Southwestern-north-america
Guides
Conalcaea huachucana
Huachuca Grasshopper
Conalcaea huachucana, the Huachuca Grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species includes two recognized subspecies: C. h. huachucana and C. h. coyoterae.
Copestylum isabellina
Isabelle's bromeliad fly
Copestylum isabellina, commonly known as Isabelle's bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species has been documented in southwestern North America. As a member of the genus Copestylum, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as bromeliad flies, which are typically associated with bromeliad plants. The species is known from 784 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-documented by citizen scientists.
Copestylum marginatum
Syrphid fly
Copestylum marginatum is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in the family Syrphidae. It has been documented in Southwestern North America, with over 3,500 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a member of the diverse syrphid family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Copris arizonensis
Copris arizonensis is a dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Schaeffer in 1906. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Copris, it is associated with dung processing and soil burrowing behaviors typical of scarabaeine dung beetles.
Coquillettia albella
Coquillettia albella is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1968. The species is known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It belongs to a genus of mirids associated with desert and scrubland vegetation.
Cryptocephalus alternans
Cryptocephalus alternans is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in southwestern North America, including California, Arizona, and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: C. a. alternans and C. a. jungovittatus, with the latter measuring 4.7–5.0 mm in length.
Cydia piperana
Ponderosa Pine Seedworm Moth
Cydia piperana, commonly known as the ponderosa pine seedworm moth, is a small tortricid moth native to southwestern North America. The species is specialized on conifer hosts, with larvae developing within the seeds of Pinus ponderosa and Pinus jeffreyi. Adults are modest in size with a wingspan of approximately 19 mm. The moth is of ecological interest as a seed predator in pine ecosystems and has potential relevance to forest health monitoring, though it is not considered a major economic pest.
Cymindis yaqui
Cymindis yaqui is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae, and tribe Lebiini. The species was described from specimens collected in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized carabid beetles that are generally associated with arid and semi-arid environments. Like other Cymindis species, it is likely nocturnal and predatory, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Daleapidea albescens
Daleapidea albescens is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1918. It is a small, poorly known hemipteran with a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species belongs to a genus with few described members, and like other mirids, it likely feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Available records suggest it inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Dasymutilla magnifica
Magnificent Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla magnifica, commonly called the magnificent velvet ant, is a wingless female wasp in the family Mutillidae found in arid regions of western North America. Like other velvet ants, females possess a potent sting used in defense and for subduing hosts. The species is notoriously difficult to distinguish from the sympatric Dasymutilla klugii based on external appearance alone. Males are winged and likely differ in coloration from females, though specific details for this species are not well documented.
Derobrachus leechi
Derobrachus leechi is a large prionine longhorn beetle described in 1977 from the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to a genus commonly known as palo verde root borers, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The species is rarely encountered in collections and field observations are sparse.
Diceroprocta knighti
Dusty Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta knighti is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is an annual cicada with a multi-year nymphal stage spent underground feeding on tree and shrub roots. Adults emerge during summer months, with males producing species-specific acoustic signals to attract females. The species is part of the diverse cicada fauna of the Sonoran Desert region, where it co-occurs with related congeners at different elevations.
cicadaDiceroproctaSonoran-Desertannual-cicadaHemipteraCicadidaeacoustic-communicationroot-feeding-nymphssummer-emergencesouthwestern-North-Americaxylem-feederdesert-arthropodinsect-songmulti-year-life-cycletymbal-organmonsoon-associated-emergenceCicadinaeFidicininiDavis-1917Dusty-Flag-BearerArizonaCaliforniaBaja-CaliforniaSinaloaSonoraMexicoUnited-Statesarthropodinsecttrue-bugAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaCicadoideaGuyalninaDiceroprocta swalei
Stripewing Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta swalei is a cicada species in the family Cicadidae, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It inhabits oak-juniper woodland zones at moderate elevations, where males produce loud calling songs to attract mates. The species is distinguished by a prominent dark zig-zag band across each forewing. It is one of several Diceroprocta species occurring in the Sonoran Desert region, where it replaces D. semicincta at higher elevations.
Dichomeris solatrix
A small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described from a single location in Arizona. Known from only two observations and limited published records.
Dichroplus notatus
Mexican Dichroplus
Dichroplus notatus is a grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae, described by Bruner in 1908. It is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is part of the diverse Dichroplus genus, which contains several economically significant grasshopper pests in South America, though D. notatus itself has not been documented as a major agricultural pest.
Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis
Arizona Nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis, known as the Arizona Nomia, is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is a ground-nesting bee distributed across the southwestern United States and adjacent regions of Mexico. The subspecies was first described by Cockerell in 1899 and is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. Like other members of the genus Dieunomia, it is a specialist pollinator associated with particular host plants.
Diplotaxis truncatula
Diplotaxis truncatula is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by LeConte in 1856 and is distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to a genus of chafers commonly attracted to lights at night.
Eichlinia calabaza
Southwestern Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia calabaza is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Southwestern Squash Vine Borer. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where its larvae develop within the stems of wild and cultivated cucurbits. The species is a significant agricultural pest of squash, pumpkins, and related crops. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance.
Enallagma semicirculare
Claw-tipped Bluet
Enallagma semicirculare, commonly known as the claw-tipped bluet, is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It occurs primarily in Mexico and the southwestern United States, with documented records from Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Texas. The species was described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1876. Like other members of the genus Enallagma, it is a small, slender damselfly associated with freshwater habitats.
Epicauta wheeleri
Orange-necked Blister Beetle, ethereal beef weevil
Epicauta wheeleri is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, found in southwestern North America. It exhibits striking iridescence in desert sunlight and has pronounced body segmentation that resembles weevils, leading to the colloquial name "ethereal beef weevil" in southern Utah and Nevada. Despite this resemblance, it is not a true weevil. The species is often observed in and around cattle pastures.
Eremobates inkopansis
solifuge, sun spider, wind scorpion
Eremobates inkopansis is a species of solifuge (order Solifugae), an arachnid group commonly known as sun spiders or wind scorpions. Like other members of the family Eremobatidae, this species possesses disproportionately large chelicerae used to capture and subdue prey. Solifugids are frequently mistaken for scorpions or spiders due to their appearance but represent a distinct arachnid lineage. They are primarily nocturnal predators of the arid southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Erpetogomphus compositus
white-belted ringtail
Erpetogomphus compositus, commonly known as the white-belted ringtail, is a clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It inhabits streams and rivers in Central America and North America. The species is distinguished by its heavily striped thorax with a prominent white central stripe on the side, which gives it the common name. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Ethmia hodgesella
Ethmia hodgesella is a small moth in the family Ethmiidae, described by Powell in 1973. The species occurs in the southwestern United States (Texas, Arizona, California) and extends along both sides of the central cordillera of Mexico. Adults have distinctive forewing patterning with a serpentine longitudinal line dividing whitish dorsal and dark brownish gray costal areas.
Ethmia sphenisca
Ethmia sphenisca is a small moth in the family Ethmiidae (formerly Depressariidae), described by Powell in 1973. It is restricted to high-elevation regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is characterized by distinctive black-and-white wing patterning and forewing lengths of 10–13 mm. Like other members of the genus Ethmia, it likely has larval host associations with plants in the Boraginaceae family, though this has not been directly documented for this species.
Eubarnesia ritaria
Ocotillo Moth
Eubarnesia ritaria, commonly known as the Ocotillo Moth, is a species of geometrid moth endemic to the American Southwest. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Eubarnesia. The species was first described by Grossbeck in 1910 and later placed in its current genus by Cockerell in 1917. It is associated with desert habitats where its larval host plant, ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), occurs.
Euchaetes elegans
Elegant Pygarctia, Elegant Tussock Moth
Euchaetes elegans is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1874. It ranges across the southwestern United States and extends south through Mexico to Colombia. Adults are active during summer months, with flight activity recorded from July through September. The larvae feed exclusively on Asclepias species (milkweeds), sequestering cardiac glycosides for chemical defense.
Eudesmia arida
Arid Eudesmia Moth
Eudesmia arida is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Skinner in 1906. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where adults are active during summer and early autumn. The species has a wingspan of 23–30 mm.
Eupithecia monacheata
Eupithecia monacheata is a species of inchworm moth in the family Geometridae. It occurs in southwestern North America, with records from Arizona and California. Like other members of the genus Eupithecia, it is characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to nocturnal pollination services.
Eupithecia nonanticaria
Eupithecia nonanticaria is a small geometrid moth described by Clifford D. Ferris in 2007. It is restricted to high-elevation mixed coniferous forests in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, specifically the Pinos Altos Range, Black Range, and Chiricahua Mountains. Adults are active during a narrow window from late July to mid-August. The species is one of many Eupithecia "pugs" that are challenging to identify without detailed examination.
Eupithecia pretansata
Pug moth
Eupithecia pretansata is a small geometrid moth in the pug moth genus Eupithecia. It is known from a restricted range in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, specifically the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona and Chihuahua. Like other Eupithecia species, it exhibits the characteristic narrow wings and distinctive resting posture typical of pug moths. The species was described by Grossbeck in 1908.
Evita hyalinaria
Evita hyalinaria is the sole species in the monotypic genus Evita, described by Grossbeck in 1908. It is a geometrid moth found in southwestern North America. The genus was established by Hahn William Capps in 1943. Very few observations exist, with only one documented occurrence in iNaturalist.
Gelastocoris rotundatus
toad bug
Gelastocoris rotundatus is a species of toad bug in the family Gelastocoridae, first described by Champion in 1901. It is one of two Gelastocoris species known from North America, where it occurs in the southwestern United States and southward through Central America. Like other toad bugs, it is a predator associated with aquatic margins.
Givira mucidus
Givira mucidus is a moth in the family Cossidae (carpenter millers), found in southwestern North America. It is one of relatively few species in its genus with predominantly white wings and minimal dark markings. The species was described by Henry Edwards in 1882. It has been documented from California eastward to southeastern New Mexico.
Graphocephala subrufa
Graphocephala subrufa is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong & Currie in 1960. It belongs to a genus known for colorful, patterned species often called sharpshooters. Like other Graphocephala, it likely exhibits the characteristic features of the genus including vibrant coloration and association with plant-feeding habits. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Griburius rileyi
Bold-spotted Griburius
Griburius rileyi is a recently described species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The species was described by Sassi in 2023 and is distinguished by bold spotted patterns on its elytra. Like other members of the genus Griburius, adults are associated with oak woodlands and are attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The specific epithet honors Edward Riley, a prominent coleopterist and indefatigable collector of beetles, particularly known for his contributions to cerambycid and chrysomelid taxonomy.
Gymnetina
Gymnetina is a genus of flower and fruit chafers (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) comprising approximately six described species. Members are attracted to sweet baits such as fermenting fruit or wine, and at least one subspecies (G. cretacea sundbergi) is endemic to the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. The genus occurs primarily in the Nearctic region, with species distributed across southwestern and south-central North America.
Hadronemidea echinata
Hadronemidea echinata is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Gruetzmacher and Schaffner in 1977. The species is known from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with records from Texas, New Mexico, and several Mexican states including Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. As a member of the Miridae, it belongs to one of the largest families of true bugs, though specific ecological details for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Haplaxius flocki
Haplaxius flocki is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Kramer in 1979. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini within the subfamily Cixiinae. As a member of the Fulgoromorpha, it shares characteristics with other cixiid planthoppers, though specific details about its biology remain limited in available literature. The species is known from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Hellinsia longifrons
Snout Plume Moth
Hellinsia longifrons is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, commonly known as the Snout Plume Moth. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have a wingspan of 25–28 mm and display distinctive gray-brown coloration with white markings on the thorax and abdomen. The species is associated with the host plant Acourtia microcephala.
Helluomorphoides papago
Helluomorphoides papago is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Casey in 1913. It belongs to the subfamily Anthiinae, a group of carabid beetles often associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus, it is likely adapted to hot, dry habitats. Published biological information remains limited.
Hesperagrion heterodoxum
Painted Damsel
Hesperagrion heterodoxum, commonly known as the Painted Damsel, is a small damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. Males are notably colorful, with spectacular coloration that distinguishes them from other damselflies in their range. The species occurs in western North America and Middle America, where it inhabits streams and rivers with emergent vegetation. It has been observed in association with warm springs and vegetated waterways.
Hydriomena cochiseata
Hydriomena cochiseata is a moth species in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, described by Swett in 1909. It is a member of the diverse genus Hydriomena, which comprises numerous species primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. The species epithet references Cochise, a prominent leader of the Chiricahua Apache, suggesting a southwestern North American origin. Like other Hydriomena species, it is presumed to have a larval stage feeding on woody plants, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Hypopta palmata
Hypopta palmata is a small cossid moth described in 1910 from arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Adults fly during the warmer months, with males notably smaller than females. The species is associated with desert and desert mountain habitats.
Hypotrix ocularis
Hypotrix ocularis is a small noctuid moth described in 2010, distinguished by its distinctive eye-like wing marking. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and central Mexico. Adults are active in June.
Hypotrix rubra
Hypotrix rubra is a small noctuid moth described in 2010. The species occurs in montane pine-oak woodlands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active in spring and mid-summer.
Ischnura demorsa
Mexican Forktail
Ischnura demorsa, commonly known as the Mexican Forktail, is a narrow-winged damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is a small, slender species found in freshwater habitats across Central America and the southwestern United States. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. It is frequently observed in association with springs and rivers with emergent vegetation.
Kukulcania geophila
crevice weaver
Kukulcania geophila is a species of crevice weaver spider in the family Filistatidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it constructs distinctive lacy, cribellate webs that emerge from sheltered retreats in crevices. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females being larger, dark-colored, and long-lived compared to males. Two subspecies are recognized: K. g. geophila and K. g. wawona.
Lebia abdita
Lebia abdita is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Madge in 1967. The species is known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it is likely associated with vegetation and may be attracted to lights at night.
Leptochiloides
Leptochiloides is a genus of potter wasps restricted to arid regions of southwestern North America. The genus was established by Bohart in 1940 and is characterized by structural features including pilose (hairy) labial palpi. It shows morphological affinities with the genus Pterocheilus.
Letispe
Letispe is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, established by Alexander Douglas Campbell Ferguson in 2008. The genus contains a single described species, Letispe metanemaria, originally described by George Duryea Hulst in 1887. This genus is restricted to the southwestern North American region.