Cryptic
Guides
Ablautus arnaudi
Ablautus arnaudi is a small species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wilcox in 1966. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters in length. The species exhibits sand-colored cryptic coloration and displays distinctive sexual dimorphism in facial hair coloration. Males possess bright white facial hairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays involving leg-waving and rocking movements. Like all Asilidae, this species is predatory in both adult and larval stages.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorysexual-dimorphismcourtshipearly-springsand-coloredcrypticleafhopper-predatormystaxfacial-hair-dimorphismextra-oral-digestionvenomoussit-and-wait-predatorplains-habitatsmall-size6-7-mmwhite-facial-hairs-malegold-facial-hairs-femaleleg-waving-displayrocking-displayWilcox-1966Ablautus-revisionCharlotte-Herbert-AlbertsColoradoeastern-plainsAcacesia
Acacesia is a genus of orb-weaver spiders (family Araneidae) containing six species with predominantly neotropical distribution. The genus was established by Eugène Simon in 1895. Most species are known only from museum specimens, with A. hamata being the only species documented in the United States and the only one with substantial natural history information available. Close relatives include the genera Ocrepeira and Cyclosa.
Acanthepeira stellata
starbellied orbweaver, starbellied spider
Acanthepeira stellata is a distinctive orb-weaving spider known for its hard, spiked abdomen covered in prominent tubercles that give it a star-like appearance. The species ranges from Canada to Mexico and is commonly found in grasslands, prairies, meadows, and agricultural areas. It is nocturnal, constructing vertical orb webs close to the ground to capture prey. The spider exhibits effective crypsis, resembling plant debris such as burs or seed pods when at rest.
Acanthostichus
Acanthostichus is a genus of predatory, subterranean ants in the subfamily Dorylinae. The genus contains 24 described species distributed across the New World from the southern United States to northern Argentina. These ants are rarely encountered due to their underground lifestyle, and many species are known from very few specimens. Species identification relies heavily on petiole morphology.
Acaricoris
flat bugs
Acaricoris is a genus of flat bugs (family Aradidae) established by Harris & Drake in 1944. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed primarily in North America and the Caribbean. Members of this genus are associated with decaying wood habitats. As with other aradids, they are flattened dorsoventrally and are typically found in concealed microhabitats such as under bark.
Achilini
Achilini is a tribe of planthoppers within the family Achilidae, characterized by their flattened, often cryptically colored bodies and association with fungal substrates. Members of this tribe are distinguished from other achilid tribes by specific wing venation patterns and genitalia structures. The group is primarily tropical and subtropical in distribution, with many species exhibiting complex host relationships with fungi. Achilini represents one of the more species-rich tribes within Achilidae.
Achurum carinatum
long-headed toothpick grasshopper
Achurum carinatum is a small, cryptic grasshopper native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the slant-faced grasshopper subfamily Gomphocerinae and exhibits strong morphological adaptations for camouflage in grassy habitats. The species is flightless with reduced wings and possesses an elongated, slender body form that closely resembles the grasses it inhabits. Coloration varies, with some individuals displaying green or black spots.
Achurum minimipenne
Tamaulipan Toothpick Grasshopper
A slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, characterized by its slender, elongated body form typical of toothpick grasshoppers. The species occurs in the southern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Achurum, it exhibits cryptic coloration adapted to its environment.
Acuclavella
thorn harvestmen
Acuclavella is a genus of small arachnids commonly known as thorn harvestmen, established by Shear in 1986. The genus comprises approximately seven described species restricted to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. These harvestmen belong to the family Ischyropsalididae and are characterized by distinctive morphological features that distinguish them from related genera. The genus is relatively poorly known, with few observations and limited ecological data available.
Aenictopecheidae
Aenictopecheidae is a rare family of true bugs (Hemiptera) with a worldwide distribution but limited species diversity. The family contains approximately a dozen described genera, with most species found in tropical and subtropical regions. The only North American representative, Boreostolus americanus, has been documented from mountain stream habitats in the western United States.
Aenigmatias
Aenigmatias is a genus of wingless (apterous) scuttle flies in the family Phoridae, characterized by a distinctive cockroach-like morphology. The genus was originally described from Denmark and long known from only a single specimen found beneath a stone. Subsequent records have documented species across North America (Arizona), Europe, and Asia, with a recent first record in Egypt extending the range to North Africa. The genus belongs to the subfamily Aenigmatiinae and tribe Aenigmatiini, representing an anomalous lineage within Phoridae due to its flightless condition and cryptic habits.
Allopauropus
Allopauropus is a genus of minute soil-dwelling myriapods in the class Pauropoda. These organisms belong to the order Tetramerocerata, characterized by four-segmented antennae. Pauropods are among the smallest myriapods, generally measuring under 2 mm in length, and are poorly studied due to their cryptic lifestyle in soil and leaf litter. The genus has been recorded from scattered localities across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Allopauropus carolinensis
Allopauropus carolinensis is a species of pauropod, a group of small, soil-dwelling myriapods in the class Pauropoda. Pauropods are among the least studied myriapod classes, characterized by their diminutive size and cryptic lifestyle in soil and leaf litter. The species was described by Starling in 1943 and is known from North America, with records from Ontario.
Amannus
Amannus is a small genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini. The genus contains three recognized species: Amannus atriplicis (Texas), A. pectoralis, and A. vittiger. Amannus atriplicis has been documented developing as larvae in living branches of Atriplex canescens (fourwinged saltbush), with adults emerging from pupal cells within the host plant tissue. The genus is poorly studied, with limited information available on most species.
Amphicyrta dentipes
Amphicyrta dentipes is a species of pill beetle in the family Byrrhidae. It belongs to a genus of small, compact beetles adapted to moist habitats. The species epithet "dentipes" refers to toothed feet, a characteristic feature of this group. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Anambodera nebulosa
Anambodera nebulosa is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is found in western North America and is characterized by its cryptic habits, typically occurring on rock surfaces or bare soil rather than flowers. It was described by Horn in 1894 and is one of several species in the genus Anambodera, which is restricted to western North America and remains incompletely known taxonomically.
Anchomma
Anchomma is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It belongs to the subfamily Pimeliinae, tribe Stenosini, and subtribe Dichillina. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of the subtribe Dichillina, including adaptations associated with arid environments. Knowledge of this genus is limited due to its rarity in collections and few documented observations.
Aneurus pygmaeus
Aneurus pygmaeus is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Kormilev in 1966. The genus Aneurus comprises small, cryptic bugs associated with dead wood and fungi. As with other aradids, this species likely inhabits concealed microhabitats beneath bark or within decaying wood. The specific epithet 'pygmaeus' refers to its diminutive size. Information regarding its biology and distribution remains limited in available literature.
Antistea
dwarf sheet spiders
Antistea is a genus of dwarf sheet spiders in the family Hahniidae, established by Eugène Simon in 1898. The genus contains only two species: A. brunnea (Palearctic) and A. elegans (Nearctic), together forming a Holarctic distribution pattern. These spiders are among the least commonly encountered hahniids due to their small size and cryptic habits.
Antistea brunnea
Antistea brunnea is a small true spider in the family Hahniidae, commonly known as the comb-tailed spiders or dwarf sheet spiders. This species is one of the larger members of the genus Antistea and ranges across northeastern North America. It builds thin, sheet-like webs across small depressions in soil, often in mammal footprints. The species is seldom encountered due to its small size and cryptic habits.
Apomecynini
Apomecynini is a tribe of small, flightless (apterous) longhorn beetles within the subfamily Lamiinae. Members are commonly associated with leaf litter and subcortical habitats, particularly in the Neotropics. The tribe includes numerous species, many of which remain undescribed due to their cryptic lifestyle and small size.
Aradus brevicornis
Aradus brevicornis is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Kormilev in 1980. It belongs to a genus of true bugs commonly associated with dead wood and bark habitats. The species epithet 'brevicornis' refers to its relatively short antennae compared to congeners. Like other members of Aradidae, this species is cryptic and poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and distribution.
Aradus vandykei
Aradus vandykei is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Van Duzee in 1927. It belongs to a genus of true bugs commonly associated with dead wood habitats. The species is part of a diverse group of Hemiptera known for their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and cryptic lifestyle under bark.
Arethaea ambulator
Hill Country Thread-leg Katydid, Walking Thread-leg Katydid
Arethaea ambulator is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, characterized by its exceptionally long, thread-like legs. The species was described by Hebard in 1936 and is endemic to the hill country region of central Texas. It belongs to a genus of slender, elongate katydids commonly known as thread-leg katydids.
Arianops neglecta
Arianops neglecta is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It was described by Barr in 1974. The genus Arianops belongs to the tribe Amauropini within the diverse and species-rich pselaphine lineage. Members of this genus are small, cryptic beetles typically found in leaf litter and soil habitats. The specific epithet 'neglecta' suggests the species may have been overlooked or confused with related taxa prior to its formal description.
Ariotus quercicola
Ariotus quercicola is a species of ant-like leaf beetle in the family Aderidae, described by Schwarz in 1878. It is a small beetle with a distribution in North America. Members of this genus and family are characterized by their compact, ant-like appearance and association with decaying plant matter. The specific epithet "quercicola" suggests an association with oak (Quercus) habitats.
Atropetae
Atropetae is an infraorder of small insects within the suborder Trogiomorpha of Psocodea, the order containing barklice, booklice, and parasitic lice. It was established by Pearman in 1936. Members of Atropetae are part of the earliest-diverging lineage of Psocodea, retaining primitive characteristics compared to other groups. The infraorder includes families of primarily free-living psocids found in cryptic habitats.
Atypus karschi
Karsch's Purseweb Spider
Atypus karschi is a mygalomorph spider native to East Asia (Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan) that has been introduced and established in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. It constructs distinctive camouflaged tubular purse-webs attached to trees, shrubs, or walls, with a portion buried underground. The species was previously misidentified in North America as A. snetsingeri, but genetic analysis confirmed conspecificity with Asian populations. It is the first documented case of an introduced purse-web spider.
Aulacus brevicaudus
Aulacus brevicaudus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Aulacidae, a group often overlooked due to their resemblance to ichneumon wasps. The genus Aulacus comprises generally smaller species compared to the related genus Pristaulacus. Like other aulacids, this species is associated with wood-boring beetle hosts. Aulacidae as a family contains two genera and approximately 185 species globally, with 32 species recorded in North America.
Battigrassiella wheeleri
Battigrassiella wheeleri is a species of silverfish in the family Nicoletiidae, order Zygentoma. This small, wingless insect belongs to a group of primitive hexapods characterized by elongated bodies, three long tail-like appendages, and ametabolous development. Members of Nicoletiidae are typically found in concealed habitats such as soil, leaf litter, and caves. The genus Battigrassiella contains species adapted to subterranean or cryptic environments.
Belaphotroctes
Belaphotroctes is a genus of small psocids (barklice and booklice) in the family Liposcelididae. Members of this genus are minute, dorsoventrally flattened insects adapted to living in concealed microhabitats such as leaf litter, bark crevices, and stored products. The genus was established by Roesler in 1943 and has been recorded from both the New World (USA, Mexico, Jamaica) and Africa (Angola, Togo).
Boreus nivoriundus
snow-born boreus, snow scorpionfly
Boreus nivoriundus is a wingless snow scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, active during winter months in boreal and temperate regions of North America. Adults are typically 5 mm or less in length and feed on mosses and liverworts. Males possess prominent upward-curving genitalia that resemble a scorpion's stinger, giving the group its common name. The species exhibits a distinctive mating behavior where males carry females on their backs in a 'nuptial ride.' Despite their common name, snow scorpionflies are neither scorpions nor true flies, but belong to the order Mecoptera, believed to be ancestral relatives of fleas.
Bothriderini
Bothriderini is a tribe of beetles within the family Bothrideridae. Members of this tribe are small, often flattened beetles with compact bodies. The tribe is part of the broader Bothrideridae family, which consists primarily of ectoparasitoids of wood-boring beetles. Bothriderini species are associated with decaying wood habitats where their hosts occur.
Brachygluta ulkei
Brachygluta ulkei is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of minute beetles often associated with leaf litter and soil habitats. The species was described by Brendel in 1866 and occurs in the eastern United States. Like other pselaphines, it is likely a predator or scavenger in microarthropod communities, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Brachynemurus nebulosus
antlion
Brachynemurus nebulosus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across North America. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, lacy-winged adult stage. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive wing patterns and morphology among antlions.
Brochymena
Rough Stink Bugs, Tree Stink Bugs, Four-humped Stink Bugs
Brochymena is a genus of native North American stink bugs commonly called rough stink bugs or tree stink bugs. Adults are cryptically colored to resemble lichen-mottled bark, with gray coloration and black and white or ivory speckling. They are frequently confused with the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), but can be distinguished by the absence of white antennal bands and the presence of fine teeth along the leading edge of the pronotum. The genus currently contains approximately 20 species following taxonomic revision that split some former members into the related genus Parabrochymena.
Brochymena cariosa
Brochymena cariosa is a native North American stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. Like other members of the genus Brochymena, it is a rough or tree stink bug with cryptic coloration resembling lichen-mottled bark. The species is arboreal and overwinters as an adult, typically remaining outdoors under loose bark rather than entering structures.
Brochymena chelonoides
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena chelonoides is a species of rough stink bug native to North America. Adults are characterized by a rough, mottled gray-brown exoskeleton with black and white or ivory speckling that provides effective camouflage against lichen-covered bark. The species is one of approximately 20 taxa currently recognized in the redefined genus Brochymena, having been retained in this genus when Parabrochymena was erected as a separate genus for 10 other former Brochymena species. Like other rough stink bugs, it is not considered an agricultural or household pest.
Brochymena diluta
Brochymena diluta is a species of rough stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, endemic to North America. Originally described by Blatchley as a subspecies (Brochymena barberi diluta), it was reclassified as a full species within the genus Brochymena following a comprehensive taxonomic revision that split the former broader genus into two genera: Brochymena (20 species) and the newly erected Parabrochymena (10 species). As with other Brochymena species, it is cryptically colored and primarily arboreal.
Brochymena lineata
rough stink bug
Brochymena lineata is a species of rough stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Brochymena, it exhibits cryptic coloration that mimics lichen-mottled bark, providing effective camouflage against tree trunks. The species was described by Ruckes in 1939. As with congeners, it is not considered an agricultural or household pest.
Brunneria
stick mantis, Brunner's stick mantis
Brunneria is a genus of slender, stick-like praying mantises native to the Americas. The genus contains six recognized species, with B. borealis being particularly notable as the only known obligate parthenogenetic praying mantis—reproducing exclusively asexually with no males ever observed. This species has spread across more than 2,400 km of coastal North America from a hypothesized single female introduction. Other species in the genus, all South American, reproduce facultatively with both sexes present.
Brunneria borealis
Northern Grass Mantis, Brunner's Mantis, Brunner's Stick Mantis
Brunneria borealis is a slender green mantis native to the southern United States, notable as the only mantis species known to reproduce exclusively through parthenogenesis. All individuals are female; no males have been documented. Adults reach approximately 77 mm in length and possess reduced wings that likely preclude flight. The species inhabits grassland habitats and exhibits stick-like camouflage behavior.
Caccoplectus
Caccoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Sharp in 1887 and contains approximately nine described species. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, a common ecological strategy among pselaphine beetles. Most species have been described from the Neotropical region, particularly Central America.
myrmecophileant-associatedpselaphinerove-beetleNeotropicalStaphylinidaePselaphinaeArhytodinitropicalant-colony-inhabitantinquilinemicrohabitat-specialistleaf-littersoil-dwellingcrypticrarely-collectedsmall-beetlemorphologically-specialized1887-descriptionSharpCentral-AmericaPanamaColeopteraPolyphagaStaphyliniformiaStaphylinoideaPselaphitaegenus-levelnine-speciesconicusdegallierilucidusnuttingipectinatusschwarzisentisspinipessucineasspine-legged-pselaphidChandlerWoldaSchaeffer190619761986type-species-unknownrarely-observediNaturalist:-2-observationsCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedGBIF-acceptedNCBI-acceptedEukaryotaMetazoaHexapodaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliabeetleinsectarthropodanimalCarebara
Marauder Ants, Carebara Thief Ants
Carebara is a large genus of myrmicine ants comprising over 200 species distributed worldwide in tropical and Afrotropical regions. These ants are among the smallest known, with workers often barely visible to the naked eye. The genus exhibits remarkable worker polymorphism, including specialized soldier castes with phragmotic (door-blocking) head shapes in some African species. Queens are notably much larger than workers, creating one of the most extreme size dimorphisms in ants. Many species are cryptic inhabitants of soil and leaf litter, with poorly known biology.
Carposinoidea
fruitworm moths, copromorphoid moths
Carposinoidea is a superfamily of small to medium-sized moths (10–50 mm wingspan) commonly known as fruitworm moths. The group was historically divided into two families (Carposinidae and Copromorphidae), though this division has been questioned by some authorities. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Larvae are associated with a variety of host plants including gymnosperms and dicots, with some species considered agricultural pests.
Ceraticelus minutus
dwarf spider
Ceraticelus minutus is a species of dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by James Henry Emerton in 1882. It is one of the smallest North American spiders, typically measuring only 1–2 mm in body length. The species is distributed across the United States and Canada, with records from provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Like other linyphiids, it constructs small sheet webs close to the ground in vegetation.
Ceratocombidae
minute litter bugs
Ceratocombidae is a family of minute litter bugs in the order Hemiptera, classified within the infraorder Dipsocoromorpha and superfamily Dipsocoroidea. The family comprises at least three genera—Astemma, Ceratocombus, and Leptonannus—with approximately 20 described species. Members are small, cryptic insects associated with decomposing organic matter in forest habitats. Their diversity is greatest in the Indo-Pacific region, though species occur across North America, Europe, Madagascar, and the Oriental region.
Cicurina pusilla
Cicurina pusilla is a small spider species in the family Cicurinidae, described by Simon in 1886. It is known from the United States, with six iNaturalist observations recorded. Like other members of the genus Cicurina, it is likely a ground-dwelling or cryptic species, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The genus Cicurina includes several cave-dwelling specialists, though C. pusilla itself has not been documented as a cave obligate.
Clambus howdeni
Clambus howdeni is a minute beetle species in the family Clambidae, first described by Endrödy-Younga in 1981. The species occurs in eastern North America, with confirmed records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario in Canada. Like other members of the genus Clambus, it is among the smallest beetles, typically measuring only 1–2 mm in length. The species name honors Henry F. Howden, a prominent Canadian coleopterist.
Clypastraea lepida
minute hooded beetle
Clypastraea lepida is a species of minute hooded beetle in the family Corylophidae, first described by LeConte in 1852. It is among the smallest beetles in North America, measuring approximately 2 millimeters in length. The species belongs to a family commonly known as "minute hooded beetles" or "minute fungus beetles," characterized by a distinctive morphological adaptation where the head is concealed beneath a shelf-like projection of the pronotum. Members of the genus Clypastraea are typically associated with fungi and mold in rotting wood and under bark on dead trees.