Neotropical
Guides
Periscelididae
Dwarf Flies
Periscelididae is a family of small acalyptrate flies commonly known as Dwarf Flies. Adults are typically 3–4 mm in length with a distinctly broad head, broad bulging cheeks, and characteristic bristle patterns on the head and thorax. The family comprises approximately 12 genera in two subfamilies (Periscelidinae and Stenomicrinae), with species distributed across the Palaearctic, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. At least some species develop in phytotelmata—water-holding plant structures such as those in Araceae.
Perithemis domitia
slough amberwing
Perithemis domitia, commonly known as the slough amberwing, is a small skimmer dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is distributed across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Perola
Perola is a genus of moths in the family Limacodidae, the slug caterpillar moths. These moths are primarily Neotropical in distribution. The genus was established by Francis Walker in 1855. Limacodidae moths are known for their distinctive caterpillars that possess reduced prolegs and move with a slug-like locomotion.
Peruveleon
Peruveleon is a genus of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) established in 2011, containing five described species distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus was erected by Miller and Stange, with species previously assigned to other genera. Adult antlions are aerial predators, while larvae are pit-building or debris-dwelling predators that hunt small arthropods.
Petrusa
Petrusa is a genus of planthoppers in the family Flatidae, subfamily Flatinae. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with Petrusa epilepsis being a notable species associated with seagrape and other host plants in the Caribbean. The genus is characterized by the typical flatid morphology with wings held tent-like over the body and parallel cross-veins along the costal margin of the forewings.
Peucetia
Green Lynx Spiders
Peucetia is a genus of lynx spiders (family Oxyopidae) distributed worldwide, containing approximately 47 species as of 2025. The genus is notable for its association with plants bearing glandular trichomes, a specialized ecological relationship that has evolved independently across multiple continents. North American species include P. viridans, the largest lynx spider on the continent, and P. longipalpis in the southwestern United States. Several species exhibit complex maternal care behaviors and occupy distinct microhabitats that facilitate coexistence of sympatric congeners.
Phacepholis
Phacepholis is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae, and tribe Naupactini. It was established by George Henry Horn in 1876. The genus belongs to the broad-nosed weevil group, characterized by a relatively short and broad rostrum. As a member of Naupactini, it is part of a diverse tribe distributed primarily in the Neotropical region.
Phacepholis viridis
Phacepholis viridis is a species of broad-nosed weevil (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Naupactini) described by Champion in 1911. It belongs to a genus of Neotropical weevils in the tribe Naupactini, a group known for parthenogenetic reproduction and association with various host plants. The specific epithet 'viridis' (Latin for green) suggests a green coloration, though detailed species-level descriptions are limited in available sources. The genus Phacepholis is taxonomically classified within the subfamily Entiminae, a diverse group of weevils characterized by their broad snouts and often root-feeding larvae.
Phaegopterina
Phaegopterina is a subtribe of tiger moths within the tribe Arctiini (subfamily Arctiinae, family Erebidae). First described by William Forsell Kirby in 1892, it was formerly classified as the tribe Phaegopterini of family Arctiidae. The subtribe contains approximately 750 species recorded in Brazil alone, with 469 species documented in the Amazon region and 254 in the Cerrado. It includes the arctiine tussock moths, a group sometimes confused with true tussock moths (Lymantriinae). Taxonomic revisions have clarified its placement, with the proposed subtribe Euchaetina ultimately synonymized under Phaegopterina.
Phaeostrymon
Phaeostrymon is a genus of hairstreak butterflies (Lycaenidae: Theclinae) established by Clench in 1961. It belongs to the tribe Eumaeini, one of the most diverse groups within the subfamily. The genus contains species distributed in the Neotropical region. Members exhibit the characteristic tail-like hindwing projections typical of hairstreaks.
Phaloesia
saucy beauty moth
Phaloesia is a monotypic genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, containing only the species Phaloesia saucia. The genus was described by Francis Walker in 1854. Adults are active nearly year-round and have been documented feeding on nectar from specific flowering plants. The genus occurs from southern Texas through Central America to northern South America.
Phaloesia saucia
Saucy Beauty, Saucy Beauty Moth
Phaloesia saucia, commonly known as the Saucy Beauty, is a moth in the family Erebidae found from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas through tropical regions to Venezuela. This species belongs to the tiger moth lineage within the Arctiinae subfamily. The common name references the species epithet 'saucia,' meaning 'wounded' or 'hurt' in Latin, though the origin of 'Saucy Beauty' as a vernacular name is not documented in available sources.
Phanaeus quadridens
Phanaeus quadridens is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Scarabaeinae. It belongs to the genus Phanaeus, a group known for their role in dung burial and nutrient recycling. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: P. q. quadridens and P. q. borealis.
Phanaeus texensis
Texas Black Phanaeus
Phanaeus texensis is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Edmonds in 1994. The species belongs to a genus renowned for its colorful, horned males and ecological role in dung burial. It is found in Texas and adjacent regions of Mexico.
Phanocerus clavicornis
riffle beetle
Phanocerus clavicornis is a small riffle beetle in the family Elmidae, measuring approximately 3 mm in length. The species exhibits a broad Neotropical distribution, ranging from Texas and the Caribbean through Central America to southeastern Brazil. Populations in Atlantic Rainforest streams demonstrate significant phenotypic plasticity in body size in response to hydraulic conditions, with smaller larvae occurring during periods of greater rainfall. Both larvae and adults are fully aquatic and occupy the same freshwater environments.
Phasia chilensis
Phasia chilensis is a tachinid fly in the genus Phasia, a large and taxonomically complex group of parasitoid flies. The species was originally described as Hyalomya chilensis by Macquart in 1851 and has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with four junior synonyms recently synonymized under it. As a member of the Phasiinae subfamily, it likely functions as a parasitoid of true bugs (Hemiptera), though specific host records for this species require confirmation from the primary literature. The genus Phasia exhibits substantial morphological diversity and has a broad distribution across multiple continents.
Phegoneus
Phegoneus is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) described by Casey in 1907. The genus is distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with very few observations documented in biodiversity databases. As a member of the speciose family Tenebrionidae, species in this genus likely exhibit the hardened forewings (elytra) and general body plan characteristic of the family. The genus remains poorly known, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Pheidole porcula
Pheidole porcula is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Wheeler in 1908. As a member of this hyperdiverse ant genus, it exhibits the characteristic worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes. The species is placed within the tribe Attini, though unlike the well-known fungus-growing ants in this tribe, most Pheidole species are generalist foragers. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Pheidole subarmata
Pheidole subarmata is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Mayr in 1884. The species belongs to one of the most diverse ant genera globally, with over 1,000 described species in the New World alone. As with other Pheidole species, it exhibits a dimorphic worker caste system with minor workers and major workers (soldiers) distinguished by head size. The species has been documented across South America and the Caribbean.
Phidippus bidentatus
Phidippus bidentatus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It is found from the United States to Costa Rica. The specific epithet 'bidentatus' refers to two teeth, likely describing a morphological feature of the chelicerae or other mouthparts. Like other members of the genus Phidippus, it possesses the enlarged anterior median eyes characteristic of jumping spiders.
Phidotricha
Phidotricha is a genus of snout moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae) established by Ragonot in 1889. The genus includes at least one economically significant species, Phidotricha erigens, which was first documented as a coffee pest in Amazonian Robusta plantations in Rondônia, Brazil. Members of this genus are associated with tropical agricultural ecosystems, with larvae feeding on reproductive structures of host plants.
Phileurini
Phileurini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Dynastinae, established by Burmeister in 1847. The tribe includes two subtribes: Cryptodina (Burmeister & Schaum, 1840) containing the genus Cryptodus, and Phileurina (Burmeister, 1847). Members of this tribe are primarily Neotropical in distribution, with some species extending into North America. The genus Phileurus, the namesake of the tribe, includes species that are sometimes mistaken for bess beetles (Passalidae) due to their flattened, parallel-sided body form.
Phileurus
Phileurus is a genus of rhinoceros beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae, tribe Phileurini. The genus contains more than 20 described species and is primarily Neotropical in distribution, with only two species extending north into the United States. The most widespread North American species, P. valgus, ranges from the southern United States to Argentina and the West Indies.
Philosciidae
Philosciid Woodlice
Philosciidae is a family of terrestrial isopod crustaceans commonly known as woodlice. The family exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution with strong representation in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Species diversity is highest in the Neotropics, with numerous genera and species described from Brazil alone. Several species have adapted to cave environments (troglobitic), including notable examples in the genera Benthana and Benthanoides from iron-ore caves in the Amazon biome. The family is less diverse in the Holarctic realm, where only a few species occur.
Philothermus puberulus
Philothermus puberulus is a minute bark beetle in the family Cerylonidae, described by Schwarz in 1878. The species has been recorded from the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. Like other members of Cerylonidae, it is a small beetle associated with woody substrates.
Phloeoxena signata
Phloeoxena signata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Records indicate this species occurs in Central America and parts of North America, with confirmed observations from Mexico through Panama. As a member of Carabidae, it likely exhibits typical ground beetle characteristics including predatory habits and terrestrial lifestyle, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Phlugis
Phlugis is a genus of small katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Meconematinae. These insects belong to the tribe Phlugidini, which shares the genus name. The genus occurs primarily in South American tropical and subtropical regions. Members are generally diminutive compared to many other katydids, reflecting adaptations to their specific ecological niches.
Phocides
Guava Skipper (for Phocides polybius)
Phocides is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) containing approximately 20 species, primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is the namesake of the tribe Phocidini within subfamily Eudaminae. Several species have distinctive common names, including Phocides polybius, known as the guava skipper. The genus extends from South America through Central America and the Caribbean, with a few species reaching the southern United States.
Phocides pigmalion
Pigmalion Skipper
Phocides pigmalion, known as the Pigmalion Skipper, is a Neotropical butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species ranges from Central America to Argentina and has been subject to historical taxonomic confusion with related species Phocides batabano and Phocides bicolora. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and P. p. hewitsonius.
Phocides polybius
guava skipper, bloody spot, Southern Guava Skipper
Phocides polybius, commonly known as the guava skipper or bloody spot, is a Neotropical butterfly in the skipper family Hesperiidae. First described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1793, this species ranges from the southernmost United States through Central America to Argentina. It is notable for its association with Psidium host plants, particularly guava, and is frequently observed at flowers where it allows close approach.
Phoebis
sulphurs, sulfurs
Phoebis, commonly known as sulphurs, is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, subfamily Coliadinae. The genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America. Members are characterized by bright yellow, orange, or white coloration. Several species are known for seasonal migration patterns, particularly northward movements in spring and southward returns in fall. The genus includes economically and ecologically significant species such as the cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae), which has been extensively studied for its life history and host plant associations.
Phoebis philea
Orange-barred Sulphur
Phoebis philea, the orange-barred sulphur, is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae found throughout the Americas from the southern United States to Brazil, including the Caribbean. Adults are known for their bright yellow-orange coloration with distinctive orange bars on the forewings. The species exhibits seasonal variation in generation number, with multiple broods in southern regions and a single generation in northern parts of its range. Larvae feed on Cassia species, while adults visit nectar sources, particularly red-colored flowers.
Phrictopyga
Phrictopyga is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, established by Caldwell in 1951. The genus comprises approximately 12 described species. These insects belong to the diverse group of fulgoromorph planthoppers within the order Hemiptera. At least one species, Phrictopyga holmgreni, has been documented from Argentina.
Phrygionis
Phrygionis is a neotropical moth genus in the family Geometridae. Species in this genus possess relatively conspicuous wing patterns, which historically led to overestimation of species richness. Forewing length in most species measures 16–18 mm. The genus contains approximately 14 described species.
Phrygionis paradoxata
Jeweled Satyr Moth, Silvery Phrygionis
Phrygionis paradoxata, commonly known as the Jeweled Satyr Moth or Silvery Phrygionis, is a geometrid moth first described by Achille Guenée in 1858. The species is distributed across the Neotropical region, with records from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Florida in North America. Three subspecies are recognized: the nominate form, P. p. incolorata, and P. p. steeleorum.
Phrygionis privignaria
Phrygionis privignaria is a geometrid moth species described by Achille Guenée in 1858. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae and has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, North America, Central America, and South America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 6671.2.
Phrynidae
Phrynid Tailless Whipscorpions, whip spiders, tailless whip scorpions
Phrynidae is a family of amblypygid arachnids found in tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America. The family includes approximately 65 described species across five extant genera: Acanthophrynus, Heterophrynus, Paraphrynus, Phrynus, and the extinct genus †Britopygus. Species occupy diverse habitats including forests, caves, and subterranean environments. All species are nocturnal. Genetic studies indicate substantial cryptic diversity, with some nominal species likely comprising dozens of distinct lineages.
Phryxus caicus
Caicus Sphinx
Phryxus caicus is a sphinx moth and the sole species in its genus. It occurs primarily in the Neotropics with occasional records from the southeastern United States. Adults fly mainly during late summer and fall in temperate regions, though activity may continue year-round in tropical areas. Larvae feed on plants in the dogbane family.
Phuphena
Phuphena is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are classified within the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest subfamilies of owlet moths. The genus has been documented through museum specimens and limited field observations.
Phygadeuontinae
Darwin wasps
Phygadeuontinae is a subfamily of Darwin wasps within Ichneumonidae, comprising numerous genera including Atractodes, Chirotica, Gelis, Lochetica, and others. The subfamily exhibits cosmopolitan distribution with substantial diversity in the Neotropics, Europe, and Asia Minor. Members are primarily parasitoids with varied host associations including Lepidoptera (Psychidae), Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae), and other insects. The genus Gelis includes at least one documented endoparasitoid of insect eggs, representing an unusual life history strategy for ichneumonids.
Phyllocnistis meliacella
Mahogany leaf miner
Phyllocnistis meliacella, commonly known as the mahogany leaf miner, is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species was described by Becker in 1974. It is a leaf-mining species whose larvae feed internally on host plant foliage. Originally known only from Costa Rica, it has recently been documented in Florida, USA, representing a range expansion into North America.
Phyllocycla breviphylla
Ringed Forceptail
Phyllocycla breviphylla, commonly known as the Ringed Forceptail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It was described by Belle in 1975. The species is distributed across Central and South America. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern, indicating no immediate threats to its survival.
Phyllodonta
Phyllodonta is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae, established by Warren in 1894. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some taxa extending into the Nearctic. Several species form cryptic complexes that are superficially indistinguishable based on adult external morphology but can be differentiated by genitalia, larval characteristics, host plant associations, and DNA barcodes. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, particularly for the latrata species group in Costa Rica.
Phyllogomphoides
leaftails
Phyllogomphoides is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as leaftails. It is the second most diverse genus within neotropical Gomphidae, comprising 46 species. The genus was established by Belle in 1970. Mexican species are distinguished primarily by male accessory genitalia, cerci, and epiproct morphology, as color patterns are often similar across species.
Phylloicus mexicanus
Phylloicus mexicanus is a species of caddisfly in the family Calamoceratidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1900. The genus Phylloicus is known for larvae that construct distinctive leaf cases using cut pieces of living leaves. This species occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with the specific epithet suggesting Mexican distribution. As with other Calamoceratidae, larvae are likely associated with freshwater habitats where they feed on plant material.
Phyllomydas
Phyllomydas is a genus of mydas flies (family Mydidae) established by Bigot in 1880. The genus contains seven described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are among the larger dipterans, though specific ecological and biological details remain poorly documented in scientific literature.
Phyllophaga sonora
Phyllophaga sonora is a species of scarab beetle described by Saylor in 1939. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, a large group commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have subterranean larval stages and adult emergence patterns tied to seasonal rainfall, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Phyllophaga torta
Phyllophaga torta is a scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the large genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs, which contains over 400 species in North America. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Texas in the United States and several states in northeastern Mexico.
Phyllophaga trichodes
Phyllophaga trichodes is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Bates in 1888. The species belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, which contains numerous North American species with root-feeding larval stages. It occurs in both the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic realms.
Phyllophaga vetula
Old Man June Bug
Phyllophaga vetula is a scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the Old Man June Bug. The species occurs across the southwestern United States and throughout much of Mexico. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, it belongs to a large and taxonomically challenging group of beetles often referred to as May beetles or June bugs. The genus contains over 400 species in North America, many of which are difficult to distinguish without examination of genitalia.