Central-america
Guides
Mimosestes protractus
Mimosestes protractus is a species of leaf beetle first described by Horn in 1873. It belongs to the family Chrysomelidae, a diverse group of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles. The species has been documented in both North America and Central America.
Mimosestes ulkei
retama weevil
Mimosestes ulkei, commonly known as the retama weevil, is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (subfamily Bruchinae). The species was originally described by Horn in 1873 as Bruchus ulkei and later transferred to the genus Mimosestes. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the Bruchinae, this species is associated with leguminous host plants.
Ministrymon clytie
Clytie hairstreak, Clytie Ministreak
Ministrymon clytie, commonly known as the Clytie hairstreak or Clytie Ministreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. First described by William Henry Edwards in 1877, this species ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America. It inhabits tropical forest openings and subtropical thorn forests. The larvae feed on Pithecellobium species.
Miraces aeneipennis
Bronze-winged Buckthorn Leaf Beetle
Miraces aeneipennis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was first described by Jacoby in 1888. The species occurs in Central America and North America. The specific epithet aeneipennis refers to the bronze-colored wings. Very little detailed information is available about its biology or ecology.
Mocis latipes
Small Mocis Moth, Striped Grass Looper
Mocis latipes is a moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Small Mocis Moth or Striped Grass Looper. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, from southern Canada through the United States and into Central and South America. The species is notable for its grass-feeding larval stage, which can include agricultural crops such as rice and corn.
Monophylla pallipes
Monophylla pallipes is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by Schaeffer in 1908. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Cleridae family, it belongs to a group commonly known as checkered beetles, which are typically predatory. Specific ecological details about this species remain limited in available sources.
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.
Mulsantina cyathigera
Ivory Lady Beetle
Mulsantina cyathigera is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to Central and North America, ranging from Guatemala through Mexico to the southern United States. Adults measure 3.3–4.7 mm and are characterized by a yellow body with distinctive brown markings: an M-shaped pattern on the pronotum and six spots on the elytra. The species is commonly known as the Ivory Lady Beetle.
Munroeodes thalesalis
Munroeodes thalesalis is a moth species in the family Crambidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1859. It belongs to the subfamily Pyraustinae. The species is known from Honduras, with limited published information available regarding its biology and ecology.
Myochrous magnus
Myochrous magnus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by American entomologist Charles Frederic August Schaeffer in 1904. The species occurs in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Myochrous, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles whose biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Myrmeleon mexicanus
Myrmeleon mexicanus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Banks in 1903. The species occurs in Central America and North America. As with other antlions, it has a predatory larval stage that constructs pit traps in sandy soil to capture prey, and a winged adult stage that is primarily nocturnal.
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.
Nanomyina
Nanomyina is a monotypic genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, containing only Nanomyina barbata. The genus was established by Harold E. Robinson in 1964. The single species is distinguished by conspicuous bristles on the lower face, referenced in its specific epithet "barbata" (Latin for "bearded").
Nathalis
Nathalis is a small genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, containing two recognized species. The genus is notable for including the dainty sulphur (Nathalis iole), one of the smallest butterflies in North America. Species in this genus occur from North America through Central America to northern South America. The genus has been subject to behavioral study, with research documenting courtship displays in N. iole.
Neltumius arizonensis
Black and White Black Variegated Bruchid
Neltumius arizonensis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically placed in the seed beetle subfamily Bruchinae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Despite its specific epithet suggesting an Arizona connection, detailed ecological and biological information remains sparse in published literature.
Neltumius texanus
Snakewood Bruchid
Neltumius texanus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in Central America and North America. It is commonly known as the Snakewood Bruchid. The genus Neltumius was previously placed in the family Bruchidae (seed beetles) before that family was subsumed into Chrysomelidae. The specific epithet "texanus" indicates a connection to Texas, though the precise nature of this association (type locality or broader distribution) is not detailed in available sources. The species is represented by relatively few observations, with only 6 records documented on iNaturalist.
Nemognatha cantharidis
Nemognatha cantharidis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by MacSwain in 1951. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The species occurs in Central America and North America.
Nemognatha lurida
Nemognatha lurida is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The species occurs in Central and North America, with two recognized subspecies: N. l. lurida and N. l. apicalis. Like other members of the genus, it possesses elongated maxillary structures adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The species is represented by 172 specimens in the UCR Entomology Research Museum collection.
Nemoria leptalea
Pink-margined Green
Nemoria leptalea is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the Pink-margined Green. It was described by Ferguson in 1969. The species is recognized by its distinctive green coloration with pink marginal markings on the wings. It is recorded from both Central America and North America.
Nemoria obliqua
emerald moth
Nemoria obliqua is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Hulst in 1898. It is native to Central America and North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7037. Two subspecies are recognized: N. o. hennei and the nominate N. o. obliqua.
Nemotarsus rhombifer
Nemotarsus rhombifer is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Henry Walter Bates in 1883. It belongs to the subfamily Lebiinae and tribe Cyclosomini. The species has been recorded from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States, spanning parts of Central and North America.
Neobisnius jocosus
A rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, recognized as a valid species with *alternans* (Sharp) synonymized under it. Part of a genus revision that established species boundaries through morphological analysis of adult males.
Neobisnius terminalis
A rove beetle species in the genus Neobisnius, recognized as valid with two subspecies: N. t. terminalis and N. t. elegantulus (Horn). Formerly considered distinct species, N. delicatulus and N. adustus are now synonymized under this name. The species is part of a taxonomic revision recognizing 39 New World species in the genus, with adults described and illustrated.
Neochlamisus scabripennis
warty leaf beetle
Neochlamisus scabripennis is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles due to their distinctive irregular, tuberculate body surface. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits remarkable mimicry of caterpillar frass (feces) as a defensive adaptation.
Neocicada
Painted Cicadas
Neocicada is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, tribe Leptopsaltriini, containing approximately five described species distributed across North and Central America. The genus was established by Kato in 1932 and is taxonomically distinct from other North American cicada genera, with its closest relative being the Old World genus Cicada. Species within this genus include N. hieroglyphica (the hieroglyphic cicada), N. chisos (the chisos cicada), and three species described in 2005: N. australamexicana, N. centramericana, and N. mediamexicana. Members produce loud daytime calls and are attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights.
Neocicada chisos
Chisos Cicada
Neocicada chisos is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, one of three species originally described in the genus Neocicada before its taxonomic expansion. The species was first described as Cicada chisos by Davis in 1916 and later transferred to the genus Neocicada. It is endemic to the Chisos Mountains region of Texas and adjacent northern Mexico, with records from Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. As with other cicadas, males produce sound using tymbals—specialized membranes on the ventral base of the abdomen.
Neoclypeodytes cinctellus
Neoclypeodytes cinctellus is a small predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is distributed across western North America and northern Central America. The species has been documented as a predator of the critically endangered Devils Hole pupfish (*Cyprinodon diabolis*), representing a notable conservation concern. It was formerly described under the name *N. centralis* before being synonymized.
Neocoelidia grandiosa
Neocoelidia grandiosa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Knull in 1942. It belongs to the subfamily Neocoelidiinae, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features related to head structure. The species has been recorded from limited localities in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
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.
Neopachylopus sulcifrons
clown beetle
Neopachylopus sulcifrons is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was originally described by Mannerheim in 1843 and has been recorded from Canada (British Columbia), the United States (California, Oregon, Washington, and South Dakota), and Mexico. Some taxonomic authorities consider this species a synonym of Hypocaccus sulcifrons.
Neopsammodius quinqueplicatus
Neopsammodius quinqueplicatus is a species of aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1871. It belongs to the family Scarabaeidae and is part of the Psammodiini tribe, which comprises beetles often associated with sandy habitats. The species occurs in both Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Neorthopleura texana
Texas Brick-and-Brown Clerid
Neorthopleura texana is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It is found in Central America and North America, with over 300 observations documented on iNaturalist. The species was first described by Bland in 1863.
Neosminthurus
Neosminthurus is a genus of globular springtails in the family Sminthuridae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1934. The genus is distributed in Central and North America and contains at least three described species: N. bakeri, N. clavatus, and N. richardsi. Members of this genus belong to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a globular body form. The genus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the antennae and body chaetotaxy.
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.
Neoxenus versicolor
Tropical Coppery Fungus Weevil
Neoxenus versicolor is a species of fungus weevil described by Valentine in 1998. It belongs to the family Anthribidae, a group of weevils commonly associated with fungal associations. The species has been documented in both Central America and North America.
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.
Nicrophorus mexicanus
Mexican burying beetle
Nicrophorus mexicanus is a burying beetle in the family Silphidae, described by Matthews in 1888. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and Central America, including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. As a member of the genus Nicrophorus, it exhibits the characteristic behavior of burying small vertebrate carcasses to serve as food for developing larvae.
burying-beetlecarrion-beetleSilphidaeNicrophorinaeMatthews-1888scavengervertebrate-carcassparental-caresouthwestern-United-StatesCentral-AmericaMexicoGuatemalaEl-SalvadorHondurasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoKansasNew-MexicoNevadaTexasUtahIowadecompositioncarrionNicrophorusbeetleColeopterainsectarthropodNiptus ventriculus
Niptus ventriculus is a species of spider beetle (family Ptinidae) first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. It belongs to the genus Niptus, which comprises several species of small beetles associated with stored products and dry organic materials. The species has been documented in Central America and North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Nisaxis caudata
ant-loving beetle
Nisaxis caudata is a species of ant-loving beetle (family Staphylinidae) first described by Schaeffer in 1905. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies. The species has been recorded from North America (Oklahoma and Texas) and Mexico, with additional Central American distribution. Very little detailed biological information is available for this specific species.
Nomada hemphilli
Nomada hemphilli is a species of nomad bee in the family Apidae. It was described by Cockerell in 1903 and is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is a kleptoparasitic bee that lays its eggs in the nests of host bee species. The genus is known for males exhibiting 'antennal grabbing' behavior during copulation, where antennae are wound around the female to transfer pheromones, though this specific behavior has not been directly documented for N. hemphilli.
Nomia nortoni
Norton's Alkali Bee, Norton's Nomium
Nomia nortoni is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as Norton's alkali bee or Norton's nomium. It is native to Central America and North America. The species has two recognized subspecies: N. n. cressoni and N. n. nortoni. As a member of the genus Nomia, it is related to other alkali bees that are known for their ground-nesting behavior in alkaline soils.
Nosodendron californicum
wounded-tree beetle
Nosodendron californicum is a species of wounded-tree beetle in the family Nosodendridae, first described by Horn in 1874. The species belongs to a small family of beetles associated with wounded or decaying trees. It has been documented in Central America and North America. A new host record for this species was reported in a 2021 publication in The Coleopterists' Bulletin, though specific details require access to the full text.
Notoxus calcaratus
monoceros beetle
Notoxus calcaratus is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species was described by Horn in 1884. As a member of the genus Notoxus, it possesses the characteristic elongated rostrum with a terminal antenna that defines this group of ant-like beetles.
Notoxus conformis
monoceros beetle
Notoxus conformis is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus characterized by a distinctive horn-like projection on the pronotum.
Notoxus gelidus
monoceros beetle
Notoxus gelidus is a small ant-like flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, described by Chandler in 1978. The species is known from Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Notoxus, it possesses a distinctive forward-projecting horn on the pronotum, a characteristic feature of "monoceros beetles."
Notoxus murinipennis
Mouse-winged Anthicid
Notoxus murinipennis is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae, commonly known as the mouse-winged anthicid. The species occurs across Central America and North America. Members of the genus Notoxus are characterized by a distinctive forward-projecting horn on the pronotum, giving them their common name of monoceros beetles. This species was first described by J.E. LeConte in 1824.
Notoxus nuperus
monoceros beetle
Notoxus nuperus is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae, first described by Horn in 1884. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: Notoxus nuperus haustrus Chandler, 1978 and the nominate Notoxus nuperus nuperus Horn, 1884. Members of the genus Notoxus are commonly referred to as ant-like flower beetles due to their morphology and behavior.
Notoxus photus
Notoxus photus is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae, described by Chandler in 1978. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Notoxus is characterized by an elongated, forward-projecting horn on the pronotum, a distinctive feature among anthicid beetles.
Notoxus serratus
Serrate Ant-like Flower Beetle
Notoxus serratus is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae, commonly known as the Serrate Ant-like Flower Beetle. The species is recognized by its distinctive elongated snout bearing a single apical horn, a defining feature of the genus Notoxus. It occurs across North America and Central America.
Oarisma edwardsii
Edwards's Skipperling
Oarisma edwardsii, known as Edwards's skipperling, is a small grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. First described by William Barnes in 1897, this species occurs in Central and North America. It is recognized by its distinctive wing coloration and white-tipped wing fringes. The species has a wingspan of 22–29 mm, making it one of the smaller skippers in its range. Its MONA (Moth Photographers Group) or Hodges number is 4008.