Central-america
Guides
Poecilonota bridwelli
Poecilonota bridwelli is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Van Dyke in 1918 and occurs in Central America and North America. It belongs to a genus whose members are primarily associated with Salicaceae (poplars and willows).
Poecilus chalcites
Poecilus chalcites is a predaceous ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly found in agricultural systems and croplands across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species is recognized for its role as a biological control agent, feeding on multiple crop pests including corn rootworm, corn earworm, and cutworm species. Sexual dimorphism in foretarsus shape allows straightforward sex identification: males possess a heart-shaped proximal foretarsus, while females have a thinner structure. Laboratory rearing studies have established protocols for maintaining colonies, though laboratory-reared adults typically fail to reproduce.
Pogonodaptus
Pogonodaptus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Stenolophini. The genus was established by G. Horn in 1881 and contains two described species: Pogonodaptus mexicanus (Bates, 1878) and Pogonodaptus rostratus Darlington, 1935. Members of this genus occur in the Neotropical region.
Pogonodaptus mexicanus
Pogonodaptus mexicanus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, first described by Bates in 1878. It is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the tribe Stenolophini, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized carabid beetles often associated with open, disturbed habitats. The genus Pogonodaptus is not well-documented in published literature, and specific biological details for this species remain limited.
Polistes major major
horse's wasp
Polistes major major is a neotropical eusocial paper wasp subspecies most commonly found on Hispaniola Island and within Central America. It is known locally as "avispa de caballo" (horse's wasp) in the Dominican Republic. As a member of the genus Polistes, it is a social wasp that constructs exposed paper nests and lives in colonies with a reproductive hierarchy.
Polycesta aruensis
Desert-dwelling Polycesta
Polycesta aruensis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Polycestinae. It is found in desert regions of southwestern North America and Central America. Adults have been observed on flowers and associated with partially dead trees, where they likely develop as larvae in the wood. The species exhibits synchronized emergence events that can produce temporary aggregations of adults.
Polymerus basalis
red-spotted aster mirid
Polymerus basalis is a plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the red-spotted aster mirid. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with records from the United States (including Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and West Virginia), Mexico, and Brazil. It inhabits agricultural fields and adjacent habitats, particularly in the Delta region of the lower Mississippi River valley. Two subspecies are recognized: Polymerus basalis basalis and Polymerus basalis fuscatus.
Polymerus testaceipes
Polymerus testaceipes is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was first described by Stål in 1860. Available records indicate presence in countries including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Surinam, and the United States (Florida), with 51 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Polypsocus corruptus
Corrupt Barklouse
Polypsocus corruptus is a species of barklouse in the family Amphipsocidae, commonly known as the Corrupt Barklouse. It is one of the most frequently observed barklice in North America, with over 2,300 documented records. The species belongs to the group of 'hairy-winged barklice,' characterized by setose wing surfaces. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning temperate and subtropical regions of North and Central America.
Portentomorpha
Portentomorpha is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Hans Georg Amsel in 1956. The genus contains a single species, Portentomorpha xanthialis, and serves as the type genus for the tribe Portentomorphini. The genus is distributed across the southeastern United States, Caribbean islands, and tropical regions of Central and South America.
Proba distanti
plant bug
Proba distanti is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Atkinson in 1890. It occurs in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from Cuba, Mexico, and Guatemala. As a member of the large and diverse family Miridae, it belongs to one of the most species-rich families of true bugs. The species is documented in entomological collections and has been reported in biodiversity databases, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Proba sallei
Proba sallei is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is distributed across the Neotropical region, with records from Mexico through Central America to South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The species was originally described by Carl Stål in 1862 under the name Dagbertus sallei. As a member of the large and diverse family Miridae, it belongs to one of the most species-rich families of true bugs, though specific biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Procambarus
crayfish, crawfish, crawdad
Procambarus is a genus of freshwater crayfish in the family Cambaridae, native to North and Central America. The genus contains approximately 160 species in 16 subgenera, making it one of the most species-rich crayfish genera. It includes both widespread surface-dwelling species and numerous troglobitic (cave-dwelling) species. The marbled crayfish (marmorkrebs), a parthenogenetic form, is also classified within this genus. Several species, particularly P. clarkii (red swamp crayfish), have been introduced globally and are recognized as invasive species with significant ecological and economic impacts.
Prolimacodes
skiff moth
Prolimacodes is a genus of slug caterpillar moths in the family Limacodidae, established by William Schaus in 1896. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across North and Central America. Caterpillars in this genus are commonly referred to as "slug caterpillars" due to their distinctive reduced-leg locomotion. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet light sources and are documented in citizen science observations.
Pronotacantha annulata
Pronotacantha annulata is a species of stilt bug in the family Berytidae, first described by Uhler in 1893. It is found in Central America and North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah) and northern Mexico (Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Durango, Sonora). As a member of the Berytidae, it possesses the characteristic elongated legs and slender body form typical of stilt bugs.
Prosapia simulans
Prosapia simulans is a spittlebug species (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) native to Central America that was first detected in Colombia in 1999, where it has since become an economic pest of cultivated graminoids. The species has a hemimetabolous life cycle with five nymphal instars and exhibits a notably long life cycle of approximately 72 days compared to other spittlebug species in the region. Females preferentially oviposit on plant stems rather than soil, distinguishing it ecologically from congeners. Eggs can enter diapause, with field-collected eggs showing nearly 70% diapause incidence during dry season months. The species currently has a restricted distribution within Colombia's Cauca Valley but poses ongoing agricultural concern.
Prostephanus apax
horned powder-post beetle
Prostephanus apax is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae, first described by Lesne in 1930. It belongs to the same genus as the economically significant larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus), but is considerably less studied. The species is native to Central America and North America. Unlike its congener P. truncatus, P. apax has not been documented as a major pest of stored products.
Prostephanus truncatus
Larger Grain Borer, Greater Grain Borer
Prostephanus truncatus, commonly known as the larger grain borer or greater grain borer, is a highly destructive beetle in the family Bostrichidae. Native to Mexico and Central America where it evolved as a wood-boring insect, it adapted to become a major pest of stored maize. The species was accidentally introduced to Tanzania, Africa in the late 1970s and subsequently spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where it additionally adapted to cassava as an alternate host. Populations can destroy up to 40% of stored maize in three months and cause estimated losses of 52-74% of stored cassava. Climate modeling indicates potential for further range expansion into the southern United States, South America, and tropical Asia.
Proteides mercurius mercurius
Mercurial Skipper
Proteides mercurius mercurius is a subspecies of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is part of the widespread Mercurial Skipper complex, which occurs across the Americas from the southern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. The nominate subspecies is distinguished by its distribution and subtle morphological differences from other subspecies. It is a medium-sized skipper with rapid, darting flight characteristic of the family.
Protoneura cara
orange-striped threadtail
Protoneura cara is a species of narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as the orange-striped threadtail. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Oaxaca and broader regions of Middle America. The IUCN assessed the species as Least Concern in 2017, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Protosmia rubifloris
Prong-faced Slender-Mason
Protosmia rubifloris is a small mason bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Prong-faced Slender-Mason. It belongs to the genus Protosmia, a group of slender-bodied bees that construct nests using mud or plant resins. The species occurs across Central and North America. As with other megachilids, females carry pollen on the underside of the abdomen rather than on the legs.
Psara obscuralis
obscure psara moth
Psara obscuralis, the obscure psara moth, is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 23 mm. It occurs across the southeastern and central United States, with its range extending south through Mexico to Costa Rica. Adults are active from May through September. The larvae feed on two specific host plants: Petiveria alliacea (guinea hen weed) and Phytolacca americana (pokeweed).
Pselliopus zebra
Zebra assassin bug
Pselliopus zebra is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, characterized by its distinctive black and white striped coloration reminiscent of a zebra pattern. This predatory true bug inhabits regions of Central America and North America, where it hunts small arthropod prey. Like other members of the genus Pselliopus, it possesses raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey and a piercing-sucking proboscis used to subdue and consume victims.
Pseneo punctatus
aphid wasp
Pseneo punctatus is a species of aphid wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. It was first described by W. Fox in 1898. The species is known from Central America and North America. Three subspecies are recognized: P. p. carolina, P. p. ferrugineus, and P. p. punctatus. As a member of the Psenini tribe, it is presumed to be a predator of aphids, though specific prey records for this species are not documented in the available sources.
Pseudaptinus tenuicollis
Pseudaptinus tenuicollis is a ground beetle species described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It belongs to the tribe Harpalini within the large family Carabidae. The species is distributed across parts of North and Central America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported.
Pseudips
Pseudips is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. The genus includes species native to western North America and Central America that primarily attack pine trees (Pinus species). The best-documented species, Pseudips mexicanus, is a secondary bark beetle that colonizes stressed or weakened pine hosts. Research on this species in British Columbia has documented its polygynous mating system and univoltine life cycle in northern populations.
Pseudomops septentrionalis
pale-bordered field cockroach, firefly roach
Pseudomops septentrionalis is a small field-dwelling cockroach native to North and Central America. It is commonly known as the pale-bordered field cockroach or firefly roach. Unlike many cockroach species associated with human structures, this species inhabits outdoor environments. It has been documented as a host for the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, which may provide nutritional benefits.
Pseudopachybrachius basalis
Pale-spotted Seed Bug
Pseudopachybrachius basalis is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. It is commonly known as the Pale-spotted Seed Bug. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Pseudopamera nitidula
dirt-colored seed bug
Pseudopamera nitidula is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, first described by Uhler in 1893. It is found in Central America and North America, including the United States and Mexico. The species is part of the Myodochini tribe within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae.
Pseudopanurgus atricornis
Pseudopanurgus atricornis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It was first described by Cresson in 1878. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Pseudopanurgus, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized bees that nest in the ground.
Pseudopsallus puberus
Pseudopsallus puberus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It was described by Uhler in 1894. The species is distributed across western North America and parts of Central America.
Pseudozonitis vaurieae
Pseudozonitis vaurieae is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Enns in 1956. It is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Nemognathinae subfamily, it possesses the characteristic elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species is part of a genus that was revised by Enns in 1956, who proposed the genus Pseudozonitis to accommodate species previously placed in related genera.
Psylliodes convexior
hop flea beetle
Psylliodes convexior, commonly known as the hop flea beetle, is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and Central America. The species belongs to a genus known for flea-like jumping behavior and association with host plants. Specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published sources.
Ptiloglossa mexicana
Mexican feather-tongue
Ptiloglossa mexicana is a nocturnal bee species in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the Mexican feather-tongue. It is found from Central America north to Texas, USA. As a member of the genus Ptiloglossa, it belongs to a group of bees characterized by their distinctive feathery glossae (tongue structures) adapted for nectar collection. The species is part of the diverse and ecologically important community of native bees that contribute to pollination in its range.
Ptomaphagus cavernicola
small carrion beetle
Ptomaphagus cavernicola is a small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, first described by Schwarz in 1898. The species is found in Central America and North America, with distribution records from the United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas) and Mexico. It belongs to the subgenus Adelops within Ptomaphagus.
Pyrausta aurea
Pyrausta aurea is a small crambid moth described by Butler in 1875. Adults are bright orange with distinctive wing markings and show sexual dimorphism in size. The species occurs from the southwestern United States through Central America. Adults are active during summer months.
Pyropyga minuta
Flower Elf
Pyropyga minuta is a tiny, day-active firefly species commonly known as the flower elf. Adults measure 3–7 mm and are solid black with a distinctive pale yellow pronotum marked by a dark central bar flanked by red. Unlike most fireflies, adults lack functional bioluminescent lanterns and do not flash; instead, they are believed to use pheromones for mate location. The species is widespread across North and Central America.
Pyrota fasciata
Pyrota fasciata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Selander in 1963. Adults measure 10–21 mm in length, with most specimens below 15 mm. The species is distinguished from congeners by its uniform background shell coloration, contrasting with the two-toned background of Pyrota punctata. It occurs in Central America and North America, with 158 iNaturalist observations documented.
Pyrota mylabrina
Pyrota mylabrina is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The species was described by Chevrolat in 1834. Like other members of the genus Pyrota, it is characterized by aposematic coloration, typically featuring orange or yellow and black patterns that serve as warning signals for its chemical defenses. The genus is known for pronounced sexual size dimorphism in some species, with males often considerably smaller than females.
Pyrota plagiata
Pyrota plagiata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Pyrotini. The species was described by Haag-Rutenberg in 1880. It occurs in Central America and North America. Like other Pyrota species, it likely exhibits aposematic coloration typical of the genus. Museum records indicate substantial specimen holdings (106 specimens at the Entomology Research Museum, UC Riverside), suggesting it is not uncommon within its range.
Pyrrharctia
woolly bear moth
Pyrrharctia is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, described by Packard in 1864. The genus contains two described species found in North and Central America. The best-known species, Pyrrharctia isabella, produces the familiar banded woolly bear caterpillar, widely recognized for its black and orange banded appearance and cultural association with winter weather prediction. The genus is notable for the freeze-tolerance adaptations of its larvae, which overwinter as caterpillars using cryoprotectant compounds to survive subfreezing temperatures.
Rachiplusia ou
Gray Looper Moth
Rachiplusia ou, commonly known as the gray looper moth, is a species of noctuid moth in the subfamily Plusiinae. It is widely distributed throughout North and Central America, from the southern and eastern United States through Mexico to Venezuela, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. Adults are active from May to October in temperate regions, with year-round activity in southern states. Unlike its South American congener Rachiplusia nu, which is a major agricultural pest of soybean and sunflower, R. ou has not gained significant status as a crop pest.
Reduvius senilis
Reduvius senilis is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is found in Central America and North America. Very little specific information is available about this species in the provided sources, which focus primarily on the related and better-known Masked Hunter (Reduvius personatus).
Reduvius sonoraensis
Reduvius sonoraensis is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is known to occur in Central America and North America. A distinctive feature of this species is the presence of two morphological types discernible by the fifth instar: individuals with short wing pads and those with long wing pads. This wing pad dimorphism represents an unusual developmental polymorphism within the genus Reduvius.
Reichenbachia appendiculata
Reichenbachia appendiculata is a species of ant-loving beetle (myrmecophile) in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. It is known from a limited number of observations across Central America and southern North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group characterized by small size and complex ecological associations with ants and soil habitats. A nominotypical subspecies, R. appendiculata appendiculata, was described by Raffray in 1904.
Rhiginia cinctiventris
millipede assassin
Rhiginia cinctiventris is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, specifically classified within the millipede assassin subfamily Ectrichodiinae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Ectrichodiinae, it belongs to a specialized group of predatory true bugs known for preying on millipedes.
Rhizophagus brunneus
root-eating beetle
Rhizophagus brunneus is a species of root-eating beetle in the family Monotomidae. The species was described by Horn in 1879. Two subspecies are recognized: Rhizophagus brunneus brunneus Horn, 1879 and Rhizophagus brunneus fenyesi Méquignon, 1913. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Rhopalosoma nearcticum
Rhopalosoma nearcticum is a parasitoid wasp in the family Rhopalosomatidae. Its larvae develop as ectoparasitoids on crickets, with documented hosts including multiple Hapithus species and the Anaxipha exigua species-group. The species is found in the Americas from the United States to Brazil, though phylogenetic studies suggest at least two genetically distinct Rhopalosoma clades exist in America north of Mexico.
parasitoidectoparasitoidcricket-parasitewaspshymenopterarhopalosomatidaenearcticumbrues-1943americasunited-statesbrazilmid-atlantictennesseehapithusanaxiphagryllidaetrigonidiidaebarcodingphylogeneticsgenetic-cladeslarval-developmenthost-specificityinsect-parasitoidaculeatavespoideaapocritahexapodaarthropodainsectaanimaliametazoaeukaryotacypress-grove-nature-parkjackson-tennesseeopen-journal-of-animal-sciencesjournal-of-hymenoptera-researchgbifinaturalistcatalogue-of-lifencbi-taxonomywikipediadna-barcodingnew-host-recordspecies-complexcryptic-speciesnorth-americacentral-americasouth-americamexicomexican-statesutahdistribution-recordsobservations327-observations737475767778mxcmxemxgmximxnmxsmxtutaacceptedexact-matchspecies-rank1943bruesrhopalosoma-cressonhymenoptera-rhopalosomatidaeamerica-north-of-mexicocricket-parasitizing-wasphabitat-abundancesmid-atlantic-parkectoparasitoid-larvaehost-speciesgryllidae-hapithinaetrigonidiidae-trigonidiinaegenetic-evidencesecond-speciesphylogenetic-analysesgenetically-distinct-cladesat-least-two-speciesdocumented-specieslarvae-collectedcollection-sitenature-parkconservativefactualaccuratestructuredentomologyguidetaxon-recordjson-schemahigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguishsimilar-taxaenvironmentconditionsgeographic-rangetimingactivityfeedingdevelopmentalstagesnotableactionshabitsecosysteminteractionmeaningfuladditional-contextcleardirectconcretenon-overlappinguniquecautiousobservedknownnullsupportedjustifiedinferredmediumlowsparsewell-supportedpartialreliablecritical-rulesfield-intentstyle-rulesquality-rulesoutput-formatstrictly-matchno-extra-fieldsno-commentaryprioritycorrectnesscompletenessclarityverbosityusefulnessspeculationvaguegeneralizationsfabricatebehaviorsdiet-detailslife-cycle-detailshost-relationshipsflufffillertaxonomyprosetechnical-jargonconcrete-statementsabstract-descriptionsRhyopsocus texanus
Rhyopsocus texanus is a species of barklouse in the family Psoquillidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America, including the United States and Mexico. As a member of the Psocodea order, it belongs to a group of insects commonly associated with decaying organic matter and bird nests. The species was first described by Nathan Banks in 1930.
Rhysodesmus
Rhysodesmus is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, established by Cook in 1895. The genus contains at least 90 described species, with Rhysodesmus dasypus serving as the type species and recognized as the largest known xystodesmid millipede. Species in this genus range from El Salvador northward through Mexico to the southern United States. The genus is taxonomically significant within the Polydesmida order but remains incompletely characterized for many species.