Neotropical
Guides
Munroeodes
Munroeodes is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Pyraustinae. It was erected by Amsel in 1957 and contains four described species distributed across the Neotropical region. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns and transparent areas in some species.
Mycodrosophila
mushroom flies
Mycodrosophila is a genus of small vinegar flies comprising approximately 120-130 described species. Members are obligately mycophagous, meaning they depend on fungi throughout their entire life cycle. The genus belongs to the monophyletic Zygothrica genus group alongside Hirtodrosophila, Paramycodrosophila, and Zygothrica. Species are distributed across the Neotropical and Palearctic regions, with some showing transcontinental ranges.
Mydinae
mydas flies
Mydinae is a subfamily of mydas flies within the family Mydidae, comprising approximately 12 genera and over 120 described species. The subfamily includes four tribes: Dolichogastrini, Messiasiini, Mydini, and Phyllomydini. Members of this subfamily are found primarily in the Neotropical region, with some genera exhibiting restricted geographic distributions. The genus Mapinguari, previously considered monotypic and rare, has been shown to have broader distribution than previously known.
Myiophasiini
Myiophasiini is a tribe of bristle flies within the family Tachinidae, subfamily Tachininae. The tribe comprises at least nine genera and approximately 18 described species. Members are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Myrmecoblatta wheeleri
Wheeler's Ant Cockroach
Myrmecoblatta wheeleri is a small, myrmecophilous cockroach species known for its obligate association with ant colonies. First described by Hebard in 1917, this species inhabits the nest chambers of host ants, where it has been observed in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Florida. The species represents one of the few documented cases of true myrmecophily in cockroaches, having evolved specialized adaptations for life within ant societies. Its common name honors the American entomologist William Morton Wheeler, who conducted pioneering studies on ant ecology and myrmecophilous organisms.
Myrmecodesmus
A genus of small-bodied polydesmid millipedes in the family Pyrgodesmidae. Established by Silvestri in 1910 with a myrmecophilous species from central Veracruz, Mexico. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with numerous genera synonymized under it by Shear (1977). Currently includes at least 28 species distributed from Mexico through South America and into the Caribbean.
Myrmecotypus
Myrmecotypus is a genus of ant-mimicking sac spiders in the family Corinnidae, subfamily Castianeirinae. Species exhibit myrmecomorphy—both morphological and behavioral mimicry of ants. The genus was described in 1894 and currently contains fourteen species distributed from the United States to Argentina, with greatest diversity in Central America. Most species are arboreal, though M. mazazoides is ground-dwelling.
Myrmelachistini
Myrmelachistine Ants
Myrmelachistini is a tribe of ants in the subfamily Formicinae, resurrected in 2016 from synonymy under Plagiolepidini. The tribe contains two genera: Brachymyrmex (rover ants) and Myrmelachista. Together these genera comprise at least 50 described species. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological and molecular distinctions that separate it from other formicine tribes.
Myscelia
Bluewing Butterflies
Myscelia is a genus of nymphalid butterflies commonly known as bluewing butterflies. The genus includes approximately nine recognized species distributed across southern North America, Central America, and northern South America. Several species are notable for their striking blue coloration on the upper wing surfaces, including the well-known Mexican bluewing (Myscelia ethusa) and blue wave (Myscelia cyaniris).
Mystacella
Mystacella is a genus of tachinid flies established by Wulp in 1890. It comprises nine described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. As members of the tribe Goniini within subfamily Exoristinae, these flies are parasitoids whose larvae develop inside other insects. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including facial bristle patterns.
Myxosargus
soldier flies
Myxosargus is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, containing approximately 13-15 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The genus was established by Brauer in 1882 and includes species ranging from the southwestern United States through Central America to South America. Most species were described in the early-to-mid 20th century, with several added by Maurice James in 1979.
Nallachius
pleasing lacewings
Nallachius is a genus of pleasing lacewings in the family Dilaridae, established by Navás in 1909. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members are characterized by their distinctive wing venation and relatively broad wings compared to other dilarid genera. Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to light.
Nannocyrtopogon
Nannocyrtopogon is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. The genus was established by Wilcox and Martin in 1936 and is classified within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. These flies are found in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Narvesus
Narvesus is a Neotropical genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) established by Stål in 1859. The genus contains two described species: Narvesus carolinensis and Narvesus minor. These predatory true bugs are characterized by morphological features typical of the subfamily Stenopodainae, including raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision with updated descriptions, illustrations, and male genitalia data.
Naupactini
broad-nosed weevils
Naupactini is a diverse tribe of broad-nosed weevils (subfamily Entiminae) with highest genus and species diversity in South America. Members range from 3.5 to 35 mm and exhibit diverse coloration including iridescent scales. The tribe is notable for frequent flightlessness and parthenogenesis in habitats with sparse vegetation, with parthenogenesis linked to Wolbachia bacterial infection. Several species are agricultural pests, particularly on Fabaceae.
Naupactus
White-fringed Weevils
Naupactus is a large genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as white-fringed weevils. The genus comprises exclusively Neotropical species, several of which have been introduced to other regions and become significant agricultural pests. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced humeri and lack of metathoracic wings, traits formerly used to separate them into the genus Graphognathus before taxonomic revision. Some species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction, and flightless adults are common.
Naupactus pallidulus
Naupactus pallidulus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It belongs to a large genus of exclusively Neotropical weevils commonly known as "white-fringed weevils." The genus Naupactus has undergone taxonomic revision, with former genera such as Graphognathus now synonymized under it. Many Naupactus species have become economically significant as agricultural pests, with several introduced to North America and other regions.
Naupactus pallidus
Naupactus pallidus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. It belongs to the diverse Neotropical genus Naupactus, commonly known as white-fringed weevils. Species in this genus are characterized by their elongated bodies, distinct rostrums, and often pale or whitish markings on the elytra. Many Naupactus species have become agricultural pests, with some introduced to North America.
Naupactus peregrinus
Naupactus peregrinus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. It belongs to the large Neotropical genus Naupactus, commonly known as "white-fringed weevils." The species has been recorded from the southeastern United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida) and parts of South America (Chaco, Entre Ríos in Argentina). Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with vegetation and may have been introduced to some regions, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Nemoriini
Nemoriini is a tribe of geometer moths within the subfamily Geometrinae, characterized by distinctive genital morphology and wing pattern variation. The tribe exhibits two primary morphological lineages: the Nemoria lineage and the Phrudocentra lineage, which differ in uncus shape and wing marking patterns. Though relatively small in absolute diversity, Nemoriini represents one of the larger tribes within Geometrinae. The tribe includes genera such as Nemoria, Phrudocentra, Chlorosea, Dichorda, and Ochrognesia.
Neobisnius sobrinus
A rove beetle in the genus *Neobisnius*, widely distributed across the Americas from Canada to Brazil. The species was revised taxonomically in 1995, with four names newly synonymized under it. Adults are described and illustrated in taxonomic literature, but detailed ecological and life history information remains sparse.
Neocaloreas
Neocaloreas is a genus of metalmark moths (family Choreutidae). These small moths are characterized by their distinctive wing patterns and diurnal or crepuscular activity. The genus was established to accommodate species previously placed in related genera, particularly those from the Neotropical region. Members of Neocaloreas are associated with forested habitats and are often observed visiting flowers or perching on vegetation.
Neocapsus fasciativentris
Neocapsus fasciativentris is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Stål in 1862. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is part of the diverse and speciose genus Neocapsus, which contains numerous mirid species found primarily in the Americas. Like other mirids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant fluids.
Neochodaeus
Neochodaeus is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Ochodaeidae, established by Nikolajev in 1995. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Members are associated with sandy habitats, earning them the common designation of 'sand-loving scarab beetles'. The genus belongs to the superfamily Scarabaeoidea and is classified within the tribe Ochodaeini.
Neochodaeus frontalis
Neochodaeus frontalis is a sand-loving scarab beetle in the family Ochodaeidae, first described by LeConte in 1863. The species is known from sandy habitats in the southern United States and Mexico. It belongs to a family of beetles commonly referred to as sand-loving scarabs due to their association with sandy soils.
Neoclypeodytes
Neoclypeodytes is a genus of small diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, tribe Bidessini, distributed across western North America and northern Central America. The genus was revised in 2001, with 25 valid species recognized and 11 new species described. A single synapomorphy—two maculae on each elytron—supports its monophyly. Relationships to other bidessine genera remain unresolved.
Neoclypeodytes amybethae
Neoclypeodytes amybethae is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by K. B. Miller in 2001 as part of a comprehensive revision of the New World genus Neoclypeodytes. The genus contains 25 valid species distributed in western North America and northern Central America. Species in this genus are characterized by a distinctive pattern of two maculae on each elytron, which represents a possible synapomorphy supporting the monophyly of Neoclypeodytes.
Neoclypeodytes haroldi
Neoclypeodytes haroldi is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by K.B. Miller in 2001 as part of a comprehensive revision of the genus Neoclypeodytes. The genus is characterized by a distinctive pattern of two maculae on each elytron, which serves as a possible synapomorphy supporting its monophyly. N. haroldi is one of 25 recognized valid species in this western North American and northern Central American genus.
Neoclypeodytes roughleyi
Neoclypeodytes roughleyi is a species of small diving beetle described by K.B. Miller in 2001 during a comprehensive revision of the genus Neoclypeodytes. It is one of eleven new species described in that revision, which recognized 25 valid species in this western North American and northern Central American genus. The genus is characterized by a distinctive pattern of two maculae on each elytron, the only known synapomorphy supporting its monophyly. As a member of the Bidessini tribe within Hydroporinae, it belongs to a group of small, often overlooked aquatic beetles.
Neococytius
Cluentius sphinx
Neococytius is a monotypic moth genus in the family Sphingidae, containing only the species Neococytius cluentius, commonly known as the Cluentius sphinx. This large sphinx moth has an exceptionally long proboscis, historically measured at approximately 25 cm, which has been discussed in relation to pollination of night-blooming cacti. The genus was erected by Ronald W. Hodges in 1971, with the sole species originally described by Pieter Cramer in 1775.
Neococytius cluentius
Cluentius sphinx
Neococytius cluentius, commonly known as the Cluentius sphinx, is a large hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. It is the sole species in its genus. The species has a broad distribution across the Neotropics, extending northward into the southern United States. Adults are powerful fliers and are attracted to light.
Neocoelidiana
Neocoelidiana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Neocoelidiinae, and tribe Neocoelidiini. The genus was established by DeLong in 1953 and contains species found in the Neotropical region. Members are characterized by features typical of the tribe, including modified head and pronotal structures. The genus is part of a diverse group of leafhoppers associated with tropical and subtropical habitats.
Neocoelidiana obscura
Neocoelidiana obscura is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Neocoelidiinae. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Morelos. As a member of the diverse leafhopper fauna, it likely inhabits vegetation in arid and semi-arid regions, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Neocoelidiinae
Neocoelidiine leafhoppers
Neocoelidiinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) endemic to the New World, with highest diversity in the Neotropical region. The subfamily contains approximately 200 valid species across 36 genera arranged in two tribes: Neocoelidiini and Krocodonini. Members are distinguished by exceptionally long antennae and distinctive head morphology. Many species exhibit vibrant coloration. The group was originally classified within Coelidiinae but is now recognized as a separate subfamily.
Neocompsa
Neocompsa is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Martins in 1965. It belongs to the tribe Tropidini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The genus is part of the diverse New World cerambycid fauna, with species occurring primarily in the Neotropical region.
Neocompsa bravo
Rio Bravo Longhorn
Neocompsa bravo is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described in 2020. It belongs to the tribe Tropidini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The species is known from the United States, with GBIF distribution records indicating occurrence in the US. It is commonly referred to as the Rio Bravo Longhorn.
Neocompsa exclamationis
A small longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomson in 1861. The species name 'exclamationis' likely refers to a distinctive marking resembling an exclamation point. It belongs to the tribe Tropidini and is part of a genus containing numerous small, slender cerambycids primarily distributed in the Americas.
Neocompsa mexicana
Neocompsa mexicana is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Thomson in 1865. It belongs to the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Tropidini. The species is distributed in Middle America and North America, with records from Costa Rica and Guatemala.
Neoconis
Neoconis is a genus of dustywing lacewings in the family Coniopterygidae. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Several species were described by the Finnish entomologist Heikki Meinander in the 1970s–1990s, reflecting a period of active taxonomic work on the group. The genus includes one fossil species, Neoconis paleocaribis, described from Dominican amber.
Neoempheria
fungus gnats
Neoempheria is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, containing at least 140 described species. The genus is particularly diverse in the Neotropical region, with 41 species recorded from Brazil. Larvae develop in association with fungi, making this one of the key groups of fungivorous insects. The first biological association between Neoempheria larvae and fungi in the Neotropical region was documented in 2015 for N. puncticoxa, marking a significant advance in understanding the natural history of this poorly studied group in South America.
Neoempheria balioptera
fungus gnat
Neoempheria balioptera is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, subfamily Mycomyinae. The species was first described by Loew in 1870. Larvae of this species have been documented feeding on mushrooms in Brazil, representing the first record of Neoempheria biology in the Neotropical region. This discovery provided insights into the life cycle and feeding habits of a genus whose natural history was previously poorly known in South America.
Neoempheria illustris
Neoempheria illustris is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johannsen in 1910. It belongs to a genus of approximately 1,100 species distributed across South and Central America. The species was the first Neoempheria documented from South America with confirmed larval associations to host fungi, representing a significant contribution to understanding Neotropical fungivore diversity.
Neoempheria macularis
Neoempheria macularis is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johannsen in 1910. It belongs to a genus containing over 1,100 species in South and Central America. The species was the first Neoempheria species documented with confirmed larval associations with fungi in the Neotropical region, specifically reared from mushrooms in Brazil.
Neoerythromma
Yellow-faced Damselflies
Neoerythromma is a small genus of damselflies in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly called yellow-faced damselflies. The genus contains two described species: Neoerythromma cultellatum (Caribbean yellowface) and Neoerythromma gladiolatum. These damselflies are distinguished by yellow markings on the face, a trait referenced in both the common and scientific names. The genus was established by Kennedy in 1920.
Neofidia cana
Neofidia cana is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Neofidia was established relatively recently, with species transferred from related genera based on morphological and phylogenetic studies. This species is part of a group of Neotropical leaf beetles. Records of this species remain sparse, with limited observational data available.
Neogerris
Neogerris is a genus of water striders in the family Gerridae, established by Matsumura in 1913. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These insects are adapted to life on the water surface, using their elongated middle and hind legs to skate across ponds, streams, and other freshwater habitats.
Neogriphoneura
Neogriphoneura is a genus of small flies in the family Lauxaniidae, established by Malloch in 1924. The genus contains approximately 11 described species and is primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. One species, N. sordida, extends into the Nearctic region. The genus is characterized by features typical of lauxaniid flies, including distinctive wing venation and facial markings.
Neogriphoneura striatifrons
Neogriphoneura striatifrons is a species of lauxaniid fly described by Hendel in 1932. The species is known from limited records in the Brazilian Amazon, specifically from Pará and Roraima states. Lauxaniidae are a family of small to medium-sized flies often associated with decomposing plant matter.
Neoheliodines albidentus
Neoheliodines albidentus is a species of metalmark moth in the family Heliodinidae, a group of small, often colorful microlepidoptera. The genus Neoheliodines is restricted to the New World, with species distributed primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are associated with specific host plants in the family Boraginaceae. N. albidentus is one of several described species in this genus, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Neohelvibotys arizonensis
Neohelvibotys arizonensis is a small crambid moth described by H.W. Capps in 1967. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with a wingspan of 20–24 mm. Adults are active during summer months, with flight periods varying by latitude and elevation.