Central-america
Guides
Ochrimnus barberi
Ochrimnus barberi is a seed bug species in the family Lygaeidae, first described by Slater in 1964. It belongs to the subgenus Parochrimnus within the genus Ochrimnus. The species has been recorded in both Central America and North America. Available information on this species is limited, with only a small number of observations documented.
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.
Odontoptila obrimo
Orbed Wave
Odontoptila obrimo, known as the Orbed Wave, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Odontoptila. This geometrid moth is found from the southern United States through Central America. It belongs to the subfamily Sterrhinae, a group commonly referred to as waves due to their characteristic wing patterns.
Oebalus mexicanus
Oebalus mexicanus is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, described by Sailer in 1944. The species has been documented in both Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Oebalus, it belongs to a group of pentatomid bugs commonly associated with grasses and cereal crops.
Oestrophasia signifera
Oestrophasia signifera is a species of tachinid fly in the subfamily Phasiinae. Members of this genus are parasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), though specific host records for this species are limited. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range in the Americas, from Canada through Central America.
Oidaematophorus eupatorii
Eupatorium Plume Moth, Joe Pye Plume Moth
Oidaematophorus eupatorii is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae. It occurs across North America from Canada to Central America, with records from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama. The species is associated with Eupatorium and Epilobium plants, on which its larvae feed. Adults are small moths with distinctive split wings characteristic of plume moths.
Oligostigmoides cryptalis
Oligostigmoides cryptalis is a moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. It was described by Herbert Druce in 1896 based on specimens from Mexico. The species has been recorded from montane localities in Mexico (Xalapa, Orizaba), Costa Rica, and Panama. Very few observations exist, with only three records documented on iNaturalist.
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.
Oncocephalus nubilus
Oncocephalus nubilus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1914. It belongs to the subfamily Stenopodainae, a group of reduviids commonly known as thread-legged or spiny assassin bugs. The species has been documented in Central America and North America, though detailed biological information remains 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.
Onthophagus batesi
Onthophagus batesi is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, distributed across Central America, Mexico, and parts of the southern United States. The species belongs to a genus renowned for male horn polymorphism and complex sexual selection dynamics. Like other Onthophagus species, it is associated with mammal dung for feeding and breeding. It was described by Harold in 1867 and has also been classified under the genus Phalops.
Onthophagus hoepfneri
Onthophagus hoepfneri is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Harold in 1869. The species occurs across parts of Mexico, Central America, and the southwestern United States. As a member of the genus Onthophagus, it is likely a tunneler-type dung beetle that buries dung for larval development, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Oodinus alutaceus
Oodinus alutaceus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, originally described by Henry Walter Bates in 1882. It belongs to the tribe Oodini within the subfamily Licininae. The species has a documented distribution spanning parts of North and Central America, including Mexico and the United States.
Opeia atascosa
atascosa grasshopper
Opeia atascosa is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1937. It belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae and tribe Eritettigini. The species is distributed across parts of North America and Central America, with records from Arizona and broader Middle American regions. Like other members of its genus, it is characterized by a slanted facial profile typical of Gomphocerinae grasshoppers.
Oplomus mundus
Oplomus mundus is a predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, first described by Stål in 1862. The species has been documented in Central America and North America based on occurrence records. As a member of the predatory stink bug genus Oplomus, it likely functions as a generalist predator, though specific prey associations remain poorly documented. Observations are sparse, with limited published biological or ecological information available.
Oplonaeschna armata
Riffle Darner
Oplonaeschna armata, commonly known as the riffle darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified as of 2017.
Ora discoidea
marsh beetle
Ora discoidea is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae, described by Champion in 1897. It occurs in Central America and has been recorded in North America from Texas to Florida. The species belongs to a family commonly associated with moist habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ora troberti
Marsh Flea Beetle
Ora troberti is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae, commonly known as the Marsh Flea Beetle. It occurs in the southeastern United States and extends south through Central America. The species belongs to a family of small beetles typically associated with moist or aquatic habitats. As with other members of Scirtidae, its biology is poorly documented in published literature.
Ortholeptura insignis
flower longhorn
Ortholeptura insignis is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, including Mexico and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Lepturinae, it is associated with flowers where adults are typically found feeding on pollen.
Osmia clarescens
Osmia clarescens is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1911. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Osmia, it is a cavity-nesting bee that constructs nests in hollow stems or pre-existing holes, sealing brood chambers with mud. Specific ecological details and distinguishing characteristics remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Osmia subfasciata
Osmia subfasciata is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae, native to Central and North America. It is one of approximately 140 Osmia species present in North America. The species belongs to a genus valued for pollination services, particularly in orchard agriculture. Two subspecies are recognized: O. s. subfasciata and O. s. miamiensis.
Osorius planifrons
unmargined rove beetle
Osorius planifrons is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Osoriinae. It belongs to a group commonly referred to as unmargined rove beetles. The species has been recorded in parts of North and Central America, with documented occurrences in the southeastern and southwestern United States and Mexico. Specific ecological and behavioral details remain limited in published sources.
Oulema concolor
Oulema concolor is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1884. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Oulema belongs to the subfamily Criocerinae, commonly known as cereal leaf beetles and their relatives. As with many Oulema species, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Oxacis cana
Oxacis cana is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae. It was described by LeConte in 1854 and is distributed across Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus of slender, soft-bodied beetles commonly known as false blister beetles.
Oxacis pallida
Pallid False Blister Beetle
Oxacis pallida is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae. It occurs in Central America and North America. Members of the family Oedemeridae are commonly known as false blister beetles or false oil beetles, distinguished from true blister beetles (Meloidae) by morphological and ecological differences. The species was described by LeConte in 1854.
Oxacis trirossi
Oxacis trirossi is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae, described by Arnett in 1964. It is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of Oedemeridae, it belongs to a group commonly known for their soft bodies and association with flowers and vegetation.
Oxycopis howdeni
Oxycopis howdeni is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae, first described by Arnett in 1965. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of Oedemeridae, it belongs to a family commonly known as false blister beetles or false oil beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Ozophora salsaverdeae
Ozophora salsaverdeae is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, described by Slater in 1988. The specific epithet refers to Salva Verde, a protected area in Costa Rica where the species was first collected. As a member of the Ozophorini tribe, it belongs to a group of dirt-colored seed bugs characterized by ground-dwelling habits and seed-feeding ecology. The species has been documented through over 270 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is not uncommon within its range.
Pachybrachis latithorax
Tamaulipan Freckled Pachy
Pachybrachis latithorax is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' for their often intricate elytral patterns. Like other members of Pachybrachis, it is presumed to feed on foliage of various plants, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis lustrans
Pachybrachis lustrans is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Pachybrachis, it belongs to a group commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles, recognized for their often ornate elytral patterns. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Pachybrachis marmoratus
Pachybrachis marmoratus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Pachybrachis comprises small, convex beetles that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed exuviae, a trait shared with other members of the subfamily Cryptocephalinae. This species occurs in both Central America and North America.
Pachybrachis nigricornis
Pachybrachis nigricornis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1824 as Cryptocephalus nigricornis. The species is distributed across North America and Central America, with records from Canada (Alberta) through the United States. It belongs to a large genus of small, often colorful leaf beetles commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' due to their intricate elytral patterns. Four subspecies are currently recognized.
Pachybrachis texanus
Tall Texas Pachy
Pachybrachis texanus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is relatively poorly documented, with approximately 80 observations recorded on iNaturalist. It belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles known for their rounded, convex body form and often colorful or patterned elytra.
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.
Paracloeodes minutus
small minnow mayfly
Paracloeodes minutus is a small minnow mayfly in the family Baetidae. It is found in Central America and North America, including southeastern Canada, northern Mexico, and the continental United States. The species was described by Daggy in 1945.
Paradamoetas
Paradamoetas is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) first described by George and Elizabeth Peckham in 1885. The genus name derives from Greek 'para' (alongside) combined with the related genus Damoetas. It contains four species distributed across North and Central America, from Canada to Panama. The type species, P. formicinus, was described in the same paper as the genus.
Parallaxis guzmani
Parallaxis guzmani is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It was described by Baker in 1903 and is known from Central America. The genus Parallaxis belongs to the tribe Dikraneurini, a group of small, often colorful leafhoppers.
Paranapiacaba connexa
Twin-Shield Leaf Beetle
Paranapiacaba connexa is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The common name "Twin-Shield Leaf Beetle" refers to its distinctive elytral pattern. Like other members of its family, it is herbivorous and feeds on plant foliage.
Paranthidium jugatorium
Sunflower Burrowing-Resin bee
Paranthidium jugatorium is a resin bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Sunflower Burrowing-Resin bee. It is native to North and Central America, with records spanning from the southwestern United States through Mexico. The species belongs to the tribe Anthidiini, a group known for constructing nests using plant resins and other materials. Four subspecies are recognized, differing in geographic distribution and minor morphological traits.
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.
Paratyndaris acaciae
Paratyndaris acaciae is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It belongs to the subgenus Paratyndaris (Paratyndaris) within the genus Paratyndaris. The species is found in Central America and North America, with the specific epithet suggesting an association with Acacia host plants. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with woody leguminous plants and is typically collected by beating dead or dying branches.
Paratyndaris albofasciata
Paratyndaris albofasciata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Knull in 1937. It belongs to the subgenus Paratyndaris (Paratyndaris) within the genus Paratyndaris. The species is known from Central America and North America, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the accessible literature.
Paratyndaris cincta
Paratyndaris cincta is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It belongs to the subgenus Paratyndaris (Paratyndaris), one of three subgenera recognized in the genus Paratyndaris. The species was described by Horn in 1885. It is distributed across Central America and North America.
Paratyndaris knulli
Paratyndaris knulli is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, placed in the subgenus Waltersia. It was originally described by Barr in 1972 and occurs in Central America and North America. The genus Paratyndaris is a largely southwestern and Mexican group of jewel beetles, with P. knulli being one of four species in its subgenus. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with dead woody vegetation.
Paratyndaris olneyae
Paratyndaris olneyae is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, originally described as Tyndaris olneyae by Skinner in 1903. It is classified in the subgenus Paratyndaris (Paratyndaris) within the genus Paratyndaris, a predominantly southwestern North American and Mexican group. The species occurs in Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and host associations remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Paria quadriguttata
Willow Paria, willow parium
Paria quadriguttata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the willow parium. The species occurs in Central and North America. As a member of the genus Paria, it is associated with willow hosts (Salix spp.), though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Paromalus durangoensis
clown beetle
Paromalus durangoensis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is known from Mexico and Central America. Like other histerid beetles, it likely inhabits decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Paropomala virgata
virgata toothpick grasshopper
Paropomala virgata, the virgata toothpick grasshopper, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Scudder in 1899. Very little species-specific biological information is documented in available sources.
Parthenicus ruber
Parthenicus ruber is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1917. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with specific records from California, USA. As a member of the Miridae, it belongs to one of the largest families of true bugs, commonly known as plant bugs or leaf bugs.