Neotropical-origin
Guides
Blattisociidae
Blattisociidae is a family of predatory and fungivorous mites in the order Mesostigmata, historically grouped with Ascidae and Melicharidae due to morphological similarity. The family contains approximately 14 genera and occurs in diverse habitats including soil, stored products, insect nests, flowers, and fungi. Many species engage in phoresis, attaching to insects and other animals for dispersal. Several species have been investigated as potential biological control agents of pest mites and insects.
Chrysomyinae
blow flies
Chrysomyinae is a subfamily of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) distinguished by a setose stem vein. The subfamily includes approximately 11 genera, with some groups endemic to the Neotropical region and others exhibiting broader distributions. Members are primarily necrophagous and hold significant forensic importance as indicators for estimating time of colonization and post-mortem intervals. The Neotropical lineage likely originated during the Middle Miocene, with subsequent dispersal to Nearctic and Paleotropical regions.
Culex coronator
Culex coronator is a highly invasive Neotropical mosquito species first described from Trinidad and Tobago in 1906. It was first detected in the United States in Louisiana in 2004 and has since spread rapidly across the southeastern USA, now documented in 14 states and 386 counties. The species has been implicated as a potential vector of West Nile virus and other arboviruses, with laboratory studies confirming vector competence under certain temperature conditions. Its rapid expansion and adaptation to urban environments pose significant public health concerns.
Diaphania hyalinata
melonworm moth, melonworm
Diaphania hyalinata, commonly known as the melonworm moth, is a crambid moth species and a significant agricultural pest of cucurbit crops. Native to the Neotropics, it has established permanent populations in the southern United States and disperses northward annually during warmer months. The species exhibits behavioral plasticity in feeding habits: in Florida and tropical regions, larvae primarily feed on leaves, while in more northern latitudes such as Virginia, they frequently burrow directly into fruits. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 20–23 days under warm conditions.
Myrmecosaurus ferrugineus
Myrmecosaurus ferrugineus is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) first described from Argentina in 1932. The species has been introduced to the southeastern United States, where it has been recorded in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. As a member of the myrmecophilous genus Myrmecosaurus, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented. The species name refers to its rusty or iron-colored appearance.
Stenochrus portoricensis
short-tailed whipscorpion, microwhipscorpion
Stenochrus portoricensis is a widely distributed short-tailed whipscorpion (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) native to the Neotropics and Nearctic regions. The species exhibits exceptional dispersal capability facilitated by parthenogenetic reproduction, enabling establishment in diverse habitats across multiple continents. Molecular studies indicate the species is paraphyletic, with a Mesoamerican origin and multiple independent introductions to Europe and the Caribbean from the Yucatán Peninsula. Sexual populations persist in natural habitats across Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico, while parthenogenetic lineages dominate introduced ranges.
Vatiga
cassava lace bugs
Vatiga is a genus of lace bugs (family Tingidae) containing approximately 11 described species. The genus is native to the Neotropical region and has become economically significant as an invasive pest in cassava-growing regions worldwide. Species in this genus are highly host-specific, feeding exclusively on cassava (Manihot esculenta). The most extensively studied species are Vatiga illudens and Vatiga manihotae, which have been introduced to Indonesia and Africa, posing threats to food security in these regions.