Southwestern-united-states
Guides
Schwarzella arizonensis
Schwarzella arizonensis is a species of chalcidid wasp described by Ashmead in 1904. It belongs to the family Chalcididae, a group of small parasitoid wasps. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Like other members of its family, it likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well documented.
Sclerobunus robustus
Sclerobunus robustus is a montane-restricted harvestman species occurring in the southwestern United States. A 2014 taxonomic revision elevated two former subspecies (S. glorietus and S. idahoensis) to full species status. Population genomic research has identified multiple Pliocene-era refugia in the Southern Rocky Mountains and Intermontane Plateau, with genetically distinct clades showing patterns of isolation by distance in continuous mountain habitats and isolation by environment in isolated sky island populations.
Scolops neomexicanus
Scolops neomexicanus is a small planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by its distinctive elongated facial projection resembling a horn or 'nose.' The species is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other members of genus Scolops, it exhibits a squat, compact body form with wings typically held roof-like over the abdomen. The species was described by Lawson and Beamer in 1930 and is one of approximately 32 recognized species in the genus.
Serradigitus wupatkiensis
Serradigitus wupatkiensis is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, first described by Stahnke in 1940. It belongs to the genus Serradigitus, which is characterized by serrated or toothed structures on the pedipalp fingers. The species is found in North America, with the specific epithet referencing Wupatki, likely indicating a type locality in the southwestern United States. Like other vaejovid scorpions, it is a small to medium-sized species adapted to arid environments.
Sitochroa aureolalis
Sitochroa aureolalis is a small crambid moth described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active in spring and late summer, with a bimodal flight pattern. The species is distinguished by its bright golden-yellow forewings.
Smeringurus vachoni immanis
Smeringurus vachoni immanis is a subspecies of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, native to the southwestern United States. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive metasomal (tail) morphology. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological differentiation from the nominate form S. vachoni vachoni. Like other members of Smeringurus, it is adapted to arid environments and exhibits fossorial or nocturnal habits typical of desert scorpions.
Sparkia immacula
Sparkia immacula is a noctuid moth and the sole member of its genus. It is found in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona and New Mexico. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. Very little biological information is available for this species.
Spathanus acuminatus
Spathanus acuminatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Baker in 1896 under the genus Athysanus. It belongs to the tribe Scaphoideini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been documented from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. As a member of the leafhopper family, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host plants have not been documented in the available sources.
Speleketor
Speleketor is a genus of large-winged psocids (booklice/barklice) in the family Prionoglarididae. The genus was established by Gurney in 1943 and contains at least three described species. Members are found in the southwestern United States. Psocids in this genus are characterized by relatively large wings compared to body size, distinguishing them from many related taxa.
Sphaerobothris ulkei
Sphaerobothris ulkei is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is native to arid regions of North America and Central America. It has been documented in association with Ephedra species (joint-fir), particularly Ephedra trifurca in desert habitats of the southwestern United States. The beetle is considered uncommon and requires targeted searching to locate.
Sphaeropthalma megagnathos
Sphaeropthalma megagnathos is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, described by Schuster in 1958. Like other members of its genus, it is a wingless female wasp (males have wings) with a robust, ant-like appearance. The species is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, California, and Nevada. As with all velvet ants, females possess a powerful sting and are solitary parasitoids.
Sphinx asellus
Asellus Sphinx, asellus sphinx moth
Sphinx asellus is a sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, first described by Rothschild and Jordan in 1903. It inhabits arid woodlands of the southwestern United States, where adults fly during late spring and early summer. The species has a single annual generation and larvae feed on manzanita species.
Sriferia cockerella
Sriferia cockerella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1903. It is characterized by striking wing coloration with a sharp diagonal boundary between yellow and dark brown forewing areas, marked by three metallic golden spots. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Stahnkeus deserticola
A medium-sized scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, originally described from Arizona. The species epithet 'deserticola' indicates its association with desert habitats. It was transferred from the genus Vaejovis to the genus Stahnkeus based on phylogenetic and morphological studies. The genus Stahnkeus was established to accommodate a distinct lineage of vaejovid scorpions found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Stenomorpha
Stenomorpha is a large genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) comprising more than 160 described species and subspecies. The genus was established by Solier in 1836 and belongs to the tribe Asidini within subfamily Pimeliinae. Species-level taxonomy has been historically neglected, with no modern revision for nearly 175 years until recent work by Keller (2008) and others. The genus exhibits notable diversity in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with some species occurring in specialized habitats including California vernal pools and the Cuatrociénegas Protected Area in Coahuila, Mexico.
Stenomorpha wickhami
Stenomorpha wickhami is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, transferred into the genus Stenomorpha from its original combination by Horn. It belongs to the furcata species group, a newly recognized informal grouping within Stenomorpha established to accommodate this species and three related taxa including the type species S. furcata, S. roosevelti, and S. granicollis. The species is native to the southwestern United States, specifically southern Arizona. As a member of the Asidini tribe, it shares the general characteristics of flightless or weakly flighted desert-dwelling tenebrionids, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Stenopodius martini
Stenopodius martini is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blaisdell in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae, a group commonly known as tortoise beetles or hispine beetles. The species is known from the southwestern United States. Its food plant remains unknown, though adults have been collected on Sphaeralcea species.
Stenosphenus dolosus
Stenosphenus dolosus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1885. It belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a diverse group of cerambycids often associated with woody vegetation. Field observations indicate adults are attracted to ethanol-baited traps and have been found resting on thorny branches of lotebush (Zizyphus obtusifolium) during evening hours. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Tanaostigmodes albiclavus
Tanaostigmodes albiclavus is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Tanaostigmatidae, first described by Girault in 1917. The species is known from the southwestern United States. Members of this family are gall wasps associated with plants, though specific host relationships for this species remain poorly documented.
Tarache idella
Tarache idella is a small noctuid moth first described by William Barnes in 1905. It is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. Adults are active in September and are characterized by distinctive orange-yellow forewings with vertical black markings and a bright orange apical spot. The species belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group of moths whose larvae often feed on specific host plants.
Telamonanthe pulchella
A small treehopper species in the family Membracidae, characterized by the pronounced pronotal modifications typical of the group. First described by Ball in 1903, it belongs to the Nearctic tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae. The species has been documented across the southwestern United States.
Tenthredo fernaldii
Tenthredo fernaldii is a species of common sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. Like other members of the genus, it lacks the narrow 'wasp waist' characteristic of many Hymenoptera, with the abdomen attached broadly to the thorax. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn, and may be encountered on flowers or foliage. The species has been documented from the southwestern United States, with observations from Arizona.
Tetragonoderus pallidus
Tetragonoderus pallidus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1868. The species is endemic to the Sonoran Desert region, occurring in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Records indicate presence in Arizona, California, and Mexico. As a member of the genus Tetragonoderus, it belongs to a group of small carabid beetles, though specific morphological and ecological details for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Thaumatopsis magnificus
A small crambid moth described by Charles H. Fernald in 1891, found in the southwestern United States. Adults are active during early summer and possess distinctive yellow and white wing patterning.
Thyreodon fernaldi
Thyreodon fernaldi is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Hooker in 1912. It is one of few species in the genus Thyreodon, a group of large ichneumon wasps found in the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. The genus is poorly known, and species identification requires specialist examination.
Trepobates becki
Trepobates becki is a species of water strider in the family Gerridae. It inhabits freshwater surface habitats in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was described by Drake & Harris in 1932. Like other members of the genus Trepobates, it is adapted to life on the water surface.
Triatoma rubida
kissing bug, Arizona kissing bug
Triatoma rubida is a hematophagous assassin bug and important potential vector of Chagas disease in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Laboratory studies demonstrate it has the shortest egg-to-adult development time (~4 months) among comparable species, with high survival rates and rapid defecation behavior that enhances vector competence. In southern Arizona, the species is primarily associated with white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) nests, with dispersal flights occurring from late May through mid-July when adults may be attracted to artificial lights and invade human dwellings. Females consistently defecate while feeding (93%), unlike males and immature stages, increasing transmission risk. The species shows 41.5-66% prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in some populations and has been documented feeding on humans.
Trichocosmia
Trichocosmia is a monotypic genus of owlet moths (Noctuidae) established by Grote in 1883. The genus contains a single species, Trichocosmia inornata, which occurs in the southwestern United States. The genus is classified within the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Hadenini.
Trimerotropis californica
strenuous grasshopper, California band-winged grasshopper
Trimerotropis californica, commonly known as the strenuous grasshopper or California band-winged grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was first described by Bruner in 1889. The species belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, characterized by banded wings. Distribution records indicate presence in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Triprocris yampai
Triprocris yampai is a species of forester moth in the family Zygaenidae, described by Barnes in 1905. It belongs to a genus of small, diurnal moths known for their metallic coloration and association with specific host plants. The species is documented from a limited number of observations, suggesting restricted distribution or low detectability. Like other members of Procridinae, it likely possesses chemical defenses derived from larval host plant sequestration.
Tuxedo nicholi
Tuxedo nicholi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae, described by Knight in 1929. The genus Tuxedo was revised by Schuh in 2004, who established it as a distinct genus within the phyline plant bugs. This species is known from the southwestern United States, specifically recorded from Arizona, California, and Utah. Like other members of Phylinae, it is likely associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Typhlusechus chemehuevii
Typhlusechus chemehuevii is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) described in 1985 from the southwestern United States. The species epithet honors the Chemehuevi people, whose traditional territory spans parts of California, Arizona, and Nevada. As a member of the genus Typhlusechus, it belongs to a group of small, often eye-reduced beetles associated with arid environments. The species remains poorly known due to limited collection records and no documented observations in biodiversity databases such as iNaturalist.
Usingerella simplex
Velvet-striped grasshopper
Usingerella simplex is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Reuter in 1909 under the basionym Cyrtopeltis simplex. It is one of very few species in the genus Usingerella, a small and poorly documented mirid genus. The species is known from limited records in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and California. Available information on its biology and ecology is minimal.
Wilcoxia forbesi
Wilcoxia forbesi is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae: Stenopogoninae) described in 2019 from New Mexico. It belongs to the martinorum species group, characterized by specific structural features, seasonality patterns, and natural history traits. As a predatory fly, it has been documented capturing prey from at least four insect orders, with a particular emphasis on true bugs, beetles, wasps, and other flies.
Ypsolopha delicatella
A small moth of the family Ypsolophidae, Ypsolopha delicatella is known from the southwestern United States. Adults have distinctive wing patterning with dark reddish-brown dorsal areas, bright golden yellow costal regions, and white apical areas mottled with black. The species exhibits the characteristic resting posture of ypsolophid moths, hanging upside down with antennae extended forward.
Ypsolopha schwarziella
Ypsolopha schwarziella is a small moth in the family Ypsolophidae. It is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, Utah, and California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 23 mm. Detailed morphological descriptions exist for this species, including distinctive coloration of the antennae, labial palpi, and wings.
Ypsolopha unicipunctella
Ypsolopha unicipunctella is a small moth in the family Ypsolophidae, recorded from the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by a single conspicuous black dot on the forewing, which gives rise to its specific epithet. Adults rest in a distinctive posture with the body inverted and antennae extended forward. The species is poorly known biologically, with limited records despite its relatively broad geographic range.
Zonitis
Zonitis is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, established by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. The genus belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated, nectar-feeding mouthparts. Species of Zonitis are found in North America, with records from the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. Adults have been observed on flowers of various composite plants, particularly in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Zonitis dunniana
Zonitis dunniana is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Champion in 1891. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States including Arizona and New Mexico. The species has been collected on flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta (burroweed) and Hymenothrix wislizeni, suggesting an association with blooming composites in arid habitats. It is one of approximately 15 species in the genus Zonitis occurring in the New World.