Central-america
Guides
Liris partitus
Liris partitus is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini. It is known from Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Liris, it is likely a solitary wasp that hunts crickets as prey, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species was described in 1984 as part of a revision of North American Liris.
Loedelia maculicollis
Loedelia maculicollis is a checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, distributed across Central America and North America. The species was described by LeConte in 1874. As a member of Cleridae, it likely functions as a predator or scavenger in its ecosystem, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lomachaeta
Lomachaeta is a genus of velvet ants (Mutillidae) established by Mickel in 1936. The genus includes species distributed across western North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America. A 2004 revision described six new species and consolidated several previously described species under L. hicksi. Host data have been recorded for at least some species, indicating parasitoid relationships with other insects.
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.
Lophalia
Lophalia is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Trachyderini. The genus was established by Casey in 1912 and currently contains six described species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are characterized by features typical of the Trachyderini tribe, including often robust bodies and frequently vivid coloration patterns. The genus has been documented through 258 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate field recognition.
Loxa
Loxa is a genus of shield bugs in the family Pentatomidae, tribe Pentatomini. Species in this genus are distributed primarily in Central America and Mexico, with records extending into Texas, Florida, and South America. Some species, particularly Loxa deducta, are recognized as minor crop pests. The genus shares morphological similarities with Chlorocorini genera including Chlorocoris, Chloropepla, Mayrinia, and Fecelia.
Lysilinga
Lysilinga is a genus of stiletto flies (Diptera: Therevidae: Therevinae) comprising 10 species distributed in North and Central America. The genus was established by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981 and revised by Webb in 2006, who described seven new species and resolved two synonymies. Species are distinguished primarily by male and female genitalia morphology.
Lytta cribrata
Diamond-head Lytta
Lytta cribrata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, placed in the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is found in Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The species was described by LeConte in 1853 and is represented by 5 specimens in the University of California Entomology Research Museum collection.
Lytta deserticola
Lytta deserticola is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is found in Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating it is represented by 37 specimens in the UCR Entomology Research Museum collection. As a member of Meloidae, it likely possesses the family's characteristic chemical defense system involving cantharidins.
Lytta mutilata
Lytta mutilata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1875. It is classified in the subgenus Adicolytta within the genus Lytta. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with museum holdings documenting 28 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection.
Macalla thyrsisalis
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.
Macratria brunnea
antlike flower beetle
Macratria brunnea is a species of antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Casey in 1895.
Macrodactylus
rose chafers, American rose chafers
Macrodactylus is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as rose chafers or American rose chafers. The genus contains at least 110 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are typically associated with vegetation, and some species are documented agricultural pests of crops such as maize. Larval stages are soil-dwelling and develop in association with organic matter or host plant roots.
Mallodon
hardwood stump borer
Mallodon is a genus of prionine longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across the Americas, with M. dasystomus being the most widely studied and geographically extensive. Species in this genus are characterized by large body size, prominent mandibles, and association with hardwood hosts. The genus was established by Lacordaire in 1830.
Mantoida maya
Little Yucatán Mantis
Mantoida maya, commonly known as the little Yucatán mantis, is a species of praying mantis in the family Mantoididae. The species was described by Saussure and Zehntner in 1894. It represents one of the smaller mantid species and has been documented in both Middle America and North America.
Marginitermes hubbardi
light western drywood termite
Marginitermes hubbardi, commonly called the light western drywood termite, is a drywood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae. It is distinguished from the sympatric Incisitermes minor by its notably paler winged reproductives. The species is native to arid regions of southwestern North America and Central America, where it colonizes dry wood including living trees, dead cacti, and human structures. Unlike dampwood or subterranean termites, it does not require soil contact or high moisture levels to establish colonies.
Martarega mexicana
backswimmer
Martarega mexicana is a species of backswimmer (family Notonectidae) first described by Truxal in 1949. As a member of the genus Martarega, it belongs to a group of aquatic predatory insects known for swimming upside down beneath the water surface. The species has been documented in both Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.
Mecas bicallosa
Mecas bicallosa is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Martin in 1924. The species occurs in North and Central America. Like other members of the genus Mecas, it is associated with plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), where larvae bore into stems and roots.
Mecynotarsus candidus
monoceros beetle
Mecynotarsus candidus is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1875. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records including the Canadian province of Alberta. As a member of Anthicidae, it belongs to a family commonly known as ant-like flower beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Megacerus cubiculus
Cubical Bruchid
Megacerus cubiculus is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as the Cubical Bruchid. It occurs across Central and North America. Like other members of the genus Megacerus, it is associated with leguminous host plants. The species has been documented in 488 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-recorded.
Megacerus impiger
Megacerus impiger is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The genus Megacerus belongs to the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as seed beetles, though this species' specific biology remains poorly documented.
Megachile zapoteca
Megachile zapoteca is a solitary leafcutter bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cresson in 1878. It is native to Mexico and Central America, with records from multiple Mexican states including Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, as well as Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras. As a member of the genus Megachile, it likely exhibits the characteristic leaf-cutting behavior for nest construction, though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.
Megalomus fidelis
brown lacewing
Megalomus fidelis is a species of brown lacewing (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) described by Banks in 1897. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. As a member of the Megalomus genus, it belongs to a group of lacewings generally associated with forested and wooded habitats. The species has been documented through observation records, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Megalomus moestus
Megalomus moestus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1895. It is distributed across North America and Central America. As a member of the Megalomus genus, it shares characteristics with other brown lacewings, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Megalostomis pyropyga
Megalostomis pyropyga is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Lacordaire in 1848. As a member of the case-bearing leaf beetles, it likely constructs protective cases from its own fecal material, a characteristic trait of its subfamily Cryptocephalinae.
Megalostomis subfasciata
Megalostomis subfasciata is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was originally described by LeConte in 1868. A 2013 taxonomic revision designated a lectotype for this species and synonymized two previously recognized subspecific forms: M. subfasciata majorubrofasciata and M. subfasciata murina. The species is recorded from North America and Central America.
Megathymus ursus
Ursine Giant-Skipper, Ursus Giant Skipper
Megathymus ursus is a species of giant skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across North America and Central America. The species was described by Poling in 1902 and is recognized by three subspecies: M. u. ursus, M. u. deserti, and M. u. violae. It belongs to the genus Megathymus, a group of large-bodied skippers commonly known as giant skippers.
Melacoryphus
Melacoryphus is a genus of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae, established by Slater in 1988. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed in Central and North America. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized true bugs with seed-feeding habits typical of the family. The genus was erected to accommodate species previously placed elsewhere, with Melacoryphus lateralis serving as the type species.
Melanis
Melanis is a genus of butterflies in the family Riodinidae, restricted to the Neotropical realm. The genus was established by Hübner in 1819 and contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Central and South America, with highest diversity in Brazil. Species within this genus exhibit variation in wing patterns and are typically found in tropical and subtropical forest habitats.
Melissodes pallidisignatus
Melissodes pallidisignatus is a long-horned bee species in the family Apidae, native to North and Central America. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee. The species is part of a diverse genus of approximately 130 species of medium to large bees commonly known as long-horned bees due to the elongated antennae of males. It contributes to pollination in its native range, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited compared to better-known congeners such as Melissodes agilis.
Melissodes paroselae
Parosela Long-horned Bee
Melissodes paroselae is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1905. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, it is characterized by elongated antennae, particularly in males. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the tribe Eucerini, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee that contributes to pollination of native flora.
Melissodes tepidus
Long-horned bee
Melissodes tepidus is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, native to North and Central America. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, males exhibit distinctive sleeping aggregations on vegetation at night while females nest solitarily in the ground. The species contributes to pollination of various flowering plants. It is one of more than 1600 native bee species recorded in California alone.
Melissodes tristis
Dark-faced Longhorn Bee
Melissodes tristis is a long-horned bee species in the family Apidae, tribe Eucerini. It is commonly known as the Dark-faced Longhorn Bee. The species occurs in North America and Central America. Like other Melissodes species, it is a solitary bee with males typically exhibiting elongated antennae.
Melitoma marginella
Margined Turret Bee
Melitoma marginella is a species of chimney bee (also called turret bee) in the family Apidae. It is native to Central America and North America. The common name "Margined Turret Bee" refers to the distinctive nest architecture this species constructs.
Mellinus imperialis
Mellinus imperialis is a small digger wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is rarely encountered and poorly known biologically.
Meloe dugesi
Meloe dugesi is a species of blister beetle (family Meloidae) described by Champion in 1891. It belongs to the genus Meloe, commonly known as oil beetles, which are characterized by their defensive production of cantharidins. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the typical Meloe life cycle involving triungulin larvae that parasitize solitary bees.
Memphis forreri
Forrer's Leafwing
Memphis forreri is a leafwing butterfly (Nymphalidae) found in Central America. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in wing shape and displays dead-leaf mimicry on its ventral surface. Adults have pointed forewings with distinctive blue coloration dorsally. The caterpillar feeds specifically on Ocotea verguensis.
Merobruchus insolitus
White Dart Bruchid
Merobruchus insolitus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Sharp in 1885. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species is commonly known as the White Dart Bruchid. As a member of the genus Merobruchus, it belongs to a group of seed beetles typically associated with leguminous host plants.
Merobruchus terani
Merobruchus terani is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, described by Kingsolver in 1980. It belongs to a genus whose members are associated with legume seeds, though specific host records for this species remain limited. The species occurs in Central America and North America.
Merocoris distinctus
Merocoris distinctus is a small, atypical leaf-footed bug (family Coreidae) found in grassland habitats across North and Central America. Unlike most coreids, it lacks the flattened, leaf-like hind tibiae characteristic of the family, instead possessing distinctly curved hind tibiae and club-shaped, enlarged hind femora. The species feeds on herbaceous plants including goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata), and has been documented engaging in thanatosis (death feigning) as an anti-predator defense. A notable record documents twelve individuals feeding gregariously on carrion, reflecting the extra-phytophagous feeding habits occasionally observed in Coreidae.
Mesophleps
Mesophleps is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae. The genus contains multiple species distributed across several continents. At least one species, Mesophleps adustipennis, has been documented feeding on Leucaena species (Fabaceae) in Honduras. The genus is taxonomically established with records from Europe and Central America.
Mesovelia polhemusi
Mesovelia polhemusi is a marine water treader (family Mesoveliidae) described from Belize in 1990. It occupies a highly specialized habitat in tidal mangrove forests, an environment where few other aquatic insects occur. The species has been documented in southern Florida, expanding its known range beyond the type locality. It was named in honor of heteropteran specialist John T. Polhemus.
Metachroma ustum
Burnt Metachroma
Metachroma ustum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It ranges from 4.8 to 7.0 mm in body length. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with limited observational records available.
Metepeira minima
Metepeira minima is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. The species was described by Gertsch in 1936 and occurs from the United States south to Honduras. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a distinctive web architecture combining a small orb web with a tangled, labyrinthine retreat structure.
Methia
Methia is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Methiini. The genus was established by Newman in 1842 and contains approximately 40 described species distributed primarily in North and Central America, with some species extending into South America. Species within this genus are typically small to medium-sized cerambycids. Adult Methia have been documented as attracted to ultraviolet and mercury vapor lights, suggesting nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns.
Mezira emarginata
flat bug
Mezira emarginata is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae. The species was described by Say in 1832. It occurs in Central America and North America. Flat bugs in this family are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Micrathena funebris
Micrathena funebris is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, distributed from the United States through Central America to Costa Rica. As a member of the spiny orbweaver genus Micrathena, it shares the characteristic armored abdomen with spines or projections typical of this tropical and subtropical group. The species was originally described as Acrosoma funebre by Marx in 1898.
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.
Microphotus pecosensis
Pecos desert firefly
Microphotus pecosensis is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by Fall in 1912. It belongs to the genus Microphotus, which comprises small, often dimly luminescent fireflies found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species is known from limited observations, with only 14 documented records on iNaturalist.
Microtia elva
Elf, Elf Butterfly
Microtia elva, commonly known as the elf or elf butterfly, is a small butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is the sole member of its genus, which is monophyletic and restricted to the southern United States and Central America. The species has been observed over 3,000 times on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-documented within its range. Larvae feed on plants in the family Acanthaceae, particularly Tetramerium species.