Neotropical
Guides
Neohelvibotys neohelvialis
Common Caramel Moth
Neohelvibotys neohelvialis, commonly known as the Common Caramel Moth, is a small crambid moth described by Hahn William Capps in 1967. It is widely distributed across the southeastern and southwestern United States, the West Indies, and from Mexico to Panama. Adults are active during summer months with a wingspan of 18–23 mm.
Neolasioptera
Neolasioptera is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) comprising at least 130 described species. Species are primarily gall-inducers on diverse flowering plants, with documented associations across at least 43 plant families. The genus is most diverse in the Neotropics, particularly Brazil, with additional records from North America. Several species have been evaluated for biological control of invasive weeds.
Neoleucinodes prophetica
potato tree borer
Neoleucinodes prophetica, commonly known as the potato tree borer, is a small moth in the family Crambidae. The species was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1914. It has been recorded across the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and southern Florida. The larvae are specialized fruit borers on Solanum host plants.
Neolitochrus crucigerus
Neolitochrus crucigerus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Species in this genus are small, delicate insects associated with woody vegetation. N. crucigerus has been recorded from specific localities in the Neotropical region. Like other typhlocybines, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap.
Neolochmaea
Neolochmaea is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Laboissière in 1939. The genus contains three described species: N. brevicornis, N. guerini, and N. obliterata. These beetles are restricted to the Neotropical region. The genus belongs to the tribe Alticini, commonly known as flea beetles, though specific behavioral traits of this genus remain poorly documented.
Neolochmaea dilatipennis
Neolochmaea dilatipennis is a leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae) described by Jacoby in 1886. The genus Neolochmaea comprises small to medium-sized leaf beetles primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. This species has been recorded across the Caribbean, North America, and South America. Available observation data suggests it is relatively well-documented, with over 800 records on iNaturalist.
Neomegalotomus
Neomegalotomus is a genus of broad-headed bugs in the family Alydidae, established in 1998. The genus contains at least two described species: N. parvus and N. rufipes. Most biological knowledge derives from studies of N. parvus, a Neotropical pest of legume crops. The genus is characterized by broad head morphology typical of Alydidae and is associated with Fabaceae hosts.
Neomintho
Neomintho is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Euthelairini, characterized by taxonomic instability and recent revision. The genus was substantially redefined in 2024, with three genus-group names (Euthelaira, Iteuthelaira, Neominthoidea) newly synonymized under it, while Eupelecotheca was revived as a separate genus. Most species occur in the Neotropics, with only one confirmed Nearctic species, N. beckersi, described from Florida and the Cayman Islands. This species represents the first documented host association for the entire tribe, having been reared from the katydid Neoconocephalus triops.
Neoneura
Robust Threadtails
Neoneura is a genus of damselflies in the family Protoneuridae, commonly called Robust Threadtails. The genus comprises approximately 30 species distributed throughout the Neotropics from Cuba and Texas to Argentina. Unlike other threadtails, Neoneura species have abdomens no more slender than pond damselflies. Males display bright coloration in red, orange, yellow, and blue, while females are more subdued. The genus exhibits distinctive reproductive behavior including tandem oviposition with post-copulatory guarding.
Neoneura amelia
Amelia's Threadtail
Neoneura amelia, commonly known as Amelia's threadtail, is a small damselfly species distributed from southern Texas through Central America to Panama. Males display striking scarlet and reddish-orange coloration, while females are drab tan with dark markings. The species inhabits backwaters of large rivers, stream edges, and pond margins, including muddy locations. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide range and stable population.
Neonympha
satyr butterflies
Neonympha is a genus of satyrid butterflies occurring in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The genus contains several recognized species, including the endangered Mitchell's satyr (Neonympha mitchellii) with its two subspecies: the nominate form in Michigan prairie fens and the Saint Francis satyr (N. m. francisci) restricted to North Carolina. These butterflies exhibit strong habitat specificity to wetland environments, particularly those with sedge vegetation.
Neopamera albocincta
Horn-banded Seed Bug
Neopamera albocincta is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly known as the Horn-banded Seed Bug. It has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species belongs to a diverse group of ground-dwelling seed bugs that feed on fallen seeds. It is relatively well-documented on citizen science platforms with over 1,200 observations.
Neopetissius slaterorum
Neopetissius slaterorum is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, described by O'Donnell in 2001. The species is distributed across Central and South America, with records from Mexico to Brazil. Like other members of Rhyparochromidae, it belongs to a family of true bugs commonly known as dirt-colored seed bugs. The specific epithet honors the Slater family, prominent figures in heteropteran systematics.
Neophaenis
Neophaenis is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, first described by Hampson in 1908. The genus comprises eight recognized species distributed in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Dypterygiini. The genus has been documented in entomological collections with over 500 iNaturalist observations.
Neopisinus
Neopisinus is a genus of comb-footed spiders in the family Theridiidae, established in 2011 to accommodate species previously placed in other genera. The genus contains nine species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. Two species, N. fiapo and N. urucu, were described as new in the original genus description. The type species is Neopisinus fiapo.
Neopisinus cognatus
Neopisinus cognatus is a species of cobweb spider (family Theridiidae) described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1893. It belongs to a genus of small theridiid spiders found in the Americas. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning from the southern United States through Central America to South America, including the Caribbean region.
Neoponera
Neoponera Panther Ants
Neoponera is a genus of ponerine ants restricted to the Neotropics, ranging from southern Texas to southern Brazil. Workers are slender and medium to large in size (6.5–19 mm), while queens are larger and winged. The genus exhibits diverse nesting behaviors, including ground nests in soil and decaying wood, as well as arboreal ant gardens. Some species, such as those in the N. laevigata species-group, are specialized termite predators.
Neoponera villosa
hairy panther ant, greater Texas bullet ant, giant hunting ant
Neoponera villosa is a large predatory ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, commonly known as the hairy panther ant or greater Texas bullet ant. It inhabits Neotropical regions where it nests in both arboreal and ground-dwelling situations. The species possesses a complex venom containing over 500 peptides with documented antimicrobial, cytolytic, and insecticidal properties. Venom composition exhibits substantial plasticity, varying significantly with season and nesting habitat.
Neopsammodius quinqueplicatus
Neopsammodius quinqueplicatus is a species of aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1871. It belongs to the family Scarabaeidae and is part of the Psammodiini tribe, which comprises beetles often associated with sandy habitats. The species occurs in both Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Neopsammodius werneri
Neopsammodius werneri is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It was described by Cartwright in 1955. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with records from the southern United States (Texas) and several Mexican states including Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, as well as Honduras. As a member of the tribe Psammodiini, it is associated with sandy habitats.
Neoptychodes trilineatus
Fig Tree Borer
A flat-faced longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, notable for its variable coloration and distinctive three longitudinal bands. Males are larger than females, reaching up to 35 mm. The common name "Fig Tree Borer" reflects its association with Ficus species.
Neortholomus jamaicensis
Neortholomus jamaicensis is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of North America. The species was described by Dallas in 1852 and is the type species of the genus Neortholomus. Records indicate presence in diverse tropical and subtropical habitats including the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America, with isolated records from Oceania (Tahiti).
Neotermes castaneus
Florida dampwood termite, southern damp-wood termite
Neotermes castaneus is a dampwood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae, commonly known as the Florida dampwood termite or southern damp-wood termite. It is distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the Kalotermitidae family, it is a drywood-type termite that does not require contact with soil moisture, distinguishing it from subterranean termites.
Neotermes jouteli
Joutel's drywood termite
Neotermes jouteli is a large Neotropical drywood termite native to South Florida and the West Indies. It is the largest termite species in Florida, with soldiers reaching 13.35 mm and winged alates approximately 16.05 mm. The species is notable for its distinctive deeply depressed, rugose frons in the imago stage.
Neotheronia bicincta
Neotheronia bicincta is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1865. The genus Neotheronia belongs to the large and diverse ichneumonid wasp family, whose members are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. As with most ichneumonids, this species is likely a parasitoid, though specific host records and biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Neotrichonotulus inurbanus
Neotrichonotulus inurbanus is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, described by Gordon and Howden in 1973. It belongs to a genus of dung beetles found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Mexico. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature and has no recorded observations on iNaturalist.
Nephrocerus atrapilus
Nephrocerus atrapilus is a species of big-headed fly (Diptera: Pipunculidae) described from the Nearctic Region in 2005. The species was distinguished from congeners based on diagnostic male and female genitalia characters. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid flies that attack crane flies (Tipulidae). The description of N. atrapilus contributed to the first formal documentation of Nephrocerus in the Neotropical Region.
Nersiini
Nersiini is a tribe of dictyopharid planthoppers within the subfamily Dictyopharinae. Members of this tribe are characterized by specific morphological traits including the structure of the cephalic process and pronotal carinae. The genus Trigava, revised in 2022, serves as a representative example with four Neotropical species distributed in Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. The tribe was established by Emeljanov in 1983.
Nerthra fuscipes
toad bug
Nerthra fuscipes is a species of toad bug in the family Gelastocoridae, characterized by a flattened, toad-like body form adapted for life near water. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the Nepomorpha (true water bugs), it represents one of the more widely distributed species within its genus.
Nesaecrepida
Nesaecrepida is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae) established by Blake in 1964. The genus contains two described species: Nesaecrepida asphaltina and Nesaecrepida infuscata. These beetles are found in North America, Mexico, and the West Indies. As members of the flea beetle tribe Alticini, they possess enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Neurocolpus mexicanus
Neurocolpus mexicanus is a mirid plant bug species described by Distant in 1883. It belongs to the family Miridae, the largest family within the Hemiptera, and is distributed across Central America, Mexico, and parts of the southern United States including Arizona and Texas. The species has been recorded from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela, and Mexico. As with other members of Neurocolpus, it is likely associated with vegetation, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Nicocles bromleyi
Nicocles bromleyi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by George H. Hardy in 1943. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of relatively small and slender asilids. The genus Nicocles is restricted to the New World, with species distributed primarily in arid and semi-arid regions. This species is poorly known, with no documented observations in major biodiversity databases and limited published biological information.
Niesthrea sidae
Niesthrea sidae is a species of scentless plant bug in the family Rhopalidae, native to the New World. It is one of approximately 20 recognized species in the genus Niesthrea, which was taxonomically revised in 2019 with six new species described. The species occurs across broad geographic regions including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae).
Nola cereella
sorghum webworm, sorghum webworm moth
Nola cereella, commonly known as the sorghum webworm, is a small moth in the family Nolidae. The species was first described by Louis Augustin Guillaume Bosc in 1800. Adults have a wingspan of 12–18 mm and are active from July to September. The larvae feed specifically on Sorghum vulgare, making this species an agricultural pest of sorghum crops.
Nomamyrmex esenbeckii
Nomamyrmex esenbeckii is a species of army ant in the subfamily Dorylinae. It is one of the largest army ant species and is known for its specialized predatory behavior. The species is distributed across much of South America, with records from Brazil, Colombia, and other countries. It is recognized as a specialized predator of other ants, particularly Atta leafcutter ants.
Norape virgo
Virgin flannel moth, White flannel moth
Norape virgo is a species of flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1877. The species name derives from Latin 'virgo' meaning virgin, referring to the all-white adult coloration. It occurs from southern Texas and southern Arizona south to Colombia. Adults are smaller than the related Norape walkeri, with shorter, broader, and less glossy forewings. The larvae feed on legumes and possess urticating hairs that can deliver painful stings.
Norrbomia fulvipennis
A small dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, described in 1992 from material collected in Costa Rica. The species epithet refers to the tawny or yellowish-brown coloration of the wings. Sphaeroceridae are commonly known as lesser dung flies and are associated with decaying organic matter.
Nothotrichia
Nothotrichia is a genus of microcaddisflies in the family Hydroptilidae, established by Flint in 1967. The genus belongs to the subfamily Hydroptilinae and is characterized by distinctive morphological features that separate it from related genera. As with other Hydroptilidae, members are small-bodied caddisflies with reduced wing venation.
Notocyphinae
Notocyphinae is a monotypic subfamily of spider wasps containing the single genus Notocyphus. These wasps are distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The subfamily is notable for parasitism on tarantulas, including documented cases involving the aviculariine tarantula Avicularia purpurea in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Notocyphus
Notocyphus is a genus of spider wasps and the sole genus in the monotypic subfamily Notocyphinae. These wasps are known to parasitize tarantulas, including arboreal species in the subfamily Aviculariinae and terrestrial species in Theraphosinae. The genus occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with documented host associations in the Amazon region of Ecuador and Brazil.
Notomicrus sharpi
Notomicrus sharpi is a small water beetle in the family Noteridae, originally described by Balfour-Browne in 1939. The species is one of four Notomicrus species recorded from Guadeloupe, where it occurs alongside three endemic congeneric species. It is distinguished from these and other New World Notomicrus species primarily by features of the external male genitalia. The species has been documented across the Caribbean, Middle America, and North America.
Notoxus apicalis
Notoxus apicalis is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae, first described by LeConte in 1852. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Members of the genus Notoxus are commonly known as ant-like flower beetles due to their resemblance to ants in size, shape, and behavior. The specific epithet "apicalis" refers to a marking or feature at the apex, likely of the elytra or pronotum.
Novalena
Novalena is a genus of funnel weavers (family Agelenidae) comprising 53 described species distributed across North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The genus was established by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1942. A significant taxonomic revision in 2017 by Maya-Morales and Jiménez added numerous Mexican species, and ongoing research continues to describe new species from montane forest habitats.
Novochares
water scavenger beetles
Novochares is a genus of water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae) erected in 2021 to accommodate New World species previously placed in Helochares. The genus contains 52 described species distributed across the entire Neotropical region from Mexico to Argentina, including Caribbean islands. Species circumscription relies heavily on male aedeagus morphology due to relatively homogeneous external characteristics. An integrative taxonomic approach combining adult morphology with COI and 28S DNA sequence data was used to delimit species boundaries.
Numia
Numia is a strictly Neotropical genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Ennominae). The genus contains at least one well-documented species, N. terebintharia Guenée, which has been recorded from the Caribbean, Florida, Costa Rica, and northeastern Brazil. Caterpillars are inchworm-type with two pairs of false abdominal legs and feed externally on leaves of Ziziphus species (Rhamnaceae). Adults are small moths with wingspans around 2.5 cm; females possess a large variable apical spot on the forewings, while males have bipectinate antennae and females have filiform antennae.
Numia terebintharia
A Neotropical geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, first recorded in Brazil from the Caatinga region in 2021. Adults are small green moths with approximately 2.5 cm wingspan; females possess an apical spot on the forewings. The species was previously known from the Caribbean, Florida (USA), Haiti, and Costa Rica. Caterpillars are external leaf-feeders that can cause extensive defoliation of host plants.
Nuntianus
Nuntianus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Miranda in 2020. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini, a diverse group of flower-visiting flies. The genus was established relatively recently, and its species are found in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus share morphological characteristics that distinguish them from related syrphine genera, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Nuntianus cubanus
Nuntianus cubanus is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) endemic to Cuba. Originally described as Baccha cubana by Hull in 1943, it was later transferred to the genus Nuntianus. The genus Nuntianus is a small group of Neotropical hoverflies characterized by elongated bodies and reduced wing venation. Information on the biology and ecology of this species remains limited.
Nyctiophylax
Nyctiophylax is a genus of caddisflies in the family Polycentropodidae, established by Brauer in 1865. Species in this genus are small, predatory caddisflies whose larvae construct silken retreats in freshwater habitats. The genus has been documented from Colombia, though its actual distribution likely extends more broadly across the Neotropics. Adults are generally small with reduced wing venation characteristic of the family.
Nylanderia austroccidua
Nylanderia austroccidua is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, originally described from a widespread distribution ranging from Utah to Costa Rica. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs) revealed that specimens matching the original description are paraphyletic with respect to Nearctic Nylanderia species, indicating the original concept encompassed multiple cryptic lineages. The species belongs to American Clade I (AC1), a group that includes a Neotropical subclade extending into Mesoamerica. An updated taxonomic description was published in 2024 as part of a revision that described eight new Nylanderia species from the region.