Middle-america
Guides
Vatellus mexicanus
Vatellus mexicanus is a diving beetle species in the family Dytiscidae, subfamily Hydroporinae, and tribe Vatellini. First described by Sharp in 1882, this species is distributed across Middle America and North America. As a member of the Vatellini, it belongs to a group of small to minute diving beetles often associated with riparian habitats. The genus Vatellus contains species that are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Xenoglossa angustior
Red-tailed Squash Bee
Xenoglossa angustior, the Red-tailed Squash Bee, is a specialist pollinator of cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae) in the tribe Eucerini. It is native to North and Middle America and shares the common name "squash bee" with the related genus Peponapis. Both genera are oligoleges that pollinate exclusively squash, pumpkins, gourds, cucumbers, and zucchini.
Xenomelanophila miranda
Xenomelanophila miranda is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, originally described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854 as Phaenops miranda. The species belongs to a small genus of buprestid beetles and has been recorded from North America and Middle America. Like other members of Buprestidae, adults are characterized by their metallic coloration and elongated, somewhat flattened bodies adapted for living under bark.
Xerochlora masonaria
Xerochlora masonaria is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The species was described by Schaus in 1897 and occurs in North and Middle America. As a member of the emerald moth group, it likely exhibits the characteristic green coloration typical of this lineage, though specific documentation of its appearance remains limited. The genus Xerochlora contains relatively few described species, and X. masonaria represents one of the less commonly encountered members of this group based on available observation records.
Xeromantispa scabrosa
Xeromantispa scabrosa is a species of mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, order Neuroptera. The genus Xeromantispa is distinguished from other mantidflies by adaptations to arid environments. This species was described by Banks in 1912. Mantidflies in this genus are characterized by their raptorial forelegs, similar to those of praying mantises, used for capturing prey. The specific epithet "scabrosa" refers to a rough or scabrous texture, likely describing some aspect of the cuticle or body surface.
Xylobiops parilis
Xylobiops parilis is a species of wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, first described by Lesne in 1901. Members of the genus Xylobiops are known as false powderpost beetles, characterized by their association with dead or dying wood. The species has been recorded from North America, Middle America, and the Caribbean. Like other bostrichids, it likely develops in hardwood substrates and contributes to wood decomposition.
Zopherus granicollis ventriosus
Zopherus granicollis ventriosus is a subspecies of ironclad beetle in the family Zopheridae. Like other members of the genus, it possesses an exceptionally hard, heavily sclerotized exoskeleton that makes specimens notoriously difficult to pin for museum collections. The subspecies is distributed across parts of North America and Middle America. Adults are nocturnal and have been observed crawling on tree trunks at night, particularly conifers. The genus Zopherus is well-known among coleopterists for its extreme body armor and the challenges this poses for specimen preparation.
Zygogramma conjuncta conjuncta
Zygogramma conjuncta conjuncta is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Chrysomelinae. The genus Zygogramma is distributed across North and South America, with several species recognized as specialist feeders on plants in the family Asteraceae. Members of this genus are characterized by fused tarsal claws, distinguishing them from related genera such as Calligrapha. The subspecies is found in Middle and North America, though specific ecological details for this subspecies are not well documented in available sources.
Zygogramma conjuncta pallida
Zygogramma conjuncta pallida is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North and Middle America. As a member of the subtribe Doryphorina, it shares morphological traits with other Zygogramma species, including fused tarsal claws that distinguish the genus from related genera such as Calligrapha. The species Zygogramma conjuncta has been associated with feeding on plants in the family Malvaceae. The subspecies epithet "pallida" suggests a lighter coloration compared to the nominate form.