Neotropical
Guides
Scolopocryptopidae
Scolopocryptopid Centipedes
Scolopocryptopidae is a family of blind centipedes in the order Scolopendromorpha, comprising more than 90 species. The family is distinguished from all other centipedes by having exactly 23 pairs of legs—a fixed trait that contrasts with the variable leg counts in other families. Members are eyeless and possess a distinctive gizzard with kinked, pineapple-shaped sieve projections. The family is most diverse in the Neotropical realm, with four recognized subfamilies: Ectonocryptopinae, Kethopinae, Newportiinae, and Scolopocryptopinae.
Scolytodes
Scolytodes is a genus of small bark beetles in the tribe Ctenophorini, distributed throughout the Neotropics from Mexico to South America. Many species are associated with specific host plants, particularly Cecropia and Ficus, with some exhibiting ambrosia beetle behavior involving fungal cultivation in galleries. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with numerous new species described from Central and South America in recent decades.
Scopula apparitaria
Scopula apparitaria is a small moth in the family Geometridae, described by Francis Walker in 1861. The species exhibits a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. It has a broad neotropical distribution, occurring from the southern United States through Central America and into South America, with records from the Greater Antilles. Like other members of the genus Scopula, it possesses the characteristic 'wave' patterning typical of the group.
Scopula umbilicata
swag-lined wave moth
Scopula umbilicata is a small geometrid moth species first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the southern United States, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The species is characterized by its distinctive white wings with sparse speckling and relatively small size, with a wingspan of approximately 18 mm. Like other members of the genus Scopula, its caterpillars are likely inchworm-type larvae that move with a characteristic looping gait.
Scybalistodes
Scybalistodes is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Glaphyriinae, established by Eugene G. Munroe in 1964. The genus contains nine described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Most species were described in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The genus is part of a diverse group of small to medium-sized crambid moths.
Seeversiella globicollis
A small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) distributed from southern Canada through the United States to Honduras. Originally described as Atheta globicollis in 1907, the species was transferred to Seeversiella in a 2006 revision that synonymized S. bispinosa with it. The genus Seeversiella is primarily Nearctic and Neotropical in distribution. No ecological or biological studies of this species have been published.
Seira brasiliana
Seira brasiliana is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Entomobryidae. It is a Neotropical species originally described from Brazil, with subsequent records from multiple Brazilian states including Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. As a member of the genus Seira, it possesses the characteristic scaled body covering typical of this group. The species remains poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Seira domestica
Seira domestica is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, originally described by Hercule Nicolet in 1842 as Degeeria domestica. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, characterized by elongate body forms. The species has been recorded from Brazil (Pernambuco state).
Selenisa
Selenisa is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae. The genus was established by Hayward in 1967 and contains approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. One species, Selenisa sueroides, has been studied for its associated parasitoid fauna.
Selenophorus seriatoporus
Selenophorus seriatoporus is a Neotropical ground beetle in the family Carabidae. Laboratory studies have demonstrated its predatory capacity and evaluated its life cycle on different substrates. Research has examined dietary effects on its consumption, fecundity, and egg viability, with Tenebrio molitor larvae being the most consumed food source.
Sennius lebasi
pea weevil, bean weevil
Sennius lebasi is a seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, placed in the S. abbreviatus species group. The lectotype was designated in a 2013 taxonomic revision. Members of this group are distinguished by patterns of sclerites and the shape of the male internal sac. The species occurs across the Neotropical region.
Sennius medialis
Sennius medialis is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, first described by Sharp in 1885. Members of this genus are associated with leguminous host plants, though specific host records for this species remain limited. The species is known from both Middle and North America based on collection records.
Sephina
leaf-footed bugs
Sephina is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (family Coreidae) comprising at least 27 described species. The genus was established by Amyot & Serville in 1843 and is classified in the tribe Spartocerini. Recent taxonomic revisions have described new species from Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama, and have clarified species boundaries through synonymies and illustrated identification keys.
Sericopompilus neotropicalis
Sericopompilus neotropicalis is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cameron in 1893. It belongs to a genus characterized by silvery or sericeous pubescence on the body. The species name 'neotropicalis' indicates a distribution in the Neotropical region. Very few observations exist, with only 5 records on iNaturalist.
Silinae
soldier beetles
Silinae is a subfamily of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) comprising approximately 6 genera and more than 180 described species. The subfamily includes the genera Silis, Polemius, Discodon, Plectonotum, Ditemnus, and Tytthonyx. Species occur across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with some lineages showing remarkable high-altitude adaptations including extreme brachelytry (shortened elytra) and wing reduction.
Siproeta
Malachite and Pages, Malachite
Siproeta is a genus of brush-footed butterflies (family Nymphalidae) comprising three recognized species found in the Neotropical region. The genus includes the well-known Malachite butterfly (Siproeta stelenes), named for its striking green coloration resembling the mineral malachite. These butterflies occur from Central America through South America, with some species extending into the Caribbean and occasionally reaching extreme southern Florida and Texas. Adults are long-lived and exhibit distinctive behaviors including hilltopping aggregations for mating.
Siproeta stelenes
Malachite
Siproeta stelenes, commonly known as the malachite, is a neotropical brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is named for the mineral malachite due to the brilliant green or yellow-green coloration on the upperside of its wings. The species ranges from Brazil through Central America to Mexico, with populations also established in southern Florida, southern Texas, and several Caribbean islands. Adults are long-lived and feed on diverse carbohydrate sources including flower nectar, rotting fruit, and even carrion. Larvae feed on plants in the family Acanthaceae.
Sisyra apicalis
spongillafly
Sisyra apicalis is a species of spongillafly in the family Sisyridae, first described by Banks in 1908. Spongillflies are a small family of aquatic insects with specialized larval biology tied to freshwater sponges. The species has a broad Neotropical and Nearctic distribution, spanning from North America through Central America and the Caribbean to South America, with documented records across Brazil including the semiarid Caatinga biome.
Sisyracera
Sisyracera is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, and tribe Udeini. It was established in 1890 by Heinrich Benno Möschler with Leucinodes preciosalis as the type species, now synonymized with Sisyracera subulalis. The genus contains three recognized species, with distribution centered in the Neotropical region.
Smiliinae
Smiliinae is a large subfamily of treehoppers (Membracidae) comprising approximately 100 genera organized into 10 tribes, with the majority of diversity concentrated in the Americas. The subfamily includes approximately 140 described species, though this likely underrepresents true diversity. Members are characterized by elaborate pronotal modifications that produce bizarre shapes including thorn-like projections, ant-mimicking forms, and other structures whose functions remain incompletely understood. The nominotypical tribe Smiliini contains 169 species in 23 genera and is predominantly Nearctic in distribution, with evolutionary origins traced to Central America and Mexico followed by multiple dispersals to temperate North America.
Smyrna
Smyrna is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, distributed from Mexico through Central America to South America. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1823 and belongs to the tribe Coeini within the subfamily Nymphalinae. Species in this genus are medium-sized brush-footed butterflies with distinctive wing patterns.
Solenopterini
Solenopterini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Prioninae. Members are characterized by robust, often large-bodied forms adapted to wood-boring life histories. The tribe includes several genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some representation in the Nearctic. Solenopterini species are associated with dead or decaying hardwoods and are of occasional economic significance as timber pests.
Sophona snellingi
Sophona snellingi is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Eichlin in 1986. It belongs to the subfamily Tinthiinae, a group of relatively small and poorly known sesiid moths. The species is named in honor of entomologist Roy R. Snelling. Like other members of its family, it is presumed to exhibit wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and a slender body form.
Spalacopsis
Spalacopsis is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Agapanthiinae. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Species were described between 1829 and 1973, with several named by Tyson in the early 1970s. The genus is part of the tribe Agapanthiini, a group of cerambycids often associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Spartocerini
Spartocerini is a tribe of leaf-footed bugs in the family Coreidae, comprising approximately 6 genera and at least 60 described species. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological features including prominent and unarmed antennifers, slender legs, and hind coxae separated from each other by a distance greater than from each one to the lateral margin of the body. The conjunctiva lacks a pair of lateral lobes and has a membranous dorsal middle lobe. The tribe is exclusively distributed in the Neotropical region.
Spathilepia
Falcate Skipper
Spathilepia is a monotypic genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Eudaminae. The sole species, Spathilepia clonius, is known as the Falcate Skipper. The genus was established by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1870. It is distributed from the southern United States through Central America and into South America.
Spathilepia clonius
Falcate Skipper
Spathilepia clonius, commonly known as the Falcate Skipper, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Spathilepia within the skipper family Hesperiidae. This butterfly ranges from the southern United States through Central America and into South America as far as Argentina. It is a member of the subfamily Eudaminae, a group characterized by their robust bodies and rapid, darting flight patterns. The species has been documented across diverse tropical and subtropical habitats.
Sphacelodes
Sphacelodes is a genus of geometrid moths established by Achille Guenée in 1857. The genus contains at least three recognized species: S. vulneraria, S. fusilineatus, and S. haitiaria. It is classified within the subfamily Ennominae of the family Geometridae. The genus has accumulated over 2,900 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its species.
Sphaerion
Sphaerion is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Elaphidiini. The genus contains six described species distributed in the Neotropical region, with records from Colombia and parts of South America. Species were described between 1834 and 1903. Members of this genus are part of the diverse cerambycid fauna associated with woody vegetation.
Sphyrocoris obliquus
Sphyrocoris obliquus is a shield-backed bug in the family Scutelleridae, characterized by an enlarged scutellum that covers most of the abdomen and wings. The species exhibits a broad Neotropical distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. It is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with over 700 documented observations on iNaturalist.
Spicauda simplicius
Plain Longtail
Spicauda simplicius, commonly known as the plain longtail, is a neotropical skipper butterfly with a broad distribution from northern Mexico to northern Argentina. It exhibits cryptic brown coloration with elongated hindwing tails characteristic of the genus. The species is highly adaptable, thriving in both degraded open habitats and closed forests, and has been observed in urban environments. It is among the most abundant hesperiids in its range, with stable populations active year-round in suitable climates. The species feeds exclusively on plants in the bean family (Fabaceae) and has been documented using numerous agricultural and wild host plants.
Spicauda tanna
Tanna Longtail
Spicauda tanna, commonly known as the Tanna Longtail, is a skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) distributed from South America northward through Central America to Mexico, with rare strays reaching southern Texas. The species has a wingspan of 33–38 mm and is active during the latter half of the year in its core range. Its larval host plant remains unknown, and adult feeding habits have not been directly documented.
Spintherophyta
Spintherophyta is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae. The genus exhibits high diversity in the Neotropics, with approximately 71 species recorded from Central and South America, while only four species occur in North America north of Mexico. Species are typically small, globular beetles, often found feeding on pollen in flowers.
Spodoptera dolichos
Sweet Potato Armyworm Moth, Dolichos Armyworm Moth, Sweetpotato Armyworm Moth
Spodoptera dolichos is a noctuid moth species native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central America to Argentina. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 40 mm. Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of wild and cultivated plants.
Spodoptera eridania
Southern Armyworm Moth, Southern Armyworm
Spodoptera eridania is a highly polyphagous noctuid moth whose larvae are significant agricultural pests in tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere. The species has emerged as one of the most important armyworm pests of soybean in Brazil and Argentina, particularly in cotton-growing regions, while remaining a sporadic pest in the southern United States. Larvae feed gregariously when young, skeletonizing leaves, and become solitary as they mature, often boring into fruit. The species has been introduced to West Africa (Nigeria and Cameroon).
Stactobiinae
microcaddisflies
Stactobiinae is a subfamily of microcaddisflies within the family Hydroptilidae, comprising 479 species worldwide. The subfamily is taxonomically diverse, with species distinguished primarily by detailed morphological features of adult male genitalia, including the structure of inferior appendages and phallic apex. In Brazil, 15 species have been documented, most of which are endemic to the Amazon rainforest and Atlantic Forest biomes. Recent taxonomic work has expanded knowledge of the subfamily in South America through the description of new species and documentation of new distribution records.
Staphylus
Scallopwings
Staphylus is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae, tribe Carcharodini) commonly known as scallopwings. The genus is found primarily in the Neotropical region, with species distributed across South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the southern United States. The subgenus Capilla was revised in 2023, with four new species described and female genitalia illustrated for six species for the first time.
Statira
long-jointed beetle
Statira is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) in the subfamily Lagriinae, historically classified as long-jointed beetles in the former family Lagriidae before taxonomic revision. These beetles are characterized by elongated, jointed antennae that distinguish them from typical darkling beetles. The genus is part of a group of beetles that do not conform to the classic darkling beetle morphology, having been assimilated into Tenebrionidae relatively recently. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region, particularly in Colombia.
Statira opacicollis
Statira opacicollis is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, specifically placed in the subfamily Lagriinae (formerly treated as the separate family Lagriidae). The genus Statira represents one of several groups of beetles recently assimilated into Tenebrionidae that do not resemble 'classic' darkling beetles. Species in this genus exhibit elongated bodies with long-jointed antennae, distinguishing them from more familiar tenebrionid forms.
Stegea
Stegea is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Glaphyriinae. The genus was erected by Munroe in 1964 and contains approximately eleven described species distributed across North America, the Caribbean, and Central America. Species within this genus are generally small moths with relatively simple wing patterns.
Stemmops
Stemmops is a genus of small comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae: Spintharinae) first described in 1894. The genus contains approximately 27 species, with the majority distributed in the Americas from the United States through Central America to Brazil, and a smaller number of species in East Asia including China, Japan, Korea, and Laos. One species, S. satpudaensis, has been recorded from India.
Stenacris
spur-throat toothpick grasshoppers
Stenacris is a genus of spur-throat toothpick grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Walker in 1870. The genus comprises approximately six described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region and parts of the southeastern United States. Members are characterized by their slender, elongate body form typical of toothpick grasshoppers. The genus is classified within the subfamily Leptysminae and tribe Leptysmini.
Stenamma
cryptic leaf-litter ants
Stenamma is a genus of cryptic ants in the family Formicidae, subfamily Myrmicinae. The genus was long thought to be restricted to temperate regions, but extensive Neotropical collections have revealed a major radiation in Middle America with 40 recognized species, 33 of them newly described. Species are notably adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, where they can become the dominant ant genus in leaf-litter samples—contrary to the typical ant pattern of decreasing diversity with elevation.
Stenamma chiricahua
Stenamma chiricahua is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Snelling in 1973. The species epithet refers to the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, indicating its type locality and geographic association with this Madrean Sky Island range. As a member of the genus Stenamma, it belongs to a cryptic ant group known for occurring in cool, wet forest habitats at mid to high elevations. The Middle American clade of Stenamma, which includes this species, underwent a major taxonomic revision in 2013 that recognized 40 species, 33 of which were newly described, revealing a previously overlooked radiation of Neotropical ants.
Stenamma schmittii
Stenamma schmittii is a species of ant in the genus Stenamma, described by Wheeler in 1903. The genus Stenamma comprises cryptic "leaf-litter" ants found in moderately humid to wet forest habitats across the Holarctic region, Central America, and northwestern South America. Species in this genus are adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, often becoming the most common ant genus in cloud forest leaf-litter samples. Stenamma species exhibit diverse life history strategies and nesting behaviors, including the use of clay "door-pebbles" for nest protection in some species.
Steniodes declivalis
Steniodes declivalis is a small crambid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1914. It is distinguished from the similar Steniodes gelliasalis by its smaller size, darker coloration, and a sharply angled whitish outer line on the hindwings that touches the outer margin. The species occurs in Panama, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
Stenocerus
Stenocerus is a genus of fungus weevils in the beetle family Anthribidae. It was described by Carl Johan Schoenherr in 1826. The genus contains more than 20 described species, with 29 species currently recognized. Members of this genus are classified within the superfamily Curculionoidea, though unlike true weevils in Curculionidae, they possess a straight rather than elbowed rostrum.
Stenochironomus hilaris
Stenochironomus hilaris is a non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, originally described by Walker in 1848. The species has been recognized under three junior synonyms (S. taeniapennis, S. zonopterus, and S. exquisitus) that were synonymized based on revisionary work on the Stenochironomus complex. As a member of the subgenus Stenochironomus s.str., its larvae are specialized wood miners with highly modified morphology including dorsoventrally flattened head capsules, expanded thoracic segments, and long, flaccid abdomens. The species occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Stenocrepis tibialis
Stenocrepis tibialis is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Chevrolat in 1834. It has a broad Neotropical distribution extending into the southern United States. The species occurs in diverse habitats ranging from Caribbean islands to South American mainland regions.
Stenodontes
Stenodontes is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Prioninae, tribe Macrotomini. The genus was established by Audinet-Serville in 1832 and contains three recognized species: S. chevrolati, S. damicornis, and S. exsertus. These are large, robust beetles typical of the prionine group, with larvae that bore into wood.