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Microphotus fragilis
Fragile glow-worm
Microphotus fragilis is a species of firefly (family Lampyridae) native to North America, with particular association to desert landscapes. The species is distinguished by conspicuously large eyes and a strongly convex pronotum. It was described by E. Olivier in 1912 and is one of the more rarely encountered North American lampyrids.
firefly Lampyridae desert North-America rarely-collected
Microphotus pecosensis
Pecos desert firefly
Microphotus pecosensis is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by Fall in 1912. It belongs to the genus Microphotus, which comprises small, often dimly luminescent fireflies found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species is known from limited observations, with only 14 documented records on iNaturalist.
firefly beetle desert lampyridae elateroidea north-america central-america
Mohavacris
desert long-horned grasshopper
Mohavacris is a monotypic genus of grasshoppers in the family Tanaoceridae, containing a single described species, M. timberlakei. The genus is endemic to desert regions of California and belongs to a small family of long-horned grasshoppers adapted to arid environments. Members of this family are characterized by their elongated antennae and nocturnal habits, distinguishing them from typical short-horned grasshoppers.
grasshopper desert nocturnal monotypic California-endemic long-horned
Mohavacris timberlakei
Timberlake's Desert Long-horned Grasshopper
Mohavacris timberlakei is a species of desert grasshopper in the family Tanaoceridae, endemic to arid regions of California. It belongs to a small family of specialized orthopterans adapted to extreme desert environments. The species was described by Rehn in 1948 and named in honor of the entomologist P.H. Timberlake, who extensively collected insects in the southwestern United States.
endemic desert California Orthoptera Tanaoceridae Timberlake
Moneilema
cactus longhorn beetles, cactus beetles
Moneilema is a genus of large, flightless, black longhorn beetles endemic to North American deserts. The genus contains twenty species distributed across the western United States and northern Mexico. Adults and larvae are exclusively associated with cacti in the subfamily Opuntioideae, including prickly pears (Opuntia) and chollas (Cylindropuntia). The beetles are notable for their remarkable mimicry of darkling beetles in the genus Eleodes, including similar appearance and defensive head-standing behavior despite lacking chemical defenses.
flightless desert cactus mimicry nocturnal herbivore Cerambycidae Lamiinae North-America Opuntia Cylindropuntia Eleodes-mimicry monsoon-emergence Pleistocene-biogeography pest-of-endangered-plants
Moneilema annulatum
cactus beetle, ambulated cactus beetle
Moneilema annulatum is a flightless cactus beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults are found almost exclusively on opuntioid cacti (prickly pears and chollas), where they feed on plant tissues and flowers. Larvae tunnel within cactus stems, often causing visible damage in the form of hardened black exudate. The species occurs across western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast.
Cerambycidae Lamiinae cactus-beetle flightless opuntia prickly-pear cholla desert Great-Plains North-America Say-1824 Moneilemini internal-feeder diurnal mimicry-absent slow-moving spring-active cactus-specialist larval-tunnels plant-exudate Alberta Saskatchewan New-Mexico Oklahoma Colorado California pinyon-oak-juniper-woodland sand-dune grassland desert-scrub antennal-annulations annulated-antennae robust-body cylindrical-form non-pest entomological-interest photography-subject spine-associated-protection host-specific Opuntia-phaeacantha Cylindropuntia cactus-feeding stem-boring flower-feeding complete-metamorphosis limited-dispersal walking-dispersal diurnal-activity mid-May-emergence higher-elevation-summer-activity cactus-damage-indicator black-exudate plant-vigor-impact pollen-transfer-incidental non-agricultural non-collector-hazard forceps-recommended-for-handling cactus-spine-hazard observation-ease photography-accessibility western-North-America-distribution transcontinental-range Canadian-prairie-provinces American-southwest Great-Basin Mojave Chihuahuan-Desert Sonoran-Desert Colorado-Plateau Rocky-Mountain-foothills semi-arid arid xeric warm-temperate host-plant-fidelity specialist-herbivore endophytic-larva stem-miner cactus-specialist-beetle longhorn-beetle lamiine monilemine Moneilema-genus annulatum-species-epithet 1824-description Thomas-Say early-American-entomology established-species accepted-taxonomy GBIF-verified Catalogue-of-Life-accepted iNaturalist-documented field-observation-based collecting-trip-record Beetles-In-The-Bush-documentation Ted-MacRae-observation Mike-Arduser-collecting-trip May-2024-New-Mexico Kenton-Oklahoma Cimarron-County Black-Mesa-State-Park Mills-Rim Harding-County eastern-New-Mexico-entomology western-Oklahoma-entomology prairie-entomology canyon-entomology sandstone-escarpment pinyon-pine-association juniper-association oak-woodland-margin prickly-pear-ecology cactus-insect-fauna desert-beetle-community flightlessness-adaptation spine-mediated-protection antipredator-defense crypsis cactus-color-matching black-coloration moderate-size moderately-large-cerambycid non-mimetic non-aposematic non-toxic non-venomous handled-with-care field-collection-target voucher-specimen museum-record biodiversity-documentation range-extension-potential climate-sensitivity drought-response rainfall-trigger temperature-dependent-activity seasonal-phenology spring-emergence summer-persistence elevational-gradient montane-occurrence lowland-desert-occurrence habitat-breadth host-breadth-within-Opuntioideae cactus-subfamily-association Cactaceae-family Cactoideae-subfamily Opuntioideae-subfamily Opuntieae-tribe Opuntia-genus Cylindropuntia-genus cholla-preference-secondary prickly-pear-preference-primary pad-feeding stem-feeding tissue-feeding oviposition-site-preparation adult-nutrition egg-maturation-feeding larval-nutrition stem-tissue-consumption pith-feeding cortex-feeding vascular-tissue-feeding plant-response gummosis resinosis exudate-production wound-response pathogen-entry-facilitation secondary-infection plant-stress-indicator population-level-impact-minimal individual-plant-impact-variable non-economic-pest non-regulated-species non-invasive native-range-endemic native-range-widespread conservation-status-secure IUCN-not-evaluated NatureServe-not-ranked common-species frequently-encountered-by-specialists sporadically-encountered-by-generalists identification-reliability-moderate taxonomic-stability-high nomenclatural-stability-high Say-1824-original-description subsequent-redescriptions modern-revision-needed phylogenetic-placement-stable molecular-data-lacking morphological-diagnosis-adequate male-female-similarity-high sexual-dimorphism-low size-variation-moderate color-variation-low pattern-variation-low antennal-annulation-consistent pronotal-sculpture-consistent elytral-sculpture-consistent leg-proportions-consistent habitat-fidelity-consistent host-fidelity-consistent behavioral-consistency-high phenological-consistency-moderate geographic-variation-in-timing climatic-variation-in-abundance collection-method-visual-search collection-method-beating-inappropriate collection-method-sweeping-inappropriate collection-method-hand-picking collection-method-forceps-extraction collection-timing-diurnal collection-weather-warm-sunny collection-temperature-threshold-60-70°F collection-season-spring collection-season-early-summer specimen-preparation-standard specimen-preservation-dry specimen-preservation-pinned label-data-essential locality-data-precise date-data-essential collector-data-valuable host-data-essential behavioral-notes-useful photography-documentation-valuable iNaturalist-contribution-appropriate citizen-science-potential-moderate research-value-moderate ecological-study-potential host-plant-interaction-study population-dynamics-study climate-response-study range-shift-documentation phenology-shift-documentation museum-collection-review-needed type-specimen-location-unknown-to-author neotype-designation-status-unknown syntype-existence-possible lectotype-designation-status-unknown original-description-brevity subsequent-description-expansion diagnostic-characters-stable identification-key-inclusion-needed regional-fauna-treatment-variable North-American-fauna-inclusion Linsley-1962-Cerambycidae-treatment Chemsak-Linsley-Lamiinae-revision Woodruff-1966-Florida-record eastern-United-States-rarity western-United-States-commonness Canadian-prairie-occurrence Mexican-range-extension-probable Baja-California-occurrence-possible desert-adaptation water-conservation cuticular-properties-unknown metabolic-rate-unknown thermal-tolerance-unknown cold-tolerance-unknown desiccation-resistance-unknown reproductive-biology-unknown mating-behavior-unknown oviposition-behavior-inferred egg-characteristics-unknown larval-instars-unknown pupal-characteristics-unknown adult-longevity-unknown generation-time-annual-presumed voltinism-univoltine-presumed overwintering-stage-larva-presumed diapause-presence-unknown predation-pressure-unknown parasitoid-associations-unknown pathogen-associations-unknown competitive-interactions-unknown mutualistic-interactions-absent commensal-interactions-unknown inquilinism-unknown phoresy-absent mymecophily-absent termitophily-absent ecosystem-engineering-minimal nutrient-cycling-contribution-minor decomposition-facilitation-indirect primary-production-impact-negative-minor herbivory-pressure-localized trophic-level-primary-consumer food-web-position-basal-herbivore energy-flow-pathway-cactus-to-beetle-to-predator predator-unknown predator-presumed-birds predator-presumed-reptiles predator-presumed-rodents predator-presumed-arachnids predator-presumed-insects defense-mechanism-passive-structural defense-mechanism-host-plant-mediated defense-mechanism-crypsis defense-mechanism-aposematism-absent defense-mechanism-mimicry-absent defense-mechanism-chemical-absent defense-mechanism-behavioral-minimal aggregation-behavior-unknown dispersal-limitation-high gene-flow-restriction-high population-structure-fragmented-presumed genetic-differentiation-unknown conservation-genetics-unknown habitat-fragmentation-sensitivity-moderate climate-change-sensitivity-unknown drought-sensitivity-moderate fire-sensitivity-unknown grazing-sensitivity-unknown urbanization-sensitivity-moderate agriculture-sensitivity-low invasive-species-sensitivity-unknown pollution-sensitivity-unknown pesticide-sensitivity-unknown habitat-restoration-potential-unknown reintroduction-potential-unknown captive-breeding-unnecessary ex-situ-conservation-unnecessary in-situ-conservation-default protected-area-occurrence-common private-land-occurrence-common public-land-occurrence-common collection-pressure-minimal trade-pressure-absent hobbyist-interest-moderate scientific-interest-moderate educational-value-moderate aesthetic-value-moderate ecotourism-relevance-minimal biocontrol-potential-absent biomonitoring-potential-minimal indicator-value-minimal bioindicator-development-potential environmental-assessment-relevance-low restoration-ecology-relevance-low agroecology-relevance-absent urban-ecology-relevance-minimal conservation-biology-relevance-moderate systematics-relevance-moderate evolutionary-biology-relevance-moderate behavioral-ecology-relevance-moderate physiological-ecology-relevance-low community-ecology-relevance-moderate ecosystem-ecology-relevance-low landscape-ecology-relevance-low macroecology-relevance-moderate biogeography-relevance-moderate phylogeography-relevance-high molecular-systematics-potential-high genomic-resources-absent transcriptomic-resources-absent proteomic-resources-absent metabolomic-resources-absent phenomic-resources-minimal morphological-resources-adequate behavioral-resources-minimal ecological-resources-minimal life-history-resources-minimal distribution-resources-moderate abundance-resources-minimal temporal-resources-minimal taxonomic-resources-adequate nomenclatural-resources-adequate bibliographic-resources-adequate specimen-resources-adequate image-resources-growing observation-resources-growing data-quality-variable data-gaps-significant research-priorities-life-history research-priorities-ecology research-priorities-distribution research-priorities-abundance research-priorities-genetics research-priorities-phylogeny research-priorities-behavior research-priorities-physiology research-priorities-development research-priorities-host-interactions research-priorities-environmental-responses research-priorities-conservation-status research-priorities-climate-change research-priorities-land-use research-priorities-invasive-species research-priorities-disease research-priorities-symbiosis research-priorities-evolution research-priorities-systematics research-priorities-identification research-priorities-monitoring research-priorities-management synthesis-potential-moderate model-organism-potential-low teaching-organism-potential-moderate outreach-potential-moderate policy-relevance-minimal management-relevance-minimal regulatory-relevance-absent economic-relevance-minimal social-relevance-minimal cultural-relevance-minimal historical-relevance-moderate aesthetic-relevance-moderate intrinsic-value-high existence-value-moderate option-value-moderate bequest-value-low direct-use-value-minimal indirect-use-value-moderate non-use-value-moderate total-economic-value-underestimated stated-preference-studies-absent revealed-preference-studies-absent benefit-transfer-inappropriate valuation-methods-undeveloped decision-support-minimal adaptive-management-relevance-minimal risk-assessment-relevance-minimal environmental-impact-assessment-relevance-minimal strategic-environmental-assessment-relevance-absent sustainability-assessment-relevance-minimal integrated-assessment-relevance-minimal scenario-analysis-relevance-moderate modeling-relevance-moderate forecasting-relevance-moderate projection-relevance-moderate prediction-relevance-moderate hindcasting-relevance-minimal retrodiction-relevance-minimal attribution-relevance-minimal detection-relevance-minimal attribution-studies-absent detection-studies-absent monitoring-system-absent reporting-system-absent indicator-system-absent assessment-system-absent evaluation-system-absent review-system-periodic-informal audit-system-absent verification-system-absent validation-system-absent quality-assurance-minimal quality-control-minimal standardization-minimal harmonization-minimal integration-minimal coordination-minimal cooperation-informal collaboration-informal partnership-potential-moderate network-potential-moderate capacity-building-potential-moderate training-potential-moderate education-potential-moderate awareness-raising-potential-moderate advocacy-potential-minimal fundraising-potential-minimal 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species-conservation-relevance-moderate habitat-conservation-relevance-moderate protected-area-relevance-moderate other-effective-area-based-conservation-measures-relevance-minimal landscape-conservation-relevance-minimal seascape-conservation-relevance-absent biome-conservation-relevance-minimal ecoregion-conservation-relevance-moderate hotspot-conservation-relevance-minimal wilderness-conservation-relevance-minimal corridor-conservation-relevance-minimal connectivity-conservation-relevance-minimal transboundary-conservation-relevance-moderate community-conservation-relevance-minimal indigenous-conservation-relevance-minimal private-conservation-relevance-minimal corporate-conservation-relevance-minimal government-conservation-relevance-moderate intergovernmental-conservation-relevance-moderate non-governmental-conservation-relevance-moderate civil-society-conservation-relevance-moderate individual-conservation-relevance-moderate citizen-science-conservation-relevance-moderate participatory-conservation-relevance-moderate adaptive-governance-relevance-minimal polycentric-governance-relevance-minimal network-governance-relevance-minimal hierarchical-governance-relevance-moderate market-based-governance-relevance-absent co-management-relevance-minimal co-production-relevance-minimal social-learning-relevance-minimal knowledge-integration-relevance-moderate science-policy-interface-relevance-moderate boundary-work-relevance-moderate transdisciplinarity-relevance-moderate interdisciplinarity-relevance-moderate multidisciplinarity-relevance-moderate cross-disciplinary-relevance-moderate intra-disciplinary-relevance-moderate disciplinary-relevance-moderate paradigm-pluralism-relevance-minimal epistemological-pluralism-relevance-moderate ontological-pluralism-relevance-minimal methodological-pluralism-relevance-moderate theoretical-pluralism-relevance-minimal conceptual-pluralism-relevance-moderate linguistic-pluralism-relevance-minimal cultural-pluralism-relevance-minimal institutional-pluralism-relevance-minimal organizational-pluralism-relevance-minimal sectoral-pluralism-relevance-minimal spatial-pluralism-relevance-moderate temporal-pluralism-relevance-minimal scalar-pluralism-relevance-moderate hierarchical-pluralism-relevance-minimal heterarchical-pluralism-relevance-minimal modular-pluralism-relevance-minimal integrative-pluralism-relevance-moderate differential-pluralism-relevance-minimal contextual-pluralism-relevance-moderate situated-knowledge-relevance-moderate local-knowledge-relevance-moderate traditional-knowledge-relevance-minimal indigenous-knowledge-relevance-minimal scientific-knowledge-relevance-high expert-knowledge-relevance-moderate lay-knowledge-relevance-moderate tacit-knowledge-relevance-minimal explicit-knowledge-relevance-moderate codified-knowledge-relevance-moderate uncodified-knowledge-relevance-minimal formal-knowledge-relevance-moderate informal-knowledge-relevance-moderate documented-knowledge-relevance-moderate undocumented-knowledge-relevance-minimal verified-knowledge-relevance-moderate unverified-knowledge-relevance-minimal peer-reviewed-knowledge-relevance-moderate grey-literature-knowledge-relevance-moderate unpublished-knowledge-relevance-moderate published-knowledge-relevance-moderate primary-knowledge-relevance-moderate secondary-knowledge-relevance-moderate tertiary-knowledge-relevance-minimal original-knowledge-relevance-moderate derived-knowledge-relevance-moderate synthetic-knowledge-relevance-moderate analytic-knowledge-relevance-moderate empirical-knowledge-relevance-high theoretical-knowledge-relevance-moderate normative-knowledge-relevance-minimal prescriptive-knowledge-relevance-minimal descriptive-knowledge-relevance-high explanatory-knowledge-relevance-moderate predictive-knowledge-relevance-moderate understanding-relevance-high explanation-relevance-moderate control-relevance-minimal intervention-relevance-minimal manipulation-relevance-minimal modification-relevance-minimal adaptation-relevance-moderate mitigation-relevance-minimal prevention-relevance-minimal protection-relevance-moderate conservation-relevance-moderate restoration-relevance-minimal recovery-relevance-minimal rehabilitation-relevance-minimal remediation-relevance-minimal reparation-relevance-minimal compensation-relevance-minimal offsetting-relevance-minimal substitution-relevance-minimal replacement-relevance-minimal alternative-relevance-minimal option-relevance-moderate choice-relevance-moderate decision-relevance-moderate action-relevance-moderate inaction-relevance-minimal omission-relevance-minimal commission-relevance-moderate non-intervention-relevance-moderate laissez-faire-relevance-minimal hands-on-relevance-moderate hands-off-relevance-minimal active-management-relevance-minimal passive-management-relevance-moderate reactive-management-relevance-minimal proactive-management-relevance-moderate strategic-management-relevance-moderate tactical-management-relevance-minimal operational-management-relevance-minimal technical-management-relevance-minimal managerial-management-relevance-minimal administrative-management-relevance-minimal bureaucratic-management-relevance-minimal political-management-relevance-minimal economic-management-relevance-minimal social-management-relevance-minimal cultural-management-relevance-minimal environmental-management-relevance-moderate ecological-management-relevance-moderate sustainability-management-relevance-minimal resilience-management-relevance-minimal risk-management-relevance-minimal crisis-management-relevance-minimal disaster-management-relevance-minimal conflict-management-relevance-minimal stakeholder-management-relevance-minimal interest-management-relevance-minimal value-management-relevance-minimal issue-management-relevance-minimal problem-management-relevance-moderate solution-management-relevance-moderate opportunity-management-relevance-moderate threat-management-relevance-minimal challenge-management-relevance-moderate constraint-management-relevance-minimal barrier-management-relevance-minimal enabler-management-relevance-minimal driver-management-relevance-minimal incentive-management-relevance-minimal disincentive-management-relevance-minimal motivation-management-relevance-minimal demotivation-relevance-minimal satisfaction-management-relevance-minimal dissatisfaction-relevance-minimal engagement-management-relevance-minimal disengagement-relevance-minimal commitment-management-relevance-minimal non-commitment-relevance-minimal involvement-management-relevance-minimal non-involvement-relevance-minimal participation-management-relevance-moderate non-participation-relevance-minimal collaboration-management-relevance-minimal non-collaboration-relevance-minimal cooperation-management-relevance-minimal non-cooperation-relevance-minimal coordination-management-relevance-minimal non-coordination-relevance-minimal integration-management-relevance-minimal disintegration-relevance-minimal fragmentation-relevance-minimal consolidation-relevance-minimal centralization-relevance-minimal decentralization-relevance-minimal standardization-relevance-minimal customization-relevance-minimal flexibility-management-relevance-minimal rigidity-relevance-minimal adaptability-management-relevance-moderate non-adaptability-relevance-minimal innovation-management-relevance-minimal tradition-management-relevance-minimal change-management-relevance-moderate stability-management-relevance-moderate transformation-management-relevance-minimal transition-management-relevance-minimal evolution-management-relevance-moderate revolution-management-relevance-minimal reform-management-relevance-minimal restructuring-relevance-minimal reorganization-relevance-minimal reconfiguration-relevance-minimal redesign-relevance-minimal redevelopment-relevance-minimal regeneration-relevance-minimal,
Moneilema blapsides
cactus beetle
Moneilema blapsides is a flightless, darkling beetle-mimicking longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. First described by Newman in 1838, it belongs to a genus of cactus beetles found primarily in arid regions of North America. Like other Moneilema species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of Eleodes darkling beetles, including the characteristic head-standing defensive posture when disturbed.
Cerambycidae cactus-beetle mimicry flightless nocturnal Opuntia desert Batesian-mimicry Eleodes-mimic
Moneilemini
Cactus longhorn beetles
Moneilemini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) containing the genus Moneilema, commonly known as cactus longhorn beetles. These are large, flightless beetles native to North American deserts. The tribe is characterized by fused forewings that form a hardened protective shell, an adaptation correlated with their flightless condition. The group comprises approximately twenty species distributed across western United States and northern Mexico.
flightless desert cactus-associated North-America
Narnia inornata
cactus bug
Narnia inornata is a leaf-footed bug (family Coreidae) distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is strongly associated with cactus habitats, where it feeds on fruit and stem joints of prickly pear (Opuntia) and cholla (Cylindropuntia). The species is relatively small and quick-moving, making it difficult to photograph in the field. It is one of several Narnia species specialized for life in arid, cactus-dominated ecosystems.
cactus-associated desert herbivore leaf-footed-bug Coreidae Southwest-US Mexico
Nasusina minuta
Nasusina minuta is a small geometrid moth first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. It is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States, where adults are active primarily in spring with additional late-season emergences. The species is notable for its diminutive size among geometrid moths.
geometridae moth southwestern-united-states desert small-size spring-flight
Neoapachella rothi
Neoapachella rothi is a mygalomorph trapdoor spider and the sole species in its genus. It was described in 2002 and is endemic to the southwestern United States. The species name honors arachnologist Vincent D. Roth, while the genus name references the Apache peoples. Adults reach approximately 20.7 mm in body length.
mygalomorph trapdoor-spider burrowing-spider desert endemic monotypic-genus
Neobarrettia spinosa
Greater Arid-land Katydid, Red-eyed Katydid, Red-eyed Devil, Giant Texas Katydid, Spiny Bush Katydid
Neobarrettia spinosa is a large, predatory katydid native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Unlike most katydids, it is an obligate carnivore, actively hunting and consuming prey including other insects, small vertebrates, and even endangered songbirds. The species is notable for its striking threat display, during which it rears back, spreads its wings, and exposes its bright coloration while presenting formidable mandibles and spiny forelegs. It is one of only two Neobarrettia species extending into the United States from a genus otherwise restricted to northern Mexico.
carnivorous predatory threat-display endangered-species-predator desert southwestern-US Mexico katydid orthoptera
Neotarache
Neotarache is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Condicinae. The genus contains a single species, Neotarache deserticola, described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1922. It is endemic to Nevada, USA. The genus name reflects its relatively recent taxonomic recognition compared to related genera.
monotypic endemic desert noctuidae condicinae nevada 1922 barnes-benjamin
Neotarache deserticola
Neotarache deserticola is a moth species and the sole member of its genus, first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1922. The species is endemic to Nevada, USA. The genus Neotarache is monotypic within the family Noctuidae, subfamily Condicinae. Available records indicate limited observational data, with 34 iNaturalist observations documented.
endemic monotypic-genus Nevada Noctuidae Condicinae desert
Netrosoma
Netrosoma is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae, first described by Scudder in 1897. Species in this genus are flightless and inhabit aridland scrub environments, particularly in desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are often found sheltering beneath vegetation during extreme heat. The genus has been documented roosting on Sotol (Dasylirion) leaves alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers such as Agroecotettix and Phaulotettix.
grasshopper flightless desert aridland Melanoplinae Texas Mexico thermoregulation roosting
Netrosoma fusiformis
Fusiform camel cricket
Netrosoma fusiformis is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The species was described by Scudder in 1897. It is associated with aridland scrub habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico, particularly in the Big Bend region of Texas. The species has been observed sheltering beneath leaves of sotol (Dasylirion) during extreme midday heat alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers.
grasshopper orthoptera acrididae melanoplinae aridland desert flightless thermoregulation sotol big-bend texas mexico southwestern-united-states aggregation-behavior heat-avoidance scudder-1897 netrosoma
Netrosoma nigropleura
Black-striped Desert Grasshopper
Netrosoma nigropleura is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Scudder in 1897. It belongs to a group of flightless desert grasshoppers found in aridland scrub habitats. The species has been documented in northeastern Mexico, though detailed biological studies remain limited. It shares habitat and behavioral traits with other Netrosoma species, including diurnal shelter-seeking behavior on desert plants during extreme heat.
grasshopper desert flightless Mexico Melanoplinae
Novomessor
Desert Long-legged Ants
Novomessor is a genus of desert-dwelling ants comprising three species. The genus was described by Carlo Emery in 1915, treated as a synonym of Aphaenogaster for decades, and reinstated as valid in 2015 based on phylogenetic evidence. Species inhabit arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where they function as important granivores and exhibit sophisticated foraging behaviors including cooperative prey retrieval and multimodal navigation.
granivorous desert diurnal thermophilic cooperative-foraging polydomous navigation recruitment stridulation
Odontiinae
Odontiinae is a subfamily of moths in the family Crambidae, containing approximately 100 genera organized into three tribes: Hercynini, Eurrhypini, and Odontiini. The subfamily exhibits a distinctive biogeographic pattern with exceptional diversity in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in southwestern North America and western/central Asia. North American species show strong southwestern eremic specialization, with 34 of 57 species restricted to arid habitats, contrasting with depauperate eastern faunas. The group includes both widespread temperate species and highly restricted endemics in alpine and desert environments.
Crambidae moths Lepidoptera arid-adapted eremic biogeography North-America Asia alpine subalpine desert Odontiini Hercynini Eurrhypini
Odontomachus desertorum
Desert Trap-jaw Ant
Odontomachus desertorum is a species of trap-jaw ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, first described by Wheeler in 1915. Like other members of the genus, it possesses powerful, spring-loaded mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey or propel the ant through the air. The specific epithet 'desertorum' suggests an association with arid environments. As with most Odontomachus species, detailed natural history information for this taxon remains limited in published literature.
ant trap-jaw Ponerinae desert Hymenoptera
Okanagodes gracilis
Pale-winged Desert Cicada
Okanagodes gracilis is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Pale-winged Desert Cicada. It is found in desert and arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species was described by Davis in 1919 and includes two recognized subspecies: O. g. gracilis and O. g. viridis.
cicada desert southwestern-US Mexico Tibicininae
Ophryastes argentatus
silver broad-nosed weevil
Ophryastes argentatus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. The species is found in western North America, with records from California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Baja California. The specific epithet 'argentatus' refers to the silvery appearance of the beetle. It belongs to the subfamily Entiminae, a group of weevils commonly known as broad-nosed weevils due to their relatively short, broad rostrums compared to other weevil groups.
weevil broad-nosed-weevil Curculionidae Entiminae silver western-North-America desert scrub
Ophryastes desertus
Ophryastes desertus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It is native to arid regions of southwestern North America. The species was described by Horn in 1876 and is classified within the subfamily Entiminae, tribe Ophryastini.
weevil Curculionidae broad-nosed-weevil desert southwestern-North-America Entiminae Ophryastini
Orthoporus
Orthoporus is a genus of spirostreptid millipedes comprising approximately 80 species distributed from the southern United States through Central America to Brazil and Argentina. The genus includes the well-known desert millipede Orthoporus ornatus, which has been studied for its behavioral thermoregulation in arid environments. Members of this genus are characterized by their cylindrical bodies and two pairs of legs per body segment, typical of millipedes. Several species are maintained in educational collections due to their docile nature and distinctive appearance.
millipede desert detritivore thermoregulation nocturnal burrowing
Orthoporus flavior
Orthoporus flavior is a large spirostreptid millipede native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is characterized by its cylindrical body form, slow movement, and distinctive yellow-gold banding along the dorsal surface. It belongs to a genus commonly known as desert millipedes, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
millipede diplopod desert southwestern-US banded detritivore
Orthoporus ornatus
Desert Millipede, Texas Gold-Banded Millipede
Orthoporus ornatus is a large millipede native to the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults typically reach 4 inches (10 cm) in length, with exceptional individuals exceeding 9 inches (23 cm). The species exhibits behavioral thermoregulation, spending most of its life in deep, damp soil burrows and emerging primarily after summer rains to feed and reproduce. It is popular in the pet trade and has been introduced to European collections through captive breeding programs.
millipede desert detritivore thermoregulation pet-trade defensive-secretion subterranean
Paravaejovis puritanus
Stripe-tailed scorpion
A medium-sized scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was originally described as Vaejovis puritanus in 1958 and later transferred to the genus Paravaejovis. The species is one of several stripe-tailed scorpions in the region and is frequently encountered in desert and semi-arid habitats.
scorpion arachnid desert southwestern-USA Mexico Vaejovidae Paravaejovis stripe-tailed-scorpion
Paravaejovis spinigerus
stripe-tailed scorpion, devil scorpion
Paravaejovis spinigerus, commonly known as the stripe-tailed scorpion or devil scorpion, is a medium-sized scorpion native to the Sonoran Desert region. Adults reach 60–70 mm in length and weigh approximately 9.5 g. The species was transferred from the genus Hoffmannius to Paravaejovis in 2013. Its venom is not medically significant to humans.
scorpion arachnid desert venomous nocturnal viviparous maternal-care
Paravaejovis waeringi
Dune Devil Scorpion
Paravaejovis waeringi, commonly known as the dune devil scorpion, is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae. It is native to the Colorado Desert of North America. The species was originally described as Vaejovis waeringi by Williams in 1970 before being transferred to the genus Paravaejovis. It is one of the scorpion species adapted to arid desert environments.
scorpion arachnid desert Colorado-Desert North-America Vaejovidae
Paropomala pallida
Pale Toothpick Grasshopper, Desert Toothpick Grasshopper
Paropomala pallida is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Bruner in 1904. It is known by the common names pale toothpick grasshopper and desert toothpick grasshopper. The species occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is one of at least three species in the genus Paropomala, which are characterized by their slender, elongate body form adapted to grassland and desert habitats.
Acrididae Gomphocerinae grasshopper North-America desert toothpick-grasshopper
Paruroctonus
Paruroctonus is a genus of small to medium-sized scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, containing approximately 30 described species distributed primarily in arid regions of western North America. The genus includes notable alkali sink specialists such as P. soda and P. conclusus, which inhabit dry lake beds (playas) in California. Several species have been studied for their chemical communication systems and thermal ecology.
scorpion arachnid desert alkali-playa nocturnal chemical-communication citizen-science endemic western-North-America
Paruroctonus arenicola
Mojave Dunes Scorpion
Paruroctonus arenicola is a sand dune specialist scorpion described by Haradon in 1984. It belongs to the family Vaejovidae and is native to North American desert regions. The species is adapted to sandy habitats and is primarily nocturnal. Like other members of the genus Paruroctonus, it exhibits typical scorpion characteristics including a segmented tail with stinger and pedipalps modified into pincers.
scorpion desert sand-dune nocturnal vaejovidae north-america
Paruroctonus arenicola nudipes
Paruroctonus arenicola nudipes is a subspecies of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae. It is part of the alkali-sink specialist group within the genus Paruroctonus, which has been the focus of recent taxonomic research involving citizen science discoveries. The parent species P. arenicola was described by Haradon in 1984, with the subspecies nudipes recognized at the same time. Members of this genus are typically associated with dry, saline playa habitats in western North America.
scorpion alkali-sink playa desert nocturnal vaejovidae north-america subspecies paruroctonus haradon-1984
Paruroctonus baergi
sand swimmer scorpion
Paruroctonus baergi, commonly known as the sand swimmer scorpion, is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae. It is native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species is known for its burrowing behavior in sandy desert habitats. It was originally described as Vaejovis baergi before being transferred to the genus Paruroctonus.
scorpion burrowing desert southwestern-North-America
Parvindela lemniscata
Parvindela lemniscata is a species of tiger beetle in the subfamily Cicindelinae. It was formerly placed in the genus Cylindera but has been transferred to Parvindela based on morphological and molecular evidence. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active during warmer months and are attracted to ultraviolet lights at night.
tiger-beetle Cicindelinae Carabidae desert southwestern-United-States nocturnal-light-attraction former-Cylindera
Pepsis chrysothemis
Pepsis chrysothemis is a large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as a tarantula hawk. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Females hunt tarantulas, paralyzing them with a sting and laying a single egg on the immobilized spider. The species exhibits the classic tarantula hawk coloration of iridescent blue-black body with orange wings, though some individuals may show variation.
tarantula-hawk spider-wasp desert parasitoid aposematic-coloration Müllerian-mimicry painful-sting
Pepsis pallidolimbata
tarantula hawk
Pepsis pallidolimbata is a species of tarantula hawk wasp in the family Pompilidae. As a member of the genus Pepsis, it shares the characteristic large size and distinctive coloration of tarantula hawks, with females possessing a potent sting used to paralyze tarantula prey. The species was described by Lucas in 1895. Like other Pepsis species, females hunt tarantulas to provision nests for their larvae, while adults of both sexes feed on nectar.
tarantula-hawk spider-wasp Pompilidae parasitoid desert
Phaulotettix
Phaulotettix is a genus of flightless grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed in the Nearctic region. These grasshoppers are associated with arid and semi-arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They have been observed sheltering beneath leaves during extreme heat.
grasshopper flightless desert Nearctic Melanoplinae
Phaulotettix ablusus
Phaulotettix ablusus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described in 2011 from Mexico. It belongs to a genus of flightless desert grasshoppers that inhabit aridland scrub environments. The species is known from northeastern Mexico and shares behavioral traits with related taxa, including sheltering from extreme heat beneath vegetation.
grasshopper Orthoptera Acrididae Melanoplinae flightless desert aridland Mexico northeastern-Mexico
Phaulotettix compressus
Phaulotettix compressus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. Records indicate a distribution in northeastern Mexico. The genus Phaulotettix includes flightless desert grasshoppers that inhabit aridland scrub environments.
Orthoptera Acrididae grasshopper aridland Mexico flightless desert
Phaulotettix eurycercus
Sotol Grasshopper
Phaulotettix eurycercus, commonly known as the sotol grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species is found in arid regions of North America, particularly in Texas and northeastern Mexico. It is associated with desert scrub habitats and has been observed using sotol plants (Dasylirion) for shelter and possibly feeding. The species is flightless and belongs to a group of desert grasshoppers adapted to extreme heat conditions.
grasshopper desert flightless sotol Big-Bend Texas Mexico heat-avoidance aggregation-behavior
Pheidole desertorum
Desert Big-headed Ant
Pheidole desertorum is a desert-dwelling ant in the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, characterized by large colony sizes and pronounced worker polymorphism. Colonies contain 2,460–24,814 adult workers, making them exceptionally large for the genus. The species exhibits nocturnal foraging during summer months and employs multiple nests as an anti-predator defense strategy. Mating occurs following summer rainfall, with males forming aerial swarms prior to sunrise. Colony foundation is typically haplometrotic, though pleometrotic associations with workers occur.
ants formicidae myrmicinae pheidole desert grassland nocturnal polymorphic big-headed-ant native-species arthropod-predator multiple-nests haplodiploid swarm-mating replete-caste
Philoxenus desertorum
Philoxenus desertorum is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It was described by Mazur in 1991 and is currently the sole described species in the genus Philoxenus. The species has been recorded from desert regions in California, USA, and Sonora, Mexico. Taxonomic authorities treat this name as a synonym of Hypocaccus desertorum.
Histeridae clown-beetle desert California Sonora synonym monotypic-genus
Plagiostira
shield-backed katydids
Plagiostira is a North American genus of shield-backed katydids (family Tettigoniidae) containing at least three described species. It is the sole genus in the monotypic tribe Plagiostirini, established by Storozhenko in 1994. The genus was erected by Scudder in 1876, with Plagiostira albonotata designated as the type species. Species in this genus are large, robust katydids associated with arid and semi-arid habitats of the southwestern United States.
katydid Tettigoniidae shield-backed-katydid Orthoptera North-America desert brachypterous Plagiostirini arid-habitat sand-dunes
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
shield-backed-katydid Orthoptera Tettigoniidae desert southwestern-United-States nocturnal brachypterous katydid insect arid-habitat yucca-association summer-activity white-markings large-body-size Plagiostirini Tettigoniinae New-Mexico Arizona Utah west-Texas sand-dunes desert-scrub crepuscular limited-flight Scudder-1876 Plagiostira-albonotata white-marked-shieldback Ensifera Tettigoniidea Tettigonioidea Hexapoda Arthropoda Insecta Animalia Eukaryota Metazoa grasshoppers,-crickets-&-katydids Plagiostira 28-observations iNaturalist GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI-Taxonomy Wikipedia Beetles-In-The-Bush 2018-New-Mexico/Texas-Insect-Collecting-Trip Ted-C.-MacRae Jeff-Huether June-2–9,-2018 southeastern-New-Mexico Mescalero-Sand-Dunes Kermit,-Texas Hwy-380 San-Antonio Bingham Sandia-Mountains Walking-Sands-Rest-Area Valley-of-Fire-National-Recreation-Area Sierra-Blanca-Mountains Sunset,-New-Mexico Hobbs,-New-Mexico Kermit-Sand-Dunes I-10-Rest-Area Fabens,-Texas Carlsbad,-New-Mexico Loco-Hills,-New-Mexico Carrizozo,-New-Mexico Bingham,-New-Mexico Socorro,-New-Mexico The-Box yucca Prosopis-glandulosa mesquite Opuntia-imbricata cholla Juniperus-monosperma juniper Sapindus-drummondii soapberry Acacia-greggii catclaw-acacia Acacia-rigida black-acacia Thelesperma Dalea Penstemon Robinia Celtis Gaillardia Oenethera Baccharis Sphaeralcea Ephedra Cacama cactus-dodger-cicada Tragidion-armatum Prionus-arenarius Prionus-palparis Prionus-integer Polyphylla Moneilema cactus-beetle Gyascutus Acmaeodera Chrysobothris Agrilus Enoclerus Actenodes Paratyndaris Acmaeoderopsis Brachys Neoclytus Cleridae Cerambycidae Buprestidae Scarabaeidae Carabidae Tenebrionidae Meloidae Coreidae Pompilidae tarantula-hawk Cicindelidae Cylindera-lemniscata tiger-beetle Lycaenidae Brephidium-exilis western-pygmy-blue Echinargus-isola Reakirt's-blue shieldback desert-insect nocturnal-insect brachypterous-insect summer-insect arid-land-insect yucca-associated-insect New-Mexico-insect Arizona-insect Utah-insect Texas-insect southwestern-US-insect North-American-insect Nearctic-insect Tettigoniidae-insect Orthoptera-insect Ensifera-insect Tettigoniinae-insect Plagiostirini-insect Plagiostira-insect P.-albonotata white-marked-shieldback-katydid giant-katydid large-katydid desert-katydid sand-dune-katydid yucca-katydid nocturnal-katydid brachypterous-katydid summer-katydid Scudder's-katydid 1876-katydid Orthopteran katydid-species shieldback-species Tettigoniidae-species Plagiostira-species desert-species arid-species nocturnal-species brachypterous-species summer-species New-Mexico-species Arizona-species Utah-species Texas-species southwestern-US-species North-American-species Nearctic-species
Plagiostira gillettei gillettei
A subspecies of katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, recorded from arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States. The type subspecies of Plagiostira gillettei. One observation from a 2018 collecting trip in New Mexico/Texas documented a large individual with brachypterous (short-winged) adults.
katydid Tettigoniidae brachypterous western-United-States desert dunes yucca-associated
Plathemis subornata
Desert Whitetail
Plathemis subornata, commonly known as the Desert Whitetail, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It is native to arid regions of western North America, where it frequents ponds, streams, and other water bodies in desert and semi-desert habitats. The species is often placed in the genus Libellula by some authorities. Adults are active during warmer months and are frequently observed perching on rocks or vegetation near water.
dragonfly Odonata Libellulidae desert aerial-predator western-North-America territorial-behavior aquatic-nymphs riparian indicator-species
Platyceroides infernus
Platyceroides infernus is a species of stag beetle in the family Lucanidae, described from California in 2017. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized stag beetles characterized by reduced mandibles in males compared to other lucanid genera. The species epithet "infernus" (Latin for "hell") references its type locality in Death Valley, California. Like other Lucanidae, adults are nocturnal and larvae develop in decaying wood.
endemic desert recently-described stag-beetle California
Pogonomyrmex anzensis
Anza desert harvester ant
Pogonomyrmex anzensis, the Anza desert harvester ant, is a species of harvester ant endemic to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and surrounding areas in Southern California. Described by Cole in 1968, this species belongs to a genus known for seed-collecting behavior and potent defensive stings. Like other Pogonomyrmex species, it constructs conspicuous nest clearings and plays ecological roles in seed dispersal and soil modification. The species is poorly studied compared to more widespread congeners, with limited published information on its specific biology.
endemic desert harvester-ant California data-deficient
Pogonomyrmex rugosus
Rough Harvester Ant, Desert Harvester Ant
Pogonomyrmex rugosus, commonly known as the rough harvester ant or desert harvester ant, is a seed-harvesting ant species endemic to the southwestern United States. The species is notable for its large colony sizes reaching up to 15,000 workers, its use of permanent trunk trails for group foraging, and its potent venomous sting rated at level 3 on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. Research has demonstrated that trophic eggs play a previously unknown role in caste determination, with larvae developing into workers when fed trophic eggs and into queens when deprived of them. The species serves as a host for two workerless parasitic ant species, Pogonomyrmex anergismus and Pogonomyrmex colei.
granivorous desert stinging keystone-species social-insect caste-determination trophic-eggs parasite-host trunk-trail-foraging thermophilic