Neotropical
Guides
Orphnabaccha
Orphnabaccha is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, native to the Neotropical region. The genus was reinstated by Hull in 1949 and later redefined when molecular studies showed that the formerly broad genus Ocyptamus was not monophyletic, leading to the split of several distinct genera including Orphnabaccha.
Orphnabaccha coerulea
A species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Williston in 1891. The genus Orphnabaccha is part of the diverse Syrphinae subfamily, whose members are commonly known as flower flies. Species in this genus are typically associated with tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Orsilochides scurrilis
Orsilochides scurrilis
A shield-backed bug in the family Scutelleridae, characterized by the greatly enlarged scutellum that covers most of the abdomen and wings. This species exhibits the typical scutellerid body form with a rounded, shield-like appearance. The genus Orsilochides is primarily Neotropical in distribution.
Orthemis
Tropical King Skimmers
Orthemis is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as Tropical King Skimmers. The genus is primarily Neotropical in distribution, with approximately 28 described species. Males are typically red in coloration while females are brown. The genus exhibits notable chromosomal diversity, including the highest chromosome number recorded in Odonata (2n=41 in O. nodiplaga) and a neo-XY sex-determination system in O. ambinigra. The complete life cycle has been described for O. ferruginea, which includes 17 larval instars.
Orthemis discolor
carmine skimmer, orange-bellied skimmer
Orthemis discolor is a medium-sized dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae, commonly known as the carmine skimmer or orange-bellied skimmer. It is widely distributed across the Americas, occurring from the southern United States through Central America to South America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population. It is a sibling species to Orthemis ferruginea (roseate skimmer), with which it has been historically confused; the two are distinguished primarily by coloration and subtle structural differences in females.
Orthocentrinae
Orthocentrinae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Ichneumonidae. The group is among the least-studied ichneumonid subfamilies despite representing a major component of tropical faunas. At least 29 genera are recognized, with substantial undescribed diversity in the Neotropics. Recent surveys in Brazil and Mexico have revealed species richness far exceeding previous estimates.
Orthonevra bellula
Three-lined Mucksucker
Orthonevra bellula is a rare species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Williston in 1882 as Chrysogater bellulus, with a lectotype later designated. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extend into the Neotropical region. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen.
Osbornellus
Osbornellus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, containing at least 100 described species. The genus is divided into four subgenera, with the nominate subgenus Osbornellus (s. str.) distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Some species have been introduced to the Palearctic region through human activity, with the first European records documented in Switzerland in 2016. Species in this genus are generally small, active insects that feed on plant sap.
Osirini
Osirini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees in the family Apidae. Most genera are exclusively Neotropical and parasitize nests of bees in the tribe Tapinotaspidini. The genus Epeoloides is exceptional, containing one North American and one European species that parasitize the melittid genus Macropis. All species possess a unique morphological trait: a tiny sclerite embedded in the membrane beneath the head, possibly functioning as protection against host stings during nest invasion.
Ostomopsis neotropicalis
Ostomopsis neotropicalis is a small beetle species in the family Cerylonidae, described by Lawrence & Stephan in 1975. The species is native to the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, with records from Middle America and North America. Cerylonidae are generally associated with decaying wood, fungi, or stored organic materials, though specific biology for this species remains poorly documented.
Otidocephalini
antlike weevils
Otidocephalini is a tribe of antlike weevils in the family Curculionidae, characterized by morphological adaptations resembling ants. The tribe comprises at least 6 genera including Laemomerus, Micromyrmex, Myrmex, Oopterinus, Otidocephalus, and Ptinopsis. Members occur in North and South America, with notable diversity in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions. Formerly classified as a subfamily (Otidocephalinae), the group now holds tribal rank within Curculionidae.
Ourapterygini
Ourapterygini is a large tribe of geometer moths within the subfamily Ennominae, described in 1846. The tribe is particularly diverse in the Neotropics and is considered the youngest tribe of its subfamily based on phylogenetic evidence. Members are distinguished by characteristic asymmetrical processes of the anellus, a derived trait present at least seasonally. Many species exhibit butterfly-like appearance and partially diurnal behavior, with conspicuous coloration that may serve as aposematic warning signals.
Oxacis debilis
Oxacis debilis is a species of false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae. The genus Oxacis is primarily Neotropical in distribution, with some species extending into the southern United States. Members of Oedemeridae are commonly known as false blister beetles due to their production of cantharidin, a defensive compound that can cause blistering on human skin. The specific epithet "debilis" (Latin for weak or feeble) may refer to morphological characteristics of the species.
Oxelytrum
carrion beetles
Oxelytrum is a genus of carrion beetles in the family Silphidae, containing approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in South America. Members are characterized by three distinct ridges on each elytron, a hairless pronotal disk, and 3-segmented antennal clubs. Most species are nocturnal and associated with decomposing animal remains. The genus has forensic significance due to predictable colonization patterns on carcasses.
Oxelytrum discicolle
Oxelytrum discicolle is a carrion beetle distributed throughout the Neotropical region from Mexico to Argentina. It is one of the most commonly collected silphid beetles in forensic entomology studies in South America. The species exhibits strictly nocturnal activity patterns and shows strong preference for carcasses in advanced stages of decomposition. Adults are attracted to decomposing vertebrate remains where they feed and likely reproduce.
Oxydia
Oxydia is a genus of geometrid moths in the family Geometridae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1857. Species in this genus are distributed across the Americas, with several species recognized as forest pests of economic importance. The genus includes defoliator species that attack conifers, eucalyptus, and other woody plants. Larvae are commonly known as loopers or measuring worms due to their characteristic looping gait.
Oxydrepanus
Oxydrepanus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Clivinini, subtribe Reicheiina. The genus was established by Putzeys in 1867 and contains approximately 17 described species distributed across the Americas, with records from Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, and other regions. Species are small to minute in size and have been documented from the mid-19th century to recent descriptions in 2018. The genus is taxonomically placed within the diverse carabid subfamily Scaritinae, which includes many soil-dwelling beetles.
Oxyelophila
Oxyelophila is a genus of crambid moths in the subfamily Acentropinae, described by William Trowbridge Merrifield Forbes in 1922. The genus comprises eight described species distributed in the Neotropical region. As a member of Acentropinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as aquatic or semiaquatic moths, though specific ecological data for Oxyelophila remain limited.
Oxymerus
Oxymerus is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Cerambycinae, and tribe Trachyderini. The genus contains ten described species distributed exclusively in the Neotropical region, ranging from Nicaragua and the West Indies south to Bolivia and Uruguay. Species within this genus are medium to large-sized, brightly colored, and diurnal. Oxymerus aculeatus is the most widespread species and has been detected in Florida, raising concerns about potential establishment in the United States.
Oxymerus aculeatus
Oxymerus aculeatus is a medium to large-sized longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini, characterized by bright coloration and diurnal activity. The species was described by Dupont in 1838 and is the most widely distributed member of its exclusively Neotropical genus, ranging from Nicaragua and the West Indies south to Bolivia and Uruguay. Several subspecies have been described, with the nominate subspecies O. a. aculeatus occurring throughout central, eastern, and southeastern Brazil. Like most cerambycids, larvae presumably develop in dead or dying wood, though specific host plants remain undocumented. The species has been detected in Florida, raising concerns about potential establishment and economic impact as an invasive wood-boring pest.
Oxytorinae
Oxytorinae is a subfamily of ichneumonid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Oxytorus, the primary representative of this subfamily in the New World, comprises 11 described species with distribution ranging from North America through Central America to South America. The subfamily was first recorded in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024 through DNA barcoding of historical specimens, representing a significant range extension for the group. Species identification relies on morphological features of the thorax, wings, and antennae, with taxonomic reviews providing illustrated keys for New World species.
Ozodiceromyia flavipennis
A species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. The specific epithet 'flavipennis' refers to yellow wings, a characteristic coloration trait. Very little has been documented about this species beyond taxonomic classification.
Ozophora
dirt-colored seed bugs
Ozophora is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, containing more than 100 described species. These true bugs are characterized by their dull coloration and association with seed feeding. The genus has been documented in the Neotropics and the Lesser Antilles, with research focusing on systematics, new species descriptions, and reproductive behavior in select species.
Ozotomerus
Ozotomerus is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, established by Perroud in 1853. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their distinctive elongated snout and association with fungal substrates. The genus is distributed across various regions with documented observations primarily from the Americas. As with other anthribids, species in this genus are likely mycophagous, feeding on fungal growth on decaying wood and plant material.
Pacarina
Little Specklewings
Pacarina is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus remained poorly known until 2020, when the first definitive host plant and rearing records were published. Twenty-nine adults emerged from the soil of a potted Dracaena trifasciata plant in Panama, revealing that nymphs develop underground feeding on host plant roots. These reared specimens likely represent an undescribed species, highlighting how much remains unknown about this genus.
Pachodynerus
potter wasps
Pachodynerus is a genus of approximately 50 species of solitary potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae. The genus exhibits highest diversity in central South America, with species distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. These wasps are cavity-nesters that construct mud cells in pre-existing holes, including abandoned insect burrows, plant stems, and human-made structures. Several species have been introduced beyond their native ranges, including P. nasidens which has established populations on oceanic islands and caused aviation safety incidents in Australia by nesting in aircraft pitot probes.
Pachyceramyia
Pachyceramyia is a genus of muscid flies established by Albuquerque in 1955. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species are classified within the subfamily Coenosiinae and tribe Limnophorini, a group associated with semi-aquatic and shoreline habitats. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting thick or swollen horn-like structures, likely referring to distinctive antennal or facial features.
Pachycondyla
Panther Ants
Pachycondyla is a genus of ponerine ants found in the Neotropics. Following a major taxonomic revision by Schmidt & Shattuck (2014), the genus was drastically reduced from hundreds of species to eleven extant species, with many former members moved to revived genera. The genus now contains primarily Neotropical species distributed from the southern United States to northern Argentina. Some species, such as P. chinensis (Asian needle ant), have become invasive beyond their native ranges. The genus includes both ground-nesting and arboreal species, with some forming mutualistic relationships with plants.
Pachycorinae
Pachycorinae is a subfamily of Scutelleridae (jewel bugs) comprising 27 genera and approximately 125 species, predominantly distributed in the Neotropical region. The subfamily is distinguished by the presence of stridulatory structures: an abdominal sternal stridulitrum located primarily on sternites V-VI, paired with a tibial plectrum on the hind tibiae. These sound-producing structures are present in immatures, males, and females, and exhibit morphological variation that carries taxonomic significance. Two main stridulitrum patterns occur: smooth carinae (24 genera) and coarse carinae with small teeth (3 genera); tibial plectra show either rounded tubercles or flat tubercles.
Pachygrontha compacta
Pachygrontha compacta is a true bug species in the family Pachygronthidae, first described by Distant in 1893. It is a seed bug with a broad distribution across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions, recorded from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. The species belongs to a family of lygaeoid bugs characterized by their elongate body form and seed-feeding habits. Like other members of Pachygronthidae, it is presumed to feed on seeds of grasses or other monocot plants, though specific host records remain limited.
Pachylia
Pachylia is a genus of hawk moths (Sphingidae) established by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus contains three recognized species distributed in the Neotropical region. These moths are part of the diverse Macroglossinae subfamily, characterized by their streamlined bodies and rapid flight capabilities typical of sphingids.
Pachylia ficus
fig sphinx
Pachylia ficus, commonly known as the fig sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It occurs from Uruguay through Central America to the southern United States, with occasional strays into Arizona and Texas. Adults feed on nectar and are documented pollinators of the endangered ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii). Larvae feed on multiple Ficus species and related plants in the Moraceae family.
Pachylioides
Pachylioides is a monotypic moth genus in the family Sphingidae, established by Ronald W. Hodges in 1971. It contains a single species, Pachylioides resumens, described by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions with multiple generations per year.
Pachylioides resumens
Lesser Ficus Sphinx
Pachylioides resumens is a sphingid moth distributed across the Neotropics from Argentina north through Central America and the Caribbean, with occasional strays reaching the southern United States. The species is commonly known as the Lesser Ficus Sphinx, reflecting its association with Ficus host plants. It belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae. The species was originally described by Francis Walker in 1856 under the basionym Pachylia resumens.
Pachymerus
Pachymerus is a genus of seed beetles in the subfamily Bruchinae (formerly Bruchidae), family Chrysomelidae. Species in this genus are specialized seed predators of palms (Arecaceae), with documented associations including Syagrus coronata (licuri palm), Syagrus romanzoffiana (queen palm), and babassu palms (Orbinya spp.). The genus has been studied for its tritrophic interactions with parasitoid wasps, particularly Heterospilus species, and its role in palm seed predation in Neotropical ecosystems.
Pachyschelus
Pachyschelus is a genus of metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, containing at least 270 described species. Members are small, flattened leaf-miners distinguished from other buprestids by their highly derived morphology: compact, wedge-shaped bodies adapted for living between leaf surfaces rather than boring through wood. The genus belongs to the tribe Trachyini, whose larvae mine leaves of herbaceous plants rather than stems or trunks. Species occur primarily in the Neotropics, with some extending into North America.
Paectes nana
Paectes nana is a small moth in the family Euteliidae, originally described by Walker in 1865 and later redescribed as Paectes isabel by Schaus in 1923. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism and two distinct forewing forms, with males measuring 10.9–11.6 mm and females 9.4–9.9 mm in forewing length. It has been introduced to the Galapagos Islands beyond its native Neotropical range.
Palaemnema domina
Desert Shadowdamsel
Palaemnema domina, commonly known as the desert shadowdamsel, is a damselfly species in the family Platystictidae. Adults range from 35 to 44 mm in length with a wingspan of 38 to 48 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males showing brighter blue markings on abdominal segments 8 and 9 compared to females. It is active from July to September in riparian habitats.
Palaminus
Palaminus is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing approximately 16 described species. The genus was established by Erichson in 1839 and belongs to the subfamily Paederinae, tribe Pinophilini. Rove beetles in this genus exhibit the characteristic elongated body and short elytra typical of Staphylinidae.
Palpada pusilla
Bicolored Plushback
Palpada pusilla is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bicolored Plushback. It is a member of the tribe Eristalini, which includes species whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their distinctive posterior breathing siphon. The species has been documented across all 27 states of Brazil based on distribution records. Adult flies are pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic environments.
Palpita flegia
satin white moth, Satin White Palpita
Palpita flegia is a crambid moth commonly known as the satin white moth. It was described by Cramer in 1777 and has a broad distribution across the Neotropics and into the southern United States. The species is a documented pest of ornamental plants in the family Apocynaceae, particularly Cascabela thevetia. Laboratory studies have established detailed life cycle parameters including six larval instars and specific thermal requirements for development.
Pandeleteius
broad-nosed weevils
Pandeleteius is a large genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Tanymecini) comprising over 150 described species distributed across the Americas. The genus was established by Schönherr in 1834 and has been extensively revised by Anne Howden, who described most species. Members occur from North America through Central America to South America, with some species groups characterized by distinctive irregular elytral striae and well-developed stylus on the female coxite.
Panthea
Panthea is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Pantheinae. The genus name derives from Greek and Persian, meaning 'of all gods.' Species within Panthea are primarily distributed in North America, with some Neotropical representatives including recently described species from Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The genus includes notable species such as Panthea furcilla (eastern panthea or tufted white pine caterpillar) and Panthea acronyctoides (black zigzag or tufted spruce caterpillar), whose larvae feed on conifer hosts.
Panthiades
Panthiades is a genus of lycaenid butterflies in the tribe Eumaeini (hairstreaks). The genus comprises approximately eight described species distributed throughout the Neotropical region. At least one species, Panthiades bitias, has been documented as myrmecophilous, with immature stages exhibiting ant-associated behavior. Adults are generally small to medium-sized butterflies with the characteristic morphology of hairstreak butterflies.
Papilio thoas
Thoas swallowtail, King swallowtail
Papilio thoas is a large swallowtail butterfly distributed across the Neotropics from Mexico through Central America to South America. The species exhibits typical papilionid characteristics including prominent tail-like extensions on the hindwings. Larvae have been reared on Piper aduncum in laboratory conditions, though natural host plant associations in the wild require further confirmation. The species is subject to parasitism by sarcophagid flies during the pupal stage.
Paracarniella
Paracarniella is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Henry and Ferreira in 2003. The genus belongs to the infraorder Cimicomorpha, a diverse group of predatory and plant-feeding true bugs. As a relatively recently described genus, it remains poorly documented in the literature. The genus contains species that are part of the Neotropical mirid fauna.
Paraceresa
Paraceresa is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, established by Kopp & Yonke in 1979. The genus contains 11 described species distributed primarily in South America. Species have been recorded from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The genus belongs to the tribe Ceresini within the diverse treehopper radiation.
Paracloeodes
Paracloeodes is a genus of small minnow mayflies in the family Baetidae, established by Day in 1955. The genus contains at least 23 described species distributed across the Americas, with the highest diversity concentrated in the Neotropical region. Nymph-adult associations have been established for only nine species, indicating significant gaps in life stage knowledge. Recent taxonomic work has focused on describing new species and clarifying previously unknown adult stages, such as for P. carolinae.
Paracotalpa deserta
Paracotalpa deserta is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. The species was described by Saylor in 1940 and is known from desert regions of California and Baja California. It belongs to a genus of flower chafers found in western North America.
Paradacerla
Paradacerla is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Carvalho and Usinger in 1957. The genus belongs to the diverse mirid fauna of the Western Hemisphere. Very few records exist for this genus, with only one observation documented on iNaturalist. The taxonomic placement within Miridae indicates it is part of the large radiation of true bugs associated with vegetation.