Sexual-dimorphism
Guides
Antaeotricha irene
Antaeotricha irene is a small moth in the family Depressariidae, described by William Barnes and August Busck in 1920. It is known from Texas in North America. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing pattern, with males displaying much more extensive dark markings than females. Larvae feed on Sida species.
Anthidium
Wool Carder Bees, Carder Bees, Potter Bees
Anthidium is a genus of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae containing approximately 80 species. These bees are commonly known as wool carder or potter bees due to their distinctive nest-building behavior: females collect plant hairs, conifer resin, mud, or combinations thereof to construct brood cells. Unlike leafcutter bees in the same family, Anthidium species do not cut leaf pieces. They possess pollen-carrying scopa exclusively on the ventral surface of the abdomen, a characteristic trait of Megachilidae. The genus is primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and South America.
Anthidium maculosum
Spotted Woolcarder
Anthidium maculosum is a solitary carder bee in the family Megachilidae, notable for its unusual sexual dimorphism where males are significantly larger than females—a reversal of the typical bee pattern. Males establish and defend territories around flowering patches of Monarda mint, while females practice polyandry, mating multiple times to gain access to guarded resources. The species ranges from the Pacific Northwest through Mexico to Honduras.
Anthidium manicatum
European wool carder bee, wool carder bee
Anthidium manicatum, the European wool carder bee, is a solitary, cavity-nesting bee in the family Megachilidae. Females collect plant trichomes (hairs) from leaves such as lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) to line nest cells, giving the species its common name. Males are highly territorial, defending patches of flowering plants against conspecific males and other pollinators. The species exhibits unusual sexual dimorphism: males are larger than females, contrary to most solitary bees. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it has become a widespread invasive species across North America, South America, New Zealand, and the Canary Islands after accidental introduction.
Anthophora edwardsii
Edwards' anthophora
Anthophora edwardsii, commonly known as Edwards' anthophora, is a solitary digger bee native to western North America. Adults measure 12–18 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in facial coloration. The species is an important pollinator, with documented associations to manzanita flowers. Like other members of the genus Anthophora, it nests in the ground and is active during spring.
Anthophora walshii
Walsh's anthophora
Anthophora walshii is a species of anthophorine bee in the family Apidae. It is found in North America. Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in size, with males generally larger than females. Males can reach up to 16 mm in length with an abdomen breadth of 6 mm, while females grow to approximately 14 mm in length with an abdomen breadth of 5 mm. The species is part of the diverse Anthophora genus, which includes many digger bee species.
Anurida
Anurida is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, established in 1865 by Laboulbène. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with species occupying diverse habitats including intertidal marine zones, river floodplains, riparian areas, and forest ecosystems. Well-studied species include the intertidal specialist Anurida maritima, which exhibits complex tidal-entrained behaviors, and the terrestrial A. granaria, which has documented mycophagous associations. The genus shows notable morphological diversity in chaetotaxy and eye reduction, with some species groups exhibiting cryptic genetic divergence despite morphological similarity.
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aphidimyza
aphid midge
Aphidoletes aphidimyza is a predatory gall midge used worldwide in biological control programs against aphids. Adults are small, delicate, nocturnal flies that feed on aphid honeydew and hide beneath leaves during daylight. The bright orange, slug-like larvae are specialized aphid predators that paralyze prey by injecting venom into leg joints before consuming body contents. The species is commercially mass-produced and distributed as pupae in moist substrate for greenhouse applications.
Aphonopelma
Aphonopelma is a genus of tarantulas in the family Theraphosidae, comprising the majority of North American tarantula species north of Mexico and many Central American species. The genus includes approximately 54 currently recognized species, though taxonomy remains problematic due to morphological similarity among species. Members are generally large-bodied with leg spans of 6 inches or more, and possess urticating hairs used in defense. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism, with mature males becoming more active and wander in search of sedentary females.
Aphonopelma anax
Texas tan tarantula
Aphonopelma anax, the Texas tan tarantula, is among the largest tarantula species in the United States, with mature individuals reaching leg spans of 5–6 inches. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are larger-bodied with shorter legs and can live up to 40 years, while males have longer legs, smaller bodies, and typically survive less than two years after maturity. Males abandon their burrows during the late summer and early fall mating season to actively search for sedentary females, traveling up to 1.2 km in a single night and covering areas up to 29 hectares. The species employs behavioral thermoregulation, retreating into temporary burrows during daytime heat and emerging in the evening when thermal conditions permit sustained activity.
Aphonopelma chalcodes
Desert Blonde Tarantula, Arizona Blonde Tarantula, Western Desert Tarantula, Mexican Blonde Tarantula
Aphonopelma chalcodes is a large-bodied burrowing tarantula native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are uniformly tan with a pale, densely hairy carapace that gives the "blonde" common name, while males have black legs, copper-colored cephalothorax, and reddish abdomen. Females are sedentary, occupying deep burrows for their entire lives, whereas mature males abandon their burrows to wander in search of mates during summer monsoon season. The species is notable for its longevity, with females living 24–30 years and males 5–10 years, and for its popularity in the pet trade due to docile temperament and relatively low venom toxicity.
Aphonopelma hentzi
Texas Brown Tarantula, Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, Missouri Tarantula
Aphonopelma hentzi is one of the most common tarantula species in the southern United States, with a broad distribution across the south-central region. Adults typically exceed a four-inch leg span and weigh more than 3 ounces. The body is uniformly dark brown, with coloration becoming more distinct following molting. This species is notable for its male wandering behavior during late summer and fall, when mature males travel substantial distances searching for females. The species serves as host to parasitoid spider wasps, including Pepsis mildei.
Aphonopelma johnnycashi
Johnny Cash Tarantula
Aphonopelma johnnycashi is a North American tarantula species described in 2016 from specimens collected near Folsom State Prison in California. The species was named in honor of Johnny Cash, the country music singer known as "The Man in Black," referencing both the location and the mature male's solid black coloration. It is one of 14 new species described in a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Aphonopelma, which nearly doubled the number of recognized species in the southwestern United States.
Aphrissa statira
statira sulphur
Aphrissa statira is a medium-sized yellow butterfly known for its dramatic annual migrations in tropical regions of the Americas. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males displaying brighter lemon-yellow upper wings and females appearing paler yellow to greenish-white. It has been extensively studied for its navigational abilities, including use of Earth's magnetic field for orientation during migration. The species ranges from the southern United States through Central America to northern Argentina, with notable population densities in the Amazon basin.
Aptesis nigrocincta
Aptesis nigrocincta is a bivoltine solitary ectoparasitoid wasp that attacks cocoons of the apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea). Females are nearly wingless and significantly smaller than males, an adaptation for searching soil at 10–25 cm depth. The species is considered the most important mortality factor for apple sawfly cocoons in the studied orchard, achieving parasitism rates of 12.1–39.7% per generation.
Aquarius remigis
common water strider
Aquarius remigis is a predatory aquatic bug known as the common water strider. Formerly classified as Gerris remigis, the species was reclassified in 1990 when Aquarius was elevated to generic rank. It inhabits freshwater surfaces across North America, with highest prevalence in the midwestern United States. Populations exhibit geographic variation in life history, with northern populations typically univoltine and southern populations showing greater plasticity in voltinism.
Araneus gemmoides
cat-faced spider, jewel spider
Araneus gemmoides is a common North American orb-weaver spider found in Canada and the United States. Adults are recognized by two prominent horn-shaped projections on the abdomen that create a cat-faced appearance. Females are considerably larger than males and die shortly after producing a single egg sac. The species builds vertical orb-webs near artificial lights and building exteriors, where it captures flying insects at night while hiding in a retreat during the day.
Araneus illaudatus
Texas Orbweaver, Texas orb-weaver
Araneus illaudatus is a large orb-weaving spider endemic to the southwestern United States. Females are among the largest North American Araneus, reaching 25 mm in body length with a distinctive dirty white coloration and two triangular dark patches on the anterior abdomen. Males are substantially smaller at 9 mm. The species constructs typical orb webs and exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in size.
Archipini
Archipini is the largest tribe in the Tortricinae subfamily, comprising over 1,600 described species across approximately 150 genera. Members are found in all ecoregions globally, though with notably reduced diversity in the Neotropical realm. The tribe contains numerous economically significant agricultural and forestry pests, including the light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) and spruce budworms (Choristoneura species). Larvae are frequently polyphagous. Phylogenetic evidence supports an Australasian origin for the tribe.
Arctosyrphus willingii
northern longbeak
Arctosyrphus willingii, known as the northern longbeak, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is a medium-sized fly, 11–12 mm in length, with distinctive sexual dimorphism in frons width and wing coloration. The species was formerly classified under the genus Lejops. It is restricted to boreal and subarctic regions of North America.
Arenivaga
sand cockroaches, desert cockroaches
Arenivaga is a genus of sand cockroaches in the family Corydiidae, comprising approximately 48 species distributed across the southwestern United States, Florida, and Mexico. These insects are highly adapted to arid environments, inhabiting sandy soils and dunes with moisture content below 1%. The genus exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with winged males and wingless, fossorial females that 'swim' through sand. A 2014 revision by Heidi Hopkins added 39 new species to the previously known nine, revealing a remarkable radiation in desert habitats.
Arenivaga apacha
Apache sand cockroach, desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga apacha, commonly known as the Apache sand cockroach, is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae. The genus Arenivaga was revised in 2014, revealing extensive cryptic diversity with 39 new species described. Like other Arenivaga species, A. apacha exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males possessing fully developed wings and females being wingless. This species inhabits arid regions of southwestern North America, including Arizona and California.
Arenivaga bolliana
Boll's sand cockroach, Boll's sandroach
Arenivaga bolliana is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, native to North America. It belongs to a genus known for extreme sexual dimorphism, with females wingless and males fully winged. The species inhabits arid and sandy environments, reflecting the family's adaptation to harsh, dry habitats rather than the tropical moist conditions typically associated with cockroaches. Like other Arenivaga species, it is likely subterranean in habit and difficult to detect. The genus was revised in 2014, revealing substantial undescribed diversity, though A. bolliana itself was described in the 19th century.
Arenivaga floridensis
Florida Sand Cockroach
Arenivaga floridensis is a sexually dimorphic, fossorial sand cockroach endemic to Florida scrub ecosystems. It is the most geographically widespread faunal endemic of Florida scrub, documented from 11 peninsular sand ridges. Genetic analysis reveals three major mitochondrial lineages whose divergence corresponds with late Pliocene peninsula insularization, supporting a western origin hypothesis with colonization during the Pliocene or earlier. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: males possess fully developed wings and engage in low, erratic flight at dusk, while females are completely wingless and remain entirely fossorial throughout life. Its distribution is restricted to friable, sandy soils beneath light leaf litter of sand live oaks (Quercus geminata).
Arenivaga gaiophanes
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga gaiophanes is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. The genus Arenivaga, previously containing only nine species, was expanded to include 39 new species in this revision. Members of this genus inhabit harsh, arid environments and exhibit dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing entirely different from males. The species epithet 'gaiophanes' derives from Greek roots meaning 'earth-revealing,' alluding to their subterranean habits.
Arenivaga genitalis
Arizona sand cockroach
Arenivaga genitalis, commonly known as the Arizona sand cockroach, is a species of desert-dwelling cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and California. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males and females differing substantially in appearance. The species inhabits harsh, arid environments and has adaptations allowing it to thrive in dry conditions atypical for most cockroaches.
Arenivaga hopkinsorum
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga hopkinsorum is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing wingless and males possessing fully developed wings. The species inhabits arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it contributes to decomposition despite limited plant matter. The specific epithet honors the Hopkins family, particularly referencing the author's father and brother.
Arenivaga investigata
desert cockroach
Arenivaga investigata, the desert cockroach, is a species in the family Corydiidae endemic to the Colorado Desert of California. It is notable for its ability to absorb water vapor from unsaturated air above 82.5% relative humidity, a physiological adaptation that allows survival in one of the most arid environments on Earth. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with wingless females and fully winged males. It inhabits sand dunes and is primarily found in subsurface microhabitats where temperature and moisture conditions remain favorable.
Arenivaga sequoia
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga sequoia is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. This species belongs to a group known for remarkable adaptations to harsh, arid environments. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing markedly different from males. The species was described based on male specimens, with species separation relying on complex genital characters. It is one of 39 new species discovered during Hopkins' four-year revision, which increased the genus from nine to 48 species.
Arenivaga tenax
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga tenax is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a comprehensive revision of the genus Arenivaga. The genus was dramatically expanded from 9 to 48 species through this work, revealing extensive undiscovered diversity in arid-adapted cockroaches. Like other Arenivaga species, A. tenax exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with males and females appearing so different that associating specimens of the same species presents significant taxonomic challenges. The species is known from male specimens only, with species-level identification relying on complex genital characters.
Arenivaga tonkawa
tonkawa sand cockroach
Arenivaga tonkawa, the tonkawa sand cockroach, is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males and females differing substantially in appearance. The species belongs to a genus of sand cockroaches adapted to harsh, arid environments.
Argiope
Garden Orbweavers, St Andrew's Cross Spiders, Writing Spiders, Garden Spiders
Argiope is a genus of large, colorful orb-weaving spiders in the family Araneidae. The name derives from Greek, meaning 'silver-faced,' referring to the silvery cephalothorax characteristic of many species. Females are notably larger than males and often display striking abdominal color patterns in yellow, black, and silver. These spiders construct spiral orb webs that frequently include a conspicuous zigzag silk structure called a stabilimentum. The genus has a worldwide distribution, with species found across tropical and temperate regions on every continent except Antarctica.
Argiope argentata
Silver Argiope, Silver Garden Spider, Silver Garden Orbweaver
Argiope argentata is a large, striking orb-weaving spider found from the southern United States through Central and South America to Chile and Argentina. Females are notable for their silvery cephalothorax and distinctive X-shaped stabilimentum in their webs, formed by four zigzag silk bands. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with females reaching 12–16 mm body length while males are only 4–5 mm. Unlike many temperate Argiope species that mature in late summer, A. argentata adults may be found year-round in warmer regions, with males maturing as early as February. The spider incorporates UV-reflecting silks into both its body coloration and web decorations, which may function to attract pollinating prey by mimicking floral signals.
Argiope aurantia
yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, zigzag spider, zipper spider, black and yellow argiope, corn spider, Steeler spider, McKinley spider
Argiope aurantia is a large orb-weaving spider recognized by its bold yellow and black abdominal markings and distinctive web architecture. Females construct conspicuous circular webs up to 60 cm in diameter, featuring a dense zigzag band of silk called a stabilimentum at the center. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females reach 19–28 mm in body length with a mass around 752 mg, while males are substantially smaller at 5–9 mm. This spider is common in gardens, meadows, and open habitats across much of North America, where it serves as a significant predator of insects and other small arthropods.
Argyrodes
Dewdrop Spiders
Argyrodes is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) commonly known as dewdrop spiders. The genus contains approximately 85 species distributed worldwide, with highest diversity in tropical regions. These spiders are best known for kleptoparasitism—living on the webs of larger orb-weaver spiders and feeding on small prey items that the host ignores. Some species exhibit arachnophagy, preying upon host spiders or their eggs when opportunities arise. The genus exhibits notable sexual dimorphism in cephalothorax structure, with males possessing modified cephalic regions used during copulation.
Argyrotaenia
leafroller moths
Argyrotaenia is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Stephens in 1852. The genus includes species commonly known as leafroller moths due to the larval habit of rolling or folding leaves for shelter. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in orchards. The genus has a primarily New World distribution, with species ranging from North America through Central and South America, and has been recorded as far south as Argentina and Chile. Some species exhibit sexual dimorphism in wing pattern and size.
Argyrotaenia floridana
Florida Leafroller
Argyrotaenia floridana is a small tortricid moth distributed across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Males have forewings measuring 5.5 mm, while females are larger at 7.5–9 mm. Adults are active year-round, an unusual trait among temperate tortricids. The species was described by Obraztsov in 1961.
Arhopalus
burnt pine longhorn beetle (A. ferus), black pine sawyer (A. rusticus)
Arhopalus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Spondylidinae: Asemini) distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with several species introduced to the Southern Hemisphere as invasive pests of conifers. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species, with A. rusticus and A. ferus being the most extensively studied due to their economic importance. Species develop in dead or fire-damaged conifer wood, with some exhibiting strong attraction to burnt pine volatiles. Several species produce male-emitted aggregation-sex pheromones containing fuscumol and geranylacetone. Invasive populations in New Zealand, Australia, South America, and South Africa require monitoring at ports and sawmills for timber export compliance.
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te-statemethodological-state-stateepistemological-state-stateontological-state-stateaxiological-state-statepraxeological-state-statelogical-state-staterational-state-statereasonable-state-statesensible-state-statepragmatic-state-statepractical-state-statetheoretical-state-stateconceptual-state-stateempirical-state-stateexperimental-state-stateobservational-state-stateexperiential-state-statephenomenological-state-statehermeneutical-state-statecritical-state-statereflexive-state-statereflective-state-staterepresentative-state-stateArrenodes
Arrenodes is a monotypic genus of primitive weevils in the family Brentidae, containing only Arrenodes minutus, the oak timberworm. This species is a significant pest of hardwoods in eastern North America, with larvae boring into the xylem of oak, elm, beech, and poplar trees. Adults are sexually dimorphic, with females possessing long slender mouthparts for oviposition and males having broadened mandibles used for combat and courtship. The species has been introduced to the Maritime Provinces of Canada and is regulated internationally due to its potential to vector oak wilt fungus.
Arrenodes minutus
Oak Timberworm
Arrenodes minutus, commonly known as the oak timberworm, is the sole species in the genus Arrenodes, a primitive weevil genus in the family Brentidae. This wood-boring beetle is a pest of hardwoods in North America, with larvae tunneling through the xylem of wounded or recently felled trees. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in mouthpart structure: females possess elongated, slender rostra for drilling egg holes into wood, while males have shortened, broadened mandibles used for combat and courtship. The life cycle spans two to four years, with adults active from May through August.
Arrenurus
water mites
Arrenurus is the largest genus of water mites, comprising approximately 950 species with cosmopolitan distribution in lentic freshwater habitats. Adults are heavily sclerotized, predatory, and exhibit marked sexual dimorphism—males possess diagnostic caudal modifications used in mating, while female taxonomy remains problematic. The life cycle includes seven stages: egg, inactive prelarva, parasitic larva, protonymph, deutonymph, tritonymph, and adult. Larvae are ectoparasites of aquatic insects, particularly Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), but also Diptera and Coleoptera, utilizing hosts for both nutrition and phoretic dispersal.
Asagena americana
Two-spotted Cobweb Spider, Twospotted Cobweb Spider
Asagena americana, commonly known as the two-spotted cobweb spider, is a small theridiid spider native to North America. Males are notably robust with short, muscular legs and possess a stridulating organ used to produce sound during courtship. Females construct cobwebs in concealed microhabitats including under stones, in leaf litter, under bark, and in moss. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in body form and is frequently preyed upon by mud dauber wasps.
Ascia
great southern white (for sole species)
Ascia is a monotypic genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, containing only the species Ascia monuste (great southern white). The genus is distributed from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States south through tropical America to Argentina. The sole species exhibits sexual dimorphism and seasonal migration patterns along the southeastern United States coast.
Ascia monuste
Great Southern White, pirpinto
Ascia monuste, commonly known as the Great Southern White, is a pierid butterfly and the sole member of its genus. It is a Brassicaceae specialist and a major herbivore of this plant family in the Neotropical region. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females occurring in both light and dark color morphs. It ranges from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States through tropical America to Argentina, with migratory behavior along the southeastern U.S. coast.
Aseptis fumosa
Aseptis fumosa is a noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1879. It is widespread across western North America, from western Canada through the western United States to California. The species occupies diverse habitats ranging from coastal chaparral to dry conifer forests and shrub steppe. Adults are active in spring and early summer, with larvae feeding on specific woody shrubs in the Rosaceae and Rhamnaceae families.
Astata
Astata is a cosmopolitan genus of solitary predatory wasps in the subfamily Astatinae, family Crabronidae. With 87 recognized species and subspecies worldwide, it is the largest genus in its subfamily. The genus is distinguished by distinctive wing venation patterns and pronounced sexual dimorphism in eye structure. Males possess exceptionally large compound eyes that meet dorsally at the top of the head, while females have normal, separated eyes.
Astata unicolor
Astata unicolor is a solitary, soil-nesting wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is sexually dimorphic: males have black abdomens and enlarged eyes that meet at the top of the head, while females have black and orange abdomens with normal, separated eyes. The species is a predator of stink bugs (Pentatomidae), with documented preference for late-instar nymphs and adults of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Females paralyze prey with a sting, transport it to underground nests, and provision cells for their larval offspring.
Astatinae
Astatina wasps
Astatinae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, comprising approximately 14 species in North America and additional species across Europe and Asia. The subfamily includes two primary genera: Astata and Dryudella. Males are readily distinguished by their holoptic eyes—enormous compound eyes that meet at the top of the head—and exceptionally broad hind wings that enable rapid flight. Females are fossorial, constructing multi-celled nest burrows in soil or sand and provisioning them with paralyzed true bugs (Hemiptera) as food for their larvae.
Atalopedes campestris
Field Skipper, sachem
Atalopedes campestris, commonly known as the field skipper or sachem, is a small grass skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. Adults have a wingspan of 35–41 mm. Males are orange with brown edges and a large black stigma on the forewing; females are darker brown with variable lighter markings. The species has undergone significant northward range expansion in North America during the 21st century, attributed to winter warming trends associated with climate change. In 2022, the eastern North American population was designated as a separate species, A. huron (huron sachem).
Athoplastus acutus
Athoplastus acutus is a species of click beetle (family Elateridae) endemic to the northwestern United States. First described as Aplastus acutus by Knull in 1946, it was later transferred to the genus Athoplastus by Etzler & Johnson in 2018. Among the four species in its genus, it is the most frequently collected and has the broadest known range. It is the only species in the genus with confirmed larval associations and ecological field observations.