Southeastern-united-states
Guides
Clivina alabama
Clivina alabama is a ground beetle species in the subfamily Scaritinae, described by Bousquet in 2012. It is known from the southeastern United States. As a member of the genus Clivina, it belongs to a group of small, fossorial ground beetles commonly referred to as ant-like beetles due to their compact body form and short elytra. The species was established relatively recently, reflecting ongoing taxonomic refinement within this morphologically conservative genus.
Colomychus
Colomychus is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Munroe in 1956 and contains two recognized species. It is endemic to the Southeastern United States.
Conocephalus nigropleuroides
tidewater meadow katydid
A small meadow katydid in the genus Conocephalus, described by Fox in 1912. Known from the southeastern United States coastal region. Like other members of subfamily Conocephalinae, it possesses the characteristic long, thread-like antennae typical of katydids and a prominent ovipositor in females. The species name references dark lateral markings ('nigro-' = black, 'pleur-' = side).
Cumora australis
Cumora australis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1926. The species is known from the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. As a member of the subfamily Cicadellinae, it belongs to a group of active, jumping insects that feed on plant vascular fluids. Very little specific information has been published on the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Curalium
Curalium is a genus of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) established in 2008 as the sole member of the family Curaliidae. The genus contains a single described species, Curalium cronini, known only from male specimens collected in the southeastern United States. Its distinctive physical and genetic characteristics warranted placement in a new family, representing a rare example of a higher-level taxonomic discovery in the 21st century.
Cyclocephala lurida
Southern Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala lurida, commonly known as the southern masked chafer, is a scarab beetle native to the southeastern United States. Adults are small brown beetles with distinctive black facial markings, measuring 10–14 mm in length. The species is univoltine, with adults active primarily in June and July. While adults do not feed on plants and cause no damage, the subterranean larvae—known as white grubs—are significant turfgrass pests that feed on grass roots and can cause extensive lawn damage under dry conditions.
Cycloptilum bidens
two-toothed scaly cricket
Cycloptilum bidens is a species of scaly cricket in the family Mogoplistidae, characterized by the distinctive scales covering its body. The species was described by Hebard in 1931 and is known from the southeastern United States. The common name "two-toothed scaly cricket" refers to diagnostic morphological features used in identification.
Cycloptilum slossoni
Slosson's scaly cricket, Complex Chirping Scaly Crickets
Cycloptilum slossoni is a species of scaly cricket in the family Mogoplistidae, first described by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1897. It is known from the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina. The species was originally described under the genus Mogisoplistus before being transferred to Cycloptilum. Like other members of Mogoplistidae, it is characterized by scales covering the body and wings.
Cyladini
Cyladini is a tribe of weevils in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. The tribe includes economically significant pests of sweet potato, particularly the sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius), which causes substantial damage to storage roots in tropical and subtropical production regions. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with Convolvulaceae host plants and their status as specialized root-feeding pests.
pestagriculturesweet-potatoConvolvulaceaeintegrated-pest-managementCylas-formicariustropical-agriculturesubtropical-agricultureroot-feeding-weevilstorage-root-damageeconomic-pestbiological-controlcrop-protectionsoutheastern-United-Statesglobal-food-securitylow-input-farmingdrought-tolerant-cropnematode-interactionsBeauveria-bassianaentomopathogenic-nematodesresistant-varietiescrop-rotationcover-cropsIPMBrentidaeApioninaeColeopteraInsectaHexapodaArthropodaAnimaliaClaire-SchloemerAuburn-UniversityUniversity-of-Wisconsin-MadisonJournal-of-Integrated-Pest-ManagementScott-GrahamKathy-LawrenceCovingtonBonitaBeauregardOrleansguava-root-knot-nematoderoot-knot-nematodewirewormcucumber-beetleflea-beetlePurpureocillium-lilacinumbiopesticidegreen-bridge-effectmustardglucosinolatepeanutbahiagrasssandy-soildrought-adaptationbiofuelanimal-feednutritional-valuefood-securitysustainable-agricultureenvironmental-impactmicrobial-controlfungal-pathogenentomopathogenic-fungusbiological-nematicidenematode-egg-parasitismpest-managementagricultural-entomologycrop-lossyield-reductionroot-qualitymarketabilityintegrated-managementcultural-controlselective-chemical-useproductivitynatural-processesversatilityglobal-cultivationtropical-regionssubtropical-regionssoutheastern-U.S.domestic-productionrevenueacreageharvestfarminggrowerbreedingresearchcultivar-developmentevolving-threatspest-pressuresoil-healthfield-preparationwinter-habitatinsect-habitatparasitisminfestationdamagelosschallengedefensearsenalbattlewarresilienceadaptationinnovationstrategysustainabilitylivelihoodnourishmentfood-productionagricultural-researchentomologyplant-protectioncrop-sciencehorticultureroot-croptuberstorage-organfeeding-injurygallingcracked-rootsstunted-growthwater-uptakenutrient-uptakepathogen-interactionexacerbated-damagevariety-selectionhardy-varietyrobust-performancehigh-yieldnematode-resistancepest-resistancevulnerabilityspreading-pestpopulation-reductionsoil-improvementspring-plantingtoxic-compoundnatural-propertymicrobial-productformulationapplicationevaluationmaximizationpotentialurgencygrowing-threatcomprehensive-strategybalanceenablementessential-cropsecuritydefiancedifficult-conditionsmenacing-pestsformidable-threatsproduction-continuationface-to-facethreatdiseaseresilient-cropgrowing-conditionsmenacestorysurfacebeneathrelentlessadversaryfavorconditionpowerfulfoetinyparasiteattackformationdiminishabilityresultunattractiveworsematterinteractionsignificantdevastatingruininflictfurthercompromisegrapplethankfullyfarmerbeginselecthardywithstandtraditionalgaintractionvulnerablehighlightneedcontinuebreedeffortdevelopcapableopposeevolveaftersturdyculturalmanagementrotationcovercroppinglinetakeyearoffgrowrotatenon-hostproveeffectivereducepopulationbreathelifeimprovehealthsuppressprepareexamplecontaincompoundcallbreakdownreleasesubstancewaryproviderepresentmethodharnesshelpwinsporefungusinfectkilltypetapdifferentmicroscopicanimalparasitizeplususecombatattentioneggaidfightminimizeimpactdespiteadvancequestionremainrequiremaximizeparticularlyurgentposekeyenhanceapproachintegratepracticecontrolselectivechemicalenablenaturalprocessnutritionalvalueessentialcropglobalfoodregionsupportmillionaddresspressureinnovativesustainableensurelivemanyformidableproductionalthoughcomefaceresilientabledefydifficultreadmorejournalintegratedClaireSchloemerPh.D.studentconductearnmasterdegreeemailsharelinkfriendopennewwindowprintFacebookLinkedInBlueskyMastodonXRedditThreadsrelateddiscoverfromtodaysubscribegetlatestpostsendyourCylasformicariussweetpotatosweetpotatoweevilphotocourtesyshowherecucumberbeetleroot-knotnematodeharmU.S.guidedetailvarietyoptionbeloveddelicioustastebenefitbrightcolorrankseventhmostimportantworldtropicalsubtropicalareaaroundservefeedsourcegoodpicklow-inputstylewelladaptedsandysoildroughtUnitedStates2022over130,000acregeneratenearly600southeasternleaddomesticAuburnUniversityweatherarticlepublishMarchcolleagueScottGrahamKathyLawrencevariousamongplant-parasiticspecificallyrootsystemcausegallplantwaternutrientstuntedgrowthyieldcrackmakeinteractpathogenexacerbateinsectknowstorage7annualsouthernfleaqualityleaveeconomicownresistancebettermeanwhilenewerhighrobustperformancehoweverresistguavaspeciesspreadnextseasonwinterfieldspringtoxicgreenbridgeeffecthabitatfeedersymptominfectionbiologicalpropertymicrobeBeauveriabassianaagentformulateenvironmentallyfriendlyproducteasyapplysimilarlybeneficialentomopathogenicnematicidePurpureocilliumlilacinumsolutionenvironmentalresistantnematode-resistantcultivarcomprehensivecultivationWisconsin-MadisoncschloemerwisceduDagbertus fasciatus
Dagbertus fasciatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It has been documented in the southeastern United States, with records from Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of true bugs. Beyond basic taxonomic placement and geographic distribution, specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Deltochilum gibbosum
humpback dung beetle
Deltochilum gibbosum, commonly known as the humpback dung beetle, is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the subgenus Hybomidium and is found in the southeastern United States. The species is associated with dung, particularly from wild hogs. A former variety, D. gibbosum var. sublaeve, has been reclassified as a separate species D. sublaeve.
Dendrotettix australis
Scrub Pine Grasshopper
Dendrotettix australis, commonly known as the scrub pine grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was described by Morse in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Podismini, placing it among a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The specific epithet "australis" (southern) may reflect its distribution in the southeastern United States.
Desmonus
Desmonus is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Sphaeriodesmidae, first described by Cook in 1898. The genus contains approximately 10 described species distributed in the southeastern United States. Members of this genus belong to the order Polydesmida, characterized by their flattened body form and lateral extensions of the exoskeleton.
Destria bisignata
Destria bisignata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. It was described by Sanders and DeLong in 1923. The species is known from limited observations in the southeastern United States.
Diapheromera carolina
Carolina Walkingstick
Diapheromera carolina is a walkingstick species in the family Diapheromeridae, commonly known as the Carolina walkingstick. It is native to the southeastern United States, with documented records from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. As a member of the order Phasmida, it exhibits the characteristic cryptic morphology and behavior typical of walkingsticks.
Dicerca juncea
Dicerca juncea is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is endemic to the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. The species is elongate and measures approximately 14.2 mm in length. Like other members of the genus Dicerca, it exhibits cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against tree bark.
Diceroprocta olympusa
Olympic Scrub Cicada
Diceroprocta olympusa is a species of annual cicada in the family Cicadidae. It is found in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina. As with other Diceroprocta species, it likely spends multiple years underground as a nymph feeding on plant roots before emerging as an adult.
Diceroprocta viridifascia
salt marsh cicada, seaside cicada, Atlantic Saltmarsh Cicada
Diceroprocta viridifascia is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the salt marsh cicada or seaside cicada. It is restricted to coastal salt marsh habitats in the southeastern United States. The species is named for the green fasciae (bands) on its body. Like other cicadas, it produces sound via tymbal organs for communication.
Dichomeris pelta
Dichomeris pelta is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1986. It is known from a limited range in the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from South Carolina and Florida. Adults are active across multiple seasons, with flight records spanning January through June and again in October and December, suggesting either a multivoltine life cycle or extended emergence patterns. The species belongs to a large genus of gelechiid moths, many of which are poorly known biologically.
Dicymolomia grisea
Gray Dicymolomia Moth
Dicymolomia grisea is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Munroe in 1964. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records spanning from southern Texas through Florida to South Carolina. Adults display extended flight periods that vary by latitude, with Florida populations active nearly year-round and Texas populations showing more restricted seasonal activity. The species belongs to the subfamily Glaphyriinae, a group of crambid moths whose larvae are often associated with plant materials.
Dioryctria merkeli
loblolly pine coneworm moth
Dioryctria merkeli is a snout moth species in the family Pyralidae, described in 1979 from the eastern United States. The larvae are known to feed on Pinus species, boring into the cambium of trunks, branches, and twigs. This species is part of a genus whose members are commonly known as coneworm moths due to their larval habit of feeding in conifer cones and woody tissues.
Dioryctria taedivorella
Lesser Loblolly Pine Coneworm Moth, Lesser Loblolly Pineconeworm Moth
Dioryctria taedivorella is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described in 1989 from specimens in the southeastern United States. The species is a specialist feeder on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), with larvae developing within pine cones. It represents one of approximately 40 North American species in the genus Dioryctria, most of which are conifer cone or shoot feeders.
Diploschizia habecki
Diploschizia habecki is a species of sedge moth in the family Glyphipterigidae, described by John B. Heppner in 1981. It belongs to a genus of small moths commonly known as sedge moths. The species is documented from the southeastern United States, specifically from southern Georgia to central Florida. As a member of this genus, it is likely associated with wetland or moist habitats where sedges grow, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Diplostethus carolinensis
Diplostethus carolinensis is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The species is known from the southeastern United States. Like other members of Elateridae, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism that allows the beetle to right itself when flipped. Beyond basic taxonomic placement and geographic distribution, detailed biological information for this species remains limited in available sources.
Diplotaxis rufa
Rufous Scarab Beetle
Diplotaxis rufa is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Linell in 1896. Records indicate presence in the southeastern United States, specifically Florida and Georgia. As a member of the genus Diplotaxis, it belongs to a group commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
ScarabaeidaeMelolonthinaeColeopteraNearcticUSAFloridaGeorgia1896-descriptionLinellDiplotaxiniscarab-beetleMay-beetleJune-beetleLinell-1896Diplotaxis-rufa-Linell-1896scarabbeetleinsectarthropodanimalscarabaeoidpolyphagastaphyliniformiascarabaeoideadiplotaxisrufarufoussoutheastern-United-Statessoutheast-USNorth-AmericaNearctic-regionDraeculacephala balli
Draeculacephala balli is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1915. It belongs to a genus of sharpshooters, a group known for their strong jumping ability and xylem-feeding habits. The species has been recorded across the southeastern United States.
Ecitoxenidia alabamae
Ecitoxenidia alabamae is a species of rove beetle described by Seevers in 1959. It belongs to the subtribe Myrmedoniina within the tribe Lomechusini, a group known for myrmecophilous (ant-associated) associations. The species is documented from the southeastern United States.
Elophila nebulosalis
Nebulous Munroessa Moth
Elophila nebulosalis is a moth species in the family Crambidae, described by Charles H. Fernald in 1887. It is restricted to the southeastern United States, with records from South Carolina to Florida. The larvae are thought to be aquatic, consistent with other members of the subfamily Acentropinae.
Enallagma sulcatum
Golden Bluet
Enallagma sulcatum, commonly known as the golden bluet, is a narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is endemic to the Southeastern United States. The species is classified as "least concern" by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival.
Epicaerus formidolosus
Epicaerus formidolosus is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. The species was described by Boheman in 1842. It is recorded from the southeastern United States, specifically Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. As a member of the Geonemini tribe, it belongs to a group of flightless weevils with larvae that develop in soil.
Epicauta floridensis
Florida blister beetle
Epicauta floridensis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, endemic to the southeastern United States. As a member of the large genus Epicauta, it shares the family's characteristic production of cantharidin, a defensive toxin. The species was described by Werner in 1944 and is distinguished from related Epicauta species by features of its Florida distribution and morphology. Like other Epicauta species, adults are likely associated with flowering vegetation, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Eupithecia jejunata
Swift Pug
Eupithecia jejunata, commonly known as the Swift Pug, is a small moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in the southeastern United States, with a range extending from eastern Texas north to Missouri and east to coastal North Carolina. Adults are active primarily from February to mid-May, with a possible partial second generation. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to nocturnal pollination of agricultural crops.
Eupragia hospita
Streaked Eupragia
Eupragia hospita is a moth in the family Depressariidae, described by Ronald W. Hodges in 1969. It is known from the southeastern United States, with records spanning from Florida north to South Carolina and west to Texas. The species has been documented in 291 iNaturalist observations. As a member of Depressariidae, it belongs to a family of small to medium-sized moths commonly known as flat-bodied moths or curved-horn moths.
Exyra semicrocea
Pitcher Plant Mining Moth
Exyra semicrocea, commonly known as the Pitcher Plant Mining Moth, is a small noctuid moth specialized on pitcher plants in the genus Sarracenia. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States coastal plain, where it completes its entire life cycle within pitcher plant pitchers. Its larvae are miners that feed internally on pitcher plant tissue, making this one of the few moth species adapted to this unusual habitat.
Fissicrambus hemiochrellus
Fissicrambus hemiochrellus is a small crambid moth described by Zeller in 1877. It occurs in the southeastern United States with a nearly year-round flight period. The species is one of several similar grass-veneer moths in the genus Fissicrambus.
Floritettix borealis
Floritettix borealis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1936. The species is distributed in the southeastern United States, with records from Florida and Georgia. It belongs to a genus of small grasshoppers that inhabit grassy and herbaceous environments. Relatively little detailed biological information has been published for this species compared to its better-known western relatives in the Melanoplinae subfamily.
Geolycosa patellonigra
Geolycosa patellonigra is a burrowing wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, described by Wallace in 1942. It is found in the United States, with records from Florida and potentially other southeastern states. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs deep silk-lined burrows in sandy soils and exhibits notable ballooning behavior—spiderling aerial dispersal via silk threads—at frequencies higher than typical for wolf spiders. The species shows geographical variation in its seasonal distribution patterns.
Gondysia consobrina
Consobrina's Darkwing, Consobrina Darkwing Moth
Gondysia consobrina is a noctuid moth of the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. The species was transferred from the genus Dysgonia to Gondysia based on morphological and molecular evidence. It occurs in the southeastern United States, where it produces multiple generations annually. The larval host plant remains unknown.
Gondysia similis
Gordonia Darkwing
Gondysia similis, commonly known as the gordonia darkwing, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Achille Guenée in 1852, this species occurs in the southeastern United States. The larvae are specialized feeders on Gordonia lasianthus (loblolly bay), a relationship that defines both its common name and ecological niche. Adults are active from spring through early autumn with multiple generations per year.
Graminella plana
Graminella plana is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1924. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae, a large group of grass-feeding leafhoppers. The species has been recorded in the southeastern United States. As a member of the genus Graminella, it is associated with grassy habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Gryllus fultoni
Southern Wood Cricket
Gryllus fultoni, the southern wood cricket, is a field cricket species found in the southeastern United States. It overwinters as a juvenile and matures in spring, inhabiting forested environments. The species produces a distinctive calling song consisting of fast-pulsed chirps. In areas of sympatry with Gryllus vernalis, G. fultoni exhibits reproductive character displacement, with divergence in calling song characters and mirror area that enhances reproductive isolation.
Haploa colona
colona moth
Haploa colona is a tiger moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1802. It is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States. The species has three recognized subspecies: H. c. colona, H. c. fulvicosta, and H. c. conscita. Adult wingspan ranges from 40–58 mm.
Heilipus squamosus
Avocado Weevil, Avocado Tree Girdler
Heilipus squamosus is a large weevil native to the southeastern United States and the sole species of its genus occurring in North America. It gained notoriety as the "avocado tree girdler," causing significant economic damage to Florida avocado groves from the late 1930s through the 1950s, with larval feeding resulting in 8-10% tree mortality. The species was historically considered rare outside avocado-producing regions, but 21st-century citizen science observations have expanded its known range from eight to fifteen states. Long confused with the French Guiana species H. apiatus due to an erroneous distribution in the original 1807 description, this nomenclatural issue was clarified in 2022.
Heterocampa umbrata
white-blotched heterocampa, white-blotched prominent
Heterocampa umbrata is a moth in the family Notodontidae, described by Francis Walker in 1855. It is commonly known as the white-blotched heterocampa or white-blotched prominent. The species has a restricted distribution in the southeastern United States, occurring in Florida and coastal Georgia. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 7990.
Heterocloeon petersi
small minnow mayfly
Heterocloeon petersi is a small minnow mayfly species in the family Baetidae, first described by Müller-Liebenau in 1974. It is recorded from the southeastern United States. As a member of Baetidae, it belongs to one of the most diverse families of mayflies, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Homaledra heptathalama
exclamation moth, palm leaf housemaker
Homaledra heptathalama is a small moth species in the family Pterolonchidae, known by the common names exclamation moth and palm leaf housemaker. It was described by August Busck in 1900 from specimens collected in Palm Beach, Florida. The species has undergone multiple taxonomic reclassifications, most recently placed in Pterolonchidae based on 2014 cladistic analysis. It is found in the southeastern United States.
Hydrochus callosus
Hydrochus callosus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrochidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1855. The species is found in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. Hydrochidae are small aquatic beetles typically associated with freshwater habitats.
Hyperaspis inedita
Hyperaspis inedita is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.65–3 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration: males have a yellow anterior margin and lateral area on the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with a yellow lateral area. A red spot is present on each elytron. The species is found in the southeastern and central United States.
Hypsoropha hormos
Small Necklace Moth
Hypsoropha hormos, the small necklace moth, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. Adults display a distinctive pattern of white spots forming a necklace-like band across brown wings. The species is found in the southeastern United States and has been documented feeding on persimmon. It is double-brooded, with adults active from February through October, peaking from April to August.
Idaea tacturata
dot-lined wave moth
Idaea tacturata is a small geometrid moth occurring in the southeastern United States. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1861 and is active year-round in the southern portion of its range. Larvae feed on Trifolium species (clovers).