Central-america
Guides
Pediodectes grandis
grand shieldback
Pediodectes grandis, commonly known as the grand shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. The species was first described by Rehn in 1904 under the basionym Stipator grandis. It is distributed across parts of Central America and North America, with records from northeastern Mexico and Texas. Like other members of the genus Pediodectes, adults are wingless, which can complicate distinguishing adults from nymphs. The species is part of a genus where identification from photographs alone is challenging due to variable color patterns that change with individual age and condition.
Pentacora ligata
shore bug
Pentacora ligata is a species of shore bug in the family Saldidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1832. The species occurs in wetland and shoreline habitats across Central America and North America. As a member of the shore bug family, it is associated with moist, marginal environments.
Perdita bicuspidariae
Perdita bicuspidariae is a small solitary bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1962. It belongs to the large genus Perdita, which comprises over 800 species of mining bees in North America. The species is found in Central America and North America. As with other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a ground-nesting solitary bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita coreopsidis
Coreopsis Fairy Bee, tickseed perdita
Perdita coreopsidis is a small solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Coreopsis Fairy Bee or tickseed perdita. The species was described by Cockerell in 1906 and belongs to the large genus Perdita, which contains hundreds of North American species. Four subspecies are recognized, indicating geographic variation across its range. The specific epithet "coreopsidis" suggests a likely association with Coreopsis (tickseed) plants, though this relationship requires confirmation.
Perdita larreae
Perdita larreae is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1896. It belongs to the genus Perdita, which comprises small, often brightly colored solitary bees commonly known as fairy bees or yellow-faced bees. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As with other members of the genus, it is presumed to be a solitary ground-nesting bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita marcialis
Perdita marcialis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1896. The genus Perdita comprises small, solitary bees, with P. marcialis being among the more diminutive members. The species is documented from Central America and North America. As with other Perdita species, it is likely a ground-nesting solitary bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Pericompsus ephippiatus
Pericompsus ephippiatus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1830. The species is distributed across North and Central America, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. As a member of the Harpalinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of predominantly ground-dwelling beetles. Published observations of this species remain limited.
Perigenes constrictus
Perigenes constrictus is a species of seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly referred to as a dirt-colored seed bug. It occurs across North America and Central America. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1831. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with ground-level habitats and seed-feeding ecology, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published sources.
Perillus confluens
Perillus confluens is a species of predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Perillus, it is a predaceous true bug that actively hunts and kills prey using toxic venom and digestive enzymes.
Perillus splendidus
Perillus splendidus is a species of predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is native to North America and Central America. As a member of the genus Perillus, it shares the predatory habits characteristic of this group, though specific prey records for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Peripsocus madidus
stout barklouse
Peripsocus madidus is a species of stout barklouse described by Hagen in 1861. It is a member of the family Peripsocidae, a group of free-living psocids commonly found on bark and foliage. The species has been documented across North America and Central America. Like other peripsocids, it is likely associated with lichen and algal growth on tree surfaces.
Perithemis domitia
slough amberwing
Perithemis domitia, commonly known as the slough amberwing, is a small skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Phaenops californica
California Flat-Headed Borer
Phaenops californica is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the California flat-headed borer. The species was described by Van Dyke in 1918. It is found in Central America and North America, with distribution records including British Columbia, Canada. As a member of the genus Phaenops, it belongs to a group of jewel beetles associated with coniferous hosts.
Phelister affinis
Phelister affinis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by John E. LeConte in 1860. The species is distributed across the southern United States and Central America. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a group of beetles known for their association with decaying organic matter and association with other insects. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Phelister brevistriatus
clown beetle
Phelister brevistriatus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Casey in 1916. It belongs to the tribe Exosternini within the subfamily Histerinae. The species is known from both North America and Central America, with records from the southwestern United States through Mexico to El Salvador.
Phengodes mexicana
glowworm beetle
Phengodes mexicana is a species of glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae. The species was described by Wittmer in 1976. It occurs in Central America and North America. Members of the genus Phengodes are notable for their bioluminescent larvae and adult females, which are wingless and resemble larvae in appearance.
bioluminescentwingless-femalelarviform-femaleglowworm-beetlePhengodidaeElateriformiaPolyphagaColeopteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaCentral-AmericaNorth-AmericaWittmer-1976PhengodesPhengodes-mexicanaspeciesglowwormbeetleinsectarthropodanimalbioluminescencelarviformwinglessfemalelarvalarvaeadultmaledistributionrangegeographic-rangegeographic-distributionMiddle-AmericaAmericaAmericasWittmer1976descriptiontaxonomyclassificationmexicanaPhilaronia abjecta
Philaronia abjecta is a spittlebug species in the family Aphrophoridae, first described by Uhler in 1876. It is distributed across parts of North America and has been recorded as far north as Alaska and Alberta. The species belongs to a genus of relatively small, inconspicuous spittlebugs.
Phileurus truncatus
Triceratops Beetle
Phileurus truncatus, commonly known as the Triceratops Beetle, is a large scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species is named for its distinctive horn-like projections on the head and pronotum, which resemble the horns of a triceratops dinosaur. It occurs across the southern United States and extends south through Mexico into Central America. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights.
Philophuga
Philophuga is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Motschulsky in 1859. The genus contains approximately five described species distributed in the Americas, including Philophuga viridis and Philophuga amoena. Members belong to the subfamily Lebiinae, tribe Lebiini. Species are primarily documented from North and Central America.
Philophuga caerulea
Philophuga caerulea is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1913. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Mexico and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Lebiinae, it belongs to a diverse group of often small, active predatory beetles. Specific ecological details and morphological traits for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Philotarsus
loving barklice
Philotarsus is a genus of barklice in the family Philotarsidae, containing approximately 18 described species. These insects are commonly known as 'loving barklice,' a name shared with related genera in the family. The genus was established by Kolbe in 1880 and is distributed across parts of North and Central America.
Phloeoxena signata
Phloeoxena signata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Records indicate this species occurs in Central America and parts of North America, with confirmed observations from Mexico through Panama. As a member of Carabidae, it likely exhibits typical ground beetle characteristics including predatory habits and terrestrial lifestyle, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Phocides belus
Belus skipper, beautiful beamer
Phocides belus, commonly known as the Belus skipper or beautiful beamer, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It ranges from Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica, with occasional strays reaching southern Texas. The species is recognized by its distinctive powder-blue wing coloration.
Phodaga marmorata
Phodaga marmorata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Eupomphini. The species is characterized by its marbled or mottled coloration, as indicated by its specific epithet. It occurs in both Central and North America. Like other members of Meloidae, it possesses chemical defenses including cantharidin, a toxic compound that provides protection against predators.
Phorticus collaris
collared nabid, yellow-collared nabid
Phorticus collaris is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as the collared nabid or yellow-collared nabid. It was first described by Stål in 1873. The species has been documented across Central America and North America, with recent first records from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama extending its known distribution range. Like other nabid bugs, it is a predatory true bug.
Phostria oajacalis
Phostria oajacalis is a moth species in the family Crambidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1865. It is currently treated as a synonym of Phostria tedea. The species is recorded from Central America and the southern United States.
Phylloicus aeneus
Phylloicus aeneus is a caddisfly species in the family Calamoceratidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. It is known from Central America and is part of a genus of caddisflies whose larvae construct distinctive leaf-case shelters. The species belongs to an order of aquatic insects with high ecological importance in freshwater ecosystems.
Phyllophaga crinita
Phyllophaga crinita is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, native to Central America. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga (commonly called May beetles or June beetles), its larvae are white grubs that develop in soil. The species was described by Burmeister in 1855.
Phyllophaga ephilida
Phyllophaga ephilida is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with two recognized subspecies: P. ephilida ephilida and P. ephilida virilis. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga (May beetles), it belongs to a highly speciose group of scarabs whose larvae are root-feeding white grubs.
Phyllophaga ignava
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga ignava is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, it shares the typical characteristics of the group including nocturnal adults and root-feeding larvae.
Phyllophaga inversa
May beetle
Phyllophaga inversa is a scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, originally described as Lachnosterna inversa by Horn in 1887. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, which are characterized by subterranean larval stages that feed on plant roots. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with documented records from the United States and Canada.
Phyllophaga lenis
Phyllophaga lenis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is currently treated as a synonym of Trichesthes lenis in some taxonomic databases. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, extending into Central America. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, it belongs to the group commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Phymata americana
Jagged Ambush Bug, Ambush Bug
Phymata americana is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the jagged ambush bug. It is native to North and Central America, where it hunts on flowers using a sit-and-wait strategy. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size and weapon morphology, with females typically larger than males and possessing disproportionately longer raptorial forelegs. Color polymorphism occurs, with individuals showing variation in body coloration that appears to influence flower color preference for camouflage.
Phymata fasciata
ambush bug
Phymata fasciata is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae, characterized by its raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with four recognized subspecies showing geographic variation. As a member of the Phymatinae, it employs sit-and-wait predation tactics typical of ambush bugs, though specific behavioral and ecological studies for this species remain limited.
Physemus minutus
minute marsh-loving beetle
Physemus minutus is a minute marsh-loving beetle in the family Limnichidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854. This small beetle is known from limited records across Central America and North America. Like other members of the Limnichidae family, it is associated with wetland and marsh habitats. The species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in scientific literature.
Piesocorynus lateralis
fungus weevil
Piesocorynus lateralis is a species of fungus weevil in the beetle family Anthribidae, first described by Jordan in 1906. The species is known from Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Piesocorynus, it is associated with fungal environments, though specific ecological details remain limited. The Anthribidae family is commonly referred to as fungus weevils due to their frequent association with fungi, distinguishing them from the more diverse true weevils (Curculionidae).
Piezocera monochroa
Piezocera monochroa is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Henry Walter Bates in 1885. It belongs to the tribe Piezocerini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The species is known from limited records in Central America, with distribution confirmed in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Pilophorus crassipes
Pilophorus crassipes is a plant bug species in the family Miridae, described by Heidemann in 1892. It occurs in eastern North America and Central America. The genus Pilophorus includes species known for ant-mimicking appearance, though specific traits for P. crassipes are not well documented in available sources.
Piruna haferniki
Chisos Skipperling
Piruna haferniki, known as the Chisos Skipperling, is a species of intermediate skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was described by Freeman in 1970. The species is found in Central America and North America, with its common name referencing the Chisos Mountains region in Texas.
Pisonopsis birkmanni
square-headed wasp
Pisonopsis birkmanni is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae. It was described by Rohwer in 1909. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of Trypoxylini, it is a solitary wasp. Observations of this species are sparse, with limited ecological data available.
Pissonotus muiri
Pissonotus muiri is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Metcalf in 1943. It is one of several planthopper species with the specific epithet "muiri," named in honor of Frederick Muir, a prominent early 20th-century entomologist who conducted extensive fieldwork in the Pacific region. The species is recorded from Florida and parts of Middle America including Belize. Like other delphacid planthoppers, it belongs to a group of insects commonly associated with grasses and sedges, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Plateros coccinicollis
Plateros coccinicollis is a species of net-winged beetle described by Fall in 1910. It belongs to the family Lycidae, a group characterized by soft, flexible elytra with distinctive net-like venation patterns. The species has been recorded in both Central America and North America.
Platycryptus
Tan Jumping Spider
Platycryptus is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) described by D. E. Hill in 1979. The name derives from Greek 'platy' (flat) and 'crypt' (hidden), referring to their flattened bodies and habit of hiding in crevices. These spiders are characterized by cryptic gray and brown coloration with hairy bodies. They are active hunters found on tree bark and wooden structures, with four recognized species distributed across North America, Central America, and Brazil.
Platynus cazieri
Platynus cazieri is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Liebherr and Will in 1996. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Dyscolus cazieri in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing classification revisions within the Platynini tribe. It occurs in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from the United States.
Platystethus americanus
spiny-legged rove beetle
Platystethus americanus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxytelinae. It is characterized by spiny legs, a trait common to members of its genus. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Central America, and Oceania, with documented records from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Hawaii, and Japan. New distributional records have been reported, indicating ongoing range documentation.
Pleuropasta mirabilis
Pleuropasta mirabilis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The species belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, a group of meloid beetles characterized by aposematic coloration and chemical defenses. It occurs in both Central America and North America. The genus Pleuropasta contains at least two recognized species, with P. mirabilis being the more widespread and well-collected of the two.
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.
Poanes
Poanes is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, erected by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1872. The genus is distributed throughout North and Central America. In 2019, several species were transferred to the new genus Lon, reducing Poanes to six recognized species. The genus is characterized by larvae that feed on grasses and sedges.
Pocadius helvolus
hairy puffball beetle
Pocadius helvolus, commonly known as the hairy puffball beetle, is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. The species was described by Erichson in 1843. It is found in Central America and North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. The common name suggests a hairy appearance, though specific morphological details are limited in available sources.
Podolasia stillwellorum
Podolasia stillwellorum is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Howden in 1997. It belongs to the subfamily Podolasiinae, a small group within the scarab beetles. The species is known from limited records in Central America and Texas.