Neotropical
Guides
Gonodes
Gonodes is a genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) erected by Herbert Druce in 1908. The genus contains at least 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Species-level taxonomy has been revised by multiple authors including Hampson, Dyar, and E. D. Jones during the early 20th century. The genus is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups of noctuid moths.
Gonomyia puer
Gonomyia puer is a species of limoniid crane fly described by Alexander in 1913. It belongs to the family Limoniidae, a large group of generally small, delicate crane flies. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from the eastern United States through the Caribbean and into South America. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with moist habitats where larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Grais
Grais is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, established by Godman and Salvin in 1894. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae, commonly known as spread-winged skippers. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region. The genus has been documented in citizen science platforms with over 600 observations.
Grais stigmaticus
Hermit Skipper
Grais stigmaticus, commonly known as the hermit skipper, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Grais. This skipper butterfly has a broad distribution spanning from the southwestern United States through Central America to Argentina, with populations also present in Jamaica. The species was first described by Mabille in 1883 under the basionym Anastrus stigmaticus. As a member of the family Hesperiidae, it exhibits the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern typical of skippers.
Grammonota
Grammonota is a genus of dwarf spiders in the family Linyphiidae, first described by James Henry Emerton in 1882. The genus contains approximately 40-41 species distributed across the Americas, from Alaska in the north to Colombia in the south. Species occur in diverse habitats including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The genus is part of the sheet-web weaving spiders, though specific web-building behaviors vary among species.
Greta
Glasswing Butterflies
Greta is a genus of clearwing butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, established by Arthur Francis Hemming in 1934. These butterflies are characterized by their transparent or partially transparent wings, a trait shared with other members of the ithomiine group. The genus occurs in the Neotropical region, with species distributed across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Notable species include Greta oto, commonly known as the glasswing butterfly, and Greta morgane, the thick-tipped greta.
Greta morgane
thick-tipped greta
Greta morgane, commonly known as the thick-tipped greta, is a day-active clearwing butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Adults have reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas on the wings, a characteristic feature of ithomiine butterflies. The species is widespread and common across its native range in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, with occasional strays recorded in southern Texas. It was first described by Geyer in 1833 under the basionym Hymenitis morgane.
Griburius
case-bearing leaf beetles
Griburius is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus contains approximately six described species in the United States, with additional species distributed throughout the Neotropical Region. A 2022 taxonomic revision revised nine species in the G. posticatus species group, transferred one species from Metallactus, proposed multiple synonymies, and described two new Brazilian species. Members of this genus are characterized by their case-bearing habit, where larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Grotea
Grotea is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Labeninae. Species in this genus are specialized parasitoids of cavity-nesting bees, particularly in the families Colletidae and Apidae. The genus has been documented across the Americas from the Greater Antilles to southern South America, with recent descriptions of new species from Colombia, Argentina, and Ecuador. Grotea species develop inside host brood cells, with larvae occupying one or more neighboring cells within membranous cocoons.
Gymnognathus
fungus weevils
Gymnognathus is a genus of fungus weevils (family Anthribidae) comprising more than 90 described species. Members of this genus are predominantly associated with tropical moist forests, with some species occurring in subtropical humid forests at orographic rain barriers. At least one species, G. barclayi, exhibits apparent mimicry of calyptrate flies based on pronotal coloration patterns.
Gynacantha mexicana
bar-sided darner
Gynacantha mexicana, commonly known as the bar-sided darner, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is distributed across Central America, North America, and South America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern with a stable population, with the most recent review conducted in 2017.
Gyponini
Gyponini is a tribe of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) in the subfamily Iassinae, comprising approximately 60 genera and over 1,300 described species. Formerly treated as a subfamily, it is now classified within Iassinae. The tribe is restricted to the Americas, with species distributed from North America through Central America to South America. Gyponini is taxonomically diverse and has been the subject of extensive revisionary work, including numerous new species descriptions and generic reclassifications.
Gyretes
Gyretes is a genus of whirligig beetles (family Gyrinidae) containing approximately 181 species, primarily distributed in the Neotropics. Adults are aquatic surface-dwelling beetles found in freshwater habitats. The genus is characterized by specific morphological features of the reproductive tracts and immature stages that distinguish it from other gyrinid genera. Larval stages have been described for several species, with distinctive chaetotaxy patterns.
Gyrinus parcus
Gyrinus parcus is a species of whirligig beetle in the family Gyrinidae. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning Central America, North America, and South America. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1834 and includes six recognized subspecies. Whirligig beetles in the genus Gyrinus are small, surface-dwelling aquatic beetles known for their rapid, erratic swimming behavior and tendency to form aggregations on still or slow-moving water.
Hadrosomus teapensis
Hadrosomus teapensis is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, first described by Distant in 1893. The species is known from both Mexico and the United States, with records extending from the type locality at Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico to southern Florida. As a member of the Lygaeinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of true bugs adapted for seed feeding. The species remains poorly documented in the primary literature, with most records derived from specimen databases and limited field observations.
Halocoryza arenaria
Halocoryza arenaria is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Scaritinae. It was described by Philip Darlington in 1939. The species is brown in coloration and has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Neotropics, Africa, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the tribe Clivinini within the scaritine ground beetles.
Halysidota schausi
Schaus' tussock moth
Halysidota schausi is a tussock moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Walter Rothschild in 1909. Adults are primarily active during autumn. The species has a broad Neotropical distribution extending from the southern United States through Central America and into northern South America, with additional insular populations in the Caribbean.
Hamadryas
Cracker Butterflies
Hamadryas is a genus of medium-sized brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) native to the Neotropics. Males produce distinctive 'cracking' sounds during territorial displays, giving the group its common name. The genus includes approximately 20 species, with Hamadryas amphinome (Red Cracker) among the most well-known. These butterflies are characterized by their cryptic underwing patterns and rapid, erratic flight behavior.
Hamadryas februa
Gray Cracker, Grey Cracker
Hamadryas februa is a cracker butterfly (Nymphalidae) ranging from Argentina through tropical America to Mexico, with rare strays reaching southern Texas. Adults feed on sap and rotting fruit, while larvae specialize on Dalechampia and Tragia species (Euphorbiaceae). The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in flight-related morphology, with females being larger and more dispersive than males. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 33–34 days under laboratory conditions.
Hamadryas feronia
Variable Cracker, Blue Cracker
Hamadryas feronia, commonly known as the variable cracker or blue cracker, is a neotropical butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is notable for producing loud clicking sounds during flight, a trait that gives the 'cracker' butterflies their common name. The species exhibits bark-mimicking camouflage and complex acoustic communication between males. Two subspecies are recognized: H. feronia feronia in South America and H. feronia farinulenta in Central America and Mexico.
Hamadryas guatemalena
Guatemalan cracker, Guatemalan calico
Hamadryas guatemalena, commonly known as the Guatemalan cracker or Guatemalan calico, is a medium-to-large butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It ranges from southern North America through Central America to central South America. Adults exhibit year-round flight in tropical regions and peak activity in August in temperate areas. The species is notable for its cracker-like wing patterns and carrion-feeding behavior.
Hamatabanus exilipalpis
Hamatabanus exilipalpis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to the genus Hamatabanus, a group of biting flies distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only three observation records currently available on iNaturalist. Like other tabanids, adults are likely to be diurnal and females may require blood meals for egg development, though specific biological details remain unverified.
Hammaptera
Hammaptera is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, erected by Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. The genus contains approximately 27 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The type species is Hammaptera probataria. Many species were described by early 20th-century lepidopterists including Schaus, Dognin, and Warren.
Hapithus
Hapithus is a large genus of flightless bush crickets comprising over 200 described species, primarily distributed across the Americas. Formerly treated as a separate genus, Orocharis has been synonymized with Hapithus and is now recognized as a subgenus. The genus is the namesake of the tribe Hapithini within the family Oecanthidae. These crickets are characterized by their inability to fly, a trait that distinguishes them from many related bush crickets.
Haplostethini
metallic wood-boring beetles
Haplostethini is a tribe of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) within the subfamily Polycestinae. The tribe comprises at least 10 genera and more than 60 described species. Members are small to moderately sized metallic wood-boring beetles distributed across multiple continents. The genus Mastogenius is the most well-known in North America, with species occurring in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The tribe was established by LeConte in 1861.
Haroldiataenius semipilosus
Haroldiataenius semipilosus is a small dung beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, described by Van Dyke in 1928. As an aphodiine, it belongs to a group often associated with dung decomposition, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Haroldiellus sallei
Haroldiellus sallei is a small dung-feeding scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. The species is distributed across the Western Hemisphere from the southwestern United States through Central America to Colombia, with records also from Caribbean islands in the Greater Antilles. As a surface dung-feeder, it plays a role in nutrient cycling in various ecosystems. The species was first described by Harold in 1863 and represents one of the more broadly distributed members of its genus.
Hebetica
Hebetica is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, tribe Darnini. Members are commonly called 'raindrop treehoppers' due to their broadly rounded pronotum. The genus is predominantly Neotropical, with most species distributed in South America. Hebetica sylviae is the sole Nearctic representative, discovered in the eastern United States in 2016.
Hectopsylla
A genus of stick-tight fleas in the family Tungidae, comprising thirteen species that parasitize non-volant mammals, birds, and bats. The genus was established by Von Frauenfeld in 1860, with H. psittaci as the type species. Several species were described by Karl Jordan between 1906 and 1942. The genus exhibits specialized host attachment behaviors, with females of some species becoming permanently embedded in host skin.
Hectopsylla pulex
chigger flea, stick-tight flea
Hectopsylla pulex is a stick-tight flea and the only member of its genus known to parasitize bats. Females attach permanently to the head region of bats, particularly the ears and tragus, where they feed to repletion, become gravid, and die in situ. This species exhibits a unique reproductive strategy involving autosevering of legs upon host attachment and abdominal expansion through mechanical design rather than true neosomy. Males have never been found attached to hosts and are collected exclusively from bat guano, suggesting pre-host copulation occurs. The species is widely distributed across the Neotropics with records from Brazil, Panama, Colombia, Texas, and Arizona.
Hedriodiscus trivittatus
Hedriodiscus trivittatus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of approximately 2,700 described species in this family of true flies. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1829. Beyond taxonomic classification and distribution records, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Heimbra
A small genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eurytomidae, subfamily Heimbrinae. Species of Heimbra are poorly represented in entomological collections and have been documented from Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. At least three species are recognized: H. bicolor, H. dioneae, and H. pulchra. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of Heimbrinae, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Heimbra opaca
Heimbra opaca is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eurytomidae, first described by Ashmead in 1894. Originally placed in the genus Euperilampus, it was later transferred to Heimbra. This small parasitic wasp belongs to a family known for attacking various insect hosts, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from Brazil.
Helicobia
flesh flies
Helicobia is a genus of flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) comprising at least 30 described species. Members are necrophagous and associated with decomposing animal matter. The genus has been studied for its forensic importance, particularly in estimating postmortem intervals. Research on Helicobia aurescens has provided detailed life cycle data and ultrastructural descriptions of immature stages.
Heliconiinae
longwings, heliconians, fritillaries and longwings
Heliconiinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) comprising 45–50 genera, commonly known as longwings or heliconians. Members are distinguished by elongated forewings and predominantly reddish-black coloration. They are notable among butterflies for actively consuming pollen, which extends adult longevity. The subfamily exhibits complex coevolutionary relationships with Passifloraceae host plants and serves as a classic model for studies of Müllerian and Batesian mimicry.
Heliconiini
longwings, passion-vine butterflies
Heliconiini is a tribe of butterflies in the subfamily Heliconiinae, commonly known as longwings or passion-vine butterflies. The group comprises approximately 100 species and subspecies distributed primarily in the Neotropics. Members are characterized by elongated wings, bright aposematic coloration, and specialized relationships with Passiflora host plants. The tribe includes well-known genera such as Heliconius, Dryas, and Agraulis.
Heliconius
longwings, heliconians
Heliconius is a genus of brush-footed butterflies renowned for their bright aposematic wing patterns and Müllerian mimicry rings. Adults are unique among butterflies in their ability to collect and digest pollen, which provides essential amino acids enabling lifespans of up to six months—far exceeding most butterflies. The genus serves as a premier model system for studying speciation, mimicry evolution, and coevolutionary dynamics with their host plants. Approximately 45–50 species occur across the Neotropics, exhibiting complex patterns of wing color convergence and divergence.
Heliconius erato
red postman, small postman, red passion flower butterfly, crimson-patched longwing
Heliconius erato is a neotropical butterfly renowned for its exceptional longevity among butterflies, living up to six months in the wild and over 186 days in captivity. This extended lifespan is enabled by its unique ability among butterflies to digest pollen, extracting amino acids through specialized proboscis behavior. The species exhibits Müllerian mimicry with co-occurring Heliconius species, particularly H. melpomene, sharing aposematic warning coloration to deter predators. Adults display remarkable philopatry, maintaining restricted home ranges sometimes separated by only 30 yards from neighboring territories. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758 and comprises numerous geographically variable subspecies divided into eastern and western Andean clades.
Helicopsychidae
Snail-case Caddisflies
Helicopsychidae, commonly known as snail-case caddisflies, is a family of Trichoptera characterized by larvae that construct distinctive spiral, helix-shaped cases resembling snail shells. The family contains over 230 species distributed across all major faunal regions, divided into two genera: the monophyletic Rakiura and Helicopsyche. The subgenus Cochliopsyche is endemic to the Neotropical region between central Uruguay and southern Mexico. Species inhabit diverse freshwater environments including springs, streams, and rivers.
Heliopetes
White-Skippers
Heliopetes is a genus of spread-winged skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members are commonly known as White-Skippers. The genus was established by Billberg in 1820 and is classified within the subfamily Pyrginae.
Heliopetes alana
Alana White-Skipper
Heliopetes alana, commonly known as the Alana White-Skipper, is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was originally described as Pyrgus alana by Reakirt in 1868 and later transferred to the genus Heliopetes. It belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae, a group of skippers commonly referred to as spread-winged skippers or firetips. The genus Heliopetes contains approximately 10 species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Helobata larvalis
Pickerelweed Water Beetle
Helobata larvalis is a water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, commonly known as the Pickerelweed Water Beetle. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, occurring from the United States through Central America to South America, including Caribbean islands. The species has been recorded from diverse biomes including the Cerrado of Brazil. As a member of the Acidocerinae subfamily, it inhabits aquatic or semi-aquatic environments.
Helocassis
Helocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles (Cassidinae) in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across Central and North America. These beetles are characterized by their distinctive shield-like body form typical of the subfamily.
Hemeroblemma
Hemeroblemma is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains six recognized species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are nocturnal and belong to the diverse owlet moth assemblage.
Hemeroblemma opigena
Hemeroblemma opigena is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Dru Drury in 1773. It is distributed from Florida through the Caribbean to Brazil. Females have a wingspan of approximately 80 mm. Adults are active in March in Florida.
Hemiargus
blues, blue butterflies
Hemiargus is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as blues, found in North and South America. The genus contains approximately five recognized species, including the widespread Ceraunus blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) and Reakirt's blue (Hemiargus isola). These butterflies inhabit open, sunny environments and are characterized by their blue or grayish upper wing surfaces with variable spotting patterns. Some species engage in facultative mutualistic associations with ants during their larval stage, where caterpillars produce secretions that attract ant attendants who provide protection against predators.
Hemiargus ceraunus
Ceraunus blue
A small Neotropical lycaenid butterfly found across the southern United States, the Caribbean, and through Central America to South America. Adults are active year-round in southern Florida and Texas, with peak activity in late summer elsewhere. The species occupies open, disturbed habitats and is frequently observed feeding at flower nectar. Larvae develop on flowers and seedpods of woody legumes.
Hemierana rileyi
Hemierana rileyi is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described in 2019. The species belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Hemilophini. It is part of a genus of Neotropical flat-faced longhorned beetles. The specific epithet honors an individual named Riley, following the Latinized naming convention for patronyms based on male names.
Hemiosus
Hemiosus is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, tribe Berosini. The genus was established by Sharp in 1882. Species within this genus are found in the Neotropical region, particularly in the Andes of Colombia. Recent taxonomic work has described new species based on detailed examination of male genitalia and other morphological features.
Hemiphileurus
Hemiphileurus is a genus of rhinoceros beetles (Dynastinae) in the family Scarabaeidae, established by Kolbe in 1910. The genus comprises at least 60 described species distributed across the Neotropical region. Members are characterized by the typical dynastine morphology including horns or tubercles, though often less dramatically developed than in some related genera. The genus is part of the tribe Phileurini, which includes other horned scarabs with primarily tropical distributions.