Neotropical
Guides
Nystaleinae
Nystaleinae is a subfamily of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, established by Forbes in 1948. The subfamily comprises approximately 44 genera and 377 species, with recent taxonomic revisions recognizing greater diversity than previously documented. Nystaleinae is distributed exclusively in the Americas, primarily in the Neotropics. Recent phylogenomic studies have revealed that the diurnal subfamily Dioptinae is nested within Nystaleinae, challenging traditional morphological classifications.
Obtusicranus
Obtusicranus is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, subfamily Stenocraninae. It was established by Bartlett in 2006. Members of this genus are small, delicate insects characterized by their distinctive head structure with a blunt, rounded frons. The genus is part of the diverse Delphacidae family, which contains many economically important agricultural pests, though specific impacts of Obtusicranus species are not well documented.
Ochrotrichia
microcaddisfly
Ochrotrichia is a large genus of microcaddisflies (family Hydroptilidae) comprising approximately 226 extant species, making it the most species-rich microcaddisfly genus in the Neotropics. The genus is predominantly distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with one exceptional African record from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Species are primarily found in freshwater stream habitats.
Ochrotrichiinae
microcaddisflies
Ochrotrichiinae is a subfamily of microcaddisflies within the family Hydroptilidae, comprising approximately 430 species across nine genera. The subfamily is most diverse in the Neotropics, with additional representation in the Nearctic and Australasian regions, including an endemic genus in New Caledonia. Phylogenetic analyses support its monophyly with the exclusion of Dibusa. The subfamily originated in the New World during the early Cretaceous, approximately 116 million years ago, with subsequent dispersal to Australasia via trans-Antarctic routes.
Ochthebius lineatus
Ochthebius lineatus is a species of minute moss beetle in the family Hydraenidae. The species was described by J.L. LeConte in 1852. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, with records from North America, Central America, and South America. As a member of the Hydraenidae, it belongs to a family of small aquatic or semiaquatic beetles commonly known as minute moss beetles or water scavenger beetles.
Ocyptamus
Ocyptamus is a large and diverse genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 200 species, predominantly distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is not monophyletic and is paraphyletic with respect to Eosalpingogaster and Toxomerus; several subgenera have been elevated to full generic status (Hybobathus, Pelecinobaccha, Orphnabaccha, Pseudoscaeva). Many species await formal description, while others are likely to be synonymized upon further study.
Ocyptamus gastrostactus
Spotted Hover Fly
Ocyptamus gastrostactus is a predatory hover fly in the family Syrphidae. Its larvae are specialized predators of aphids, with documented predation on Sarucallis kahawaluokalani on Lagerstroemia indica in Panama. The species serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pachyneuron albutius, which parasitizes its pupae. It is widely distributed across Brazil and has been recorded in Panama.
Odontolytes
Odontolytes is a genus of small dung beetles within the subfamily Aphodiinae, family Scarabaeidae. Established by Koshantschikov in 1916, the genus comprises approximately 19 described species. Members are classified in the tribe Eupariini, a group often associated with decaying organic matter and detritus rather than fresh dung. The genus has a Neotropical distribution.
Odontolytes denominatus
Odontolytes denominatus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is distributed across the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, with records from the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, as well as Florida in the United States. As a member of the tribe Eupariini, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Odontomera ferruginea
Odontomera ferruginea is a species of fly in the family Richardiidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as picture-winged flies due to their often patterned wings. The species was described by Macquart in 1844. Richardiidae are primarily neotropical in distribution, and members of the genus Odontomera are found in the Americas. Like other richardiids, this species likely exhibits the family's characteristic wing patterns and body form, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Odontomera limbata
Odontomera limbata is a species of fly in the family Richardiidae, described by Steyskal in 1958. Richardiidae are a family of acalyptrate flies commonly known as picture-winged flies, characterized by patterned wings and often distinctive body ornamentation. The genus Odontomera contains multiple species distributed in the Neotropical region. Only one observation of this species has been recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly documented.
Odontopsammodius
Odontopsammodius is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, established by Gordon and Pittino in 1992. The genus comprises approximately 12 described species. These beetles belong to the tribe Psammodiini, a group associated with sandy habitats. The genus is distributed in the Neotropical region.
Odontopsammodius cruentus
Odontopsammodius cruentus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is distributed across parts of North America and South America, with records from the southeastern United States and Argentina. As a member of the tribe Psammodiini, it is associated with sandy substrates. The species was described by Harold in 1867.
Oecetis inconspicua
Inconspicuous Long-horned Caddisfly
Oecetis inconspicua is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is found in North America, with additional records from Brazil. The species belongs to a family characterized by larvae that construct portable cases and adults with notably elongated antennae.
Oecleus
Oecleus is a genus of cixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) established by Stål in 1862. Species in this genus have been documented in Brazil, Jamaica, and Costa Rica, with host associations primarily involving palms, particularly coconut (Cocos nucifera) and date palm (Phoenix). Some species have been detected in surveys targeting potential vectors of lethal yellowing disease in palms, though a confirmed vector role has not been established. The genus has been subject to phylogenetic analysis using COI, 18S, and H3 sequence data to clarify relationships within the tribe Oecleini.
Oenomaus
Oenomaus is a genus of hairstreak butterflies (Lycaenidae: Theclinae: Eumaeini) first described by Hübner in 1819. Species in this genus are relatively large compared to other hairstreaks and are distributed from southern Texas through Central America to southern Brazil. At least one species, Oenomaus ortygnus, is a significant agricultural pest of Annona fruit crops, with larvae boring into fruit pulp and causing economically important damage.
Oenopion
Oenopion is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1885. The genus is distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. As with many tenebrionid genera, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Ofatulena
Ofatulena is a genus of tortricid moths erected by Heinrich in 1926. The genus contains three described species distributed in the Caribbean and Central America region. Species include O. duodecemstriata from Central America, O. jamaicana from Jamaica, and O. luminosa described from the type region. As a member of the tribe Grapholitini within subfamily Olethreutinae, it belongs to a diverse group of often small moths with varied larval host associations.
Olceclostera
Olceclostera is a genus of moths in the family Apatelodidae, a group of Neotropical bombycoids. The genus was established by Butler in 1878 and contains approximately 30 described species distributed from Central America through South America. Recent taxonomic work has revealed cryptic diversity, with several species previously lumped under O. bifenestrata now recognized as distinct based on genital morphology and DNA barcodes. The immature stages of Olceclostera were first described in detail in 2023, including the first scanning electron microscopy images of an apatelodid egg.
Oligostigmoides
A genus of aquatic moths in the family Crambidae, described by William Harry Lange in 1956. The genus contains five described species distributed from the southwestern United States through Central America to Peru. As members of the subfamily Acentropinae, these moths are associated with freshwater habitats during their larval stages.
Omalodes
clown beetles
Omalodes is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, comprising approximately 63-68 described species distributed across three subgenera. It represents the largest genus within the tribe Omalodini and has an exclusively Neotropical distribution, with some species extending into the southern United States. One species, Omalodes (Omalodes) fassli, has been reported on banana crops in Colombia where it may play a role in controlling the banana weevil. The genus is characterized by morphological features including complete apical stria on the elytra in some subgenera.
Ommatius
Plumetops
Ommatius is a large and morphologically diverse genus of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) within the subfamily Asilinae. The genus contains numerous species distributed across multiple biogeographic regions, with particularly well-documented diversity in the Afrotropical region and the Americas. Species are organized into multiple species groups based on morphological characteristics. Like other Asilidae, members of this genus are predatory as both larvae and adults. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to its high species diversity and complex morphological variation.
Omorgus asper
Rough Hide Beetle
Omorgus asper is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. The species occurs in the southern United States and Mexico, where it inhabits arid and semi-arid environments. Like other Trogidae, it is associated with carrion and animal remains, playing a role in decomposition processes.
Omorgus fuliginosus
Omorgus fuliginosus is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, found in North and Central America. Adults measure 13–15 mm in length. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions from Texas south through Mexico to Costa Rica and El Salvador. Like other Trogidae, it is associated with carrion and animal remains.
Omorgus rubricans
Omorgus rubricans is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae, first described by Robinson in 1946. The species belongs to a genus known for its association with carrion and dung, playing important roles in decomposition. It is found in parts of Mexico and the southern United States.
Omorgus scutellaris
Omorgus scutellaris is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae. It occurs in the south-central United States and northern Mexico. Like other trogids, it is associated with decomposing animal matter. The species has been documented from sand dune habitats in Texas and is attracted to ultraviolet light.
Oncerus floralis
Oncerus floralis is a scarab beetle species described by LeConte in 1856. It belongs to the subfamily Oncerinae within Scarabaeidae. The species has been recorded from California in the United States and Baja California Sur in Mexico. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Oncodometopus
Oncodometopus is a genus of small flies in the family Lauxaniidae, established by Shewell in 1986. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology, morphology, or species composition. It belongs to a family of sapromyzine flies commonly associated with decaying plant material. Records of this genus are sparse, with only a handful of observations documented in biodiversity databases.
Onota angulicollis
Onota angulicollis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, originally described as Lebia angulicollis by Reiche in 1842. It is distributed across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America. As a member of the subfamily Lebiinae, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles, many of which are associated with vegetation rather than ground-dwelling habits. The specific epithet angulicollis refers to the angular or angled collar (pronotum) characteristic of this species.
Onthophagus alluvius
Onthophagus alluvius is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Howden and Cartwright in 1963. It is native to the southern United States, particularly Texas, and extends into central and eastern Mexico. The species has been documented using dog dung as a resource. Like other Onthophagus species, it likely engages in tunneling behavior to bury dung for larval development, though specific behavioral details for this species remain limited.
Onthophagus batesi
Onthophagus batesi is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, distributed across Central America, Mexico, and parts of the southern United States. The species belongs to a genus renowned for male horn polymorphism and complex sexual selection dynamics. Like other Onthophagus species, it is associated with mammal dung for feeding and breeding. It was described by Harold in 1867 and has also been classified under the genus Phalops.
Onthophagus brevifrons
Onthophagus brevifrons is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1881. The species is distributed across parts of the southern United States and northern Mexico, occurring in Arizona, Kansas, Texas, Durango, and San Luis Potosí. Like other members of the genus Onthophagus, it is a tunneling dung beetle that buries dung for larval development. The specific epithet "brevifrons" refers to the short frontal region of the head.
Onthophagus browni
Onthophagus browni is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Howden and Cartwright in 1963. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Onthophagus, which contains over 2,000 species worldwide. Like other members of its genus, this species is associated with mammal dung, playing a role in nutrient cycling. The species is distributed across parts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Onthophagus durangoensis
Onthophagus durangoensis is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, native to mountainous regions of Mexico and extending into the southwestern United States. It inhabits montane forests and has been documented in states across central and western Mexico, as well as in Arizona and New Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with mammal dung and plays a role in nutrient cycling in its ecosystems. The species was described by Balthasar in 1939 and is considered valid and accepted in current taxonomy.
Onthophagus hoepfneri
Onthophagus hoepfneri is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Harold in 1869. The species occurs across parts of Mexico, Central America, and the southwestern United States. As a member of the genus Onthophagus, it is likely a tunneler-type dung beetle that buries dung for larval development, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Onthophagus schaefferi
Onthophagus schaefferi is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Howden and Cartwright in 1963. It belongs to the genus Onthophagus, a large and diverse group of dung beetles known for their ecological role in nutrient recycling and their complex sexual selection dynamics involving horned males. The species has been recorded from Texas in the United States and Veracruz in Mexico, placing it within the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic realms. Like other members of its genus, it likely participates in dung burial behavior, though specific details for this species remain limited.
Onthophagus subopacus
Onthophagus subopacus is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Robinson in 1940. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States (Arizona) and western Mexico (Durango, Jalisco, Sonora). As a member of the genus Onthophagus, it likely participates in dung burial and nutrient cycling, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Oodinus
Oodinus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Licininae. The genus was established by Motschulsky in 1865 and contains at least ten described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized carabids with limited available ecological documentation.
Opharus
Opharus is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. It was established by Francis Walker in 1855. The genus belongs to the arctiine tussock moth group. Multiple species have been described within this genus, though comprehensive species-level documentation remains incomplete.
Ophisma
Ophisma is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus contains approximately 21 described species distributed primarily in tropical regions of the Americas. Many species were described in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by authors including Guenée, Walker, Schaus, and Hampson.
Ophisma tropicalis
Ophisma tropicalis is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from the southern United States to Uruguay. The species has been recorded on numerous Caribbean islands and throughout mainland South America. Larvae feed on Cupania americana, a member of the soapberry family.
Ophraea rugosa
Ophraea rugosa is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Jacoby in 1886. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America. It is one of approximately 13 species in the genus Ophraea, a group of leaf beetles primarily distributed in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions.
Opilidia
Opilid Tiger Beetles
Opilidia is a genus of tiger beetles in the family Cicindelidae, established by Rivalier in 1954. The genus contains seven described species distributed in the Neotropical region. Members are characterized by their elongated body form and are active, fast-running predators typical of the tiger beetle group.
Opsodexia
Opsodexia is a genus of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) described by Townsend in 1915. It is currently treated as a synonym of Melanomya (subgenus Opsodexia) within the subfamily Melanomyinae. The genus contains species associated with carrion and decomposition ecology. Very few observations exist in public databases, indicating either rarity or taxonomic obscurity.
Orasema costaricensis
Orasema costaricensis is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Eucharitidae, first described by Wheeler & Wheeler in 1937. Like other members of the genus Orasema, it is likely a parasitoid of ant larvae, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented. The species name indicates its Costa Rican origin. Records from the Galápagos Islands suggest some dispersal capacity or potential human-mediated introduction.
Orgerius proprius
Orgerius proprius is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, described by Doering and Darby in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Orgeriini, a group of dictyopharid planthoppers characterized by elongated head processes. The species is part of a genus whose members are primarily distributed in the Americas.
Orimarga mirabilis
Orimarga mirabilis is a crane fly species in the family Limoniidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1878. The species is known from the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from the eastern and southern United States (Indiana to Georgia, south to Texas, Louisiana, and Florida) and Cuba. It is one of approximately 48 observed species in the genus Orimarga.
Orizabus pyriformis
Orizabus pyriformis is a rhinoceros beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and central Mexico. The species was originally described as Bothynus pyriformis by John Lawrence LeConte in 1847.
Ornithocoris
Ornithocoris is a genus of hematophagous cimicid bugs that parasitize birds. Species in this genus are temporary ectoparasites, feeding on blood during all life stages and retreating to nests or shelter crevices between meals. The genus includes economically significant poultry pests, with O. toledoi documented from galliform hosts and parrots in South America and the southern United States.
Ornithoica vicina
Ornithoica vicina is a species of louse fly in the family Hippoboscidae, first described by Walker in 1849. This parasitic dipteran is known to infest birds, with a documented host record from the Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus). Louse flies in this family are obligate ectoparasites of birds and mammals, characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and reduced or absent wings in adults, adaptations that facilitate movement through host plumage or fur. The species has been recorded from multiple localities including Brazil and Hawaii.