Neotropical
Guides
Traverella
Traverella is a genus of pronggilled mayflies established by Edmunds in 1948. It belongs to the family Leptophlebiidae, one of the most diverse families within the order Ephemeroptera. The genus comprises 13 described species. Members of this genus, like other leptophlebiid mayflies, possess the characteristic forked gills on their abdominal segments that give the family its common name.
Trechalea
Trechalea is a genus of semi-aquatic spiders in the family Trechaleidae, distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America to northern Argentina. The genus was established by Thorell in 1869, replacing the preoccupied name Triclaria. At least one species, T. extensa, exhibits specialized diving behavior as an antipredator tactic, using plastron respiration to remain submerged for over 30 minutes.
Trepobates taylori
Trepobates taylori is a water strider species in the family Gerridae, characterized by its broad Neotropical distribution spanning from southern Texas through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America to northern Argentina. The species was described by Kirkaldy in 1899 and belongs to the subfamily Trepobatinae, a group of gerrids adapted to life on the water surface.
Triacanthagyna caribbea
Caribbean Darner
Triacanthagyna caribbea is a species of darner dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae, described by Williamson in 1923. It is endemic to the Caribbean region, with confirmed records from Colombia (departments of Antioquia, Bolívar, Magdalena, and Sucre) and broader Caribbean distribution. The species is part of the genus Triacanthagyna, which is characterized by three-spined abdominal appendages in males. As with other aeshnids, it is likely a strong flier adapted to tropical environments.
Triacanthagyna septima
pale green darner, Pale-green Darner
Triacanthagyna septima, commonly known as the pale green darner, is a relatively small aeshnid dragonfly found across the Americas from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Adults measure 59–66 mm in length with a wingspan of 68–86 mm. The species exhibits subtle sexual dimorphism, with females possessing three long, slender cerci that may break off in mature individuals, causing them to resemble males.
Triacanthagyna trifida
Phantom Darner
Triacanthagyna trifida, commonly known as the Phantom Darner, is a large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Triacanthagyna, a group of neotropical darners characterized by their distinctive three-toothed claspers. The species occurs across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean. Adults are known for their crepuscular activity patterns, being most active at dusk.
Tricharaea simplex
Tricharaea simplex is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, described by Aldrich in 1916. It belongs to a genus of sarcophagid flies distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published biological information.
Trichochrous insignis
Trichochrous insignis is a species of jumping stick (family Proscopiidae), an exclusively Neotropical group of grasshoppers characterized by their stick-like appearance and elongated morphology. The species was described by Hebard in 1931 from Formosa Province, Argentina. Members of this family are commonly known in Spanish as 'bicho palito' (stick bug) and are distinguished from true walkingsticks (order Phasmida) by their jumping ability and grasshopper affinities. The taxonomy of Proscopiidae remains incomplete, with many species potentially undescribed.
Trichoplastini
Trichoplastini is a tribe of tortricid moths within the subfamily Tortricinae. The tribe includes relatively small, often inconspicuously colored moths. Members of this tribe are primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. The group has received limited taxonomic study compared to more economically important tortricid tribes.
Trichopseniini
Trichopseniini is a tribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) established in 1883. Members of this tribe are small, typically myrmecophilous beetles associated with ant colonies. The tribe is poorly known, with few observations and limited published biological information. Most documented species occur in the Neotropical region.
Tricorythodes
little stout crawler mayflies
Tricorythodes is a genus of small, robust mayflies in the family Leptohyphidae, commonly known as little stout crawler mayflies. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed across the Americas. Nymphs are primarily found in stream habitats where they function as collector-gatherers, processing fine particulate organic matter. Species within this genus exhibit multivoltine life histories with development rates strongly influenced by temperature.
Trigonogenius
Trigonogenius is a genus of spider beetles in the family Ptinidae, established by Hagedorn in 1912. The genus contains five to six described species, including the globular spider beetle (Trigonogenius globulum). A new species was described from Peru in 2025, indicating ongoing taxonomic work and expanding knowledge of the genus's Neotropical diversity.
Triozosneura dorsonotata
Triozosneura dorsonotata is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. It was described by Blanchard in 1973. The genus Triozosneura contains few described species, and this taxon remains poorly known. Records indicate extremely limited observation data, with only two documented occurrences in iNaturalist.
Tripudia damozela
Tripudia damozela is a small noctuid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1914. It belongs to the subfamily Eustrotiinae, a group of generally small, often brightly patterned owlet moths. The species is documented from Central and North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited. Its MONA (Moths of North America) or Hodges number is 9002.2.
Tripudia grapholithoides
Florida Tripudia Moth
Tripudia grapholithoides is a species of owlet moth (family Noctuidae) in the subfamily Eustrotiinae. It was described by Möschler in 1890. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, North America, and South America. It is catalogued under Hodges number 9004 in the North American moth numbering system.
Trischistognatha
Trischistognatha is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Evergestinae. The genus was established by Warren in 1892. It contains five described species distributed in the Neotropical region.
Tritomini
pleasing fungus beetles
Tritomini is a tribe of pleasing fungus beetles within the family Erotylidae, established by Curtis in 1834. The tribe comprises approximately 15 genera including Tritoma, Triplax, Ischyrus, Mycotretus, Pselaphacus, and Haematochiton, with at least 30 described species. Members are exclusively Neotropical in distribution and are obligate associates of macrofungi, particularly basidiomes. The tribe has been subject to recent taxonomic revision focusing on genitalic morphology and larval stages, with immature stages now described for multiple Pselaphacus species.
Trophodeinus
Trophodeinus is a genus of scuttle flies in the family Phoridae, subfamily Metopininae. The genus was established by Borgmeier in 1960 and contains eight described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Members of this genus are small, humpbacked flies characteristic of the phorid family morphology. Little is known about the biology or ecology of most species in this genus.
Tropicus
variegated mud-loving beetles
Tropicus is a genus of beetles in the family Heteroceridae, commonly known as variegated mud-loving beetles. The genus was established by M.F. Pacheco in 1964 and contains more than 30 described species. Members of this genus are associated with muddy or moist habitats, consistent with the ecological preferences of the family Heteroceridae.
Tropisternus collaris
collared water scavenger beetle
Tropisternus collaris is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is found across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, North America, and South America. The species was described by Fabricius in 1775, originally as Hydrophilus collaris. Several subspecies have been recognized, including T. c. collaris, T. c. mexicanus, T. c. proximus, T. c. striolatus, and T. c. viridis.
Tropisternus fuscitarsis
Tropisternus fuscitarsis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, first described by Sharp in 1882. The species has been recorded from Mexico, Central America, and South America including Brazil and Uruguay. As a member of the genus Tropisternus, it is associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. The specific epithet "fuscitarsis" refers to dark or dusky tarsi.
Trosia
Trosia is a genus of moths in the family Megalopygidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1820. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Trosiinae, which is endemic to the New World. The genus has been documented in citizen science platforms with over 2,800 observations, indicating moderate field recognition.
Troyus
Troyus is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subtribe Moncina. The genus was established in 2012 and contains Neotropical species distributed from the Caribbean to the Amazon basin. At least two species are recognized: T. turneri from Jamaica and T. phyllides from the Peruvian Amazon.
Truncaptera
Truncaptera is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, subfamily Stauropinae, established by Becker in 2014. The genus belongs to the diverse superfamily Noctuoidea, a large group of moth species commonly known as owlet moths and their relatives. As a recently described genus, it represents a taxonomic refinement within the Notodontidae, a family characterized by prominent moths often with distinctive resting postures and reduced mouthparts in adults. The genus is part of the Neotropical fauna, though specific species-level diversity and ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Trupanea pseudovicina
Trupanea pseudovicina is a species of tephritid fruit fly described by Hering in 1942. The species is known from very few observations and limited published records. It belongs to a genus whose members are commonly associated with plants in the Asteraceae family.
Trypanalebra
Trypanalebra is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, and tribe Alebrini. It was established by Young in 1952. Members of this genus belong to the diverse group of typhlocybine leafhoppers, which are generally small, delicate insects often associated with feeding on plant vascular tissues. The genus is part of the economically important leafhopper family, though specific ecological details for Trypanalebra remain poorly documented in published literature.
Trypanalebra balli
Trypanalebra balli is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by David A. Young in 1957. The species belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group commonly known as typhlocybine leafhoppers. It is one of at least two species in the genus Trypanalebra, which is distributed in the Americas. The specific epithet honors George E. Ball, a renowned carabidologist. Distribution records indicate occurrence in the southwestern United States (Arizona) and parts of Mexico (Jalisco, Veracruz, Yucatán).
Tsinilla
Tsinilla is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Heinrich in 1931. The genus contains seven described species, most of which were described by Razowski and Wojtusiak between 2008 and 2011. Species are known from the Neotropical region, including Peru and Colombia. The genus is part of the diverse tortricid fauna of the Americas but remains poorly known in terms of biology and ecology.
Tupiocoris
Tupiocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae containing approximately nine described species. The genus includes both herbivorous and predatory species. Tupiocoris notatus is a Solanaceae-specializing herbivore with documented genome-level research on host plant transcriptional responses. Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus is a generalist predatory mirid studied as a potential biocontrol agent for tomato pests in Argentina. Species within this genus show divergent feeding strategies, with some functioning as herbivores and others as omnivorous predators.
Tyrissa
Tyrissa is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, erected by Francis Walker in 1866. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some species extending into the southern United States (Florida). Species have been recorded from Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Paraguay, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Florida. The genus is taxonomically placed within the superfamily Noctuoidea.
Tyrtaeus
Tyrtaeus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Champion in 1913. The genus has a broad distribution spanning multiple biogeographic regions including the Afrotropical, Australasian, and Neotropical realms. As with other tenebrionid beetles, members of this genus are likely adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Tyrtaeus rufus
Tyrtaeus rufus is a species of darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1913. The genus Tyrtaeus is a small group within the large family Tenebrionidae, which comprises primarily detritivorous and xerophilic beetles. This species has documented occurrence records in Colombia and Mexico, suggesting a Neotropical distribution pattern.
Ucididae
mangrove crabs, uçá-crabs
Ucididae is a family of semiterrestrial brachyuran crabs currently recognized as containing a single genus, Ucides, with Ucides cordatus as the best-studied species. These crabs are obligate inhabitants of neotropical mangrove ecosystems, where they construct deep burrows in intertidal sediments. The family exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in morphology and behavior, with males possessing disproportionately large chelipeds and females showing abdomen enlargement for egg incubation. Ucididae species are economically significant throughout their range, supporting artisanal fisheries in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Suriname.
Ufa rubedinella
Red-Washed Ufa
Ufa rubedinella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. It was described by Zeller in 1848. The species is known from Brazil, specifically recorded from Rio de Janeiro state. It is commonly referred to as the Red-Washed Ufa. The genus Ufa contains relatively few described species, and most are poorly known biologically.
Ulus hirsutus
Ulus hirsutus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described by Champion in 1885. The species epithet 'hirsutus' refers to its hairy appearance. It belongs to the genus Ulus, which is part of the diverse Tenebrionidae family, one of the largest families of beetles. Records indicate presence in Colombia (Bolívar Department, specifically Cartagena), Mexico, and Hawaii, USA, though the Hawaiian occurrence may represent an introduction.
Unplaced
Unplaced is a genus of braconid wasps within the tribe Heterospilini, subfamily Doryctinae. The genus was established to accommodate species that could not be assigned to existing genera within this diverse tribe of parasitoid wasps. A 2013 study on Costa Rican Doryctinae described 286 species in Heterospilini, with additional specimens remaining in this genus pending further taxonomic resolution. The genus reflects the extraordinary undescribed biodiversity of braconid wasps in tropical regions.
Untomia
Untomia is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, subfamily Anacampsinae. The genus was established by Busck in 1906 and contains nine described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species exhibit variation in wing pattern, with some featuring distinctive longitudinal stripes or maculation. The genus is part of the diverse gelechioid radiation, though individual species remain poorly documented in terms of biology and ecology.
Urania
Urania is a genus of day-flying moths in the family Uraniidae, established by Fabricius in 1807. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, meaning 'heavenly' or 'of heaven,' referencing the muse of astronomy. These moths are notable for their exceptionally bright, iridescent coloration that rivals or exceeds that of butterflies. The genus includes species that exhibit distinctive behaviors such as puddling along riverbanks to obtain mineral salts.
Urania fulgens
urania swallowtail moth, green page moth
Urania fulgens is a day-flying moth in the family Uraniidae, notable for its iridescent green coloration and swallowtail-like wing shape. The species is highly migratory, with populations moving through Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. It has been recorded as a vagrant to Texas. Mass migrations have been documented, including a significant event observed in Costa Rica in 2005 with Tapantí National Park identified as a possible destination.
Uranotaenia lowii
Pale-footed Uranotaenia
Uranotaenia lowii is a frog-biting mosquito distributed across the Americas. The species exhibits a unique phonotactic behavior: females are attracted to the acoustic calls of male frogs, specifically the barking tree frog (Hyla gratiosa). This represents the first documented case of a female mosquito being attracted to host sound rather than visual or chemical cues. The species inhabits lowland environments and has been documented using 450 Hz frequency detection via antennae to locate hosts.
Urbanus
Urbanus is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1807. These butterflies belong to the subtribe Eudamina within the subfamily Pyrginae. Species in this genus range from the southern United States through Central America to South America. The genus is well-represented in citizen science observations, with over 33,000 records documented on iNaturalist.
Urbanus dorantes
Urbanus dorantes is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Pyrginae. The species was originally described as Papilio dorantes by Stoll in 1790 and later transferred to the genus Urbanus. Records indicate presence in Colombia, including departments of Santander, Nariño, and Bolívar, with specific localities spanning forested and urban-proximate environments from botanical gardens to national parks.
Urbanus doryssus
White-tailed Longtail
Urbanus doryssus is a species of skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through Central and South America. The species belongs to a genus characterized by long, slender hindwing tails. Like other members of Urbanus, it exhibits rapid, darting flight patterns typical of the skipper group. The species was originally described by Swainson in 1831 under the basionym Eudamus doryssus.
Usingeriessa
Usingeriessa is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. The genus was established by Lange in 1956 and contains approximately 11 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. These moths are part of a group commonly known as aquatic or semi-aquatic crambid moths, though specific ecological details for the genus remain limited.
Utetes
Utetes is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Opiinae, comprising larva-pupal parasitoids of tephritid fruit flies. Species such as U. anastrephae and U. tabellariae are native to the Americas and have been studied for their potential in biological control of agricultural pests. These wasps develop internally within host larvae and exhibit competitive advantages over sympatric parasitoid species.
Vacusus
Vacusus is a genus of antlike flower beetles in the family Anthicidae, established by Casey in 1895. The genus comprises approximately six described species distributed across the Americas, including North America, the Caribbean, and Central America. Members of this genus exhibit the characteristic ant-mimicking morphology typical of Anthicidae, with elongated bodies and pronotal constrictions that create a superficial resemblance to ants. The genus has accumulated over 950 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its species in the field.
Valenzuela distinctus
Valenzuela distinctus is a species of barklouse in the family Caeciliusidae, first described by Mockford in 1966. It belongs to the order Psocodea, a group of small, often overlooked insects commonly found in association with vegetation, bark, and leaf litter. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range including Mexico, the Caribbean, Trinidad, and the Galapagos Islands. As with many psocids, detailed ecological and behavioral studies are limited.
Valenzuela totonacus
Valenzuela totonacus is a species of barklouse in the family Caeciliusidae, described by Mockford in 1966. The species belongs to the order Psocodea, a group of small, often overlooked insects commonly known as barklice or booklice. It has been recorded from the southern United States through Mexico to Guatemala.
Vatellus
Vatellus is a genus of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, tribe Vatellini. The genus contains 15 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with most species described by K.B. Miller in 2005. Members are aquatic beetles adapted to freshwater habitats.
Verrucosa
Verrucosa is a genus of New World orb-weaver spiders (family Araneidae) first described by Henry McCook in 1888. The genus contains approximately forty-five described species, with the vast majority distributed in South America. A single species, Verrucosa arenata (the arrowhead spider), occurs in the United States, ranging from the eastern USA through Panama and into the Greater Antilles. The genus exhibits a predominantly Neotropical distribution pattern.