Desert
Guides
Evergestis aridalis
Evergestis aridalis is a small crambid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1914. It is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States, specifically California and Nevada. Adults are active in spring and late summer, with a wingspan of approximately 27 mm.
Exema deserti
Exema deserti is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Pierce in 1940. It belongs to the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles, which are characterized by their remarkable mimicry of caterpillar frass. The species is found in Central America and North America.
Forsebia cinis
Forsebia Moth
Forsebia cinis is a moth in the family Erebidae known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Adults have forewings 14–16 mm in length and are active from late February through October. The larvae specialize on woody legumes, particularly Parkinsonia species.
Fotella
Fotella is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, containing the single species Fotella notalis. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. It is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Geolycosa rafaelana
Rafaela Burrowing Wolf Spider
Geolycosa rafaelana is a burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in western desert and scrubland habitats of the United States. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy soils and is primarily nocturnal. The species was described by Chamberlin in 1928 and appears to be associated with arid environments in the southwestern U.S.
Geomysaprinus xerobatis
Geomysaprinus xerobatis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It belongs to the genus Geomysaprinus, a group specialized for association with fossorial mammals. The species epithet "xerobatis" references its documented association with desert-dwelling pocket gophers.
Graphops comosa
Monahans sandhill chrysomelid, long-haired graphops, Monahans Graphops
Graphops comosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, endemic to the sandhills region of the southwestern United States. The species is distinguished by its exceptionally dense covering of coarse white hairs, the heaviest pubescence of any member of its genus. The specific epithet "comosa" is Latin for "with long hair," directly referencing this diagnostic feature. The beetle's restricted distribution and distinctive appearance make it a notable component of the specialized sandhill fauna of the region.
Grotellaforma lactea
Grotellaforma lactea is a small noctuid moth described by Stretch in 1885. The species was originally placed in the genus Cisthene before being transferred to the monotypic genus Grotellaforma. It is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States, with type specimens collected in California and Arizona. The specific epithet 'lactea' refers to the milk-white coloration of the adult.
Hadoa townsendii
Soaptree Sun-Singer
Hadoa townsendii is a cicada species commonly known as the Soaptree Sun-Singer. The species was originally described by Uhler in 1905 and is currently classified in the genus Hadoa, which was separated from the broader Okanagana genus based on morphological and molecular evidence. This medium-sized cicada is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Hadrurus
Giant Hairy Desert Scorpion, Desert Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus is a genus of large scorpions in the family Hadruridae, native to sandy deserts and xeric habitats of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Members of this genus rank among the largest scorpions in the world, exceeded in size only by Hadogenes, Pandinus, Heterometrus, and Hoffmannihadrurus. The genus currently contains seven recognized species, including the well-known Hadrurus arizonensis, commonly called the Giant Hairy Desert Scorpion. These scorpions are characterized by their robust, hairy bodies with yellowish coloration, though Hadrurus spadix notably exhibits a dark, nearly black prosoma and mesosoma.
Hadrurus anzaborrego
Anza-Borrego Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus anzaborrego is a large scorpion endemic to the western Colorado Desert of southern California and extreme northern Baja California. It is a medium-sized member of the genus Hadrurus, reaching up to 11 cm in length. The species exhibits two distinct color phenotypes: light individuals are pale yellow, while dark individuals have a melanic posterior carapace and mesosoma. Both forms display a characteristic dark, v-shaped pattern near the eyes. The species name derives from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where the holotype was collected.
Hadrurus arizonensis
giant desert hairy scorpion, giant hairy scorpion, Arizona Desert hairy scorpion
Hadrurus arizonensis is the largest scorpion in North America, reaching up to 14 cm in length. This arachnid inhabits the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, where it constructs elaborate burrows up to 2.5 meters deep. It is a nocturnal predator that employs a 'sit and wait' hunting strategy, using sensory hairs to detect ground vibrations. Despite its imposing size, its venom is relatively mild with an LD50 of 168-198 mg/kg, comparable in pain to a honeybee sting. The species is viviparous, with young remaining on the mother's back for over a week after birth.
Hadrurus spadix
Black Hairy Scorpion, Black-back Scorpion
Hadrurus spadix is a large scorpion reaching approximately 15 cm in length, native to the southern deserts of North America. It is distinguished from the closely related giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) by its entirely black prosoma (cephalothorax). This species is a dedicated burrower, spending considerable time excavating and enlarging subterranean galleries in sandy substrates. Its venom is considered low in toxicity to humans, though the sting remains painful.
Heliastus benjamini
Arroyo Grasshopper
Heliastus benjamini, commonly known as the arroyo grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Arizona and broader distribution in the southwestern United States. The species inhabits desert environments, particularly canyon and arroyo systems.
Hemerotrecha
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Hemerotrecha is a genus of solifuges (windscorpions) in the family Eremobatidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1903. The genus comprises more than 30 described species distributed in arid regions of North America. These fast-moving, non-venomous arachnids are characterized by their large chelicerae and lack of silk-producing structures. They are active predators that hunt primarily at night.
Hemileuca tricolor
tricolor buckmoth
Hemileuca tricolor, the tricolor buckmoth, is a species of giant silkworm moth in the family Saturniidae. It is native to the Sonoran Desert region of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Hemileuca, it is a day-flying moth that is often mistaken for a butterfly due to its bright coloration. The species was first described by Packard in 1872 under the basionym Euleucophaeus tricolor.
Hemipepsis ustulata
Flamed Tarantula-hawk Wasp, tarantula hawk
Hemipepsis ustulata is a large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as a tarantula hawk. It is native to the Southwestern United States and is among the largest Hymenoptera, reaching up to 5 cm in length. Females hunt tarantulas, paralyzing them with a powerful sting to serve as living food for their larvae. Males exhibit complex lekking territorial behavior, defending prominent perches on hilltops to intercept receptive females. The species has matte black coloration with rust-orange wings, distinguishing it from the iridescent blue-black Pepsis species.
Hesperopsis libya
Mojave sootywing, Mohave sootywing, Great Basin sootywing, Lena sooty wing
A small skipper butterfly of the family Hesperiidae, found in arid regions of western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 22–32 mm and exhibit variable flight periods depending on latitude, with multiple generations in southern California and single generations in northern parts of the range. The species is tightly associated with saltbush (Atriplex) host plants in alkaline desert environments.
Heterotermes aureus
Desert Subterranean Termite
Heterotermes aureus is a subterranean termite native to the deserts of North America. Colonies are large, with estimates ranging from 45,000 to over 2 million individuals. The species is notable for its ability to forage in drier conditions than other desert subterranean termites and for its distinctive soldier mandible morphology.
Homalonychus selenopoides
Homalonychus selenopoides is a true spider in the family Homalonychidae, found in desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Males perform distinctive courtship behaviors involving vibratory drumming on the substrate and spinning silk threads embedded with sand grains. Females construct silk retreats incorporating sand for egg-laying and exhibit maternal care by guarding egg sacs.
Homalonychus theologus
American sand assassin
Homalonychus theologus is a true spider in the obscure family Homalonychidae, found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is one of only two species in its genus. The species exhibits distinctive sand-encrusted camouflage achieved through specialized setae that trap soil particles. It does not construct webs and has been observed employing self-burying behavior during molting and mating.
Hornosus larreae
A dung beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, recorded from arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) habitats, as indicated by its specific epithet. Little is known of its biology beyond collection records.
Iliotona cacti
clown beetle
Iliotona cacti is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. The species was described by John L. LeConte in 1851, originally placed in the genus Hololepta. It is known from North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the tribe Hololeptini, it belongs to a group of histerid beetles associated with decaying plant material.
Insara covilleae
Creosote Bush Katydid
Insara covilleae, commonly known as the creosote bush katydid, is a phaneropterine katydid species in the family Tettigoniidae. The species was described by Rehn & Hebard in 1914 and is found in North America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The common name reflects its association with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), which serves as a primary host plant. The species is part of the genus Insara, which contains several bush katydid species found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Knowltonia atrifasciata
Knowltonia atrifasciata is a rarely encountered species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The genus Knowltonia is small and poorly known, with K. atrifasciata being one of the most uncommon members. Field observations indicate an association with Atriplex (saltbush) species, particularly Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush). Adults display the characteristic metallic coloration of buprestids and are active in late spring. The species has been documented from the Rio Bosque Wetland Park in El Paso, Texas, and likely occurs more broadly in the Chihuahuan Desert region.
Lactista azteca
Aztec grasshopper, Aztec range grasshopper
Lactista azteca is a small band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Aztec grasshopper or Aztec range grasshopper. It is characterized by yellow hindwings with a black band and a single dark bar across each forewing. The species ranges from Arizona to Texas and south into Mexico, occupying desert and arid grassland habitats.
Lactista elota
Lactista elota is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 1984. It belongs to the genus Lactista, which includes other small, desert-adapted grasshoppers such as L. aztecus. The species is recorded from Mexico, though specific details about its biology and appearance remain poorly documented in available literature.
Lactista gibbosa
Lactista gibbosa is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The genus Lactista includes small to medium-sized grasshoppers with distinctive wing patterns, typically found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are characterized by their banded hindwings and relatively short flight distances compared to some other grasshopper groups.
Leptotes marina
Marine Blue, Striped Blue
Leptotes marina is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the Marine Blue or Striped Blue. Adults have a wingspan of 22–29 mm with blue uppersides and brown-banded undersides marked with two blue spots on the hindwings. The species occurs from South America through Mexico to the southern United States, with adults active year-round in the south and from April to September in northern populations. Larvae feed on a diverse range of leguminous plants including Astragalus, Prosopis, and Wisteria.
Ligurotettix
Clicker Grasshoppers
Ligurotettix is a genus of clicker grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae, containing at least two described species: L. coquilletti (desert clicker grasshopper) and L. planum (Pecos clicker grasshopper). Members are known for their distinctive acoustic territorial displays. The genus is distributed across southwestern North American deserts.
Ligurotettix coquilletti
desert clicker grasshopper, creosote bush grasshopper
A slant-faced grasshopper species specialized on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) across the southwestern deserts of North America. Males are highly territorial, defending individual host plants as mating territories through acoustic stridulation. The species exhibits a distinctive evening chorus behavior and maintains a color polymorphism (banded and uniform morphs) shaped by predation pressure. Females oviposit in bare soil away from host plants, and the species undergoes winter egg diapause.
Litaneutria minor
Agile Ground Mantis, Minor Ground Mantid, Lesser Ground Mantid
Litaneutria minor is a small ground-dwelling mantid native to arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Unlike typical ambush-hunting mantids, it pursues prey actively across open ground. Adults reach approximately 30 mm in length. Females are brachypterous (short-winged or wingless); males possess small wings but do not fly. The species is notable for high rates of sexual cannibalism during mating and is the only native mantid species in Canada.
Litaneutria obscura
obscure ground mantis
Litaneutria obscura is a small ground-dwelling mantid native to the desert southwest of North America. Unlike most mantids that employ ambush predation from vegetation, this species is cursorial, actively running down prey on the ground. It is one of two Litaneutria species in the United States, with a more restricted range than its congener L. minor. The species is currently treated as a synonym of L. ocularis by some taxonomic authorities.
Litaneutria ocularis
Obscure Ground Mantis
Litaneutria ocularis is a small ground-dwelling mantis species found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Unlike most mantids that employ ambush predation from vegetation, this species has adopted a cursorial strategy, actively running down prey on the ground. It belongs to a small group of ground mantids in the genera Litaneutria and Yersiniops that have evolved this active hunting behavior in response to open grassland and desert habitats.
Litaneutria skinneri
Skinner's Ground Mantis
Litaneutria skinneri is a small ground-dwelling mantid native to the southwestern United States. Unlike most mantids that employ ambush predation from vegetation, this species is cursorial, actively pursuing prey across open ground. It inhabits arid and semi-arid environments including desert and grassland ecosystems. The species was described by Rehn in 1907 and remains relatively poorly studied compared to its congener L. minor.
Lithurgopsis apicalis
orange-tipped woodborer
Lithurgopsis apicalis is a solitary woodborer bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the orange-tipped woodborer. Adults are active pollinators that visit flowers of several plant families, particularly Cactaceae, Malvaceae, and Asteraceae. The species nests in the hollow stalks of Agave plants, where females excavate tunnels and provision cells with pollen. It occurs across the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Lithurgopsis echinocacti
Barrel Cactus Woodborer
Lithurgopsis echinocacti is a species of woodborer bee in the family Megachilidae, originally described as Lithurgus echinocacti by Cockerell in 1898. The species is commonly known as the Barrel Cactus Woodborer. It belongs to a genus of bees that specialize in boring into wood or plant stems for nesting, with this species showing particular association with cacti. The genus Lithurgopsis is distinguished from the related Lithurgus by morphological characteristics and geographic distribution patterns.
Loxostege albiceralis
Tan-edge Loxostege
Loxostege albiceralis is a crambid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878. It occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is notable as a documented host for the mason wasp Euodynerus annulatus, which provisions its nests with Loxostege caterpillars. Adults are active across an extended flight season from early spring through autumn.
Lycus arizonensis
Arizona Net-winged Beetle
Lycus arizonensis is a species of net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, characterized by amber coloration with black-tipped elytra. Males are slightly smaller than females. The species occurs in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, where adults have been observed on flowers of desert kidneywood (Eysenhardtia orthocarpa).
Lytta biguttata
Two-spotted Lytta
Lytta biguttata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, placed in the subgenus Paralytta. The species is found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Central America. Like other meloids, it possesses chemical defenses and has been observed on flowers of Asteraceae, including Cirsium and yellow composite flowers.
Lytta deserticola
Lytta deserticola is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is found in Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating it is represented by 37 specimens in the UCR Entomology Research Museum collection. As a member of Meloidae, it likely possesses the family's characteristic chemical defense system involving cantharidins.
Macrobaenetes
sand-treader crickets, giant sand-treader crickets
Macrobaenetes is a genus of sand-treader crickets in the family Rhaphidophoridae, endemic to California. The genus contains at least four described species, including the Algodones sand treader cricket (M. algodonensis) and the Kelso Dunes giant sand-treader cricket (M. kelsoensis). These insects are specialized for life in sandy desert environments.
Macrobaenetes algodonensis
Algodones Sand Treader Cricket
Macrobaenetes algodonensis, the Algodones Sand Treader Cricket, is a species of camel cricket described by Tinkham in 1962. It belongs to the family Rhaphidophoridae, a group of wingless, hump-backed crickets commonly known as camel or cave crickets. The species is endemic to the Algodones Dunes region of southeastern California, where it inhabits sandy desert environments. As a member of the genus Macrobaenetes, it shares adaptations for life in loose sand with related sand treader crickets.
Mastigoproctus giganteus
giant whip scorpion, giant vinegaroon, grampus, Texas giant vinegaroon
Mastigoproctus giganteus is a large arachnid in the order Uropygi, commonly known as the giant whip scorpion or vinegaroon. It is the only member of family Thelyphonidae found in the United States, occurring from the southern U.S. through Mexico. The species is nocturnal and occupies humid microhabitats in arid and semi-arid environments. It is notable for its ability to spray a defensive secretion containing 85% acetic acid, which produces a strong vinegar-like odor. The species is long-lived, with females producing a single brood of approximately 40 offspring that receive extended maternal care.
Mecaphesa deserti
Mecaphesa deserti is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae. It was described by Schick in 1965. The species occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, consistent with its specific epithet referencing desert habitats. As a member of the genus Mecaphesa, it belongs to a group of spiders characterized by laterigrade leg orientation and ambush predation behavior.
Megasoma sleeperi
Sleeper's Elephant Beetle
Megasoma sleeperi is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is endemic to the Algodones Dunes of southeastern California and adjacent areas of southwestern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Megasoma, it is among the largest beetles in North America. Males possess prominent horns used in combat with other males. The species was described by Hardy in 1972 and is named in honor of collector R. C. Sleeper.
Megathyminae
giant skippers, yucca giant skippers
Megathyminae is a subfamily of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as giant skippers. These are among the largest skippers, characterized by robust bodies, relatively small wings for their body size, and a strong association with succulent plants. The group contains approximately 20 species distributed primarily in arid regions of North America. Larvae are endophagous, feeding internally within the stems or roots of host plants, particularly yuccas and agaves.
Megetra
Red-banded Blister Beetles
Megetra is a North American genus of blister beetles (Meloidae) comprising three species: M. cancellata, M. punctata, and M. vittata. These beetles are characterized by their distinctive aposematic coloration—typically red or orange markings on black elytra—advertising their chemical defenses. The genus occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults are active during late summer and early fall, primarily on flowers of Asteraceae.
Melanoliarus truncatus
Melanoliarus truncatus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Van Duzee in 1929. Cixiidae are small to medium-sized planthoppers commonly known as cixiid planthoppers, characterized by their elongated bodies and wings held roof-like over the body. Members of the genus Melanoliarus are found in North America, particularly in western regions. The specific epithet 'truncatus' refers to a truncated or shortened feature, likely describing a morphological characteristic of the species.
Mesepiola
Mesepiola is a genus of small moths in the family Prodoxidae, first described by Davis in 1967. The genus includes at least one described species, Mesepiola specca, which occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States. These moths are associated with monocot host plants in the genera Nolina and Dasylirion.