Neotropical-distribution
Guides
Gonodonta sinaldus
moonseed fruitpiecer, moonseed fruitpiercer
Gonodonta sinaldus is a small moth in the family Erebidae, known for its specialized larval association with moonseed vine. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 36 mm. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution pattern, with core populations in the Texas Hill Country and scattered records extending north to Dallas and south through the Neotropics.
Lygaeus truculentus
Lygaeus truculentus is a seed bug species in the family Lygaeidae, first described by Stål in 1862. Records indicate a distribution spanning from western North America through Central America to northern South America, with confirmed presence in California, USA. The species belongs to a genus containing several milkweed-associated bugs, though specific ecological relationships for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Mallodon dasystomus
hardwood stump borer
Mallodon dasystomus is a large prionine longhorned beetle native to the southern United States, ranging through Mexico and Central America to northern South America. Adults measure 35–50 mm in length and possess conspicuously hairy mouthparts that inspired the species epithet (from Greek dasus 'hairy' and stoma 'mouth'). The species is strongly associated with hardwood trees, particularly sycamores, and larvae develop in dead or dying wood. Both sexes use volatile semiochemicals for host location, while females produce a sex pheromone that attracts males.
Melanchroia chephise
white-tipped black, snowbush spanworm
Melanchroia chephise is a moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the white-tipped black or snowbush spanworm. It ranges from the southern United States through Central America to Paraguay. The adult exhibits striking black wings with white apical patches, while the gregarious larvae feed on foliage of plants in the Phyllanthaceae family, particularly Breynia and Phyllanthus species. Despite occasional outbreaks that defoliate ornamental plantings, the species typically causes no lasting harm to hosts and poses no risk to humans.
Mesophleps adustipennis
Soybean Webworm Moth
Mesophleps adustipennis, commonly known as the soybean webworm moth, is a small gelechiid moth with a broad distribution across the Americas. The species ranges from the southern and western United States through Central America, the Caribbean, and into South America as far as Brazil. Larvae are known to feed on several leguminous plants, including economically important species such as pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan).
Umbonia
Thorn Treehoppers
Umbonia is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications that form thorn-like or horn-like projections. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropics, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Members of this genus exhibit subsocial behavior, with females providing extended parental care to nymphal offspring. Several species, particularly Umbonia crassicornis, have been studied intensively for their complex maternal care systems involving vibrational communication between mothers and offspring. The genus includes approximately 16 described species, with Umbonia crassicornis being the most commonly encountered and economically significant species.