New-mexico
Guides
Coenopoeus
Coenopoeus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. The genus contains two described species: Coenopoeus niger and Coenopoeus palmeri. These beetles are associated with cactus habitats, with C. palmeri specifically documented as feeding on staghorn cacti (Cylindropuntia species). Adults are nocturnal and feed externally on cactus tissues, while larvae are internal miners within cactus stems.
Collops necopinus
Collops necopinus is a soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Like other members of the genus Collops, it is a predatory beetle that feeds on small arthropods. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including New Mexico, and is associated with flowering plants where it hunts prey. Collops beetles are recognized as beneficial natural enemies in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton production.
Collops pulchellus
Collops pulchellus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. Records indicate it has been collected on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in shortgrass prairie habitats of Oklahoma and New Mexico. The species appears to be associated with late-season flowering of its host plants, with observations in September and October. Like other members of the genus Collops, adults are likely predatory on small insects visiting the same flowers.
Conozoa carinata
Ridged Grasshopper
Conozoa carinata, commonly known as the Ridged Grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across North America and Central America. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including New Mexico, where it has been observed in open, disturbed habitats such as parking areas. As a member of the Oedipodinae subfamily, it possesses the characteristic banded wings typical of this group.
Coscinocephalus cribrifrons
Coscinocephalus cribrifrons is a rhinoceros beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1906. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other dynastine beetles, it possesses enlarged cephalic or thoracic horns, though specific horn morphology for this species is not well documented.
Crossidius suturalis pubescens
Crossidius suturalis pubescens is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Linsley in 1957. It belongs to the species Crossidius suturalis, a member of the flower-visiting cerambycid genus Crossidius. The subspecies is distributed in southwestern North America, with records from Arizona and New Mexico. Field observations indicate adults are active in late summer and early autumn, where they have been found on flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta and related composite plants.
Ctenucha cressonana
Cresson's ctenucha
Ctenucha cressonana, commonly known as Cresson's ctenucha, is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1863. It is a member of the genus Ctenucha, a group of tiger moths known for their wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. The species occurs in the Rocky Mountains of the southwestern United States. Adults have been observed laying eggs on grass blades, though the specific host plant for larval development remains unknown.
Daihiniodes
sand-treader crickets
Daihiniodes is a genus of sand-treader crickets in the family Rhaphidophoridae, established by Hebard in 1929. The genus contains at least two described species: Daihiniodes hastifera (Arizona sand-treader cricket) and Daihiniodes larvale (Strohecker's sand-treader cricket). These crickets are part of the tribe Daihiniini within the subfamily Ceuthophilinae.
Decarthron discolor
ant-loving beetle
Decarthron discolor is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, specifically within the ant-associated subfamily Pselaphinae. The species was described by Brendel in 1890 and is recorded from the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is classified as an "ant-loving beetle" due to its ecological association with ant colonies.
Decua cucurbita
Decua cucurbita is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1936. It belongs to the tribe Cicadellini within the subfamily Cicadellinae. Distribution records indicate this species occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona and New Mexico. As a member of the Auchenorrhyncha, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of this suborder.
Deltostethus columbiensis
Deltostethus columbiensis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by Hatch in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Sphaeridiinae, a group often associated with moist organic substrates rather than strictly aquatic habitats. The species occurs in southwestern North America and Mexico.
Dendrocoris neomexicanus
A species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. The genus Dendrocoris is associated with woody vegetation, though species-level biology for D. neomexicanus remains poorly documented. The specific epithet suggests a connection to New Mexico, likely reflecting type locality or primary distribution.
Diapheromera tamaulipensis
Tamaulipas Walkingstick
Diapheromera tamaulipensis, commonly known as the Tamaulipas Walkingstick, is a species of stick insect in the family Diapheromeridae. The species was described by Rehn in 1909 and is native to the southern United States and Mexico. It belongs to a genus of walkingsticks known for their elongated, twig-like bodies and cryptic appearance. Based on related species in the genus, adults likely exhibit strong crypsis resembling plant stems.
Dichagyris socorro
Socorro cutworm moth, Socorro dart moth
Dichagyris socorro is a noctuid moth species described by William Barnes in 1904. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is known from North America, with records from the southwestern United States including New Mexico. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10874. The specific epithet 'socorro' likely refers to Socorro, New Mexico, a location within its documented range.
Diguetia canities
desert bush spider
Diguetia canities, commonly known as the desert bush spider, is a species of coneweb spider in the family Diguetidae. It is the most widely distributed species in its genus, occurring across desert and semidesert habitats from California to Oklahoma and Texas. The spider constructs a distinctive dome-shaped sheet web with a tubular retreat, often placed in bushes or cacti less than 60 cm above ground. It produces a potent insect-selective venom peptide called Dc1a.
Diplotaxis abnormis
Diplotaxis abnormis is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Fall in 1909 and belongs to the tribe Diplotaxini. It is distributed in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico) and northern Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora). Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is likely a nocturnal species that congregates on vegetation to detect pheromone trails for mate location.
Diplotaxis brachyptera
A small scarab beetle in the genus Diplotaxis, family Scarabaeidae, described by Patricia Vaurie in 1960. The species name 'brachyptera' (short-winged) suggests reduced flight capability. Records indicate presence in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other Diplotaxis species, adults are likely nocturnal and may aggregate on vegetation.
Diplotaxis muricata
Diplotaxis muricata is a small scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The genus Diplotaxis comprises chafers—small to medium-sized scarabs often attracted to lights at night. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1907 and is known from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Like other Diplotaxis species, adults are likely nocturnal and may be found on low vegetation.
Diplotaxis subangulata
Diplotaxis subangulata is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, described by LeConte in 1856. The genus Diplotaxis comprises small chafers, and this species occurs across western North America from British Columbia to Baja California, with records throughout the southwestern United States. Adults have been observed congregating on low vegetation, apparently to intercept pheromone trails in search of mates. The species is attracted to lights at night.
Draeculacephala constricta
A species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described from western Texas in 1943. The genus Draeculacephala is characterized by distinctive head morphology, with species often exhibiting elongated or modified facial structures. Draeculacephala constricta occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and has been documented in association with woody legumes including Vachellia constricta (whitethorn acacia), which shares its specific epithet.
leafhopperCicadellidaedesertsouthwestern-USVachelliaacaciaphloem-feederCicadomorphaHemiptera1943-descriptionDavidsonDeLongwestern-Texasaridland-insectwoody-legume-associatehead-morphologygenus-Draeculacephalainsectaarthropodaanimaliaaccepted-speciesGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIiNaturalistobserved-313-timesAlbertaFloridaIllinoisIndianaIowaNew-MexicoArizonasummer-activityJulymonsoon-seasonphloem-feedernutrient-cyclingpredator-preyspider-preybird-preydesert-scrubsemi-aridmesquitecreosoteFabaceaehost-planttaxonomic-descriptionmale-genitaliawing-venationconcave-headproduced-headfacial-structurespecific-epithetconstrictednarrowedidentificationmorphological-detailscongenersCuernaCicadelliniCicadellinaeMembracoideaClypeataAuchenorrhynchaHexapodatrue-bugsMetazoaEukaryotaEmbaphion contractum
Embaphion contractum is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) in the genus Embaphion, a group characterized by their distinctly explanate (flattened and expanded) body form. The species is found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Like other tenebrionids, it is primarily nocturnal and exhibits slow, deliberate movement rather than rapid flight.
Eoreuma callista
Eoreuma callista is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Klots in 1970. It is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. Little is documented about its biology, ecology, or economic significance. The genus Eoreuma includes other species such as E. loftini (Mexican rice borer), a major agricultural pest, but E. callista itself has not been reported as a crop pest.
Eremobates gerbae
windscorpion, solifuge, sun spider, wind scorpion, camel spider
Eremobates gerbae is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Brookhart & Cushing in 2002. Solifuges are arachnids characterized by their large, powerful chelicerae (jaws) and are primarily nocturnal predators of small arthropods. They are not venomous and pose no medical threat to humans despite their fearsome appearance. E. gerbae is one of numerous species in the genus Eremobates, which is particularly diverse in arid regions of western North America.
Eucosma baggetti
Eucosma baggetti is a species of tortricid moth in the tribe Eucosmini, described from New Mexico in 2008. The species is named in honor of a collector. As with many Eucosma species, it likely belongs to a species group characterized by similar genital morphology. The species remains poorly known beyond its original description.
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. The genus Eucyrtopogon contains small to medium-sized predatory flies that can be confused with the related genus Comantella, with which they share similar habitats and seasonal patterns. Very little specific information has been published regarding the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorDipteraNorth-AmericaEucyrtopogoninsectflyCurran-1923diversipilosisdiverse-hairstibia-spurComantellaidentificationantennal-segmentshair-colorationsmall-to-mediumpredatorysimilar-generaconfusiontaxonomyrevision-neededseasonal-activityspringfallearlylateoverwinteringadultsgroundbare-soilopen-fieldshumpbackedprofilemarch-flyBibionidaeasilidmatingwolf-spiderPardosapreyspiderBritish-ColumbiaNevadaUtahIdahoCaliforniaColoradoNew-MexicoAlbertaFront-Rangeeastern-ColoradoColorado-SpringsPortaleseastern-New-Mexicowestern-North-Americachecklistrevisionterminal-stylethird-antennal-segmentmaneMohawkthoraxlegs10-15-mmprotected-placesoverwinterbiology-unknownsuspectedobservedCanningsColeDennisLavigneKnutsonBarnesHullJamesBarrStephensNelsonBug-EricFly-Day-FridayMarch-12November-29201120132017iNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-Lifeacceptedexact-match1-observationsparse-datainferred-contentconservativefactualclarityusefulnesscautious-languagehas-been-observedis-known-tonullunknownnot-clearly-supporteddo-not-inferdo-not-fabricatedo-not-repeatunique-contentnon-overlappingdirect-sentencesconcrete-statementshigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguishenvironmentconditionsgeographic-rangetimingfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningfulimportant-additional-contextcleardirectavoid-fluffavoid-filleravoid-repeating-taxonomyavoid-technical-jargonconcretewell-supportedpartial-but-reliablestrictly-matchJSON-schemano-extra-fieldsno-commentaryentomology-guideaccurateinformativefactual-correctnesscompletenessverbosityspeculationjustifiedvague-generalizationslike-most-insectstypically-feeds-on-plantsbehaviorsdietlife-cycle-detailshost-relationshipshighmediumlowtruefalse3-5-sentencesonlyhow-to-distinguishmust-include-reasononly-if-meaningfulonly-for-important-additional-contextavoid-overly-technical-jargonEuphoria levinotata
Euphoria levinotata is a species of flower scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, described by Orozco in 2012. It belongs to a genus known for bee-mimicking flight behavior and attraction to fermenting tree sap. The species occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. Like other Euphoria species, adults are diurnal fliers that feed on sap flows and occasionally visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Euphoria sonorae
Euphoria sonorae is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. It is a cryptic species that has been observed feeding on flower nectar. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Euphydryas anicia
Anicia checkerspot, Sacramento Mountains checkerspot
Euphydryas anicia is a checkerspot butterfly (family Nymphalidae) native to the southwestern United States. The species is represented by several subspecies, including E. a. howlandi and E. a. cloudcrofti, the latter being a rare, localized form endemic to the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. The subspecies E. a. cloudcrofti has been proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act due to its extremely restricted range and vulnerability to habitat changes. Checkerspot butterflies in this genus are typically associated with specific host plants and occupy distinct elevational zones.
Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti
Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly
Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti is a subspecies of checkerspot butterfly endemic to the Sacramento Mountains of south-central New Mexico. It is currently proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The subspecies is restricted to high-elevation habitats in the Lincoln National Forest, where it depends on specific larval host plants maintained in protected food plots. Its limited geographic range and specialized habitat requirements contribute to its conservation concern.
Euphydryas anicia magdalena
Magdalena alpine butterfly
Euphydryas anicia magdalena is a subspecies of checkerspot butterfly endemic to the Magdalena Mountains of west-central New Mexico. It was originally described by W. Barnes and J.H. McDunnough in 1918. The subspecies is considered rare and elusive, inhabiting alpine environments at high elevations. It has been featured in conservation literature, most notably in Robert Michael Pyle's novel "Magdalena Mountain," which helped raise awareness of this distinctive black alpine butterfly. The subspecies is currently synonymized under Occidryas anicia in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing revisions in checkerspot butterfly systematics.
Eupithecia
pug moths, pugs
Eupithecia is a large genus of small moths in the family Geometridae, commonly known as "pugs." They are characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture. The genus is notably diverse and presents significant identification challenges, with many species requiring dissection of genitalia for definitive determination. Eupithecia species are frequently attracted to lights and have been documented visiting flowers, including apple blossoms, where they contribute to nocturnal pollination.
Eupithecia neomexicana
Eupithecia neomexicana is a small pug moth in the family Geometridae described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1946. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically western New Mexico and Arizona. Adults are active in late summer, with flight records from late August to early September. The species belongs to a large genus of over 1400 species worldwide, commonly known as pugs for their compact resting posture.
Filatima depuratella
Filatima depuratella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. The species was described by Busck in 1910 and is distinguished by its distinctive wing pattern featuring blackish markings on a pale background.
Geolycosa gosoga
Geolycosa gosoga is a species of burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is endemic to the United States, with records from the southwestern and south-central regions including New Mexico and surrounding areas. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy soils and is primarily nocturnal.
Geolycosa riograndae
Geolycosa riograndae is a species of burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Wallace in 1942. It belongs to a genus characterized by deep, silk-lined burrows and fossorial habits. The species is known from the United States, with records primarily from the southwestern region including New Mexico. Like other Geolycosa species, it exhibits the elevated cephalothorax and stout digging appendages typical of burrowing wolf spiders.
Gnorimoschema serratipalpella
Gnorimoschema serratipalpella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1877. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States, specifically Colorado and New Mexico. The species is characterized by distinctive forewing patterning with orange-yellow ground color and gray markings with brown-tipped projections. No information is available regarding its larval biology or host associations.
Graphops comosa
Monahans sandhill chrysomelid, long-haired graphops, Monahans Graphops
Graphops comosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, endemic to the sandhills region of the southwestern United States. The species is distinguished by its exceptionally dense covering of coarse white hairs, the heaviest pubescence of any member of its genus. The specific epithet "comosa" is Latin for "with long hair," directly referencing this diagnostic feature. The beetle's restricted distribution and distinctive appearance make it a notable component of the specialized sandhill fauna of the region.
Gyascutus planicosta obliteratus
Gyascutus planicosta obliteratus is a subspecies of metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) found in the southwestern United States. The species is associated with saltbush habitats, particularly Atriplex canescens (four-winged saltbush), on which adults have been observed perching. The subspecies represents one of several regional forms within the Gyascutus planicosta complex. Field observations from southeastern New Mexico indicate late-season adult activity in September.
Gymnetina borealis
Gymnetina borealis is a species of flower chafer beetle (Cetoniinae) described from the southwestern United States. The species was formally described by Ratcliffe and Warner in 2011. As a member of the Gymnetini tribe, it belongs to a group of scarab beetles often associated with flowers and fruit. Very little biological information has been published for this species specifically.
Gymnetina cretacea sundbergi
Gymnetina cretacea sundbergi is a recently described subspecies of flower chafer endemic to the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. It was first described in 2011 and has been documented at Aguirre Springs Campground in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The subspecies is attracted to sweet red wine-baited traps and appears to be active in late summer and early fall.
Hadoa chiricahua
Chiricahua Sun-Singer
Hadoa chiricahua is an annual cicada species in the genus Hadoa, endemic to the southwestern United States. The species was originally described as Tibicen chiricahua by Davis in 1923 and later transferred to Hadoa. It is known from the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona and adjacent areas of New Mexico, inhabiting mid- to high-elevation forests within the Madrean Sky Island ecosystem. As an annual cicada, it completes its life cycle within a single year, unlike periodical cicadas that emerge on multi-year cycles.
Hadoa texana
Texas Dog-day Cicada
Hadoa texana is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Texas Dog-day Cicada. It is native to the south-central United States, with records from Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Like other cicadas, it produces loud acoustic signals using specialized tymbal organs. The species was originally described by Metcalf in 1963 and was later transferred to the genus Hadoa following taxonomic revision that split the broadly defined genus Tibicen.
Haplaxius impiger
Haplaxius impiger is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. Records indicate presence in Colorado and New Mexico, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Hemerotrecha sevilleta
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Hemerotrecha sevilleta is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described in 2002 from New Mexico. The species epithet references the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, where long-term ecological research has been conducted. As with other solifuges, it is a fast-moving, non-venomous arachnid often mistaken for a spider or scorpion.
Hemileuca oliviae
Range Caterpillar, Range Caterpillar Moth
Hemileuca oliviae, the range caterpillar, is a day-flying saturniid moth native to grasslands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is notable for periodic population outbreaks that can cause significant damage to rangeland vegetation, impacting forage availability for livestock. Its distribution is restricted to open grassland habitats due to predation pressure from woodland rodents on eggs and pupae. The moth has been studied extensively for its ecological interactions, including host plant relationships, water physiology, and natural enemy complexes.
pestrangelandgrasslandoutbreakrodent-predationparasitoid-hostday-flying-mothSaturniidaeHemileucasouthwestern-USChihuahuaNew-Mexicolivestock-forage-competitionintegrated-pest-managementAnastatus-semiflaviduscondensed-tannin-responsewater-physiologyPeromyscus-trueipinyon-mouse-predationpopulation-cyclesMONA-number-7729Hodges-number-7729Hemileuca slosseri
Slosser's buckmoth, nit-grass moth
Hemileuca slosseri is a species of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, described in 1989 by Richard S. Peigler and Stephen E. Stone. It is found in North America, particularly in the southwestern United States including New Mexico and adjacent Oklahoma. The species is associated with oak habitats, with larvae feeding on Havard shin-oak (Quercus havardii). Like other Hemileuca species, it is diurnal and possesses urticating (stinging) spines as larvae.
Hesperotettix viridis viridis
Snakeweed Grasshopper
Hesperotettix viridis viridis, the Snakeweed Grasshopper, is a medium-sized, oligophagous grasshopper endemic to North America that feeds primarily on composite plants (Asteraceae) in the tribe Astereae. It is notable for its host plant-associated genetic differentiation, with populations on different host plants showing significant genetic structuring. The subspecies has long wings capable of dispersal and exhibits specialized foraging behavior responsive to local food depletion.
grasshopperMelanoplinaespecialist-herbivorehost-associated-differentiationbiological-controlrangelandAsteraceaeoligophagousphytophilousecological-speciationNorth-AmericaWyomingColoradoNew-MexicoKansassnakeweedGutierreziaSolidagoAFLPpopulation-geneticsforaging-behaviordispersalsubspecies-viridis-viridisHippopedon capito
Apache grasshopper
Hippopedon capito, commonly known as the Apache grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It was first described by Stål in 1873 under the basionym Psinidia capito. The species is distributed across parts of North America and Central America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Hyperaspis cruenta
bloody lady beetle
Hyperaspis cruenta, commonly known as the bloody lady beetle, is a small predatory lady beetle native to North America. Adults measure approximately 2.50–2.65 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is known from Texas and New Mexico, with limited documented observations. Like other Hyperaspis species, it likely preys on scale insects, though specific dietary records for this species are sparse.
Hyperaspis haematosticta
Hyperaspis haematosticta is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.70–3.80 mm in length. The species is native to North America, with documented records from New Mexico and Arizona. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a predator of scale insects.