Florida
Guides
Nehalennia pallidula
Everglades Sprite
A small damselfly endemic to the southeastern United States, restricted to Florida and Texas. It inhabits swamps and freshwater marshes, where its preference for dense vegetation and diminutive size make it difficult to detect. The species faces significant threats from habitat loss due to water diversion, peat fires, and invasive species.
Nemomydas melanopogon
Nemomydas melanopogon is a species of mydas fly in the family Mydidae, a group of large, predatory flies. It is endemic to Florida scrub habitat, a rare and threatened ecosystem type. The species was described by Steyskal in 1956. Like other mydas flies, it likely has a long larval development period in sandy soils.
Neodavisia singularis
Neodavisia singularis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. It was described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1913 based on specimens collected in the Everglades region of Florida. The species is known only from Florida and remains poorly documented, with few subsequent records. Its small size and restricted distribution make it a rarely encountered species.
Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus
short-winged mole cricket, lesser short-winged mole cricket
Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus is a flightless mole cricket native to eastern Brazil that has been introduced to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. It is a significant turf pest, causing substantial economic damage to lawns and grasslands. Unlike congeners, males do not produce calling songs to attract females. The species is distinguished by its abbreviated wings and characteristic foreleg claw morphology.
Neotibicen similaris apalachicola
Apalachicola Scissor-Grinder
Neotibicen similaris apalachicola is a subspecies of annual cicada described in 2017, endemic to the Apalachicola region of the southeastern United States. As a member of the dog-day cicada group, it shares the characteristic biology of Neotibicen species: nymphs develop underground for multiple years feeding on root sap, with overlapping generations producing adults annually during mid- to late summer. The subspecies designation reflects geographic isolation and presumably subtle morphological or acoustic differentiation from the nominate form.
Neotridactylus archboldi
Archbold pygmy mole cricket, scrub pygmy mole cricket
Neotridactylus archboldi, commonly known as the Archbold pygmy mole cricket or scrub pygmy mole cricket, is a species of pygmy mole cricket endemic to Florida. It inhabits Florida scrub habitat specifically on the Lake Wales Ridge. The species was described in 1996 by Deyrup and Eisner.
Nepheloleuca floridata
Nepheloleuca floridata is a species of geometrid moth described by Grote in 1883. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae within the family Geometridae. The species has been recorded from limited localities in the southeastern United States and Mexico, suggesting a restricted distribution in subtropical regions of North America.
Nersia florida
Nersia florida is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, described by Fennah in 1944. It belongs to the tribe Nersiini and is part of the diverse Fulgoroidea superfamily within the order Hemiptera. Distribution records indicate presence in the southeastern United States (Florida, Mississippi, Texas) and Veracruz, Mexico. The species is one of approximately 429 observations recorded on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare but also not among the most commonly encountered planthoppers.
Nipaecoccus
Nipaecoccus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae. The genus includes several economically important pest species, most notably Nipaecoccus viridis (hibiscus mealybug or lebbeck mealybug) and Nipaecoccus nipae (coconut mealybug). Species in this genus are characterized by their white, powdery wax covering and polyphagous feeding habits on a wide range of host plants including citrus, palms, ornamentals, and various fruit and row crops. Nipaecoccus viridis has emerged as a significant invasive pest in Florida since 2009, with documented impacts on citrus, blueberries, hemp, and ornamental plants.
Nomotettix cristatus
crested pygmy grasshopper, crested grouse locust, northern crested grouse locust
Nomotettix cristatus is a small pygmy grasshopper in the family Tetrigidae, commonly known as the crested pygmy grasshopper or crested grouse locust. It is one of approximately 35 Nearctic species of Tetrigidae. The species exhibits three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions across North America. Like other members of its family, it is characterized by an elongated pronotum that extends over the abdomen, a trait distinguishing pygmy grasshoppers from typical grasshoppers in Acrididae.
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scapularis
Aedes scapularis
Ochlerotatus scapularis is a neotropical mosquito species with expanding distribution, now established in mainland Florida after first detection in the Florida Keys in 1945. The species exhibits strong anthropophilic feeding behavior, with documented human blood meals comprising 83% of engorged females. It is known to transmit multiple pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, including yellow fever virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, and Dirofilaria immitis. Recent ecological niche modeling predicts potential for further northward expansion along the US Gulf Coast.
Odonteus floridensis
Odonteus floridensis is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae, described by Wallis in 1928. It is endemic to Florida, where it inhabits sandy scrub habitats. As a member of the Bolboceratinae, it is adapted for burrowing in soil.
Odontolytes denominatus
Odontolytes denominatus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is distributed across the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, with records from the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, as well as Florida in the United States. As a member of the tribe Eupariini, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Odontomachus clarus
Florida trap-jaw ant
Odontomachus clarus is a species of trap-jaw ant endemic to the Florida scrub habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge in Florida. As a member of the genus Odontomachus, it possesses the characteristic elongated mandibles capable of rapid closure. The species is restricted to a specific and threatened ecosystem, making it of conservation interest.
Odontomachus relictus
Florida Scrub Trap-jaw Ant
Odontomachus relictus is a species of trap-jaw ant endemic to Florida, where it inhabits endangered scrub habitat on ancient sand ridges. It was described by Deyrup & Cover in 2004. Research suggests that populations on separate sand ridges may represent distinct species, which would make them among the rarest ants in North America. The species possesses the characteristic spring-loaded mandibles of the genus Odontomachus.
Oncopeltus aulicus
Oncopeltus aulicus is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. It is found in Florida and the Caribbean, with records extending to parts of Central and South America including Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. Unlike its congener Oncopeltus fasciatus, detailed biological information for this species is limited.
Onthophilus giganteus
Onthophilus giganteus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Helava in 1978. It belongs to the subfamily Onthophilinae, a group of histerid beetles often associated with dung and decaying organic matter. The species is known from Florida, USA, and represents one of the larger members of the genus Onthophilus.
Ophiderma stonei
Ophiderma stonei is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, described by Ball in 1932. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic enlarged and often elaborately modified pronotum that distinguishes treehoppers from related leafhoppers. The species is known from Florida, USA, and belongs to a genus containing multiple North American species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination.
Ora discoidea
marsh beetle
Ora discoidea is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae, described by Champion in 1897. It occurs in Central America and has been recorded in North America from Texas to Florida. The species belongs to a family commonly associated with moist habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Oxycopis floridana
Florida false blister beetle
Oxycopis floridana is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae. It has been recorded from Florida and the Bahamas. The genus Oxycopis contains species commonly known as false blister beetles, though specific details about the biology and ecology of O. floridana remain poorly documented in published literature.
Palpidia pallidior
Pale Palpidia
Palpidia pallidior, commonly known as Pale Palpidia, is a small moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are characterized by their mottled brown forewings and contrasting white hindwings, which are concealed at rest. The species occurs in Florida and Cuba.
Panorpa floridana
Florida scorpionfly
Panorpa floridana, the Florida scorpionfly, is a rare endemic species in the family Panorpidae known only from two counties in northern Florida. Described as "cryptic" yet distinctive in appearance, it remained unrecorded for 28 years until its rediscovery in 2010 from a photograph taken at Gold Head Branch State Park in Clay County. The species is considered one of the most geographically restricted scorpionflies in North America.
Paragraphus
Paragraphus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae) described by Blatchley in 1916. The genus contains at least one described species, P. setosus. It belongs to the tribe Agraphini within the subfamily Entiminae. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature.
Paragraphus setosus
Paragraphus setosus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Blatchley in 1916. It belongs to the tribe Agraphini within the subfamily Entiminae. Very little is known about its biology or natural history. The species has been recorded from Florida, North America.
Paranthaclisis floridensis
Paranthaclisis floridensis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Stange and Miller in 2012. It belongs to a genus of small antlions found in North America. The species epithet indicates a Florida association, though detailed natural history information appears limited in available sources.
Paraphlepsius rileyi
Paraphlepsius rileyi is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Baker in 1898. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Pendarini. The species has been recorded from multiple U.S. states including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Kansas. Like other leafhoppers, it is a small, plant-feeding insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Pareuchaetes insulata
yellow-winged pareuchaetes
Pareuchaetes insulata is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, first described by Francis Walker in 1855. Native to the Caribbean and southern United States, it has been introduced to South Africa as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Chromolaena odorata. The species exhibits high host specificity, with larvae feeding primarily on C. odorata. Adult moths have a wingspan of 26–38 mm and are active year-round, peaking from April to November.
Pella angustula
Pella angustula is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Thomas L. Casey in 1893. It is recorded from North America, specifically from Florida in the United States. The species belongs to the subfamily Aleocharinae, a large and diverse group of rove beetles.
Pelochrista floridensis
Pelochrista floridensis is a species of tortricid moth described by Wright in 2011. It belongs to the diverse genus Pelochrista within the subfamily Olethreutinae. The species epithet suggests a geographic association with Florida. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a small moth with larvae that feed internally on plant tissues, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Pelocoris balius
Pelocoris balius is a species of saucer bug (family Naucoridae) endemic to Florida. Originally described as a subspecies of P. femoratus in 1970, it was elevated to full species status in 2015 based on sympatric occurrence with P. femoratus and distinct morphological characters. It is much less commonly encountered than its congener P. femoratus. In the Everglades, it shows a preference for shorter hydroperiod sites.
Peltodytes floridensis
Peltodytes floridensis is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae, first described by Matheson in 1912. The genus Peltodytes is distinguished from other haliplid genera by the presence of a distinct pronotal plica—a longitudinal groove or fold on the pronotum. Species in this genus are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Peltotrupes youngi
Young's deep digger scarab, Young's deepdigger scarab, ocala burrowing scarab, ocala deepdigger scarab beetle
Peltotrupes youngi is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae. It is endemic to Florida scrubs in Marion and Putnam counties, representing a highly restricted geographic range. The species was described by Howden in 1955 and is one of several species in the genus Peltotrupes, which are characterized by their burrowing habits and association with sandy substrates.
Pentispa sallaei
Pentispa sallaei is a tortoise beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae, tribe Chalepini. The species was originally described from Mexico and has been established in Florida, USA. A host plant was reported for the first time in 2021, though the specific plant identity was not detailed in available sources. The species is characterized by distinctive elytral punctation and thoracic armature.
Peoria floridella
Florida Peoria Moth
Peoria floridella is a small moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Shaffer in 1968. It is endemic to peninsular Florida, where it inhabits dry sandhill and scrub ecosystems. The species has been observed in association with sand live oak (Quercus geminata), suggesting a potential host relationship. Like many Phycitinae moths, it likely has a concealed larval stage, though detailed life history information remains limited.
Perigenes similis
dirt-colored seed bug
Perigenes similis is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, first described by Barber in 1906. It belongs to the true bugs (Hemiptera) and is characterized by its dull, earth-toned coloration typical of the group. The species has been documented in Florida with specific notes on its habits and habitats, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Petrolisthes armatus
Green Porcelain Crab
Petrolisthes armatus, commonly known as the green porcelain crab, is a small porcellanid crab native to the southwestern Atlantic, particularly Brazil. The species has established invasive populations along the southeastern United States coast, where densities can exceed 30,000 individuals per square meter. Genetic studies confirm it as a single monophyletic species with exceptional geographic range spanning the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. It is frequently parasitized by the bopyrid isopod Aporobopyrus curtatus, which causes parasitic castration.
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Phalacrococcus is a genus of soft scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccidae) established in 2010. The genus contains at least one exotic species, Phalacrococcus howertoni, which has been documented in Florida. As a member of the Coccidae family, these insects are sessile, sap-feeding pests that produce protective waxy coverings.
Phalacrococcus howertoni
Croton Scale
Phalacrococcus howertoni is a soft scale insect in the family Coccidae, described by Hodges and Hodgson in 2010. The species has been documented in Florida and is known by the common name Croton Scale. As a member of the Coccidae, it possesses the protective waxy covering characteristic of soft scales.
Pheidole adrianoi
Florida Rosemary Big-headed Ant
Pheidole adrianoi is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Naves in 1985. The species is known from Florida, where it has been recorded in association with Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) habitats. As with other members of the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, this species exhibits worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Phormoestes
Phormoestes is a monotypic genus of small moths in the family Choreutidae (subfamily Millieriidae), established by Heppner in 1982. The sole species, Phormoestes palmettovora, is endemic to Florida, United States. The genus is distinguished by distinctive morphological features in both adult and immature stages, most notably a pupal case that resembles a basket—reflected in the etymology of its name.
Photuris congener
Florida Single Snappy
Photuris congener is a firefly species in the predatory genus Photuris, first described by LeConte in 1852. Like other Photuris species, females are known to practice aggressive mimicry, luring males of other firefly genera through flash pattern imitation. The species is commonly known as the 'Florida Single Snappy' and occurs in North America. As with congeners, it produces bioluminescence through a luciferin-luciferase reaction in specialized abdominal photocytes.
Phrygionis auriferaria
Golden-Winged Palyas Moth
Phrygionis auriferaria is a geometrid moth species described by George Duryea Hulst in 1887. It is commonly known as the golden-winged palyas moth. The species belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group of moths commonly called inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval movement. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6670 in the North American moth numbering system.
Phrygionis paradoxata
Jeweled Satyr Moth, Silvery Phrygionis
Phrygionis paradoxata, commonly known as the Jeweled Satyr Moth or Silvery Phrygionis, is a geometrid moth first described by Achille Guenée in 1858. The species is distributed across the Neotropical region, with records from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Florida in North America. Three subspecies are recognized: the nominate form, P. p. incolorata, and P. p. steeleorum.
Phrynus marginemaculatus
spotted tailless whip scorpion, Florida tailless whipscorpion
Phrynus marginemaculatus is an amblypygid arachnid native to southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola. It is the only amblypygid species in the US east of the Mississippi River and the most commonly studied whip spider species. This nocturnal predator possesses extraordinarily elongated first pair of legs adapted as sensory organs for detecting prey, mates, and environmental features in darkness. The species exhibits complex navigational abilities including multisensory configural learning for shelter recognition, and has evolved a plastron enabling underwater breathing for up to 24 hours.
Phyciodes phaon
Phaon crescent, mat plant crescent, crescent spot
Phyciodes phaon is a small brush-footed butterfly of the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and extending west to New Mexico. Adults are active from early spring through late fall in northern portions of the range, with nearly year-round activity in peninsular Florida. The species is closely associated with fogfruit host plants (Phyla nodiflora), on which females lay eggs in clusters on leaf undersides. Males patrol open areas near host plants to locate females, with mating concentrated at mid-day.
Phylloxera floridana
Phylloxera floridana is a species of phylloxeran, a small sap-sucking insect in the family Phylloxeridae. Phylloxerans are closely related to aphids and are known for inducing galls on host plants. The genus Phylloxera includes species that are significant agricultural pests, most notably the grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae), though specific information about P. floridana's biology, host associations, and economic impact appears to be limited in available literature.
Physonota calochroma floridensis
Physonota calochroma floridensis is a synonymized subspecies of tortoise beetle originally described from Florida. The name was proposed by Blake in 1965 but is currently treated as a synonym of Eurypepla jamaicensis (formerly Physonota calochroma). Tortoise beetles in this group are characterized by their domed, turtle-like carapace formed from modified elytra and pronotum. The species to which this subspecies belongs exhibits rapid color-changing abilities, shifting from silvery-green to brownish tones within seconds in response to environmental stimuli.
Pinnixa chaetopterana
tube pea crab
Pinnixa chaetopterana is a small, soft-bodied pea crab that lives symbiotically within the tubes of polychaete worms, primarily Chaetopterus variopedatus. It is a facultative commensal, occasionally free-living or associating with alternative hosts such as Amphitrite ornata. The species exhibits strong host fidelity and can distinguish conspecifics from heterospecifics. It ranges from Massachusetts to Uruguay along the western Atlantic, including Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico.
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thievery-unknownaggression-contextintraspecific-aggressioninterspecific-aggressionlimb-autotomyregeneration-unknownwound-healingstress-responsehandling-responselaboratory-maintenancecollection-methodpreservation-effectmuseum-specimen-qualitytype-specimen-locationoriginal-description-qualitysubsequent-redescriptionstaxonomic-stabilitynomenclatural-actspriority-ruleshomonymy-checksynonymy-list-completenessdistribution-record-verificationoccurrence-data-qualityrange-boundary-uncertaintydepth-record-accuracyhabitat-description-specificityhost-record-verificationassociation-record-qualitysymbiosis-documentation-standardnatural-history-completenessresearch-priority-areasconservation-status-unknownIUCN-evaluation-neededpopulation-trend-unknownthreat-assessmenthabitat-vulnerabilityclimate-sensitivityrange-shift-potentialphenology-changehost-phenology-dependencyphenological-mismatch-riskevolutionary-history-unknownphylogenetic-positionsister-species-unknownspecies-group-membershipgenetic-differentiationcryptic-diversity-potentialbarcode-library-coveragegenome-resourcestranscriptome-unknownproteome-unknownmetabolome-unknowndevelopmental-genetics-unknownsymbiosis-genetics-unknownhost-recognition-gene-unknownimmune-response-unknownparasite-resistance-unknowncoevolution-historyphylogeography-unknownpopulation-structure-unknowngene-flow-unknowndispersal-limitationisolation-by-distancelocal-adaptation-unknownphenotypic-plasticitymorphological-variationenvironmental-gradient-responsephenotypic-clinegenotype-environment-interactionevolutionary-potentialadaptive-capacityresilience-unknownextinction-risk-assessment-neededPlatydracus undescribed-fla
An undescribed species of large rove beetle in the genus Platydracus, recognized from Florida but not yet formally described in the scientific literature. Members of this genus are among the largest rove beetles in North America, typically characterized by their elongated bodies, shortened forewings (elytra) that leave most of the abdomen exposed, and predatory habits.
Platydracus undescribed-fla-b