Southwestern-us
Guides
Camponotus fragilis
Camponotus fragilis is a carpenter ant species endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. First described by Theodore Pergande in 1893, it was synonymized and later revived by Roy Snelling in 2006. The species has been studied for its gut bacterial communities, which show compartmentalization across different gut sections and variation between laboratory-raised and field-collected colonies.
Camponotus ulcerosus
Camponotus ulcerosus is a species of carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, described by Wheeler in 1910. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the carpenter ant group, it nests in wood and exhibits the typical colony structure of the genus with polymorphic workers. Beyond its geographic range and taxonomic placement, specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Catocala violenta
Catocala violenta is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, part of the diverse underwing moth genus Catocala. Adults fly during mid-summer with a single annual generation. The species occupies a restricted geographic range in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, where larvae feed specifically on Gambel's oak.
Ceratagallia inconspicua
Ceratagallia inconspicua is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Baker in 1898. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Aceratagallia inconspicua in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in this genus. It has been recorded from the southwestern United States including Arizona, California, and Nevada. As a member of the leafhopper family Cicadellidae, it belongs to a group known for plant-feeding habits and potential role as vectors of plant pathogens, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Ceratagallia robusta whitcombi
Ceratagallia robusta whitcombi is a subspecies of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, originally described by Hamilton in 1998. The taxon is currently treated as a synonym of Aceratagallia robusta, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions within the Agalliini tribe. It is recorded from several southeastern and southwestern U.S. states.
Chalcolepidius apacheanus
Apache click beetle
Chalcolepidius apacheanus is a large click beetle (family Elateridae) native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species belongs to a genus characterized by metallic coloration and substantial body size among click beetles. Field observations indicate adults are associated with dead or dying coniferous trees, particularly ponderosa pine, where they have been observed at the base of trunks and in association with wood-boring beetle galleries. The species is active during summer months in montane pine-oak woodlands.
Chalcolepidius lenzi
Chalcolepidius lenzi is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae. It has been documented in Arizona, specifically in the Santa Rita Mountains, where it was observed at sap flows on Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom). The genus Chalcolepidius is known for large, robust click beetles with metallic coloration. Observations suggest this species is associated with woody vegetation in arid and semi-arid environments.
Chalcolepidius tartarus
Chalcolepidius tartarus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It belongs to a genus known for large, striking species often associated with woody vegetation. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, where it has been collected from desert scrub habitats.
Chalybion zimmermanni
Zimmerman's Mud-dauber Wasp, Zimmermann's Mud Wasp
Chalybion zimmermanni is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is one of two Chalybion species found north of Mexico, distinguished from the widespread C. californicum by its more restricted southeastern and southwestern U.S. distribution, white thoracic hairs, and smoky rather than violaceous wing coloration. Like its congener, it is a spider-hunting wasp that repurposes existing mud nests rather than constructing its own.
Chauliognathus lewisi lewisi
A subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, Chauliognathus lewisi lewisi is known from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has been documented in Arizona and adjacent regions, where it occurs in association with flowering vegetation. The subspecies is part of a genus commonly referred to as soldier beetles, many of which are flower visitors and predators of other small insects.
Chrysanthrax crocinus
Chrysanthrax crocinus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, found in the southwestern United States and Baja California Norte. Like other bee flies, adults are pollinators that visit flowers to feed on nectar using an elongated proboscis. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are parasitoids of ground-nesting bees and other insects.
Chrysina gloriosa
glorious beetle, glorious scarab, Glorious Jewel Scarab
Chrysina gloriosa is a metallic green scarab beetle renowned for its striking iridescent appearance. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and display bright green elytra with silver longitudinal stripes, though rare red and purple color forms occur. The species inhabits sky island mountain ranges in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults feed primarily on juniper foliage and larvae develop in decaying wood of Arizona sycamore. Active both diurnally and nocturnally, adults are most frequently encountered from June through August and are strongly attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The beetle's structural coloration arises from cholesteric liquid crystal organization of chitin molecules in the cuticle, producing optical properties that change with light incidence angle.
Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta
Large Grassland Tiger Beetle
Cicindelidia obsoleta obsoleta, the Large Grassland Tiger Beetle, is a subspecies of large tiger beetle found in dry grassland habitats of the southwestern United States. Adults are active during summer months and are among the largest tiger beetles in their range. The nominate subspecies occurs from western Texas and eastern New Mexico northward into eastern Colorado, overlapping with related subspecies in some areas. It is distinguished from the disjunct Missouri/Arkansas population (subspecies vulturina) by its summer adult phenology and generally darker coloration with reduced elytral maculations.
Cicindelidia tenuisignata
Thin-lined Tiger Beetle
A tiger beetle species in the genus Cicindelidia, found in alkaline wetland margins and lake shores in the southwestern United States. Adults are active during late summer and fall, with records from September in New Mexico. The species is less commonly encountered than related alkali-adapted tiger beetles and is attracted to ultraviolet light at night.
Cinacanthus coquilletti
Cinacanthus coquilletti is a small dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona, California, and Nevada. The species was described by Linell in 1896 and belongs to a genus of aphodiine scarabs.
Coenopoeus palmeri
Coenopoeus palmeri is a cactus-associated longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) and the sole member of its genus. Described by LeConte in 1873, it is specialized on staghorn cacti (Cylindropuntia spp.), with larvae mining internally within cactus stems and adults feeding externally at night. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with adults active primarily in spring and summer.
Collops nigritus
Collops nigritus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae, subfamily Malachiinae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles commonly found on flowers where they feed on other small insects. Members of this genus are recognized as important natural enemies in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton and other crops, where they contribute to biological control of pest populations. Collops nigritus specifically has been documented as occurring in the southwestern United States and is associated with flowering plants in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Copestylum macrocephalum
Copestylum macrocephalum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. It has been documented from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, specifically from California, Arizona, and Baja California. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cosmopterix quadrilineella
Cosmopterix quadrilineella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, first described by Chambers in 1878. The species is characterized by distinctive wing patterning with multiple white lines and metallic spots on bronze-brown forewings. Adults have a forewing length of approximately 4.2 mm. It is known from several southwestern and south-central U.S. states.
Cotinis mutabilis
Figeater beetle, Green fruit beetle, Fig beetle, Western green June beetle
Cotinis mutabilis, commonly known as the figeater beetle or green fruit beetle, is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae (flower chafers). Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, adults are medium to large, metallic green beetles that feed on ripe fruits, particularly figs, as well as flower nectar and pollen. The species is often mistaken for the eastern green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) and occasionally for the invasive Japanese beetle. Adults are strong fliers attracted to fermenting fruit odors and are active primarily in mid-summer through fall. Larvae develop in decomposing organic matter and compost.
Crioprosopus rimosus
Beautiful Mesquite Borer
Crioprosopus rimosus is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to southwestern North America and Mexico. The species is known from scattered records in the United States (Arizona) and Mexico. It is associated with mesquite and other woody legumes, with larvae developing in living or stressed host trees. Adults are large, striking beetles with reddish coloration. The species appears to be genuinely uncommon rather than simply under-collected, though it can be attracted to fermenting baits.
Crossidius suturalis suturalis
Crossidius suturalis suturalis is a subspecies of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) in the genus Crossidius. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults have been observed on flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta (burroweed) and related Isocoma species, particularly in late summer and early fall. The subspecies is part of a complex of fall-active Crossidius beetles associated with composite host plants.
Cuerna obtusa
Cuerna obtusa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Proconiini. It was described by Oman and Beamer in 1944. The species belongs to a genus of sharpshooters, a group of leafhoppers known for their ability to shoot liquid waste droplets away from their bodies. Distribution records indicate occurrence in the southwestern United States.
Cuerna yuccae
Yucca Sharpshooter
Cuerna yuccae is a sharpshooter leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Oman & Beamer in 1944. It belongs to the tribe Proconiini, a group known for their role as vectors of plant pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease in grapevines. The species is associated with yucca plants and occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States. Like other proconiine sharpshooters, it feeds on xylem fluid and has potential significance in plant disease epidemiology.
Cysteodemus wislizeni
black bladder-bodied meloid, black bladder-bodied blister beetle
Cysteodemus wislizeni, commonly known as the black bladder-bodied meloid or black bladder-bodied blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. The species is notable for its highly inflated, bladder-like body form that distinguishes it from most other meloids. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults have been observed feeding on flowers of Tribulus terrestris (puncture vine) and associated with Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade).
Daihinibaenetes
sand-treader crickets
Daihinibaenetes is a genus of sand-treader crickets endemic to arid regions of the southwestern United States. The genus comprises three described species: D. arizonensis (painted desert sand-treader cricket), D. giganteus (giant sand-treader cricket), and D. tanneri (Utah sand-treader cricket). These crickets are specialized for life in sandy desert environments. The genus was established by Tinkham in 1962.
Dasymutilla fasciventris
Dasymutilla fasciventris is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of solitary parasitoid wasps in which females are wingless and males are winged. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and western Mexico. Like other Dasymutilla species, females possess a powerful sting used for defense and host subjugation, while males are harmless and fly in search of nectar and mates. The species develops as an external parasitoid of ground-nesting bees and wasps.
Dasymutilla foxi
velvet ant
Dasymutilla foxi is a velvet ant species in the family Mutillidae, found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species exhibits highly variable setal coloration, with body segments ranging from whitish to reddish; eastern populations in Colorado, Kansas, and Texas typically display a black setal patch on the mesosoma. First described by Theodore D. A. Cockerell and named for William J. Fox, this species has been subject to taxonomic revision with Dasymutilla phoenix and Dasymutilla dugesii synonymized under it. Females are wingless and possess a potent sting, while males are winged.
Dendrobias mandibularis mandibularis
A large cerambycid beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, notable for males possessing extraordinarily enlarged mandibles used in combat. The nominate subspecies occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are diurnal and frequently encountered on flowering vegetation, particularly Baccharis sarothroides. The species has been subject to taxonomic confusion, with some authorities placing it in the genus Trachyderes.
Dendroctonus adjunctus
roundheaded pine beetle
Dendroctonus adjunctus, commonly known as the roundheaded pine beetle, is a bark beetle native to North America that infests and kills pine trees. Adults are 5–6 mm long with shiny, dark brown to black exoskeletons covered in hairs. The species has a one-year life cycle, with adults colonizing weakened pine trees in autumn, constructing extensive egg galleries in the cambium and phloem. Outbreaks can be devastating, killing up to 50% of pines in pure stands. The beetle is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico, and is considered a serious pest of commercial and wild pine stocks.
Derobrachus hovorei
Palo Verde Root Borer, Palo Verde Beetle, Palo Verde Borer Beetle
Derobrachus hovorei is a large longhorn beetle native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was formally described as a distinct species by Santos-Silva in 2007, having been previously confused with D. geminatus for over a century. Adults are among the largest beetles in North America, reaching up to 3.5 inches in length. The species is named for its larval association with palo verde trees (Parkinsonia spp.), though it has been observed feeding on roots of various other tree species in urban environments.
Diceroprocta texana
Texas Plain Flag-Bearer
A small cicada species distributed across the south-central United States and northern Mexico. Males produce audible songs and have been observed singing from vegetation including mesquite and blazingstar. The species exhibits a pale, nearly white venter that serves as a distinguishing field mark. Activity has been documented during mid-summer months.
Diguetia signata
desertshrub spider
Diguetia signata is a species of desertshrub spider in the family Diguetidae, first described by Gertsch in 1958. It inhabits arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it constructs distinctive horizontal sheet webs with central tubular retreats. The species belongs to a primitive spider lineage characterized by simple genital structures.
Diplotaxis cribulosa
Diplotaxis cribulosa is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1856. The species is classified in the subfamily Melolonthinae and tribe Diplotaxini. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate D. c. cribulosa and D. c. sinaloa described by Vaurie in 1958. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, this species is attracted to lights at night, where males have been observed congregating on low vegetation to detect pheromone trails of females.
Diplotaxis knausii
Diplotaxis knausii is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Schaeffer in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Melolonthinae (chafers) and tribe Diplotaxini. The species is known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Diplotaxis mimosae
Diplotaxis mimosae is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, and tribe Diplotaxini. The species was described by Fall in 1909. It is known from the southwestern United States (Arizona) and northwestern Mexico (Sonora). Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is likely attracted to pheromones and may be found on low vegetation.
Diplotaxis rufiola
A small scarab beetle species in the genus Diplotaxis, described by Fall in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Diplotaxini within the subfamily Melolonthinae. The species has been documented across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Draeculacephala constricta
A species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described from western Texas in 1943. The genus Draeculacephala is characterized by distinctive head morphology, with species often exhibiting elongated or modified facial structures. Draeculacephala constricta occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and has been documented in association with woody legumes including Vachellia constricta (whitethorn acacia), which shares its specific epithet.
leafhopperCicadellidaedesertsouthwestern-USVachelliaacaciaphloem-feederCicadomorphaHemiptera1943-descriptionDavidsonDeLongwestern-Texasaridland-insectwoody-legume-associatehead-morphologygenus-Draeculacephalainsectaarthropodaanimaliaaccepted-speciesGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIiNaturalistobserved-313-timesAlbertaFloridaIllinoisIndianaIowaNew-MexicoArizonasummer-activityJulymonsoon-seasonphloem-feedernutrient-cyclingpredator-preyspider-preybird-preydesert-scrubsemi-aridmesquitecreosoteFabaceaehost-planttaxonomic-descriptionmale-genitaliawing-venationconcave-headproduced-headfacial-structurespecific-epithetconstrictednarrowedidentificationmorphological-detailscongenersCuernaCicadelliniCicadellinaeMembracoideaClypeataAuchenorrhynchaHexapodatrue-bugsMetazoaEukaryotaDyotopasta
Dyotopasta is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Tineidae. The genus contains a single species, Dyotopasta yumaella, which occurs in the southwestern United States. The genus was established by Busck in 1907.
Dysschema howardi
Northern Giant Flag Moth
Dysschema howardi, known as the Northern Giant Flag Moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Edwards in 1887. The species is found in southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It belongs to a genus characterized by large, boldly patterned moths often referred to as "flag moths" due to their striking wing patterns.
Efferia coquillettii
Efferia coquillettii is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Hine in 1919. The genus Efferia comprises medium to large-sized predatory flies found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their robust build, prominent mystax (facial bristles), and predatory behavior. Efferia species are often encountered at light traps and are active predators of other insects.
Elytroleptus apicalis
Elytroleptus apicalis is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by LeConte in 1884. The species is a documented lycid beetle mimic and has been recorded as predaceous on its own lycid models (family Lycidae), making it one of only three Elytroleptus species known to exhibit this behavior. The genus Elytroleptus contains fifteen species distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Epicauta stuarti
Epicauta stuarti is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, characterized by a black and orange color pattern that participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with soldier beetles (Cantharidae). The species is found in North America, with records from the southwestern United States including Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Adults have been observed on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed) and are attracted to fermenting liquid baits in trapping studies. Like other Epicauta species, it produces cantharidin, a potent defensive chemical that causes blistering on skin and is toxic if ingested.
Eremoblatta subdiaphana
Hairy Desert Cockroach
Eremoblatta subdiaphana, commonly known as the hairy desert cockroach, is a species of cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It is native to arid regions of southwestern North America. The species is characterized by its hairy appearance and adaptations to desert environments.
Eremopedes scudderi
Scudder's Shieldback
Eremopedes scudderi is a species of shield-backed katydid in the genus Eremopedes, family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Cockerell in 1898 and is found in North America, with distribution records from Mexico and the southwestern United States including Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it belongs to a lineage characterized by modified forewings that form a protective covering over the abdomen. The species is known from relatively few observations (47 records on iNaturalist), suggesting it may be uncommon or under-recorded.
Erpetogomphus lampropeltis
Serpent Ringtail
Erpetogomphus lampropeltis, commonly known as the Serpent Ringtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae (clubtails). It is distinguished by a turquoise thorax and is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species prefers riverine habitats where adults perch on mid-stream objects or overhanging vegetation. Like other clubtails, it has eyes that are widely separated rather than touching at the top of the head.
Erynephala texana
Erynephala texana is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Erynephala belongs to the subfamily Galerucinae, which contains many herbivorous beetles commonly known as skeletonizing leaf beetles or flea beetles. This species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including Texas, consistent with its specific epithet. The genus is relatively small and poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Ethmia hagenella
Ethmia hagenella is a small moth in the family Ethmiidae (formerly placed in Depressariidae), found in Texas and New Mexico. The species has two recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges and adult flight periods. It is one of approximately 50 Ethmia species occurring north of Mexico, most of which are concentrated in the southwestern United States.
Euchaetes zella
Euchaetes zella is a small moth in the family Erebidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1903. It occurs in the southwestern United States and is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Euchaetes. The genus is notable for including the milkweed tussock moth (Euchaetes egle), whose biology has been well studied, though comparable details for E. zella remain undocumented.
Euphilotes rita
Rita's Blue, rita blue, desert buckwheat blue
Euphilotes rita is a small lycaenid butterfly native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active from July through late September, with a single generation per year. The species exhibits strong ecological specialization on wild buckwheat (Eriogonum species) throughout its life cycle. Larvae are tended by ants, a characteristic mutualism within the Polyommatinae.