Neotropical
Guides
Lagocheirus araneiformis
Spider Longhorned Beetle, Cassava Borer, Almácigo Borer
Lagocheirus araneiformis is a longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Linnaeus in 1767. It reaches 20–28 mm in length with grey-brown coloration. The species is widely distributed across the Americas and has been recorded as a pest of cassava and sugarcane. Multiple subspecies have been described from Caribbean islands and other regions.
Lampethusa
Lampethusa is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Distant in 1884. The genus contains eight described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. These true bugs belong to the diverse mirid fauna, with members ranging from the Caribbean to South America.
Lampetis
Eyed Jewel Beetles
Lampetis is a large genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) comprising nearly 300 species worldwide. Adults are typically large, conspicuous beetles with brilliant metallic coloration. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Larval biology remains poorly known for most species, with development suspected to occur in living wood below the soil line—a habit that explains the rarity of larval discoveries.
Lampetis cupreopunctata
Tamaulipan Copper-spotted Buprestid
A metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, characterized by copper-spotted coloration. Native to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with documented presence in Central America and North America. The common name references the Tamaulipan region, suggesting association with northeastern Mexico and adjacent areas.
Lampria
Lampria is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Macquart in 1838. The genus contains at least 20 described species. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. Members of this genus are found in the Americas, particularly in Neotropical regions.
Lamprosema baracoalis
Lamprosema baracoalis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, first described by William Schaus in 1920. It belongs to the subfamily Spilomelinae, a diverse group of pyraloid moths. The species is known only from Cuba, with minimal documented observations.
Langurites lineatus
Red-shouldered Lizard Beetle
Langurites lineatus, commonly known as the Red-shouldered Lizard Beetle, is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. The species has been recorded across North America, Middle America, and South America. As a member of Erotylidae, it is associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Lanugo cestus
Lanugo cestus is a species of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae. It is native to the Neotropical region and exhibits the large size and reduced mouthparts characteristic of many saturniid moths. Adults are primarily nocturnal and do not feed. The species has received limited scientific study, and many aspects of its biology remain undocumented.
Laphystia ochreifrons
Laphystia ochreifrons is a species of robber fly described by Charles Howard Curran in 1931. The species epithet 'ochreifrons' refers to the yellowish coloration of the frons (front of the head). As a member of the Asilidae family, it is an aerial predator of other insects. The genus Laphystia is primarily distributed in the Neotropical region.
Laphystia sillersi
Laphystia sillersi is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) described by Hull in 1963. The genus Laphystia comprises predatory flies distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects. No specific biological studies of this species have been published.
Lascoria
litter moths
Lascoria is a genus of litter moths in the subfamily Herminiinae of family Erebidae. The genus was erected by Francis Walker in 1859 and contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Members are commonly known as litter moths due to their association with decomposing leaf litter in forest habitats.
Lascoria alucitalis
Lascoria alucitalis is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, described by Guenée in 1854. It belongs to the subfamily Herminiinae, a group commonly known as litter moths due to their association with decaying plant material. The species has a broad distribution across the Caribbean, Central America, and the southeastern United States.
Latebraria
Latebraria is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, established by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus contains three described species distributed in southern North America and Central America. These moths are part of the diverse noctuoid fauna of the Neotropical and Nearctic regions.
Latiblattella
Latiblattella is a genus of cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae, established by Hebard in 1917. The genus contains approximately 18 described species distributed across the Americas. Species in this genus have been subjects of behavioral studies, particularly regarding mating behavior.
Lebasiella
Lebasiella is a genus of checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, established by Spinola in 1844. The genus contains five described species distributed in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus share the general characteristics of Cleridae, including elongated bodies and often patterned elytra. The genus is relatively poorly studied compared to other clerid genera.
Lecaniobius
Lecaniobius is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eupelmidae, established by Ashmead in 1896. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps, a characteristic common to the Eupelmidae family. The genus has been documented from Peru and the United States based on specimen records. As with many chalcidoid genera, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Lechriopini
Lechriopini is a tribe of true weevils (Curculionidae) within the subfamily Baridinae, established by Lacordaire in 1865. The tribe contains over 510 described species distributed across more than 20 genera. Members are characterized by the elongated snout typical of weevils, with morphological diversity reflecting their broad geographic distribution.
Leiopleura
Leiopleura is a large genus of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) comprising over 150 described species. The genus was established by Deyrolle in 1864 and is distributed across the Neotropics and Oceania. Species in this genus exhibit the characteristic metallic coloration and streamlined body form typical of buprestid beetles.
Leioscyta
Leioscyta is a genus of treehoppers (Family Membracidae) established by Fowler in 1894. The genus belongs to the tribe Membracini within the subfamily Membracinae. Treehoppers in this genus exhibit the characteristic enlarged pronotum that distinguishes the family. Information on species diversity and biology remains limited in published literature.
Lemnaphila
duckweed miner flies
Lemnaphila is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, commonly known as duckweed miner flies. The genus was established by Cresson in 1933 and contains seven described species distributed in the Neotropical region. At least one species, L. neotropica, is known to mine duckweeds (Lemna species), creating distinctive feeding damage on these aquatic plants. The genus has attracted attention due to the economic and ecological significance of its association with duckweed communities.
Lepidanthrax disjunctus
Lepidanthrax disjunctus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The species is documented from Mexico and the U.S. state of Arizona. Bee flies in this family are typically characterized by their resemblance to bees and their parasitic or predatory larval life histories, though specific biological details for this species remain limited.
Lepidodexia
Lepidodexia is a genus of flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) containing at least 170 described species. The genus was established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891. Taxonomic revisions have clarified its boundaries, including revalidation of subgeneric names such as Orosarcophaga. Species in this genus are distinguished primarily by male terminalia morphology.
Leptinotarsa rubiginosa
reddish potato beetle
Leptinotarsa rubiginosa, the reddish potato beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a congener of the well-known Colorado potato beetle (L. decemlineata) but is considerably less common and less studied. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with documented observations in the southwestern United States including Arizona. It has been collected from vegetation in canyon and desert grassland habitats.
Leptobasis vacillans
Red-tipped Swampdamsel
Leptobasis vacillans is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as the Red-tipped Swampdamsel. It occurs across the Caribbean, Middle America, and South America, with records from Oaxaca and other regions. As a member of the genus Leptobasis, it is associated with swampy habitats. The species was described by Hagen in 1877.
Leptodeuterocopus neales
Everglades Plume Moth
Leptodeuterocopus neales is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, commonly known as the Everglades Plume Moth. It is native to the Neotropics with a recent expansion into Florida. The species has a wingspan of approximately 13 mm and adults are active during most months of the year in its native range.
Leptofreya
Leptofreya is a genus of jumping spiders (family Salticidae) established in 2015 by G. B. Edwards. It comprises four species distributed across the Americas from Mexico to Brazil, with one species (L. ambigua) introduced to the United States. The genus was erected to accommodate species previously placed in other genera.
Leptohyphes
little stout crawler mayflies
Leptohyphes is a genus of small, robust mayflies in the family Leptohyphidae, commonly referred to as "little stout crawler mayflies." The genus contains approximately 18 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics, with a concentration in South America. Species in this genus are characterized by their crawling behavior and compact body form. The genus was established by Eaton in 1882.
Leptostylus
flatfaced longhorn beetles
Leptostylus is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The genus contains approximately 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, from the United States through Central and South America to Argentina. Species in this genus are characterized by their cryptic, bark-mimicking appearance and are typically associated with dead or dying woody vegetation. The genus is part of the tribe Acanthocinini, one of the largest tribes in Cerambycidae.
Lepturges
Lepturges is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, established by Henry Walter Bates in 1863. The genus contains exclusively Neotropical species distributed from central Mexico to southern Paraguay. Species are small to medium-sized cerambycids with typical lamiine morphology. Some species have been recorded from temperate North America, including Missouri and Vermont, though these may represent occasional vagrants or previously undocumented populations rather than established ranges. The genus is associated with woody vegetation, with at least one species (Lepturges limpidus) linked to host plants in the family Malvaceae.
Leptysma marginicollis
cattail toothpick grasshopper, slender locust
Leptysma marginicollis is a grasshopper species known by the common names cattail toothpick grasshopper and slender locust. It is distinguished from superficially similar Gomphocerinae grasshoppers by a diagnostic spur or spine between the front legs. The species is strongly associated with wetland vegetation, particularly emergent plants such as cattails and sedges, across a broad geographic range spanning North America, the Neotropics, and the Caribbean.
Leptysma marginicollis hebardi
Leptysma marginicollis hebardi is a subspecies of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Rehn & Eades in 1961. It belongs to the genus Leptysma, a group of grasshoppers characterized by slender bodies and association with moist habitats. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the broader species L. marginicollis.
Leptysminae
spur-throat toothpick grasshoppers
Leptysminae is a subfamily of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, commonly known as spur-throat toothpick grasshoppers. The subfamily contains at least 20 genera distributed across North, Central, and South America. Members are characterized by slender, elongate bodies and association with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus Cornops, a well-studied member, has been investigated for biological control of invasive water hyacinth.
Lerina incarnata
crimson-bodied lichen moth
Lerina incarnata, the crimson-bodied lichen moth, is the sole member of the monotypic genus Lerina. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1854. It belongs to the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae (tiger and lichen moths), and tribe Lithosiini (lichen moths). The species is found in Mexico and southern Arizona.
Lesmone
owlet moths
Lesmone is a genus of owlet moths in the family Erebidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Neotropical region, with some species extending into the southern United States. Several species have received common names, including the detracted owlet moth (L. detrahens) and gray-winged owlet moth (L. griseipennis). The genus shows considerable diversity in South and Central America.
Lestes alacer
Plateau Spreadwing
Lestes alacer, commonly known as the Plateau Spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. Like other spreadwings, it holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, distinguishing it from most other damselflies that hold wings parallel to the body.
Lestes tenuatus
Blue-striped Spreadwing
Lestes tenuatus, commonly known as the blue-striped spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It has a broad distribution across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. Like other spreadwings, it typically perches with its wings partially open rather than folded together over the abdomen.
Leucanopsis perdentata
Leucanopsis perdentata is a moth in the family Erebidae, originally described by William Schaus in 1901. It is distributed across parts of Central America and the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. It belongs to the tiger moth subfamily Arctiinae, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Leucochroma
Leucochroma is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Guenée in 1854. The genus contains at least five described species distributed across the Neotropical region, including Colombia, Jamaica, and Taiwan. Species within this genus are characterized by their predominantly white or pale coloration, as reflected in the genus name derived from Greek roots meaning 'white color'. The genus is part of the diverse snout moth family Crambidae, which includes many economically important agricultural pests.
Leucotabanus
White Horse Flies
Leucotabanus is a genus of horse flies (family Tabanidae) established by Lutz in 1913. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with particular diversity in the Amazon basin. Members are commonly referred to as White Horse Flies. Species-level taxonomy has been revised in recent decades, with several species described by Fairchild in the mid-20th century and a new species, L. fairchildi, described in 2019.
Leucotrichiinae
Leucotrichiinae is a subfamily of microcaddisflies (Hydroptilidae) in the order Trichoptera. The subfamily includes genera such as Betrichia and Mejicanotrichia, distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Diagnostic characteristics involve features of the antennae, wing venation, and male genitalia. Larvae of at least some genera are dorsoventrally flattened with numerous broad setae and inhabit high-flow aquatic environments.
Leurus
Leurus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Metopiinae. Species in this genus are koinobiont parasitoids of caterpillars, particularly leaf-rolling Crambidae (Lepidoptera). The genus exhibits remarkable cryptic diversity, with eleven sympatric species documented from a single conservation area in Costa Rica. These wasps are distinguished through integrated approaches combining COI barcoding, host associations, and subtle morphological traits.
Libitioides sayi
Say's Armored Harvestman
Libitioides sayi is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Cosmetidae, commonly known as Say's Armored Harvestman. It was described by Simon in 1879. As a member of the Laniatores suborder, it possesses raptorial pedipalps adapted for predation. The genus Libitioides belongs to the diverse Neotropical harvestman fauna.
Ligyrocoris delitus
Ligyrocoris delitus is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, first described by Distant in 1882. The species is recorded from the southern United States through Mexico to Guatemala. As a member of the Myodochini tribe, it belongs to a group of ground-dwelling seed bugs with documented associations with fallen seeds and plant debris. Available records indicate limited observation effort, with 16 iNaturalist observations documented.
Ligyrus peninsularis
Ligyrus peninsularis is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), described by Casey in 1915. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Baja California region of Mexico. Like other members of the genus, it is likely associated with sandy or loose soil habitats where larvae develop. Adult activity patterns and specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented in published literature.
Ligyrus ruginasus
Ligyrus ruginasus is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), described by LeConte in 1856. It belongs to a genus of relatively small dynastines that lack the prominent horns seen in larger relatives. The species is distributed across arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Limnichoderus
Limnichoderus is a genus of minute marsh-loving beetles in the family Limnichidae, established by Casey in 1889. The genus contains at least 20 described species. These beetles belong to a group associated with moist or marshy habitats.
Limnocoris
Limnocoris is a genus of creeping water bugs in the family Naucoridae, comprising over 70 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics. The genus was established by Stål in 1860 and represents the type genus of the subfamily Limnocorinae. Recent taxonomic revisions have significantly revised species boundaries, describing numerous new species and resolving synonymies across North America, the tropical Andes, and the Amazon/Guiana Shield regions. Species exhibit wing polymorphism and are distinguished by detailed morphological characters of the genitalia and terminalia.
Limosininae
Limosininae is a subfamily of lesser dung flies (Sphaeroceridae) within the order Diptera. The subfamily comprises numerous genera distributed across the New World and Pacific regions, with many species associated with decaying organic matter and specialized microhabitats. Several genera have been described or revised in recent taxonomic work, including Aptilotella, Phthitia, Albistyla, Helicosina, Stipulosina, and Bregmosina. Species within this subfamily exhibit diverse morphological adaptations, with some showing strong associations with specific plant substrates such as bamboo stipules, furled Heliconia leaves, and treefall habitats rich in green leaf litter.
Lineodes integra
Eggplant Leafroller Moth, Nightshade Leaftier
Lineodes integra is a small moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the eggplant leafroller moth or nightshade leaftier. The species is native to the Americas, with a broad distribution from the southern United States through Central America to South America. It is recognized as a pest of cultivated Solanaceae crops, with larvae that feed on leaves and developing fruit. The species was first described by Zeller in 1873.
Linepithema
Linepithema is a genus of small ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, comprising approximately 20 described species. The genus is native to the Neotropics, ranging from northern Mexico through the Caribbean to northern Argentina, with species occurring from sea level to 4,000 meters elevation in the Andes. Two species, L. humile (the Argentine ant) and L. iniquum, have been introduced globally through human activity. L. humile is among the most successful invasive ant species worldwide, forming massive supercolonies in Mediterranean-type climates.