Florida-endemic
Guides
Acrolophus bicornutus
Acrolophus bicornutus is a small moth species in the family Acrolophidae, described by Hasbrouck in 1964. It is known only from Florida. The wingspan measures approximately 13 mm. Like other members of the genus Acrolophus, it is commonly referred to as a "grass tube moth" due to larval habits of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots.
Aidophus skelleyi
Aidophus skelleyi is a small dung beetle species in the subfamily Aphodiinae, described in 2001 from Florida. As a member of the genus Aidophus, it belongs to a group of aphodiines characterized by reduced tarsal claws. The species is known only from the southeastern United States.
Ammotrechella stimpsoni
Florida Camel Spider
Ammotrechella stimpsoni is a species of solifugid (camel spider) in the family Ammotrechidae, commonly known as the Florida Camel Spider. It is one of the few solifugid species found in the southeastern United States, representing a group of arachnids more commonly associated with arid regions. The species was described by Putnam in 1883. Like other solifugids, it possesses large chelicerae and is an active predator.
Amorbia vero
Amorbia vero is a tortricid moth species described by Powell & Brown in 2012. It is endemic to southern Florida, where it inhabits subtropical environments. As a member of the genus Amorbia, it belongs to the leafroller moth group, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Anaxipha calusa
Calusa Trig
Anaxipha calusa is a species of winged bush cricket (family Trigonidiidae) described by Walker & Funk in 2014. The specific epithet 'calusa' references the Calusa people, an indigenous group historically inhabiting southwest Florida. This species belongs to the genus Anaxipha, which comprises small, often colorful crickets commonly known as 'trigs.'
Anaxipha rosamacula
Pink-spotted Trig
A small cricket species in the family Trigonidiidae, described from Florida in 2014. The common name refers to distinctive pink markings on the body. Like other members of the genus Anaxipha, it is a tiny, active cricket associated with vegetation.
Anisota consularis
Florida oakworm moth, consular oakworm moth
Anisota consularis is a saturniid moth native to southeastern North America. Larvae feed on oak foliage, often in gregarious groups, and can cause noticeable defoliation during outbreak years. The species was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1896 and is distinguished from related oakworms by its more restricted Florida-centered distribution.
Antipella unidentified-fl-sp
Antipella unidentified-fl-sp is an undescribed or provisionally catalogued species within the genus Antipella, a group of small moths in the family Depressariidae. This entry represents a Florida population that has not been formally described in the scientific literature. Members of this genus are generally associated with wooded habitats and are characterized by their relatively plain wing patterns and slender bodies. The specific identity of this Florida specimen remains unresolved pending taxonomic revision.
Aphaenogaster umphreyi
Aphaenogaster umphreyi is a rarely collected ant species in the genus Aphaenogaster, described in 1998 from Florida. The species belongs to a genus predominantly consisting of ground-nesting species in eastern temperate forests. Like its congener A. mariae, it may exhibit arboreal nesting habits, though this has not been confirmed. The species remains poorly known due to limited collection records.
Aptenopedes chefixico
Aptenopedes chefixico is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2014. It belongs to the genus Aptenopedes, a group of spur-throated grasshoppers found in North America. The species is known from a small number of observations in Florida. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Argyractis drumalis
Argyractis drumalis is a small aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. It is endemic to Florida and associated with freshwater aquatic habitats. The species is named for Fort Drum, its type locality. Adults are active year-round with peak presence from February through November.
Argyrotaenia amatana
pondapple leafroller moth
Argyrotaenia amatana is a small tortricid moth precinctive to Florida and The Bahamas. Adults have a wingspan of 13–16 mm and have been recorded active nearly year-round, with peak activity from October through April. The species is associated with native Florida vegetation in scrub and wetland habitats.
Asterocampa clyton flora
Florida Tawny Emperor
Asterocampa clyton flora is a subspecies of the tawny emperor butterfly, commonly known as the Florida Tawny Emperor. It is endemic to Florida and is distinguished from other subspecies by subtle differences in wing pattern and coloration. Like other members of the genus, adults are known to feed on sap flows, rotting fruit, and animal dung rather than flower nectar. The subspecies is associated with forested habitats where its larval host plants, hackberries (Celtis spp.), occur.
Athyrma fakahatchee
Athyrma fakahatchee is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by James Troubridge in 2020. The specific epithet references Fakahatchee Strand, a large cypress swamp in southwestern Florida, indicating a likely association with subtropical wetland habitats. The species belongs to the genus Athyrma, which comprises medium-sized moths primarily distributed in the Americas. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Attalus sp-one-florida
Attalus sp-one-florida is an undescribed species within the genus Attalus, a group of soft-bodied beetles in the family Melyridae (checkered beetles). The informal designation "sp-one-florida" indicates this taxon is known from Florida and has been recognized as a distinct species pending formal description. Members of Attalus are generally small, often brightly colored beetles associated with flowers and vegetation. This species appears to represent a Florida-endemic or regionally restricted population.
Baetisca rogersi
Baetisca rogersi is a mayfly species in the family Baetiscidae, endemic to northwestern Florida. The species has been the subject of detailed life history and ecological research documenting its external morphology, developmental stages, seasonal distribution, and emergence patterns. Its ecology is influenced by specific environmental factors affecting growth and development.
Batrachedra busiris
Batrachedra busiris is a small moth species in the family Batrachedridae, described by Hodges in 1966. It is known from Florida, United States, with 56 observations documented on iNaturalist. The species belongs to a family of gelechioid moths characterized by slender bodies and relatively narrow wings.
Battus polydamas lucayus
Florida Polydamas Swallowtail, Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim, Tailless Swallowtail
A tailless swallowtail butterfly distinguished by gold-rimmed black wings with red spots. Larvae feed exclusively on pipevine plants (Aristolochia) and sequester toxic aristolochic acids for chemical defense, rendering both caterpillars and adults unpalatable to vertebrate predators. Adults exhibit slow, weak flight and are active pollinators.
Beameromyia floridensis
Florida Pixie
Beameromyia floridensis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Johnson in 1913. The common name "Florida Pixie" reflects its presumably small stature and Florida distribution. Like other Asilidae, it belongs to a predatory family of true flies. The genus Beameromyia was established by Wilcox and Martin in 1931 and is endemic to North America.
Bothriocera transversa
Bothriocera transversa is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Caldwell in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Bothriocerini within the subfamily Cixiinae. The species is known from Florida, USA, where it inhabits its native range. As a member of the Fulgoromorpha, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of this group.
Bothriocera turcafa
Bothriocera turcafa is a planthopper species in the family Cixiidae, described by Kramer in 1983. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized planthoppers characterized by distinctive head morphology. The species is known from Florida, where it inhabits subtropical environments. Like other cixiids, it likely feeds on plant vascular fluids using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Bucculatrix cerina
Bucculatrix cerina is a small moth in the family Bucculatricidae, commonly known as ribbed cocoon-maker moths. It was first described in 1963 by lepidopterist Annette Frances Braun. The species is known only from Florida in North America, with adult records from January and November. Like other members of its genus, it likely has a specialized leaf-mining larval stage and constructs distinctive ribbed cocoons for pupation, though these life history details have not been directly documented for this species.
Buenoa marki
Buenoa marki is a species of backswimmer in the family Notonectidae. It is currently known only from solution holes near the Pinelands Trail in Everglades National Park, Florida. The species was described by Reichart in 1971. Its actual distribution may be broader than currently documented.
Calosima lucidella
Calosima lucidella is a small moth species in the family Blastobasidae. It is currently documented only from Florida in the United States. The species is known from a limited number of observations, and many aspects of its biology remain unstudied. It belongs to a genus of moths whose larvae are often associated with plant material or detritus.
Carmenta laurelae
Carmenta laurelae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described in 1985 from specimens collected in Florida. The species has forewings measuring 9–10 mm in length. It belongs to a genus of seed-feeding clearwing moths primarily distributed in the Americas.
Cautethia grotei
Grote's sphinx
Cautethia grotei, or Grote's sphinx, is a small moth in the family Sphingidae described by Henry Edwards in 1882. It occurs in Florida and throughout the Caribbean islands, with multiple generations per year in Florida. Adults are known to nectar at flowers including Asystasia gangetica and Dracaena fragrans. Larvae feed on various Rubiaceae species.
Centris errans
Wandering Centris, Florida locust-berry oil-collecting bee, spiny bear's-breech
Centris errans is a species of oil-collecting bee in the tribe Centridini, family Apidae. It is endemic to Florida, where it is one of five Apidae species restricted to the state. The species occurs in the southernmost portion of Florida and has also been recorded in the broader Caribbean and North America regions. Like other Centris bees, it is known to collect floral oils rather than nectar from certain host plants.
Chilocampyla dyariella
Chilocampyla dyariella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, endemic to Florida, United States. The species has a wingspan of 7–8.5 mm. Its larvae are specialized miners on Eugenia species (Myrtaceae), creating distinctive bladder-like blotch mines on leaves. The species was described by August Busck in 1900.
Chloropteryx paularia
Fulsome Emerald
Chloropteryx paularia, commonly known as the Fulsome Emerald, is a small geometrid moth with a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. First described by Möschler in 1886, this species is restricted to Florida and the Greater Antilles. The larvae are known to feed on wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera).
Chrysobothris chrysoela chrysoela
A subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. Members of the species Chrysobothris chrysoela occur in Florida and are associated with oak habitats. The subspecies is part of a genus containing numerous economically important wood-boring beetles, many of which are difficult to identify due to reliance on suites of subtle morphological characters rather than single diagnostic features.
Contiger
Contiger is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Lange in 1956. The genus contains a single species, Contiger vittatalis, known from Florida in the southeastern United States. Adults are small with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm and exhibit distinct seasonal activity patterns throughout the year.
Copestylum florida
Florida bromeliad fly
Copestylum florida is a syrphid fly species commonly known as the Florida bromeliad fly. It belongs to the genus Copestylum, a group of flies associated with bromeliad plants. The species has been documented in Florida and the Carolinas.
Copris inemarginatus
Copris inemarginatus is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Blatchley in 1918. As a member of the genus Copris, it belongs to a group of tunneling dung beetles that bury dung for larval provisioning. The species has been documented in Florida, USA. Information regarding its specific ecology, behavior, and detailed morphology remains limited in available sources.
Cyclargus thomasi
Miami blue, Caribbean blue, Thomas's blue
Cyclargus thomasi is a small blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae with a disjunct distribution across the Caribbean, Florida, and parts of North America. The subspecies C. t. bethunebakeri, known as the Miami blue, is endemic to Florida and was federally listed as endangered in 2012. This subspecies has declined dramatically due to habitat loss and now persists primarily in the Florida Keys. The species exhibits myrmecophilous relationships with ants, particularly Florida carpenter ants, which protect caterpillars in exchange for sugary secretions.
Cyclocephala parallela
Cyclocephala parallela is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Casey in 1915. It belongs to the genus Cyclocephala, commonly known as masked chafers, whose larvae are significant turfgrass pests. The species occurs in parts of Florida and adjacent southeastern states, where its white grub larvae feed on grass roots.
Cyclocosmia torreya
Torreya Trapdoor Spider
Cyclocosmia torreya is a cork-lid trapdoor spider endemic to the Apalachicola River region of Florida. The species constructs burrows sealed with a hardened, disk-like abdominal shield that serves as a defensive plug against predators. It belongs to a genus characterized by this unique abdominal truncation, which has evolved independently as an anti-predator adaptation. The species is rare and poorly known, with only a handful of documented observations.
Dichrorampha sapodilla
Dichrorampha sapodilla is a small moth in the leaf-roller family Tortricidae, described by John B. Heppner in 1981. The species is known only from Florida, USA, and appears to be rarely encountered, with only one documented observation in public databases. Like other members of its genus, it likely has a specialized association with particular host plants, though specific details remain undocumented.
Diploschizia minimella
Diploschizia minimella is a minute sedge moth described from Florida in 1981. It is among the smallest members of its genus, with forewings measuring 2.2–2.9 mm. The species exhibits a bimodal adult flight period, appearing in spring and again in midsummer. It is currently known only from the US state of Florida.
Dorymyrmex flavopectus
Yellow-chested Pyramid Ant
Dorymyrmex flavopectus is a species of pyramid ant described by Smith in 1944. The species is endemic to Florida, where it is restricted to scrub habitat. It belongs to the genus Dorymyrmex, commonly known as pyramid ants due to their distinctive nest mounds. The specific epithet "flavopectus" refers to the yellowish coloration of the thorax (pectus).
Dryocosmus archboldi
Dryocosmus archboldi is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, described in 2021 by Melika and Abrahamson. It belongs to a genus whose members are associated with oak trees (Quercus species) and induce the formation of galls. The species name honors Archbold Biological Station in Florida, where the type specimen was collected. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Dryocosmus floridensis
A cynipid gall wasp native to Florida that induces galls on oaks. First described by Beutenmüller in 1917, this species belongs to a genus known for causing spherical or irregular galls on oak twigs and leaves. The species name reflects its geographic association with Florida.
Dysimia pseudomaculata
Dysimia pseudomaculata is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, described by Broomfield in 1985. It belongs to the tribe Cenchreini, a group of derbid planthoppers characterized by often intricate wing patterns and association with particular host plants. The species is known from Florida, where it has been documented through iNaturalist observations. Like other derbids, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The specific epithet "pseudomaculata" suggests a resemblance to or distinction from a maculata (spotted) form in a related taxon.
Dyspyralis ocala
Dyspyralis ocala is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypenodinae, described by David Troubridge in 2020. The specific epithet "ocala" references the Ocala region of Florida, suggesting a geographic association with this area. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited. It belongs to a genus of small moths whose members are typically associated with forested habitats.
Elenchus koebelei
Elenchus koebelei is a species of twisted-wing parasite in the family Elenchidae. It is a parasitoid of Prokelisia, a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae. The species has been documented in Florida salt marshes. As a member of Strepsiptera, it exhibits the extreme sexual dimorphism and endoparasitic lifestyle characteristic of this order.
Ellipes
pygmy mole crickets
Ellipes is a genus of pygmy mole crickets (Orthoptera: Tridactylidae) containing small, fossorial insects. Most tridactylids inhabit moist margins of ponds and streams, but some Ellipes species have independently evolved to occupy xeric scrub and sandhill habitats. The genus includes at least six described species distributed across North and South America, with several Florida endemics exhibiting restricted ranges and limited study due to their minute size and cryptic habits.
Enteucha gilvafascia
Enteucha gilvafascia is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Nepticulidae. It is restricted to coastal southern Florida, where it completes two generations annually. The species is entirely dependent on seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera) for larval development, with larvae creating distinctive mines within the leaves.
Epicauta floridensis
Florida blister beetle
Epicauta floridensis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, endemic to the southeastern United States. As a member of the large genus Epicauta, it shares the family's characteristic production of cantharidin, a defensive toxin. The species was described by Werner in 1944 and is distinguished from related Epicauta species by features of its Florida distribution and morphology. Like other Epicauta species, adults are likely associated with flowering vegetation, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Eumaeus atala
Atala, Atala butterfly, Atala hairstreak, coontie hairstreak
The Atala butterfly is a small, colorful lycaenid butterfly unique within its range for its aposematic coloration and exclusive association with cycad host plants. Once considered the most conspicuous insect in South Florida in 1888, it was believed extinct by the 1950s due to overharvesting of its sole native host plant, coontie (Zamia integrifolia), for starch production. Rediscovered in 1979 on a Miami barrier island, the species has recovered dramatically through conservation efforts and the popularity of coontie as an ornamental landscape plant, becoming common enough in southeast Florida to occasionally be regarded as a pest. The butterfly sequesters toxic cycasin compounds from its host, rendering all life stages unpalatable to predators.
butterflyhairstreakLycaenidaecycadcoontieZamiaaposematic-colorationchemical-defenseconservationendangered-species-recoveryFlorida-endemicpine-rocklandhost-plant-specialistsequestrationurban-wildlifeornamental-pestfreeze-dried-dietex-situ-conservationreintroductionfire-dependent-ecosystemnative-plant-landscapingcycasin-toxicitymultivoltineterritorial-malescorematasound-producing-pupaeEutettix nitens
Eutettix nitens is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been documented in Florida based on distribution records. Like other leafhoppers, it is a member of the order Hemiptera, characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. Available information on this species is limited, with few observational records and minimal published biological data.
Exortus fuscomaculosus
Exortus fuscomaculosus is a species of planthopper in the family Issidae, first described by Doering in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Issinae and tribe Thioniini. The species is known from limited observations, with records primarily from Florida. As a member of Fulgoromorpha, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts and reduced wing venation typical of this group.