Savanna
Guides
Draeculacephala savannahae
Draeculacephala savannahae is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Hamilton in 1985. It belongs to the genus Draeculacephala, a group of sharpshooters within the tribe Cicadellini. The species is known from the southeastern United States, with records from Georgia. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with grassland or savanna habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Gondysia smithii
Smith's Darkwing, Smith's Darkwing Moth
Gondysia smithii is a moth in the family Erebidae, originally described as Ophiusa smithii by Achille Guenée in 1852. It occurs in open savanna and mesic woodland habitats across the southeastern and south-central United States. The species has multiple generations annually, with adults active from spring through late summer. It was transferred from Dysgonia to the newly erected genus Gondysia in 2010 based on morphological and molecular data.
Hemileuca griffini
Griffin's Sheepmoth, Canadian Fleabane Moth
Hemileuca griffini is a day-flying silk moth in the family Saturniidae, described by Tuskes in 1978. The species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 24 species in the genus Hemileuca, commonly known as buck moths or sheep moths. Like other members of its genus, it is likely characterized by striking coloration and urticating (stinging) caterpillars that feed on woody plants. The Hodges number for this species is 7740.
Meotipa pulcherrima
Meotipa pulcherrima is a cobweb spider (family Theridiidae) native to Tropical Africa that has established populations across multiple continents through human-mediated introduction. The species occupies savanna and thicket biomes at moderate elevations and constructs tangled webs in vegetation. It is listed as Least Concern in South Africa due to its broad distribution.
Pogonomyrmex comanche
Comanche harvester ant
Pogonomyrmex comanche, the Comanche harvester ant, is an endangered harvester ant species endemic to the western Gulf Coastal Plain of North America. Genetic studies indicate central Texas serves as the center of genetic diversity, consistent with Pleistocene refugia patterns observed in many regional species. Northern populations in Arkansas and Oklahoma exhibit lower genetic diversity and evidence of population contraction rather than recent range expansion. The species shows signs of dispersal limitation, with high genetic diversity and few identical sequences among sampled individuals. Its decline appears driven by a combination of habitat loss and limited dispersal capacity, though exact mechanisms remain under investigation.