Middle-america
Guides
Pachybrachis nigricornis autolycus
Pachybrachis nigricornis autolycus is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to the genus Pachybrachis, a group of small, often colorful leaf beetles commonly known as "scriptured leaf beetles" due to their intricate patterns. The subspecies is recognized as accepted in taxonomic databases and has been documented in North America and Middle America, with specific records from Alberta, Canada.
Pachybrachis nigricornis difficilis
Pachybrachis nigricornis difficilis is a subspecies of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' due to the intricate patterns often found on their elytra. The subspecies designation suggests geographic or morphological differentiation from the nominate form, though specific distinguishing characteristics remain poorly documented in available literature.
Pachybrachis xanti
Split-neck Creosote Pachy
Pachybrachis xanti is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is commonly known as the "Split-neck Creosote Pachy" and has been documented in North America and Middle America. Like other members of the genus Pachybrachis, it carries a protective case constructed from fecal material and exuviae.
Paranthaclisis hageni
Hagen's antlion
Paranthaclisis hageni is a species of antlion (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) originally described by Banks in 1899 as Acanthaclisis hageni. The species is native to North and Middle America, with documented presence in both regions. As a member of the antlion family, it shares the characteristic life history of having predatory larvae that construct pit traps in sandy substrates to capture prey, and aerial adults that are typically nocturnal and weak fliers.
Paroxacis debilis
Paroxacis debilis is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae. This small, elongate beetle is found in North America and Middle America. Like other members of the genus Paroxacis, it possesses the characteristic soft, flexible elytra typical of oedemerids. The species was described by Horn in 1896 and remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Paruroctonus gracilior
Paruroctonus gracilior is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, first described by Hoffmann in 1931. It belongs to a genus that includes several alkali playa specialists adapted to arid environments. The species has been documented in both Middle and North America, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Paruroctonus luteolus
Paruroctonus luteolus is a species of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, originally described as Vaejovis luteolus by Gertsch & Soleglad in 1966. It belongs to the genus Paruroctonus, which includes several alkali-sink specialist species found in arid regions of western North America. The species is known from Middle America and North America, though specific details about its ecology and behavior remain limited in available literature.
Peltodytes simplex
Peltodytes simplex is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae, first described by LeConte in 1852. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Peltodytes, which are characterized by their association with aquatic habitats and distinctive morphological adaptations for swimming. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Perdita genalis genalis
Perdita genalis genalis is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1964. The genus Perdita comprises small, solitary bees that nest in soil. Members of this genus are among the smallest bees in North America. This subspecies belongs to a diverse group of native bees that play important roles as pollinators.
Perdita trisignata
Lotus Fairy Bee
Perdita trisignata is a small, solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. The species is known by the common name Lotus Fairy Bee. It belongs to a genus of approximately 800 species of small bees found primarily in North America. Members of the genus Perdita are typically specialist pollinators associated with particular host plants. The specific epithet 'trisignata' likely refers to three distinctive markings on the body.
Perdita turgiceps
Perdita turgiceps is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1954. It belongs to the genus Perdita, which comprises small, solitary bees commonly known as fairy bees due to their minute size. The species is part of a diverse North American bee fauna that includes over 1,600 species in California alone. Like other Perdita species, it is likely a specialist pollinator, though specific host plant associations for this species have not been documented.
Phengodes mexicana
glowworm beetle
Phengodes mexicana is a species of glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae. The species was described by Wittmer in 1976. It occurs in Central America and North America. Members of the genus Phengodes are notable for their bioluminescent larvae and adult females, which are wingless and resemble larvae in appearance.
bioluminescentwingless-femalelarviform-femaleglowworm-beetlePhengodidaeElateriformiaPolyphagaColeopteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaCentral-AmericaNorth-AmericaWittmer-1976PhengodesPhengodes-mexicanaspeciesglowwormbeetleinsectarthropodanimalbioluminescencelarviformwinglessfemalelarvalarvaeadultmaledistributionrangegeographic-rangegeographic-distributionMiddle-AmericaAmericaAmericasWittmer1976descriptiontaxonomyclassificationmexicanaPhloeotribus texanus
Phloeotribus texanus is a species of crenulate bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, described by C.F.A. Schaeffer in 1908. The species is known from North America and Middle America. As a member of the genus Phloeotribus, it is associated with bark beetle habits, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Phocides urania
Rainbow Skipper
Phocides urania, commonly known as the Rainbow Skipper, is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is native to Middle America and is recognized for its colorful appearance. The species was originally described by Westwood in 1852 under the basionym Erycides urania. As a member of the subfamily Pyrginae, it belongs to a diverse group of skippers often associated with tropical and subtropical habitats.
Physonota disjuncta
Physonota disjuncta is a tortoise beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae, first recorded in the United States in 2024. This species belongs to the tribe Ischyrosonychini and represents a significant range extension from its previously known distribution in Middle America. The first U.S. record was accompanied by documentation of a host plant association, though specific details remain limited in available sources.
Phytocoris vau
Phytocoris vau is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1912. The species occurs in western North America and Middle America, with documented records from California and Baja California Norte. As a member of the genus Phytocoris, it belongs to a diverse group of mirid bugs that are primarily associated with vegetation.
Pityophthorus annectens
Pityophthorus annectens is a bark beetle species in the family Curculionidae, first described by LeConte in 1878. It is a member of the genus Pityophthorus, a large group of small bark beetles commonly known as twig beetles. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America. Specific ecological details regarding its host associations and biology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Plega signata
Mantidfly, Mantidfly (no common name specific to this species)
Plega signata is a species of mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, first described by Hagen in 1877. Originally placed in the genus Symphrasis, it was later transferred to Plega. Mantidflies are neuropteran insects that exhibit remarkable morphological convergence with praying mantises, possessing raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species occurs in Middle America and North America according to distribution records. As with other mantidflies, the larvae are likely parasitoids, though specific host relationships for P. signata remain poorly documented. The genus Plega contains species that are generally less studied than the more common North American mantidflies in the genus Mantispa.
Prionyx parkeri
Parker's Thread-waisted Wasp
Prionyx parkeri is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is one of seven Prionyx species found in the United States. The species is distinguished from close relatives by two pairs of long palps that are part of its mouthparts. Like other members of the genus, it is a solitary parasitoid wasp that hunts grasshoppers as prey for its larvae.
Progomphus borealis
Gray Sanddragon
Progomphus borealis, commonly known as the Gray Sanddragon, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is distributed across Middle America and North America. The species is part of the skimmer dragonfly group and is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Progomphus.
Prolutacea pulsator
Prolutacea pulsator is a species of firefly beetle in the family Lampyridae, described by Cicero in 1984. It belongs to the genus Prolutacea, a group of lampyrid beetles distributed in North and Middle America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only six documented sightings on iNaturalist. The species' biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Pselliopus marmorosus
Pselliopus marmorosus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described from Middle America in 2007. Like other members of the genus Pselliopus, it is a predatory true bug characterized by elongated body form and raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species name "marmorosus" likely refers to a marbled or mottled coloration pattern. As a harpactorine assassin bug, it employs external digestion, injecting proteolytic enzymes into prey and consuming liquefied tissues.
Pselliopus punctipes
ringed assassin bug
Pselliopus punctipes is a predatory assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the ringed assassin bug. It is characterized by its long legs, elongated beak, and distinctive ringed coloration pattern on its body. The species is an ambush predator that hunts small insects by stalking and stabbing them with its venom-injecting proboscis. It belongs to a genus of assassin bugs known for their stealthy hunting behavior and importance in natural pest control.
Pseudocorticus blairi
Pseudocorticus blairi is a species of cylindrical bark beetle in the family Zopheridae, subfamily Colydiinae. Described by Hinton in 1935, this species belongs to a genus of small, elongate beetles associated with dead wood habitats. The genus Pseudocorticus occurs in Middle America, with this species recorded from the region. As with many colydiine beetles, detailed biological information remains limited.
Pseudopanurgus fraterculus timberlakei
A subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, originally described by Cockerell in 1931. The subspecific epithet honors P.H. Timberlake, a prominent entomologist associated with the University of California, Riverside, whose extensive collections significantly advanced knowledge of North American bees. As a member of the Panurginae, this bee is a solitary ground-nester.
Pseudopanurgus rugosus
Pseudopanurgus rugosus is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Robertson in 1895. The species is native to North America and Middle America. As a member of the Panurginae subfamily, it is a solitary bee that excavates nests in soil. The specific epithet 'rugosus' refers to a wrinkled or roughened surface texture, likely describing some aspect of the integument.
Pseudopityophthorus pruinosus
Pseudopityophthorus pruinosus is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. It was described by Wood & Bright in 1992 and is known from North America and Middle America. The species has been documented in association with nematodes, though the nature of this relationship remains unspecified in available literature. As a member of the tribe Xyleborini, it belongs to a group of ambrosia beetles that typically cultivate fungal gardens within wood galleries.
Psorophora longipalpus
Psorophora longipalpus is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by Randolph and O'Neill in 1944. It belongs to the genus Psorophora, which includes some of the largest and most aggressive mosquitoes in North America. The genus is known for containing predatory species whose larvae feed on other aquatic insects.
Psorophora signipennis
Mottled Mosquito
Psorophora signipennis, commonly known as the Mottled Mosquito, is a species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. The species is distributed across Middle America and North America. Like other members of the genus Psorophora, it is presumed to be a predatory mosquito with larvae that feed on other mosquito larvae, though specific behavioral studies for this species have not been documented. Adult females are blood-feeders, while both sexes consume nectar for flight energy.
Rheumatobates hungerfordi
Rheumatobates hungerfordi is a species of water strider in the family Gerridae, first described by Wiley in 1923. It belongs to the subfamily Rhagodotarsinae, a group characterized by specialized adaptations for life on the water surface. The genus Rheumatobates is distinguished by modified leg structures, particularly in males, used in mating displays and locomotion on water. This species occurs in freshwater habitats across parts of North and Middle America.
Rhopalum atlanticum
Rhopalum atlanticum is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by R. Bohart in 1974. The genus Rhopalum comprises small, predatory wasps known as sand wasps that provision nests with paralyzed prey. This species occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it likely excavates burrows in sandy soils and hunts small insects to provision larval cells.
Rindgea cyda
Rindgea cyda is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The species is known from Middle America and North America. Beyond taxonomic classification and geographic records, specific biological and ecological information for this species remains poorly documented in the available literature.
Saldula andrei
Saldula andrei is a species of shore bug in the family Saldidae, described by Drake in 1949. It belongs to the genus Saldula, a diverse group of predatory true bugs commonly found in moist shoreline habitats. The species is recorded from Middle America and North America. Like other saldid bugs, it is likely adapted to semi-aquatic environments where it preys on small invertebrates.
Saldula nigrita
Saldula nigrita is a species of shore bug in the family Saldidae, described by Parshley in 1921. It belongs to the large genus Saldula, which comprises numerous small predatory true bugs found in damp habitats near water. The species is recorded from North America and Middle America.
Sapintus hispidulus
Sapintus hispidulus is a species of ant-like flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, first described by Casey in 1895. It is a small beetle native to North and Middle America. The species is distinct from the clover root curculio (Sitona hispidulus), a weevil pest of alfalfa and clover, with which it shares only a specific epithet. Information specific to the biology and ecology of S. hispidulus is limited in published literature.
Saxinis saucia bisignata
Saxinis saucia bisignata is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed in North America and Middle America. As a member of the subfamily Criocerinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as asparagus beetles and their relatives. Very little specific information is documented about this particular subspecies.
Scotoleon yavapai
Scotoleon yavapai is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Currie in 1903. The genus Scotoleon is distributed across North America, with adults characterized by cryptic coloration and slender, lacy wings. Males of this genus typically possess elongated abdomens with bracket-like claspers. Larvae of Scotoleon species are predatory, burying themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing pit traps.
Simanthedon linsleyi
Simanthedon linsleyi is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, tribe Eucerini. It was described by Zavortink in 1975. The genus Simanthedon is a small group within the Eucerini, commonly known as long-horned bees due to the elongated antennae of males. This species occurs in North America and Middle America.
Sparedrus depressus
Sparedrus depressus is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae, first described by Champion in 1889. It belongs to a genus of beetles distributed in Middle and North America. The specific epithet 'depressus' refers to the flattened body form characteristic of this species. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Stizus texanus
Stizus texanus is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Cresson in 1873. It belongs to the tribe Stizini within the subfamily Bembicinae. The species is distributed in North America and Middle America, with museum holdings documented from the UCR Entomology Research Museum. As a member of the Crabronidae, it is likely a predatory wasp, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Svastra compta
long-horned bee
Svastra compta is a North American long-horned bee in the tribe Eucerini. Like other Svastra species, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee that forages on composite flowers, particularly members of the Asteraceae family. Males exhibit the characteristic long antennae that give the group its common name and are known to form sleeping aggregations on vegetation at night. The species contributes to native bee diversity in its range.
Svastra minima
Svastra minima is a small species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, tribe Eucerini. The species was described by LaBerge in 1956 and is known from Middle America. Like other members of the genus Svastra, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.
Syssphinx blanchardi
Syssphinx blanchardi is a species of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, described by Ferguson in 1971. The species belongs to a genus of smaller saturniids found in southwestern North America and Mexico. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources. Larvae feed on woody leguminous plants and pupate underground. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group that has historically been placed in the genus Sphingicampa.
Thermonectus nigrofasciatus nigrofasciatus
Thermonectus nigrofasciatus nigrofasciatus is a subspecies of predatory diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The nominate subspecies occurs in North and Middle America. Members of the genus Thermonectus are recognized for their distinctive color patterns and aquatic lifestyle.
Thysanoes fimbricornis
Thysanoes fimbricornis is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, described by LeConte in 1876. It is found in North America and Middle America. The genus Thysanoes comprises small bark beetles associated with woody plants. Like other members of Curculionidae, it has a characteristic rostrum and elbowed antennae.
Thysanoes texanus
Thysanoes texanus is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, described by Blackman in 1943. It belongs to a genus of typical bark beetles, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. The species is known to occur in North America.
Tornos punctata
Tornos punctata is a species of geometrid moth described by Druce in 1899. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The species is recorded from both Middle America and North America. Beyond taxonomic classification and distribution records, specific biological details about this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Triepeolus sarothrinus
Triepeolus sarothrinus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, originally described as Epeolus sarothrinus by Cockerell in 1929. The species was synonymized under Triepeolus segregatus (Cockerell, 1900) in a 2024 revision of the simplex species group. As a member of the cleptoparasitic genus Triepeolus, females lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own nests or gathering pollen. The species belongs to the simplex group, characterized by females having a trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area with bright, reflective setae and a concave apical margin.
Trypoxylon carinatum
Trypoxylon carinatum is a species of solitary spider-hunting wasp in the family Crabronidae. As a member of the subgenus Trypargilum, it is among the larger species in the genus. Like other Trypoxylon, females nest in pre-existing cavities and provision cells with paralyzed spiders for their offspring. The species is distributed across North America and Middle America.
Vaejovis intermedius
Intermediate Scorpion
Vaejovis intermedius is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, described by Borelli in 1915. The species occurs in Middle and North America according to distribution records. As a member of the genus Vaejovis, it shares characteristics with other vaejovid scorpions, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in major taxonomic databases.