New-world
Guides
Herdoniini
Herdoniini is a tribe of plant bugs within the family Miridae, subfamily Mirinae. The tribe comprises approximately eight genera and more than thirty described species, though some sources cite fewer described species. Genera include Barberiella, Closterocoris, Cyphopelta, Dacerla, Heidemanniella, Mexicomiris, Paradacerla, and Paraxenetus. Members are small to medium-sized true bugs with the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts of the family.
Heterachthes
Heterachthes is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Newman in 1840. It belongs to the tribe Tropidini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed in the Americas, with records from Colombia and the United States (Vermont). As with other cerambycines, members are wood-boring beetles whose larvae develop in plant material.
Heza
Heza is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae, first described in 1843. The genus contains more than 30 described species distributed throughout the Americas. These insects are predatory true bugs belonging to the subfamily Harpactorinae, one of the most diverse groups within Reduviidae.
Hoplandriini
Hoplandriini rove beetles
Hoplandriini is a tribe of small rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) containing at least 5 genera and 21 described species. The tribe includes the genus Microlia, whose members are pollen-feeders frequently associated with flowers of Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, and Monimiaceae. Some species, such as Microlia cayaponia, have been observed foraging on Cayaponia flowers and may compete with pollinators for pollen resources. The tribe occurs in the New World and Australasia.
Hypomicrogaster
Hypomicrogaster is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, containing over 40 described species. The genus was taxonomically revised in 2015, with 40 new species described and four previously named species redescribed. Species in this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented associations to 11 lepidopteran families and 52 confirmed host species feeding on 34 plant families. The genus is distributed across North, Central, and South America.
Issinae
Issinae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Issidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea). The group contains multiple tribes including the recently erected Picumnini and subtribe Duroidina within Parahiraciini. Taxonomic revisions continue to clarify relationships within this subfamily, particularly regarding New World taxa. The subfamily is characterized by specific morphological features including wing venation and body form typical of the Issidae family.
Labena
Labena is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Labeninae. The genus contains at least 40 described species distributed primarily in the New World. Species have been documented from North America through Central America, including the Yucatán Peninsula. Labena species are associated with wood-boring beetles, with at least one species documented in proximity to the cerambycid Callidiellum rufipenne.
Laniifera
Laniifera is a genus of snout moths (family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae) containing two species: L. cyclades and L. rawlinsi. The genus was erected by George Hampson in 1899 with Pachynoa cyclades Druce, 1895 as type species. The caterpillars of L. cyclades are specialized feeders on Opuntia cacti and are recognized as pests of commercial prickly pear cultivation.
Lepidophora
bee flies
Lepidophora is a genus of bee flies in the family Bombyliidae, comprising eight described species restricted to the New World. The genus exhibits a distinctive hunch-backed body shape and includes species with notable mimicry patterns. Larvae are kleptoparasites of solitary wasp nests, usurping provisions rather than parasitizing larvae directly. Adults are commonly observed feeding on nectar from flowers.
Leschenaultia
Leschenaultia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 35 described species distributed across the New World, from Canada to Argentina. Species in this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented hosts spanning at least seven families including Lasiocampidae, Erebidae, Noctuidae, and Saturniidae. The genus has been studied primarily for its role in biological control of forest tent caterpillar and other caterpillar pests. Female flies locate hosts using volatile cues from damaged plants and host frass, with oviposition strategies varying between macrotype eggs deposited directly on host integument and microtype eggs placed on foliage.
Leschenaultia bicolor
Leschenaultia bicolor is a tachinid fly parasitoid that attacks lepidopteran caterpillars. Females deposit microtype eggs on leaves, which are ingested by host caterpillars during feeding. The species has been recorded from multiple Halysidota species (Erebidae) and is distributed across the New World from Canada to Argentina. A 2020 study provided the first description and illustration of male and female terminalia for this species.
Libytheana
New World Snouts
Libytheana is a genus of nymphalid butterflies in the snout butterfly subfamily Libytheinae, established by Michener in 1943. The genus comprises four species, with Libytheana carinenta (American snout) being the most widespread and migratory, occurring across North and South America. The remaining three species—L. terena, L. motya, and L. fulvescens—are restricted to the Caribbean. These butterflies are characterized by their distinctive elongated labial palps that form a prominent "snout," a defining feature of the subfamily.
Limonethe
Limonethe is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae containing approximately five described species. Members of this genus are distributed throughout the New World from Canada to Argentina. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a nearly square-shaped areolet and large, dense punctures on the post-petiole. Many species exhibit infuscated wings, a red abdomen, and a black head and mesosoma with narrow white markings along the inner eye margins.
Lutzomyia
phlebotomine sand flies, New World sand flies
Lutzomyia is a genus of phlebotomine sand flies comprising nearly 400 species, restricted to the New World. At least 33 species have documented medical importance as vectors of human disease. The genus is one of only two in the subfamily Phlebotominae that transmit Leishmania parasites, the causative agents of leishmaniasis. Lutzomyia species also vector Carrion's disease (bartonellosis) and various arboviruses.
Madura
Madura is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae) described by Stål in 1860. These true bugs belong to the subfamily Hydarinae and are found in the New World tropics and subtropics, with records from Mexico, the Caribbean, Panama, and Texas. The genus comprises multiple species of medium to large-sized heteropterans characterized by their expanded hind tibiae and leaf-like expansions on the hind legs typical of the family Coreidae.
Mastinocerini
Mastinocerini is a tribe of glow-worm beetles within the family Phengodidae, comprising at least 190 described species across 24 genera. Members of this tribe are distributed primarily in the New World, with significant diversity in Central and South America. The tribe was established by LeConte in 1881 and includes the type genus Mastinocerus. These beetles are notable for their bioluminescent larvae, which use light production to lure prey.
Mastogenius
Mastogenius is a genus of minute jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) characterized by extremely small body size—adults measure approximately 2 mm in length. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed across the Americas, from the southwestern United States through Central America and into South America. Adults are typically collected by beating oak foliage, and at least one species has been recorded from Florida sand oak (Quercus geminata). The genus is among the smallest buprestids in North America, making field identification challenging without close examination.
Mecidea
narrow stink bugs
Mecidea is a genus of narrow-bodied stink bugs (Pentatomidae) comprising eight described species. It is the sole genus in the tribe Mecideini native to the New World. Species are grass-feeding specialists found in xeric and semiarid grasslands, with documented activity throughout the year including winter months. The genus has been studied primarily through life history work on M. major and M. minor in the southwestern United States.
Megaderus
Megaderus is a genus of long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae) first described by Dejean in 1821. The genus contains at least two described species: Megaderus bifasciatus, distributed across North and Central America, and Megaderus stigma, found in South and Central America. Both species are classified within the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Trachyderini. The genus is represented by 352 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation in citizen science records.
Megalopygidae
New World Flannel Moths, Flannel Moths, Crinkled Flannel Moths
Megalopygidae is a family of moths occurring in North America and the New World tropics, with larvae commonly known as puss caterpillars or asps. The caterpillars are covered in long, soft hairs that conceal hollow venomous spines capable of delivering severe stings. The family contains two subfamilies in the United States: Megalopyginae (genus Megalopyge, 7 species) and Trosiinae (genera Norape and Trosia, 5 species). The venom system is unique among Lepidoptera, consisting of aerolysin-like pore-forming toxins called megalysins that were recruited via horizontal gene transfer from bacteria.
Melipotis indomita
Indomitable Melipotis, Indomitable Graphic Moth
Melipotis indomita is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is widely distributed across the Americas, ranging from the West Indies and Mexico through much of the United States. The species has a wingspan of 40–55 mm and produces multiple generations per year. Larvae feed exclusively on Prosopis species.
Melipotis januaris
January melipotis moth, January Graphic
Melipotis januaris is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It exhibits a broad New World distribution spanning the Caribbean, Florida, and from Mexico to Paraguay. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. The larvae are known to feed on Inga laurina.
Messatoporus
Messatoporus is a large New World genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, comprising 89 valid species. The genus is monophyletic and distinguished by a unique combination of morphological synapomorphies including specialized mandible structure and propodeal features. Species exhibit a morphological gradient from forms resembling other Osprynchotina to a highly derived morphotype with convergent traits similar to Gabuniina, interpreted as adaptations for locating and accessing deeply concealed hosts.
Messatoporus rufiventris
Messatoporus rufiventris Cushman, 1929 is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Cryptinae. It was originally described as a valid species but has been synonymized under Messatoporus discoidalis (Cresson) based on a 2013 revision of the genus. The genus Messatoporus is a large New World group containing 89 recognized species, characterized by distinctive morphological features including a long tapered mandible with reduced ventral tooth and a specialized ovipositor structure. No specific biological or ecological data has been documented for M. rufiventris itself.
Metacanthus multispinus
Green Stilt Bug
Metacanthus multispinus is a stilt bug in the family Berytidae, commonly known as the Green Stilt Bug. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and into northern South America. The species is characterized by the elongated, slender legs typical of stilt bugs, which elevate the body above the substrate.
Metacyrba
Metacyrba is a genus of jumping spiders (family Salticidae) established by Frederick Octavius Pickard-Cambridge in 1901. The genus name derives from Greek μετά ('after, beside') combined with the related salticid genus Cyrba. It contains seven species and one subspecies distributed across the Americas, from the United States through Mexico and the Caribbean to northern South America.
Metanema
Metanema is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The genus was erected by Achille Guenée in 1857 (published 1858) and currently contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species within this genus are part of the diverse geometrid moth fauna, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths due to the characteristic looping locomotion of their larvae.
Microctenochira
Microctenochira is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing at least 110 described species. Members of this genus exhibit the characteristic domed carapace of tortoise beetles, with some species possessing translucent elytra with opaque patterns. The genus occurs in the New World tropics, with documented observations from Costa Rica and other Central American regions. Larvae of at least some species construct protective structures from shed exoskeletons and fecal material.
Microlia
Microlia is a small genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Hoplandriini) comprising approximately twelve species. The genus has a disjunct distribution across Australasian and New World regions, with recent records from Brazil representing the first South American occurrences. Members of this genus are obligate pollen-feeders, with multiple species documented in association with flowers of Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, and Monimiaceae.
Micropholcus
cellar spiders
Micropholcus is a genus of cellar spiders (Pholcidae) characterized by long legs and relatively fragile bodies. It is one of only two pholcid genera with both Old and New World distributions, though morphological and ecological differences exist between geographic groups. The genus currently contains at least 29 species, with major taxonomic revisions in 2014 (transfers from Leptopholcus) and 2024 (description of twelve new Old World species). The type species M. fauroti has a pantropical distribution and has been introduced globally.
Microtomus luctuosus
Tamaulipan White-winged Assassin
Microtomus luctuosus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, native to the Americas. It belongs to the subfamily Hammacerinae, which includes species commonly known as bark assassin bugs. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woodland habitats and cryptic microhabitats such as beneath bark. The specific epithet 'luctuosus' (Latin for 'mournful' or 'sorrowful') may refer to its coloration.
Micrutalini
Micrutalini is a tribe of treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Smiliinae) containing two genera: Micrutalis and Trachytalis. The tribe is distinguished by exceptionally small fifth-instar nymphs (3.0–3.5 mm) and unique morphological features including ventrolateral scoli in some species—a condition unknown elsewhere in Smiliinae. Nymphs are cryptic, solitary, and not associated with ants. The tribe occurs throughout much of the Americas and the West Indies.
Myrmedonota
Myrmedonota is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) first described by Cameron in 1920. The genus was first recorded from Mexico in 2013 with the description of two new species, M. shimmerale and M. xipe. Members of this genus exhibit myrmecophilous associations, aggregating toward agitated ants and potentially preying on them. The genus is suggested to be more diverse in the New World than previously recognized, though its taxonomy remains in a state of confusion.
Neivamyrmex
Legionary Ants
Neivamyrmex is a genus of New World army ants comprising approximately 129 species. Colonies are nomadic, establishing temporary bivouacs nightly rather than constructing permanent nests. Most species are predominantly subterranean, with occasional surface foraging at night or during overcast conditions. The genus is distinguished from related army ants by workers lacking a subapical tooth on the tarsal claw.
Neocallotillus
Calloused Clerids
Neocallotillus is a genus of checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, subfamily Tillinae. It was erected in 2016 by Burke and Zolnerowich to accommodate species formerly placed in Callotillus. The genus is distinguished by specific morphological features of the pronotum and elytra. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Neoplea
pygmy backswimmers
Neoplea is a genus of minute aquatic predatory true bugs in the family Pleidae, commonly known as pygmy backswimmers. The genus contains at least 25 described species distributed across North and South America, with numerous undescribed species. Members are small-bodied (approximately 1.5 mm), active predators in lentic freshwater habitats. The best-studied species, Neoplea striola, has been investigated for its potential role in trophic cascades in fishless subtropical ponds.
Neorileya
Neorileya is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eurytomidae, subfamily Rileyinae. These micro-Hymenoptera are egg parasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), with documented hosts in Coreidae, Pentatomidae, and Reduviidae. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across the New World from central California to Argentina. Neorileya species develop as endoparasitoids within host eggs, with some species causing significant mortality in agricultural pest populations.
Neoscona oaxacensis
Western Spotted Orbweaver, Zig-zag Spider
Neoscona oaxacensis is a large orb-weaving spider distributed across the Americas from the United States to South America, including the Galápagos Islands. Females reach 9–18 mm in body length, males 6–13 mm. The species exhibits highly variable dorsal abdominal patterning, with a distinctive black-and-white pattern that aids identification. It constructs spiral orb webs to capture flying insects and is active primarily from late spring through autumn. The species was first described from Oaxaca, Mexico in 1863.
Neotuerta
Neotuerta is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Agaristinae. The genus was established by Sergius G. Kiriakoff in 1976. It comprises at least five described species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. The genus appears to be associated with dry or sandy habitats based on species epithets and collection localities.
New-genus-on-dichanthelium
New-genus-on-dichanthelium is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae. The genus name derives from its association with host plants in the genus Dichanthelium, a group of panic grasses. Delphacids are characterized by a movable spur on the hind tibia, an adaptation for jumping. Species in this genus appear to be specialized feeders on Dichanthelium grasses.
Niesthrea
scentless plant bugs, hibiscus scentless plant bugs
Niesthrea is a genus of scentless plant bugs in the family Rhopalidae, tribe Niesthreini. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species distributed primarily in the New World, from the United States through Central and South America. Species in this genus are associated with plants in the family Malvaceae, with some species serving as important biological control agents against agricultural weeds such as velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti). The best-studied species, Niesthrea louisianica, exhibits striking orange, black, and white coloration and has been extensively investigated for its potential in integrated pest management programs.
Niesthrea sidae
Niesthrea sidae is a species of scentless plant bug in the family Rhopalidae, native to the New World. It is one of approximately 20 recognized species in the genus Niesthrea, which was taxonomically revised in 2019 with six new species described. The species occurs across broad geographic regions including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae).
Nolima pinal
Nolima pinal is a mantidfly species endemic to the southwestern United States, ranging from Arizona to Nevada. First described by Rehn in 1939, the species was redescribed in a 2019 taxonomic revision that synonymized N. dine and N. kantsi under it. The species is distinguished by distinctive male abdominal cuticular structures and genitalic morphology, including a strongly projecting, deeply bifid male mediuncus apex and a female spermatheca with a distal accessory gland. Its forewing has a short subcostal space with Sc contacting C near the middle of the costal margin, distal to the pterostigma base.
Notomicrus
Notomicrus is a genus of small water beetles in the family Noteridae, first described by Sharp in 1882. Species occur in freshwater habitats across the New World, from North America through Central America to South America and the Caribbean. The genus includes at least 13 described species, with several recent descriptions from Guadeloupe and Suriname. Some species exhibit unusual reproductive traits, including suspected obligate parthenogenesis.
Oestrophasia
Oestrophasia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Dufouriini. Members of this genus are parasitoid flies, with at least one species, Oestrophasia (Cenosoma) sabroskyi, documented as a parasitoid of weevils (Curculionidae). The genus contains six described species distributed in the New World.
Olcella
frit flies
Olcella is a genus of small frit flies in the family Chloropidae, subfamily Oscinellinae. The genus contains approximately 11 described species with highest diversity in South America, particularly Argentina. Several Nearctic species have been documented engaging in kleptoparasitism, feeding on prey fluids from insects captured by predators such as spiders, assassin bugs, and mantids. Species in this genus possess a long geniculate (elbowed) proboscis that facilitates feeding on exposed fluids without disturbing the predator.
Orasema
Orasema is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eucharitidae containing at least 50 described species. These wasps are specialized parasitoids of myrmicine ants (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), with documented hosts including Pheidole, Wasmannia, and Solenopsis. The genus is widespread in the New World, ranging from northern Argentina to southern Canada. Several species groups have been established based on morphology and molecular phylogeny, with the stramineipes group being the most diverse. Some species have been associated with minor agricultural damage when ovipositing into crop plant leaves.
Orasema castilloae
Orasema castilloae is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eucharitidae, described in 2020. It belongs to the Orasema tolteca species group, one of several species groups within the widespread New World genus Orasema. Members of this genus are specialized parasitoids of myrmicine ants (Formicidae: Myrmicinae). The species is known from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Orsodacnidae
Ravenous Leaf Beetles
Orsodacnidae is a small family of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea) that was historically classified as a subfamily of Chrysomelidae but is now recognized as distinct. The family contains two subfamilies: Aulacoscelidinae (genera Aulacoscelis, Janbechynea) and Orsodacninae (genus Orsodacne). Members of this family exhibit specialized feeding relationships with cycads and other plants, with documented seed predation by immature stages and folivory by adults.
Orthodes majuscula
Rustic Quaker
Orthodes majuscula, commonly known as the Rustic Quaker, is a noctuid moth described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1868. It is widespread throughout the New World, ranging from eastern North America through Central America to South America. Adults are active from May to August and have a wingspan of 28–35 mm.