Caribbean
Guides
Petrusa
Petrusa is a genus of planthoppers in the family Flatidae, subfamily Flatinae. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with Petrusa epilepsis being a notable species associated with seagrape and other host plants in the Caribbean. The genus is characterized by the typical flatid morphology with wings held tent-like over the body and parallel cross-veins along the costal margin of the forewings.
Petrusa epilepsis
Sea Grape Flatid
Petrusa epilepsis, commonly known as the Sea Grape Flatid, is a planthopper in the family Flatidae native to the Caribbean region. Adults are covered in a distinctive frosty, white waxy coating and hold their wings in a tent-like posture characteristic of the subfamily Flatinae. The species feeds on multiple host plants including seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), coffee, coco-plum, jasmine, and black mangrove, and has been recorded as a pest causing direct feeding damage and promoting sooty mold growth through honeydew excretion. Originally described from Puerto Rico, it has been documented across the West Indies and has been detected in Florida, raising concerns about its potential to become an invasive pest in mainland tropical and subtropical regions.
Phanerota
Phanerota is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) comprising five described species. The genus was established by Casey in 1906 and belongs to the tribe Homalotini within the subfamily Aleocharinae. Species in this genus are distributed across North America and the Caribbean, with records from the United States, Cuba, and Canada.
Philonthus rufulus
Philonthus rufulus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1884. It belongs to the large genus Philonthus, which contains numerous species of predatory beetles commonly found in diverse habitats. The species has a broad distribution across North America, extending from Canada through the United States to Mexico and parts of the Caribbean. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits predatory behavior, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Phoroncidia americana
Phoroncidia americana is a cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by Emerton in 1882. It occurs in the United States, Canada, Cuba, and Jamaica. Like other members of its genus, it constructs irregular, three-dimensional cobwebs. The species is part of a genus known for small-bodied spiders with reduced web architecture compared to other theridiids.
Phrygionis auriferaria
Golden-Winged Palyas Moth
Phrygionis auriferaria is a geometrid moth species described by George Duryea Hulst in 1887. It is commonly known as the golden-winged palyas moth. The species belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group of moths commonly called inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval movement. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6670 in the North American moth numbering system.
Phrygionis paradoxata
Jeweled Satyr Moth, Silvery Phrygionis
Phrygionis paradoxata, commonly known as the Jeweled Satyr Moth or Silvery Phrygionis, is a geometrid moth first described by Achille Guenée in 1858. The species is distributed across the Neotropical region, with records from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Florida in North America. Three subspecies are recognized: the nominate form, P. p. incolorata, and P. p. steeleorum.
Phrynus marginemaculatus
spotted tailless whip scorpion, Florida tailless whipscorpion
Phrynus marginemaculatus is an amblypygid arachnid native to southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola. It is the only amblypygid species in the US east of the Mississippi River and the most commonly studied whip spider species. This nocturnal predator possesses extraordinarily elongated first pair of legs adapted as sensory organs for detecting prey, mates, and environmental features in darkness. The species exhibits complex navigational abilities including multisensory configural learning for shelter recognition, and has evolved a plastron enabling underwater breathing for up to 24 hours.
Phyciodes phaon
Phaon crescent, mat plant crescent, crescent spot
Phyciodes phaon is a small brush-footed butterfly of the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and extending west to New Mexico. Adults are active from early spring through late fall in northern portions of the range, with nearly year-round activity in peninsular Florida. The species is closely associated with fogfruit host plants (Phyla nodiflora), on which females lay eggs in clusters on leaf undersides. Males patrol open areas near host plants to locate females, with mating concentrated at mid-day.
Phyprosopus
Phyprosopus is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae, erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. The genus contains nine described species distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and the southern United States. Most species have been documented from Cuba, with additional records from Texas, New York, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
Physonota calochroma
Physonota calochroma is a tortoise beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, originally described by Blake in 1965. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Eurypepla calochroma. As a member of the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, it possesses the characteristic domed carapace formed by modified elytra and pronotum. Larvae of the genus Physonota construct distinctive fecal umbrellas using exuviae and frass, held aloft by urogomphi structures.
Pissonotus nitens
Pissonotus nitens is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae. It was described by Van Duzee in 1909. The species is distributed across the Caribbean and North America, with records from Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi in the United States. As a member of the planthopper family Delphacidae, it belongs to a group of insects known for their association with grasses and other monocot plants.
Plectromerus dentipes
tooth-footed bycid
Plectromerus dentipes is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) first described by Olivier in 1790. It is commonly known as the tooth-footed bycid. The species occurs across North America, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas. As a member of the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Plectromerini, it represents a typical cerambycid lineage within the diverse longhorn beetle fauna of the region.
Pleuroprucha asthenaria
Asthene Wave, asthene wave moth
Pleuroprucha asthenaria, commonly known as the Asthene Wave or asthene wave moth, is a geometrid moth described by Francis Walker in 1861. It belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group often characterized by wavy wing patterns. The species has a broad distribution spanning North America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Ploiaria setulifera
Ploiaria setulifera is a thread-legged assassin bug described in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Emesinae, a group characterized by extremely slender bodies and raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species has been documented in the Caribbean and North America. Like other reduviids, it is presumed predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pnirontis infirma
Pnirontis infirma is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Stål in 1859. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the subfamily Stenopodainae, it belongs to a group of reduviids commonly known as feather-legged bugs.
Poecilus chalcites
Poecilus chalcites is a predaceous ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly found in agricultural systems and croplands across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species is recognized for its role as a biological control agent, feeding on multiple crop pests including corn rootworm, corn earworm, and cutworm species. Sexual dimorphism in foretarsus shape allows straightforward sex identification: males possess a heart-shaped proximal foretarsus, while females have a thinner structure. Laboratory rearing studies have established protocols for maintaining colonies, though laboratory-reared adults typically fail to reproduce.
Polites baracoa
baracoa skipper, little tawny edge skipper
Polites baracoa is a grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is found in the Caribbean and North America. The species is recognized by two subspecies: P. b. baracoa and P. b. loma. It is assigned Hodges number 4040.
Polymerus testaceipes
Polymerus testaceipes is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was first described by Stål in 1860. Available records indicate presence in countries including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Surinam, and the United States (Florida), with 51 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Portentomorpha
Portentomorpha is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Hans Georg Amsel in 1956. The genus contains a single species, Portentomorpha xanthialis, and serves as the type genus for the tribe Portentomorphini. The genus is distributed across the southeastern United States, Caribbean islands, and tropical regions of Central and South America.
Portunus sayi
Sargassum Swimming Crab
Portunus sayi is a pelagic swimming crab endemic to floating Sargassum seaweed mats in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. It exhibits specialized adaptations for swimming, including paddle-shaped fourth legs that enable rapid sideways movement. The species relies on chemical, visual, and tactile cues to locate and select host Sargassum patches, demonstrating strong host fidelity. Recent records from the Amazon continental shelf represent the northernmost observation in Brazilian waters, expanding its known range.
Protalebra nexa
Protalebra nexa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by McAtee in 1926. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae and tribe Alebrini, a group of small, often inconspicuous leafhoppers that feed on plant phloem. The species has been recorded from Florida, Saint Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and the conterminous United States. As a member of the Typhlocybinae, it likely exhibits the typical reduced wing venation and small body size characteristic of this subfamily.
Proteides mercurius
Mercurial Skipper
Proteides mercurius, commonly known as the Mercurial Skipper, is a species of dicot skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It is found across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and includes five recognized subspecies. It is assigned Hodges number 3868 in the North American moth numbering system.
Proteides mercurius mercurius
Mercurial Skipper
Proteides mercurius mercurius is a subspecies of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is part of the widespread Mercurial Skipper complex, which occurs across the Americas from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. The nominate subspecies is distinguished by its distribution and subtle morphological differences from other subspecies. It is a medium-sized skipper with rapid, darting flight characteristic of the family.
Pseudacysta perseae
Avocado Lace Bug
Pseudacysta perseae is a lace bug in the family Tingidae, originally described by Heidemann in 1908. It is a significant foliar pest of avocado (Persea americana), causing characteristic damage to leaves. The species has undergone substantial range expansion from its original Caribbean distribution to include Mexico, the southern United States, and Central America. It has been introduced to California, where population genetic studies indicate at least two separate invasion events. The species passes through four nymphal instars and exhibits sexual dimorphism in antennal coloration, with adult males having a substantially darker fourth antennal segment.
Pseudopachybrachius basalis
Pale-spotted Seed Bug
Pseudopachybrachius basalis is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. It is commonly known as the Pale-spotted Seed Bug. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Pseudosinella violenta
Pseudosinella violenta is a species of slender springtail first described by Folsom in 1924. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, a group characterized by elongated bodies and well-developed furcula. The species has been recorded across multiple North American regions including the Antilles, southern Florida, Caribbean mainland, and Pacific and southern North American areas. As with most members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
Psinidia fenestralis
longhorn band-wing grasshopper, long-horned grasshopper, long-horned locust, sand locust
Psinidia fenestralis is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the longhorn band-wing grasshopper. It is distributed across the Caribbean and North America, with records from Cuba, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The species belongs to the tribe Psinidiini within the subfamily Oedipodinae, a group characterized by banded hindwings and associated with open, often sandy habitats.
Pterocypha defensata
Pterocypha defensata is a species of geometrid moth in the subfamily Larentiinae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1862. The species has been recorded from the Caribbean Sea region and North America. Its taxonomic status is complicated by synonymy with Pterocypha floridata in some sources.
Pyrausta cardinalis
Pyrausta cardinalis is a small crambid moth described by Achille Guenée in 1854. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 12 mm. The species is restricted to the Caribbean region and southern Florida. Adults have been documented in March in Florida.
Pyrisitia dina
Dina Yellow
Pyrisitia dina is a small yellow butterfly in the family Pieridae, distributed across the Caribbean, Middle America, and southern North America. The species is one of several yellows in the genus Pyrisitia, which are often associated with open, sunny habitats. Adults are typically active year-round in tropical regions and during warmer months in temperate areas.
Rabela tabebuiae
Rabela tabebuiae is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It was described by Dozier in 1927. The species epithet suggests an association with Tabebuia, a genus of flowering trees in the family Bignoniaceae. Records indicate it occurs in Florida and the Caribbean.
Rasahus biguttatus
corsair, assassin bug
Rasahus biguttatus is a species of corsair (assassin bug) in the family Reduviidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the subfamily Peiratinae, it shares characteristics typical of corsairs, including raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1832.
Rhyacionia subtropica
Subtropical Pine Tip Moth
Rhyacionia subtropica is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of approximately 18 mm. It is distributed in the southeastern United States, Cuba, and Belize. The larvae are specialized feeders on pine species, attacking the terminal shoots of their hosts.
Sapintus fulvipes
Tawny-legged Ant-like Flower Beetle
Sapintus fulvipes is a species of ant-like flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. It is found in the Caribbean and North America, with records from British Columbia. The species was described by LaFerté-Sénectère in 1847; Chandler (1999) determined the publication date of the original monograph to be May 1849.
Sayiana
Sayiana is a genus of planthoppers in the family Derbidae, subfamily Otiocerinae, established by Ball in 1928. The genus contains four recognized species distributed in the Caribbean region, including Puerto Rico and Vieques Island. Members of this genus are small, delicate planthoppers characteristic of the Otiocerinae, which are known for their elongated bodies and often reduced wings.
Schistocerca serialis
Cuban bird grasshopper
Schistocerca serialis, commonly known as the Cuban bird grasshopper, is a large-bodied acridid grasshopper in the genus Schistocerca. The genus includes several species capable of density-dependent phase polyphenism, though specific documentation of this trait in S. serialis is limited. The species is distributed across Caribbean islands and has been recorded in Oklahoma, suggesting potential for long-distance movement or migratory capability. As a member of the bird grasshopper group, it likely shares morphological and ecological traits with congeners, though species-level studies are sparse.
Schistocerca serialis cubense
A Caribbean subspecies of bird grasshopper in the genus Schistocerca, closely related to locust species capable of density-dependent phase polyphenism. As a member of the Alutacea group within Schistocerca, it shares traits with migratory relatives though specific behavioral data for this subspecies remains limited.
Scirtes goliai
marsh beetle
Scirtes goliai is a small marsh beetle described in 2012 from specimens collected in southern Florida, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. The species belongs to Scirtidae, a family commonly known as marsh beetles for their association with wet habitats. Its distribution is expected to extend throughout the broader Caribbean bioregion.
Scolopendra alternans
Haitian giant centipede, Caribbean giant centipede, Florida Keys centipede
Scolopendra alternans is a large centipede in the family Scolopendridae, historically known from the Caribbean and northern South America. Recent taxonomic revision has restricted its confirmed range after resurrection of S. longipes and S. cubensis from synonymy. The species reaches 17–19 cm in length and exhibits highly variable coloration across its range. It gained public attention after a documented fatal interaction with the rare rim rock crown snake (Tantilla oolitica) in Florida.
Selenophorus fabricii
Selenophorus fabricii is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described in 2017. The species is known from the Caribbean region, including the Cayman Islands, Hispaniola, and the Lesser Antilles. As a member of the genus Selenophorus, it belongs to a diverse group of small to medium-sized ground beetles commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Very little is known about the specific biology or ecology of this recently described species.
Selenops submaculosus
flatty
Selenops submaculosus is a species of wall crab spider in the family Selenopidae, commonly known as a "flatty." It exhibits the characteristic extremely flattened body and laterigrade leg posture typical of the family. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. Like other selenopids, it is nocturnal and typically found on vertical surfaces.
Sephina gundlachii
giant milkweed bug
Sephina gundlachii, commonly known as the giant milkweed bug, is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. It is native to the Caribbean and has been documented in North America, particularly Florida. The species is associated with milkweed plants (Asclepias), though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Sergiolus cyaneiventris
Sergiolus cyaneiventris is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Simon in 1893. Like other members of its genus, it is characterized by bold coloration that may represent mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae). The species is known from the Caribbean region, including Cuba, and has been recorded in the United States. It shares the agile, nomadic habits and cylindrical spinnerets typical of the genus Sergiolus.
Sergiolus minutus
Sergiolus minutus is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It belongs to a genus noted for bold coloration and potential mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae). As with other Sergiolus species, it is a nomadic hunter that does not construct webs for prey capture. The species has been recorded from the Caribbean region including Cuba and Jamaica, as well as the United States.
Sethenira ferruginea
Sethenira ferruginea is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, first described by Stål in 1870. It belongs to the tribe Hypselonotini and has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, and North America including the conterminous United States. As a member of the Coreidae, it possesses the characteristic expanded hind tibiae typical of leaf-footed bugs, though specific morphological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Sicoderus
Sicoderus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) established by Vanin in 1986. The genus contains more than 75 described species globally, with substantial diversity in the West Indies where 32 species have been documented. Most species are small, dark-colored weevils with characteristic rostrum morphology typical of the tribe Erodiscini.
Sigara bradleyi
Sigara bradleyi is a species of water boatman in the family Corixidae, first described by Abbott in 1913. As a member of the genus Sigara, it belongs to a diverse group of aquatic insects commonly found in freshwater habitats. The species is known to occur in North America and the Caribbean, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other corixids, it likely inhabits ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waters where it occupies the benthic zone.
Sisyracera inabsconsalis
A small crambid moth described by Möschler in 1890. Records indicate it occurs only on Puerto Rico and Cuba. The genus Sisyracera contains relatively few described species, and this taxon appears to be one of the less frequently encountered members of the group.
Sminthurus fitchi
Sminthurus fitchi is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body form distinct from the more elongate springtails in other orders. The species was described by J.W. Folsom in 1896. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a furcula, the springing organ that gives Collembola their common name.