Mexico
Guides
Bulia
Bulia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Walker in 1858. The genus contains six recognized species distributed in the Americas, with at least one species (Bulia schausi) documented as an agricultural pest intercepted at U.S. ports of entry. Species in this genus were historically classified in Noctuidae but have been reassigned to Erebidae following modern taxonomic revisions.
Burnsius philetas
Desert Checkered-Skipper
Burnsius philetas, the desert checkered-skipper, is a small skipper butterfly (wingspan 25–29 mm) found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Formerly classified under Pyrgus, this species was reassigned to the genus Burnsius based on molecular and morphological evidence. It exhibits multiple generations per year with activity extending from early spring through late fall, with timing varying by latitude and elevation. The species is notable for its checkered wing pattern and association with dry, open habitats.
Cacama carbonaria
Downy Cactus-Dodger
Cacama carbonaria is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, first described by Davis in 1919. It is one of several 'cactus dodger' cicadas in the genus Cacama, known for their association with cactus hosts. The species occurs in Central America, with records from Mexico including Michoacán, Morelos, and Oaxaca. Like other Cacama species, it likely shares the genus-typical traits of fast flight, alert behavior, and association with Opuntia and Cylindropuntia cacti.
Cacama furcata
Baja California Cactus-Dodger
Cacama furcata is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, first described by Davis in 1919. It is one of several 'cactus-dodger' cicadas in the genus Cacama, which are associated with arid environments and cactus hosts. The species is known from the Baja California peninsula and adjacent regions of Mexico. Like related Cacama species, it likely exhibits adaptations for life in xeric habitats including fast flight and specialized host plant associations.
Cacama longirostris
Decorated Cactus-Dodger
Cacama longirostris is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, described by Distant in 1881. It is known from Central America, particularly Mexico. The species belongs to the genus Cacama, commonly referred to as "cactus dodgers" due to their association with cactus hosts. Like other members of this genus, it likely exhibits adaptations for navigating spiny vegetation.
Cacama maura
Black-bellied Cactus-Dodger
Cacama maura is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, first described by Distant in 1881. It is found in Central America, with records from Mexico including Morelos, Oaxaca, and Yucatán. The common name "Black-bellied Cactus-Dodger" suggests a likely ecological association with cactus habitats similar to its congener Cacama valvata, though specific details about this species remain sparse in the literature.
Cacama moorei
Moore's cactus dodger
Cacama moorei, commonly known as Moore's cactus dodger, is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae. It is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and the Mexican state of Sonora. As a member of the genus Cacama, it is associated with cactus habitats and shares the common name 'cactus dodger' with related species such as Cacama valvata.
Cacama variegata
Variegated Cactus Dodger
Cacama variegata is a large cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the variegated cactus dodger. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Texas and Mexican states including Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Like other members of the genus Cacama, this species is associated with cactus habitats.
Cacophrissus pauper
Cacophrissus pauper is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by Henry Walter Bates in 1885. The species belongs to the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Hesperophanini. Very little is known about its biology or ecology beyond its taxonomic classification.
Cactophagus
cactus weevil, prickly pear cactus weevil
Cactophagus is a genus of snout and bark beetles in the family Dryophthoridae, comprising more than 50 described species distributed from southern North America through Central America to northern South America. Species in this genus are strongly associated with cacti, particularly Opuntia species, and several are significant agricultural pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with some species previously placed in Metamasius. The most economically important species, C. spinolae, is a major pest of prickly pear cactus in Mexico and has been introduced to other regions for biological control of invasive Opuntia.
Caenurgia togataria
Caenurgia togataria is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1862. It is distributed across the southern United States and Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 37 mm. It belongs to the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of moths commonly known as underwings and related forms.
Calephelis nemesis
Fatal Metalmark, Dusky Metalmark
Calephelis nemesis, commonly known as the fatal metalmark or dusky metalmark, is a small butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It is distinguished by its modest wingspan of 20–25 mm and its association with arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species has been documented at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and is one of several Calephelis species with evocative names referencing loss or fate.
Calephelis perditalis
Rounded Metalmark, Lost Metalmark
Calephelis perditalis is a small metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae, described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The species occurs from Texas and Mexico southward through Central America to Venezuela. Its common names, "rounded metalmark" and "lost metalmark," reference the rounded wing margins and the species epithet perditalis (Latin for "lost"). The species has two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and C. p. donahuei described in 1971.
Calilena
funnel weavers
Calilena is a genus of North American funnel-web spiders in the family Agelenidae. The genus was established in 1941 and currently contains 21 recognized species distributed primarily across the western and southwestern United States, with some species extending into Mexico. These spiders construct sheet-like webs with funnel-shaped retreats and are characterized by long spinnerets held parallel to each other.
Calleida punctulata
Calleida punctulata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1848. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. The species belongs to the genus Calleida, a group of small to medium-sized predatory beetles. Available information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Callimus ruficollis
Callimus ruficollis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the tribe Stenopterini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The species is distributed in western North America, with records from California, Mexico, and the United States. As a member of the genus Callimus, it is part of a group of beetles characterized by their slender, elongated bodies and relatively short antennae compared to many other cerambycids.
Callophrys xami
Xami Hairstreak, Green Hairstreak, Elfin
Callophrys xami is a small lycaenid butterfly with a wingspan of 2.38–2.86 cm, recognized by the distinctive W-shaped postmedian white line on its yellowish-green hindwing underside. Males defend territories for mating, and the species exhibits complex sexual behavior involving a 'false head' wing pattern that deflects predator attacks. The butterfly is associated with Crassulaceae host plants, particularly Echeveria and Sedum species.
Calosoma macrum
long caterpillar hunter
Calosoma macrum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the long caterpillar hunter. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits mid-elevation open areas. Adults are active predators that hunt caterpillars, including arboreal species.
Calosoma prominens
projecting caterpillar hunter
Calosoma prominens is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the caterpillar hunter genus Calosoma, known for arboreal foraging behavior targeting caterpillar prey. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits arid scrublands dominated by acacia and cactus vegetation. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a voracious predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
Calosoma simplex
simple beautiful black searcher
Calosoma simplex is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Carabinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the genus Calosoma, whose members are known for arboreal hunting behaviors and caterpillar predation. The species occurs in southwestern North America, including parts of the United States and Mexico. Like other Calosoma species, it likely functions as a predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects.
Camelopsocus similis
common barklouse
Camelopsocus similis is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, described by Mockford in 1965. It belongs to the order Psocodea, a group of small, soft-bodied insects commonly found on vegetation, bark, and leaf litter. The species has been documented in Central America and North America, including Mexico. As with other psocids, it likely inhabits moist microhabitats and feeds on organic detritus, though specific ecological studies are limited.
Camponotus decipiens
Deceptive Carpenter Ant
Camponotus decipiens is a species of carpenter ant native to eastern North America and parts of Mexico. Workers range from 3 to 7.5 mm in length and are characterized by a black gaster. Colonies are typically small, often containing fewer than 100 workers but occasionally reaching several hundred. The specific epithet 'decipiens' derives from Latin, meaning 'deceiving, cheating, or trapping'.
Camponotus microps
Camponotus microps is a species of carpenter ant described by Roy Snelling in 2006. It was separated from the Camponotus festinatus species complex based on distinct morphological characteristics. The species is native to the southwestern United States and north-central Mexico.
Camponotus mina
Camponotus mina is a species of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, native to southwestern North America and northern Mexico. It belongs to the diverse carpenter ant genus, which includes species known for nesting in wood and exhibiting polymorphic worker castes. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1879.
Camponotus ocreatus
Carpenter ant
Camponotus ocreatus is a species of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, first described by Emery in 1893. It is native to arid and semi-arid regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Like other members of the genus, it nests in wood and maintains colonies with polymorphic worker castes.
Camponotus sansabeanus
Camponotus sansabeanus is a species of carpenter ant native to western North America and parts of the southern United States. It belongs to the large genus Camponotus, which comprises over 1,000 species worldwide. Like other carpenter ants, it excavates wood to create nest galleries rather than consuming wood as food. The species is found in diverse habitats ranging from arid western regions to more humid southeastern localities.
Camponotus ulcerosus
Camponotus ulcerosus is a species of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, described by Wheeler in 1910. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the carpenter ant group, it nests in wood and exhibits the typical colony structure of the genus with polymorphic workers. Beyond its geographic range and taxonomic placement, specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Canthidium macclevei
Canthidium macclevei is a small dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Kohlmann and Solis in 2006. The genus Canthidium comprises small-bodied tunnelers, with most species measuring under 10 mm. Members of this genus are known to employ "sit and wait" perching behavior as a foraging strategy.
Carcinops tejonicus
Carcinops tejonicus is a hister beetle in the family Histeridae. The species is distributed in California, USA and Mexico. It has been recorded as present in both Middle America and North America.
Cargida
Cargida is a monotypic moth genus in the family Notodontidae, established by William Schaus in 1901. It contains a single species, Cargida pyrrha, described by Herbert Druce in 1898. The genus is endemic to Mexico.
Caristanius
Caristanius is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. It was described by Carl Heinrich in 1956. The genus contains six described species distributed in the Neotropical region, with records from Guatemala, Mexico, and Central America.
Carmenta pallene
Carmenta pallene is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Herbert Druce in 1889 from specimens collected in Tabasco, Mexico. The species is also known from Arizona in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic wasp-mimicking appearance of sesiid moths, with reduced wing scaling that leaves much of the wing membrane transparent. The original description and limited subsequent records provide sparse information on its biology and ecology.
Carmenta tildeni
Carmenta tildeni is a small clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Thomas D. Eichlin in 1995. It is native to the southwestern United States (Arizona and southern Texas) and Mexico. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females notably smaller than males. As a member of the clearwing moth genus Carmenta, it likely possesses reduced wing scaling that creates a wasp-like appearance, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Castianeira athena
Castianeira athena is a species of ant-mimic spider in the family Corinnidae, first described by Reiskind in 1969. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of ants as a defensive strategy against predators. The species occurs in the United States and Mexico. As a corinnid spider, it is an active hunter rather than a web-builder.
Castianeira dorsata
Castianeira dorsata is a species of true spider in the family Corinnidae, first described by Banks in 1898. It is distributed across the United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is an ant-mimicking spider, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Catapastinus caseyi
Colima Baridine Weevil
Catapastinus caseyi is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, described by G.C. Champion in 1909. It is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases and has been recorded from Mexico (Colima region, based on common name reference). The species belongs to the large and diverse weevil family Curculionidae, which contains numerous plant-feeding beetles. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species in the accessible literature.
Cathetopteron amoena
Cathetopteron amoena is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Hamilton in 1896. It is the sole member of its genus, placing it among the many monotypic genera within the diverse subfamily Lamiinae. The species belongs to the tribe Hemilophini, a group characterized by often striking coloration and patterns. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, suggesting it is either genuinely rare, undercollected, or restricted in distribution.
Catorhintha apicalis
leaf-footed bug
Catorhintha apicalis is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, distributed across Central America and southwestern North America. First described by Dallas in 1852, this species occurs in Mexico, the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Colorado), and El Salvador. As a member of the Hypselonotini tribe, it shares the characteristic leaf-like expansions of the hind tibiae typical of many coreids.
Cecharismena jalapena
Cecharismena jalapena is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, first described by William Schaus in 1906 from specimens collected in Jalapa, Mexico. The species was originally placed in the genus Rhaesena before being transferred to Cecharismena. It belongs to the subfamily Calpinae, a group of moths whose larvae often feed on rotting fruit or other organic matter.
Cedusa arizonensis
Cedusa arizonensis is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, first described by Flynn & Kramer in 1983. As a member of the order Hemiptera, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of true bugs. The species epithet indicates its association with Arizona, which is confirmed by distribution records. Like other derbid planthoppers, it likely feeds on plant vascular fluids. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Cenophengus
glowworm beetles
Cenophengus is a genus of glowworm beetles (family Phengodidae) comprising 30 valid species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions from the southwestern United States through Central America. Males are the only known life stage; females and immature stages remain undiscovered for all species. The genus was revised taxonomically in 2021, with new species described and geographic records expanded to include Belize and Honduras for the first time.
Centrinogyna hispidula
flower weevil
Centrinogyna hispidula is a species of flower weevil in the family Curculionidae. It was described by Casey in 1920. The species is found in southwestern North America, with its range extending from Arizona into Mexico. As a member of the flower weevil group, it likely associates with flowering plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Cephalotes texanus
Texanus-group Turtle Ants
Cephalotes texanus is a species of arboreal ant in the genus Cephalotes, commonly known as turtle ants. The species is characterized by its ability to glide through the air when falling from trees, a behavior facilitated by enlarged, flattened legs. It exhibits phragmosis, a defensive adaptation where soldiers use their uniquely shaped heads to block nest entrances. The species inhabits pre-existing cavities in wood, particularly those created by longhorn beetle larvae, rather than constructing its own nests. Native to Texas and northeastern Mexico, it was first described by Felix Santschi in 1915.
Cephisus laticeps
Cephisus laticeps is a species of froghopper (family Aphrophoridae) described by Hamilton in 2012. It belongs to the genus Cephisus, which is the sole New World representative of the tribe Ptyelini. Species in this genus are known for producing exceptionally large spittle masses as nymphs, with some reaching pest status on economically important plants. The specific epithet 'laticeps' refers to a broad-headed characteristic.
Ceratagallia curta
Ceratagallia curta is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman in 1933. It is currently treated as a synonym of Aceratagallia curta in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in generic placement within the Megophthalminae subfamily. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA and Mexico.
Ceratagallia nitidula
Ceratagallia nitidula is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, originally described by Oman in 1933. The species has been reclassified under the genus Aceratagallia in some taxonomic treatments, and is currently considered a synonym of Aceratagallia nitidula in major biodiversity databases. It belongs to the tribe Agalliini within the subfamily Megophthalminae. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Arizona, USA and Mexico.
Ceratagallia tergata
Ceratagallia tergata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1923. It belongs to the subfamily Megophthalminae and tribe Agalliini. The species has been recorded in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Ceratomia igualana
Ceratomia igualana is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. It is known from a limited number of specimens collected from Mexico to Costa Rica. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females notably larger than males. Biological details including larval host plants, adult behavior, and complete life history remain undocumented due to its rarity in collections.
Cesonia classica
ground spider
Cesonia classica is a ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Chamberlin in 1924. The species occurs in the southern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Cesonia, it belongs to a group of active hunting spiders that do not build webs to capture prey. The genus Cesonia includes species that have been documented exhibiting predatory behavior toward other spiders, including raiding nursery webs to feed on spiderlings.
Cesonia gertschi
Cesonia gertschi is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, described by Platnick & Shadab in 1980. It is distributed across the United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, agile hunter. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.