Southwestern-us
Guides
Abegesta remellalis
white-trimmed abegesta, white-trimmed brown pyralid moth
A medium-sized crambid moth found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are active during summer months and are readily identified by the distinctive white markings on otherwise brownish-orange forewings. The species was first described in 1899 and remains relatively well-documented through recent observations.
Acanalonia saltonia
Acanalonia saltonia is a planthopper species in the family Acanaloniidae, first described by Ball in 1933. The species is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States and appears to be associated with the Salton Sea area in California. As a member of the Acanaloniidae, it belongs to a family characterized by a distinctive flattened, often greenish body form. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported.
Acanthocephala thomasi
giant agave bug
Acanthocephala thomasi, commonly known as the giant agave bug, is a large leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite its common name, observations indicate it utilizes multiple host plants including Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom), not exclusively agave species.
Acanthochalcis nigricans
Acanthochalcis nigricans is a large chalcidid wasp distinguished by white pubescent patches on the abdomen, which separate it from the similar A. unispinosa. Females possess an exceptionally long ovipositor and measure approximately 19 mm in total length. The species is a known parasitoid of Chrysobothris jewel beetles, including C. femorata and C. edwardsii, and has been observed seeking oviposition sites on dead mesquite branches. It occurs across the southwestern United States from Kansas and Oklahoma west to California.
Achalarus toxeus
Coyote Cloudywing, Coyote Skipper
Achalarus toxeus is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Coyote Cloudywing or Coyote Skipper. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was historically placed in the genus Thorybes but is now classified in Achalarus based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Achyra occidentalis
Achyra occidentalis is a crambid moth described by Packard in 1873. It exhibits two distinct color morphs: a dark form and a pale form, with adults active during different periods of the year. The species is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States. Forewing length ranges from 10–12 mm.
Acmaeodera navajo
A small buprestid beetle species described in 1995 from the southwestern United States. Adults are flower visitors, specifically documented on Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia (gooseberryleaf globemallow) and Helianthus anomalus (anomalous sunflower) in pinyon-juniper woodland habitats. The species occurs in northern Arizona and southern Utah, where it has been collected alongside congeners A. pubiventris lanata and A. immaculata.
Acmaeodera solitaria
Acmaeodera solitaria is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it has been collected from flowers of yellow-flowered composites and prickly poppy. Adults are active during summer months, particularly July and August. The species was described by Kerremans in 1897.
Acmaeoderopsis
Acmaeoderopsis is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing approximately 12 described species distributed in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus was established by Barr in 1974 and includes species associated with mesquite (Prosopis) and other woody legumes. Adults are small, typically vittate (striped) buprestids that are active during hot summer months and can be collected by beating host vegetation.
Acmaeoderopsis prosopis
Acmaeoderopsis prosopis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Davidson in 2006. The species is found in North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States. Field observations indicate it is associated with mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), from which the species epithet derives. Adults have been collected by beating mesquite vegetation and are known to fly quickly when disturbed.
Acrolophus arizonellus
Acrolophus arizonellus is a moth species in the family Acrolophidae, first described by Walsingham in 1887. It belongs to a genus commonly known as "grass tube moths" due to the larval habit of spinning silken tubes at the base of grasses. The species is documented from the southwestern United States.
Acrolophus cockerelli
Acrolophus cockerelli is a small moth in the family Acrolophidae, historically classified in Tineidae. The species occurs in the southwestern and western United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Larvae of Acrolophus species are known as "grass tube moths" for their habit of spinning silken tubes at grass bases or roots.
Acrolophus parvipalpus
Acrolophus parvipalpus is a moth in the family Acrolophidae, described by Hasbrouck in 1964. It belongs to a genus commonly known as "grass tube moths" due to larval behavior. The species is found in southwestern North America, with records from Arizona and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to light.
Actiastes desertorum
Actiastes desertorum is a species of ant-loving beetle (subfamily Pselaphinae) in the family Staphylinidae, described from desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species epithet 'desertorum' reflects its arid habitat association. Like other pselaphines, it is likely myrmecophilous, living in close association with ant colonies.
Aethecerinus latecinctus
Aethecerinus latecinctus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Trachyderini, described by George Henry Horn in 1880. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults have been collected primarily from mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) flowers and foliage, where they feed and mate. The species is diurnal and appears to exhibit seasonal activity patterns typical of many southwestern cerambycids.
Agathymus neumoegeni
orange giant-skipper, Neumogen's giant-skipper, Neumogen's agave borer, Neumogen's moth-skipper, tawny giant-skipper
Agathymus neumoegeni, the orange giant-skipper, is a large skipper butterfly of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are univoltine, flying in September and October, and are strongly associated with agave plants. The species is notable for its distinctive orange and black wing patterning and its unique life history involving caterpillars that bore into agave leaves. Males exhibit mud-puddling behavior while females are non-feeding.
Agaveocoris barberi
Agaveocoris barberi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae. It was originally described by Knight and later transferred to the genus Agaveocoris by Henry & Menard in 2020. The species is associated with agave plants and has a limited distribution in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Agrilus quercus
Agrilus quercus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Schaeffer in 1905. The specific epithet "quercus" (Latin for oak) indicates an association with oak trees (Quercus spp.), a pattern common among Agrilus species. Like other members of this large genus, it likely develops as a larva in the phloem and outer wood of host trees. The species occurs in North America, with records from the southwestern United States including Arizona.
Agroecotettix
Aridland Scrub Jumpers
Agroecotettix is a genus of medium-sized brachypterous grasshoppers in the subfamily Melanoplinae, containing 19 described species. These short-winged, flight-limited grasshoppers inhabit aridland scrub and desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus was revised in 2024 with the description of 16 new species, revealing previously unrecognized diversity in this cryptic group. Species identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology.
Alypiodes bimaculata
Two-spotted Forester
Alypiodes bimaculata, commonly known as the two-spotted forester, is a diurnal moth in the family Noctuidae. Despite its common name, it bears more than two spots; the name refers specifically to the single small spot on each hindwing. The species was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1853 and occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Amannus vittiger
Amannus vittiger is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. Field observations indicate adults are active flower visitors, particularly associated with globemallow flowers (Sphaeralcea spp.) in the southwestern United States. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid habitats of the Colorado Plateau region.
Amblycerus vitis
Arizona Grape Bruchid
Amblycerus vitis is a seed beetle (subfamily Bruchinae) commonly known as the Arizona Grape Bruchid. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with wild grape species in the genus Vitis, particularly in arid regions of the southwestern United States. As a member of the tribe Amblycerini, it exhibits the typical bruchid life history of larval development within seeds.
Amycle pinyonae
Amycle pinyonae is a planthopper species in the family Fulgoridae, described by Knull & Knull in 1947. It belongs to the subfamily Amyclinae, a group characterized by elongated head processes. The species is associated with pinyon pine habitats in the southwestern United States. Very few observations exist, with only two records documented on iNaturalist.
Anacampsis comparanda
Anacampsis comparanda is a small gelechiid moth described by Edward Meyrick in 1929. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas. The species has a wingspan of 13–14 mm. Its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Aneflomorpha texana
Aneflomorpha texana is a species of longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Linsley in 1936. The species belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini, a group of small to medium-sized cerambycids often associated with woody vegetation. It has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly Texas and Arizona. Records indicate attraction to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights in mesquite-acacia scrub and oak-juniper woodland habitats. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Aneflomorpha seminuda in some taxonomic databases, though this status may require further verification.
Aneflus levettei
Aneflus levettei is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Elaphidiini, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1891. Larvae are root-feeders on velvetpod mimosa (Mimosa dysocarpa), with pupation occurring below the soil surface. Adults have been observed resting on foliage of Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom). The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Anemosella viridalis
Green Anemosella
Anemosella viridalis is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. The species is recognized by its greenish coloration, reflected in both its specific epithet and common name.
Anomoea rufifrons occidentimutabilis
A subspecies of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Described by Moldenke in 1970 from western North American populations of Anomoea rufifrons. The subspecific epithet "occidentimutabilis" suggests variability in western populations. Like other members of the genus, adults are associated with woody vegetation and are case-bearers in the larval stage.
Anthaxia caseyi caseyi
Anthaxia caseyi caseyi is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. Based on field observations, adults have been collected from flowers of Purshia stansburyana (Stansbury's cliffrose) in the southwestern United States. The nominate subspecies occurs in the western Nearctic region. Taxonomic study of populations in Utah and Arizona suggests potential subspecific variation that may not align with currently recognized subspecies boundaries.
Apyrrothrix
Apyrrothrix is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) first described by Lindsey in 1921. The genus is currently recognized as a synonym of Pyrrhopyge, though it was historically treated as distinct. Species in this group are large, robust skippers commonly known as firetips, characterized by their dull coloration and association with oak habitats. The type species, Apyrrothrix araxes (dull firetip skipper), has been documented feeding on Baccharis salicifolia flowers in Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains.
Arachnis picta
Painted Tiger Moth
Arachnis picta is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1864. Commonly known as the painted tiger moth, it is found in the Southwestern United States and bordering regions of Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 50 mm and flies during the summer months. Six subspecies have been described, showing geographic variation across its range.
Aradus nr. debilis
Aradus nr. debilis (CA-AZ) represents a nearctic population of the flat bug genus Aradidae, occurring in California and Arizona. This putative species belongs to a taxonomically challenging complex within Aradus, characterized by flattened bodies adapted for life under bark. The 'nr.' designation indicates morphological proximity to A. debilis while acknowledging unresolved taxonomic status pending further study.
Arenivaga hopkinsorum
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga hopkinsorum is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing wingless and males possessing fully developed wings. The species inhabits arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it contributes to decomposition despite limited plant matter. The specific epithet honors the Hopkins family, particularly referencing the author's father and brother.
Arenochroa
Arenochroa is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Munroe in 1976. The genus contains a single species, Arenochroa flavalis, found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pyraustinae within the family Crambidae.
Arethaea carita
Carita thread-leg katydid
Arethaea carita is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Scudder in 1902. It is commonly known as the Carita thread-leg katydid. The species belongs to the genus Arethaea, a group characterized by their slender, thread-like legs. It occurs in North America with confirmed records from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Aroga camptogramma
Aroga camptogramma is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae. It is known from limited records in the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of 8–9 mm. Published information on its biology and ecology remains sparse.
Bakerella bidens
Battaristis cyclella
Battaristis cyclella is a small gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1903. It is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Utah. The species is characterized by distinctive wing patterning with contrasting dark olive-brown markings on a pale yellowish forewing background.
Beameromyia disfascia
White-sided Pixie
Beameromyia disfascia is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the genus Beameromyia, a group of small, often brightly colored robber flies commonly known as 'pixies.' The species is known from very few observations, with only three records documented on iNaturalist. As with other Asilidae, it is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Bolbocerastes regalis
Regal Earth-boring Beetle
Bolbocerastes regalis is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae. It is found in North America, specifically in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species was described by Cartwright in 1953.
Bothrotes plumbeus
Bothrotes plumbeus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. Records indicate it has been collected in the southwestern United States, with observations from locations in New Mexico and surrounding regions. The species is associated with arid and semi-arid habitats, including grasslands and open woodlands. Like other tenebrionids, it is likely nocturnal and ground-dwelling, though specific behavioral details remain limited.
Brachinus favicollis
Brachinus favicollis is a species of bombardier beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Terry Erwin in 1965. Like other members of the genus Brachinus, this species possesses the remarkable defensive ability to eject a hot, noxious chemical spray from the tip of its abdomen when disturbed. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Brachynemurus ramburi
Brachynemurus ramburi is a species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) described by Nathan Banks in 1907. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, aerial adult stage. The genus Brachynemurus is one of 18 genera of antlions recorded north of Mexico. Adults of this genus are typically nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Brachys cephalicus
Brachys cephalicus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1909. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Field observations from southeastern Arizona indicate adults are active in late spring (early June), where they have been collected by sweeping foliage of Quercus arizonica (Arizona white oak) and Quercus emoryi (Emory oak). Like other members of the genus Brachys, it is associated with oak foliage and appears to be most readily collected when host trees have freshly flushed new leaves.
Brachys querci
Brachys querci is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Knull in 1952. The species is found in North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States including Arizona and New Mexico. It is associated with oak species (Quercus), particularly gray oak (Quercus grisea), and has been collected by beating or sweeping foliage of trees with newly flushed leaves. The species is part of a genus that is taxonomically challenging and has been subject to recent revisionary work.
Burnsius philetas
Desert Checkered-Skipper
Burnsius philetas, the desert checkered-skipper, is a small skipper butterfly (wingspan 25–29 mm) found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Formerly classified under Pyrgus, this species was reassigned to the genus Burnsius based on molecular and morphological evidence. It exhibits multiple generations per year with activity extending from early spring through late fall, with timing varying by latitude and elevation. The species is notable for its checkered wing pattern and association with dry, open habitats.
Cacama moorei
Moore's cactus dodger
Cacama moorei, commonly known as Moore's cactus dodger, is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae. It is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and the Mexican state of Sonora. As a member of the genus Cacama, it is associated with cactus habitats and shares the common name 'cactus dodger' with related species such as Cacama valvata.
Cacama variegata
Variegated Cactus Dodger
Cacama variegata is a large cicada species in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the variegated cactus dodger. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Texas and Mexican states including Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Like other members of the genus Cacama, this species is associated with cactus habitats.
Calosoma macrum
long caterpillar hunter
Calosoma macrum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the long caterpillar hunter. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits mid-elevation open areas. Adults are active predators that hunt caterpillars, including arboreal species.
Calosoma prominens
projecting caterpillar hunter
Calosoma prominens is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the caterpillar hunter genus Calosoma, known for arboreal foraging behavior targeting caterpillar prey. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it inhabits arid scrublands dominated by acacia and cactus vegetation. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a voracious predator of caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.