwelling seed bugs that feed on fallen seeds. It is relatively well-documented on citizen science platforms with over 1,200 observations.
Neopisinus cognatus
Neopisinus cognatus is a species of cobweb spider (family Theridiidae) described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1893. It belongs to a genus of small theridiid spiders found in the Americas. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning from the southern United States through Central America to South America, including the Caribbean region.
Neortholomus jamaicensis
Neortholomus jamaicensis is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of North America. The species was described by Dallas in 1852 and is the type species of the genus Neortholomus. Records indicate presence in diverse tropical and subtropical habitats including the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America, with isolated records from Oceania (Tahiti).
Neortholomus koreshanus
Neortholomus koreshanus is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, originally described as Belonochilus koreshanus by Van Duzee in 1909. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America, with records from the United States and Isle of Pines (Cuba). As a member of the subfamily Orsillinae, it belongs to a group commonly associated with seed-feeding habits. The genus Neortholomus is relatively small and poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology.
Neotermes castaneus
Florida dampwood termite, southern damp-wood termite
Neotermes castaneus is a dampwood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae, commonly known as the Florida dampwood termite or southern damp-wood termite. It is distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the Kalotermitidae family, it is a drywood-type termite that does not require contact with soil moisture, distinguishing it from subterranean termites.
Nepheloleuca
Nepheloleuca is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1883. The genus comprises twelve species characterized by similar wing patterns with variations in ground color and minor marking differences. Species are distributed across the Caribbean islands of Haiti, Cuba, and Jamaica, as well as mainland South America.
Nerthra fuscipes
toad bug
Nerthra fuscipes is a species of toad bug in the family Gelastocoridae, characterized by a flattened, toad-like body form adapted for life near water. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the Nepomorpha (true water bugs), it represents one of the more widely distributed species within its genus.
Nesaecrepida asphaltina
Nesaecrepida asphaltina is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Suffrian in 1868. It belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. The species has been documented in the Caribbean, Central America, and North America based on collection records. Very few observations exist in community science databases.
Nothomyia calopus
Nothomyia calopus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1869. It belongs to the tribe Prosopochrysini within the subfamily Stratiomyinae. The species is documented from the Caribbean region and the southern United States, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Notomicrus sharpi
Notomicrus sharpi is a small water beetle in the family Noteridae, originally described by Balfour-Browne in 1939. The species is one of four Notomicrus species recorded from Guadeloupe, where it occurs alongside three endemic congeneric species. It is distinguished from these and other New World Notomicrus species primarily by features of the external male genitalia. The species has been documented across the Caribbean, Middle America, and North America.
Notonecta indica
backswimmer
Notonecta indica is a predatory aquatic true bug in the family Notonectidae, commonly known as backswimmers. The species has been documented in eastern Jamaica where it preys on mosquito larvae, particularly Aedes aegypti, with consumption rates increasing exponentially through nymphal development. Adults consume approximately 38 mosquito larvae daily under laboratory conditions. The species occurs across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, Oceania, and South America. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 36 days under warm conditions, with shorter development times than temperate backswimmer species attributed to higher temperatures and food availability.
Notoxus planicornis
monoceros beetle
Notoxus planicornis is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, commonly referred to as a monoceros beetle. The species was described by LaFerté-Sénectère in 1849. It occurs in the Caribbean and North America, with 16 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other members of the genus Notoxus, it likely exhibits the characteristic elevated pronotum that gives these beetles their common name.
Nycthia pimana
Nycthia pimana is a species of tortricid moth found in arid regions of southwestern North America and the Caribbean. Originally described under the genus Phalonia, it was later transferred to Nycthia. The species is documented from Arizona, California, and Hispaniola, with 60 iNaturalist observations supporting its presence in these regions. Its taxonomic status in GBIF is marked as doubtful, reflecting ongoing classification uncertainties within the Tortricidae.
Ochrimnus tripligatus
Ochrimnus tripligatus is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. It occurs in the Caribbean region and North America, with records from the United States, Bahamas, Cuba, Eleuthera, and San Andres. The species was described by Barber in 1914. It is a member of the subfamily Lygaeinae within the true bugs.
Odontolytes denominatus
Odontolytes denominatus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is distributed across the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, with records from the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, as well as Florida in the United States. As a member of the tribe Eupariini, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Oebalus
rice stink bug
Oebalus is a genus of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) containing several species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of rice and sorghum. The most extensively studied species, Oebalus pugnax (rice stink bug), is a serious pest of rice in the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Other species including O. insularis, O. ornatus, and O. poecilus also develop on rice and are distributed across the Americas. All life stages feed on developing grain kernels, causing direct damage and facilitating fungal infection.
Ommatospila
Ommatospila is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. It was established by Julius Lederer in 1863 and contains three described species distributed across the Americas. The genus belongs to a diverse group of pyraloid moths commonly known as grass moths or snout moths.
Oncerotrachelus acuminatus
Oncerotrachelus acuminatus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1832 under the name Reduvius acuminatus. As a member of the subfamily Saicinae, it belongs to a group of reduviid bugs characterized by particular morphological and ecological traits, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Oncopeltus aulicus
Oncopeltus aulicus is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. It is found in Florida and the Caribbean, with records extending to parts of Central and South America including Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. Unlike its congener Oncopeltus fasciatus, detailed biological information for this species is limited.
Oncopeltus sexmaculatus
six-spotted milkweed bug
Oncopeltus sexmaculatus, commonly known as the six-spotted milkweed bug, is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. The species is distributed across islands in the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. Like other members of the genus Oncopeltus, it is associated with milkweed plants. The specific epithet 'sexmaculatus' refers to six spots, likely describing a distinctive color pattern on the body.
Ophisma tropicalis
Ophisma tropicalis is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from the southern United States to Uruguay. The species has been recorded on numerous Caribbean islands and throughout mainland South America. Larvae feed on Cupania americana, a member of the soapberry family.
Orchesella alpa
Orchesella alpa is a species of slender springtail first described in 1977 by Christiansen and Tucker. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae (formerly placed in Entomobryidae) within the order Entomobryomorpha. The species is known from multiple geographic regions across North America and the Caribbean.
Oxacis taeniata
Oxacis taeniata is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae, first described by LeConte in 1854. The species is distributed across the Caribbean and North America. As a member of Oedemeridae, it shares the family characteristic of producing cantharidin, a defensive compound. Available information on this species remains limited, with only five observations documented on iNaturalist.
Oxycopis thoracica
false blister beetle
Oxycopis thoracica is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae. It occurs in the Caribbean and North America. As a member of the false blister beetle family, it likely exhibits soft-bodied characteristics common to this group. The species has been documented through 85 observations on iNaturalist.
Pachygnatha autumnalis
Big-eyed Thick-jawed Spider
Pachygnatha autumnalis is a long-jawed orb-weaver spider in the family Tetragnathidae, first described by Marx in 1884. The species occurs across a broad North American and Caribbean range, including the United States, Canada, and Cuba. As a member of the genus Pachygnatha, it shares the characteristic robust, enlarged chelicerae that distinguish this group from other tetragnathids. Observations suggest it is primarily active during autumn months, consistent with its specific epithet.
Pachygrontha compacta
Pachygrontha compacta is a true bug species in the family Pachygronthidae, first described by Distant in 1893. It is a seed bug with a broad distribution across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions, recorded from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. The species belongs to a family of lygaeoid bugs characterized by their elongate body form and seed-feeding habits. Like other members of Pachygronthidae, it is presumed to feed on seeds of grasses or other monocot plants, though specific host records remain limited.
Paectes asper
Paectes asper is a moth in the family Euteliidae first described by Michael G. Pogue in 2013. The species is widespread across the Caribbean region, ranging from southern Florida and the Bahamas through the Greater Antilles (excluding Puerto Rico) to the Lesser Antilles including the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Dominica. The specific name derives from Latin 'asper' meaning rough, referring to the roughened texture of the apex of the free saccular extension in the male genitalia.
Panchlora nivea
Cuban cockroach, green banana cockroach, banana cockroach
Panchlora nivea is a small, bright green cockroach native to Cuba and the Caribbean, now established along the Gulf Coast of the United States from Florida to Texas. Unlike most cockroach species, it is primarily an outdoor insect rarely found indoors and is not considered a pest. It has become popular in the pet trade due to its attractive coloration and non-invasive habits.
Paracymus nanus
Paracymus nanus is a species of water scavenger beetle (family Hydrophilidae) described by Fall in 1910. The species occurs in freshwater habitats across parts of the southeastern United States and the Caribbean region. As a member of the genus Paracymus, it belongs to a group of small aquatic beetles commonly known as water scavenger beetles that inhabit various freshwater environments.
Paraphrynus
whip spider, tailless whip scorpion
Paraphrynus is a genus of whip spiders (order Amblypygi) in the family Phrynidae, distributed from the southwestern United States through Central America and the Caribbean. Most species are endemic to Mexico. These nocturnal arachnids are characterized by extraordinarily long, sensory front legs (antenniform legs) used for navigation and prey detection, and spiny pedipalps for capturing prey. Research has demonstrated remarkable homing abilities in some species, with individuals navigating back to refuges from distances exceeding 10 meters using primarily olfactory cues detected by their antenniform legs rather than vision.
Parapsammodius bidens
Parapsammodius bidens is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the tribe Psammodiini, which includes many sand-dwelling species. The species was described by Horn in 1871 and is known from scattered records across the southeastern United States, Caribbean islands, and Puerto Rico. Like other members of its tribe, it is likely associated with sandy substrates and decomposing organic matter.
Paratyndaris suturalis
Paratyndaris suturalis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Fall in 1934. It belongs to the subgenus Knulliella within the genus Paratyndaris. The species is distributed across the Caribbean Sea and North America, with records from the Neotropical region. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with woody host plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Perithemis domitia
slough amberwing
Perithemis domitia, commonly known as the slough amberwing, is a small skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Petrochirus diogenes
Giant Hermit Crab
Petrochirus diogenes is a large marine hermit crab native to the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean. It is notable for its ability to occupy fully grown shells of the queen conch (Lobatus gigas), which it acquires by preying upon living conchs. Originally described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Cancer diogenes, the species epithet references the Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope, who famously lived in a large ceramic jar.
Petrolisthes armatus
Green Porcelain Crab
Petrolisthes armatus, commonly known as the green porcelain crab, is a small porcellanid crab native to the southwestern Atlantic, particularly Brazil. The species has established invasive populations along the southeastern United States coast, where densities can exceed 30,000 individuals per square meter. Genetic studies confirm it as a single monophyletic species with exceptional geographic range spanning the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. It is frequently parasitized by the bopyrid isopod Aporobopyrus curtatus, which causes parasitic castration.
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