Mexico
Guides
Thyreodon apricus
Thyreodon apricus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Porter in 1984. The genus Thyreodon belongs to the tribe Enicospilini, a group of primarily tropical wasps. Members of Ophioninae are known for their ability to sting using their short, sharp ovipositors for defense. This species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Very little is known about its specific biology, and it has been subject to taxonomic confusion with similar large, colorful ichneumon wasps.
Thyreodon rivinae
Thyreodon rivinae is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Porter in 1980. The genus Thyreodon belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Members of this genus are known from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Timulla oajaca
Timulla oajaca is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, a group of wingless wasps known for their potent sting and aposematic coloration. The genus Timulla is frequently cited as a model for Müllerian mimicry complexes in North America, with spiders in the genus Sergiolus (Gnaphosidae) among their documented visual mimics. Like all mutillids, females are wingless while males possess wings. The species name refers to Oaxaca, Mexico, suggesting a geographic association with this region.
Tinacrucis noroesta
Tinacrucis noroesta is a species of tortricid moth described by Powell in 2009. It is known from a limited number of localities in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species has a wingspan of 29–37 mm. It belongs to the tribe Atteriini within the subfamily Tortricinae.
Tipula schizomera
Tipula schizomera is a large crane fly in the family Tipulidae, described by Charles Paul Alexander in 1940. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, representing one of the Nearctic species in this diverse genus. As with other Tipula species, it belongs to a group commonly known as crane flies or daddy longlegs, characterized by elongated bodies and extremely long legs.
Titanebo
Titanebo is a genus of running crab spiders in the family Philodromidae, first described by Gertsch in 1933. The genus comprises 14 species distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. These spiders were historically classified under the genus Ebo but were reassigned to Titanebo based on taxonomic revision. They are characterized by their elongated second pair of legs, a distinctive trait among philodromid spiders.
Tliltocatl
Red Rump Tarantula (for T. vagans)
Tliltocatl is a genus of large burrowing tarantulas in the family Theraphosidae, erected in 2020 when molecular phylogenetic studies demonstrated that the genus Brachypelma comprised two distinct clades. Species are found predominantly in Mexico and Central America. The genus name derives from Nahuatl words meaning 'black spider.' Unlike Brachypelma species, Tliltocatl lacks striking red leg markings, instead displaying more subdued coloration with long red or yellowish abdominal hairs. Several species are threatened by habitat destruction and collection for the pet trade, leading to CITES protection.
Tomonotus
oak-leaf grasshoppers
Tomonotus is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Saussure in 1861. The genus contains at least two described species: Tomonotus ferruginosus (oak-leaf grasshopper) and Tomonotus mexicanus (Mexican oak-leaf grasshopper). Members are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Tomonotus mexicanus
Mexican Oak-leaf Grasshopper
Tomonotus mexicanus is a grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, described by Saussure in 1861. It belongs to the tribe Arphiini within the subfamily Oedipodinae, commonly known as banded-winged grasshoppers. The species is endemic to Mexico, with records from central and northeastern regions. It is known in English as the Mexican Oak-leaf Grasshopper, though the origin of this common name is not documented in available sources.
Tortistilus albidosparsus
Tortistilus albidosparsus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described by Stål in 1859. It belongs to the tribe Ceresini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group known for diverse pronotal modifications. The genus Tortistilus is part of the Nearctic treehopper fauna, with records from western North America. Species in this genus are characterized by distinctive pronotal structures typical of the Ceresini.
Toumeyella mirabilis
Toumeyella mirabilis is a soft scale insect in the family Coccidae, described by Cockerell in 1895. As a member of the genus Toumeyella, it shares characteristics with other soft scales that feed on plant vascular fluids and produce honeydew. The species occurs in North and Middle America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Like related species in the genus, it likely exhibits typical soft scale biology with sedentary adult females and mobile crawler nymphs.
Townsendiella pulchra
Townsendiella pulchra is a cuckoo bee (family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae) known from the United States and Mexico. It is a kleptoparasite, meaning females lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own. The species specifically targets Hesperapis larreae as its host. As a member of the tribe Townsendiellini, it belongs to a small group of specialized nomadine bees with limited documented natural history.
Townsendiella rufiventris
Townsendiella rufiventris is a cuckoo bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Linsley in 1942. It belongs to the tribe Townsendiellini within the subfamily Nomadinae. The species has been recorded in the United States and Mexico. As a member of Nomadinae, it is presumed to be a cleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that lays eggs in the nests of other bees, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Trachelas pacificus
Bull-headed sac spider
Trachelas pacificus is a species of true spider in the family Trachelidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is commonly found in houses and adults are present year-round. The species is part of a genus known for sac-like retreats and active hunting behavior rather than web-building.
Tragidion armatum
Tragidion armatum is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults exhibit bright orange and black coloration that mimics tarantula hawk wasps (Pompilidae: Pepsis, Hemipepsis). The species breeds in dead flower stalks of Yucca and Agave plants. It was described by LeConte in 1858, with T. armatum brevipenne later synonymized under it.
Traxus fulvus
Traxus fulvus is a species of planthopper in the family Issidae, first described by Metcalf in 1923. It belongs to the tribe Thioniini within the subfamily Issinae. The species is recorded from the southern United States and northeastern Mexico, with confirmed observations from Texas, Hidalgo, and Tamaulipas. Like other issid planthoppers, it is presumed to feed on plant phloem, though specific host plants remain unrecorded.
Trepobates becki
Trepobates becki is a species of water strider in the family Gerridae. It inhabits freshwater surface habitats in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was described by Drake & Harris in 1932. Like other members of the genus Trepobates, it is adapted to life on the water surface.
Triatoma gerstaeckeri
kissing bug, blood-sucking conenose
Triatoma gerstaeckeri is a triatomine bug (subfamily Triatominae) and a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length. The species occurs from the southwestern United States (New Mexico, Texas) through northeastern Mexico, occupying dry scrubland habitats with strong associations to woodrat (Neotoma) nests. It exhibits paurometabolous development with five nymphal instars before adulthood. The species is notable for its relatively high T. cruzi infection rates in some populations and its propensity for peridomestic occurrence near human habitation.
Triatoma indictiva
kissing bug
Triatoma indictiva is a blood-sucking assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as a "kissing bug." It is a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, particularly Arizona and Texas. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and are characterized by a pear-shaped body, black coloration with red lateral markings, and a tapered proboscis. Like other triatomines, it is primarily associated with vertebrate hosts in natural and peridomestic habitats.
Triatoma recurva
kissing bug, blood-sucking conenose
Triatoma recurva is a kissing bug (Triatominae) native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is a blood-feeding assassin bug that serves as a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease. The species has been documented from its natural host, the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus), and is found in domestic and peri-domestic environments. Laboratory studies indicate slower development and higher feeding requirements compared to related species, with egg-to-adult development exceeding 8.5 months.
Tribolium parallelum
Tribolium parallelum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, genus Tribolium. The genus includes several economically important stored product pests, though specific information about T. parallelum's biology and pest status is limited in available sources. It is native to Mexico.
Trichadenotecnum desolatum
Trichadenotecnum desolatum is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, originally described by Chapman in 1930 as Psocus desolatus. It belongs to the genus Trichadenotecnum, a group of small, winged psocids commonly found on tree bark and foliage. The species is known from the southern United States and Mexico. Like other members of its family, it likely inhabits woody vegetation and feeds on microflora.
Trichiotes seriatus
Trichiotes seriatus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1907. It is a member of the diverse beetle family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles, which are primarily detritivores and are abundant in arid and semi-arid environments. The genus Trichiotes is part of this widespread family, though specific ecological details for T. seriatus remain poorly documented.
Trichobaris
flower weevils
Trichobaris is a genus of flower weevils in the family Curculionidae, comprising 8–13 described species distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico. These weevils are specialized herbivores associated with plants in the family Solanaceae, particularly the genus Datura, with which they likely coevolved. Several species are notable agricultural pests, including T. mucorea (tobacco stalk borer) and T. trinotata (potato stalk borer), which also feed on cultivated solanaceous crops. Research on this genus has contributed to understanding host-herbivore coevolution, chemical ecology of host selection, and the decoupling of maternal oviposition cues from larval performance.
Trichocanonura linearis
Trichocanonura linearis is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, and the sole member of its monotypic genus. It was described by Skinner in 1905 based on specimens from Mexico. The species is characterized by its elongated, linear body form typical of many lamiine cerambycids. It is distributed in Mexico and the southern United States.
Trichocnemis spiculatus neomexicanus
New Mexican ponderous borer
Trichocnemis spiculatus neomexicanus is a subspecies of the ponderous borer, a large prionine longhorn beetle native to western North America. The larvae are among the largest of any North American cerambycid, developing in dead or dying coniferous wood—particularly ponderosa pine. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. This subspecies was described by Casey in 1890 and occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species has gained notoriety as the inspiration for modern chainsaw design, after Joe Cox observed the larva's opposable mandibles in action.
Triclonella xuthocelis
Triclonella xuthocelis is a small moth species described by Hodges in 1962. It belongs to the family Momphidae (formerly placed in Cosmopterigidae), a group of small gelechioid moths. The species is restricted to montane regions at the border of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is known from relatively few observations, reflecting either genuine rarity or limited survey effort in its high-elevation habitat.
Triepeolus kathrynae
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus kathrynae is a species of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, tribe Epeolini. The species was described by Rozen in 1989. Like other members of the genus Triepeolus, it is a brood parasite that does not construct nests or gather pollen. It has been recorded from the United States and Mexico.
Triepeolus loomisorum
Triepeolus loomisorum is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Rozen in 1989. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is a cuckoo bee that does not construct nests or gather pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bees. The species is known from the United States and Mexico.
Triepeolus martini
Triepeolus martini is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1900. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it functions as a cuckoo bee, laying eggs in the nests of host bees. The species has been documented in the United States and Mexico.
Triepeolus verbesinae
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus verbesinae is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae. As a cuckoo bee, females lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own nests or provisioning brood cells. The species is distributed across the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Triepeolus, it is associated with pollen-collecting host bees, though the specific host species for T. verbesinae has not been definitively documented.
Trigonidomimus belfragei
Belfrage's Cricket
Trigonidomimus belfragei, commonly known as Belfrage's Cricket, is a species of cricket in the family Gryllidae, first described by Caudell in 1912. The species is classified within the subfamily Pentacentrinae, a group sometimes referred to as anomalous crickets. It occurs in parts of North America including Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico. The genus Trigonidomimus is small and poorly documented, with limited biological information available for this species.
Trimerotropis californica
strenuous grasshopper, California band-winged grasshopper
Trimerotropis californica, commonly known as the strenuous grasshopper or California band-winged grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was first described by Bruner in 1889. The species belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, characterized by banded wings. Distribution records indicate presence in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Trimerotropis latifasciata
broad-banded grasshopper
Trimerotropis latifasciata, the broad-banded grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with documented records from Arizona, Texas, Utah, and northeastern Mexico. The species is notable for its cryptic coloration that blends with lichen-encrusted clay substrates, making it exceptionally difficult to detect.
Trimerotropis modesta
Modest Grasshopper
Trimerotropis modesta is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Bruner in 1889. It belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, a group characterized by enlarged hind wings used in display and flight. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern North America and Mexico. Available records indicate it is among the less frequently documented Trimerotropis species, with limited published biological information.
Triopasites penniger
Triopasites penniger is a cuckoo bee species in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. Like other members of the genus, it is a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of host bees. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the tribe Brachynomadini, a group of small, often inconspicuous cuckoo bees.
Triorophus laevis
Triorophus laevis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The genus Triorophus belongs to this large family of beetles, which are characterized by hardened forewings and typically inhabit arid or semi-arid environments. Available information on this species is extremely limited, with only three observation records documented on iNaturalist and distribution records limited to Mexico.
Triphalopsis californica
Triphalopsis californica is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Doyen in 1983. The genus Triphalopsis is part of a diverse family of beetles commonly associated with arid and semi-arid environments. This species is known from Mexico based on distribution records.
Trirhabda
skeletonizing leaf beetles, goldenrod beetles
Trirhabda is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising over 30 described species distributed in North America and Mexico. These beetles are specialist herbivores primarily associated with plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly goldenrods (Solidago), asters, and related composites. The genus has been extensively studied in ecological research due to its host-specific feeding habits, density-dependent dispersal behaviors, and potential keystone species effects on plant community dynamics. Several species are notable for sequestering defensive compounds and exhibiting complex movement behaviors in response to landscape structure and host plant quality.
Trogoderma ornatum
ornate carpet beetle, ornate cabinet beetle
Trogoderma ornatum, commonly known as the ornate carpet beetle or ornate cabinet beetle, is a species of dermestid beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is a member of the genus Trogoderma, which contains several economically significant stored product pests. The species has been recorded in North America and Oceania, with a notable first record from Mexico in 1998 where it was detected in association with honey bees (Apis mellifera). Like other Trogoderma species, it is likely associated with stored products or organic materials, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Tropidosteptes
ash plant bugs
Tropidosteptes is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) containing at least 30 described species. The genus is best known from T. chapingoensis, the ash plant bug, which has been studied in detail for its life cycle and impact on urban ash trees. Species in this genus are associated with Fraxinus (ash) trees and can cause significant defoliation damage. The genus occurs in North America, with at least one species introduced to South America.
Tropisternus sublaevis
Tropisternus sublaevis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1855. It is distributed across western and central North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. The species belongs to the subgenus Tropisternus (Tropisternus) and has been subject to some taxonomic confusion, with a later homonym described by Blatchley in 1910.
Trupanea bisetosa
fruit fly
Trupanea bisetosa is a tephritid fruit fly whose larvae develop within sunflower heads. The species was originally described as Urellia bisetosa by Coquillett in 1899. It has been documented in southern California and Mexico, with confirmed host associations to wild sunflower (Helianthus spp.).
Turpilia
narrow-beaked katydid (for T. rostrata)
Turpilia is a genus of phaneropterine katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, established by Stål in 1874. The genus comprises nine described species distributed in the Caribbean, Florida, and parts of Mexico. Species in this genus are characterized by their placement in the tribe Turpiliini, a group within the subfamily Phaneropterinae. The genus includes the narrow-beaked katydid (T. rostrata), one of the few species with a documented common name.
Turpiliodes
Turpiliodes is a genus of katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, established by Hebard in 1932. It belongs to the tribe Turpiliini within the subfamily Phaneropterinae. The genus is endemic to Mexico, with records from the northeast, Gulf, and southwest regions. As of 2024, iNaturalist documents over 500 observations of this genus.
Tylosis jimenezii
Tylosis jimenezii is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Dugès in 1879. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group of often large and strikingly colored cerambycids. The species is currently considered a synonym of Tylosis jimenezi, with records from both the United States and Mexico. Limited field observations suggest it may be associated with Malvaceae host plants in arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Tylosis maculatus
Spotted Tylosis
Tylosis maculatus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for often striking coloration patterns. The species is recognized by its spotted pattern, as indicated by its specific epithet 'maculatus'. It occurs in North and Middle America, with records from the United States and Mexico.
Tylosis puncticollis
Tylosis puncticollis is a species of longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Henry Walter Bates in 1885. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group of robust, often colorful cerambycids commonly known as trachyderines. The genus Tylosis is restricted to the Americas, with species distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico. Like other members of its genus, T. puncticollis likely exhibits the characteristic elongated body form and long antennae typical of cerambycids, though specific morphological details distinguishing it from congeners require close examination.
Tyrtaeus rufus
Tyrtaeus rufus is a species of darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1913. The genus Tyrtaeus is a small group within the large family Tenebrionidae, which comprises primarily detritivorous and xerophilic beetles. This species has documented occurrence records in Colombia and Mexico, suggesting a Neotropical distribution pattern.
Ulus fimbriatus
Ulus fimbriatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1890. The genus Ulus is a small group within this diverse beetle family. Published records indicate this species occurs in Mexico. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited in accessible literature.