Desert
Guides
Acanthocephala thomasi
giant agave bug
Acanthocephala thomasi, commonly known as the giant agave bug, is a large leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite its common name, observations indicate it utilizes multiple host plants including Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom), not exclusively agave species.
Achalarus toxeus
Coyote Cloudywing, Coyote Skipper
Achalarus toxeus is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Coyote Cloudywing or Coyote Skipper. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was historically placed in the genus Thorybes but is now classified in Achalarus based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Acmaeodera amplicollis
Acmaeodera amplicollis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It is frequently observed visiting flowers of various composite plants (Asteraceae), particularly species of Isocoma, Heterotheca, Heliomeris, and Gutierrezia. Adults are active during late summer and early autumn.
Acmaeodera opuntiae
Acmaeodera opuntiae is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1966. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are among the smallest members of the genus Acmaeodera and have been collected from flowers of Tiquilia canescens (shrubby tiquilia) in western Texas.
Acmaeodera scalaris
ladder buprestid
Acmaeodera scalaris, commonly known as the ladder buprestid, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs across Central America and North America. The species has been documented visiting flowers of various composite and other plant species, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Actenodes mimicus
Actenodes mimicus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1964. It is found in North America, with collection records from the southwestern United States including New Mexico and Texas. Like other members of the genus Actenodes, it is associated with woody vegetation and has been collected by beating mesquite and other host plants.
Actiastes desertorum
Actiastes desertorum is a species of ant-loving beetle (subfamily Pselaphinae) in the family Staphylinidae, described from desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species epithet 'desertorum' reflects its arid habitat association. Like other pselaphines, it is likely myrmecophilous, living in close association with ant colonies.
Agathymus
giant-skippers
Agathymus is a genus of large skipper butterflies described by H.A. Freeman in 1959. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed across arid regions of North America from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Costa Rica. Larvae are specialized stem-borers in agave plants, making this genus ecologically dependent on desert agave communities. Species are commonly known as giant-skippers.
Agelenopsis aperta
Desert Grass Spider, Funnel-web Spider
Agelenopsis aperta, commonly known as the desert grass spider, is a medium-sized funnel-web weaver native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It constructs characteristic non-sticky funnel-shaped webs in crevices and vegetation, where it waits to ambush prey. The species exhibits notable territorial behavior and complex courtship rituals involving abdominal swaying and pheromone release that induces a temporary cataplectic state in females.
Agroecotettix
Aridland Scrub Jumpers
Agroecotettix is a genus of medium-sized brachypterous grasshoppers in the subfamily Melanoplinae, containing 19 described species. These short-winged, flight-limited grasshoppers inhabit aridland scrub and desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus was revised in 2024 with the description of 16 new species, revealing previously unrecognized diversity in this cryptic group. Species identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology.
Agroecotettix modestus
Modest Aridland Scrub Jumper
Agroecotettix modestus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Bruner in 1908. It belongs to a genus of aridland scrub grasshoppers found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with desert and semi-arid environments, particularly in Texas and northeastern Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to hot, dry conditions and exhibits behaviors such as seeking shade during extreme heat.
Amitermes minimus
Nearctic desert termite
Amitermes minimus is a small termite species in the family Termitidae, originally described by Light in 1932. It is known from North America and is referred to as the Nearctic desert termite in common usage. The species has been documented as a host for ectoparasitic fungi, specifically a putative new species of Termitaria discovered during field collections in Guyana. This fungal association was notable for producing symmetrical paired lesions on the ventral surface of affected termites.
Ammobaenetes
sand-treader crickets
Ammobaenetes is a genus of sand-treader crickets in the family Rhaphidophoridae, first described by Hubbell in 1936. The genus contains at least three to four described species distributed in arid regions of the southwestern United States. Members are specialized for life in sandy desert habitats, with morphological adaptations for burrowing and moving through loose sand. The genus is placed in the tribe Daihiniini within the subfamily Ceuthophilinae.
Anconia hebardi
Hebard's blue-winged desert grasshopper
Anconia hebardi, commonly known as Hebard's blue-winged desert grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper described by Rehn in 1919. It belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, a group characterized by often colorful hind wings used in display flight. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Androchirus
Androchirus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae. Species in this genus are found in western North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. Based on iNaturalist observations, the genus is moderately well-documented with over 500 records.
Anelastes desertorum
Anelastes desertorum is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae. The specific epithet 'desertorum' suggests an association with desert environments. Like other members of Eucnemidae, it belongs to the click beetle superfamily Elateroidea but lacks the clicking mechanism characteristic of true click beetles (Elateridae).
Aphonopelma iodius
Desert Tarantula, Great Basin Blonde, Fresno County Blonde, Salt Lake City Brown, Northern Blonde
Aphonopelma iodius is a medium-sized tarantula native to the southwestern United States, inhabiting desert regions of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. The species has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with former species A. angusi, A. melanium, A. nevadanum, and A. smithii synonymized under it based on morphological and molecular analyses. Males reach sexual maturity at approximately seven years and emerge from burrows in autumn to seek mates. Females are long-lived, with documented lifespans exceeding thirty years in captivity.
Apiomerus cazieri
Desert Bee Assassin
Apiomerus cazieri is a species of assassin bug (family Reduviidae) endemic to the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species was described in 2011 and is commonly known as the Desert Bee Assassin. It is an active predator with documented prey including the checkered beetle Trichodes ornatus and honey bees (Apis mellifera). The species belongs to the genus Apiomerus, whose members are frequently observed hunting on flowers where they ambush pollinators.
Apodemia nais
Nais Metalmark
Apodemia nais, commonly known as the Nais Metalmark, is a butterfly species in the family Riodinidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was first described by Edwards in 1871.
Apodemia palmerii
Palmer's Metalmark, Gray Metalmark
Apodemia palmerii, commonly known as Palmer's Metalmark or Gray Metalmark, is a species of butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with desert and scrubland habitats where its host plants grow. Adults are active during warmer months and visit flowers for nectar.
Arenivaga apacha
Apache sand cockroach, desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga apacha, commonly known as the Apache sand cockroach, is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae. The genus Arenivaga was revised in 2014, revealing extensive cryptic diversity with 39 new species described. Like other Arenivaga species, A. apacha exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males possessing fully developed wings and females being wingless. This species inhabits arid regions of southwestern North America, including Arizona and California.
Arenivaga bolliana
Boll's sand cockroach, Boll's sandroach
Arenivaga bolliana is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, native to North America. It belongs to a genus known for extreme sexual dimorphism, with females wingless and males fully winged. The species inhabits arid and sandy environments, reflecting the family's adaptation to harsh, dry habitats rather than the tropical moist conditions typically associated with cockroaches. Like other Arenivaga species, it is likely subterranean in habit and difficult to detect. The genus was revised in 2014, revealing substantial undescribed diversity, though A. bolliana itself was described in the 19th century.
Arenivaga gaiophanes
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga gaiophanes is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. The genus Arenivaga, previously containing only nine species, was expanded to include 39 new species in this revision. Members of this genus inhabit harsh, arid environments and exhibit dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing entirely different from males. The species epithet 'gaiophanes' derives from Greek roots meaning 'earth-revealing,' alluding to their subterranean habits.
Arenivaga hopkinsorum
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga hopkinsorum is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing wingless and males possessing fully developed wings. The species inhabits arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it contributes to decomposition despite limited plant matter. The specific epithet honors the Hopkins family, particularly referencing the author's father and brother.
Arenivaga tenax
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga tenax is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a comprehensive revision of the genus Arenivaga. The genus was dramatically expanded from 9 to 48 species through this work, revealing extensive undiscovered diversity in arid-adapted cockroaches. Like other Arenivaga species, A. tenax exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with males and females appearing so different that associating specimens of the same species presents significant taxonomic challenges. The species is known from male specimens only, with species-level identification relying on complex genital characters.
Arenivaga tonkawa
tonkawa sand cockroach
Arenivaga tonkawa, the tonkawa sand cockroach, is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males and females differing substantially in appearance. The species belongs to a genus of sand cockroaches adapted to harsh, arid environments.
Arethaea
Thread-legged Katydids
Arethaea is a genus of katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, commonly known as thread-legged katydids. The genus contains at least 14 described species distributed primarily in western and southwestern North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their elongated, slender legs and are typically associated with arid and semi-arid habitats including sand dunes, grasslands, and shrublands.
Asbolus verrucosus
Blue Death-Feigning Beetle, Desert Ironclad Beetle
A darkling beetle native to southwestern North American deserts, distinguished by its powdery blue wax coating and dramatic death-feigning behavior when threatened. Adults measure 18–21 mm and are highly adapted to arid environments. The species has become popular in the pet trade due to its hardiness and ease of care.
Aseptis susquesa
Aseptis susquesa is a noctuid moth described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1908. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, inhabiting rocky desert and mountain-desert transition zones. Adults fly in spring, and larvae feed on specific desert shrubs.
Asphondylia florea
Creosote Flower Gall Midge
Asterocampa leilia
Empress Leilia, Leilia hackberry butterfly, desert hackberry
Asterocampa leilia, commonly known as the Empress Leilia or desert hackberry, is a medium-sized brush-footed butterfly (Nymphalidae) native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are brownish-orange with distinctive white and black spots on the ventral wing surfaces. The species is closely associated with hackberry (Celtis) host plants and exhibits notable behavioral adaptations for mate location, including perching and patrolling strategies. Males engage in territorial defense and behavioral thermoregulation at sunlit perching sites.
Bonneyana
Bonneyana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, and tribe Platymetopiini. The genus was established by Oman in 1949. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized Hemiptera with characteristic leafhopper morphology. The genus is part of the diverse leafhopper fauna of North America, with species distributed primarily in the western and southwestern United States.
Bothriocyrtum
California trap-door spiders
Bothriocyrtum is a genus of mygalomorph spiders in the family Halonoproctidae, established by Eugène Simon in 1891. The genus comprises three recognized species native to North America and Taiwan. These spiders are commonly known as trap-door spiders, constructing burrows with hinged silk-lidded doors. The genus was separated from Cyrtocarenum based on distinct morphological features including eye arrangement and width of separation between certain structures.
Brachinus favicollis
Brachinus favicollis is a species of bombardier beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Terry Erwin in 1965. Like other members of the genus Brachinus, this species possesses the remarkable defensive ability to eject a hot, noxious chemical spray from the tip of its abdomen when disturbed. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Brasiella wickhami
Sonoran Tiger Beetle
Brasiella wickhami, commonly known as the Sonoran Tiger Beetle, is a small, cursorial tiger beetle species and the only member of its genus to reach the United States. It occurs in southern Arizona and extends southward into Mexico. Adults are active runners found in arid habitats, representing the northernmost extension of an otherwise exclusively Neotropical genus.
Burnsius philetas
Desert Checkered-Skipper
Burnsius philetas, the desert checkered-skipper, is a small skipper butterfly (wingspan 25–29 mm) found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Formerly classified under Pyrgus, this species was reassigned to the genus Burnsius based on molecular and morphological evidence. It exhibits multiple generations per year with activity extending from early spring through late fall, with timing varying by latitude and elevation. The species is notable for its checkered wing pattern and association with dry, open habitats.
Cacama
Cactus Dodger Cicadas
Cacama is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as "cactus dodger cicadas." The genus contains at least 12 recognized species distributed across western North America, from the southern Great Plains to California. These cicadas are notable for their association with cacti, particularly Opuntia and Cylindropuntia species, and their ability to navigate among spiny hosts without injury. The type species, Cacama valvata, has been studied for its thermal physiology and distinctive mating behaviors.
Cacama furcata
Baja California Cactus-Dodger
Cacama furcata is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, first described by Davis in 1919. It is one of several 'cactus-dodger' cicadas in the genus Cacama, which are associated with arid environments and cactus hosts. The species is known from the Baja California peninsula and adjacent regions of Mexico. Like related Cacama species, it likely exhibits adaptations for life in xeric habitats including fast flight and specialized host plant associations.
Cactopinus desertus
Cactopinus desertus is a bark beetle species in the weevil family Curculionidae, described by Bright in 1967 from California specimens. As a member of the Scolytinae subfamily, it is part of a genus containing seven species associated with cacti. The species is known from limited collections and remains poorly studied biologically.
Caenocara blanchardi
desert cockroach
Caenocara blanchardi is a species of desert cockroach described by Fall in 1905. It belongs to the family Ptinidae (formerly treated as Anobiidae), a group of beetles commonly known as spider beetles or deathwatch beetles. The species is known from arid regions of western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. Very little is known about its specific biology or ecology.
Callophrys fotis
Desert Elfin, Early Elfin, Fotis Hairstreak, Strecker's Elfin, Arizona Gray Elfin
Callophrys fotis is a small gossamer-winged butterfly native to the southwestern United States. It has a wingspan of 19–28 millimeters. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions across six states, from southeastern California to northwestern New Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate C. f. fotis and C. f. mojavensis described by Austin in 1998.
Calosoma eremicola
solitary caterpillar hunter
Calosoma eremicola, the solitary caterpillar hunter, is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae. It was described by Fall in 1910 and is found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Baja California. The species inhabits the eastern Mojave Desert vegetation zone.
Caplothorax melanopterus
Yucca Beetle
Caplothorax melanopterus, commonly known as the Yucca Beetle, is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is associated with yucca plants, which provide both food and habitat. The species has been documented across arid regions of western North America. Its common name reflects this close ecological relationship with yucca.
Capnobotes
shield-backed katydids, longwings
Capnobotes is a North American genus of shield-backed katydids (family Tettigoniidae) containing approximately nine described species. Members are commonly known as "longwings" due to their elongated forewings. The genus was established by Scudder in 1897 and is primarily distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Species exhibit morphological diversity in body form and wing structure, with common names reflecting these traits (slender, sooty, spatulate, etc.).
Chalcolepidius smaragdinus
A large click beetle species in the family Elateridae, notable for its striking metallic green coloration. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, where it has been observed on desert vegetation including Baccharis sarothroides and Prosopis glandulosa. Adults are active during the summer months and are sometimes attracted to blacklights.
Chihuahuanus coahuilae
Lesser Stripetail Scorpion
Chihuahuanus coahuilae, the Lesser Stripetail Scorpion, is a small scorpion species measuring 35–55 mm. It occurs in the Chihuahuan Desert region of Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species was originally described as Vaejovis coahuilae in 1968 and later transferred to the genus Chihuahuanus. It is a member of the family Vaejovidae, one of the most diverse scorpion families in North America.
Chihuahuanus crassimanus
Thick-handed Scorpion
Chihuahuanus crassimanus is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, originally described as Vaejovis crassimanus by Pocock in 1898. It is commonly known as the Thick-handed Scorpion. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, inhabiting arid and semi-arid regions. Like other vaejovid scorpions, it is a terrestrial predator adapted to desert environments.
Chrysanthrax crocinus
Chrysanthrax crocinus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, found in the southwestern United States and Baja California Norte. Like other bee flies, adults are pollinators that visit flowers to feed on nectar using an elongated proboscis. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are parasitoids of ground-nesting bees and other insects.
Cibolacris parviceps
Cream Grasshopper
Cibolacris parviceps, commonly known as the cream grasshopper, is a small grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It inhabits arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species is notable for its cryptic, stone-like coloration that provides effective camouflage in desert habitats. It overwinters as nymphs rather than eggs, an uncommon trait among North American grasshoppers.
Cibolacris parviceps parviceps
cream grasshopper
Cibolacris parviceps parviceps, commonly known as the cream grasshopper, is a small grasshopper species found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. Adults measure 20–32 mm in body length and exhibit cryptic coloration resembling granite or stone, providing effective camouflage in desert environments. The species inhabits dry desert washes, overgrazed rangeland, and disturbed areas including unpaved parking lots. Unlike many grasshoppers that overwinter as eggs, C. parviceps parviceps overwinters as nymphs, with adults present early in spring. The subfamily placement of this species has been revised from Oedipodinae to Gomphocerinae, though some authors note this classification remains puzzling.