Neotropical
Guides
Messatoporus rufiventris
Messatoporus rufiventris Cushman, 1929 is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Cryptinae. It was originally described as a valid species but has been synonymized under Messatoporus discoidalis (Cresson) based on a 2013 revision of the genus. The genus Messatoporus is a large New World group containing 89 recognized species, characterized by distinctive morphological features including a long tapered mandible with reduced ventral tooth and a specialized ovipositor structure. No specific biological or ecological data has been documented for M. rufiventris itself.
Messiasia
Messiasia is a genus of mydas flies (family Mydidae) established by Andretta in 1951. The genus contains 16 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with species known from the western United States, Central America, and South America. These flies are among the largest in Diptera and are characterized by their elongate bodies and wasp-like appearance.
Metacyrba punctata
Metacyrba punctata is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. The species is distributed across a broad range from the southern United States through Middle America to Ecuador. As a member of Salticidae, it possesses the characteristic large anterior median eyes that provide acute vision for hunting. The genus Metacyrba comprises small to medium-sized jumping spiders, though specific morphological details for M. punctata remain limited in published sources.
Metaleptea
clip-wing grasshoppers
Metaleptea is a genus of short-horned grasshoppers (family Acrididae) containing at least two described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The genus is characterized by specialized wing structures used in acoustic communication. Males produce three distinct sound types—copulation, rivalry, and crepitation—through stridulation of modified hindwing veins against the forewings. The best-known species, Metaleptea brevicornis, is commonly called the clip-wing grasshopper.
Metallata
metallata moths
Metallata is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae. The genus was erected by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. It contains approximately 11 described species distributed from the eastern United States through Central America to South America, including the Caribbean and Galápagos Islands. The genus is most diverse in Central America, with several species endemic to Panama and Costa Rica.
Metanema
Metanema is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was erected by Achille Guenée in 1857 (published 1858) and currently contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species within this genus are part of the diverse geometrid moth fauna, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths due to the characteristic looping locomotion of their larvae.
Metaparia opacicollis
Metaparia opacicollis is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Eumolpinae. The species was originally described as Chrysodina opacicollis by Lefèvre in 1885 and later transferred to the genus Metaparia. It has been recorded from Argentina, specifically in the province of Corrientes. The genus Metaparia contains species formerly classified under Chrysodina and related genera.
Metatrichia bulbosa
window fly
Metatrichia bulbosa is a species of window fly in the family Scenopinidae, originally described as Scenopinus bulbosa by Osten Sacken in 1877. Window flies (Scenopinidae) are a small family of predatory flies known for their distinctive wing venation with reduced crossveins, creating a 'window-like' appearance. The genus Metatrichia is part of the tribe Metatrichiini within the subfamily Scenopininae. Records of this species are sparse, with confirmed observations from Brazil (Piauí).
Metaxydytes
Metaxydytes is a genus of predaceous diving beetles in the subfamily Cybistrinae, endemic to the Neotropics. The genus comprises nine species that were reclassified from the genus Megadytes based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence. These are large aquatic beetles adapted to freshwater habitats. The genus was established to accommodate species previously considered part of a broader Megadytes concept.
Metaxydytes fraternus
Metaxydytes fraternus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It belongs to a small genus of aquatic beetles found in the Neotropical region. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only six records currently available.
Metopiasini
Metopiasini is a tribe of minute rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) comprising nine genera, eight of which are restricted to the Neotropical region. The tribe is suspected to be myrmecophilous, though direct ant associations remain unconfirmed. Members exhibit morphological traits consistent with subterranean or litter-dwelling habits, including reduced eyes and elongated appendages. The genus Metopiellus, distributed from Colombia to Argentina, was recently recorded from Ecuador for the first time with two new species described from Amazonian and montane cloud forest habitats.
Metrichia
Metrichia is a genus of microcaddisflies in the family Hydroptilidae, established by Ross in 1938. The genus belongs to the tribe Ochrotrichiini and is distributed across northern South America, with confirmed records from Colombia. As with other hydroptilids, adults are minute with reduced wing venation and larvae construct portable, silken cases.
Mexicomiris
Mexicomiris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, containing seven described species. The genus was established by Carvalho & Schaffner in 1974. Species are distributed in Mexico and the southern United States, with several species names suggesting associations with oak (Quercus). The genus is part of the diverse mirid fauna of the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Mezira granulata
Mezira granulata is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, characterized by its dorsoventrally flattened body form. The species is distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Like other members of Aradidae, it is associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The specific epithet 'granulata' refers to a granular or roughened body surface texture.
Miathyria marcella
hyacinth glider
Miathyria marcella, commonly known as the hyacinth glider, is a skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the Caribbean through Central and North America to South America. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC), with a stable population last assessed in 2017. Larvae have been documented in wetlands of Northern Colombia, where their distribution has been studied in relation to water quality parameters.
Michaelophorus
Michaelophorus is a genus of plume moths in the family Pterophoridae. The genus contains seven described species, with Michaelophorus nubilus designated as the type species. All species are distributed in neotropical regions. Ecological details for the genus remain poorly documented.
Micrapate
horned powder-post beetles
Micrapate is a genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as horned powder-post beetles. The genus was established by Casey in 1898 and contains at least 40 described species. Members are found in various regions including the Neotropics, with at least one species documented from the cerrado savanna biome of Brazil.
Micrathena
spiny orbweavers, spiny orb-weavers
Micrathena is a genus of orb-weaver spiders containing over 100 species, predominantly distributed in Neotropical woodlands. Females are characterized by hardened abdomens bearing prominent spines, which have evolved independently at least eight times and function as anti-predator defenses. These spiders construct vertical orb webs and are diurnally active. The genus originated approximately 25 million years ago and has undergone extensive diversification in Andean cloud forests.
Microcentrini
angle-wing katydids, angle-winged katydids
Microcentrini is a tribe of katydids within the subfamily Phaneropterinae, commonly known as angle-winged katydids. The tribe comprises approximately 17 genera and 102 species with a Neotropical distribution, centered in the Amazon Rainforest. Members are characterized by their distinctive wing morphology, with expanded, often angular forewings. The tribe has been the subject of recent taxonomic revision, with numerous new genera and species described from Amazonian localities.
Microcentrus lynx
Microcentrus lynx is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Stegaspidinae, described by Ball in 1933. It belongs to the tribe Microcentrini, a group characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States (Arizona, Colorado) and several Mexican states (Durango, Hidalgo, Michoacán). Like other treehoppers, it possesses an enlarged pronotum that extends over the thorax, though specific morphological details for this species remain limited in published sources.
Microcorsini
Microcorsini is a tribe of tortrix moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, first described by Kuznetzov in 1970. The tribe was originally erected for four genera in Olethreutinae, later transferred to Tortricinae by the same author in 1973, with subsequent treatments returning it to Olethreutinae. The genus Cryptaspasma is the primary representative, with species distributed across the Neotropical region from Mexico to South America.
Microcylloepus
Microcylloepus is a genus of riffle beetles (family Elmidae) established by Hinton in 1935. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the United States to Colombia. These beetles are aquatic and inhabit flowing water environments, particularly springs and spring-runs. One species, Microcylloepus pusillus, has been studied in detail at Comal Springs, Texas, where it coexists with the endangered beetle Heterelmis comalensis.
Micropezidae
stilt-legged flies
Micropezidae is a family of acalyptrate muscoid flies comprising approximately 500 species in 50 genera and five subfamilies. Commonly called stilt-legged flies, they are distinguished by extraordinarily elongated middle and hind legs, with markedly smaller fore legs. Adults range from 3–16 mm and exhibit remarkable mimicry of ants, wasps, and ichneumonid wasps. The family is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly the Neotropics, and is absent from New Zealand and Macquarie Island. Larval biology remains poorly known, with development occurring in decaying vegetation, manure, fungi, and in some species, living plant roots.
Microphysetica hermeasalis
Microphysetica hermeasalis is a small crambid moth described by Francis Walker in 1859. It has a wingspan of 9–10 mm and occurs across the Caribbean Basin, including Florida, Mexico, Central America, the Antilles, and northern South America. Adults are active during specific periods in Florida, with flight records from March through June and again from November through December.
Microtheca
leaf beetles
Microtheca is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Chrysomelinae. The genus contains several economically important agricultural pests, particularly of Brassicaceae crops. The most extensively studied species include M. ochroloma (yellowmargined leaf beetle) and M. punctigera, both of which are oligophagous specialists on cruciferous plants. These beetles are native to the Neotropics but have become significant pests in organic agriculture systems where synthetic insecticides are restricted.
Microthylax
Coral Beach Tiger Beetles
Microthylax is a genus of tiger beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Cicindelinae. It contains five described species distributed from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The genus was established by Rivalier in 1954. Species in this genus are associated with coastal and beach habitats, earning them the common name "Coral Beach Tiger Beetles."
Microthyris
Microthyris is a genus of pyraloid moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Julius Lederer in 1863 and includes seven described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species such as Microthyris lelex and Microthyris alvinalis are among the better-documented members. The genus belongs to the diverse grass moth family, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Microthyris prolongalis
Microthyris prolongalis is a crambid moth described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It has a wingspan of approximately 33 mm and occurs from Brazil northward through Central America, the Caribbean, and into the southern United States (Texas and Florida). Adults are active during multiple months in Florida, with records from June, October, and December. The larvae feed on Ipomoea species.
Microvelia albonotata
Microvelia albonotata is a small water strider species in the family Veliidae, first described by Champion in 1898. It belongs to a genus of minute semiaquatic bugs commonly found on the water surface film. The species has been documented across a broad Neotropical and Nearctic range including the Caribbean, Middle America, North America, and South America. Like other Microvelia species, it is adapted to life at the air-water interface.
Microvelia pulchella
smaller water strider
Microvelia pulchella is a semiaquatic predatory bug in the family Veliidae, distributed throughout the American continents from Canada to Argentina. It is the type species of the genus Microvelia and one of the most common species in the Neotropical Region. Laboratory studies demonstrate its potential as a biological control agent against disease-vector mosquitoes and agricultural pests in rice fields. The species serves as a model organism for behavioral and ecological research due to its convenient rearing characteristics and measurable traits.
Mimcochylis
Mimcochylis is a genus of tortricid moths erected by Razowski in 1985. The genus contains four described species, all described in the same original publication: M. ochroplasta, M. plagiusa, M. planola, and M. plasmodia. It belongs to the tribe Cochylini within the subfamily Tortricinae. The genus appears to be poorly collected, with limited observational records available.
Mimophobetron
Mimophobetron is a monotypic moth genus in the family Crambidae, established by Eugene G. Munroe in 1950. The genus contains a single species, Mimophobetron pyropsalis, originally described by George Hampson in 1904. It is found in parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and the southeastern United States.
Mimorista
Mimorista is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by William Warren in 1890 and contains approximately 15 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Most species were described in the early 20th century by entomologists such as Hampson and Möschler. The genus is placed within the diverse and species-rich subfamily Spilomelinae, one of the largest groups of pyraloid moths.
Ministrymon
ministreaks
Ministrymon is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as ministreaks. The genus was established by Clench in 1961 and contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Species are diminutive, typically about the size of a thumbnail. The genus includes Ministrymon janevicroy (Vicroy's Ministreak), a recently described species from Texas distinguished by its distinctive olive-green eyes.
Ministrymon azia
Gray Ministreak
Ministrymon azia, commonly known as the gray ministreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from the southern United States through Central America to southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The species occupies diverse lowland habitats including deserts and rainforests. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and from March to September in Florida and Texas.
Ministrymon janevicroy
Vicroy's Ministreak, Pebbly Ministreak
Ministrymon janevicroy, commonly known as Vicroy's Ministreak or Pebbly Ministreak, is a small lycaenid butterfly discovered in 2013 by Jeffrey Glassberg. The species remained unrecognized in museum collections for over a century due to its close resemblance to the Gray Ministreak (Ministrymon azia). It is distinguished by its distinctive olive-green compound eyes, a unique feature among North American butterflies. The species occurs from southern Texas through Central America to Costa Rica, with disjunct populations on Caribbean islands.
Minixi
Minixi is a small neotropical genus of potter wasps (Eumeninae) containing four described species. The genus exhibits a disjunct distribution pattern: Minixi mexicanum occurs from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America, while the remaining three species are distributed across eastern South America. Minixi brasilianum has been documented employing a dual nesting strategy, constructing new nests while simultaneously utilizing existing nests through renting or usurpation.
Mischocyttarus
Long-waisted Paper Wasps
Mischocyttarus is the largest genus of social wasps, containing over 260 species primarily distributed in the Neotropics. It is the sole member of the tribe Mischocyttarini, distinguished from related tribes by asymmetrical tarsal lobes. These wasps construct simple, single-comb paper nests and exhibit greater social and reproductive flexibility than the related genus Polistes. A few species extend into the Nearctic region, including three in the United States and southwest Canada.
Misumenoides quetzaltocatl
Misumenoides quetzaltocatl is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, described by Jiménez in 1992. The genus Misumenoides comprises flower crab spiders that ambush prey on vegetation. As a Neotropical species known from Mexico, it shares the characteristic crab-like body form and anteriorly directed legs typical of the family. Like congeners, it likely exhibits the sit-and-wait predatory strategy on flowers and foliage.
Mocis disseverans
Yellow Mocis Moth
Mocis disseverans, commonly known as the Yellow Mocis Moth, is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs in the Caribbean and the southern United States, with documented populations in Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. The species has a wingspan of approximately 40 mm. Like other members of the genus Mocis, it is likely associated with grassland and open habitats.
Mompha annulata
Perimede annulata
Mompha annulata is a small moth in the family Momphidae, originally described as Perimede annulata by August Busck in 1914. The species is known from Panama and belongs to a family of microlepidoptera commonly referred to as twirler moths. Momphidae species are typically small with narrow wings and are often associated with plant material as larvae.
Monobia
Four-toothed Mason Wasp (for M. quadridens), Carpenter Wasp, Mason Wasp
Monobia is a genus of medium-sized to large potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae, distributed primarily across the Neotropical region from the United States to Argentina. The genus is closely related to Montezumia. The most well-documented species, Monobia quadridens (Four-toothed Mason Wasp), is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars and constructs mud partitions between brood cells.
Monoceromyia
Monoceromyia is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the tribe Cerioidini. Species occur across the Afrotropical, Australasian, Neotropical and Oriental biogeographic regions. The genus is characterized by wasp-mimicking appearance and distinctive morphological traits including widely separated metapleura and modified antennal and abdominal structures.
Monoedus
Monoedus is a genus of cylindrical bark beetles in the family Zopheridae. It contains approximately eight described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The genus was established by G.H. Horn in 1882 and is currently classified within the tribe Adimerini, subfamily Colydiinae. Species in this genus are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body form typical of many colydiine beetles.
Monomacra
Monomacra is a genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, tribe Alticini. The genus comprises approximately 17 to 120 described species, with sources varying on the exact number. Species are distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, including North America, Central America, and tropical South America. As members of the Alticini, they possess the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion.
Montezumina
Montezumina is a genus of phaneropterine katydids (family Tettigoniidae) first described by Hebard in 1925. The genus contains at least 30 described species distributed across the Americas from the southeastern United States through Mexico to Central and South America. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Phaneropterinae, a diverse group of bush crickets and katydids characterized by their relatively slender bodies and often elongated wings.
Morionini
Morionini is a tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) in the subfamily Pterostichinae, established by Brullé in 1837. The tribe is represented in the Western Hemisphere by at least two genera, including the Neotropical genus Moriosomus. Members of this tribe are primarily associated with forest habitats, particularly under bark and in decaying wood. The tribe's classification and generic composition have been subject to taxonomic revision, with ongoing work to clarify species boundaries and geographic distributions.
Morphini
Morphos and Allies
Morphini is a tribe of nymphalid butterflies within the subfamily Satyrinae, comprising two subtribes: Antirrheina and Morphina. The tribe includes the iconic genus Morpho, known for large butterflies with brilliant metallic blue dorsal wing surfaces, as well as the genera Antirrhea and Caerois. Members are primarily Neotropical in distribution. The group is characterized by substantial body size, with some Morpho species reaching wingspans of four to six inches.
Mozena pallisteri
Mozena pallisteri is a species of leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, characterized by the expanded, leaf-like hind tibiae typical of the genus. The 'cf.' designation indicates a tentative identification based on morphological similarity, pending definitive confirmation. Species in this genus are primarily Neotropical and are associated with woody host plants. The genus Mozena is distinguished from related coreids by specific modifications of the hind legs and male genitalia.
Multareoides
Multareoides is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Centrotinae, and tribe Centrodontini. It was described by Cook in 1953. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive pronotal modifications, a defining feature of treehoppers. The genus is part of the diverse and ecologically significant treehopper fauna, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.