Flightless
Guides
Parvindela cursitans
Ant-like Tiger Beetle
Parvindela cursitans, commonly known as the Ant-like Tiger Beetle, is a small, flightless tiger beetle species distributed across the central United States. Adults measure 6–8 mm in length and exhibit cryptic bronze coloration with green pitting on the elytra. The species inhabits bottomland forest habitats with sandy loam soils, particularly along major river systems. Unlike most tiger beetles, it is restricted to shaded forest understories rather than open, sunny areas. The species was historically rare in Missouri, known from only a single specimen until 2010, but subsequent surveys have revealed robust populations along the Mississippi River corridor.
Passalidae
Bess Beetles, Bessbugs, Betsy Beetles, Horned Passalus Beetles
Passalidae is a family of approximately 500–1000 species of beetles commonly known as bess beetles or patent-leather beetles. They are predominantly tropical and subtropical, with notable North American species distinguished by large size (20–43 mm), a single cephalic horn, and unusual social behavior among beetles. They are among the most important saproxylic insects for wood decomposition in forest ecosystems.
Pediodectes haldemanii
Haldeman's shieldback, American shield-back katydid
Pediodectes haldemanii is a large, flightless shield-backed katydid native to the Great Plains of North America. Adults lack the leaf-like wings typical of many katydids and exhibit striking dark red markings against a green body. The species is known for its relatively docile behavior and has been observed feeding on cactus flowers.
Peritaxia
Peritaxia is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) established by Horn in 1876. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed in western North America. Species are characterized by their relatively small size and distinctive sculpturing of the elytra and pronotum. The genus is classified in the tribe Byrsopagini, a group of flightless weevils associated with particular soil and vegetation conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Phloeodes
diabolical ironclad beetle
Phloeodes is a genus of ironclad beetles in the family Zopheridae, native to western North America. The genus includes the well-known species Phloeodes diabolicus, commonly called the diabolical ironclad beetle, which has attracted scientific attention for its exceptional mechanical durability. Members of this genus are flightless, have heavily sclerotized exoskeletons, and feed on fungi growing under tree bark. The genus has been synonymized with Nosoderma in some taxonomic treatments, though Phloeodes remains in widespread use.
Phloeodes plicatus
Wrinkled Ironclad Beetle
Phloeodes plicatus, commonly known as the Wrinkled Ironclad Beetle, is a flightless beetle in the family Zopheridae. It is closely related to Phloeodes diabolicus, the diabolical ironclad beetle, and shares the remarkable structural durability characteristic of this genus. The species has been reclassified under the genus Nosoderma in some taxonomic treatments.
Phrynotettix tshivavensis
Chihuahua lubber, Chihuahua toad hopper
Phrynotettix tshivavensis is a species of lubber grasshopper in the family Romaleidae. It is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species exhibits five recognized subspecies with varying distributions. As a member of Romaleidae, it is characterized by large body size and flightlessness typical of this grasshopper family.
Phyllophaga cribrosa
Ribbed Phyllophaga
Phyllophaga cribrosa is a flightless scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, distinguished from most congeners by its diurnal, ground-dwelling habits. Adults are recognized by their oval, convex, shining black bodies with a distinctive cribrose (sieve-like) surface texture and longitudinal elytral furrows. The species occurs in dry habitats across the south-central United States and northern Mexico, where it has been documented as an occasional agricultural pest.
Phyllophaga epigaea
Phyllophaga epigaea is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is one of over 400 species in the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species is found in North America, with records from Texas in the United States and Nuevo León in Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and associated with soil habitats.
Phyllophaga zavalana
Zavala Phyllophaga
Phyllophaga zavalana is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. It is one of several flightless species within the large genus Phyllophaga, which contains over 400 North American species. P. zavalana is restricted to Texas and closely resembles P. cribrosa and P. epigaea, differing primarily in the absence of distinct longitudinal elytral furrows.
Pimeliinae
Pimeliinae is a subfamily of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising multiple tribes distributed across arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. The subfamily includes notable groups such as the Sepidiini of the Afrotropical Realm, whose members Ocnodes and Psammodes are known as "toktokkies" for their distinctive tapping communication behavior. Several genera exhibit morphological adaptations for fossorial life, including conical peg sensilla on tibiae. The subfamily encompasses both flightless and flying species, with some of the largest tenebrionid species such as Stridulomus sulcicollis (~80 mm).
Platypsyllus
beaver beetle
Platypsyllus is a monotypic genus of beetles in the family Leiodidae, subfamily Platypsyllinae. The sole species, P. castoris, is a highly specialized commensal associated exclusively with beavers. It exhibits extreme morphological adaptations including dorsoventral flattening, eyelessness, flightlessness, and modified mouthparts forming a sucking pump—features that distinguish it from all other beetles and reflect its unique lifestyle in the dense fur of its host.
Pselaphus
ant-loving beetles
Pselaphus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, containing at least 20 described species. These beetles are commonly referred to as "ant-loving beetles" due to their well-documented associations with ants. Members of this genus exhibit highly compact thoracic skeletal structures with reduced sutures and simplified flight musculature, indicating flightlessness in at least some species. The genus has been subject to detailed anatomical study, particularly regarding thoracic morphology and adaptations to myrmecophilous lifestyles.
Pseudocneorhinus obesus
A broad-nosed weevil in the tribe Trachyphloeini, described from Japan in 1873. Records indicate presence in East Asia (China, Russian Far East) and eastern North America, suggesting introduced populations. The species belongs to a genus of flightless weevils characterized by compact, rounded bodies.
Pterophylla camellifolia
common true katydid, northern true katydid, rough-winged katydid
Pterophylla camellifolia is a large, nearly flightless katydid native to eastern North America. Males produce the iconic three-pulsed "ka-ty-did" call that gave katydids their common name. The species inhabits the canopy of deciduous trees and moves primarily by walking, running, or hopping rather than flying. Populations exhibit geographic variation in song structure, with northern populations producing two- to four-pulsed songs, southeastern populations faster multi-pulsed choruses, southwestern populations one- to two-pulsed songs, and a distinctive 8-15 pulse song restricted to central Iowa. Three subspecies are recognized based on morphological and geographic differences.
Pterostichus lama
giant woodland ground beetle
Pterostichus lama is a large, flightless ground beetle native to western North America. Adults measure 15–29 mm and are uniformly black with strong mandibles. The species inhabits woodland environments and has been documented feeding on termites and ants. It occurs in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
Punctaltica
Punctaltica is a newly described genus of flightless flea beetles discovered in urban parks of Shenzhen, China. The genus currently contains two species: P. shenzhenensis and P. montana. These beetles are highly specialized to moist moss microhabitats in heavily urbanized environments, representing an unexpected discovery of genus-level diversity in a megacity setting.
Rhadine caudata
Rhadine caudata is a brachypterous (flightless) ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863 as Platynus caudatus and later transferred to Rhadine. The species is considered globally Vulnerable by NatureServe, Imperiled in Alabama, and Vulnerable in Virginia. It is widely distributed across the eastern United States but is rare throughout its range, with low dispersal capability.
Rhysodidae
Wrinkled Bark Beetles
Rhysodidae is a family of saproxylic beetles comprising over 350 species in approximately 20 genera, predominantly distributed in tropical forests worldwide. The family contains three European species: Rhysodes sulcatus (Wrinkled Bark Beetle), Clinidium canaliculatum, and Omoglymmius germari. Members are obligate saproxylic beetles dependent on deadwood habitats, with most species being flightless, poorly mobile, and exhibiting cryptic habits. Rhysodes sulcatus is listed as Endangered in the EU-27 and serves as an umbrella species and bioindicator for ancient forest remnants.
Romalea
Horse Lubbers, Lubber Grasshoppers
Romalea is a genus of large, flightless lubber grasshoppers in the family Romaleidae. Traditionally containing a single species, R. microptera (eastern lubber grasshopper), recent taxonomic revisions have synonymized Taeniopoda with Romalea, expanding the genus to approximately 12 species distributed from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Panama. These grasshoppers are among the largest in North America, characterized by aposematic coloration, chemical defenses, and reduced wings that render them incapable of flight.
Romalea microptera
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper, Lubber Grasshopper
Romalea microptera is a large, flightless grasshopper native to the southeastern United States, reaching up to 3.5 inches in length. Its aposematic coloration—yellow with black markings in eastern populations, black with red or yellow markings in western populations—serves as a warning to predators. Despite its formidable defensive arsenal including spines, body armor, chemical secretions, and threat displays, it is harmless to humans and rarely causes significant agricultural damage.
Romaleidae
lubber grasshoppers, lubbers
Romaleidae, commonly known as lubber grasshoppers, are a family of large, flightless or short-winged grasshoppers found in the Americas. The family includes some of the largest and most robust grasshoppers in North America, with adults often exceeding 50 mm in length and displaying striking color patterns. The common name "lubber" derives from nautical slang for a clumsy person, referencing their slow, deliberate movements and inability to fly. The family comprises two subfamilies, Bactrophorinae and Romaleinae, with the latter containing the well-known genus Romalea. Many species exhibit aposematic coloration as nymphs and adults, advertising their chemical defenses against predators.
Scaphinotus
Snail-eating Beetles
Scaphinotus is a genus of flightless ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 55-60 species native exclusively to North America. These beetles are specialized snail predators, with their distribution and habitat use tightly linked to moist environments where their gastropod prey occur. The genus is notable for its large body size among carabids (typically 15-25 mm), elongated mandibles adapted for extracting snails from shells, and complete absence of flight capability due to reduced hindwings. Research on Scaphinotus angusticollis in managed forests of British Columbia indicates that 30-meter riparian reserves effectively maintain population sizes and movement patterns comparable to unharvested forests.
Scaphinotus cavicollis
Concave-collared Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus cavicollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the concave-collared snail-eating beetle. It is a member of the Cychrini tribe, a group of large, nocturnal carabids specialized for snail predation. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and flightless, and have been observed to be nocturnally active. The species occurs in coniferous forest habitats in the south-central United States.
Scaphinotus cristatus
ridged thorax snail-eating beetle, ridged snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus cristatus is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the ridged thorax snail-eating beetle. It is restricted to western North America, occurring in California and Oregon. The species inhabits mixed and coniferous forests and is specialized for feeding on snails. Adults possess brachypterous (shortened) wings that render them incapable of flight.
Scaphinotus hubbardi
Hubbard's snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus hubbardi, commonly known as Hubbard's snail-eating beetle, is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is endemic to the southern Appalachian region of the eastern United States, where it inhabits coniferous forests. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, reflecting adaptations to their forest floor habitat. As a member of the tribe Cychrini, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, though direct dietary observations are limited.
Scaphinotus johnsoni
Johnson's Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus johnsoni is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the snail-eating beetles. It is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, where it inhabits coniferous forests in montane and subalpine zones. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), flightless, and nocturnal, with gregarious tendencies. As a member of the genus Scaphinotus, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, using its elongated jaws to extract snails from their shells.
Scaphinotus marginatus
Margined Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus marginatus is a large, flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the margined snail-eating beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and nocturnal, preying exclusively on snails and slugs. The species inhabits coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests across western North America, typically near streams and lakes. It is distinguished from similar Scaphinotus species by subtle elytral margin characteristics and geographic distribution.
Scaphinotus oreophilus
mountain loving snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus oreophilus is a large ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, commonly known as the mountain loving snail-eating beetle. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged), rendering them flightless. The species belongs to a group of "snail hunters" characterized by robust bodies and prominent, sculptured mandibles adapted for crushing mollusk shells. It occurs in montane regions of the western United States.
Scaphinotus riversi
Rivers' snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus riversi, commonly known as Rivers' snail-eating beetle, is a flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is endemic to California, where it inhabits forested environments. Adults are brachypterous (short-winged) and exhibit nocturnal activity patterns. As a member of the genus Scaphinotus, it is presumed to be a molluscivore, feeding on snails and slugs, though direct dietary observations for this specific species are not documented.
Scaphinotus unistriatus
One-lined Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus unistriatus is a large, flightless ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the one-lined snail-eating beetle. It is endemic to a restricted range in North Carolina, where it inhabits mixed forest habitats on slopes. Adults are nocturnal and brachypterous (short-winged), rendering them incapable of flight. Like other members of the genus Scaphinotus, it is specialized for predation on land snails, using its elongated head and jaws to extract prey from shells.
Scaphinotus velutinus
Velvet Snail-eating Beetle
Scaphinotus velutinus, commonly known as the velvet snail-eating beetle, is a flightless ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It is endemic to western North America, with confirmed records from California and Oregon. The species inhabits coniferous forest ecosystems and is characterized by reduced wings (brachyptery). As a member of the genus Scaphinotus, it is specialized for predation on terrestrial snails.
Scaphinotus violaceus
violet snail-eating beetle
Scaphinotus violaceus is a flightless ground beetle native to the southeastern United States. Adults are brachypterous and nocturnal, inhabiting deciduous and mixed forests. The species is one of several snail-eating beetles in the genus Scaphinotus.
Selenophorus palliatus
Selenophorus palliatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is a nocturnal, flightless beetle distributed across North America, the Bahamas, and Mexico. The species is one of approximately 170 described species in the genus Selenophorus, which is characterized by species adapted to running on the ground surface.
Sitophilus granarius
granary weevil, wheat weevil, grain weevil
Sitophilus granarius is a cosmopolitan pest of stored cereals, commonly known as the granary weevil or wheat weevil. Adults are flightless and infest raw grains including wheat, barley, and oats, causing significant quantitative and qualitative losses in storage facilities. The species is distinguished from similar storage weevils by its inability to fly and its preference for cooler, drier conditions. Larvae develop endophytically inside grain kernels, completing their entire immature life cycle within a single seed.
Spaniacris deserticola
Spanistic Desert Grasshopper, Coachella Valley Grasshopper
Spaniacris deserticola is a large-bodied grasshopper in the family Romaleidae, known from extremely limited localities in the Sonoran Desert of southern California and adjacent Sonora, Mexico. The species is considered rare and localized, with most records concentrated in the Coachella Valley region. It belongs to a small genus within the lubber grasshopper group, characterized by flightless adults and aposematic coloration typical of chemically defended romaleids.
Sphaeroderus indianae
Indiana False Snail-eating Beetle
Sphaeroderus indianae is a flightless ground beetle in the tribe Cychrini, known from deciduous forests of the eastern United States. Adults possess reduced wings (brachypterous), restricting dispersal and contributing to its patchy distribution. The species is one of several North American Sphaeroderus with limited range and specific habitat requirements.
Steiroxys trilineatus
Three-lined Shieldback, Three-lined Camel Cricket
Steiroxys trilineatus is a shieldback katydid native to western North America, recognized by the three pale longitudinal stripes running along its dorsal surface. This flightless, ground-dwelling species inhabits grassland and sagebrush steppe ecosystems, where it occupies a cryptic lifestyle among vegetation and litter. Adults are active during summer months, with males producing songs via tegminal stridulation to attract mates. The species has been documented from the Great Basin through the Rocky Mountain region, with populations adapted to semi-arid conditions.
Stenomorpha
Stenomorpha is a large genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) comprising more than 160 described species and subspecies. The genus was established by Solier in 1836 and belongs to the tribe Asidini within subfamily Pimeliinae. Species-level taxonomy has been historically neglected, with no modern revision for nearly 175 years until recent work by Keller (2008) and others. The genus exhibits notable diversity in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with some species occurring in specialized habitats including California vernal pools and the Cuatrociénegas Protected Area in Coahuila, Mexico.
Stenomorpha confluens
Stenomorpha confluens is a flightless darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini) native to Mexico. The species belongs to a genus that historically included 88 species with limited modern taxonomic revision until recent work by Fran Keller, who recognized 51 valid species and established seven new subgenera. Stenomorpha confluens is part of a group of flightless species restricted to the Sierra Transvolcanica or southern Transverse range in Mexico.
Stenomorpha muricatula
Stenomorpha muricatula is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. The genus Stenomorpha is large and taxonomically complex, with species distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, particularly the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are generally flightless and associated with rocky or sandy habitats. The specific epithet "muricatula" suggests a rough or spiny surface texture. Like other Stenomorpha species, S. muricatula is likely nocturnal and cryptic in habit, with limited published information on its natural history.
Stenomorpha obsoleta
Stenomorpha obsoleta is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. The genus Stenomorpha is notably large and taxonomically complex, with modern revisionary work having reduced historically recognized species through synonymization. Like other members of this genus, S. obsoleta is flightless. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.
Stenomorpha parallela
Stenomorpha parallela is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. The genus Stenomorpha historically contained 88 species with limited modern taxonomic revision until recent work by Fran Keller, who recognized 51 valid species with seven newly recognized subgenera. Certain Stenomorpha species occur in California vernal pools, though S. parallela itself is recorded from Mexico. Members of this genus include both flighted and flightless species.
Stenomorphus californicus rufipes
Stenomorphus californicus rufipes is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is one of two recognized subspecies of Stenomorphus californicus, differentiated from the nominate subspecies by its rufous (reddish) legs. The species complex occurs in western North America, with this subspecies recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus, it is a small, ground-dwelling beetle associated with terrestrial habitats.
Taeniopoda
horse lubbers
Taeniopoda is a genus of large, flightless grasshoppers commonly known as horse lubbers, native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The genus contains approximately 12 described species, characterized by bold aposematic coloration that serves as warning signals to predators. Taeniopoda is closely related to Romalea, with which it can produce fertile hybrids in captivity; some authorities consider Taeniopoda a junior synonym of Romalea. Species in this genus exhibit striking defensive behaviors including hissing, secretion of foul-smelling froth, and vomiting.
Taeniopoda eques
western horse lubber grasshopper, horse lubber
Taeniopoda eques is a large, flightless lubber grasshopper endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert and adjacent arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are notable for their aposematic black coloration with yellow markings, though color morphs vary geographically. The species is chemically defended against vertebrate predators and uses behavioral thermoregulation to accelerate development in its short growing season. It is univoltine, with eggs undergoing diapause through winter before hatching with summer rains.