Central-america
Guides
Hyles lineata
white-lined sphinx, hummingbird moth
Hyles lineata is a large, abundant sphinx moth native to North and Central America, recognized for its distinctive hovering flight and striking wing pattern. Adults display a 2–3 inch wingspan with dark brown forewings marked by white longitudinal lines and black hindwings bearing a broad pink median band. The species exhibits unusual flexibility in activity patterns, flying at dusk, dawn, and occasionally during daylight hours to feed on nectar. Caterpillars show extreme color polymorphism, ranging from black with orange spots to lime green with black markings, and possess a characteristic posterior horn. This generalist feeder has been documented on over a dozen plant families and serves as a significant pollinator and occasional agricultural pest.
Hypasclera dorsalis
Hypasclera dorsalis is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae. It occurs in Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1846.
Hypenopsis macula
Black-spotted Schrankia
Hypenopsis macula, commonly known as the black-spotted schrankia moth, is a small erebid moth found across much of North America and into Central America. The species was first described by Herbert Druce in 1891 under the name Schrankia macula, and has since been reclassified to the genus Hypenopsis. It occurs in a broad range of habitats from the eastern United States through the Southwest and into Mexico and Central America.
Hyperaspis lateralis
Lateral Sigil Lady Beetle, lateral lady beetle
Hyperaspis lateralis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to Central and North America. Adults measure 2.50–3.80 mm and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have yellow anterior margins and lateral areas, while females have entirely black pronota. The species is one of several Hyperaspis known to prey on scale insects.
Hypocrita celina
Hypocrita celina is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1870. The species is known only from Guatemala. As a member of the subfamily Arctiinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as tiger moths, though specific details about its biology remain undocumented in published sources.
Hypselonotus punctiventris
Spot-sided Coreid
Hypselonotus punctiventris, commonly known as the Spot-sided Coreid, is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. Adults are notable for their striking color pattern, including a bright red patch on the dorsal surface of the abdomen visible when wings are open. The species is found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, where adults feed on a variety of flowering plants. Despite its abundance in some areas, it is rarely considered a pest of agriculture or gardens.
Idioderma virescens
Idioderma virescens is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1909. The species has been recorded from Florida and Panama. A dedicated study on its systematics and biology was published in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America, though detailed biological information requires access to the full article.
Indiopsocus bisignatus
common barklouse
Indiopsocus bisignatus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Banks in 1904. The species is distributed across parts of North and Central America, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Honduras. Barklice in this family are typically found in association with tree bark, lichens, and other surface substrates where they feed on microflora.
Iridopsis dataria
Iridopsis dataria is a geometrid moth species distributed across North and Central America. The species was described by Grote in 1882 and is classified within the subfamily Ennominae. Larvae of related Iridopsis species have been documented as occasional pests of soybean, though specific records for I. dataria on this host are limited. The species is recognized by taxonomic authorities including Catalogue of Life and GBIF.
Ischyropalpus occidentalis
antlike flower beetle
Ischyropalpus occidentalis is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. The species measures 2.4–2.8 mm in length. It occurs from Central America northward through Mexico to the southwestern United States. Like other members of Anthicidae, it exhibits an ant-mimicking appearance and behavior.
Isodontia apicalis
grass-carrier wasp
Isodontia apicalis is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, known as a 'grass-carrier' for its distinctive nesting behavior. The species occurs in North and Central America. Like other members of its genus, females construct nests using dry grass to partition cells and plug entrances.
Isthmocoris imperialis
big-eyed bug
Isthmocoris imperialis is a species of big-eyed bug in the family Geocoridae, a group of small predatory true bugs. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. Big-eyed bugs are generally recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural and natural systems.
Itaballia
Itaballia is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, comprising three described species distributed across Central and South America. The genus was established by Kaye in 1904. Species within this genus include the crossbarred white (I. demophile), I. marana, and the brown-bordered white (I. pandosia), the latter noted as a mimic of Pisonis.
Ixodes affinis
Ixodes affinis is a hard-bodied tick species distributed across the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Unlike its congener Ixodes scapularis, this species does not bite humans but serves as a competent vector for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Immature stages feed on birds and small mammals, while adults parasitize larger mammals including deer and dogs. Its expanding range into southeastern Virginia and association with migratory birds has raised concerns about its role in pathogen dispersal.
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I.-malayensisI.-marxiI.-masloviI.-matopiI.-minorI.-monospinosusI.-moreliI.-moschiferiI.-murisI.-murreletiI.-myospalacisI.-nchisiensisI.-necromysI.-neitziI.-nipponensisI.-nuttalliI.-ochotonaeI.-okapiaeI.-oldiI.-ornithorhynchiI.-ovatusI.-pacificusI.-pararicinusI.-pavlovskyiI.-percavatusI.-peromysciI.-persulcatusI.-pomerantziI.-pterodromaeI.-quadratusI.-raccoonisI.-rageauiI.-randrianasoloiI.-rasusI.-redikorzeviI.-ricinusI.-rothschildiI.-rotundatusI.-rubicundusI.-rugicollisI.-rugosusI.-sapeloensisI.-sarsiI.-scapularisI.-schillingsiI.-sculptusI.-semenoviI.-soricisI.-spinaeI.-steiniI.-stilesiI.-stromiI.-subterranusI.-tancitariusI.-tanukiI.-tapirusI.-tasmaniI.-tayloriI.-tertiariusI.-texanusI.-theileraeI.-thomasaeI.-tovariI.-transvaalensisI.-triangulicepsI.-trichosuriI.-turdusI.-uriaeI.-vandenbergiI.-vanidicusI.-ventalloiI.-vespertilionisI.-victoriensisI.-walkeraeI.-werneriI.-woodiI.-zaglossiI.-zairensistick-taxonomytick-systematicstick-phylogenytick-evolutiontick-biogeographytick-ecologytick-physiologytick-behaviortick-reproductiontick-developmenttick-nutritiontick-metabolismtick-respirationtick-excretiontick-osmoregulationtick-neurobiologytick-sensory-biologytick-chemoreceptiontick-thermoreceptiontick-mechanoreceptiontick-photoreceptiontick-circadian-rhythmtick-biological-clocktick-seasonalitytick-diapausetick-overwinteringtick-cold-hardinesstick-desiccation-resistancetick-water-balancetick-cuticletick-moltingtick-ecdysistick-growthtick-feedingtick-engorgementtick-blood-mealtick-digestiontick-salivationtick-saliva-compositiontick-salivary-gland-transcriptometick-salivary-proteometick-pharmacologytick-toxicologytick-venomtick-paralysis-toxintick-borne-pathogentick-borne-virustick-borne-bacteriumtick-borne-protozoantick-borne-helminthtick-borne-rickettsiatick-borne-ehrlichiatick-borne-anaplasmatick-borne-borreliatick-borne-babesiatick-borne-theileriatick-borne-hepatozoontick-borne-coxiellatick-borne-francisellatick-borne-bartonellatick-borne-chlamydiatick-borne-mycoplasmatick-borne-spiroplasmatick-borne-arbovirustick-borne-flavivirustick-borne-bunyavirustick-borne-reovirustick-borne-orbivirustick-borne-coltivirustick-borne-nairovirustick-borne-phlebovirustick-borne-thogotovirustick-borne-orthomyxovirustick-borne-arenavirustick-borne-hantavirustick-borne-paramyxovirustick-borne-rhabdovirustick-borne-bornavirustick-borne-filovirustick-borne-coronavirustick-borne-poxvirustick-borne-herpesvirustick-borne-adenovirustick-borne-papillomavirustick-borne-polyomavirustick-borne-circovirustick-borne-parvovirustick-borne-anellovirustick-borne-dependovirustick-borne-tenuivirustick-borne-deltavirustick-borne-hepadnavirustick-borne-retrovirustick-borne-lentivirustick-borne-spumavirustick-borne-metavirustick-borne-pseudovirustick-borne-hemivirustick-borne-novirhabdovirustick-borne-peribunyavirustick-borne-phenuivirustick-borne-bandavirustick-borne-phasivirustick-borne-tulasvirustick-borne-orthonairovirustick-borne-shavivirustick-borne-sathuperi-virustick-borne-salehabad-virustick-borne-dera-ghazi-khan-virustick-borne-hughes-virustick-borne-farallon-virustick-borne-punta-salinas-virustick-borne-sapphire-II-virustick-borne-zirqa-virustick-borne-keterah-virustick-borne-thiafora-virustick-borne-erve-virustick-borne-malsoor-virustick-borne-tibet-virustick-borne-qalyub-virustick-borne-yogue-virustick-borne-kasokero-virustick-borne-lebombo-virustick-borne-nyamanini-virustick-borne-midway-virustick-borne-tokar-virustick-borne-absettarov-virustick-borne-hypr-virustick-borne-kumlinge-virustick-borne-omsk-hemorrhagic-fever-virustick-borne-langat-virustick-borne-louping-ill-virustick-borne-kyasanur-forest-disease-virustick-borne-alkhurma-hemorrhagic-fever-virustick-borne-powassan-virustick-borne-deer-tick-virustick-borne-heartland-virustick-borne-bourbon-virustick-borne-colorado-tick-fever-virustick-borne-eyach-virustick-borne-banna-virustick-borne-seadornavirustick-borne-great-island-virustick-borne-kemerovo-virustick-borne-lipovnik-virustick-borne-tribec-virustick-borne-chobar-gorge-virustick-borne-wad-Medani-virustick-borne-dugbe-virustick-borne-crimean-congo-hemorrhagic-fever-virustick-borne-nairobi-sheep-disease-virustick-borne-ganjam-virustick-borne-bandia-virustick-borne-sierra-nevada-virustick-borne-lone-star-virustick-borne-severe-fever-with-thrombocytopenia-syndrome-virustick-borne-huaiyangshan-virustick-borne-guertu-virustick-borne-Alongshan-virustick-borne-wenzhou-virustick-borne-wuhan-virustick-borne-yongjia-virustick-borne-chiba-virustick-borne-natori-virustick-borne-odawara-virustick-borne-kowloon-virustick-borne-tamanavirusJonthonota mexicana
Jonthonota mexicana is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Champion in 1894. It belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae, characterized by the distinctive flattened, shield-like body form typical of tortoise beetles. The species is known to occur in both Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Jonthonota, it shares affinities with other morning glory-associated tortoise beetles.
Kuschelina laeta
Pleasing Kuschelina
Kuschelina laeta is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species occurs in Central America and North America. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, which enable jumping. The common name "Pleasing Kuschelina" is used on iNaturalist.
Kuschelina tenuilineata
Kuschelina tenuilineata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Horn in 1889. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the flea beetle subfamily Alticinae, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Laccobius borealis
Laccobius borealis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It has been recorded across northern and western North America, from Alaska and Canada through the western United States to Mexico. The species belongs to a genus of small aquatic beetles commonly found in freshwater habitats.
Laccophilus maculosus
dingy diver
Laccophilus maculosus, commonly known as the dingy diver, is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized diving beetles that inhabit freshwater environments.
Lachesilla dona
fateful barklouse
Lachesilla dona is a species of barklouse in the family Lachesillidae, described by Sommerman in 1946. It belongs to the order Psocodea, a group of small, soft-bodied insects commonly known as barklice or booklice. The species has been recorded in both Central America and North America.
Lachesilla sulcata
fateful barklouse
Lachesilla sulcata is a species of barklouse described by García-Aldrete in 1986. It belongs to the family Lachesillidae, a group of small, soft-bodied insects commonly known as barklice or booklice. The species has been documented in both Central America and North America, with confirmed records from Mexico and the United States. As with many psocid species, detailed ecological and behavioral information remains limited.
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.
Lachnodactyla texana
toe-winged beetle
Lachnodactyla texana is a species of toe-winged beetle in the family Ptilodactylidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1906. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Ptilodactylidae, it belongs to a family characterized by beetles with expanded tarsal segments that bear adhesive setae, commonly referred to as 'toe-winged' beetles. Very few specific biological details have been documented for this particular species.
Laemophloeus biguttatus
Two-spotted Flat Bark Beetle
Laemophloeus biguttatus is a species of lined flat bark beetle in the family Laemophloeidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with records extending to British Columbia. As a member of Laemophloeidae, it belongs to a group commonly known as flat bark beetles due to their dorsoventrally compressed bodies adapted for living under bark.
Lampethusa anatina
Lampethusa anatina is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Distant in 1884. It belongs to the diverse suborder Heteroptera, a group characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Lampethusa is poorly documented in scientific literature, and few specific details are known about this species' biology or ecology. Available records indicate it occurs in Central America.
Lampetis cupreopunctata
Tamaulipan Copper-spotted Buprestid
A metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, characterized by copper-spotted coloration. Native to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with documented presence in Central America and North America. The common name references the Tamaulipan region, suggesting association with northeastern Mexico and adjacent areas.
Languria convexicollis
lizard beetle
Languria convexicollis is a species of lizard beetle in the family Erotylidae, characterized by an elongated, somewhat flattened body form typical of the subfamily Languriinae. The species is known from both Central and North America, with records extending as far north as British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as lizard beetles due to their reptile-like appearance and elongate body shape.
Languria mozardi
clover stem borer
Languria mozardi is a small lizard beetle (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) commonly known as the clover stem borer. Adults are red and black, measuring 4–9 mm in length. The species is native to North and Central America, with larvae developing inside the stems of host plants. Multiple host records document its presence on agricultural crops, including clover, canola, and soybeans.
Largus maculatus
Mexican Bordered Plant Bug
Largus maculatus is a bordered plant bug in the family Largidae, commonly known as the Mexican Bordered Plant Bug. It is found in Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus whose members are often mistaken for stink bugs (Pentatomidae) or leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae) due to similar body shapes and color patterns. Nymphs of related Largus species display distinctive metallic blue coloration with a red dorsal spot, while adults typically show black bodies with orange or red marginal markings.
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.
Lebasiella pallipes
checkered beetle
Lebasiella pallipes is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It was described by Klug in 1842. The species is found in Central America and North America. Very little specific information is available about its biology, ecology, or behavior.
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 histrionica
Lebia histrionica is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species has been recorded from Arizona in the United States, as well as Mexico and Guatemala. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it likely exhibits bright metallic coloration on its wing covers.
Lebia scalpta
Lebia scalpta is a species of foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Henry Walter Bates in 1883. It is one of numerous small, often brightly colored species in the genus Lebia. The species is known from both Central America and North America, with records from Mexico and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to artificial light sources.
Lebia subrugosa
Lebia subrugosa is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Chaudoir in 1871. It belongs to the genus Lebia, a group of small, often brightly metallic beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles. The species has been documented from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States, indicating a distribution spanning southern North America and Central America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to lights.
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.
Lema trivittata
three-lined lema beetle, three-lined potato beetle
A leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, recognized by its bright orange thorax, yellow legs, and three black longitudinal stripes on yellow elytra. Adults and larvae feed on plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), including potato, jimsonweed, and bittersweet nightshade. The species has evolved physiological tolerance to tropane alkaloids, toxic compounds produced by its host plants. Native to Central and North America, with introduced populations in Australia.
Leptinotarsa haldemani
Haldeman's green potato beetle
Leptinotarsa haldemani, commonly known as Haldeman's green potato beetle, is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is named after 19th-century American entomologist Samuel Stehman Haldeman. The species is distinguished by its glossy metallic green elytra, black head, and black appendages. It feeds primarily on wild Solanaceae species and is occasionally found on cultivated potatoes.
Leptinotarsa lineolata
Burrobrush Leaf Beetle
Leptinotarsa lineolata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, closely related to the Colorado Potato Beetle. Adults measure 7-8 millimeters and display distinctive coloration: metallic green head and thorax with ivory elytra marked by black streaks. The species is a specialist herbivore, feeding exclusively on Burrobrush (Hymenoclea monogyra). Populations become abundant following summer monsoon rains, typically in early to mid-July.
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.
Leptoypha mutica
Fringetree Lace Bug
Leptoypha mutica is a lace bug (family Tingidae) native to North and Central America. It is a specialist herbivore of plants in the family Oleaceae, with documented associations including ash (Fraxinus), fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), lilac (Syringa villosa), and Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense). The species has been studied for its developmental biology and host choice behavior, particularly on invasive Chinese privet. Its feeding causes chlorotic blotches on leaves, with damage concentrated around leaf midribs and lateral veins.
Lepturges infilatus
Lepturges infilatus is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Henry Walter Bates in 1872. It belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini, a group of small to medium-sized cerambycids often associated with dead or decaying wood. The species occurs in Central America and parts of North America, including Costa Rica and Guatemala.
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.
Leucochrysa pavida
Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing
Leucochrysa pavida is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae, distributed across North America, Central America, and South America. Its larvae are notable for carrying lichen and other debris as camouflage, a behavior that distinguishes them from many other chrysopid larvae. The species was first described by Hagen in 1861 and has been studied for its distinctive defensive behaviors.
Lexiphanes mexicanus
Mexican case-bearing leaf beetle
Lexiphanes mexicanus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The species belongs to the tribe Clytrini, whose larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and plant debris. It occurs in both Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Lexiphanes, it exhibits the characteristic cryptocephaline morphology with a compact body form adapted for leaf-feeding.
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.
Lineostethus clypeatus
Lineostethus clypeatus is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, tribe Discocephalini. It was originally described by Stål in 1862. The species belongs to a genus characterized by a discoid head, a distinctive morphological feature among discocephaline genera. It is one of four previously recognized species in the genus Lineostethus, which was taxonomically revised in 2018.
Lineostethus tenebricornis
Lineostethus tenebricornis is a stink bug species in the tribe Discocephalini, originally described by Ruckes in 1957. The species belongs to a genus characterized by a distinctly discoid (rounded, disc-shaped) head, a trait typical of discocephaline pentatomids. It was one of four species included in the 2018 taxonomic revision of Lineostethus, which provided updated morphological descriptions and identification keys.
Linsleya suavissima
Linsleya suavissima is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Wellman in 1910. It belongs to the subgenus Linsleya within the genus Linsleya and is part of the tribe Epicautini. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating it is represented by more than 25 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection. Like other members of the Meloidae, adults likely contain cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering.
Lipogomphus brevis
velvet water bug
Lipogomphus brevis is a species of velvet water bug in the family Hebridae. It belongs to the infraorder Dipsocoromorpha, a group of small predatory true bugs often associated with moist or aquatic habitats. The species was described by Champion in 1898 and is known from Central America and North America. Like other members of Hebridae, it is presumed to inhabit the surface film of quiet waters.