New-mexico-endemic
Guides
Acoma diminiata
Acoma diminiata is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Howden in 1958. It is known from New Mexico in the southwestern United States. Adults measure 4.3–5.7 mm in length. The species belongs to the subfamily Melolonthinae and tribe Acomini.
Ammobaenetes phrixocnemoides
mesilla sand-treader cricket, Caudell's sand-treader cricket
Ammobaenetes phrixocnemoides is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, commonly known as the mesilla sand-treader cricket or Caudell's sand-treader cricket. It was described by Caudell in 1907. The species is known from sandy habitats in New Mexico and is part of a genus specialized for life in loose sand substrates. As with other sand-treader crickets, it exhibits morphological adaptations for burrowing in granular soils.
Arethaea mescalero
Mescalero Thread-leg Katydid
Arethaea mescalero is a species of thread-leg katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Hebard in 1936. This phaneropterine katydid is endemic to sand dune habitats in the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico. The species is characterized by its slender, elongated legs adapted for life in sandy environments. It is one of several species in the genus Arethaea, commonly known as thread-leg katydids, which are specialized for sandy habitats.
Brachys rileyi
Brachys rileyi is a recently described species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) in the genus Brachys. The species was described based on specimens collected from Quercus gambelii (Gambel's oak) in high-elevation mountain locations in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas. Field observations indicate it occurs in alpine meadow and oak-juniper woodland habitats above 8000 feet elevation. The species is known from very few observations, with iNaturalist records documenting only two observations as of the source date.
Cicindela willistoni estancia
Torrance Tiger Beetle
Cicindela willistoni estancia is a subspecies of tiger beetle known from salt lake habitats in New Mexico. It was described by Rumpp in 1962 and is commonly called the Torrance Tiger Beetle. The subspecies shows a strong preference for the water's edge in salt flat environments, representing a distinct microhabitat specialization that reduces competition with sympatric tiger beetle species. Adult emergence is triggered by summer monsoonal rains, restricting activity to a relatively short post-monsoonal period.
Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea subtropica
Subtropic Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the genus Cicindelidia, known from limited observations in the southwestern United States. The taxon appears to be associated with alkaline flat habitats near lake margins in southeastern New Mexico. Based on iNaturalist records, it has been documented from Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lea Lake at Bottomless Lakes State Park in Chaves County, New Mexico. The specific epithet 'subtropica' suggests an association with subtropical or warm-climate environments.
Cuterebra mirabilis
Cuterebra mirabilis is a rare species of New World skin bot fly and the largest member of the rabbit-infesting group within the genus Cuterebra. As of 2009, the species was known from only three specimens, all collected in New Mexico. Like other Cuterebra species, it is an obligate parasite of lagomorphs, with larvae developing subcutaneously in host tissue. The specific epithet "mirabilis" (Latin for "extraordinary") reflects the species' remarkable size and striking appearance among bot flies.
Dioryctria subtracta
Dioryctria subtracta is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Carl Heinrich in 1956. It is known only from New Mexico in the southwestern United States. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are commonly called coneworm moths due to their habit of feeding within conifer cones. Adult moths are attracted to lights at night.
Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti
Sacramento Mountains Checkerspot
Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti is a subspecies of checkerspot butterfly endemic to the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. It is currently proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The subspecies is known from high-elevation habitats and has been the subject of research on parasitoid interactions, specifically with Cotesia wasps (Braconidae). Its restricted range and specific habitat requirements contribute to its conservation concern.
Gymnetina
Gymnetina is a genus of flower and fruit chafers (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) comprising approximately six described species. Members are attracted to sweet baits such as fermenting fruit or wine, and at least one subspecies (G. cretacea sundbergi) is endemic to the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. The genus occurs primarily in the Nearctic region, with species distributed across southwestern and south-central North America.
Gymnetina cretacea
Gymnetina cretacea is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae (flower chafers). The species was described by LeConte in 1863. A recently described subspecies, G. c. sundbergi, is endemic to the Organ Mountains of southern New Mexico. Adults have been captured in sweet red wine-baited traps in juniper/oak/pinyon woodland habitat.
Oecanthus beameri
White Sands Tree Cricket
Oecanthus beameri is a recently described species of tree cricket discovered by citizen scientist Nancy Collins and formally named in 2022. It is one of the smallest members of the genus Oecanthus. The species is known from very few observations, with iNaturalist records indicating only two documented sightings. As a newly described taxon, much of its biology remains undocumented.
Parvindela terricola cinctipennis
Belted-winged Tiger Beetle
Parvindela terricola cinctipennis is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae, formerly placed in the genus Cylindera. It is one of eight tiger beetle species documented from the Laguna del Perro salt lake region of New Mexico, where it exhibits highly specific microhabitat preferences. Adult emergence is triggered by summer monsoonal rains, and the species occupies a narrow ecological niche that minimizes competition with sympatric tiger beetle species.
Pygarctia lorula
Pygarctia lorula is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1914. It is known only from New Mexico, with adults active in July. The wingspan ranges from 32–43 mm. As a member of the genus Pygarctia, it likely shares the acoustic aposematism behavior documented in congeners, producing warning sounds to deter bat predators.
Sympistis baloghi
Sympistis baloghi is a noctuid moth described from a single female specimen collected in south central New Mexico. The species was formally named by James T. Troubridge in 2008. Its known wingspan measures approximately 34 mm. Adults have been documented only in June, suggesting a narrow seasonal activity window.
Sympistis horus
Sympistis horus is a noctuid moth described by James T. Troubridge in 2008. It is known only from New Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. As a recently described species with limited published information, many aspects of its biology remain undocumented.
Sympistis jenniferae
Sympistis jenniferae is a moth species in the family Noctuidae described by James T. Troubridge in 2008. It is known only from New Mexico in the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 33 mm. As a recently described species with no recorded observations, its biology remains poorly documented.
Zelotes pinos
Zelotes pinos is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, described by Platnick and Shadab in 1983. As a member of the genus Zelotes, it shares characteristics typical of this diverse group of wandering hunters. The specific epithet "pinos" likely refers to the type locality in the Pinos Altos region of New Mexico, where the species was first documented. Like other gnaphosids, this spider is a nocturnal ground-dwelling predator.