Mexico
Guides
Abablemma duomaculata
double-eyed algibelle
Abablemma duomaculata is a moth species in the family Erebidae, subfamily Acontiinae. It was first described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1925, originally under the genus Phobolosia. The species is known from southern Texas extending into Mexico. It is commonly referred to as the double-eyed algibelle.
Abegesta remellalis
white-trimmed abegesta, white-trimmed brown pyralid moth
A medium-sized crambid moth found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are active during summer months and are readily identified by the distinctive white markings on otherwise brownish-orange forewings. The species was first described in 1899 and remains relatively well-documented through recent observations.
Acalymma
striped cucumber beetles, cucumber beetles
Acalymma is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae comprising approximately 72 described species in the Western Hemisphere. The genus is primarily distributed in the New World, with most species occurring in North America including Mexico. Two species, A. vittatum (striped cucumber beetle) and A. trivittatum (western striped cucumber beetle), are major agricultural pests of cucurbit crops. Acalymma species are specialists on plants in the family Cucurbitaceae, with adults feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruit, and larvae feeding on roots.
Acalymma blandulum
Acalymma blandulum is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was revised taxonomically in 1980, which established three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the genus Acalymma, which includes several agriculturally significant cucurbit-feeding species.
Acanalonia fasciata
Acanalonia fasciata is a small planthopper species in the family Acanaloniidae, measuring 4.2 to 6.2 mm in length. It occurs in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species is frequently mistaken for the closely related Acanalonia bivittata but differs in size, elytral surface texture, and geographic range. Local dryinid wasp species have been reported as possible predators.
Acanthepeira marion
Acanthepeira marion is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, first described by Levi in 1976. The species is distributed across the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Acanthepeira, it shares the distinctive spiny abdominal tubercles characteristic of this group of orbweavers.
Acanthocephala alata
leaf-footed bug
Acanthocephala alata is a species of leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, described by Burmeister in 1835. It is native to Mexico and occurs from Texas through Central America to Colombia. The species belongs to the tribe Acanthocephalini and is one of the more frequently observed coreids in its range, with over 3,000 documented observations.
Achalarus toxeus
Coyote Cloudywing, Coyote Skipper
Achalarus toxeus is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Coyote Cloudywing or Coyote Skipper. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was historically placed in the genus Thorybes but is now classified in Achalarus based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Acharia extensa
Acharia extensa is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae. It occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, with records from southern Florida. The larvae feed on a documented range of host plants including Inga species, oaks (Quercus), Byrsonima crassifolia, and coffee (Coffea arabica). Like other members of the genus Acharia, the larvae likely possess stinging spines characteristic of the family.
Achurum
toothpick grasshoppers
Achurum is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, commonly known as toothpick grasshoppers. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across the southern United States and Mexico. These grasshoppers are noted for their slender, elongate bodies and cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against vegetation and substrates.
Achurum minimipenne
Tamaulipan Toothpick Grasshopper
A slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, characterized by its slender, elongated body form typical of toothpick grasshoppers. The species occurs in the southern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Achurum, it exhibits cryptic coloration adapted to its environment.
Achurum sumichrasti
Sumichrast Toothpick Grasshopper
Achurum sumichrasti, commonly known as the Sumichrast Toothpick Grasshopper, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It belongs to a group of grasshoppers commonly referred to as toothpick grasshoppers, characterized by their slender, elongated body form. The species has been documented across Central America and the southern United States, with observational records indicating established populations in Texas, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against its surroundings.
Acmaeodera
Acmaeodera is a large genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) with over 150 species in North America, reaching greatest diversity in the desert southwest and Mexico. Adults are metallic, often with distinctive color patterns, and are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on pollen. The genus is distinguished by unique flight morphology: elytra are fused along the midline and remain closed during flight, functioning as a protective shield over the abdomen while only the hindwings provide propulsion. This trait, combined with abdominal banding in many species, creates a wasp-like appearance in flight and has led to recognition of several species as hymenopteran mimics. Larvae are wood-borers in twigs and branches of various woody plants.
Buprestidaejewel-beetlesmetallic-wood-boring-beetlesflower-visitorspollen-feederselytra-fusionflight-morphologyhymenopteran-mimicrywood-borersNorth-AmericaMexicoArizonaTexasCaliforniaNew-MexicoOklahomaAlbertaAsteraceaeCercocarpusspring-activemonsoon-activefall-activetaxonomically-difficultcollector's-itemdiurnalCerceris-preyAcmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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rubrocuprea
Acmaeodera rubrocuprea is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Westcott & Nelson in 2000. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has been confirmed as breeding exclusively within dead branches of Cercocarpus ledifolius (curl-leaf mountain mahogany), making it one of five buprestid species associated exclusively with this host genus. The specific epithet 'rubrocuprea' refers to its reddish-copper coloration.
Acmaeodera rubronotata
Acmaeodera rubronotata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The species is one of numerous Acmaeodera species frequently encountered on flowers of yellow composites and other Asteraceae in arid and semi-arid regions. Field observations document adults visiting flowers of Heterotheca subaxillaris, Xanthisma gracile, Gutierrezia microcephala, and Heliomeris longifolia. The specific epithet 'rubronotata' refers to red markings on the pronotum.
Acmaeodera scalaris
ladder buprestid
Acmaeodera scalaris, commonly known as the ladder buprestid, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs across Central America and North America. The species has been documented visiting flowers of various composite and other plant species, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Acmaeodera solitaria
Acmaeodera solitaria is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it has been collected from flowers of yellow-flowered composites and prickly poppy. Adults are active during summer months, particularly July and August. The species was described by Kerremans in 1897.
Aconophora compressa
lantana bug, lantana treehopper, lantana stemsucking treehopper, lantana sap-sucking bug
Aconophora compressa is a treehopper (family Membracidae) native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. It was introduced to Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species is brown, up to 8 mm long, with a thorn-shaped body and produces copious honeydew. It has been documented to attack non-target plants, particularly fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) in Australia, leading to its discontinuation as a biocontrol agent after 2001. It was also rejected for use in South Africa due to unacceptable risks to indigenous Lippia species.
treehopperbiological-controlinvasive-species-managementMembracidaephloem-feedermaternal-caregregarioushoneydew-producernon-target-effectsLantana-camaraMexicoAustraliaSouth-AfricaVerbenaceaeCitharexylum-spinosumLippiaAloysia-citrodorathermal-tolerancestem-suckingsap-feedingegg-guardinginstarsnymphal-developmentweed-biocontrolhost-range-expansionecological-risk-assessmentbiosecurityWalker-1851AconophoriniMembracinaeHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaMembracoideaAcontia jaliscana
Acontia jaliscana is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. It was described by Schaus in 1898 from specimens collected in Jalisco, Mexico. The species is part of a genus characterized by small to medium-sized moths with often striking wing patterns. Records indicate presence in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Acrolophitus maculipennis
Texas Point-head Grasshopper, Black Fool Grasshopper
Acrolophitus maculipennis is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, characterized by its distinctive pointed head shape. It is found across a broad geographic range spanning North America, Central America, and Mexico. The species is known by two common names: Texas point-head grasshopper and black fool grasshopper. It belongs to the tribe Acrolophitini within the subfamily Gomphocerinae.
Actenodes auronotata
Actenodes auronotata is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) in the genus Actenodes. Species in this genus are wood-borers whose larvae develop in dead branches of various host plants, particularly in the family Fabaceae. The genus Actenodes is distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America, with several species exhibiting subtle morphological differences that require careful examination for proper identification. Some Actenodes species display striking sexually dimorphic facial coloration in males.
Actiastes desertorum
Actiastes desertorum is a species of ant-loving beetle (subfamily Pselaphinae) in the family Staphylinidae, described from desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species epithet 'desertorum' reflects its arid habitat association. Like other pselaphines, it is likely myrmecophilous, living in close association with ant colonies.
Adaleres
broad-nosed weevils
Adaleres is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing at least three described species: A. flandersi, A. humeralis, and A. ovipennis. The genus was established by Casey in 1895 and is classified within the tribe Byrsopagini of the subfamily Entiminae. These weevils are distributed in western North America, with records from California and Mexico.
Adelpha eulalia
Arizona Sister
Adelpha eulalia, commonly known as the Arizona Sister, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It belongs to the serpa species group within the genus Adelpha. The species was previously treated as a subspecies of Adelpha bredowii (Bredow's Sister), but phylogenetic studies based on morphological, geographical, and genetic evidence have established it as a distinct species.
Adelpha fessonia
Band-celled Sister, Mexican Sister
Adelpha fessonia is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the band-celled sister or Mexican sister. The species occurs from Panama northward through Central America to Mexico, with periodic vagrant populations establishing in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Adults have a wingspan of 56–70 mm. The species exhibits partial migration patterns, with Texas populations representing temporary rather than permanent residents.
Adetus brousii
Adetus brousii is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae. The species was described by Horn in 1880. It occurs in North America and Middle America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Adetus, it is a small to medium-sized cerambycid with typical lamiine morphology. The species has been documented in 26 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is encountered infrequently by naturalists.
Aegomorphus
Aegomorphus is a large genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Haldeman in 1847. The genus underwent significant taxonomic revision: most species were originally placed in Acanthoderes, then transferred to Psapharochrus, which was elevated to genus rank before being determined in 2020 to be a junior synonym of Aegomorphus. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Americas, with at least one species (A. quadrigibbus) documented as an agricultural pest of Persian lime orchards in Mexico.
Aetalion nervosopunctatum
Aetalion nervosopunctatum is a treehopper species in the family Aetalionidae, representing one of the more primitive lineages within the superfamily Membracoidea. The species was described by Signoret in 1852 and is known from southern Mexico and the southwestern United States. As with other aetalionids, it lacks the dramatically expanded pronotum characteristic of most Membracidae, retaining a more generalized body form. Two subspecies have been recognized: the nominate form A. n. nervosopunctatum from Mexico and A. n. minor from Arizona.
Aethes sonorae
streaked aethes moth
Aethes sonorae is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. The species was described by Walsingham in 1884 from Sonora, Mexico, and has since been recorded from the southern United States. It belongs to the genus Aethes, a diverse group of small moths commonly known as the aethes moths.
Agaeocera
Agaeocera is a genus of metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, containing three described species: A. gentilis, A. gigas, and A. scintillans. The genus was established by Saunders in 1871. Based on field observations, adults of A. gentilis have been collected from Sphaeralcea (globemallow) plants in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Agallissus lepturoides
Mexican Palm Petiole Borer
A longhorn beetle species in the Cerambycinae subfamily, first described by Chevrolat in 1844. The common name 'Mexican Palm Petiole Borer' refers to its specialized relationship with palm hosts. It has a documented but limited distribution in southern North America and Central America.
Agathymus
giant-skippers
Agathymus is a genus of large skipper butterflies described by H.A. Freeman in 1959. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed across arid regions of North America from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Costa Rica. Larvae are specialized stem-borers in agave plants, making this genus ecologically dependent on desert agave communities. Species are commonly known as giant-skippers.
Agaveocoris barberi
Agaveocoris barberi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae. It was originally described by Knight and later transferred to the genus Agaveocoris by Henry & Menard in 2020. The species is associated with agave plants and has a limited distribution in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Agonum cyclifer
Agonum cyclifer is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It occurs in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The genus Agonum includes predatory beetles commonly found in moist habitats. Very few published observations exist for this species.
Agoo
Agoo is a genus of palm-feeding planthoppers in the family Derbidae, described by Bahder & Bartlett in 2019. The genus is known from Mexico, with two described species: A. kizini from the Yucatán Peninsula and A. palmalopezi from Tabasco. Specimens have been found in association with palms, representing the first record of this genus in Mexico. Molecular sequence data for 18S rRNA and COX1 genes have been published for A. kizini.
Agrilus andersoni
Agrilus andersoni is a small jewel beetle described from Mexico in 2008. The species is notable for its specialized association with mistletoe in the genus Phoradendron (family Viscaceae), an unusual host relationship within the enormous genus Agrilus. Adults exhibit purplish-red coloration with complex patterns of golden setae on the elytra, which may function as disruptive coloration against the host foliage. The species is known from Guerrero and Puebla states.
Agrilus toxotes
Agrilus toxotes is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Obenberger in 1935. The species was historically known only from Mexico until specimens were collected in south Texas in the 1980s, representing a northward range extension into the United States. It belongs to the large genus Agrilus, which contains hundreds of species worldwide. The species name refers to the archer fish genus Toxotes, though the specific reason for this epithet choice is not documented in available sources.
Agroecotettix
Aridland Scrub Jumpers
Agroecotettix is a genus of medium-sized brachypterous grasshoppers in the subfamily Melanoplinae, containing 19 described species. These short-winged, flight-limited grasshoppers inhabit aridland scrub and desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus was revised in 2024 with the description of 16 new species, revealing previously unrecognized diversity in this cryptic group. Species identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology.
Agroecotettix modestus
Modest Aridland Scrub Jumper
Agroecotettix modestus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Bruner in 1908. It belongs to a genus of aridland scrub grasshoppers found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with desert and semi-arid environments, particularly in Texas and northeastern Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to hot, dry conditions and exhibits behaviors such as seeking shade during extreme heat.
Agromyza parvicornis
Corn Blotch Leafminer
A leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, primarily associated with corn (Zea mays) cultivation. The species creates distinctive blotch-shaped mines in host plant foliage. It is considered a minor and sporadic agricultural pest with limited economic impact. Documented from North American corn-growing regions and more recently recorded in Mexico.
Aidemona
Aztec spur-throat (for A. azteca)
Aidemona is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1893. The genus contains five described species distributed primarily in Mexico and Central America. The best-known member is Aidemona azteca, commonly called the Aztec spur-throat. These grasshoppers belong to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of New World grasshoppers.
Alaruasa lepida
Alaruasa lepida is a fulgorid planthopper species first described by Spinola in 1839. Originally placed in the genus Poiocera, it was later transferred to Alaruasa. The species belongs to the family Fulgoridae, a group of true bugs known for their often elaborate head projections. Records indicate occurrence in parts of Mexico (Nuevo León, Veracruz), Guatemala (Baja Verapaz), and Texas, USA.
Alastria
Alastria is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Lafontaine and Troubridge in 2004. The genus contains at least one described species, Alastria chico. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of owlet moths.
Alaudes
Alaudes is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, tribe Cnemeplatiini. The genus was revised in 2018, resulting in the description of new species from the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the subtribe Alaudina, which was established as part of that revisionary work. Members of this genus are part of a diverse radiation of tenebrionid beetles adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Alaudes singularis
Alaudes singularis is a species of darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) described by George Henry Horn in 1870. The genus Alaudes is a small group within the large family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles. The species epithet 'singularis' suggests it may have been considered distinctive or unique at the time of description. Very limited information is available for this species beyond its taxonomic placement and type locality in Mexico.
Alconeura cinctella
Alconeura cinctella is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It was described by DeLong & Ruppel in 1951. The species is recorded from several states in Mexico. As a member of the Typhlocybinae, it belongs to a group of small, often delicate leafhoppers that feed on plant sap.
Aleuroparadoxus
whiteflies
Aleuroparadoxus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. The genus contains at least one documented species, A. arctostaphyli Russell, 1947, which was first recorded in Mexico in 2017. Species in this genus are associated with host plants in the genus Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae).
Aleuroplatus gelatinosus
Aleuroplatus gelatinosus is a species of whitefly (family Aleyrodidae) described by Cockerell in 1898. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive puparial morphology. The species has been documented in California and the northwestern region of Mexico. Like other whiteflies, it is presumed to feed on plant phloem, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Aleuropleurocelus
Aleuropleurocelus is a genus of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae) in the suborder Sternorrhyncha. The genus includes species that are phytophagous pests of woody plants. One undescribed species close to A. acaudatus has been documented as a significant pest of native Mexican avocados (Persea americana) in southern Coahuila, where it is subject to substantial natural parasitism by aphelinid wasps.