South-america
Guides
Acanthinus argentinus
Acanthinus argentinus is a small beetle in the family Anthicidae (ant-like flower beetles). The species was originally described from South America and has been documented undergoing northward range expansion into the southern United States. As a member of Anthicidae, it is likely associated with vegetation and decaying plant material, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Acanthocerini
Acanthocerini leaf-footed bugs
Acanthocerini is a tribe of leaf-footed bugs (family Coreidae) established by Bergroth in 1913. The tribe comprises at least 20 genera and 50 described species, with taxonomic diversity concentrated in South America. Members belong to the subfamily Coreinae and share the general morphology of coreid bugs, including the characteristic leaf-like expansions on the hind legs that give the family its common name.
Acutalis
Acutalis is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, first described by Léon Fairmaire in 1846. The genus contains four species distributed across eastern North America and parts of Central and South America. Like other treehoppers, species in this genus possess an enlarged pronotum that extends over the body. Acutalis tartarea has been photographed in the field on goldenrod (Solidago sp.) in Missouri.
Adejeania
orange bristle fly
Adejeania is a genus of tachinid flies native to the Americas, with most species occurring in South America. The genus name derives from an alteration of 'Dejeania,' meaning 'not Dejeania.' The most widely distributed species, A. vexatrix, ranges from Mexico through western North America to British Columbia and Alberta. These flies are parasitoids of caterpillars and are important flower visitors in late summer and fall.
Adelina pallida
Orange Lacquer Beetle
Adelina pallida, commonly known as the Orange Lacquer Beetle, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is distributed in parts of North America and South America, with confirmed records from Mexico and Colombia. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824. As a member of Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles primarily adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Aethiophysa invisalis
Invisible Crambid
Aethiophysa invisalis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the Invisible Crambid. It was first described by French entomologist Achille Guenée in 1854. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, with records from eastern North America through Central America to South America. Despite its common name, it is not particularly cryptic; the name likely refers to its small size and inconspicuous appearance among vegetation.
Althos
leaf-footed bugs
Althos is a genus of leaf-footed bugs in the family Coreidae, first described by Kirkaldy in 1904. The genus comprises more than 20 described species distributed primarily in South America. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Hypselonotini within the subfamily Coreinae.
Amblyomma cajennense
Cayenne tick
Amblyomma cajennense, commonly known as the Cayenne tick, is a hard tick species historically considered to range from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean to northern Argentina. Molecular studies have revealed this 'species' is actually a complex of multiple cryptic species, with A. cajennense sensu stricto now restricted to the Amazonian region of South America. The species complex is of significant medical and veterinary importance as a vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other rickettsial diseases.
Amblyomma triste
Amblyomma triste is a hard tick species first described by Koch in 1844. It is the primary vector of Rickettsia parkeri, the causative agent of a spotted fever group rickettsiosis with symptoms resembling Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The species is the sole tick responsible for human tick-borne disease in Uruguay and a significant vector in Argentina and Brazil. Though historically considered restricted to South America, specimens have been documented in the United States (Arizona and Texas) and Mexico, where they were long misidentified as the morphologically similar Amblyomma maculatum.
Anapistula
Anapistula is a genus of minute araneomorph spiders in the family Symphytognathidae, established by Gertsch in 1941. The genus comprises 28 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Europe. Members exhibit diverse habitat preferences: approximately 18 species occur in leaf litter, soil, and mosses, while seven are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobites) and one inhabits cave entrances. The genus includes some of the smallest spiders known, with A. ataecina from Portugal representing both the first European record of the family and one of the smallest described spider species.
Anicla infecta
Green Cutworm Moth, Green Cutworm
Anicla infecta is a noctuid moth native to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to South America. The species is known by two common names reflecting its life stages: the green cutworm (larva) and green cutworm moth (adult). Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from June through September. The species is attracted to blacklight and has been documented visiting flowers as a pollinator.
Anomalon ejuncidum
Anomalon ejuncidum is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Anomalon. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1835 and is currently recognized as valid. Members of the genus Anomalon are generally parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations for A. ejuncidum remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from Brazil.
Anoplius nigritus
Anoplius nigritus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. As a member of the genus Anoplius, it shares the general biology of other spider wasps in this group: females hunt spiders, paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows as food for their developing larvae. The species has been recorded from Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul) and Argentina, placing it in the southern Neotropical region. Specific details about its appearance, host preferences, and behavior remain poorly documented in available literature.
Anthanassa
crescents, crescent butterflies
Anthanassa is a genus of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, found from the United States through Central America to South America. The genus comprises approximately 17 described species, many bearing common names with "crescent" (e.g., Texan crescent, orange-patched crescent, chestnut crescent). Taxonomic placement remains debated; one authority treats Anthanassa as a subgenus of Phyciodes. Adults typically display orange and black patterned wings with crescent-shaped markings.
Anthanassa tulcis
Pale-banded Crescent, Tulcis Crescent
Anthanassa tulcis, commonly known as the Pale-banded Crescent or Tulcis Crescent, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by Henry Walter Bates in 1864. The species ranges from Argentina northward through Central America and Mexico to southern Texas, with occasional strays to west Texas. Some taxonomic authorities treat A. tulcis as a subspecies of A. frisia (the Cuban Crescent), but it is widely accepted as a distinct species in modern classifications.
Anthonomus grandis
Cotton Boll Weevil, Boll Weevil
Anthonomus grandis, the cotton boll weevil, is a beetle in the family Curculionidae and a historically destructive pest of cotton (Gossypium spp.). Native to Central America, it spread into the United States in the late 19th century and infested all U.S. cotton-growing regions by the 1920s, causing severe economic damage to the cotton industry. Extensive eradication programs have eliminated populations from most of the United States, though persistent populations remain in extreme South Texas and northern Mexico that threaten reinfestation of adjoining areas. The species also remains a critical pest in South America.
Aphrissa
sulphurs, sulfurs
Aphrissa is a genus of sulphur butterflies in the family Pieridae, comprising approximately eight species distributed across Central and South America, with some species extending into the Caribbean and southern Florida. The genus was established by Butler in 1873. Species within Aphrissa are characterized by yellow to pale orange wings and are commonly known as sulphurs or sulfurs. Several species exhibit migratory behavior, most notably Aphrissa statira, which undertakes seasonal movements in large numbers.
Aracanthus
Aracanthus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by Thomas Say in 1831. The genus comprises nine described species distributed primarily in South America. These weevils belong to the subfamily Entiminae and tribe Eudiagogini. The genus includes Aracanthus pallidus, one of the earliest described species originally placed in a different genus by Say.
Aramigus tessellatus
Aramigus tessellatus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1824 under the basionym Liparus tessellatus. It belongs to the tribe Naupactini, a group of weevils primarily distributed in the Americas. Distribution records indicate presence in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, suggesting a South American range. As with many entimine weevils, adults likely feed on plant foliage, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
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-stateAscalapha odorata
black witch, black witch moth, mariposa de la muerte, duppy bat, mariposa-bruxa, ura, money moth, money bat
The black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata) is a large, bat-shaped nocturnal moth and the largest noctuoid in the continental United States. Females reach wingspans up to 24 cm, while males are smaller at approximately 12 cm. The species ranges from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil and Argentina, with migratory populations reaching as far north as Canada. It holds prominent cultural significance across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is widely associated with death, misfortune, and spiritual beliefs.
nocturnalmigratoryfolklorepestcaterpillarlarge-mothlegume-feederfruit-feedercultural-significancedeath-omenCaribbeanLatin-AmericaHawaii-introducedmothLepidopteraErebidaeAscalaphaAscalapha-odoratablack-witchblack-witch-mothmariposa-de-la-muerteduppy-batmariposa-bruxauramoney-mothmoney-batPhalaena-odorataLinnaeus-1758largest-noctuoidcontinental-USbat-shapediridescentwhite-bargreen-spotorange-spotcomma-spotnine-spot24-cm-wingspan12-cm-wingspan7-cm-caterpillarAcaciaGymnocladus-dioicusKentucky-coffeetreeSenna-alatacandle-bushmesquiteFicusbananaoverripe-fruitrainforestagricultural-pestMexicoCentral-AmericaSouth-AmericaBrazilArgentinaUnited-StatesCanadaHawaiimigrationspringsummerdeathmisfortunespiritualsoulharbingerlotterymoneyhair-lossduppyghostscrewwormDermatobia-hominismisidentificationSilence-of-the-LambsBuffalo-BillKendrick-LamarTo-Pimp-a-ButterflyThysania-agrippinawhite-witchThysania-zenobiaowl-mothnoctuidErebinaehexapodarthropodinsectanimaleukaryotemetazoaanimaliaarthropodainsectanoctuoideaspeciesacceptedexact-match32867-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaentomologyguidestructuredrecordtaxonconservativeaccurateinformativefactualclarityusefulnessno-speculationno-inferenceno-fabricationno-repetitionunique-contentcautious-languagedirect-sentencesconcrete-statementshigh-completenessmedium-completenesslow-completenessno-inferred-contentnull-for-unsupportedfield-intentstyle-rulesquality-rulesJSON-schemaoutput-formatno-commentaryno-extra-fieldsno-fluffno-fillerno-taxonomy-repetitionno-technical-jargonno-vague-generalizationsno-'like-most-insects'no-'typically-feeds-on-plants'has-been-observedis-known-tosupportedjustifiedexplicitly-justifiedspecies-level-traitshigher-taxaphysical-description-onlyhow-to-distinguishenvironment-conditionsgeographic-range-onlytiming-of-activityfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansreason-for-similaritymeaningful-misconceptionsimportant-additional-contextcleardirectconciseusefulreliablesparse-datawell-supportedpartialmost-fieldsAzelinini
Azelinini is a tribe of geometer moths (Geometridae: Ennominae) characterized by stocky bodies, distinctive wing patterning with contrasting outer and middle forewing thirds, and several unique morphological traits in both adults and immature stages. The tribe was established by Forbes in 1948 and shows strongest diversity in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly South America, with some representation in North America. Members exhibit complex male genital modifications and several reductions or losses of structures typical in related ennomine tribes.
Beata
Beata is a genus of jumping spiders (family Salticidae) found in North and South America. The genus was established by G. W. Peckham and E. G. Peckham in 1895. As members of the jumping spider family, species in this genus possess the characteristic large anterior median eyes and salticid locomotion patterns. The genus has accumulated 578 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its occurrence.
Bidessini
Bidessini is a tribe of predaceous diving beetles within the family Dytiscidae, comprising at least 40 genera and over 630 described species. Members are small to minute aquatic beetles found across diverse freshwater habitats worldwide, with notable radiations in Australia, South America, and Madagascar. The tribe includes both surface-dwelling (epigean) and subterranean (stygobitic) species, with several genera exhibiting convergent adaptations to groundwater environments.
Billaea
Billaea is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 80 described species. Most larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids and lucanids, with some species attacking lepidopteran hosts in the family Pyralidae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural and forestry pests, including palm weevils and sugarcane borers.
Tachinidaeparasitoidbiological-controlCerambycidaeDryophthoridaeCrambidaeviviparousplanidiaforest-pestagricultural-pestoil-palmsugarcanepalm-weevilwood-borersoutheast-AsiaSouth-AmericaEuropeBulgariaBrazilTurkeyMexicoPeruintegrated-pest-managementnatural-enemyhost-searchingkairomonessuperparasitismmass-rearingGalleria-mellonellalaboratory-hostfrassgallerytunnelpupal-parasitoidlarval-parasitoidectoparasitoidendoparasitoidColeopteraLepidopteraDipteraBrachyceraDexiinaeDexiiniRobineau-Desvoidy-183080-speciesglobal-distributionforestryagricultureornamental-palmsdate-palmcoconutRhynchophorusDiatraeaPrionusXylotrechusclimate-matchingestablishment-potentialMediterraneanMiddle-EastCaliforniainvasive-speciesred-palm-weevilAmerican-palm-weevilred-ring-diseasevector-controlnatural-mortalitypest-managementsustainable-agriculturehost-specificitytrophic-associationnew-host-recordparasitism-ratefield-parasitismlaboratory-rearingadult-longevityfecunditysex-ratiopupal-viabilitypupal-durationplanidia-lengthfood-resourcespollenhoneysucroseflowering-plantsspontaneous-floracompanion-plantshabitat-managementconservation-biological-controlaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlquarantinehost-rangecircumstantial-evidencetaxonomic-confusionB.-rhynchophoraeB.-menezesiB.-adelphaB.-claripalpisB.-rutilansB.-cerambycivoraB.-steiniB.-fortisB.-irrorataB.-pectinataB.-setosaB.-trianguliferaB.-lataB.-intermediaB.-biserialisB.-giganteaB.-rubensB.-maritimaB.-marmorataB.-aurifronsB.-verticalisB.-flavaB.-chinensisB.-brevicaudaB.-kurahashiiB.-micronychiaB.-papeiB.-setigeraB.-yintiaolingB.-rufescensB.-triquetrusB.-rubidaB.-rufiventrisB.-brasiliensisB.-friburgensisB.-giacomeliB.-kosteraeB.-plaumanniB.-shannoniB.-africanaB.-argentaureaB.-atkinsoniB.-capensisB.-communisB.-decisaB.-edwardsiB.-erectaB.-ficorumB.-grandisB.-impigraB.-interruptaB.-kolomyetziB.-luteolaB.-malayanaB.-minorB.-monohammiB.-montanaB.-morosaB.-nipigonensisB.-orbitalisB.-ovataB.-quadrinotaB.-rhingiaeformisB.-robustaB.-satisfactaB.-sibleyiB.-sjostedtiB.-solivagaB.-trivittataB.-trochanterataB.-vanemdeniB.-velutinaB.-versicolorB.-villeneuveiB.-vitripennisB.-ziminiB.-lateralisB.-lativentrisBolboceratinae
earth-boring scarab beetles
Bolboceratinae is a subfamily of earth-boring scarab beetles within Geotrupidae, containing approximately 8 genera and at least 40 described species. The group exhibits a disjunct global distribution with centers of diversity in Australia, South America, southern Africa, and parts of Eurasia. Some authorities recognize Bolboceratinae as the family Bolboceratidae. Members are characterized by fossorial adaptations and diverse reproductive strategies including egg gigantism in some lineages.
Brachymyrmex minutus
Hairy Yellow Rover Ant
A small ant species in the genus Brachymyrmex, native to South America with introduced populations in the United States. The species is commonly known as the Hairy Yellow Rover Ant and has been documented in Brazil and the conterminous 48 United States.
Brachys
Leaf-mining jewel beetles
Brachys is a genus of small metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, tribe Trachyini. The genus contains at least 140 described species distributed primarily in North America, with some species in Central and South America. Adults are characterized by their flattened, compact, wedge-shaped morphology—distinctly different from the more typical elongate, cylindrical form of most jewel beetles. This body plan reflects their unique larval habit of mining within leaves of host plants rather than boring through wood. The genus is strongly associated with oaks (Quercus) and other hardwoods, though some species utilize diverse host plant families.
BuprestidaeAgrilinaeTrachyinileaf-mineroak-associatejewel-beetlemetallic-wood-boring-beetlehardwood-forestphenologyNorth-AmericaSouth-AmericaCerradoQuercusBrachys-ovatusBrachys-aerosusBrachys-aeruginosusBrachys-querciBrachys-cephalicusBrachys-floccosusBrachys-barberiBrachys-rileyiBrachys-apacheiBrachys-cleidecostaeBrachys-tessellatusBrachyvatus
Brachyvatus is a genus of diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Zimmermann in 1919. It belongs to the tribe Bidessini within the subfamily Hydroporinae. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in South America, with records primarily from Colombia. As with other dytiscids, members are aquatic predators.
Brunneria
stick mantis, Brunner's stick mantis
Brunneria is a genus of slender, stick-like praying mantises native to the Americas. The genus contains six recognized species, with B. borealis being particularly notable as the only known obligate parthenogenetic praying mantis—reproducing exclusively asexually with no males ever observed. This species has spread across more than 2,400 km of coastal North America from a hypothesized single female introduction. Other species in the genus, all South American, reproduce facultatively with both sexes present.
Burksiella
Burksiella is a genus of minute egg parasitoids in the family Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), established by De Santis in 1957. The genus belongs to the tribe Chaetostrichini within the subfamily Oligositinae. Species of Burksiella are known to parasitize eggs of leafhoppers, particularly sharpshooters in the tribe Proconiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The genus has been recorded from North and South America, including the western United States, Florida, and Bolivia.
Cacostola
Cacostola is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Onciderini. It was described by Fairmaire & Germain in 1859. Members of this genus are found in South America, with records from Colombia. As part of the Onciderini, species in this genus are likely associated with woody plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cactoblastis
Cactoblastis is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1901. The genus contains five described species native to South America, with C. cactorum being the most extensively studied due to its historical role as a biological control agent. Larvae are specialized internal feeders on cactus cladodes, and the genus is notable for complex collective behaviors in neonate caterpillars. C. cactorum was famously introduced to Australia in 1925 to control invasive prickly pear cacti, achieving significant success, though later spreading to threaten native Opuntia species in other regions.
LepidopteraPyralidaebiological-controlOpuntiacactus-mothherbivorysocial-behaviorinvasive-speciesclassical-biological-controlSouth-AmericaAustraliaFloridaneonate-aggregationegg-stickinternal-feedermeristem-feedermandibular-gland-markingtrail-followingcontagious-distributionpopulation-regulationhost-specificityecosystem-impacthistorical-ecologypestconservation-concernCalosoma angulatum
angulate caterpillar hunter
Calosoma angulatum, commonly known as the angulate caterpillar hunter, is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae. First described by Chevrolat in 1834, this species ranges from the southwestern United States through Central America into northern South America. It inhabits premontane moist forests and oak-savannah ecosystems. Adults are known to prey on Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), indicating a role as a predator of agricultural pest caterpillars.
Camponotus novogranadensis
Black Compact Carpenter Ant
Camponotus novogranadensis is a species of carpenter ant in the subgenus Myrmobrachys, known from South America. It is one of over 1,000 species in the genus Camponotus. The species has been documented in Colombia and across much of Brazil, with records from diverse habitats including tropical forests and disturbed areas. As a member of the compact carpenter ant group, it shares morphological traits with related species such as the invasive Camponotus planatus.
Canthon cyanellus
Dung beetle
Canthon cyanellus is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by LeConte in 1859. The species belongs to the genus Canthon, a group of dung beetles commonly known as "tumblebugs" for their behavior of rolling dung into balls. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the southern United States through Mexico and Central America into northern South America. The species has been recorded from Texas in the Nearctic realm and from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil in the Neotropical realm.
Ceraeochrysa smithi
Smith's Green Lacewing
Ceraeochrysa smithi is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the genus Ceraeochrysa, it belongs to a group known for larvae that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage. The species was first described by Navás in 1914.
Chloridea virescens
Tobacco Budworm Moth, Tobacco Budworm
Chloridea virescens, the tobacco budworm moth, is a noctuid moth native to the Americas and a major agricultural pest. The species was transferred from genus Heliothis to Chloridea in 2013 based on genetic and morphological evidence. Adults are brownish with green tinge and distinctive wing banding. Larvae feed on buds, blossoms, and fruit of diverse host plants, causing significant crop damage. The species has developed rapid resistance to multiple insecticide classes, making management challenging.
agricultural-pestnoctuidaetobacco-pestcotton-pestinsecticide-resistanceBt-resistanceNorth-AmericaSouth-Americacomplete-metamorphosisparasitoid-hostpheromone-communicationhost-plant-preferencematernal-effecttemperature-dependent-developmentsoil-pupationdiapausecannibalismlarval-defense-behaviorintegrated-pest-managementsterile-insect-techniquetransgenic-crop-targetHeliothisChlorideaLepidopteraowlet-mothbudwormbollworm-complexChlorostrymon simaethis
silver-banded hairstreak, St. Christopher's hairstreak, Key lime hairstreak
Chlorostrymon simaethis is a small lycaenid butterfly distributed across the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, with males displaying iridescent purple uppersides and females appearing grayish brown. The common name refers to the distinctive bright silvery-white postmedian band on the lime green underside of both wings. The butterfly is closely associated with its host plants in the genus Cardiospermum, where larvae develop inside seed pods.
Chlosyne
Patches and Allies, checkerspots, patches, crescentspots
Chlosyne is a genus of brush-footed butterflies (family Nymphalidae) distributed across North and South America. The genus includes approximately 25-30 species commonly known as patches, checkerspots, and crescentspots based on their wing patterns. Species in this genus exhibit diverse ecological strategies, with larvae of many species feeding gregariously in early instars—a trait that has been shown to enhance growth rates and survival in studied species such as C. lacinia and C. janais. Adults typically display orange, black, and white checkered wing patterns that vary considerably among species and geographic regions.
Clavilispinus rufescens
unmargined rove beetle
Clavilispinus rufescens is a species of unmargined rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is distributed across the southeastern United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Brazil. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. As a member of the Osoriinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of small, typically soil-dwelling rove beetles with reduced or absent elytral margins.
Coleomegilla maculata strenua
12-spotted lady beetle, pink-spotted lady beetle
Coleomegilla maculata strenua is a subspecies of the 12-spotted lady beetle, a native North American coccinellid. Adults display a distinctive pink to reddish coloration with six black spots on each elytron. This subspecies is part of a species complex known for unusual dietary habits among lady beetles, including substantial consumption of plant pollen alongside typical predatory feeding.
Collomeninae
Collomeninae is a subfamily of moths within the family Nolidae, established in 2012 by Zahiri, Lafontaine, and Schmidt. The subfamily comprises approximately ten genera distributed primarily in tropical regions of South America and Southeast Asia. The type genus is Collomena. The subfamily is distinguished from other Nolidae by a combination of morphological characters related to wing venation and genitalia structure.
Conchylodes
Zebra conchylodes moth (for C. ovulalis)
Conchylodes is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, comprising 21 recognized species. The genus was established by Guenée in 1854 and is placed in the tribe Udeini. The monotypic genus Nonazochis, described by Amsel in 1956, was synonymized with Conchylodes, with its type species Azochis graphialis transferred to Conchylodes as Conchylodes graphialis. The genus includes the zebra conchylodes moth (Conchylodes ovulalis), noted for its distinctive black-and-white striped pattern.
Corydalus
dobsonflies, hellgrammites (larvae), go-devil, grampus
Corydalus is a genus of large flying insects in the family Corydalidae, commonly known as dobsonflies. The genus contains approximately 35 species endemic to North, Central, and South America. Adults are among the largest winged insects in their range, with wing lengths reaching up to 85 millimetres. The genus exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males possess greatly elongated, sickle-shaped mandibles used in male-male combat and to grasp females during mating, while females have smaller but still formidable jaws capable of delivering a painful bite. The aquatic larvae, known as hellgrammites, are predatory and serve as important indicators of stream health.
Crimona
Crimona is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by John Bernhardt Smith in 1902. The genus contains five described species, all described from the late 20th century except the type species. Species are recorded from South America, with known distributions in Argentina and Chile.
Crocidosema aporema
bean shoot moth
Crocidosema aporema is a Neotropical tortricid moth and significant agricultural pest of legumes, particularly soybean, in the southern cone of South America. The species originated in Central America and has spread throughout South America, where it causes economic damage by larval feeding on vegetative plant parts, flowers, and developing seeds. Adults are nocturnal, with females exhibiting characteristic calling behavior during the scotophase to attract mates. The species is monoandrous and has been subject to increasing study due to its pest status and the need for integrated pest management strategies.
Cryptochetum iceryae
cottony cushion scale parasite, cottony cushion scale parasitoid
Cryptochetum iceryae is a parasitic fly in the family Cryptochetidae, native to Australia. It was deliberately introduced to California in the 1880s as a biological control agent against the cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), a major pest of citrus crops. The species has since been introduced to Israel and South America for similar purposes. In 2019, it was discovered in the United Kingdom for the first time, identified in the wildlife garden at the Natural History Museum in London.
biological-controlparasitoidagricultural-pest-managementDipteraCryptochetidaeclassical-biological-controlcitrus-pestinvasive-species-managementAustralia-native1880s-introductionCaliforniaIsraelSouth-AmericaUnited-Kingdom-2019-discoveryNatural-History-Museum-Londonscale-insect-parasiteendoparasitoidIcerya-purchasicottony-cushion-scalesuccessful-biocontrolintegrated-pest-managementvedalia-beetle-complementWilliston-1888Lestophonus-iceryaeCtenotrachelus shermani
Ctenotrachelus shermani is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Stenopodainae. It is a predatory true bug found across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, North America, and South America. The species was described by Barber in 1929. Observations suggest it is established and active in tropical and subtropical regions.
Cycloneda emarginata
Cycloneda emarginata is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. The species was described by Mulsant in 1850, originally placed in the genus Coccinella. Records indicate occurrence in South America, including Brazil (Santa Catarina) and Colombia across multiple departments. The genus Cycloneda contains species commonly known as spotless lady beetles, characterized by unmarked or minimally marked elytra.