Desert-insects
Guides
Asphondylia apicata
Creosote Apex Gall Midge
Asphondylia apicata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Gagné in 1990. Like other members of its genus, it induces distinctive galls on host plants through a poorly understood mechanism involving chemical manipulation of plant hormones. The genus Asphondylia is notable for inducing galls on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other plants, with multiple species often specializing on a single host species. The specific epithet "apicata" refers to the apex or tip of plant structures where galls may form.
Asphondylia neomexicana
Fourwing Saltbush Woolly Gall Midge
Asphondylia neomexicana is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. Like other members of its genus, this species induces distinctive woolly galls on host plants. The genus Asphondylia is notable for containing numerous species that manipulate plant growth to form protective structures for their developing larvae. Based on its specific epithet and the common name "Fourwing Saltbush Woolly Gall Midge," this species appears associated with fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) or related Atriplex species in arid western North American habitats.
Brachynemurus
antlions
Brachynemurus is a genus of antlions (family Myrmeleontidae, order Neuroptera) containing at least 20 described species. Unlike the pit-digging larvae of the genus Myrmeleon, Brachynemurus larvae are sit-and-wait predators that bury themselves just below the soil surface without constructing funnel traps. The genus is widespread across arid regions of North America, with species adapted to dry environments. Adult Brachynemurus are delicate, lacy-winged insects with short, clubbed antennae that distinguish them from superficially similar damselflies.
Hesperolabops
cactus bugs
Hesperolabops is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Kirkaldy in 1902. The genus contains nine described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with several species associated with cactus hosts. The most well-known member is Hesperolabops gelastops, commonly called the cactus bug. Species in this genus are generally found in arid and semi-arid regions where their host plants occur.
Narnia
Narnia is a genus of leaf-footed bugs in the family Coreidae, containing approximately seven described species. The genus was established by Carl Stål in 1862. Species in this genus are found in southwestern North America and Mexico, where they are associated with cacti and other desert vegetation. The genus name predates and is unrelated to C.S. Lewis's fictional world.
Neacreotrichus
Neacreotrichus is a genus of bee flies (Bombyliidae) comprising approximately 13 described species. The genus was established by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1917. Species are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members are small-bodied bee flies that have been documented in arid and semi-arid environments.
Pseudonomoneura
Pseudonomoneura is a genus of mydas flies (family Mydidae) comprising seven described species distributed in western North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The genus was established by Bequaert in 1961 to accommodate species previously placed in related genera. Adults are generally robust, moderately sized flies with distinctive wing venation characteristic of the family.