Florida-endemic
Guides
Floridonus taxodii
Floridonus taxodii is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Sanders and DeLong in 1923. The specific epithet 'taxodii' suggests an association with bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), though this relationship is not explicitly documented in available sources. The species is endemic to Florida, with records limited to this state. As a member of the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae, it belongs to a diverse group of leafhoppers characterized by particular wing venation patterns and male genitalia structures.
Floridoscia
Floridoscia is a genus of terrestrial isopods (woodlice) in the family Philosciidae, described in 1984 by Schultz and Johnson. As members of the suborder Oniscidea, these crustaceans are fully adapted to land. The genus is endemic to Florida and contains species restricted to this region.
Floritettix aptera
Wingless Florida Grasshopper
Floritettix aptera, commonly known as the wingless Florida grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The specific epithet "aptera" refers to its wingless condition, a distinctive trait among grasshoppers. The species is endemic to Florida and belongs to the genus Floritettix, which is part of the diverse Melanoplinae subfamily.
Floritettix calusa
Floritettix calusa is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. It was described by Otte in 2014 and is native to Florida. The specific epithet 'calusa' refers to the Calusa people, an indigenous group of southwest Florida. The species has been documented in bycatch from mosquito surveillance programs in the Florida Keys, contributing to knowledge of its distribution.
Floritettix floridana
Floritettix floridana is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2014. It belongs to the genus Floritettix, which is part of the Melanoplinae subfamily. The species is known from Florida, though detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Floritettix hubbelli
Floritettix hubbelli is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. It was described by Hebard in 1936 and is endemic to Florida. The genus Floritettix is part of the Melanoplini tribe, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The species is documented in entomological collections and has been recorded in citizen science observations.
Floritettix nigropicta
dark-painted scrub grasshopper, wingless scrub grasshopper
Floritettix nigropicta is a wingless, spur-throated grasshopper endemic to the central sand ridgeways of Florida. It is classified within the family Acrididae and subfamily Melanoplinae. The species is flightless, a trait reflected in its common name 'wingless scrub grasshopper.'
Floritettix osceola
Floritettix osceola is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2014. It belongs to the genus Floritettix, a North American group of spur-throated grasshoppers in the subfamily Melanoplinae. The species is known from a small number of observations in Florida, suggesting it may be uncommon or have a restricted range. Like other melanopline grasshoppers, it is likely associated with grassland or open habitat vegetation.
Floritettix saturiba
Floritettix saturiba is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The species is known from Florida, with limited observational records available.
Fornax floridana
Fornax floridana is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae. Very little information is publicly available about this species beyond its taxonomic classification. The genus Fornax contains species commonly known as false click beetles, which are characterized by their inability to produce the clicking sound that defines true click beetles (Elateridae).
Geolycosa xera archboldi
Archbold's Burrowing Wolf Spider
Geolycosa xera archboldi is a subspecies of burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. Like other members of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs and inhabits deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy soils. The subspecies designation suggests geographic isolation and potential ecological specialization. Adults are nocturnal hunters that may be detected at night by the reflective glow of their eyes when illuminated by artificial light.
Geopsammodius fuscus
Geopsammodius fuscus is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Skelley in 2006. It belongs to the subfamily Aphodiinae and tribe Psammodiini, a group commonly known as psammophilic or sand-dwelling dung beetles. The species is known from limited records in Florida, USA.
Graphops floridana
Graphops floridana is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1955. The species is known from Florida, with records indicating presence in North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or conservation status. The genus Graphops belongs to the leaf beetle family, though specific details about this particular species remain sparse in the scientific literature.
Gymnoscirtetes morsei
Morse's wingless grasshopper
Gymnoscirtetes morsei, commonly known as Morse's wingless grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is characterized by its wingless condition, a notable trait within the genus. The species was described by Hebard in 1918 and is known from limited records in North America.
Haimbachia floridalis
Haimbachia floridalis is a small crambid moth described by Hahn William Capps in 1965. It is known only from Florida, where adults have been recorded in early spring. The species is poorly studied, with limited observational data available.
Hemiargus ceraunus antibubastus
Florida Blue
Hemiargus ceraunus antibubastus, commonly known as the Florida Blue, is a butterfly subspecies in the family Lycaenidae. It is one of several subspecies of the Ceraunus blue, found primarily in Florida and the Florida Keys. The subspecies occurs in open habitats including coastal areas, scrub, and disturbed sites. Adults are active during warmer months and are associated with various legume host plants.
Hesperotettix floridensis
Florida purple-striped grasshopper, Florida purple-striped locust
Hesperotettix floridensis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is endemic to Florida and belongs to the genus Hesperotettix, which includes several North American grasshopper species. The species was described by Morse in 1901. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only nine records in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Hogna pseudoceratiola
Hogna pseudoceratiola is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by H. K. Wallace in 1942. It is endemic to a restricted range in Florida, occurring only in scrub habitats on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. The species is known from just five iNaturalist observations, indicating it is poorly documented and likely rare or locally distributed. Its specific epithet references its similarity to Hogna ceratiola, another Florida endemic.
Holcocera crassicornella
Holcocera crassicornella is a small moth in the family Blastobasidae, described by Dietz in 1910. It is endemic to southern Florida, with forewings measuring 5.5–7.8 mm. The larvae are known to feed on fruit of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) and have also been recorded on red maple (Acer rubrum).
Homaeotarsus floridanus
A rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by LeConte in 1878. The species epithet 'floridanus' indicates a primary association with Florida, though records extend to Maryland and New Jersey. As a member of subfamily Paederinae, it belongs to a diverse group of rove beetles characterized by relatively short elytra and flexible abdomens.
Hylaeus floridanus
Florida Masked Bee
Hylaeus floridanus is a species of masked bee (yellow-faced bee) in the family Colletidae. Like other members of its genus, it is nearly hairless and wasp-like in appearance, transporting pollen and nectar internally in a crop rather than externally on body hairs. Females nest in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems or twigs, lining cells with a secreted polymer. The species is native to Florida and the southeastern United States.
Idia gopheri
Gopher Tortoise Moth, Tortoise Commensal Noctuid Moth
Idia gopheri is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by J. B. Smith in 1899. The species is notable for its specialized association with gopher tortoise burrows, where its larvae develop. It has a restricted distribution centered on Florida, with potential range extension into adjacent southeastern states.
Jamacerus floridanus
Jamacerus floridanus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Eurymelinae, described by Freytag in 1970. The specific epithet "floridanus" indicates its association with Florida, which is supported by distribution records from that state. As a member of the Eurymelinae, it belongs to a group of leafhoppers often associated with woody host plants.
Kelisoidea
Kelisoidea is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1950. It belongs to the tribe Delphacini within the subfamily Delphacinae. The genus is known from Florida, where it inhabits wetland and marsh environments associated with grasses and sedges. As with other delphacid planthoppers, species in this genus are likely phytophagous, feeding on monocotyledonous host plants.
Lycochoriolaus
Lycochoriolaus is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae) described by Linsley & Chemsak in 1976. The genus contains approximately 11 species distributed primarily in the Americas. One species, L. lateralis, has been documented in Florida, where it exhibits lycid beetle mimicry—an apparent case of Batesian or Müllerian mimicry involving distasteful lycid beetles (family Lycidae). The beetles are not skittish and can be handled easily, likely due to their protective mimicry. The genus is classified within the tribe Lepturini, a group of flower-visiting and foliage-associated cerambycids.
Lyconotus
Lyconotus is a genus of net-winged beetles in the family Lycidae. The genus contains a single described species, L. lateralis. Net-winged beetles are characterized by their soft, flexible elytra with distinct net-like venation patterns. Members of this genus are found in North America, with observations documented from Florida and other southeastern states.
Mastigoproctus floridanus
Florida vinegaroon
Mastigoproctus floridanus, commonly known as the Florida vinegaroon, is a species of whip scorpion (order Uropygi) in the family Thelyphonidae. It is native to Florida and represents one of several vinegaroon species found in North America. Like other vinegaroons, it possesses a pair of large pedipalps modified into pincers and a long, whip-like flagellum used for sensory detection. The species is primarily nocturnal and, when disturbed, can spray a defensive secretion containing acetic acid from glands at the base of the flagellum, producing a vinegar-like odor.
Mecas femoralis
Mecas femoralis is a small longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Haldeman in 1847. It is found in the southeastern United States and is considered largely endemic to Florida. The species measures 6–8 mm in length and can be distinguished by its rather uniform pubescence, lack of pronotal calluses, and reddish femora. It has been collected by sweeping dried grasses in open oak/pine sandhill woodland habitats.
Megapariopsis opaca
Megapariopsis opaca is a species of tachinid fly described by Daniel William Coquillett in 1899. The species is known from Florida, with body length recorded at 8.5 mm. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The genus Megapariopsis is poorly studied, with limited biological information available for most species.
Megisthanus floridanus
Megisthanus floridanus is a mite species in the family Megisthanidae, order Mesostigmata. It is known from limited records, with 22 observations documented on iNaturalist. The species has been subject to taxonomic redescription, though detailed biological information remains sparse in accessible literature.
Melanocanthon punctaticollis
Melanocanthon punctaticollis is a small dung beetle species described by Schaeffer in 1915. It belongs to the tribe Deltochilini within the scarab subfamily Scarabaeinae. The species is known from Florida, USA, and like other members of its genus, is likely associated with dung decomposition. It is among the least documented species in its genus, with limited published biological data.
Melanocinclis vibex
Melanocinclis vibex is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, first described by Hodges in 1978. It is known only from Florida in North America. Adults have been recorded from May to July. The larvae possibly feed in the flowers of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens).
Melanoplus bonita
Melanoplus bonita is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2012. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species in North America. The species is known from Florida based on distribution records. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Melanoplus forcipatus
toothcercus shortwing grasshopper, broad cercus scrub grasshopper
Melanoplus forcipatus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper endemic to a restricted area of central Florida. It is known only from scrub and sandhill habitats in Highlands and Orange counties. The species was described by Hubbell in 1932 and is one of several shortwing grasshoppers in the genus Melanoplus with limited distributions.
Melanoplus ordwayae
Trail Ridge Scrub Grasshopper, Ordway Melanoplus Grasshopper
Melanoplus ordwayae is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Deyrup in 1997. It is endemic to Florida, specifically associated with the scrub habitat of the Lake Wales Ridge region. The species is known from very few observations and is considered rare and potentially threatened by habitat loss. Its common name references the Trail Ridge, a prominent geologic feature in its range.
Metriochroa psychotriella
Metriochroa psychotriella is a minute moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known only from Florida, United States. Its larvae are leaf miners that develop inside the foliage of Psychotria species.
Micronaspis
Florida intertidal firefly
Micronaspis is a monotypic genus of fireflies (Lampyridae) containing a single species, Micronaspis floridana, commonly known as the Florida intertidal firefly. This rare, endemic species is restricted to intertidal salt marsh habitats along the coast of Florida and the Bahamas. It represents a classic example of geographic isolation due to its highly specialized habitat requirements.
Micronaspis floridana
Florida Intertidal Firefly, fiddler crab firefly
Micronaspis floridana is a rare, endemic firefly restricted to intertidal salt marshes along the peninsular coast of Florida and the Bahamas. The genus is monotypic, containing only this single species. It serves as a model organism for studying genetic isolation and speciation due to its highly restricted 'shoestring' geographic distribution. The species is threatened by coastal development, storm surges, and sea level rise; Hurricane Dorian severely impacted populations on Grand Bahama island.
Misumessus tamiami
Misumessus tamiami is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, described by Edwards in 2017. It belongs to a genus of spiders known for their ambush predation strategy and crab-like leg positioning. The species name references the Tamiami Trail region of southern Florida, indicating its geographic association with this area.
Mydas floridensis
Mydas floridensis is a species of mydas fly (family Mydidae) described in 1989. The genus Mydas contains some of the largest flies in North America. Members of this family are often Batesian mimics of spider wasps (Pompilidae), displaying bold black and orange or red coloration that allows them to fly conspicuously in open habitats. The specific epithet 'floridensis' indicates a type locality or primary distribution in Florida.
Neomegamelanus penilautus
Neomegamelanus penilautus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by McDermott in 1952. It belongs to a genus of small, grass-feeding insects commonly known as delphacid planthoppers. The species is recorded from Florida and is part of the North American fauna of this economically significant insect family. Like other delphacids, it likely inhabits wetland and grassland habitats associated with its host plants.
Neoprocris floridana
Laurelcherry Smoky Moth
Neoprocris floridana is a small zygaenid moth endemic to the southeastern United States, described by Tarmann in 1984. The species is primarily known from Florida, with rare records from Alabama and North Carolina. Its common name reflects a presumed association with laurelcherry (Prunus caroliniana), though direct observations of larval feeding remain limited. The moth belongs to the forester moth subfamily Procridinae, a group characterized by diurnal activity and often aposematic coloration.
Obeza floridana
Obeza floridana is a parasitoid wasp in the family Eucharitidae. It is known specifically from Florida, where it parasitizes the ant Camponotus abdominalis floridanus. The species was first described by Ashmead in 1888 and was originally placed in the genus Lophyrocera. Eucharitid wasps are specialized ant parasitoids that typically attack mature ant larvae or pupae within host colonies.
Oligacanthopus prograptus
Oligacanthopus prograptus is a small cricket species in the family Mogoplistidae, described by Rehn and Hebard in 1912. It belongs to a genus characterized by reduced wing structures and distinctive body ornamentation. The species is known from limited observations in Florida, with only nine documented records on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff. Mogoplistidae crickets are commonly called scaly crickets due to their distinctive scale-like body covering.
Omolicna joi
Omolicna joi is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, described in 2014. It belongs to the tribe Cenchreini within the subfamily Derbinae. The species is part of the diverse Fulgoroidea superfamily, which contains many economically important agricultural pests. Like other derbids, it is likely associated with plant hosts, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Onychomira floridensis
Onychomira floridensis is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Campbell in 1984. The genus Onychomira is part of the speciose family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily detritivores and are abundant in arid and semi-arid environments. No specific ecological or behavioral studies have been published for this species.
Osmia calaminthae
blue calamintha bee
Osmia calaminthae is a rare mason bee endemic to a restricted area of Florida scrub habitat. The species was described in 2011 and is known from only eleven sites concentrated in the southern Lake Wales Ridge and Ocala National Forest. It exhibits striking blue coloration and shows extreme host specialization, depending primarily on two mint-family plants for pollen. The species is considered Critically Imperiled due to its extremely limited range, specific habitat requirements, and ongoing threats from development and pesticide exposure. It was rediscovered in March 2020 after concerns about its continued existence.
Papilio aristodemus
Schaus' swallowtail, island swallowtail
Papilio aristodemus, commonly known as Schaus' swallowtail or island swallowtail, is a butterfly in the family Papilionidae endemic to southern Florida, the West Indies, and the Bahamas. It is one of North America's most endangered butterflies, with the Florida subspecies (P. a. ponceana, now Heraclides ponceana) listed as endangered since 1984. The species produces a single generation annually with adults active primarily in May and June. Habitat loss from urban development, hurricanes, and mosquito control spraying has caused dramatic population declines, including near-extinction from Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Parthenicus weemsi
Parthenicus weemsi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by T. Henry in 1982. It is a specialist herbivore restricted to Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), an endemic shrub of the southeastern United States. The species has been documented in scrub habitats of Florida.
Patara n-sp-fl
Patara n-sp-fl is an undescribed species within the genus Patara, a group of moths in the family Noctuidae (subfamily Erebidae). The 'n-sp-fl' designation indicates a provisional species name used in collections or databases prior to formal description, with 'fl' likely referring to Florida as the geographic origin of the type material. Species in this genus are generally medium-sized moths with relatively plain forewings and subtle patterning. Formal description and characterization of this entity await taxonomic revision.