Central-america
Guides
Dylobolus rotundicollis
Firefly Longhorn
Dylobolus rotundicollis is a longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Hemilophini. It was described by James Thomson in 1868 and is known from Costa Rica and the United States. The species has been historically classified under the genus Mecas, which remains a synonym. Observations suggest adult activity during summer months in North American regions.
Dysphenges
Dysphenges is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) established by Horn in 1894. The genus comprises four described species distributed in North America and Central America. Three species were described by Gilbert and Riley in 2002: D. penrosei, D. rileyi, and D. secretus. As members of the Alticini tribe, these beetles possess the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling their distinctive jumping locomotion.
Dythemis maya
Mayan Setwing
Dythemis maya, commonly known as the Mayan Setwing, is a species of skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival; this status was last reviewed in 2017.
Dythemis nigrescens
Black Setwing
Dythemis nigrescens, commonly known as the black setwing, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It occurs across Central America and North America, with documented observations concentrated in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species holds a least concern conservation status with stable populations. The common name refers to its dark wing coloration, a distinctive feature among setwings in the genus Dythemis.
Echinargus
Reakirt's blue
Echinargus is a monotypic butterfly genus in the family Lycaenidae, containing the single species Echinargus isola (Reakirt's blue). The genus was described by Vladimir Nabokov in 1945. The species is notable for its extensive migratory behavior, regularly moving northward from its core range in Central America and the southern United States into northern regions.
Ectemnius sonorensis
square-headed wasp
Ectemnius sonorensis is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae. It was described by Cameron in 1891. The species is known from Central America. Like other members of the genus Ectemnius, it is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with prey for its larvae.
Ectomis
Ectomis is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Eudaminae. The genus was established by Mabille in 1878 and contains approximately 30 recognized species distributed across the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions. Species within Ectomis exhibit considerable variation in wing pattern and distribution, with many restricted to specific regions of Central and South America. The genus is divided into two subgeneric groupings: Ectomis (Ectomis) and Ectomis (Asina).
Ecyrus arcuatus
Ecyrus arcuatus is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Charles Joseph Gahan in 1892. The species belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Pogonocherini. It occurs across parts of North and Central America, with documented records from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Eidoreus politus
Eidoreus politus is a small beetle species in the family Eupsilobiidae, a group of polyphagan beetles formerly treated as part of Corylophidae. The species was described by Casey in 1895 and is known from collections across Central America and North America. Like other eupsilobiids, it is likely associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Elasmia mandela
Elasmia mandela is a moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Herbert Druce in 1887. The species occurs in Mexico, Costa Rica, Texas, and Oklahoma. Adults are active from April to early October. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form in Mexico and Costa Rica, and E. m. santaana in Texas, Oklahoma, and probably Mexico.
Electrostrymon guzanta
Electrostrymon guzanta is a neotropical hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species occurs in Central and northern South America, where adults inhabit forested environments. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits the characteristic tail-like hindwing extensions typical of hairstreaks. The species was originally described by William Chapman Hewitson in 1877 under the genus Thecla.
Ellipsoptera lepida
Ghost Tiger Beetle, Little White Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera lepida, known as the ghost tiger beetle or little white tiger beetle, is a small tiger beetle notable for its almost pure white dorsal coloration that provides exceptional camouflage on pale sandy substrates. Adults measure 9–11 mm and are active during summer months. The species occupies a specialized niche in deep, dry sand habitats and has a two-year life cycle. Populations are localized and patchy across its range, and it has disappeared from many historical sites due to habitat succession and revegetation. It is listed as a state threatened species in Minnesota.
Ellipsoptera nevadica
Nevada tiger beetle
Ellipsoptera nevadica is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with nine recognized subspecies including the critically endangered E. n. lincolniana (salt creek tiger beetle). Subspecies E. n. lincolniana has been intensively studied due to its conservation status, with research demonstrating that egg survival and oviposition are negatively impacted by high temperatures and low precipitation.
Ellipsoptera sperata
Rio Grande Tiger Beetle, Flashy Tiger Beetle
Ellipsoptera sperata is a species of tiger beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae, commonly known as the Rio Grande Tiger Beetle. It occurs in Central America and North America, with its distribution spanning the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is one of three recognized subspecies within E. sperata, alongside E. s. inquisitor and E. s. vauriei. As a member of the genus Ellipsoptera, it shares the characteristic elliptical wing shape and preference for sandy or saline habitats typical of this group.
Elytroleptus ignitus
Elytroleptus ignitus is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1884. The species was revised taxonomically in 2013, with E. luteicollis synonymized under this name. It is one of three Elytroleptus species documented as predaceous on lycid beetles (family Lycidae), which it also mimics in appearance. The genus occurs in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Emelinus melsheimeri
Emelinus melsheimeri is a species of ant-like leaf beetle in the family Aderidae, first described by LeConte in 1855. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Members of the family Aderidae are characteristically small beetles with a compact, somewhat ant-like appearance, though specific morphological details for this species remain limited in published sources.
Empicoris orthoneuron
thread-legged bug
Empicoris orthoneuron is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, characterized by its elongated, slender body form adapted for predation. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning Central America, North America, and South America. It is one of many small, nocturnal predatory insects attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Empicoris errabundus in some taxonomic databases.
Enchenopa sericea
Enchenopa sericea is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Walker in 1851. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that distinguishes treehoppers from related Hemiptera. The species epithet 'sericea' (silky) likely refers to surface texture or sheen. Distribution records indicate presence in Central and South America including Panama (Chiriquí, Colón), Colombia (Córdoba), Mexico (Guerrero), and Brazil (Minas Gerais). As with most Neotropical Enchenopa species, detailed biological information remains limited due to incomplete taxonomic study of tropical Membracidae.
Enneboeus caseyi
Enneboeus caseyi is a species of cryptic fungus beetle in the family Archeocrypticidae, described by Kaszab in 1981. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with confirmed records from Middle America and North America. Like other members of the genus Enneboeus, this species is associated with fungal habitats. Very limited biological information is available for this species.
Enoclerus decussatus
checkered beetle
Enoclerus decussatus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It is found in Central America and North America.
Enoclerus luscus
Enoclerus luscus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It is found in Central America. As a member of the genus Enoclerus, it belongs to the largest genus of Cleridae in North America north of Mexico, with 32 species. Checkered beetles in this genus are generally predators of other woodboring beetles, particularly bark beetles.
Enoclerus opifex
Enoclerus opifex is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It occurs in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Enoclerus, it belongs to the largest genus of Cleridae in North America north of Mexico. Checkered beetles in this family are predators, particularly of woodboring beetles such as bark beetles.
Ephyriades
Ephyriades is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae. The genus was established by Hübner in 1819. All species are restricted to Central America and the Caribbean region. Several species are commonly referred to as duskywings due to their dark wing coloration.
Epicauta abadona
Sub-sutural Blister Beetle
Epicauta abadona is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with museum holdings documenting 48 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection. The species was described by Skinner in 1904 and belongs to the subgenus Epicauta (Epicauta). Like other members of the genus, it possesses the chemical defense compound cantharidin characteristic of blister beetles.
Epicauta andersoni
Epicauta andersoni is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. The species belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous North American species known for producing the defensive compound cantharidin. Based on collection records from the Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside, E. andersoni is represented by 85 adult specimens. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Epicauta arizonica
Epicauta arizonica is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. The species is assigned to the subgenus Macrobasis within Epicauta. It is found in Central America and North America, with 326 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other Epicauta species, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that causes blistering and is toxic to most vertebrates.
Epicauta atrata
red-headed blister beetle
Epicauta atrata, commonly known as the red-headed blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is distinguished by its red head and entirely black body. The species occurs in Central America and North America, including the Canadian province of Manitoba. Like other Epicauta species, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin. It has been documented attacking the eggs of Epicauta vittata, a crop pest found on the East Coast of North America.
Epicauta atrivittata
Black-striped Blister Beetle
Epicauta atrivittata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, occurring in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it produces cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound that is toxic to most vertebrates and causes blistering on contact with skin. The species is placed in the subgenus Macrobasis based on morphological characteristics.
Epicauta brunnea
blister beetle
Epicauta brunnea is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it produces cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound that is toxic to most vertebrates and causes blistering upon contact with skin.
Epicauta callosa
Spot-necked Epicauta
Epicauta callosa is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Spot-necked Epicauta. It occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it possesses the characteristic chemical defense of blister beetles: the ability to produce cantharidin, a potent irritant compound. The species was described by LeConte in 1866 and is represented in museum collections with moderate specimen numbers.
Epicauta cupraeola
Epicauta cupraeola is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, found across Central America and North America. As a member of the large genus Epicauta, it possesses the chemical defense characteristic of meloid beetles: cantharidin, a bitter, toxic terpenoid compound. The species was described by Dugès in 1869 and is represented by 209 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum's Meloidae holdings. Like other Epicauta species, adults are likely plant-feeders, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented.
Epicauta immaculata
immaculate meloid, Brown Blister Beetle
Epicauta immaculata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the immaculate meloid or Brown Blister Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within Epicauta. Like other blister beetles, it possesses cantharidin, a defensive compound that can cause skin irritation.
Epicauta longicollis
Epicauta longicollis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that can cause blistering in humans and is toxic to livestock when ingested via contaminated hay. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within Epicauta.
Epicauta maculata
spotted blister beetle
Epicauta maculata, commonly known as the spotted blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It belongs to the Epicauta maculata species group, a monophyletic clade comprising North American and South American species. The species is found in Central America and North America. Like other blister beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that can cause skin blistering in humans and is toxic to livestock.
Epicauta normalis
Epicauta normalis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. The species belongs to the large and taxonomically challenging genus Epicauta, which contains numerous species with variable coloration and pattern. As a member of Meloidae, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that causes blistering in vertebrates. The species is documented from Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating it is represented by 186 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection.
Epicauta ochrea
Ochre Beaded Blister Beetle
Epicauta ochrea is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Ochre Beaded Blister Beetle. The species was described by LeConte in 1853 and is placed in the subgenus Macrobasis. It occurs across Central America and North America, with museum records indicating substantial collections from western regions. Like other Epicauta species, it likely produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering on contact with skin.
Epicauta puncticollis
punctate blister beetle
Epicauta puncticollis, commonly known as the punctate blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As with other Epicauta species, it likely produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that causes blistering and is toxic to most vertebrates.
Epicauta straba
Epicauta straba is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1891. It is one of the most commonly collected Epicauta species in North American museum holdings, with 332 specimens documented in the Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside. The species occurs across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus, it is expected to produce cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound characteristic of blister beetles.
Epicauta sublineata
Gray-headed Blister Beetle
Epicauta sublineata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is assigned to the subgenus Macrobasis within Epicauta. Like other blister beetles, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin.
Epicauta temexa
Epicauta temexa is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, described by Adams & Selander in 1979. It belongs to the subgenus Epicauta (Epicauta), a large and taxonomically challenging group of North American blister beetles. The species is recorded from Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating established populations in the region. Like other Epicauta species, it likely produces cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound characteristic of the family.
Epicauta tenebrosa
Epicauta tenebrosa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Werner in 1949. It belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous North and Central American species. Like other members of its genus, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin. The species is documented from both Central America and North America, though specific details of its biology remain limited in published literature.
Epicauta tenuilineata
Thin-lined Blister Beetle
Epicauta tenuilineata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Thin-lined Blister Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis. The species was described by Horn in 1894.
Epierus decipiens
clown beetle
Epierus decipiens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It belongs to a genus of small histerid beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from the southwestern United States through Central America.
Epinysson basilaris
Epinysson basilaris is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly placed in Bembicidae). The species was described by Cresson in 1882 and is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Nyssonini tribe, it belongs to a group of kleptoparasitic or predatory wasps whose biology remains incompletely documented.
Epipagis fenestralis
Orange Epipagis Moth
Epipagis fenestralis is a small crambid moth known as the Orange Epipagis Moth. It occurs across the southeastern United States and extends into Costa Rica. The species has a wingspan of 20–25 mm. It is a member of the subfamily Spilomelinae within the diverse snout moth family Crambidae.
Epipocus opacus
handsome fungus beetle
Epipocus opacus is a species of handsome fungus beetle in the family Endomychidae, first described by Strohecker in 1977. The species is found in both Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature. Like other members of Endomychidae, it is presumably associated with fungal habitats.
Epipocus punctatus
handsome fungus beetle
Epipocus punctatus is a species of handsome fungus beetle in the family Endomychidae. It was described by LeConte in 1854. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of Endomychidae, it is associated with fungal habitats.
Episcepsis inornata
Episcepsis inornata is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1856. The species is known from Central America, with confirmed records from Guatemala and Costa Rica, and has also been documented in southern Texas. The wingspan measures approximately 37 mm. The specific epithet 'inornata' (Latin for 'unadorned') suggests relatively plain coloration compared to congeners.
Epitrix subcrinita
Western Potato Flea Beetle
Epitrix subcrinita, commonly known as the western potato flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tribe Alticini, characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species occurs in Central and North America. It is one of approximately 28 Holarctic Epitrix species included in comprehensive taxonomic revisions.
Ericrocis pintada
Painted Oil-digger-Cuckoo
Ericrocis pintada is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, tribe Ericrocidini. It is commonly known as the Painted Oil-digger-Cuckoo. The species is native to Central America and North America. Like other members of its tribe, it is presumed to be a nest parasite of oil-collecting bees in the genus Centris, though specific host records for this species are limited.