Southwestern-usa
Guides
Pinalitus rubrotinctus
Pinalitus rubrotinctus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1968. It belongs to a genus of mirid bugs associated with coniferous vegetation. The species is known from the southwestern United States.
Polyphylla cavifrons
Polyphylla cavifrons is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Baja California. The species belongs to a genus known for large-bodied beetles with fan-like antennae in males, though specific details about this species' biology remain limited in published literature.
Polyphylla monahansensis
Monahans ten-lined June beetle, Monahan's ten-lined June beetle
Polyphylla monahansensis is a large scarab beetle endemic to sand dune habitats of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Like other members of the genus, males possess greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones. The species is nocturnal and attracted to lights, with males actively searching for flightless females after sunset. It is one of several Polyphylla species specialized to sandy environments in this region.
Schizocosa mimula
A wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, Schizocosa mimula is a ground-dwelling species found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits typical lycosid behaviors including active hunting without webs and maternal care of egg sacs. The species was described by Gertsch in 1934 and remains poorly documented in scientific literature.
Serradigitus joshuaensis
Serradigitus joshuaensis is a small scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, described from specimens collected near Joshua Tree, California. The species belongs to a genus characterized by serrated tarsal claws, a trait reflected in the name Serradigitus. It inhabits arid regions of the southwestern United States and is one of several species in this genus adapted to desert environments.
Steatoda washona
Steatoda washona is a cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, described by Gertsch in 1960. It belongs to a genus that includes several species commonly known as false widows due to their resemblance to black widows (Latrodectus). The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other Steatoda species, it constructs irregular tangled webs and is typically found in sheltered microhabitats.
Thyreodon apricus
Thyreodon apricus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the subfamily Ophioninae, described by Porter in 1984. The genus Thyreodon belongs to the tribe Enicospilini, a group of primarily tropical wasps. Members of Ophioninae are known for their ability to sting using their short, sharp ovipositors for defense. This species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Very little is known about its specific biology, and it has been subject to taxonomic confusion with similar large, colorful ichneumon wasps.