Mexico
Guides
Steatoda washona
Steatoda washona is a cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, described by Gertsch in 1960. It belongs to a genus that includes several species commonly known as false widows due to their resemblance to black widows (Latrodectus). The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other Steatoda species, it constructs irregular tangled webs and is typically found in sheltered microhabitats.
Stegea mexicana
Stegea mexicana is a moth in the family Crambidae, described by Munroe in 1964. It is known from a single locality in Veracruz, Mexico. Very little is documented about this species beyond its original description and basic taxonomic placement.
Stenaspis solitaria
Stenaspis solitaria is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it has been collected from various woody hosts including Acacia species and Baccharis sarothroides. Field observations indicate adults are active during summer months, particularly July and August, and are often found by beating vegetation or sweeping flowering plants.
Stenaspis verticalis insignis
Red-headed Beauty
Stenaspis verticalis insignis is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Trachyderini. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was collected during a 2018 Arizona collecting trip in the Santa Rita Mountains, where specimens were found on Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom). The subspecies is characterized by its distinctive coloration, which includes a red head in adults.
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 furcata
Stenomorpha furcata is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, tribe Asidini. Originally described by Champion in 1892, it was transferred to the genus Stenomorpha by Smith, Miller, and Wheeler in 2011 as part of a taxonomic revision that established the informal 'furcata species group' within Stenomorpha. This group comprises four species: S. furcata, S. roosevelti, S. wickhami, and S. granicollis. The species has been documented in Texas, USA, where it has been observed at night near blacklight setups in juniper chaparral habitat.
Stenomorpha horrida
Stenomorpha horrida is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Asidini. First described by Champion in 1892, this flightless beetle belongs to a large genus historically comprising 88 species with limited modern taxonomic revision until recent work by Fran Keller and colleagues. The species is known from Mexico, though specific habitat and ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature. Like other Stenomorpha species, it likely inhabits arid or semi-arid environments given the genus's association with such habitats.
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.
Stenopyrgota mexicana
Stenopyrgota mexicana is a species of fly in the family Pyrgotidae, described by Malloch in 1929. The genus Stenopyrgota is part of the pyrgotid flies, a group known for their distinctive morphology and parasitic larval habits. This species is poorly documented in the literature, with minimal published information on its biology, distribution, or ecology.
Stenosphenus debilis
Stenosphenus debilis is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Horn in 1885. The genus Stenosphenus contains multiple species distributed across North America, with related species such as S. notatus being relatively common in the eastern United States. Specific biological details for S. debilis remain poorly documented in available literature.
Stenosphenus dolosus
Stenosphenus dolosus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1885. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a diverse group of cerambycids often associated with woody vegetation. Field observations indicate adults are attracted to ethanol-baited traps and have been found resting on thorny branches of lotebush (Zizyphus obtusifolium) during evening hours. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Stictopelta nova
Stictopelta nova is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Darninae, first described by Goding in 1892. Like other members of the genus Stictopelta, it possesses the characteristic enlarged and often elaborately modified pronotum typical of treehoppers. The species has been documented from Mexico, with nine specimens identified from Oaxaca in a recent taxonomic study. Treehoppers in the subfamily Darninae are primarily Neotropical in distribution.
Stiria
Stiria is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. It comprises approximately 15 described species distributed primarily across western North America and Mexico, with one species extending into eastern North America. The genus belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae and is characterized by features typical of this group. Species occupy diverse habitats ranging from desert regions to montane environments.
Stizoides foxi
Fox's stizoide
Stizoides foxi is a kleptoparasitic sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, one of only two Stizoides species occurring in North America. This species is restricted to Arizona and southward into Mexico, where it parasitizes the food caches of other solitary wasps. Like its congener S. renicinctus, females locate and excavate the burrows of host wasps, destroy the host egg, and replace it with their own egg to exploit the provisioned prey. The species was described by Gillaspy in 1963 and remains poorly known compared to its more widespread relative.
Strategus cessus
rhinoceros beetle
Strategus cessus is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae. It belongs to a genus of large, horned scarabs found in the Americas. The species has been documented from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Stratiomydas
Stratiomydas is a genus of mydas flies (family Mydidae) established in 1989. The genus contains four described species distributed in Mexico, with records from Colima and Nayarit states. Species in this genus were previously classified under other genera before being separated based on morphological characteristics. Like other mydid flies, members are likely large-bodied and robust, though specific ecological data remain limited.
Strigoderma teapensis
Strigoderma teapensis is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. The species was described by Bates in 1888 from Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico. It occurs in eastern Mexico and has been recorded in southern Texas, USA. Like other members of the genus Strigoderma, it is likely associated with sandy or open habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Strymon alea
Lacey's Scrub-Hairstreak, Alea Hairstreak
Strymon alea is a small hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, first described by Godman and Salvin in 1887. It ranges from northwestern Costa Rica through Mexico to central and southern Texas, occupying subtropical thorn scrub habitat. The species has a wingspan of 19–29 mm. Adults feed on flower nectar, while larvae feed specifically on Bernardia myricaefolia buds and flowers.
Sumitrosis pallescens
Sumitrosis pallescens is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 3.1-3.5 mm as adults. The species is characterized by pale yellow coloration on the pronotum and elytra, with dark spots near the wing tips. It is known to feed on Chamaecrista species and has a broad distribution across the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Susuacanga falli
Susuacanga falli is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Linsley in 1940. The species belongs to the tribe Eburiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. It has been recorded in Mexico and the United States, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Susuacanga comprises several species of medium-sized cerambycid beetles primarily distributed in the Americas.
Susuacanga stigmatica
Speckle-necked Longhorn Beetle
Susuacanga stigmatica is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Chevrolat in 1835. The species belongs to the tribe Eburiini and is known from records in Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States. It is commonly referred to as the Speckle-necked Longhorn Beetle. The genus Susuacanga includes multiple species distributed in the Americas.
Swammerdamella
Swammerdamella is a genus of minute black scavenger flies in the family Scatopsidae (Diptera). The genus was established by Enderlein in 1912 and is distributed across the western Palaearctic, with records from Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and recent first records from Mexico. The genus includes at least one newly described species, S. grogani, from southeastern Mexico.
Synanthedon arizonensis
Arizona Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon arizonensis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity. Like other members of its genus, it likely bores into woody plants as larvae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. It belongs to a group of moths that are generally not attracted to light traps, making them difficult to survey using standard moth-collecting methods.
Syrbula montezuma
Montezuma's Grasshopper, slant-faced grasshopper
Syrbula montezuma is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae. It is distributed across Central America and North America, including the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is characterized by its slanted facial profile typical of the subfamily. It has been recorded in regions including Arizona and multiple ecological zones in Mexico.
Syssphinx hubbardi
Hubbard's Silk Moth, Hubbard's Silkmoth
Syssphinx hubbardi is a medium-sized giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, with a wingspan of 56–76 mm. Adults are predominantly gray with bright pink hindwings that are exposed when the moth is startled. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with one generation per year in most of its range, though Texas populations may produce multiple generations. Adults are active from June through September, with peak activity in July and August.
Syssphinx montana
Montana Silkmoth
Syssphinx montana is a silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. Adults have a wingspan of 62–82 mm, with males smaller than females. The species is found in Mexico and rarely in southeastern Arizona. Adults are active from mid-July to early August and do not feed. Larvae feed on several leguminous host plants.
Systasea pulverulenta
Texas Powdered Skipper
Systasea pulverulenta, commonly known as the Texas Powdered Skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It ranges from southern and western Texas through Mexico to Guatemala. Adults are active year-round in southern Texas, with flight recorded from February through December. The species is associated with Malvaceae host plants for larval development.
Systropus bicornis
Systropus bicornis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Painter & Painter in 1963. The species is known from Mexico. As a member of the genus Systropus, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. Beyond its taxonomic placement and geographic occurrence, detailed biological information remains limited.
Tachardiella
lac scales
Tachardiella is a genus of lac scales (Hemiptera: Kerriidae) known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Species in this genus are associated with specific host plants and serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps in the genus Tachardiobius (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). The genus is poorly studied, with limited biological and ecological documentation available.
Tagosodes wallacei
Tagosodes wallacei is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Muir and Giffard in 1924. It belongs to the large group of true bugs known as planthoppers, which are characterized by their jumping hind legs and association with grasses and other monocot plants. The genus Tagosodes is part of the diverse planthopper fauna of the Americas, with this species recorded from regions including Florida, Mexico, and Brazil.
Tanaocerus
desert long-horned grasshoppers
Tanaocerus is a genus of desert-dwelling grasshoppers in the family Tanaoceridae, containing at least two described species: T. koebelei and T. rugosus. These insects are restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The genus is notable for its elongated antennae, a distinctive trait that separates it from most other grasshopper groups.
Tarache geminocula
Tarache geminocula is a moth of the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. It was first described by Clifford D. Ferris and J. Donald Lafontaine in 2009. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with adults active during the late summer months. Males have forewings measuring 10–11 mm, while females are slightly larger at 10–12 mm.
Telphusa melanoleuca
Telphusa melanoleuca is a small gelechiid moth described by Walsingham in 1911. It is known only from Guerrero, Mexico. The species is characterized by striking wing patterning with contrasting dark and white markings.
Teminius affinis
prowling spider
Teminius affinis is a species of prowling spider in the family Miturgidae, first described by Banks in 1897. It occurs in the southern United States and Mexico. As a member of the prowling spider family, it is likely an active hunter rather than a web-builder, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited in the available literature.
Teretriosoma paradoxum
Teretriosoma paradoxum is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Lewis in 1888. It belongs to the tribe Teretriini, a group of minute histerids often associated with decaying organic matter and fungi. The species is documented from Central America, with records from Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits microhabitats in forested environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Tetragonoderus pallidus
Tetragonoderus pallidus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1868. The species is endemic to the Sonoran Desert region, occurring in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Records indicate presence in Arizona, California, and Mexico. As a member of the genus Tetragonoderus, it belongs to a group of small carabid beetles, though specific morphological and ecological details for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Tetraleurodes
whitefly
Tetraleurodes is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) containing multiple species associated with woody plants in the Americas. Species such as T. perseae and T. ursorum are recognized as agricultural pests of avocado and citrus respectively. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns in adults and waxy secretions produced by nymphs. Multiple Eretmocerus species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) have been documented as parasitoids of Tetraleurodes in Mexico.
Tetraopes discoideus
Tetraopes discoideus is a small milkweed longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1847. Adults measure 7–9 mm in length, making this species notably smaller than congeners. The species is associated with milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.) throughout its range in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed resting, feeding, and mating on milkweed stems and flowers. Larvae develop by feeding on milkweed roots, either tunneling directly into large taproots or living in surrounding soil when roots are small.
Thalpius hoegei
Thalpius hoegei is a ground beetle species (Coleoptera: Carabidae) originally described by Bates in 1883. It is currently treated as a synonym of Pseudaptinus hoegei, reflecting taxonomic reclassification within the tribe Zuphiini. The species belongs to a group of carabid beetles characterized by specialized predatory habits and association with ant colonies. Records indicate presence in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Thalpius simplex
Thalpius simplex is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, originally described by Liebke in 1934. It is currently treated as a synonym of Pseudaptinus simplex. The species is known from Mexico. As a member of the subfamily Dryptinae and tribe Zuphiini, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles often associated with predatory habits, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Thanatophilus truncatus
Northern Carrion Beetle, Silky Carrion Beetle
Thanatophilus truncatus is a carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, found across Central and North America. As a member of the genus Thanatophilus, it is associated with decomposing animal matter and plays a role in nutrient cycling. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823 and is documented from the southwestern United States through Mexico.
Thasus
giant mesquite bug
Thasus is a genus of large, robust leaf-footed bugs in the family Coreidae, distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico to South America. The genus includes species commonly known as giant mesquite bugs, which are strongly associated with mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.) where they feed on plant sap and complete their entire life cycle. Several species are notable for their substantial size, with males reaching over 35 mm in length and exhibiting sexually dimorphic hind leg morphology—males possess thickened, armed hind femora while females have more slender, banded legs. Some species are consumed as food in Mexico and represent examples of traditional entomophagy, though recent studies indicate potential health risks from bacterial contamination.
Thasus neocalifornicus
giant mesquite bug
Thasus neocalifornicus is a large, distinctive true bug in the family Coreidae, commonly known as the giant mesquite bug. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males possessing heavily armed, thickened hind legs compared to the more slender, red-and-black banded hind legs of females. It is associated with mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.) in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where adults feed on sap and developing seeds. The species has been documented as a host for the egg parasitoid wasp Neorileya ashmeadi (family Eurytomidae).
Theridion dilutum
Theridion dilutum is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, described by Herbert W. Levi in 1957. It belongs to one of the largest genera of spiders, with members characterized by their irregular, three-dimensional webs. The species occurs in North America, specifically in the United States and Mexico. Like other theridiids, it possesses comb-like serrated bristles on the hind tarsi used to manipulate silk.
Theridion goodnightorum
Theridion goodnightorum is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, described by arachnologist Herbert W. Levi in 1957. The species epithet honors the husband-and-wife arachnologists Clarence and Marie Goodnight. Like other members of the genus Theridion, this species constructs irregular, three-dimensional cobwebs and possesses the characteristic comb-like bristles (setae) on the hind tarsi used to manipulate silk. The species is documented from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Theridion morulum
Theridion morulum is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1898. It belongs to a large genus of small spiders known for their irregular, three-dimensional webs. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico, but detailed biological information appears limited in available sources.
Theridion transgressum
Theridion transgressum is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by Petrunkevitch in 1911. It belongs to the large genus Theridion, which contains numerous small-bodied spiders that construct irregular, three-dimensional webs. The species is recorded from the United States and Mexico. Very little specific biological information is available for this species.
Thryallis
Thryallis is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Anisocerini) established by Thomson in 1858. The genus is known to include species that function as wood-boring agricultural pests. Thryallis undatus has been documented damaging Persian lime orchards in Veracruz, Mexico, where larvae tunnel into trunks and branches causing tree mortality. The genus name has been subject to nomenclatural confusion with a plant genus of the same name in Malpighiaceae.
Thryallis undatus
Thryallis undatus is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Anisocerini) first described by Chevrolat in 1834. The species has been documented as a pest of Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) in commercial orchards in Veracruz, Mexico, where adults oviposit on trunks and branches and larvae create galleries 2–5 cm deep. This represents the first record of the species associated with the Rutaceae family. Native distribution includes Middle America and North America, with records from Guatemala and Honduras.