New-world
Guides
Ozodiceromyia
stiletto flies
Ozodiceromyia is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) comprising approximately seven described species distributed across North America, Central America, and northern South America. The genus was established by Bigot in 1890 and belongs to the cycloteline subfamily of Therevidae. Species in this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of predatory flies within the stiletto fly family, though specific ecological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Pachycondyla harpax
rapacious panther ant
Pachycondyla harpax is a widespread New World ponerine ant known from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States. It is a conspicuous ground-nesting species that forages singly rather than in trails. The species has been documented from over 1,500 collection sites and shows a broad latitudinal range from approximately 32°N in Texas to 32°S in southern Brazil.
Palaemnema
shadowdamsels
Palaemnema is a genus of damselflies in the family Platystictidae, commonly known as shadowdamsels. They inhabit the New World tropics and subtropics, ranging from Arizona south to Peru and French Guiana. These insects are adapted to life in deeply shaded forest environments, particularly near small streams.
Palpada
Plushback Flies
Palpada is a genus of 85 species of flower flies (hoverflies) in the tribe Eristalini, distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. Adults are often colorful and bee-like in appearance. The genus is distinguished from related Eristalini genera by specific morphological characters including uniform eye pile, pale hairs on the meron, and distinctive wing venation. Larvae are aquatic 'rat-tailed' maggots with extensible breathing siphons that allow survival in low-oxygen environments.
Palpada agrorum
Double-banded Plushback
Palpada agrorum is a common syrphid fly commonly known as the Double-banded Plushback. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, possessing an extensible posterior breathing siphon. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and belongs to the agrorum species group within the genus Palpada.
Paracrias
Paracrias is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, occurring exclusively in the New World with greatest diversity in the tropics. Larvae are gregarious parasitoids of immature stages of beetles, primarily within Curculionoidea. Host records include weevils (Curculionidae), leaf-rolling weevils (Attelabidae), and bruchine seed beetles (Chrysomelidae). The genus has been studied for its potential as a biological control agent of seed and bud pests.
Paragrilus
Paragrilus is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Agrilinae, native to the Americas. The genus contains approximately 70 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America, with four species occurring in the United States. Species are generally small, dark-colored beetles with reduced metallic luster compared to many other buprestids. They are distinguished from the related and more diverse genus Agrilus by their antennae, which can be received into grooves along the sides of the pronotum.
Paromius longulus
dirt-colored seed bug
Paromius longulus is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. It is distributed throughout the New World, with records from the United States through the Caribbean and Central America to South America. The species belongs to the tribe Myodochini, a group characterized by ground-dwelling habits and seed-feeding ecology.
Perithemis
Amberwings
Perithemis is a genus of small dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as amberwings. Males are distinguished by their amber-colored wings. The genus includes approximately 12 described species distributed in the New World, with notable species including the Eastern Amberwing (P. tenera) and the Mexican Amberwing (P. intensa).
Phengodes laticollis
glowworm beetle
Phengodes laticollis is a glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae, notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism and bioluminescence across all life stages. Females are larviform, larger than males, and produce yellow or green light from organs on trunk segments. Males are smaller, winged, and possess large curved mandibles. The species has been documented circumventing millipede chemical defenses through specialized predatory behavior.
Phengodidae
glowworm beetles, glow-worms, railroad-worms, trenecitos, bigotudos
Phengodidae is a family of bioluminescent beetles commonly known as glowworm beetles. The family contains over 250 described species distributed throughout the New World from southern Canada to Chile, with additional diversity in Western Asia through the subfamily Cydistinae. Females and larvae possess bioluminescent organs that emit yellow, green, or red light; the Brazilian railroad worm Phrixothrix hirtus is the only terrestrial organism known to produce true red light. Females are larviform and typically much larger than males, which are winged, short-lived, and often attracted to lights. The family was formerly considered to include the Old World Rhagophthalmidae, now recognized as a separate family.
Phengodini
Phengodini is a tribe of glowworm beetles within the family Phengodidae, established by LeConte in 1861. Members are characterized by bioluminescent larvae and adult females, a trait shared across the family. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed primarily in the Americas. Adult males are typically winged and non-luminous, while females are larviform and emit light.
Phloeolaemus
Phloeolaemus is a genus of small beetles in the family Laemophloeidae, established by Casey in 1916. The genus contains at least 16 described species distributed across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. These beetles are associated with dead and decaying plant material, particularly in palm and woody debris habitats.
Phrynus
whip spiders, tailless whip scorpions
Phrynus is a genus of whip spiders (order Amblypygi) comprising approximately 40 described species, primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the New World. The genus is characterized by dorsoventrally flattened bodies, extraordinarily elongated antenniform front legs used for sensory detection, and raptorial pedipalps for prey capture. Most species inhabit forested environments where they shelter in crevices, under rocks, or in tree holes during daylight hours and emerge nocturnally to hunt. Several species exhibit notable behavioral complexity including territoriality, cannibalism, maternal care of offspring, and sophisticated navigational abilities using multisensory cues.
Phyllophaga
May beetles, June bugs, June beetles, July beetles
Phyllophaga is a large genus of New World scarab beetles comprising over 900 species. Adults are nocturnal, attracted to artificial lights, and feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots. The genus is economically significant as both adults and larvae can cause damage to agricultural crops and turf. Some species exhibit flightlessness and diurnal activity, representing derived traits within the genus.
Picumna
Picumna is a genus of planthoppers in the family Issidae, characterized by four spines on the hind tibia—a diagnostic feature distinguishing it from similar genera. The genus was erected by Stål in 1864 and is now placed in the tribe Picumnini. Species occur in the Southwestern United States and Central America.
Piezogaster
leaf-footed bugs
Piezogaster is a genus of leaf-footed bugs in the family Coreidae, containing at least 30 described species distributed across the New World. Recent taxonomic revision has clarified species boundaries, resurrected P. alternatus from synonymy, and described two new species. Members of this genus are found from the southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Platyceroides
Platyceroides is a genus of stag beetles (family Lucanidae) established by Benesh in 1946. The genus contains approximately 16 described species. It belongs to the tribe Platyceroidini within the subfamily Lucaninae.
Poecilognathini
Poecilognathini is a tribe of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) established by Evenhuis in 1990. Members are classified within the subfamily Phthiriinae. The tribe contains multiple genera of small to medium-sized flies that share distinctive morphological features related to wing venation and body structure. The group is primarily distributed in the New World tropics and subtropics.
Poecilopompilus
spider wasps
Poecilopompilus is a genus of fossorial spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, distributed throughout the New World. These wasps are notable for their Müllerian mimicry of social paper wasps (Polistes), sharing similar yellow and black or reddish-brown color patterns. Females hunt orbweaver spiders (Araneidae), paralyzing them with a sting and transporting them to underground burrows where an egg is laid on each spider. The genus contains approximately 37 recognized species, with only a few extending into the United States.
Poecilopompilus interruptus
Interrupted Spider Wasp
Poecilopompilus interruptus is a New World spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Adults are highly variable in coloration, displaying combinations of rufous-brown, yellow, and black markings. Females are 13 mm in length with curled antennae tips, while males have straight or gently curved antennae. The species exhibits Müllerian mimicry of paper wasps (Polistes). It preys exclusively on orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) and has been documented visiting numerous flowering plants and extrafloral nectaries.
Pogonomyrmecini
Pogonomyrmecini is a tribe of myrmicine ants established in 2015, containing three extant genera: Pogonomyrmex, Hylomyrma, and Patagonomyrmex. The tribe was erected following phylogenetic revision of the subfamily Myrmicinae. Members include the well-known harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex), which are conspicuous seed-collecting ants in arid regions of the Americas. The tribe represents a relatively recent taxonomic reorganization based on molecular and morphological evidence.
Polacantha
Polacantha is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Martin in 1975. The genus contains approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species in this genus are predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight. Most species were described by Martin in his 1975 revision of the genus.
Polygrammodes
Polygrammodes is a genus of crambid snout moths in the subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed primarily in the New World. Adults are typically medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings. Larval stages are associated with various host plants, though specific associations vary by species.
Proconiini
sharpshooters
Proconiini is a large tribe of xylem-feeding leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) comprising approximately 422 species in 58 genera, restricted to the New World. Members are commonly known as sharpshooters due to their rapid, directed flight patterns. The tribe includes major agricultural pests and vectors of Xylella fastidiosa, a phytopathogenic bacterium causing diseases in citrus, grapes, almonds, and other crops. Proconiini species exhibit distinctive morphological adaptations including brachyptery in high-altitude Andean forms and unique egg brochosome production for offspring protection.
Psellidotus
Psellidotus is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Stratiomyinae, and tribe Stratiomyini. The genus was established by Rondani in 1863 and contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the New World, with greatest diversity in the Neotropical region. Adults are characterized by patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait associated with detection of horizontally polarized light and linked to the aquatic larval habitat typical of stratiomyine flies. The genus is taxonomically challenging, particularly in South America where species boundaries with the related genus Hedriodiscus become unclear.
Pselliopus
orange assassin bugs
Pselliopus is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Harpactorinae. The genus contains 27 described species restricted to the New World. Several species, particularly Pselliopus barberi, are noted for their bright orange and black coloration and relatively large size. Members of this genus are predatory insects that have been observed feeding on various arthropod prey including aphids, leafhoppers, and bees. Some species are considered potential biological control agents for pest management.
Pseudochalcura
Pseudochalcura is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eucharitidae, containing approximately 14 described species. All species are specialized parasitoids of ants (Formicidae). The genus is widespread in the New World, ranging from the Yukon and Alaska to northern Chile and Argentina.
Pseudopachybrachius
dirt-colored seed bugs
Pseudopachybrachius is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Malipatil in 1978. The genus comprises eight described species distributed primarily in the New World. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia morphology and external diagnostic characters. The group includes the taxonomically challenging 'vinctus-group' of four closely related species.
Psychonoctua
Psychonoctua is a genus of carpenter moths (family Cossidae, subfamily Zeuzerinae) established by Grote in 1865. The genus occurs across the New World from the southwestern United States through Central America to South America, with species documented in California, Texas, the Caribbean, and countries including Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. Recent taxonomic revisions have expanded the genus to include species transferred from the related genus Schreiteriana.
Ptilothrix
chimney bees, mallow bees
Ptilothrix is a genus of solitary, ground-nesting bees in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini, with an amphitropical distribution in the New World. These bees range from 7 to 15 mm in body length and are distinguished by prominent, coarse scopae on their hind legs adapted for collecting large-grained pollen. Females excavate nests in hard-packed soil using water carried from ponds to moisten the substrate, constructing distinctive turreted or chimney-like nest entrances. The genus exhibits narrow pollen specialization (oligolecty), with species specializing on particular plant families including Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae, Onagraceae, Cactaceae, Pontederiaceae, and Asteraceae.
Rhiginia
Rhiginia is a genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) established by Stål in 1859. The genus is placed in the subfamily Ectrichodiinae, a group of reduviids commonly known as millipede assassin bugs due to their specialized predation on millipedes. Species of Rhiginia are generally active, alert, and strong fliers. The genus is restricted to the New World, with species documented from the Americas.
Robustagramma
lesser dung flies
Robustagramma is a genus of small flies in the family Sphaeroceridae (lesser dung flies), established in 2005 by Marshall & Cui. It comprises 54 species arranged in 8 species groups, of which 52 were described as new in the original monograph. The genus is distributed from Canada to Argentina and represents a distinctive clade within the subfamily Limosininae.
Schizocerella
purslane sawflies
Schizocerella is a genus of sawflies in the family Argidae containing at least two species: Schizocerella pilicornis and Schizocerella lineata. Both species are associated with purslane (Portulaca) as host plants. The genus was historically confused, with S. lineata only recognized as distinct from S. pilicornis in 2007 based on mitochondrial DNA analysis. Males are readily identified by their uniquely forked terminal antennal segments.
Selenomorphini
Selenomorphini is a small tribe of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae. It was established by Evans in 1974 and currently comprises at least six genera including Pachyopsis, Scaroidana, Parapachyopsis, and Uhleriana. The tribe exhibits a disjunct biogeographic pattern, with species occurring in the New World and New Caledonia. Recent taxonomic work has focused on Brazilian fauna, describing new species and genera and providing detailed morphological redescriptions including first illustrations of female genitalia.
Sennius
seed beetles, pea and bean weevils
Sennius is a New World genus of seed beetles (subfamily Bruchinae) within Chrysomelidae, containing at least 20 described species. Species are organized into multiple species groups, with the S. abbreviatus group being the largest and most thoroughly studied, comprising 14 species. The genus is characterized by distinctive male genitalia morphology, particularly patterns of sclerites and internal sac structure. Several species have been described from Mexico, Central America, and South America, with ongoing taxonomic revisions revealing new species and clarifying host plant relationships.
Sennius leucostauros
Sennius leucostauros is a seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, described in 1973. It belongs to the S. abbreviatus species group, which is distinguished by patterns of sclerites and the shape of the male internal sac. The species occurs in Central and North America. As a member of Sennius, it likely develops in seeds, though specific host plants have not been documented.
Sericoptera
Sericoptera is a genus of New World geometrid moths erected by Herrich-Schäffer in 1855. The genus contains seven described species distributed from Canada to Bolivia. Adults are characterized by distinctive wing patterns of white to cream ground color with pale brown transverse bands. The type species is Sericoptera mahometaria (Herrich-Schäffer, [1853]), originally described as Geometra mahometaria.
Siproeta epaphus
Rusty-tipped Page, Brown Siproeta
Siproeta epaphus, commonly known as the rusty-tipped page or brown siproeta, is a New World butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is a tropical butterfly with large wings averaging 7.0–7.5 cm in wingspan, characterized by striking black, brown, white, and rusty orange coloration. The species is resident year-round in tropical habitats and ranges from southern North America through Central America to central South America. Three subspecies are recognized, with the nominate subspecies S. epaphus epaphus being the most widespread and displaying the characteristic rusty orange wing tips.
Spalacopsis
Spalacopsis is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Agapanthiinae. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Species were described between 1829 and 1973, with several named by Tyson in the early 1970s. The genus is part of the tribe Agapanthiini, a group of cerambycids often associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Sparganothoides
Sparganothoides is a New World genus of tortricid moths established in 1986, containing 32 described species. The genus exhibits greatest species diversity at middle elevations from central and southern Mexico through Costa Rica. A 2009 systematic revision organized species into six monophyletic groups based primarily on male genitalia morphology. Biological data remain limited, derived mainly from laboratory rearings of eight species.
Spathidexia
Spathidexia is a New World genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Thelairini, characterized by females possessing a blade-like ovipositor (from Latin 'spatha', sword). The genus contains approximately 24 nominal species distributed across the Americas, with seven species north of Mexico and 12 in the Neotropics showing minimal geographic overlap. All species studied from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica are parasitoids of caterpillars in Nymphalidae (Satyrinae) and Hesperiidae (Hesperiinae) that feed on monocots. Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in orbital bristles and abdominal coloration patterns.
Stenomacra
bordered plant bugs
Stenomacra is a genus of bordered plant bugs in the family Largidae, established by Stål in 1870. The genus contains at least eight described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the southwestern United States through Central America to South America, including Ecuador and Panama. Species in this genus are associated with vegetation, particularly flowering plants, and have been observed feeding on plant sap and honeydew. Some species have been studied for their mating behavior and ecological roles in agroecosystems.
Stiphrosoma pectinatum
Stiphrosoma pectinatum is a species of small fly in the family Anthomyzidae, described as new to science by Roháček & Barber in 2005. It is one of 14 New World species revised in the 2005 taxonomic treatment, distinguished by specific male and female genitalic structures. The species occurs in eastern North America from Canada through the eastern United States.
Stittocapsus
Stittocapsus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Knight in 1942. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in the Americas, including North and South America. As members of Miridae, these insects are likely small, soft-bodied true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Stobaera
Stobaera is a genus of delphacid planthoppers established by Stål in 1859, containing approximately 14 described species. These insects belong to the family Delphacidae, a diverse group of small planthoppers characterized by a distinctive movable spur on the hind tibia. The genus is part of the large superfamily Delphacoidea within the order Hemiptera. Species in this genus are found in various regions and are documented through hundreds of observational records.
Symphrasinae
thorny lacewings
Symphrasinae is a subfamily of thorny lacewings within Rhachiberothidae (Neuroptera), recently transferred from Mantispidae. It comprises three genera—Anchieta, Plega, and Trichoscelia—with 60 described species distributed exclusively in the New World from the southwestern United States to southern Argentina. Members possess raptorial forelegs for prey capture. The genus Plega has been documented as an ectoparasitoid of sawfly larvae and pupae.
Synergini
inquiline gall wasps
Synergini is a tribe of inquiline gall wasps in the family Cynipidae. Members have lost the ability to induce their own galls and instead inhabit galls created by other cynipid wasps, primarily those in tribe Cynipini. The tribe includes genera such as Synergus, Saphonecrus, Lithosaphonecrus, and Ufo. Most species are associated with oaks (Quercus) and related Fagaceae. A 2015 taxonomic revision transferred three former Synergini genera to other tribes: Ceroptres to its own tribe Ceroptresini, and Periclistus and Synophromorpha to Diastrophini.
Tabudamima
Tabudamima is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae, order Diptera) established by Irwin & Lyneborg in 1981. The genus was revised by Webb & Irwin in 1999, who also described the related new genus Incoxoverpa. As a therevid genus, its species are likely predatory in the larval stage, though specific life history details remain poorly documented. The genus is distinguished from the related Tabuda by specific morphological features of the male genitalia and wing venation.
Tanypezidae
Stretched-foot Flies
Tanypezidae is a small family of acalyptrate Diptera containing 28 species in two genera. The family is primarily New World in distribution, with Tanypeza (2 species) occurring in North America and the Palearctic, and Neotanypeza (26 species) restricted to the Neotropics. Species are characterized by their relatively large size, semispherical heads, stout bodies, and notably long, thin legs that give the family its common name. The biology of most species remains poorly known.