Southwestern-usa
Guides
Acmaeodera opacula
Acmaeodera opacula is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs in western North America, with records from New Mexico and Arizona. Adults are flower-visitors, having been observed on flowers of Grindelia nuda, Picradeniopsis absinthifolia, Fallugia paradoxa, and Gutierrezia sarothrae. The species was formerly known as A. disjuncta. It is active in late summer and fall, with observations from September.
Aethecerinus wilsonii
Aethecerinus wilsonii is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1860. The species has been recorded from jug traps baited with ethanol in juniper/oak/pinyon woodland habitats in northwestern Oklahoma and eastern New Mexico. It appears to be attracted to ethanol-based baits and has been collected during late summer and early fall.
Alaudes
Alaudes is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae, tribe Cnemeplatiini. The genus was revised in 2018, resulting in the description of new species from the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the subtribe Alaudina, which was established as part of that revisionary work. Members of this genus are part of a diverse radiation of tenebrionid beetles adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Alconeura quadrimaculata
Sycamore Leafhopper
Alconeura quadrimaculata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Sycamore Leafhopper. It was described by Lawson in 1930 and is native to the southwestern United States. The species belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group of small leafhoppers often associated with specific host plants.
Amblycheila picolominii
Plateau Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila picolominii is a large, nocturnal tiger beetle in the genus Amblycheila. First described in 1840, it inhabits rocky, gypsum and red siltstone slopes and ravines in the southwestern United States. The species is active at night and has been observed walking on steep rocky terrain and canyon floors. It is one of the largest tiger beetles in North America and is sought after by collectors.
Anconia hebardi
Hebard's blue-winged desert grasshopper
Anconia hebardi, commonly known as Hebard's blue-winged desert grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper described by Rehn in 1919. It belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, a group characterized by often colorful hind wings used in display flight. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Antron quercusnubila
Antron quercusnubila is a gall-inducing cynipid wasp native to the southwestern United States. The species exhibits an alternating sexual and asexual generation cycle, a trait confirmed through molecular analysis of cytb and ITS2 sequences. Like other members of the Cynipidae, this wasp manipulates oak host tissue to form protective galls that shelter and nourish developing larvae.
Apachemiris areolatus
Apachemiris areolatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described from Texas and New Mexico in 1974. It belongs to a small genus endemic to the southwestern United States. The species name "areolatus" refers to a net-like or small-celled pattern, likely describing surface sculpturing on the body. Very few observations exist, with only six records documented on iNaturalist.
Apodemia duryi
Organ Mountain metalmark, Mexican metalmark, Dury's Metalmark
Apodemia duryi is a species of metalmark butterfly in the family Riodinidae, native to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species is named after its collector, W. Dury, and is primarily associated with dry, rocky habitats in mountain ranges. Adults are active during the warmer months and are known to visit flowers for nectar.
Arebius diplonyx
Arebius diplonyx is a species of stone centipede in the family Lithobiidae, described by Chamberlin in 1916. It belongs to the order Lithobiomorpha, which comprises small to medium-sized centipedes with 15 pairs of legs in adults. The species has been documented in arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Arenivaga genitalis
Arizona sand cockroach
Arenivaga genitalis, commonly known as the Arizona sand cockroach, is a species of desert-dwelling cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and California. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males and females differing substantially in appearance. The species inhabits harsh, arid environments and has adaptations allowing it to thrive in dry conditions atypical for most cockroaches.
Aseptis fumeola
Aseptis fumeola is a noctuid moth described by George Hampson in 1908. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in foothills and mountain habitats of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. The species is associated with dry chaparral, parkland, and conifer forest environments. Adults are active in early summer, and larvae have been documented feeding on Arctostaphylos species.
Bryolymnia semifascia
half-banded bryolymnia, half-banded bryolymnia moth
Bryolymnia semifascia, known as the half-banded bryolymnia, is a small noctuid moth native to the southwestern United States. First described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1900, this species inhabits conifer forests at moderate elevations. Adults are active during summer months and are characterized by a distinctive wing pattern featuring a partial band.
Calephelis nemesis
Fatal Metalmark, Dusky Metalmark
Calephelis nemesis, commonly known as the fatal metalmark or dusky metalmark, is a small butterfly in the family Riodinidae. It is distinguished by its modest wingspan of 20–25 mm and its association with arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species has been documented at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and is one of several Calephelis species with evocative names referencing loss or fate.
Chnaunanthus flavipennis
Chnaunanthus flavipennis is a scarab beetle in the tribe Chnaunanthini, first described by George Henry Horn in 1867. The species is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Utah. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with dry habitats. The specific epithet 'flavipennis' refers to yellowish wing coloration.
Cicindela pimeriana
Cochise Tiger Beetle
Cicindela pimeriana, known as the Cochise tiger beetle, is a species of flashy tiger beetle in the family Cicindelidae. It occurs in North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with open, sandy habitats including playa edges. Observations suggest late-season activity, with adults encountered in September.
Coelotrachelus rudis
Coelotrachelus rudis is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, specifically within the subfamily Aphodiinae. The species was described by LeConte in 1878 and is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to a genus of dung beetles, though specific ecological details about this particular species remain limited in the available literature.
Cotalpa flavida
Shining Leaf Chafer Beetle
Cotalpa flavida is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as the Shining Leaf Chafer Beetle. The species was described by Horn in 1878 and is native to the southwestern United States. Adults are recognized by their distinctive yellowish coloration and metallic luster.
Cryptoscatomaseter umbricollis
A small scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, known from the southwestern United States. The species name 'umbricollis' refers to the shaded or dark collar region. It belongs to a genus of aphodiine dung beetles with limited documented natural history.
Dianthidium arizonicum
Arizona Pebble Bee
Dianthidium arizonicum is a species of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Rohwer in 1916. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. Like other members of the genus Dianthidium, it is a solitary bee that constructs nests using plant resins. The species has been documented nesting in artificial bee blocks, indicating adaptability to human-provided nesting structures.
Diestota rufipennis
Diestota rufipennis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Casey in 1893. It belongs to the subfamily Aleocharinae, a large and diverse group of small staphylinids often associated with leaf litter and soil habitats. The species is known from limited records in the southwestern United States. Like other members of the tribe Diestotini, it is poorly studied and biological details remain scarce.
Efferia albibarbis
Sand Hammertail
Efferia albibarbis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, known as the Sand Hammertail. It belongs to the albibarbis-complex within the genus Efferia and is found in the Grand Canyon region of the southwestern United States. The species has been documented as a predator of tiger beetles, specifically Cicindela hirticollis and Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis.
Efferia yuma
Efferia yuma is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are among the largest and most charismatic members of the family, often recognized by their impressive size, striking green eyes in males, and predatory habits. The species name "yuma" likely refers to the Yuma region of southwestern Arizona or adjacent California, suggesting an association with arid southwestern habitats. Members of this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Enaemia atrolinea
Enaemia atrolinea is a moth species in the family Lacturidae, known from the southwestern United States. It has been documented in New Mexico, where it occurs in riparian and mixed conifer forest habitats. The species is characterized by orange coloration and is active during late summer.
Ereminellus arizonensis
Ereminellus arizonensis is a species of true bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, first described by Barber in 1932. It belongs to the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Middle America. As a member of the seed bug family Rhyparochromidae, it likely feeds on seeds, though specific dietary habits remain undocumented.
Ethmia semitenebrella
Ethmia semitenebrella is a moth in the family Depressariidae, first described by Dyar in 1902. It is distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with a bivoltine flight period from April to August. The species is characterized by distinct wing patterning with dark gray forewing costal halves contrasting with whitish gray dorsal halves. Larvae feed on Cercocarpus ledifolius and likely other Cercocarpus species.
Eunota fulgoris
Eunota fulgoris is a tiger beetle species in the subfamily Cicindelinae, originally described as Cicindela fulgoris by Casey in 1913. The species exhibits striking metallic coloration and is associated with saline or alkaline habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico. A subspecies, E. fulgoris erronea, is endemic to the Willcox Playa area of Arizona's Sulfur Springs Valley. The species is known for its iridescent appearance, with remarkable iridescence even visible on the legs.
Eunota praetextata praetextata
Riparian Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae, known from the southwestern United States. This subspecies is part of a complex of saline-adapted tiger beetles in the genus Eunota. The specific epithet 'praetextata' refers to a bordered or fringed appearance, likely describing elytral patterning. The nominate subspecies is distinguished from other subspecies of E. praetextata by its distribution and presumably by subtle morphological differences in elytral maculation.
Eupithecia
pug moths, pugs
Eupithecia is a large genus of small moths in the family Geometridae, commonly known as "pugs." They are characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture. The genus is notably diverse and presents significant identification challenges, with many species requiring dissection of genitalia for definitive determination. Eupithecia species are frequently attracted to lights and have been documented visiting flowers, including apple blossoms, where they contribute to nocturnal pollination.
Eupithecia shirleyata
Shirley's Pug
Eupithecia shirleyata is a small geometrid moth, commonly known as a 'pug' moth, first described from the southwestern United States in 1922. The species exhibits a characteristic narrow-winged resting posture typical of its genus. Adults are active during winter months, with flight records spanning from late November through early April. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers, indicating a potential role in nocturnal pollination.
Eustictus albocuneatus
Eustictus albocuneatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1927. It belongs to a genus of small, often inconspicuous mirids. The species is known from limited records in the southwestern United States.
Grotellaforma lactea
Grotellaforma lactea is a small noctuid moth described by Stretch in 1885. The species was originally placed in the genus Cisthene before being transferred to the monotypic genus Grotellaforma. It is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States, with type specimens collected in California and Arizona. The specific epithet 'lactea' refers to the milk-white coloration of the adult.
Homalonychus theologus
American sand assassin
Homalonychus theologus is a true spider in the obscure family Homalonychidae, found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is one of only two species in its genus. The species exhibits distinctive sand-encrusted camouflage achieved through specialized setae that trap soil particles. It does not construct webs and has been observed employing self-burying behavior during molting and mating.
Ilnacora arizonae
Ilnacora arizonae is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1963. It is endemic to Arizona, USA, and belongs to a genus of mirid bugs associated with woody vegetation. As with many mirids, specific ecological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Iridopsis sanctissima
Iridopsis sanctissima is a species of geometrid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1917. It is a member of the subfamily Ennominae, a diverse group of inchworm moths whose larvae are characterized by their distinctive looping locomotion. The species has been recorded from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its small size and limited distribution suggest it may be associated with specific host plants in desert scrub or chaparral habitats, though these relationships remain poorly documented.
Lebia cf-scapula
Lebia cf-scapula is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The genus Lebia comprises colorful foliage ground beetles, many of which exhibit bright metallic coloration on their elytra. These beetles are relatively small in stature but visually conspicuous due to their reflective wing covers. They are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial light sources.
Liometopum apiculatum
Escamolera Ant, Velvet Tree Ant
Liometopum apiculatum is a Neotropical dolichoderine ant with significant ecological and economic importance. Colonies are large and polydomous, ranging from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of workers. The species is notable for its distinctive carton-like nest construction and its role as a traditional food source in Mexico, where the larvae and pupae (escamoles) are harvested. It inhabits diverse arid and semi-arid vegetation types across southwestern North America.
Listrochelus disparilis
Listrochelus disparilis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. It was described by Horn in 1878 and occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species belongs to the tribe Rhizotrogini, which includes many root-feeding scarabs commonly known as May beetles or June beetles.
Lomachaeta hicksi
A species of velvet ant (Mutillidae) in the genus Lomachaeta, originally described by Mickel in 1936. The species was taxonomically consolidated in a 2004 revision, which established six junior synonyms under L. hicksi based on page priority. As a member of Mutillidae, it is a parasitoid wasp. The species is known from the southwestern United States and adjacent regions, with new distributional data reported in the revision.
Loxosceles arizonica
Arizona brown spider, Arizona Recluse
Loxosceles arizonica, commonly known as the Arizona brown spider or Arizona Recluse, is a recluse spider species in the family Sicariidae. Field studies indicate that ants constitute its primary prey, particularly species in the genera Novomessor and Camponotus. Like other Loxosceles species, it possesses cytotoxic venom capable of causing necrotic lesions, though documented cases of envenomation in humans appear limited compared to more widespread relatives such as L. reclusa.
Metepeira arizonica
Arizona Labyrinth Orb-Weaver
Metepeira arizonica is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Arizona Labyrinth Orb-Weaver. It is one of approximately thirteen Metepeira species recognized in North America north of Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a distinctive web architecture combining a small orb web with a tangled, cobweb-like snare surrounding a tubular retreat. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid habitats of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Nudorthodes molino
Nudorthodes molino is a small moth in the family Noctuidae, first described in 2014. It is endemic to the southwestern United States, occurring in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. The species is named after Molino Basin on Mount Lemmon, Arizona, where most type specimens were collected. Adults are active during two distinct periods: late spring (May–June) and late summer through early autumn (August–November).
Paradiplocampta
Paradiplocampta is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) established by Hall in 1975. The genus is monotypic, containing a single described species, P. tabeti, known from the southwestern United States. As a member of the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by robust bodies and often mimetic coloration.
Paravaejovis puritanus
Stripe-tailed scorpion
A medium-sized scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was originally described as Vaejovis puritanus in 1958 and later transferred to the genus Paravaejovis. The species is one of several stripe-tailed scorpions in the region and is frequently encountered in desert and semi-arid habitats.
Phidippus asotus
Phidippus asotus is a small jumping spider in the family Salticidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Both sexes average approximately 7 mm in body length. Males are distinguished by pale orange coloration, while females are less vividly marked. The species occupies montane habitats between 5,000–7,000 feet elevation and has been observed hunting on oak, juniper, and various shrubs. Adults mature in fall, with some individuals likely overwintering to become active again in spring.
Phidippus boei
Phidippus boei is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, described by G.B. Edwards in 2004. Like other members of the genus Phidippus, it possesses the characteristic large anterior median eyes that provide excellent vision for hunting. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Information on its specific biology remains limited compared to better-studied congeners.
Philoponella arizonica
Philoponella arizonica is a species of crevice weaver spider in the family Uloboridae, first described by Gertsch in 1936. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Philoponella, it constructs characteristic sprawling, lacy cribellate webs that issue from retreats in crevices and sheltered locations. Females are notably long-lived and continue to molt after reaching sexual maturity, a trait shared only with mygalomorph spiders among arachnids.
Phyllophaga trichodes
Phyllophaga trichodes is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Bates in 1888. The species belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, which contains numerous North American species with root-feeding larval stages. It occurs in both the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic realms.
Phytocoris corticola
Phytocoris corticola is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Stonedahl in 1988. It belongs to a genus whose members are typically gray or brown in coloration and primarily feed on plants, with occasional predation on smaller insects. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Like other Phytocoris species, it is attracted to lights at night.
Phytocoris hypoleucoides
Phytocoris hypoleucoides is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Stonedahl in 1988. As a member of the genus Phytocoris, it belongs to a diverse group of mirid bugs primarily associated with vegetation. The species epithet 'hypoleucoides' suggests a resemblance to forms with white or pale underparts. Like other Phytocoris species, it is likely a plant-feeder with occasional predatory behavior on smaller insects.