Neotropical
Guides
Carmenta pallene
Carmenta pallene is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Herbert Druce in 1889 from specimens collected in Tabasco, Mexico. The species is also known from Arizona in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic wasp-mimicking appearance of sesiid moths, with reduced wing scaling that leaves much of the wing membrane transparent. The original description and limited subsequent records provide sparse information on its biology and ecology.
Carpilis
dirt-colored seed bugs
Carpilis is a genus of true bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly known as dirt-colored seed bugs. The genus was established by Stål in 1874 and contains at least three described species: C. barberi, C. consimilis, and C. ferruginea. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. Like other rhyparochromids, they are ground-dwelling seed bugs with typically dull coloration.
Carteris
litter moths
Carteris is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae, commonly referred to as litter moths. The genus was established by Paul Dognin in 1914. It contains at least two described species: Carteris lineata and Carteris oculatalis. Members of this genus are classified within the diverse noctuoid moth lineage.
Carteris oculatalis
Dotted Carteris Moth
Carteris oculatalis is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae. The species was described by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. It is known from southern Florida, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. The species has a MONA/Hodges number of 8391.
Carthasis
Carthasis is a genus of damsel bugs in the family Nabidae, established by Champion in 1900. The genus contains approximately five described species. Members of this genus are predatory true bugs, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited research attention.
Catorhintha divergens
Catorhintha divergens is a species of leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, described by Barber in 1926. It belongs to the tribe Hypselonotini within the subfamily Coreinae. The species is distributed across parts of South America and the Caribbean, with records from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and the Bahamas. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with host plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Caupolicana ocellata
ocellate fork-tongue
Caupolicana ocellata is a species of bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the ocellate fork-tongue. It was described by Michener in 1966. The species belongs to a genus of neotropical bees characterized by forked tongues, an adaptation for accessing nectar from specialized flowers. It occurs in Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.
Cecrita
prominent moths
Cecrita is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, established by Francis Walker in 1855. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. These moths are part of the subfamily Heterocampinae. Two species, Cecrita guttivitta (saddled prominent) and Cecrita biundata (wavy-lined heterocampa), are relatively well-known and frequently encountered.
Cedusa balli
Cedusa balli is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, described by Flynn and Kramer in 1983. The species epithet honors Dr. George E. Ball, a distinguished carabidologist. Derbid planthoppers are known for their distinctive wing venation and association with fungal-feeding habits. This species is part of the diverse Neotropical fauna of Derbidae, a family predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Celina
Celina is a genus of small predaceous diving beetles (family Dytiscidae) first described by Aubé in 1837. These aquatic beetles belong to the subfamily Hydroporinae and tribe Methlini. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from northern South America including Colombia. Members of this genus are aquatic predators inhabiting freshwater environments.
Celiptera
Celiptera is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. The genus was established by Guenée in 1852 and includes approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region and North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their nocturnal habits and typical underwing moth morphology. Several species have been described relatively recently, with two new species added in 2003.
Cenophengus
glowworm beetles
Cenophengus is a genus of glowworm beetles (family Phengodidae) comprising 30 valid species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions from the southwestern United States through Central America. Males are the only known life stage; females and immature stages remain undiscovered for all species. The genus was revised taxonomically in 2021, with new species described and geographic records expanded to include Belize and Honduras for the first time.
Cephalocyclus
Cephalocyclus is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. The genus was established in 1998 and is known from the Mexican Transition zone within the Neotropical region. As an aphodiine dung beetle genus, its members likely participate in dung decomposition processes, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cephisus
spittlebug, froghopper
Cephisus is a genus of spittlebugs in the family Aphrophoridae, distinguished by producing exceptionally large frothy masses during the nymphal stage. Nymphs create these protective bubbles by siphoning air through a tubelike canal beneath the abdomen and mixing it with excreted plant fluids. The genus is the sole New World representative of the tribe Ptyelini, which has a broader distribution in Africa. Some species, notably C. siccifolia, can reach pest status on economically important plants including eucalyptus.
Cephisus variolosus
Cephisus variolosus is a large spittlebug (family Aphrophoridae) native to the Neotropics. Nymphs produce exceptionally large, frothy spittle masses on trees—substantially larger than those of temperate spittlebug species. The species has been recorded from Argentina, Brazil, and other South American countries, and occasionally reaches pest status on eucalyptus plantations. Adults have not been well described in available literature.
Ceracis
tree-fungus beetles
Ceracis is a genus of minute tree-fungus beetles (family Ciidae) comprising approximately 56 described species. The genus is characterized by small body size, reduced antennal segmentation (typically 8-9 antennomeres), and pronounced sexual dimorphism in cephalic and pronotal armature. Species within the Ceracis furcifer group exhibit specialized feeding on the blood-red bracket fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus, representing a unique dietary specialization among animals. The genus has a predominantly Neotropical distribution, with records extending from South America through the Caribbean to the southern United States.
Ceratagallia rossi
Ceratagallia rossi is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Agalliini. The genus Ceratagallia comprises small, compact leafhoppers with distinctive morphological features. Species in this genus are associated with various host plants and are part of the diverse Neotropical leafhopper fauna.
Ceratocapsus punctulatus
Ceratocapsus punctulatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. The species was described by Reuter in 1876 and is currently considered a synonym of Ceratocapsus cubanus. Records indicate occurrence in Brazil and Cuba. As a member of the genus Ceratocapsus, it belongs to a group of mirid plant bugs commonly attracted to lights at night.
Ceratomia igualana
Ceratomia igualana is a hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. It is known from a limited number of specimens collected from Mexico to Costa Rica. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females notably larger than males. Biological details including larval host plants, adult behavior, and complete life history remain undocumented due to its rarity in collections.
Cerchysiella scutellata
Cerchysiella scutellata is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Howard in 1897. The genus Cerchysiella is part of one of the largest and most important collections of Encyrtidae at the University of California, Riverside. Specimens of this species are represented in major entomological collections and have been documented from point-mounted specimens at UCR.
Ceresini
Buffalo Treehoppers and allies
Ceresini is a tribe of treehoppers within the subfamily Smiliinae (family Membracidae). It is notable among smiliine tribes as the only one with Palaearctic representatives; most other Smiliinae tribes are restricted to the Americas. The tribe includes the genus Ceresa, known as buffalo treehoppers, as well as genera such as Ilithucia, which are primarily distributed across the Andean highlands of South America. Members of this tribe exhibit the characteristic enlarged and often elaborately modified pronotum typical of Membracidae.
Cerophytidae
Rare Click Beetles
Cerophytidae is a small family of elateroid beetles commonly known as rare click beetles. The family contains approximately 23 extant species distributed across five genera, with the majority of diversity concentrated in the Neotropics. Adults possess a clicking mechanism convergent with Elateridae, though they are less specialized for jumping and better adapted for rapid walking and flight. The family has a significant fossil record extending to the Early Jurassic, with 17 fossil species in seven genera documented.
Chaetochlorops inquilinus
Chaetochlorops inquilinus is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae. It belongs to a small genus endemic to the New World, characterized by distinctive male terminalia morphology. The species has been documented in neotropical forest habitats and has known associations with host plants.
Chaetogaedia
Chaetogaedia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 14 described species. The genus was established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891 and is classified within the tribe Goniini of the subfamily Exoristinae. Species are distributed across the Americas, with records from North, Central, and South America. As with other tachinids, members are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host associations for most species remain undocumented.
Chalepini
Chalepini is a tribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Cassidinae of Chrysomelidae. It comprises at least 50 genera and approximately 830 described species. Members of this tribe are primarily distributed in the Neotropical region, with some species established in North America. The tribe includes economically significant species that feed on various host plants.
Chalepus
tortoise beetles, hispines
Chalepus is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Thunberg in 1805. The genus contains more than 90 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, from North America through Central America to South America. Members of this genus are associated with the subfamily Cassidinae, which includes beetles known for their often flattened or expanded body forms and association with leaf-feeding habits.
Chapoda
Chapoda is a genus of jumping spiders (family Salticidae) first described by George and Elizabeth Peckham in 1896. The genus contains thirteen described species distributed from Mexico through Central America to northern South America, with particularly high diversity in Panama and Colombia. Members of this genus are arboreal hunters typical of the Salticidae family. The type species, Chapoda festiva, was described from Guatemala and Panama.
Chariessa
checkered beetles
Chariessa is a genus of checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, containing approximately six to seven described species. These beetles are carnivorous predators typically associated with oak trees (Quercus), where they likely prey on wood-boring insects. The genus has a broad distribution spanning North, Central, and South America, with some species also occurring in the Palearctic region. Species such as Chariessa pilosa demonstrate this wide range, occurring across both North America and Eurasia.
Chelymorpha
Argus tortoise beetles, tortoise beetles
Chelymorpha is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, containing more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These beetles are characterized by their domed, tortoise-like body form with the elytra and prothorax forming a protective shield that can be drawn down to cover the head and appendages when disturbed. The genus exhibits extensive intraspecific color polymorphism, with some species showing remarkable variation in elytral coloration and maculation patterns. Chelymorpha species are predominantly associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds (Convolvulus), though some species utilize other host plants. The genus has been extensively studied for its Wolbachia endosymbiont infections, color polymorphism maintenance, and larval defensive behaviors including cycloalexy.
Chilocampyla
Chilocampyla is a genus of minute moths in the family Gracillariidae, first described by August Busck in 1900. The genus contains two described species: Chilocampyla dyariella (1900) and Chilocampyla psidiella (1934). As members of Gracillariidae, these moths likely possess the family characteristic of larval leaf-mining behavior, though specific biology for Chilocampyla species remains poorly documented. The genus is classified within the subfamily Acrocercopinae.
Chioides
Chioides is a Neotropical genus of skipper butterflies established by Lindsey in 1921. The genus comprises approximately ten recognized species distributed from the southwestern United States through Central America to Argentina, with several species endemic to the Antilles. Members are characterized by robust bodies and distinctive hindwing tails, typical of the subfamily Eudaminae. The genus is well-represented in biodiversity databases with over 10,000 observations recorded.
Chiomara
Chiomara is a genus of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) established by Godman and Salvin in 1899. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pyrginae, commonly known as the spread-winged skippers. Species in this genus are found in the Neotropical region.
Chiomara georgina
Chiomara georgina is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) described by Reakirt in 1868. According to GBIF taxonomy records, this name is currently treated as a synonym of Chiomara asychis. The genus Chiomara comprises Neotropical skippers, though specific ecological details for this nominal species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Chionomus dissipatus
Chionomus dissipatus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Muir in 1926. It belongs to a genus of small, grass-feeding delphacids found primarily in the Americas. The species is documented in taxonomic catalogs but remains poorly studied in terms of biology and ecology. Observations are sparse, with limited iNaturalist records suggesting restricted or underreported occurrence.
Chionomus havanae
Chionomus havanae is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described as Delphacodes havanae by Muir and Giffard in 1924. The species belongs to the genus Chionomus, a group of small delphacid planthoppers associated with grassland and marsh habitats. Records indicate presence in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and the southeastern United States. Like other delphacids, it likely inhabits moist environments and feeds on grasses, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Chionomus tenae
Chionomus tenae is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, originally described by Muir in 1926. It belongs to a genus of small, grass-feeding planthoppers found in the Americas. The species has been documented in scattered localities across the southern United States, northern South America, and Brazil. Like other delphacids, it likely inhabits grassland and wetland habitats where its host plants occur.
Chlamydastis
Chlamydastis is a genus of moths in the subfamily Stenomatinae, family Depressariidae. The genus was established by Edward Meyrick in 1916 and contains approximately 80 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are generally small moths with varied wing patterns, though specific morphological characters defining the genus require detailed examination.
Chlorixanthe
fruit and flower chafers
Chlorixanthe is a genus of fruit and flower chafers in the beetle family Scarabaeidae, established by Bates in 1889. The genus contains at least three described species, including Chlorixanthe flavoviridis and Chlorixanthe propinqua. These beetles belong to the subfamily Cetoniinae, a group commonly associated with feeding on flowers and fruits. The genus is distributed in the Neotropical region.
Chlorocoris distinctus
Chlorocoris distinctus is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning Central America, North America, and South America. The species has been documented as a host for egg parasitoids in Mexico, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Chlorostrymon
hairstreaks
Chlorostrymon is a genus of hairstreak butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, established by Clench in 1961. The genus comprises six recognized species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms, including the well-known silver-banded hairstreak (C. simaethis). Species within this genus are characterized by their association with the hairstreak tribe Eumaeini.
Chlorostrymon telea
Telea Hairstreak
Chlorostrymon telea, commonly known as the telea hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from southern Texas and Mexico through Central America to South America, including Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. Adults have a wingspan of 16–22 mm and are active in June in southern Texas and from January to July in Central America.
Chorisoneura
Chorisoneura is a genus of cockroaches containing at least 90 described species. The genus was established by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1865 and is currently classified in the family Pseudophyllodromiidae (formerly placed in Ectobiidae). Species in this genus are distributed across the Americas, with records from Mexico through South America.
Chorisoneura parishi
Parish's Thin-nerved Cockroach
Chorisoneura parishi is a small cockroach species in the family Ectobiidae, first described by Rehn in 1918. It is distributed across the Neotropical region, with records from Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, and Panama. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced wing venation patterns. It is one of numerous small, non-pest cockroach species that inhabit tropical forest ecosystems.
Choroterpes
Choroterpes is a genus of mayflies in the family Leptophlebiidae, distributed across the Americas, Europe (excluding the British Isles), Africa, and Asia. The genus contains multiple subgenera, including the nominate subgenus Choroterpes and Neochoroterpes (North America). Nymphs are typically found in streams and rivers, often associated with leaf litter. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species reassigned to new genera such as Tikuna.
Chrysauginae
Scaly-legged Pyralids
Chrysauginae is a subfamily of snout moths (Pyralidae) comprising approximately 400 described species. The subfamily is primarily Neotropical in distribution and includes notable specialized groups such as sloth moths, whose larvae feed on sloth dung and adults inhabit sloth fur. Most species have plant-feeding larvae that bore into seeds, fruits, stems, and roots or construct leaf shelters.
Chrysotachina
Chrysotachina is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. The genus comprises approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside other insects. The genus is placed in the tribe Polideini within the subfamily Tachininae.
Chrysotus
Chrysotus is a large genus of long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) in the subfamily Diaphorinae, with more than 460 described species. The genus is taxonomically problematic and likely paraphyletic or polyphyletic with respect to related genera including Achradocera, Falbouria, and Lyroneurus. Species are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical realms. The genus contains two subgenera: Angiopus (monotypic, containing only C. halteratus) and Chrysotus (containing all other species).
Chrysso albomaculata
Chrysso albomaculata is a species of comb-footed spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1882. The species is documented from the United States, Caribbean islands, and Brazil. It belongs to a genus of small spiders often associated with leaf litter and vegetation in tropical and subtropical habitats. As with many Theridiidae, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Cicadellini
sharpshooters
Cicadellini is a large tribe of leafhoppers (sharpshooters) within the family Cicadellidae, comprising approximately 1,886 described species across 266 genera—four times more diverse than the related tribe Proconiini. These insects are characterized by their distinctive suctorial-piercing mouthparts adapted for xylem-feeding. The tribe exhibits highest diversity in the Neotropical region, with significant economic importance as vectors of plant pathogens, particularly Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Citrus Variegated Chlorosis and other diseases affecting commercial crops.
Cicindelidia melissa
Melissa's Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia melissa, commonly known as Melissa's Tiger Beetle, is a species of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. The species was described by Duran and Roman in 2014 and is currently classified under the genus Cicindelidia. Tiger beetles in this genus are known for their fast-running predatory behavior and often striking coloration. The specific epithet 'melissa' honors an individual, though the exact namesake is not documented in available sources.