Desert
Guides
Clematodes
creosotebush grasshoppers
Clematodes is a genus of North American short-horned grasshoppers comprising two described species. Both species are associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) habitats in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus is placed in the subfamily Copiocerinae and tribe Clematodini. Species within this genus show specialized host plant relationships with Larrea species.
Cleonini
Cleonini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Lixinae, comprising approximately 96 extant genus-group taxa distributed globally. All extant members are hypothesized to be flightless despite frequently possessing fully developed wings (macropterous), a unique condition among Lixinae. The tribe exhibits widespread adult morphological homoplasy that obscures phylogenetic relationships, with many genera radiating from a common ancestor with weakly resolved internal branching. Cleonini are primarily associated with arid and semi-arid habitats, including deserts and steppe environments across North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and western North America.
Comadia dolli
Comadia dolli is a small moth in the family Cossidae (carpenter or goat moths), first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1923. It is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Adults are active during the summer months from May through August. The species is one of several in the genus Comadia, which are generally associated with desert and aridland habitats.
Comanchelus
Comanchelus is a genus of millipedes in the family Atopetholidae, order Spirobolida. It was described by Hoffman and Orcutt in 1960. The genus belongs to the subfamily Eurelinae and is native to North America, with species documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are cylindrical, relatively large-bodied millipedes characteristic of the spirobolid group.
Cryptoglossa
Death-feigning Beetles
Cryptoglossa is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as death-feigning beetles. Members of this genus inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of North America, where they have evolved remarkable adaptations to survive extreme desiccation and predation. The genus includes species such as Asbolus verrucosus, the blue death-feigning beetle, which exhibits distinctive defensive behaviors and physiological traits.
Cymatodera aegra-complex
checkered beetle
The Cymatodera aegra-complex comprises a group of checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, subfamily Tillinae. These beetles are known from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where they have been collected in association with desert thorn-scrub vegetation. Members of this complex are morphologically similar and may represent a cryptic species assemblage requiring further taxonomic study.
Cysteodemus
Desert Spider Beetles, inflated beetle, black bladder-bodied meloid
Cysteodemus is a genus of desert spider beetles in the family Meloidae, containing at least two described species: C. armatus (inflated beetle) and C. wislizeni (black bladder-bodied meloid). The genus is characterized by a highly inflated, bladder-like body form that gives these beetles their common names. Species are found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Sexual behavior in Cysteodemus represents an intermediate condition between the two major subfamilies of blister beetles, featuring simple courtship, prolonged mating, and high female receptivity.
Cysteodemus armatus
inflated beetle, inflated blister beetle
Cysteodemus armatus is a flightless blister beetle in the family Meloidae, distinguished by its dramatically inflated elytra that form a rounded, dome-like covering. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern North America and Central America. Its fused wing covers render it incapable of flight, an unusual trait among beetles. The beetle's distinctive appearance and defensive chemistry align with typical meloid characteristics, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Daihinibaenetes
sand-treader crickets
Daihinibaenetes is a genus of sand-treader crickets endemic to arid regions of the southwestern United States. The genus comprises three described species: D. arizonensis (painted desert sand-treader cricket), D. giganteus (giant sand-treader cricket), and D. tanneri (Utah sand-treader cricket). These crickets are specialized for life in sandy desert environments. The genus was established by Tinkham in 1962.
Daleapidea albescens
Daleapidea albescens is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1918. It is a small, poorly known hemipteran with a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species belongs to a genus with few described members, and like other mirids, it likely feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Available records suggest it inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Dasymutilla arenivaga
Desert Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla arenivaga is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, first described by Mickel in 1928. Like all mutillids, it is a solitary wasp with wingless females and winged males, exhibiting the pronounced sexual dimorphism characteristic of this group. The species inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Dasymutilla magnifica
Magnificent Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla magnifica, commonly called the magnificent velvet ant, is a wingless female wasp in the family Mutillidae found in arid regions of western North America. Like other velvet ants, females possess a potent sting used in defense and for subduing hosts. The species is notoriously difficult to distinguish from the sympatric Dasymutilla klugii based on external appearance alone. Males are winged and likely differ in coloration from females, though specific details for this species are not well documented.
Dasymutilla satanas
Satan's velvet ant
Dasymutilla satanas, commonly called Satan's velvet ant, is a species of wingless female wasp in the family Mutillidae found in the arid deserts of the Great Basin region of North America. The species name references the harsh desert environment it inhabits. Females are notably large for the genus, comparable in size to Dasymutilla magna and Dasymutilla sackenii. Like other velvet ants, females possess a powerful sting and are solitary parasitoids of ground-nesting insects.
Dendrobias mandibularis mandibularis
A large cerambycid beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, notable for males possessing extraordinarily enlarged mandibles used in combat. The nominate subspecies occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are diurnal and frequently encountered on flowering vegetation, particularly Baccharis sarothroides. The species has been subject to taxonomic confusion, with some authorities placing it in the genus Trachyderes.
Derotmema saussureanum
Saussure's Desert Grasshopper
Derotmema saussureanum is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species inhabits arid desert environments and is distinguished from congeners by its restricted coastal and desert distribution. It is one of two recognized species in the genus Derotmema.
Diceroprocta
Scrub Cicadas
Diceroprocta is a genus of scrub cicadas in the family Cicadidae, comprising at least 60 described species. The genus originated in Mexico, where it exhibits the highest genetic diversity. Many species were historically misassigned to the related genus Tibicen. Diceroprocta species are distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America, with 21 species occurring in the United States and Canada. They are commonly associated with mesquite, willow, and other woody vegetation in arid and semi-arid regions.
Diceroprocta apache
citrus cicada, Apache cicada
Diceroprocta apache is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the citrus cicada or Apache cicada. It has a median life cycle of three to four years from egg to adult death. The species is an important component of riparian food webs in desert regions. It serves as a documented host for the Pacific Cicada Killer wasp (Sphecius convallis). Research indicates its population density is negatively affected by invasive saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) monocultures and positively associated with native Goodding's willow (Salix gooddingii) canopy cover.
Diceroprocta apache-cinctifera-semicincta
Apache Cicada, Silver-bellied annual cicada
Diceroprocta apache-cinctifera-semicincta is a cicada species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a host for the Pacific Cicada Killer wasp (Sphecius convallis), which paralyzes adults to provision underground nests. The species belongs to the 'annual' cicada group, with staggered generations appearing each year rather than synchronized mass emergences.
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia
Nevada nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, originally described by Cockerell in 1910 as a form of Nomia nevadensis. It belongs to a genus of ground-nesting bees found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the widespread D. nevadensis species complex.
Diguetia
Desertshrub Spiders, Coneweb Spiders
Diguetia is a genus of haplogyne spiders in the family Diguetidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1895. These six-eyed spiders are endemic to arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, with one species extending into Argentina. They construct distinctive tent-like conewebs with tubular retreats, often camouflaged with plant debris and insect remains. The genus comprises eleven recognized species, seven of which occur north of Mexico.
Diguetia albolineata
desertshrub spider
Diguetia albolineata is a species of desertshrub spider in the family Diguetidae. It is one of seven species in the genus Diguetia occurring north of Mexico. The species is found in the United States and Mexico, inhabiting desert environments where it constructs distinctive horizontal sheet webs with tubular retreats.
Diguetia mojavea
Desertshrub Spider
Diguetia mojavea is a species of desertshrub spider in the family Diguetidae, endemic to the deserts of the American Southwest. First described by Gertsch in 1958, this species constructs distinctive horizontal sheet webs with dome-shaped retreats amid desert vegetation. As a haplogyne spider, it exhibits relatively primitive reproductive morphology compared to more derived arachnids.
Diguetia signata
desertshrub spider
Diguetia signata is a species of desertshrub spider in the family Diguetidae, first described by Gertsch in 1958. It inhabits arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it constructs distinctive horizontal sheet webs with central tubular retreats. The species belongs to a primitive spider lineage characterized by simple genital structures.
Diguetidae
coneweb spiders, desertshrub spiders
The Diguetidae are a small family of haplogyne spiders commonly known as coneweb or desertshrub spiders. They are endemic to the New World and primarily associated with arid and desert environments. Members construct distinctive webs featuring a horizontal sheet with a central tubular retreat, often camouflaged with plant debris. The family contains only two genera and approximately 15 species, with the genus Diguetia being the sole representative in North America. These spiders are considered relatively primitive among araneomorphs due to their unmodified female genitalia and simple male pedipalps.
Dinapate wrightii
Giant Palm Borer
Dinapate wrightii, the Giant Palm Borer, is the largest species in the beetle family Bostrichidae, reaching approximately 5 cm in length. Adults are non-feeding and live about two weeks. The species is native to extreme southern California and Baja California Sur, Mexico, with most records from the Coachella Valley. It is a pest of fan palms, particularly Washingtonia species.
Dipalta
Dipalta is a North American genus of bee flies (Bombyliidae) comprising two described species. These medium-sized flies are characterized by conical faces and distinctive wing venation. Adults are pollinators of low-growing desert flowers, while larvae are parasitoids of ant lions (Myrmeleontidae). The genus is closely related to Villa within the tribe Villini.
Diplotaxis beyeri
Diplotaxis beyeri is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, and tribe Diplotaxini. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1907. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northeastern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, adults are typically nocturnal and may be found on low vegetation.
Diplotaxis knausii
Diplotaxis knausii is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Schaeffer in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Melolonthinae (chafers) and tribe Diplotaxini. The species is known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Diplotaxis mentalis
Diplotaxis mentalis is a small scarab beetle species described by Henry C. Fall in 1909. It belongs to the chafer subfamily Melolonthinae and tribe Diplotaxini. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, adults are nocturnally active and frequently attracted to lights.
Dolopomyrmex
Dolopomyrmex is a monotypic genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, containing only Dolopomyrmex pilatus. The genus is endemic to arid regions of the western and southwestern United States. These ants are believed to be almost exclusively subterranean, making them rarely observed above ground.
Draeculacephala constricta
A species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described from western Texas in 1943. The genus Draeculacephala is characterized by distinctive head morphology, with species often exhibiting elongated or modified facial structures. Draeculacephala constricta occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and has been documented in association with woody legumes including Vachellia constricta (whitethorn acacia), which shares its specific epithet.
leafhopperCicadellidaedesertsouthwestern-USVachelliaacaciaphloem-feederCicadomorphaHemiptera1943-descriptionDavidsonDeLongwestern-Texasaridland-insectwoody-legume-associatehead-morphologygenus-Draeculacephalainsectaarthropodaanimaliaaccepted-speciesGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIiNaturalistobserved-313-timesAlbertaFloridaIllinoisIndianaIowaNew-MexicoArizonasummer-activityJulymonsoon-seasonphloem-feedernutrient-cyclingpredator-preyspider-preybird-preydesert-scrubsemi-aridmesquitecreosoteFabaceaehost-planttaxonomic-descriptionmale-genitaliawing-venationconcave-headproduced-headfacial-structurespecific-epithetconstrictednarrowedidentificationmorphological-detailscongenersCuernaCicadelliniCicadellinaeMembracoideaClypeataAuchenorrhynchaHexapodatrue-bugsMetazoaEukaryotaEleodes armata
Armored Stink Beetle
Eleodes armata, commonly known as the armored stink beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It inhabits arid regions of the western United States and Mexico. The species is distinguished by prominent spurs on all legs, a feature reflected in its specific epithet 'armata' (armed). Like other members of the genus Eleodes, it exhibits the characteristic head-standing defensive posture when disturbed.
Eleodes caseyi
desert stink beetle, clown beetle
Eleodes caseyi is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles, which are characterized by their defensive head-stand posture. The species was described by Blaisdell in 1909. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to arid environments.
Eleodes eschscholtzii
desert stink beetle
Eleodes eschscholtzii is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to arid regions of western North America. The species is part of the diverse Eleodes genus, commonly known as clown beetles or desert stink beetles, characterized by defensive chemical secretion and a distinctive head-stand posture when threatened. Two subspecies are recognized: E. e. eschscholtzii and E. e. lucae.
Eleodes producta
desert stink beetle
Eleodes producta is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1843. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles, which are characterized by their defensive head-stand posture. The species is found in western North America, with confirmed records in California. As with other Eleodes species, it likely exhibits the typical defensive behaviors and ecological adaptations of desert tenebrionids.
Eleodes wheeleri
desert stink beetle
Eleodes wheeleri is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle. It belongs to the large genus Eleodes, whose members are known for their defensive head-stand posture. The species was described in 2012 and is part of a diverse group of beetles adapted to arid environments.
Embaphion planum
Embaphion planum is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The genus Embaphion is characterized by distinctly explanate (flanged or flattened) elytra that give these beetles a broad, flattened appearance. Species in this genus are primarily nocturnal and associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. E. planum is one of several Embaphion species found in North American desert and grassland ecosystems.
Epicauta costata
Four-ribbed Blister Beetle
Epicauta costata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Four-ribbed Blister Beetle. The species was described by LeConte in 1854. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other meloids, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin.
Eremanthe
Chemsak's desert moth
Eremanthe is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Eremanthe chemsaki. The genus was described by Munroe in 1972. Adults are active during daylight hours and occur in spring. The genus is restricted to desert regions of California and Mexico.
Eremobates ajoanus
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Eremobates ajoanus is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Muma and Brookhart in 1988. Like other members of the order Solifugae, it is a nocturnal arachnid predator characterized by large, powerful chelicerae used to capture and subdue prey. The species is found in arid regions of North America, particularly in the southwestern United States and adjacent areas.
Eremobates angustus
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider, solifuge
Eremobates angustus is a species of solifuge (windscorpion or sun spider) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Muma in 1951. Solifuges are arachnids distinct from spiders and scorpions, characterized by their large, powerful chelicerae and rapid running ability. This species is part of a group of nocturnal, predatory arachnids found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America.
Eremobates gerbae
windscorpion, solifuge, sun spider, wind scorpion, camel spider
Eremobates gerbae is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Brookhart & Cushing in 2002. Solifuges are arachnids characterized by their large, powerful chelicerae (jaws) and are primarily nocturnal predators of small arthropods. They are not venomous and pose no medical threat to humans despite their fearsome appearance. E. gerbae is one of numerous species in the genus Eremobates, which is particularly diverse in arid regions of western North America.
Eremobates norrisi
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Eremobates norrisi is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Muma & Brookhart in 1988. Solifuges are arachnids distinct from spiders and scorpions, characterized by their large, powerful chelicerae and rapid running ability. Like other members of the genus Eremobates, this species is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments in North America.
Eremoblatta
sand cockroaches
Eremoblatta is a genus of sand cockroaches in the family Corydiidae (formerly Polyphagidae). These cockroaches are adapted to arid, sandy environments. The genus was established by Rehn in 1903. Records indicate presence in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Eremoblatta subdiaphana
Hairy Desert Cockroach
Eremoblatta subdiaphana, commonly known as the hairy desert cockroach, is a species of cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It is native to arid regions of southwestern North America. The species is characterized by its hairy appearance and adaptations to desert environments.
Euparagia
Euparagia is the sole extant genus of the subfamily Euparagiinae within family Vespidae. The group represents a geographically relict taxon with a formerly cosmopolitan distribution in past geological times, now restricted to desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The genus contains ten described species, most named by Bohart between 1938 and 1988. Biological knowledge is extremely limited; only Euparagia scutellaris has been studied, with females known to provision soil nests with weevil larvae.
Euparagia desertorum
Euparagia desertorum is a species of pollen wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, described by Bohart in 1948. The species epithet "desertorum" suggests an association with desert habitats. Members of the genus Euparagia are among the most primitive living vespid wasps and are endemic to arid regions of western North America. Like other masarine wasps, adults are solitary and provision their nests with pollen and nectar rather than prey.
Euphilotes rita
Rita's Blue, rita blue, desert buckwheat blue
Euphilotes rita is a small lycaenid butterfly native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active from July through late September, with a single generation per year. The species exhibits strong ecological specialization on wild buckwheat (Eriogonum species) throughout its life cycle. Larvae are tended by ants, a characteristic mutualism within the Polyommatinae.
Eupompha
Eupompha is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae) comprising approximately 14 described species distributed in arid regions of North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert plants, on which adults feed and aggregate in mating pairs. The genus belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, which includes other genera with similar desert-adapted ecologies.
Eupompha fissiceps
Cleft-headed Blister Beetle
Eupompha fissiceps is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the cleft-headed blister beetle. The species occurs in arid regions of southwestern North America and Central America. Adults have been observed feeding on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) flowers, often in mating aggregations. The specific epithet 'fissiceps' refers to a characteristic division or cleft in the head structure.