Neotropical
Guides
Argia lacrimans
Sierra Madre Dancer
Argia lacrimans, commonly known as the Sierra Madre Dancer, is a species of narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The IUCN lists this species as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. As a member of the genus Argia, it belongs to the largest genus in the subfamily Argiinae, which is characterized by distinctive jerky flight patterns that contrast with the direct flight of other damselfly groups.
Argia tezpi
Tezpi Dancer
Argia tezpi, commonly known as the Tezpi Dancer, is a species of narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It belongs to the speciose genus Argia, which contains approximately 114 species in the Western Hemisphere. The species is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Argiope blanda
Argiope blanda is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. The species occurs from the United States south to Costa Rica. Like other members of the genus Argiope, it constructs spiral orb webs, though specific details of its web architecture and biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. aurantia and A. trifasciata.
Argyractini
Argyractini is a tribe of aquatic moths within the subfamily Acentropinae (Crambidae). The tribe includes several genera of small to medium-sized moths whose larvae are adapted to life in freshwater habitats. Adults are generally nocturnal and are attracted to light. The group is primarily distributed in the New World, with most species occurring in the Neotropical region.
Argyrodes nephilae
dewdrop spider
Argyrodes nephilae is a small cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, commonly known as a dewdrop spider. It lives as a kleptoparasite in the webs of large orb-weaving spiders, particularly those in the genus Nephila. The species ranges from the United States through Central and South America to Argentina and the Galapagos Islands, with introduced populations in India.
Aristaria
Aristaria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae. It contains a single species, Aristaria theroalis, known from the United States and Costa Rica. The genus was established by Guenée in 1854. Little is documented about the biology or ecology of this genus.
Armases
square-back American marsh crabs
Armases is a genus of sesarmid crabs comprising approximately 13 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical coastal regions of the Americas. These semi-terrestrial crabs inhabit salt marshes, mangroves, and estuarine environments, with some species exhibiting notable movement between marine and terrestrial habitats. Several species have been extensively studied for their larval development, metabolic ecology, and role in ecosystem energy transfer. The genus includes both species with larval export strategies to continental shelves and those breeding in supratidal rock pools.
Artace
Artace is a genus of lappet moths (Lasiocampidae) established by Francis Walker in 1855. The genus contains approximately 28 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with a concentration of species described from South America. A 2009 photograph of an undetermined Artace species from Venezuela, dubbed the "Venezuelan poodle moth," gained widespread internet attention and remains taxonomically unresolved pending revision of the genus. The taxonomy of Artace and related genera is currently considered uncertain, particularly for South American species.
Arthroceras
Arthroceras is a genus of snipe flies (family Rhagionidae) established by Williston in 1886. It is the sole genus in the subfamily Arthrocerinae. Species range from 4.5 to 13 mm in body length and occur in both the Palearctic and Neotropical regions.
Arvelius albopunctatus
White-spotted Arvelius
Arvelius albopunctatus is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the White-spotted Arvelius. It occurs widely across the Americas, from the southern United States through the Caribbean and Central America to southern Brazil. The species is relatively well-documented with over 1,100 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is moderately common and conspicuous. Like other pentatomids, it possesses scent glands for chemical defense.
Asbolis capucinus
Asbolis capucinus is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, native to the Caribbean and parts of North America. This species belongs to a genus of relatively poorly documented Neotropical skippers. Records indicate presence in Caribbean islands and southern Florida, though detailed natural history information remains sparse in published literature.
Ascia monuste
Great Southern White, pirpinto
Ascia monuste, commonly known as the Great Southern White, is a pierid butterfly and the sole member of its genus. It is a Brassicaceae specialist and a major herbivore of this plant family in the Neotropical region. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females occurring in both light and dark color morphs. It ranges from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States through tropical America to Argentina, with migratory behavior along the southeastern U.S. coast.
Asciodes
Asciodes is a genus of snout moths (Crambidae: Spilomelinae) containing five described species. The genus was established by Guenée in 1854 with Asciodes gordialis as the type species. Species are distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through the Caribbean to South America. Larvae of at least some species feed on plants in the order Caryophyllales.
Asciodini
Asciodini is a tribe of moths within the subfamily Spilomelinae of the family Crambidae. The tribe was erected in 2019 based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, replacing previous informal groupings. It contains 79 species distributed across 13 genera, including economically significant genera such as Asciodes and Psara. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological and genetic features that distinguish it from other spilomeline tribes.
Ascra bifida
Ascra bifida is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1831 as Pentatoma bifida. The species has been reclassified from Edessa to Ascra based on phylogenetic studies. It occurs across the Americas from the Caribbean through North, Central, and South America. The species epithet 'bifida' refers to a bifid (cleft or forked) structure, likely a diagnostic morphological feature.
Asilinae
bearded robber flies, giant robber flies
Asilinae is a large subfamily of robber flies (Asilidae) comprising over 180 genera. Members are commonly referred to as "bearded" or "giant" robber flies depending on genus. The subfamily includes diverse Neotropical taxa and is characterized by specific wing venation and scutellar morphology. Many species remain poorly known biologically despite intensive taxonomic work on the group.
Asphondyliini
Asphondyliini is a tribe of gall midges within the family Cecidomyiidae, comprising approximately six genera and at least 100 described species. Members are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Neotropics, Palearctic, and Oriental regions. The tribe is characterized by gall-inducing behavior on diverse host plants, with documented associations across numerous angiosperm families including Fabaceae, Malpighiaceae, Lauraceae, and Verbenaceae. Several genera within the tribe have been subject to recent taxonomic revision based on phylogenetic analyses.
Aspidoglossa
Aspidoglossa is a genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) established by Putzeys in 1846. The genus comprises approximately 26 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics, with a single species, Aspidoglossa subangulata, extending into the southern United States. These beetles belong to the subtribe Ardistomina within the tribe Clivinini, a group characterized by fossorial (burrowing) adaptations. The genus has been documented through 629 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate levels of citizen science engagement.
Aspisoma
Aspisoma is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) comprising at least 70 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics. Species in this genus exhibit distinctive coloration patterns that differ markedly from typical North American fireflies: yellow to orange elytra with black markings rather than the reverse, and diurnal activity in some species. The genus belongs to tribe Cratomorphini within subfamily Lampyrinae. Taxonomic knowledge of South American species remains incomplete, with many specimens identified only to genus level.
Aspisoma ignitum
Dixon's striped firefly
Aspisoma ignitum is a firefly species (family Lampyridae) distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. It represents one of the more broadly distributed Aspisoma species in the Neotropics. The species exhibits a distinctive color pattern compared to many North American fireflies, with yellow elytra bearing black markings rather than the more common black-with-yellow pattern. It has been recorded as active during daylight hours, differing from the typical crepuscular or nocturnal activity of most fireflies.
Astrotischeria
trumpet leaf-miner moths
Astrotischeria is a New World genus of micromoth leaf miners in the family Tischeriidae, described in 2003. The genus is distributed across the Americas from the United States through the Caribbean and Central America to South America. Larvae are leaf miners, with most studied species associated with host plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly the subfamily Asteroideae. Some species exhibit a distinctive three-lobed male genital valva, a novel character for Tischeriidae. The genus includes at least 21 described species, with new species continuing to be discovered in the Neotropics.
Atacta
Atacta is a genus of tachinid flies established by Schiner in 1868. The genus contains four described species distributed in the Neotropical region. Like other members of the tribe Goniini, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Atacta species remain poorly documented.
Ataeniopsis
Ataeniopsis is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles established by Petrovitz in 1973. The genus comprises approximately 15 described species. As members of the subfamily Aphodiinae, these beetles are classified within the tribe Eupariini. The genus occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic regions.
Ataenius apicalis
A small scarab beetle in the dung beetle group Aphodiinae, described by Hinton in 1936. The species occurs across the southern United States and Mexico, with records from both Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Like other members of Ataenius, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ataenius carinator
Ataenius carinator is an aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Harold in 1874. It is distributed across the Neotropical region, including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species belongs to a genus commonly associated with dung and decaying organic matter habitats. Limited specific ecological data exists for this species.
Ataenius gracilis
Slender Small Dung Beetle
Ataenius gracilis is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is native to the Americas but has been introduced to Europe and Oceania, including the Azores and Galápagos Islands. The species has been recorded from diverse habitats ranging from the Nearctic zone through the Neotropics.
Ataenius imbricatus
Ataenius imbricatus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. First described by Melsheimer in 1845 (originally as Aphodius imbricatus), this species exhibits a broad geographic distribution spanning the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It is one of numerous species in the diverse genus Ataenius, which comprises small scarab beetles often associated with decomposing organic matter.
Ataenius inquisitus
Ataenius inquisitus is a species of aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1887. It belongs to a genus whose members are generally associated with decomposing organic matter and soil habitats. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and several Mexican states.
Ataenius punctifrons
Ataenius punctifrons is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, originally described by Cartwright in 1974. GBIF records indicate this name is currently treated as a synonym of Ataenius texanus. The species has been documented from the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, including multiple U.S. states and Mexican states as well as parts of Central America and the Caribbean.
Ataenius strigatus
Ataenius strigatus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1823 as Aphodius strigatus. It occurs across much of North America and extends into Central America. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Ataenius texanus
Ataenius texanus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Harold in 1874. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species is closely related to Ataenius hesperius, which has a more western distribution.
Ateuchus texanus
Ateuchus texanus is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Robinson in 1948. It belongs to a genus known for dung-rolling and tunneling behaviors. The species occurs in parts of the southern United States and Mexico.
Athyrma ganglio
Athyrma ganglio is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across North and South America. The species was described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It is assigned to the subfamily Eulepidotinae, a group of generally medium-sized nocturnal moths. The MONA (Moths of North America) or Hodges number for this species is 8583.1.
Athyroglossa glaphyropus
Athyroglossa glaphyropus is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Loew in 1878. The species is distributed in the United States and the Neotropical region. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Taxonomic status has varied in literature, with some sources listing it as a synonym while GBIF recognizes it as accepted.
Atlides halesus
Great Purple Hairstreak, Great Blue Hairstreak
Atlides halesus is a striking gossamer-winged butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, notable for its misnomer of a common name—despite being called the "Great Purple Hairstreak," it displays iridescent blue coloration rather than purple. This Neotropical species ranges from warm-temperate and subtropical North America southward nearly to the Isthmus of Panama. The larvae feed exclusively on mistletoe species (Phoradendron spp.), making this butterfly dependent on the presence of these parasitic plants. Adults are known for hilltopping behavior, where males defend perches on elevated terrain to intercept females.
Atomopteryx
Atomopteryx is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Walsingham in 1891. It contains approximately ten described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species-level taxonomy and biology remain poorly documented.
Atoniomyia
Atoniomyia is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Hermann in 1912. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. As members of the Asilidae, these flies are predatory in both adult and larval stages. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym of Atonia, though other sources maintain it as a valid genus.
Atricholeon
Atricholeon is a genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, established by Stange in 1994. The genus is distinguished by reduced or absent trichosors (fringe hairs along the wing margin), a characteristic that gives the genus its name. Species within this genus are found in the Neotropical region. As with other antlions, adults are aerial predators while larvae are sit-and-wait predators that construct pit traps in sandy substrates.
Atrichopogon
biting midges, grass punkies
Atrichopogon is a genus of small biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, subfamily Forcipomyiinae. Species occur across multiple continents with documented records from the Neotropical region, Patagonia, Europe, and Asia. Some species are ectoparasites of larger insects, while others develop on aquatic vegetation or in terrestrial habitats such as rotting wood. Immature stages show habitat-specific distribution patterns: larvae of A. wirthi occur on water lettuce leaves, and larvae of European Meloehelea subgenus species inhabit rotting pine wood.
Atrypanius
Atrypanius is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) established by Henry Walter Bates in 1864, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Neotropical region. The genus belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini and contains primarily xylophagous species whose larvae develop in woody stems. Atrypanius lignarius has been documented as an economically significant pest in commercial timber plantations, particularly on Paulownia fortunei in Brazil.
Atrypanius irrorellus
Atrypanius irrorellus is a small longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, described by Henry Walter Bates in 1885. The species occurs from Mexico through Central America to Panama, with records also from Trinidad and parts of South America including Colombia, Costa Rica, and Bolivia. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with dead or decaying wood. Available information on its biology remains limited.
Atteriini
Atteriini is a tribe of tortrix moths within the subfamily Tortricinae, established by Busck in 1932. The tribe comprises eight recognized genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Atteriini is part of the diverse family Tortricidae, which includes many economically important leafroller moths.
Augochlorella
sweat bees
Augochlorella is a genus of small, metallic sweat bees in the family Halictidae. Members are distinguished from related genera by microscopic wing venation and head structure. The genus exhibits flexible sociality, with some populations forming eusocial colonies while others remain solitary depending on environmental conditions. Augochlorella aurata is among the most common bees in eastern North America and serves as an important pollinator of wildflowers and agricultural crops.
Aulacoscelidinae
Aulacoscelidinae is a small beetle subfamily containing 19 species. Adults feed on foliage and juices of New World cycads. Larvae develop within cycad megagametophytes, representing a specialized seed-predation relationship. The group has been historically classified within Chrysomelidae or as a separate family.
Austrotinodes
Austrotinodes is a genus of caddisflies in the family Ecnomidae, established by Schmid in 1955. The genus contains 55 species with a primarily Neotropical distribution and a few species occurring in the Australian Region. In Brazil, 23 species are now known following the description of 13 new species in 2017. Species are distinguished by morphological characters of the male genitalia.
Autochton
Autochton is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, subfamily Eudaminae. The genus was historically classified within the spread-winged skippers (Pyrginae) as a tribe before recognition of Eudaminae as a distinct subfamily. Species in this genus occur from Mexico through Central America to South America. The genus includes approximately 20 described species.
Automola
Automola is a genus of flies in the family Richardiidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus contains at least three described species: A. atomaria, A. caloptera, and A. rufa. Species in this genus are found in the New World tropics and subtropics. Richardiidae flies are commonly known as picture-winged flies due to their patterned wings.
Azeta ceramina
Azeta ceramina is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Hübner in 1806. It belongs to the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of nocturnal moths commonly known as underwings. The species is recorded from the Amazon region of Brazil. Available information is limited, with few documented observations.
Azochis
Azochis is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Francis Walker in 1859. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species have been recorded from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The genus is characterized by typical crambid morphology with nocturnal adult activity patterns.
Azya
Azya is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) comprising approximately 12 described species. The genus is notable for its unusual coloration—many species display cobalt blue rather than the typical red-orange-and-black pattern of most coccinellids. Azya species are predators of scale insects, particularly in agricultural settings. The genus was established by Mulsant in 1850 and occurs primarily in the Neotropics.