Neotropical
Guides
Erpetogomphus
ringtails
Erpetogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as ringtails. The genus comprises approximately 25 extant species distributed primarily in the Americas, plus one fossil species from Early Miocene Mexican amber. Most species exhibit predominantly green coloration, and males possess a moderately clubbed abdomen tip. The genus was taxonomically revised by Rosser Garrison in 1994.
Erynnini
Duskywings and Allies
The Erynnini are a tribe of skipper butterflies in the subfamily Pyrginae, characterized by their relatively plesiomorphic morphology and generally inconspicuous appearance. The group is moderately diverse, with most species restricted to the Neotropics; notable exceptions are the Holarctic species of the type genus Erynnis (duskywings). The tribe was historically merged into a broadly defined Pyrgini but is now recognized as distinct following phylogenetic reorganization of the Pyrginae.
Erythemis attala
Black Pondhawk
Erythemis attala, the black pondhawk, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species holds a least concern conservation status with stable populations. As a member of the genus Erythemis, it shares the pondhawk common name with related species such as the Eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis).
Erythemis mithroides
Claret Pondhawk
Erythemis mithroides, commonly known as the claret pondhawk, is a neotropical dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is a medium-sized, brightly colored species with distinctive red coloration in males. The species occupies a wide geographic range across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and South America, and is frequently encountered in both natural and artificial lentic water bodies. It is an active predator with territorial males that exhibit aggressive behaviors during mate-finding and foraging activities.
Erythrodiplax
Dragonlets
Erythrodiplax is a large Neotropical genus of small to medium-sized dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as dragonlets. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Americas, with some members exhibiting unique ecological adaptations. Erythrodiplax berenice, the Seaside Dragonlet, is the only odonate known to develop in saline water, tolerating salinities up to 48%. Species within this genus display diverse reproductive behaviors, with males exhibiting territorial or satellite strategies and engaging in mate guarding during oviposition.
Erythrodiplax fervida
Red-mantled Dragonlet
Erythrodiplax fervida, commonly known as the Red-mantled Dragonlet, is a small dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species occurs in the Caribbean and South America, with records from Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. It is one of five Antillean Erythrodiplax species found in Cuba. The last instar larva was formally described in 2007, filling a gap in the taxonomic knowledge of Cuban dragonflies. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Escaphiella
Escaphiella is a genus of dwarf goblin spiders in the family Oonopidae, established in 2009 by arachnologists Norman Platnick and Nadine Dupérré. The genus contains 36 described species distributed across the Americas, from the southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, and into South America. Most species were described in the original 2009 revision, though some were transferred from other genera based on newly recognized morphological characters.
Estoloides
Estoloides is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Desmiphorini. The genus was established by Breuning in 1940 and contains approximately 40 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species are characterized by features typical of the tribe Desmiphorini, though genus-level diagnostic traits require specialist examination. The genus shows highest diversity in Mexico and Central America, with some species extending into South America and the Galápagos Islands.
Euantha
Euantha is a genus of bristle flies (family Tachinidae) established by Wulp in 1885. The genus belongs to the subfamily Dexiinae and tribe Cordyligastrini. Three species are currently recognized: Euantha interrupta, E. litturata, and E. pulchra. Like other tachinid flies, members of this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Euantha species remain poorly documented.
Euarestoides acutangulus
Euarestoides acutangulus is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, one of six recognized species in the genus Euarestoides. It has the broadest geographic distribution of any species in the genus, occurring across much of the Americas from Canada to Chile. The species is associated with plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly Ambrosia (ragweeds) and related genera. Larval development occurs within the flower heads of host plants.
Eublemma recta
Straight-lined Seed Moth
Eublemma recta is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It occurs across the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and extends south to Argentina. The species has a wingspan of 16–19 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on plants in the family Convolvulaceae.
Eucalantica
Eucalantica is a genus of micro-moths in the family Yponomeutidae, first described by Busck in 1904. The genus was long considered monotypic, known only from a single Nearctic species, until a 2011 taxonomic review described six new species from Central America and southern North America. Members of this genus are characterized by silvery white coloration with distinctive dark brown costal streaks on the forewings. Yponomeutid moths, including Eucalantica, are considered important for understanding the evolution of plant associations in Lepidoptera.
Euchaetes albicosta
Euchaetes albicosta is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. Described by Francis Walker in 1855, this species occurs from Texas southward through Mexico to Nicaragua. The specific epithet 'albicosta' refers to a white costal margin on the forewing. Little is known about its biology compared to the better-studied congener Euchaetes egle (milkweed tiger moth).
Euchaetes elegans
Elegant Pygarctia, Elegant Tussock Moth
Euchaetes elegans is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1874. It ranges across the southwestern United States and extends south through Mexico to Colombia. Adults are active during summer months, with flight activity recorded from July through September. The larvae feed exclusively on Asclepias species (milkweeds), sequestering cardiac glycosides for chemical defense.
Eucheila boyeri
Eucheila boyeri is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was described by Solier in 1835. It belongs to the genus Eucheila, a group of carabid beetles with limited published biological documentation. Available records indicate presence in Brazil, Colombia, USA, Venezuela, and Caribbean regions.
Euchromiina
Wasp Moths
Euchromiina is a subtribe of tiger moths (family Erebidae) established by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1876. The group comprises approximately 3,000 valid species when combined with the related subtribe Ctenuchina, with the majority occurring in the Neotropics. Members are renowned for their striking wasp-mimicking appearance, featuring bright aposematic coloration that advertises their chemical defenses. The subtribe was historically classified as tribe Euchromiini within subfamily Ctenuchinae of family Arctiidae before modern taxonomic revisions placed it within Erebidae.
Eucosma patagoniana
Eucosma patagoniana is a species of tortricid moth described by Wright in 2014. The species epithet refers to Patagonia, the region of southern Argentina and Chile where the type specimens were collected. As a member of the large genus Eucosma, it belongs to a group of small moths commonly known as phaneta moths or tortricid leafrollers. The species is known from a limited number of observations, reflecting the generally understudied nature of Neotropical tortricid diversity.
Eucosmophora
Eucosmophora is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Walsingham in 1897. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some species extending into the Nearctic. Members are characterized by their larval habit of creating blotch mines in host plant foliage. At least one species, E. schinusivora, has been extensively studied as a potential biological control agent for invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius).
Eucosmophora pithecellobiae
Eucosmophora pithecellobiae is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Davis and Wagner in 2005. The species is known from Florida in the United States and Belize. As a member of Gracillariidae, it is likely a leaf-mining species, though specific biology remains incompletely documented. The species epithet references Pithecellobium, a genus of leguminous plants, suggesting a possible host association.
Eudaminae
Dicot Skippers
Eudaminae is a subfamily of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) comprising approximately 350 species. The group is predominantly Neotropical in distribution, with some species extending into temperate North America and one genus, Lobocla, occurring in East Asia. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have elevated this group from tribal status within Pyrginae to subfamily rank, dividing it into four tribes: Entheini, Phocidini, Eudamini, and Oileidini. Members are commonly known as "flashers" due to their rapid flight patterns.
Eudiagogini
Eudiagogini is a tribe of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) comprising approximately 98 extant species in 10 genera, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. The tribe is characterized by distinctive morphological synapomorphies including a cavernous prementum and a metaventrite bearing a spine-like swelling anterior to each metacoxa. Phylogenetic analyses based on morphology and molecular data (COI and ribosomal markers) confirm the monophyly of Eudiagogini, though the genus Chileudius has been excluded and placed as incertae sedis within Entiminae. The tribe has a fossil record in Eocene European amber, indicating a broader historical distribution.
Eudiagogus
Sesbania clown weevils, Clown Weevils
Eudiagogus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as sesbania clown weevils. The genus comprises approximately five described species, including the distinctive Eudiagogus pulcher, known as the beautiful clown weevil. These weevils are associated with plants of the genus Sesbania, which serve as their primary food source.
Eudicrana
Eudicrana is a genus of fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae: Sciophilinae) comprising approximately 13 described species. The genus is distinguished by the absence of a mid ocellus, lateral ocelli positioned adjacent to the eye margins, and wing venation where R4 forms an elongated rectangular cell. Four new species were recently described from high Andean ecosystems in Colombia, representing the first records from the extreme northern range of the Andes. Natural history and biology remain poorly documented for most species.
Eueides
Eueides is a genus of longwing butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Heliconiinae. The genus comprises approximately 12 recognized species distributed primarily in the Neotropics. Eueides species are closely related to Heliconius and share the characteristic elongated wings and bright coloration typical of heliconiine butterflies. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision and phylogenetic study, particularly in relation to the evolutionary development of the Heliconius-Eueides clade.
Eufernaldia
Eufernaldia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1900. The genus contains four described species distributed in the Americas, with records from Panama and Mexico. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized moths in the superfamily Pyraloidea. The genus remains poorly studied, with limited ecological and biological data available.
Euglossini
orchid bees, euglossine bees
Euglossini, commonly known as orchid bees, is a tribe of approximately 200 species in five genera (Euglossa, Eulaema, Eufriesea, Exaerete, and Aglae) distributed throughout the Neotropics. The tribe is unique among corbiculate bees in that non-parasitic members exhibit diverse social behaviors ranging from solitary to primitively eusocial, rather than uniform eusociality. Males are distinguished by their exclusive behavior of collecting volatile fragrances from orchids and other sources, storing them in specialized hind tibial pockets for use in courtship displays. This fragrance collection drives mutualistic relationships with orchids, where male bees serve as exclusive pollinators for many species.
Eugnophomyia
Eugnophomyia is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, subfamily Chioneinae. The genus was established by Charles Paul Alexander in 1947 and contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Members are characterized by their relatively small to medium size and typical limoniid morphology. The genus shows greatest diversity in the Neotropical region, with several species extending into the Nearctic.
Eugnophomyia luctuosa
Eugnophomyia luctuosa is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae, order Diptera. It was described by Osten Sacken in 1860. The species is distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia. Like other crane flies in this family, it belongs to a diverse group of delicate, long-legged flies commonly found in moist habitats.
Eugonus
Eugonus is a genus of fungus weevils in the beetle family Anthribidae, established by Schoenherr in 1833. The genus contains approximately 18 described species. As members of Anthribidae, these weevils are associated with fungal substrates rather than living plant tissues. The genus is part of the diverse weevil superfamily Curculionoidea.
Eulasiona
Eulasiona is a genus of tachinid flies established by Townsend in 1892. The genus currently contains 12 described species distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. As members of the family Tachinidae, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for most Eulasiona species remain undocumented. The genus is classified in the subfamily Dexiinae and tribe Voriini.
Eulepidotis micca
Eulepidotis micca is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herbert Druce in 1889. It occurs primarily in the Neotropics, with records from Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. A North American population was documented in Texas in 2004. The species belongs to the subfamily Calpinae within the diverse Erebidae family.
Eulepidotis persimilis
Eulepidotis persimilis is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It belongs to the subfamily Calpinae, a group of moths commonly known as underwings or fruit-piercing moths. The species is recorded from the Neotropical region, with documented occurrences in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Eulimnichus
minute marsh-loving beetles
Eulimnichus is a genus of minute marsh-loving beetles in the family Limnichidae, established by Casey in 1889. The genus contains over 30 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. Members are small beetles associated with moist or marshy habitats. The genus is part of the subfamily Limnichinae within the dryopoid beetle lineage.
Eulimnichus ater
minute marsh-loving beetle
Eulimnichus ater is a species of minute marsh-loving beetle in the family Limnichidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. The species is widely distributed across the Americas, occurring in the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the Limnichidae, it belongs to a family of small beetles typically associated with moist or marshy habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Eumaeini
hairstreaks, elfin butterflies
Eumaeini is a diverse tribe of gossamer-winged butterflies (family Lycaenidae), typically placed in the subfamily Theclinae but sometimes treated as a separate subfamily Eumaeinae. The tribe contains over 1,000 described species, predominantly distributed in the Neotropical realm, with some representatives extending into the Nearctic region and isolated occurrences in the Palearctic. Members are commonly known as hairstreaks or elfin butterflies, characterized by often intricate wing patterns and, in many species, thin tail-like projections on the hindwings. The group has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to high species diversity and morphological complexity.
Eumastacidae
Monkey Grasshoppers, Matchstick Grasshoppers
Eumastacidae is a family of grasshoppers commonly known as monkey grasshoppers or matchstick grasshoppers. They are considered primitive within the Orthoptera and are characterized by their distinctive body posture with thin legs held at right angles to the body, often near the horizontal plane. Many species are wingless. The family exhibits its greatest diversity in the Neotropics, with most species inhabiting tropical regions. They feed on algae, ferns, and gymnosperms—ancient plant groups that reflect their primitive evolutionary status.
Eumorpha
sphinx moths, hawk moths
Eumorpha is a New World genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) comprising 26 described species distributed primarily across North, Central, and South America. The genus is characterized by variable larval eyespots—circular markings on the posterior body segments that function in predator deterrence. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate Eumorpha originated in Central and South America and subsequently expanded into North America. Adults are medium to large hawkmoths with rapid, agile flight; many species are crepuscular or nocturnal flower visitors. Larvae are hornworms that feed primarily on members of the grape family (Vitaceae), though host plant associations vary among species.
Eumorpha typhon
Typhon Sphinx, Typhon Sphinx Moth
Eumorpha typhon, commonly known as the Typhon Sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It ranges from Honduras through Mexico to southern Arizona. Adults are active from June to August in the northern part of the range and feed on nectar. Larvae develop on grape species and pupate in shallow soil.
Eunica
Purplewings
Eunica is a genus of nymphalid butterflies in the subfamily Biblidinae, commonly known as purplewings. The genus contains approximately 40 species distributed throughout the Neotropical realm. Species exhibit notable variation in eyespot patterns on the ventral hindwing surface, with phylogenetic studies indicating an evolutionary trend toward reduction in eyespot number coupled with increase in size of retained spots. Several species serve as bio-indicators of undisturbed tropical forest.
Euparia castanea
Euparia castanea is an aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from Mexico through Central America to Florida and Texas in the United States. As a member of the tribe Eupariini, it belongs to a group of scarab beetles often associated with ant colonies.
Eupariini
eupariine dung beetles, small dung beetles
Eupariini is a diverse tribe of small dung beetles in the subfamily Aphodiinae (Scarabaeidae). The tribe comprises over 40 genera and approximately 640 described species globally, with exceptional diversity in the Neotropics where around 28 genera and 333 species occur. Members are smaller than their sister lineage Scarabaeinae. The tribe has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Australian, Oriental, and Neotropical zoogeographical regions, with fossil representatives known from Eocene Baltic amber.
Euphorticus pubescens
Euphorticus pubescens is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1831. Records indicate presence in Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, and the United States (including North Carolina). The species belongs to the tribe Lachnophorini, a group of small to medium-sized carabids often associated with ground-dwelling habits in various terrestrial habitats.
Euptoieta
fritillary butterflies
Euptoieta is a genus of fritillary butterflies in the subfamily Heliconiinae, distributed throughout the Neotropical region and extending northward into temperate North America. The genus includes approximately eight described species, with Euptoieta claudia (variegated fritillary) and Euptoieta hegesia (Mexican fritillary) being the most widely recognized. Members of this genus are characterized by their orange and black wing patterns and their ecological association with Viola (violet) species as larval host plants.
Eupyrrhoglossum sagra
Cuban Sphinx
Eupyrrhoglossum sagra is a medium-sized sphinx moth (Sphingidae) native to tropical and subtropical lowlands of the Caribbean and Central and South America. Adults have a wingspan of 51–53 mm and display distinctive wing patterning including a semi-transparent submarginal spot on the forewing and a median yellow band on the hindwing. The species was first described by Felipe Poey in 1832 based on Cuban specimens. Larvae feed on Rubiaceae species, with documented hosts including Guettarda and Chomelia.
Eurema albula
Ghost Yellow
Eurema albula, commonly known as the ghost yellow, is a small butterfly in the family Pieridae. It ranges from southern Texas through the West Indies and tropical Central and South America to Brazil. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and feed on flower nectar. The species inhabits tropical forests and second-growth vegetation.
Eurema daira
Barred Yellow, Fairy Yellow, Barred Sulphur
Eurema daira is a small pierid butterfly exhibiting seasonal diphenism, with distinct wet and dry season morphs. The species ranges from Argentina northward through Central America, the Caribbean, and into the southern United States. Adults are active year-round in southern portions of the range, with notable dry-season emigration behavior where wet-season morphs (particularly females) move upslope 40–50 km and up to 2,000 m higher in elevation. The species has been documented as a principal pollinator of Cnidoscolus urens.
Eurema salome
Salome yellow
Eurema salome is a small yellow butterfly in the family Pieridae, commonly known as the Salome yellow. It ranges from Peru northward through tropical America and is an extremely rare migrant to the lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The species inhabits forest openings, edges, and roadcuts, with adults active year-round in the tropics and from August to September in southern Texas.
Eurhinocricus
Eurhinocricus is a genus of millipedes in the family Rhinocricidae, order Spirobolida. The genus was established by Brölemann in 1903. Members of this genus belong to the tropical millipede fauna, with the family Rhinocricidae being primarily distributed in the Neotropics. The genus is part of the diverse juliformian millipede radiation.
Eurhopalothrix
Eurhopalothrix is a genus of small myrmicine ants in the tribe Attini. Species are characterized by distinctive shield-like facial structures with reduced eyes and specialized mandibular dentition. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropics, with documented records from Central America through northern South America and into the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and temperate grasslands of Argentina. Several species have been described in recent taxonomic revisions, including 33 new species from Central America documented by Jack Longino.
Eurrhyparodes splendens
Eurrhyparodes splendens is a small crambid moth described by Herbert Druce in 1895. It is distinguished by striking metallic steel-blue bands bordering the wing margins and yellowish-white transverse lines on both forewings and hindwings. The species occurs from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America. Adults have been recorded active in July, September, and December.