Southwestern-us
Guides
Neoharmonia venusta ampla
V-marked Lady Beetle
Neoharmonia venusta ampla is a subspecies of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) distinguished by its striking metallic blue elytra and orange pronotum. This subspecies has a restricted range in the southwestern United States, occurring from central Arizona to south Texas. It is not commonly encountered in the field. The species name 'venusta' refers to its beautiful appearance, while 'ampla' denotes this larger, more western subspecies.
Neomallodon
Neomallodon is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Linsley in 1957. The genus contains a single species, Neomallodon arizonicus, originally described from southern Arizona. The species was elevated to genus level by Skiles (1976), distinguishing it from related prionine genera based on morphological characters. As a member of the subfamily Prioninae, it belongs to a group of large, robust beetles with larvae that typically bore into wood.
Neomallodon arizonicus
Neomallodon arizonicus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Prioninae. Originally described by Casey in 1912 under a different name, it was later recognized as a distinct species by Skiles in 1978. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. It is among the larger species in the genus and is associated with oak woodland habitats, particularly Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii). Adults are attracted to prionic acid lures and exhibit distinctive searching behavior when attempting to locate pheromone sources.
Noctueliopsis aridalis
Zigzag Bantam
Noctueliopsis aridalis is a small desert-dwelling moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the Zigzag Bantam. It was described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1922. The species is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Norape tener
Mesquite Stinger Moth
Norape tener is a flannel moth in the family Megalopygidae, described by Herbert Druce in 1897. The common name "mesquite stinger moth" refers to the larval host plants and the defensive stinging hairs possessed by caterpillars in this genus. Adults are small white moths with distinctive dark markings on the wings and thorax. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Novius virginalis
Native Anovia
Novius virginalis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, measuring 2.43–3.05 mm in length. The species was formerly classified under the genus Anovia, and is distinguished by its red body with dark markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra. It occurs in the southwestern United States.
Nycthia pimana
Nycthia pimana is a species of tortricid moth found in arid regions of southwestern North America and the Caribbean. Originally described under the genus Phalonia, it was later transferred to Nycthia. The species is documented from Arizona, California, and Hispaniola, with 60 iNaturalist observations supporting its presence in these regions. Its taxonomic status in GBIF is marked as doubtful, reflecting ongoing classification uncertainties within the Tortricidae.
Obtusicranus bicarinus
Obtusicranus bicarinus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Bartlett in 2006. It belongs to the subfamily Stenocraninae, a group of delphacid planthoppers characterized by relatively narrow heads and elongated bodies. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. As with other Delphacidae, it is presumed to feed on monocotyledonous plants, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Oeme costata
Oeme costata is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the tribe Oemini and is one of approximately 17 species in the genus Oeme. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, with observations from high-elevation pinyon-juniper woodlands. It exhibits nocturnal activity, having been observed on tree trunks at night.
Okanagodes gracilis
Pale-winged Desert Cicada
Okanagodes gracilis is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae, commonly known as the Pale-winged Desert Cicada. It is found in desert and arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species was described by Davis in 1919 and includes two recognized subspecies: O. g. gracilis and O. g. viridis.
Oncideres rhodosticta
Mesquite Girdler
Oncideres rhodosticta is a twig-girdling longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults emerge in late summer (August–September) and feed on mesquite foliage. Females engage in distinctive girdling behavior, chewing complete rings through the bark and cambium of living mesquite twigs to create oviposition sites in the dying distal portions. Larvae develop within the dead twigs, completing a one-year life cycle. The species is economically significant as a pest of mesquite in rangeland and agricultural settings.
Onychelus
Onychelus is a genus of millipedes in the family Atopetholidae, established by Cook in 1904. The genus contains at least three described species: Onychelus michelbacheri, Onychelus obustus, and Onychelus suturatus. These millipedes belong to the order Spirobolida, a group of large, cylindrical millipedes commonly known as giant millipedes or round-backed millipedes.
Opharus muricolor
mousey-gray tiger moth
Opharus muricolor, commonly known as the mousey-gray tiger moth, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. It was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1898. The species occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Adults are active during the warmer months of the year.
Ophiogomphus arizonicus
Arizona Snaketail
Ophiogomphus arizonicus, the Arizona snaketail, is a dragonfly species in the clubtail family Gomphidae. It is found in North America, particularly in 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.
Ornithodoros turicata
relapsing fever tick
Ornithodoros turicata is a soft tick (family Argasidae) found in the midwestern and southwestern United States. It is the primary vector of Borrelia turicatae, the spirochete agent of tick-borne relapsing fever in humans. The tick has been documented feeding on at least 27 vertebrate host species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It exhibits autogenous reproduction (egg production without a bloodmeal) and transovarial transmission of spirochetes, enabling pathogen maintenance across generations.
Orthoporus flavior
Orthoporus flavior is a large spirostreptid millipede native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is characterized by its cylindrical body form, slow movement, and distinctive yellow-gold banding along the dorsal surface. It belongs to a genus commonly known as desert millipedes, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Pachybrachis pusillus
Bulge-eyed Yellow Pachy
Pachybrachis pusillus is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been collected at light traps in mesquite-acacia scrub and oak-juniper woodland habitats in Arizona. The common name "Bulge-eyed Yellow Pachy" refers to distinctive eye morphology and coloration typical of the genus.
Paederus grandis
Paederus grandis is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Austin in 1877. The species was previously known as Paederus lecontei until Swift and Ray (2010) synonymized the two names under the older epithet grandis. It is recorded from the southwestern United States (Arizona, California) and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Paederus, it likely possesses defensive chemistry, though specific studies on this species are lacking.
Pandeleteinus submetallicus
Metallic-green Juniper Weevil
Pandeleteinus submetallicus is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. The species is associated with juniper hosts. It was described by Schaffer in 1908.
Parabyrsopolis
Parabyrsopolis is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae, described by Ohaus in 1915. The genus belongs to the tribe Rutelini and subtribe Areodina. Species within this genus occur in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where they have been documented at blacklight stations in montane habitats. One species, P. chihuahuae, has been recorded from Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona.
Paracosmus morrisoni
Paracosmus morrisoni is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Tomomyzinae. It was described by Osten Sacken in 1887. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, representing part of the diverse bee fly fauna of arid and semi-arid regions of North America.
Paracotalpa puncticollis
Punctate Little Bear, Punctate Little Bear Scarab Beetle
Paracotalpa puncticollis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the punctate little bear. It inhabits piñon-juniper ecosystems in the southwestern United States, where it feeds on juniper foliage. The species is poorly studied, with limited published research since 1972. Adults are active primarily in spring, with peak activity in April.
Pheidole rhea
Pheidole rhea is a highly polymorphic ant species native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species exhibits an exceptional three-tiered worker caste system comprising minor workers, soldiers, and supersoldiers—an unusual degree of physical polymorphism within the genus. Colonies form large, aggressive societies that forage along conspicuous trunk trails to harvest seeds and insects. First described by Wheeler in 1908, this species has become a subject of interest for studying the relationship between morphological specialization and behavioral plasticity in social insects.
Phrynotettix tshivavensis
Chihuahua lubber, Chihuahua toad hopper
Phrynotettix tshivavensis is a species of lubber grasshopper in the family Romaleidae. It is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species exhibits five recognized subspecies with varying distributions. As a member of Romaleidae, it is characterized by large body size and flightlessness typical of this grasshopper family.
Physocyclus californicus
A cellar spider species in the family Pholcidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are active during fall months, with males wandering in search of mates. The species frequently occurs in human dwellings, where it constructs webs in ceiling corners and other sheltered locations.
Phytocoris acaciae
Phytocoris acaciae is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1925. The specific epithet "acaciae" suggests an association with Acacia plants, though detailed biological studies remain limited. As a member of the genus Phytocoris, it is expected to share the general characteristics of mirid plant bugs, including piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant fluids. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
Phytocoris stitti
Phytocoris stitti is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1961. The genus Phytocoris is one of the largest genera of plant bugs in North America, with species generally characterized by gray or brown coloration and plant-feeding habits. Like other members of its genus, P. stitti is primarily associated with vegetation and has been documented in the southwestern United States. The species is part of a diverse assemblage of mirid bugs attracted to artificial lights at night.
Pissonotus divergens
Pissonotus divergens is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Bartlett in 2000. It belongs to a genus of small delphacid planthoppers found in grassland and prairie habitats. The species is known from the southwestern and central United States, with records from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas. Like other members of Delphacidae, it is associated with grasses and sedges.
Plionoma
Plionoma is a genus of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini, containing three species: P. basalis, P. rubens, and P. suturalis. Members of this genus are notable for their bright coloration, diurnal activity, and strong association with flowers. P. suturalis has been documented feeding on mesquite flowers and exhibits bimodal seasonal activity, with adults appearing in spring, disappearing during summer, and reappearing in fall. The genus occurs primarily in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with P. suturalis representing a significant northeastern range extension into Oklahoma.
Plionoma rubens
Plionoma rubens is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1891. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for bright coloration, diurnal activity, and attraction to flowers. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with records from Texas west to California. Like other members of its genus, adults are associated with mesquite and other woody legumes.
Poecilotettix pantherinus
Panther-spotted Grasshopper
Poecilotettix pantherinus, the panther-spotted grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was formerly classified as a subspecies of Xanthippus corallipes but has been elevated to full species status. It is notable for its distinctive spotted hind femora and has been used in forensic entomology cases to establish geographic origin.
Polyphylla diffracta
diffracted lined June beetle
Polyphylla diffracta is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a lined June beetle. It belongs to a genus characterized by large, robust beetles with distinctive fan-like antennae in males. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other Polyphylla species, males are attracted to lights at night and use their enlarged, lamellate antennae to detect female sex pheromones.
Ponometia altera
Ponometia altera is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 21 mm. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The larvae feed on Ericameria species, a genus of shrubs in the sunflower family.
Prionus arenarius
sandwalker prionid
Prionus arenarius is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Hovore in 1981. It belongs to the subfamily Prioninae, a group of large, robust beetles commonly known as prionids or sawyers. The species is associated with sandy habitats, as suggested by its specific epithet "arenarius" (Latin for "of sand"). Field observations indicate it is attracted to prionic acid pheromone lures, with males being strong fliers active at dusk and early night, while females are rarely encountered and appear to be flightless.
Prionus heroicus
Heroic prionus
Prionus heroicus is one of the largest long-horned beetles in North America, with males reaching substantial size. The species occurs in oak and pine-juniper woodlands of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, with larvae developing underground as root-feeders. Adults are active during both day and night and are attracted to prionic acid lures, though males typically cannot locate the precise source and instead circle or search nearby. The species exhibits a defensive posture when disturbed, raising its anterior body off the ground.
Proserpinus terlooii
Terloo sphinx moth, Terloo sphinx
Proserpinus terlooii is a hawk moth (family Sphingidae) native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species is closely related to the Pine White butterfly's namesake moth, Proserpinus gaurae, with which it shares genus-level traits. Adults are nocturnal and, like other sphingids, are likely capable of sustained hovering flight. The larval host plants and detailed life history remain poorly documented in published sources.
Pseudoschinia elautalis
Desert Bantam
Pseudoschinia elautalis, commonly known as the Desert Bantam, is a small moth in the family Crambidae. It is the sole member of its genus, making the genus monotypic. The species is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults are active during warmer months and are associated with desert habitats.
Psoloessa texana
Texas Range Grasshopper, Texas Spotted Range Grasshopper
Psoloessa texana is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae and is part of the tribe Aulocarini.
Pterocheilus pedicellatus
Pterocheilus pedicellatus is a species of solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1940. Like other members of the genus Pterocheilus, this species is fossorial, excavating burrows in soil rather than constructing above-ground mud nests or using pre-existing cavities. The genus is most diverse in the southwestern United States, with approximately forty North American species. Most Pterocheilus species are poorly known biologically, though related species provision their burrows with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae.
Ptiloglossa arizonensis
Ptiloglossa arizonensis is a species of plasterer bee in the family Colletidae, described by Timberlake in 1946. It belongs to a genus of bees known for nesting in soil and producing cellophane-like lining materials for their brood cells. The species is native to the southwestern United States, with Arizona in its name reflecting its type locality. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee.
Pyrausta sartoralis
Pyrausta sartoralis is a small crambid moth described from North America in 1914. Adults have a wingspan of 14–17 mm with distinctive creamy forewings suffused with brown and whitish hindwings tinged with brown outwardly. The species is known from California and Arizona, with adult flight periods recorded in spring and summer.
Pyrota insulata
Yellow-crescent Blister Beetle
Pyrota insulata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, recognized by the common name yellow-crescent blister beetle. Adults reach approximately 2 cm in length and possess the chemical defense typical of meloids: cantharidin, a skin-irritating compound that causes blistering on contact with human skin. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Ruacodes tela
Ruacodes tela is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, the only member of the monotypic genus Ruacodes. It was first described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1900 and is found in Arizona, United States. The genus was erected by George Hampson in 1908.
Rugosana chadana
Rugosana chadana is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball & Reeves in 1927 under the basionym Gyponana chadana. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The genus Rugosana was established to accommodate species formerly placed in Gyponana. This species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona and Utah.
Rugosana manua
Rugosana manua is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, and Utah. As with other members of the genus Rugosana, it is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Scaphytopius nigricollis
Scaphytopius nigricollis is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Ball in 1916. It belongs to the genus Scaphytopius, a group of small to medium-sized leafhoppers found primarily in North America. The species is documented from the southwestern United States and Baja California region. Like other members of its tribe Scaphytopiini, it is presumed to feed on plant phloem, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Sceptobius schmitti
Sceptobius schmitti is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Sceptobiini. The genus Sceptobius is known for its myrmecophilous associations—species live in ant colonies. This species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Scolops cockerelli
Rhinoceros planthopper
Scolops cockerelli is a small planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated rostrum that gives it a 'rhinoceros' appearance. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other Scolops species, it feeds on plant sap but is not considered an agricultural pest. Adults are typically straw-colored, brown, or gray with reduced wings in some forms.
Scolops maculosus
Scolops maculosus is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated snout or 'horn' projection. It was described by Ball in 1902. Like other members of the genus Scolops, it is a small, squat insect feeding on plant sap. The species is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Scudderia mexicana
Mexican bush katydid
Scudderia mexicana, the Mexican bush katydid, is a phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. Adults measure 30–38 mm in length and possess slender wings. Nymphs are distinguished by a horn located between the antennae. The species has been documented feeding on leaves, including those of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).