Neotropical
Guides
Stenometopiini
Stenometopiini is a tribe of leafhoppers in the subfamily Deltocephalinae (family Cicadellidae), first established by Baker in 1923. The tribe includes the genus Stirellus, which has been described as grassland-dwelling leafhoppers with a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. Species within this tribe have been documented from the Americas, Africa, Madagascar, Australia, and Asia, with recent taxonomic work expanding known diversity and distributional records.
Stenomicra
Stenomicra is a genus of small flies in the family Periscelididae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. The genus contains more than 20 described species, with at least one species documented from phytotelmata of Araceae plants in the Neotropical Region. Larval stages have been described for at least one species, indicating development within plant-held water bodies.
Stenopa
Stenopa is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus contains three described species distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It belongs to the subtribe Cecidocharina within the tribe Dithrycini. Very few observations of this genus exist in citizen science databases.
Stenophrixothrix
railroad-worm
Stenophrixothrix is a genus of railroad-worms (Phengodidae) established by Wittmer in 1963. Species in this genus exhibit distinctive bioluminescence: adult males produce yellow light, while larvae possess multiple photophores including lateral lanterns emitting yellow light and a cephalic lantern producing yellow to orange light. The genus has been documented in secondary growth forests in São Paulo, Brazil, where molecular analysis has confirmed the association between larval and adult stages.
Stenoptilia pallistriga
Pale-streaked Plume Moth
Stenoptilia pallistriga is a small plume moth (family Pterophoridae) described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It occurs across the Neotropics and the southeastern United States, with a wingspan of 14–16 mm. Adults are active during multiple periods throughout the year, with flight records spanning February through December.
Stenoptilodes brevipennis
Sweet Broom and Sri Lanka Plume Moth
Stenoptilodes brevipennis is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, described by Zeller in 1883. It is notable for its exceptionally broad geographic distribution, spanning from southern Canada through most of the United States and throughout much of Central and South America. Adults are small, with a wingspan of 12–14 mm, and are active during multiple months of the year. The larvae feed on specific host plants: Mecardonia acuminata and Russelia equistiformis.
Stenopyrgota
Stenopyrgota is a genus of flies in the family Pyrgotidae, established by Malloch in 1929. Pyrgotid flies are commonly known as pyrgotid flies or fruit flies, though they are distinct from the Tephritidae. Members of this genus are poorly known, with limited published information on their biology and ecology.
Stephomyia
Stephomyia is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Tavares in 1916. The genus comprises seven described species distributed in the Neotropical region, with six species from South America and one (S. eugeniae) from North America. All species are gall-formers that induce plant galls on Myrtaceae hosts. A cladistic analysis based on morphological characters and host plant data supports the monophyly of the genus.
Stephomyia eugeniae
Stephomyia eugeniae is a Neotropical gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species is known from male, female, and pupa stages and induces galls on Eugenia species (Myrtaceae). Phylogenetic analysis places it in a clade with S. epeugeniae, sister to a group containing S. tetralobae, S. rotundifoliorum, and S. espiralis.
Stereodermus
Stereodermus is a genus of primitive weevils in the family Brentidae, comprising more than 40 described species. The genus occurs in both the Neotropical and Oriental regions, with substantial diversity in Central and South America. Species are characterized by elongated, cylindrical bodies typical of brentid weevils. Taxonomic work has focused heavily on the Neotropical fauna, with recent revisions describing new species and resolving synonymies.
Sternechus
true weevils
Sternechus is a genus of true weevils (family Curculionidae) containing more than 50 described species. The genus is best known for Sternechus subsignatus, a significant agricultural pest of soybean in South America known locally as 'picudo grande' (big weevil). This species was first detected in southern Brazil in the 1970s and has since spread to northern Brazil and Argentina, where it causes economic damage through stem boring that can result in stand loss. Some species in the genus have been treated as distinct species in certain regions; for example, S. subsignatus in northern Argentina is sometimes considered S. pinguis. The genus is part of the extraordinarily diverse Curculionidae, which with approximately 60,000 species represents one of the largest families in the animal kingdom.
Stethantyx
Stethantyx is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Tersilochinae. Species in this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with documented records from Mexico through Central America and into South America, including the Western Amazonia region of Ecuador and Peru. The genus was established by Townes in 1971. Species are characterized by specific wing venation patterns, including the first and second abscissae of the radius meeting at a right angle in some species.
Stictia
horse guards, cowfly tigers, insecto policia
Stictia is a genus of large, often brightly colored predatory sand wasps comprising approximately 30 species, primarily distributed in the Neotropics. The genus is best known for Stictia carolina, commonly called the "Horse Guard," which specializes in hunting horse flies around livestock. Females construct solitary nests in sandy soil, provisioning them with paralyzed flies to feed their larvae. These wasps are valued for their biological control of pest flies, though they are not commercially available. Males engage in aerial patrols and "sun dances" to locate females.
Stictopelta
Stictopelta is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Darninae. Members of this genus are found in the Americas, with documented species in the southern United States, Mexico, and South America. The genus was established by Stål in 1869 and is characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications typical of membracid treehoppers. Species within this genus exhibit morphological variation that has led to taxonomic descriptions by multiple authors including Goding, Ball, and Fowler.
Stictopelta nova
Stictopelta nova is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Darninae, first described by Goding in 1892. Like other members of the genus Stictopelta, it possesses the characteristic enlarged and often elaborately modified pronotum typical of treehoppers. The species has been documented from Mexico, with nine specimens identified from Oaxaca in a recent taxonomic study. Treehoppers in the subfamily Darninae are primarily Neotropical in distribution.
Stilobezzia coquilletti
Stilobezzia coquilletti is a species of predaceous biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Jean-Jacques Kieffer in 1917. The species is known from Brazil, with records from Amazonas and São Paulo states. As a member of the genus Stilobezzia, it belongs to a group of ceratopogonids characterized by predatory larval and adult stages. The specific epithet honors the American entomologist Daniel William Coquillett.
Stilpnochlora
Neotropical Giant Katydids
Stilpnochlora is a genus of phaneropterine katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas. The genus contains approximately 15 described species. Members are relatively large, leaf-like katydids, mostly green in coloration, with body lengths ranging from 5 to 10 cm depending on species. Females generally exceed males in size within the same species. Stilpnochlora couloniana is the largest katydid in the United States.
Stiretrus
anchor stink bugs
Stiretrus is a genus of predatory stink bugs in the subfamily Asopinae, family Pentatomidae. Species occur in the Americas, with records from North America (USA, Canada) and South America (Brazil, Suriname). The genus includes at least eight described species, with S. anchorago (anchor stink bug) being among the better known. Members are predators of other insects, with documented specialization on cassidine beetles (Chrysomelidae) in some species. Some species exhibit striking color polymorphism and possible mimicry with their prey.
Stizocera
Stizocera is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Elaphidiini. The genus was established by Audinet-Serville in 1834. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with confirmed records from Colombia.
Strategus cessus
rhinoceros beetle
Strategus cessus is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae. It belongs to a genus of large, horned scarabs found in the Americas. The species has been documented from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Strephonota tephraeus
Pearly-gray Hairstreak
Strephonota tephraeus is a small lycaenid butterfly with a wingspan of 22–29 mm, commonly known as the Pearly-gray Hairstreak. The species ranges from Mexico through Central America to the Amazon basin and northern South America, with rare vagrant records in southern Texas. It inhabits lowland tropical forests, particularly riparian corridors, and exhibits multivoltine breeding in Mexico with adults active from May through December.
Striatoandricus
Striatoandricus is a genus of Neotropical gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, established by Pujade-Villar in 2020. The genus comprises approximately six described species, with four species transferred from the genus Andricus. Despite morphological similarities to Andricus, phylogenetic analyses indicate the two genera are not closely related. The genus name refers to the striations on the metasomal segments combined with its superficial resemblance to Andricus.
Strigoderma teapensis
Strigoderma teapensis is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. The species was described by Bates in 1888 from Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico. It occurs in eastern Mexico and has been recorded in southern Texas, USA. Like other members of the genus Strigoderma, it is likely associated with sandy or open habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Strumigenys eggersi
Eggers' Pygmy Snapping Ant
Strumigenys eggersi is a Neotropical ant species in the tribe Attini, first described by Emery in 1890. It belongs to a genus characterized by specialized trap-jaw mandibles used for prey capture. The species has been documented as an introduced species outside its native range, with confirmed records from the Philippines and the United States. It is classified as a 'tramp ant,' indicating human-mediated dispersal, though its ecological impacts in introduced regions remain unknown.
Strymon albata
White Scrub-Hairstreak, white hairstreak
Strymon albata, the white hairstreak or white scrub-hairstreak, is a small lycaenid butterfly distributed from southern Texas through Central America to northern South America. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and from June to December in southern Texas. The species inhabits second growth and shrubby fields in seasonally dry tropical lowlands. Larvae feed specifically on flower buds and young fruits of Abutilon incanum, while adults nectar on various flowers including blue boneset.
Stygnommatidae
Stygnommatid Harvestmen
Stygnommatidae is a small family of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the infraorder Grassatores, containing approximately thirty described species. These arachnids are characterized by their compact body form, enlarged and armed pedipalps, and relatively short legs. They are primarily litter-dwelling inhabitants of Neotropical forests, with some species adapted to cave environments. The family's monophyly remains disputed among arachnologists.
Stylogaster
thick-headed fly, needle-tailed fly
Stylogaster is a genus of conopid flies distinguished by extreme morphological and biological specializations. Adults possess an elongated proboscis exceeding body length when extended, and females have a dramatically elongated abdomen folded beneath the body—the 'needle tail' referenced in the generic name. The genus is the sole member of subfamily Stylogastrinae and comprises approximately 92 species with predominant Neotropical distribution. Unlike other conopids that parasitize aculeate Hymenoptera, Stylogaster species are endoparasitoids of orthopteroid insects (crickets, cockroaches) with documented host associations also including various calyptrate Diptera.
Styloleptus
Styloleptus is a genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. The genus was established by Dillon in 1956. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, slender body form typical of the Acanthocinini tribe. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Neotropical region.
Sumitrosis
Sumitrosis is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing at least 60 described species. The genus was established by Butte in 1969 and belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae (tortoise beetles and allies) and tribe Chalepini. One species, Sumitrosis rosea, has been documented as a leafminer on soybean crops, indicating potential agricultural significance for certain members of the genus.
Symmetrischema capsica
pepper flowerbud moth
Symmetrischema capsica, commonly known as the pepper flowerbud moth, is a small gelechiid moth described by Bradley and Povolný in 1965. The species is native to the Americas, ranging from the southeastern United States through Mexico to the Caribbean and West Indies. It is a specialist herbivore whose larvae develop within the flower buds of plants in the nightshade family.
Symphylus
Symphylus is a genus of shield-backed bugs in the family Scutelleridae (Hemiptera). The genus contains at least four described species distributed across the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are characterized by the enlarged scutellum that covers most of the abdomen and wings, a defining trait of the Scutelleridae family. The genus is seldom collected, with limited ecological and biological data available for most species.
Synemosyna petrunkevitchi
Synemosyna petrunkevitchi is a jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It belongs to the genus Synemosyna, which is known for ant-mimicking species. The species occurs in the United States and Cuba. Published observations remain limited.
Synthesiomyia
Synthesiomyia is a small genus of muscid flies in the family Muscidae. The genus contains at least one well-documented species, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, which has gained forensic importance as a carrion-associated fly in tropical, subtropical, and recently colonized Palearctic regions. Species in this genus exhibit facultative predatory behavior and are used in postmortem interval estimation.
Tabuda
Tabuda is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Francis Walker in 1852. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Species in this genus are characterized by their slender body form and distinctive wing venation patterns typical of the Therevinae subfamily. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with related genera such as Tabudamima and Incoxoverpa described to accommodate species formerly or potentially confused with Tabuda.
Taeniaptera
Taeniaptera is a genus of stilt-legged flies in the family Micropezidae, established by Macquart in 1835. The genus contains at least four described species, including T. feei, T. lasciva, T. trivittata, and the more recently described T. teresacristinae. Species in this genus are distributed across the American tropical zone and have been documented in various Amazonian habitats as well as farmland environments. Taxonomic revisions have relied heavily on external morphology and genital anatomy of both sexes.
Taeniapterinae
Taeniapterinae is a subfamily of stilt-legged flies within the family Micropezidae, comprising at least nine described species across five genera: Calobatina, Grallipeza, Hoplocheiloma, Rainieria, and Taeniaptera. Members of this subfamily are characterized by their elongated legs and are distributed across the Neotropical region, with some Caribbean endemic species showing regional endemism patterns. The genus Grallipeza has been documented from the Lesser Antilles, where males exhibit territorial behavior in low vegetation.
Taeniogramma
Taeniogramma is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, established by Paul Dognin in 1914. The genus contains approximately ten described species distributed across the Americas, with the highest diversity in Central and South America and several species extending into the southwestern United States. Species in this genus are characterized by their patterned forewings, often featuring distinct lines or bands.
Tafalisca
Tafalisca is a genus of silent bush crickets in the family Oecanthidae, established by Walker in 1869. The genus comprises species distributed primarily in Central and South America, with one species recorded from Java. Members of this genus are characterized by their lack of stridulatory apparatus, rendering them acoustically silent. The genus is classified within the subfamily Tafaliscinae and tribe Tafaliscini.
Tagosodes albolineosus
Tagosodes albolineosus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Fowler in 1905. It belongs to a genus of small, grass-associated planthoppers distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Like other delphacids, it possesses a characteristic movable spur on the hind tibia. The species is documented from limited observations and specimen records.
Tagosodes wallacei
Tagosodes wallacei is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Muir and Giffard in 1924. It belongs to the large group of true bugs known as planthoppers, which are characterized by their jumping hind legs and association with grasses and other monocot plants. The genus Tagosodes is part of the diverse planthopper fauna of the Americas, with this species recorded from regions including Florida, Mexico, and Brazil.
Tanypezidae
Stretched-foot Flies
Tanypezidae is a small family of acalyptrate Diptera containing 28 species in two genera. The family is primarily New World in distribution, with Tanypeza (2 species) occurring in North America and the Palearctic, and Neotanypeza (26 species) restricted to the Neotropics. Species are characterized by their relatively large size, semispherical heads, stout bodies, and notably long, thin legs that give the family its common name. The biology of most species remains poorly known.
Tanytarsus
non-biting midge
Tanytarsus is a large genus of non-biting midges comprising over 480 described species. The genus belongs to the tribe Tanytarsini within the subfamily Chironominae. Larvae occur in diverse freshwater habitats, with some species inhabiting marine environments. Species-level studies reveal complex life cycles with photoperiod and temperature as key determinants of seasonal patterns.
Tapinella maculata
thick barklouse
Tapinella maculata is a species of thick barklouse in the family Pachytroctidae. It is known from a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was described by Mockford and Gurney in 1956. As a member of the order Psocodea, it belongs to a group of small, often overlooked insects commonly known as barklice or booklice.
Tarache tetragona
Four-spotted Bird-dropping Moth, four-spotted bird dropping moth
Tarache tetragona is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the four-spotted bird-dropping moth due to its resemblance to avian droppings. The species belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae and exhibits the typical bird-dropping mimicry common in this group. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The species has been documented feeding on Malvaceae host plants during its larval stage.
Telebasis
Firetails
Telebasis is a genus of damselflies in the family Coenagrionidae, occurring throughout the Neotropics. Most species display red coloration, though a few blue species occur in South America. The genus was taxonomically revised by Rosser Garrison in 2009. Larval morphology varies among species; for example, Telebasis obsoleta has five palpal setae, a trait shared only with T. demerara, while other species have six or seven.
Telebasis digiticollis
marsh firetail
Telebasis digiticollis, commonly known as the marsh firetail, is a narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It was described by Calvert in 1902 and is endemic to Central America. The species holds a Least Concern conservation status from the IUCN, indicating stable populations with no immediate threats to survival.
Telegonus
Telegonus is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae) established by Hübner in 1819. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Astraptes. Species historically placed in Telegonus are distributed in the Neotropical region.
Telegonus alardus
Frosted Flasher
Telegonus alardus, commonly known as the frosted flasher, is a dicot skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species is broadly distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. Three subspecies are recognized, with the nominate subspecies described by Stoll in 1790.
Telegonus anaphus
yellow-tipped flasher, dull astraptes
Telegonus anaphus is a skipper butterfly in the subfamily Eudaminae, distributed from Argentina through Central America to Mexico and the West Indies, with occasional strays reaching southern Texas. Adults have a wingspan of 51–64 mm and exhibit distinct seasonal flight patterns across their range. The species is known to utilize Fabaceae vines as larval host plants. Multiple subspecies have been described across its broad geographic range.
Telephanus
Telephanus is a genus of beetles in the family Silvanidae, first described by Erichson in 1846. The genus contains over 100 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records extending from North America through Central America to South America. Species in this genus are classified within the tribe Telephanini, subfamily Brontinae. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with many species described by Grouvelle, Nevermann, and Sharp in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.