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Amorbia vero
Amorbia vero is a tortricid moth species described by Powell & Brown in 2012. It is endemic to southern Florida, where it inhabits subtropical environments. As a member of the genus Amorbia, it belongs to the leafroller moth group, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
leafroller-moth Florida-endemic Tortricidae Lepidoptera subtropical
Anastrepha ludens
Mexican fruit fly, Mexfly
Anastrepha ludens, the Mexican fruit fly or Mexfly, is a major agricultural pest native to Mexico and Central America. It is one of the most economically damaging fruit flies, particularly threatening citrus and mango production. The species is notable among Anastrepha species for its subtropical distribution, allowing it to range further north than most congeners. It has been repeatedly introduced to the United States, where it is subject to intensive eradication efforts using sterile insect technique and biological control. The USDA estimates it causes $1.44 billion in damage over five-year periods.
agricultural-pest fruit-fly invasive-species citrus-pest mango-pest subtropical quarantine-pest EPPO-A1-pest
Ancyloscelis apiformis
Apiform Morning glory-Digger
Ancyloscelis apiformis is a solitary bee in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini. It is known for its association with morning glory flowers (Ipomoea species), from which it derives its common name. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and into South America. As a member of the subfamily Apinae, it exhibits pollen-collecting behavior typical of this group.
bee solitary-bee morning-glory pollinator Apidae Emphorini Americas tropical subtropical
Antigastra catalaunalis
Sesame Leafroller, Sesame Pod-borer, Sesame Webworm, Sesame Capsule Borer, Sesame Leaf Webber
Antigastra catalaunalis is a crambid moth whose larvae are major agricultural pests of sesame (Sesamum indicum). Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, it has spread globally through human-mediated transport and its own migratory capacity. The species has been documented attacking multiple plant families including Scrophulariaceae and Pedaliaceae, though sesame remains its economically significant host. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 26.5 days under controlled conditions.
pest agriculture sesame leafroller capsule-borer tropical subtropical migratory parasitoid-host host-plant-resistance integrated-pest-management
Athyrma fakahatchee
Athyrma fakahatchee is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by James Troubridge in 2020. The specific epithet references Fakahatchee Strand, a large cypress swamp in southwestern Florida, indicating a likely association with subtropical wetland habitats. The species belongs to the genus Athyrma, which comprises medium-sized moths primarily distributed in the Americas. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
recently-described 2020 Florida-endemic wetland-associated subtropical
Buthidae
fat-tailed scorpions, bark scorpions, arrowbreasted scorpions
Buthidae is the largest family of scorpions, containing approximately 100 genera and 1300 species as of 2025. Members are typically mid-sized to small, with weak, slender pedipalps and characteristically thickened tails. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution throughout tropical and subtropical environments worldwide. Buthidae includes nearly all medically significant scorpion species, with venoms containing potent neurotoxins that affect ion channels.
scorpions arachnids venomous medically-important nocturnal predators tropical subtropical
Cerataphis orchidearum
Fringed Orchid Aphid
Cerataphis orchidearum is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the fringed orchid aphid. It has been recorded on orchid hosts (Orchidaceae) and on Daemonorops lewisiana, a rattan palm. The species has been observed in association with yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes), which tend the aphids. Its distribution spans multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
aphid orchid ant-tended invasive-associated pantropical subtropical Hormaphidinae Cerataphidini
Ctenodactylomyia watsoni
Sea Grape Gall Midge
Ctenodactylomyia watsoni is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the Sea Grape Gall Midge. It induces galls on sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), a coastal shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species is well-documented through iNaturalist observations, with over 790 records, indicating it is relatively common and readily observed by naturalists in its range. As a gall-forming insect, it manipulates host plant tissue to create protected structures for larval development.
gall-midge Cecidomyiidae sea-grape Coccoloba-uvifera coastal gall-former Diptera insect tropical subtropical Florida Caribbean iNaturalist citizen-science
Ctenotrachelus shermani
Ctenotrachelus shermani is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Stenopodainae. It is a predatory true bug found across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, North America, and South America. The species was described by Barber in 1929. Observations suggest it is established and active in tropical and subtropical regions.
assassin-bug Reduviidae Stenopodainae predatory-bug Hemiptera Heteroptera Cimicomorpha tropical subtropical Caribbean North-America South-America Barber-1929 Ctenotrachelus
Culex nigripalpus
Florida SLE mosquito
Culex nigripalpus, commonly known as the Florida SLE mosquito, is a medium-sized, dark-colored blood-feeding mosquito and a significant disease vector in subtropical regions. It serves as the primary enzootic vector of Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus to wild birds and the primary epidemic vector to humans in Florida. The species has been demonstrated capable of transmitting West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, dog heartworm, and Avian malaria. Its habit of feeding on both birds and mammals gives it substantial potential for zoonotic transmission from birds to humans.
vector arbovirus Saint-Louis-encephalitis West-Nile-virus mosquito Culicidae Florida subtropical zoonotic public-health
Cyladini
Cyladini is a tribe of weevils in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. The tribe includes economically significant pests of sweet potato, particularly the sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius), which causes substantial damage to storage roots in tropical and subtropical production regions. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with Convolvulaceae host plants and their status as specialized root-feeding pests.
pest agriculture sweet-potato Convolvulaceae integrated-pest-management Cylas-formicarius tropical-agriculture subtropical-agriculture root-feeding-weevil storage-root-damage economic-pest biological-control crop-protection southeastern-United-States global-food-security low-input-farming drought-tolerant-crop nematode-interactions Beauveria-bassiana entomopathogenic-nematodes resistant-varieties crop-rotation cover-crops IPM Brentidae Apioninae Coleoptera Insecta Hexapoda Arthropoda Animalia Claire-Schloemer Auburn-University University-of-Wisconsin-Madison Journal-of-Integrated-Pest-Management Scott-Graham Kathy-Lawrence Covington Bonita Beauregard Orleans guava-root-knot-nematode root-knot-nematode wireworm cucumber-beetle flea-beetle Purpureocillium-lilacinum biopesticide green-bridge-effect mustard glucosinolate peanut bahiagrass sandy-soil drought-adaptation biofuel animal-feed nutritional-value food-security sustainable-agriculture environmental-impact microbial-control fungal-pathogen entomopathogenic-fungus biological-nematicide nematode-egg-parasitism pest-management agricultural-entomology crop-loss yield-reduction root-quality marketability integrated-management cultural-control selective-chemical-use productivity natural-processes versatility global-cultivation tropical-regions subtropical-regions southeastern-U.S.domestic-production revenue acreage harvest farming grower breeding research cultivar-development evolving-threats pest-pressure soil-health field-preparation winter-habitat insect-habitat parasitism infestation damage loss challenge defense arsenal battle war resilience adaptation innovation strategy sustainability livelihood nourishment food-production agricultural-research entomology plant-protection crop-science horticulture root-crop tuber storage-organ feeding-injury galling cracked-roots stunted-growth water-uptake nutrient-uptake pathogen-interaction exacerbated-damage variety-selection hardy-variety robust-performance high-yield nematode-resistance pest-resistance vulnerability spreading-pest population-reduction soil-improvement spring-planting toxic-compound natural-property microbial-product formulation application evaluation maximization potential urgency growing-threat comprehensive-strategy balance enablement essential-crop security defiance difficult-conditions menacing-pests formidable-threats production-continuation face-to-face threat disease resilient-crop growing-conditions menace story surface beneath relentless adversary favor condition powerful foe tiny parasite attack formation diminish ability result unattractive worse matter interaction significant devastating ruin inflict further compromise grapple thankfully farmer begin select hardy withstand traditional gain traction vulnerable highlight need continue breed effort develop capable oppose evolve after sturdy cultural management rotation cover cropping line take year off grow rotate non-host prove effective reduce population breathe life improve health suppress prepare example contain compound call break down release substance wary provide represent method harness help win spore fungus infect kill type tap different microscopic animal parasitize plus use combat attention egg aid fight minimize impact despite advance question remain require maximize particularly urgent pose key enhance approach integrate practice control selective chemical enable natural process nutritional value essential crop global food region support million address pressure innovative sustainable ensure live many formidable production although come face resilient able defy difficult read more journal integrated Claire Schloemer Ph.D.student conduct earn master degree email share link friend open new window print Facebook LinkedIn Bluesky Mastodon X Reddit Threads related discover from today subscribe get latest post send your Cylas formicarius sweet potato sweetpotato weevil photo courtesy show here cucumber beetle root-knot nematode harm U.S.guide detail variety option beloved delicious taste benefit bright color rank seventh most important world tropical subtropical area around serve feed source good pick low-input style well adapted sandy soil drought United States 2022 over 130,000 acre generate nearly 600 southeastern lead domestic Auburn University weather article publish March colleague Scott Graham Kathy Lawrence various among plant-parasitic specifically root system cause gall plant water nutrient stunted growth yield crack make interact pathogen exacerbate insect know storage 7 annual southern flea quality leave economic own resistance better meanwhile newer high robust performance however resist guava species spread next season winter field spring toxic green bridge effect habitat feeder symptom infection biological property microbe Beauveria bassiana agent formulate environmentally friendly product easy apply similarly beneficial entomopathogenic nematicide Purpureocillium lilacinum solution environmental resistant nematode-resistant cultivar comprehensive cultivation Wisconsin-Madison cschloemer wisc edu
Dahana atripennis
Black-winged Dahana, Black-winged Dahana Moth
Dahana atripennis, commonly known as the Black-winged Dahana, is a moth species in the subfamily Arctiinae (tiger moths). First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875, this species is restricted to the southeastern United States. Adults are active year-round in Florida, with larvae feeding specifically on Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides).
endemic specialist-herbivore subtropical epiphyte-associated
Diaphania lualis
Diaphania lualis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 19 mm. It occurs in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the southern United States. Adults have been documented in Florida during two distinct periods: September through January and May through June.
crambid-moth Florida-fauna Caribbean-fauna subtropical nocturnal
Diceroprocta biconica
Florida Keys' Scrub Cicada, Key's cicada
Diceroprocta biconica, commonly known as the Florida Keys' Scrub Cicada or Key's cicada, is a species of cicada in the family Cicadidae. It is found in the Caribbean Sea and North America, with confirmed records from Florida and Isla de la Juventud. Like other cicadas, it has piercing-sucking mouthparts and produces sound through tymbal organs. The species belongs to the genus Diceroprocta, which contains several species distributed across North American deserts and subtropical regions.
Cicadidae Hemiptera North-America Caribbean Florida Cuba scrub-habitat sap-feeder subtropical
Dichomeris acuminatus
Alfalfa Leaf Tier, Alfalfa Leaftier Moth
Dichomeris acuminatus is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as the alfalfa leaf tier. It has an exceptionally broad distribution spanning multiple continents including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. The species was first described by Otto Staudinger in 1876. Despite its common name suggesting association with alfalfa, the species appears to be a generalist with a wide ecological tolerance given its cosmopolitan range.
Gelechiidae leaf-tier cosmopolitan-distribution agricultural-pest Staudinger-1876 Dichomeris Lepidoptera moth broad-distribution tropical subtropical
Dioprosopa
drone flies
Dioprosopa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, containing two described species found in the New World. The genus was elevated from subgenus rank in 2018 based on phylogenetic studies. Both species occur in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where they contribute to ecosystem services through adult pollination and larval predation on agricultural pests.
hoverfly pollinator biological-control climate-vulnerability agroecosystem New-World tropical subtropical Syrphini Syrphidae
Diorhabda sublineata
Subtropical Tamarisk Beetle, Saltcedar Beetle, Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle
Diorhabda sublineata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the subtropical tamarisk beetle. Originally described from Algeria in 1849, it was restored to full species status in 2009 after being treated as a subspecies or synonym of D. elongata for over a century. It is a specialist feeder on tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) and has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent against invasive saltcedar. The species is particularly adapted to subtropical and Mediterranean climates.
biological-control invasive-species-management leaf-beetle tamarisk saltcedar Chrysomelidae subtropical Mediterranean riparian-ecology
Dryophthorinae
Dryophthorinae is a subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 1,200 species in 153 genera and ten tribes. The subfamily includes numerous economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of palms, bananas, rice, maize, sugarcane, and bromeliads. Many species are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with several having achieved global distributions through international trade in ornamental and agricultural plants. The taxonomic status of Dryophthorinae remains contested; while traditionally treated as a subfamily, at least one major revision has elevated it to family rank as Dryophthoridae.
weevil agricultural-pest palm-pest invasive-species internal-feeder tropical subtropical quarantine phytosanitary endosymbiont bamboo banana turfgrass bromeliad deforestation host-shift
Emmelina buscki
Tropical Morning Glory Plume Moth
Emmelina buscki is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, first described by Barnes and Lindsey in 1921. It is known from North America (Florida, Mexico), Central America, and northern South America. The species has a wingspan of 20–23 mm and exhibits distinct tawny or brownish white coloration with characteristic wing markings. Larvae are specialized feeders on Ipomoea indica, skeletonizing young leaves of this host plant.
plume-moth specialist-herbivore morning-glory-feeder tropical subtropical
Epimorius testaceellus
bromeliad pod borer
Epimorius testaceellus is a pyralid moth commonly known as the bromeliad pod borer. The species is a documented pest of the native bromeliad Tillandsia fasciculata, with larvae causing significant damage by boring into flower pods. It occurs in subtropical Florida and the West Indies, including Jamaica. A parasitoid wasp, Eurytoma aerflora, has been identified as a natural enemy that contributes to population control.
pest bromeliad-specialist subtropical biological-control native-plant-pest
Eurema boisduvaliana
Boisduval's Yellow
Eurema boisduvaliana, commonly known as Boisduval's yellow, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is found from Costa Rica north to Mexico, with regular seasonal migration to southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and southern Texas. Rare strays have been recorded in southern Florida. The species inhabits subtropical forests, forest edges, scrublands, roadsides, and pastures.
butterfly migrant yellow Pieridae subtropical Mexico southwestern-United-States
Flatinae
Flatinae is a subfamily of planthoppers within the family Flatidae, erected by Maximilian Spinola in 1839. Adults are distinguished by bodies that are flattened laterally and tegmina held in a tent-like posture, unlike the related Flatoidinae. The subfamily is cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical regions, with records from all continents except Antarctica.
planthopper phloem-feeder honeydew-producer ant-association tropical subtropical agricultural-pest fulgoroid
Ganyra josephina
Giant White
Ganyra josephina, commonly known as the giant white, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is one of the larger species in its family, with a wingspan reaching up to 96 mm. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation across its broad range, with five recognized subspecies distributed from the southern United States through the Caribbean and Central America to northern South America. Adults are primarily active in late summer and autumn in the northern parts of their range.
Pieridae white-butterfly Neotropical Nearctic subtropical Capparidaceae-feeder
Halysidota cinctipes
Florida Tussock Moth, Gartered Halysidota
Halysidota cinctipes is a tussock moth in the family Erebidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1865. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 42 mm. The species occurs across the Caribbean, southeastern and southwestern United States, and possibly extends through Central America to northern South America. Larvae feed on specific host plants including sea grape and hibiscus species.
tussock-moth Erebidae subtropical sea-grape-feeder Caribbean-fauna
Heliopetes macaira
Turk's-cap White-Skipper
Heliopetes macaira is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, ranging from southern Texas through Central America to Paraguay. It is closely associated with Turk's-cap (Malvaviscus drummondii), which serves as its larval host plant. Adults are active from spring through late autumn in the northern part of its range, with multiple generations produced annually.
skipper white-skipper Malvaviscus Turk's-cap subtropical tropical nectar-feeder specialist-herbivore
Hemeroblemma opigena
Hemeroblemma opigena is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Dru Drury in 1773. It is distributed from Florida through the Caribbean to Brazil. Females have a wingspan of approximately 80 mm. Adults are active in March in Florida.
moth nocturnal neotropical subtropical
Hemipepsis
tarantula hawks, Old and New World Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Hemipepsis is a genus of large spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as tarantula hawks. The genus contains approximately 180 species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with significant diversity in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Hemipepsis wasps are distinguished from the related genus Pepsis by subtle differences in wing venation patterns. In South Africa, Hemipepsis wasps serve as exclusive pollinators for 18 plant species across three families (Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, and Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloodeae). The genus has been extensively studied for its complex male territorial behavior, particularly in the North American species H. ustulata.
tarantula-hawk spider-wasp parasitoid pollinator territorial-behavior hilltopping aposematic-coloration mimicry-model Pompilidae Pepsinae tropical subtropical South-Africa-pollination Arizona Sonoran-Desert
Heteropogon
tanglehead
Heteropogon is a genus of tussock grasses in the family Poaceae, commonly known as tangleheads. The genus is widespread primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with species occurring in Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Heteropogon contortus, the most studied species, is a perennial grass significant in pastoral agriculture, particularly in Australian rangelands. The genus exhibits considerable phenotypic plasticity, with documented variation in flowering time, ploidy levels, and growth habit across its range.
grass pasture rangeland apomixis polyploidy photoperiodism Australia tropical subtropical
Homoneura
Homoneura is a genus of small flies in the family Lauxaniidae, first described by Van der Wulp in 1891. The genus contains over 700 species worldwide, with more than 220 species documented from China alone. Species are frequently characterized by distinctive wing patterns, including brown spots on the wing membrane and specific venation features used in taxonomic identification. The genus is divided into multiple subgenera and species groups based on morphological characters, particularly male genitalia and wing markings.
Diptera Lauxaniidae small-flies wing-patterns taxonomy China Nearctic morphology genitalia subtropical
Kuwanaspis
Bamboo Thread Scales
Kuwanaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) known commonly as bamboo thread scales. The genus comprises approximately 20 species, with Kuwanaspis howardi being the most documented. These insects are specialized feeders on bamboo (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), particularly species in the genera Phyllostachys and Pleioblastus. They are recognized as economically significant pests in bamboo cultivation and serve as hosts for specialized entomopathogenic fungi.
armored-scale bamboo-pest entomopathogenic-fungi-host subtropical China Phyllostachys Pleioblastus Diaspididae Hemiptera Sternorrhyncha
Lasaia sula
blue metalmark, Blue Lasaia
Lasaia sula, commonly known as the blue metalmark or Blue Lasaia, is a small butterfly species in the family Riodinidae. It is native to North America and Central America, with a range extending from southern Texas to Honduras. The species is notable for its metallic blue dorsal wing surfaces and inhabits subtropical forest environments as well as disturbed habitats.
butterfly metalmark Riodinidae metallic-blue subtropical Albizia Texas Honduras citizen-science
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
Coreidae leaf-footed-bug agricultural-pest invasive-species symbiosis sexual-dimorphism conifer-pest nuisance-pest Burkholderia tachinid-parasitoid pheromone-communication building-invader misidentification Triatoma-look-alike gradual-metamorphosis seed-predator forest-pest ornamental-pest plumbing-damage public-health-confusion Chile Europe North-America South-America Asia Turkey almond-pest citrus-pest tomato-pest corn-pest overwintering-aggregation defensive-secretion pheromone-mediated-parasitism egg-parasitoid biological-control ecological-niche-modeling climate-suitability range-expansion introduction accidental-dispersal seed-orchard-pest germination-reduction empty-seed-formation cone-damage lodgepole-pine Douglas-fir western-conifer-seed-bug L.-occidentalis L.-zonatus L.-phyllopus L.-clypealis L.-australis L.-chilensis L.-oppositus male-combat femoral-weapon abdominal-gland pheromone-gland tibial-dilation leaf-like-hind-leg true-bug Hemiptera Heteroptera Pentatomomorpha Anisoscelini phytophagous plant-feeding stylet-feeding salivary-sheath overwintering diapause building-entry structural-pest nuisance-odor flight-sound droning-flight aggregation-behavior male-pheromone female-choice parasitoid-host biological-control-agent integrated-pest-management monitoring early-detection prevention invasion-biology alien-species non-native-pest global-spread climate-change niche-modeling suitable-habitat establishment-risk quarantine phytosanitary forest-health seed-production reforestation afforestation conifer-forestry pine-seed seed-viability economic-impact crop-loss yield-reduction kernel-damage fruit-damage nut-damage vector-of-disease Chagas-disease kissing-bug public-alarm misinformation education identification-tools health-system-burden pesticide-overuse urban-ecology domiciliary peridomiciliary Andean-region Patagonia Mediterranean temperate subtropical tropical agroecosystem natural-enemy predator parasite pathogen symbiont gut-microbiome soil-ingestion fitness-benefit reproductive-success sperm-morphology testicular-morphology accessory-gland pheromone-blend species-specific-odor cherry-scent vanilla-scent cinnamon-scent rose-scent olfactory-communication mate-location mate-recognition sexual-selection male-male-competition weapon-morphology allometry developmental-plasticity nymphal-instar egg-barrel egg-arrangement linear-oviposition leaf-surface plant-tissue stylet-penetration enzymatic-digestion fluid-feeding phloem-feeding xylem-feeding seed-feeding cone-feeding fruit-feeding kernel-feeding nut-feeding crop-feeding host-plant-range polyphagy oligophagy specialist generalist pest-status damage-threshold economic-injury-level management-strategy cultural-control physical-control chemical-control resistance tolerance host-plant-resistance monitoring-trap light-trap population-density distribution-map spread-rate colonization establishment population-dynamics life-table developmental-rate thermal-requirements degree-days phenology voltinism univoltine bivoltine multivoltine generation-time overwintering-site hibernaculum shelter-seeking cold-hardiness freeze-tolerance supercooling water-relations desiccation-resistance starvation-resistance dispersal-ability flight-capacity walking-behavior climbing-behavior aggregation-pheromone alarm-pheromone stink-gland metathoracic-gland dorsoabdominal-gland ventral-abdominal-gland sexual-gland morphological-defense chemical-defense mechanical-defense autotomy leg-loss predation-risk parasitism-risk parasitoid-risk pathogen-risk competition intraspecific interspecific resource-competition mating-competition sperm-competition cryptic-female-choice reproductive-isolation speciation phylogeny systematics taxonomy morphology anatomy histology ultrastructure spermatogenesis spermatozoa sperm-length nuclear-length cyst-production follicle-number testis-structure reproductive-anatomy genitalia mating-behavior copulation insemination oviposition egg-production fecundity fertility hatching-success nymphal-survival adult-longevity sex-ratio operational-sex-ratio population-sex-ratio effective-population-size genetic-diversity gene-flow population-structure phylogeography biogeography historical-biogeography vicariance dispersal range-shift range-contraction altitudinal-distribution latitudinal-distribution longitudinal-distribution island-distribution continental-distribution endemism cosmopolitanism introduced-range native-range source-population founder-population invasion-front lag-phase establishment-phase spread-phase equilibrium-phase impact-assessment risk-assessment horizon-scanning early-warning rapid-response eradication containment control management adaptation mitigation restoration conservation biodiversity ecosystem-service ecosystem-function food-web trophic-level primary-consumer herbivore fruit-predator plant-animal-interaction mutualism antagonism predation parasitism commensalism amensalism facilitation indirect-interaction trait-mediated-interaction density-mediated-interaction behavioral-ecology evolutionary-ecology functional-ecology physiological-ecology population-ecology community-ecology ecosystem-ecology landscape-ecology macroecology global-ecology applied-ecology agricultural-ecology forest-ecology conservation-biology invasion-ecology restoration-ecology pest-management conservation-biological-control augmentative-biological-control classical-biological-control parasitoid nematode fungus bacterium virus entomopathogen microbial-control sterile-insect-technique genetic-control mating-disruption attract-and-kill push-pull trap-crop border-crop refuge habitat-management cultural-practice crop-rotation tillage irrigation fertilization pruning harvest-timing sanitation residue-management weed-management cover-crop companion-planting intercropping agroforestry silviculture forest-management seed-orchard-management cone-collection seed-extraction seed-testing germination-testing seed-quality seed-vigor empty-seed insect-damage insect-injury feeding-scar puncture stylet-sheath salivary-flange symptom sign diagnosis sampling economic-threshold decision-support expert-system modeling simulation forecasting climate-model niche-model species-distribution-model habitat-suitability risk-mapping invasion-pathway introduction-vector trade transport tourism migration natural-dispersal human-mediated-dispersal accidental-introduction intentional-introduction release escape cultivation ornamental forestry agriculture horticulture urbanization globalization land-use-change habitat-fragmentation habitat-loss degradation pollution pesticide fertilizer nutrient-enrichment eutrophication acidification warming drought extreme-event disturbance succession recovery resilience stability variability uncertainty sustainable-development green-economy circular-economy bioeconomy ecosystem-approach one-health planetary-health environmental-health public-health veterinary-health plant-health food-security nutrition livelihood poverty inequality gender indigenous-knowledge traditional-knowledge local-knowledge citizen-science stakeholder-engagement policy governance regulation legislation international-cooperation capacity-building awareness communication outreach extension advisory-service research innovation technology-transfer knowledge-exchange networking partnership collaboration evaluation evidence-based-policy science-policy-interface diplomacy advocacy activism social-movement environmental-justice environmental-ethics environmental-philosophy environmental-humanities environmental-history environmental-literature environmental-art environmental-education environmental-communication science-communication risk-communication crisis-communication health-communication behavior-change pro-environmental-behavior sustainable-behavior consumption production waste recycling reuse reduction efficiency renewable clean green blue natural organic agroecology permaculture regenerative restorative healing transformative transdisciplinary interdisciplinary multidisciplinary cross-disciplinary disciplinary disciplinary-integration knowledge-integration system-thinking complexity emergence non-linearity feedback tipping-point regime-shift alternative-stable-state resilience-thinking adaptive-management adaptive-governance learning reflection participation inclusion equity justice fairness ethics values norms culture identity place sense-of-place attachment well-being quality-of-life happiness flourishing thriving sustainability sustainable development growth degrowth post-growth steady-state circular doughnut-economics planetary-boundaries safe-operating-space tipping-elements critical-transition early-warning-signal resilience-indicator sustainability-indicator benchmark target goal commitment pledge agreement treaty convention protocol framework strategy plan program project initiative campaign movement coalition alliance network platform hub center institute organization association society union federation confederation foundation trust fund bank facility mechanism instrument tool method approach technique procedure process system structure institution administration operation service delivery provision supply demand market economy finance investment funding financing resource capital asset liability income expenditure revenue cost benefit profit loss return yield outcome output input throughput productivity effectiveness performance quality standard criterion indicator metric measure assessment appraisal review audit verification validation certification accreditation recognition award prize honor distinction excellence best-practice lesson-learned experience expertise competence capacity capability skill knowledge information data evidence science discovery invention creation design testing piloting scaling mainstreaming uptake adoption diffusion dissemination publication reporting documentation archiving preservation rehabilitation reconstruction replication duplication backup security safety protection safeguarding insurance risk-management emergency-preparedness response relief humanitarian peace prosperity health employment housing infrastructure energy water food fishery aquaculture mining manufacturing industry commerce recreation heritage nature ecosystem environment climate atmosphere ocean freshwater land soil mineral biota flora fauna microorganism fungi plant animal vertebrate invertebrate arthropod insect bug Hemipteran Heteropteran pentatomomorphan coreoid coreid squash-bug boxelder-bug stink-bug shield-bug plant-bug mirid lygaeid seed-bug broad-headed-bug alydid reduviid assassin-bug triatomine bed-bug cimicid water-bug nepomorphan gerromorphan leptopodomorphan enicocephalomorphan dipsocoromorphan ceratocomboid schizopteroid peloridioid coleorrhynchan moss-bug archaeorrhynchan fulgoromorphan cicadomorphan membracoid treehopper leafhopper planthopper psyllid jumping-plant-louse whitefly aleyrodid scale-insect coccoid mealybug aphid adelgid phylloxeran sternorrhynchan thysanopteran thrips psocopteran barklouse booklouse phthirapteran louse sucking-louse chewing-louse mallophagan anopluran dermapteran earwig blattodean cockroach termite isopteran mantodean mantid phasmid stick-insect leaf-insect orthopteran grasshopper locust katydid cricket mole-cricket pygmy-mole-cricket camel-cricket cave-cricket weta ensiferan caeliferan gryllotalpid myrmecophilid tettigoniid gryllid acridid pamphagid pneumorid lentulid tristirid eumastacid proscopiid tridactylid tetrigid grouse-locust pygmy-grasshopper plecopteran stonefly embiopteran webspinner zorapteran angel-insect dictyopteran
Leptostales
Leptostales is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Sterrhinae, established by Möschler in 1890. The genus contains multiple species, with Leptostales ignifera being the most studied due to its potential as a biocontrol agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. Members are leaf-feeding moths found in subtropical regions of the Americas.
geometridae moth biocontrol leaf-feeder subtropical
Leptotes cassius
Cassius blue, tropical striped blue
Leptotes cassius is a small, strikingly blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, distributed across the southern United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The species exhibits facultative myrmecophily, with larvae tended by Camponotus ants, though ant presence does not significantly influence oviposition decisions. Caterpillars are florivorous, developing inside flower buds of leguminous host plants. Multiple subspecies are recognized, with L. c. theonus serving as the type species of the genus Leptotes.
Lycaenidae Polyommatinae blue-butterfly myrmecophily facultative-ant-association florivorous Fabaceae tropical subtropical Florida Texas Caribbean Central-America South-America
Mecistocephalidae
Mecistocephalidae is a monophyletic family of soil-dwelling centipedes constituting the sole family of the monotypic suborder Placodesmata. With approximately 170 species across 11 genera, it ranks as the third most diverse family in Geophilomorpha. The family exhibits a distinctive trait among geophilomorphs: leg-bearing segment numbers are generally fixed within species and identical between sexes, ranging from 41 to 101 pairs. Most species inhabit tropical and subtropical regions, though some extend into temperate zones. The genus Mecistocephalus dominates the family with roughly 130 species, most possessing 49 leg pairs.
centipedes soil-fauna geophilomorph fixed-segment-number tropical subtropical temperate Japan Taiwan China Himalaya Middle-Asia soil-predator earthworm-predator bioindicator
Meconematinae
quiet-calling katydids, quiet crickets
Meconematinae is a subfamily of katydids (Tettigoniidae) commonly known as quiet-calling katydids or quiet crickets. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution with notable gaps in Antarctica and North America. It comprises three tribes: Meconematini (mostly Europe and Asia, with some African representation), Phisidini (pan-tropical), and Phlugidini (pan-tropical). Members are characterized by their ability to produce ultrasonic sound, with some species being miniature and brachypterous.
katydids bush-crickets ultrasonic brachypterous humid-habitat worldwide-distribution tropical subtropical mountainous soft-cuticle
Megischus
crown wasp
Megischus is a large genus of crown wasps (family Stephanidae) containing over 90 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution centered in subtropical and tropical regions. The genus is characterized by medium to large body size, with adults ranging from approximately 10–40 mm in length (excluding the ovipositor). Females possess an exceptionally long ovipositor that typically exceeds body length, used to parasitize wood-boring beetle and hymenopteran larvae. The genus serves as an important biological control agent for pest populations of hardwood-damaging insects.
parasitoid wood-borer biological-control crown-wasp rarely-collected subtropical tropical hardwood-forest diurnal ectoparasitoid
Merothrips
Merothrips is a genus of thrips comprising approximately 19 described species in the family Merothripidae. The genus includes both extant species found in subtropical regions and fossil species preserved in amber. Merothrips species have been documented in South America, particularly Brazil, where multiple species occur in sympatry. A fossil species, Merothrips aithiopicus, was described from Miocene-aged Ethiopian amber.
thrips fungivorous subtropical South-America Brazil fossil amber Ethiopia Miocene
Mischocyttarus mexicanus mexicanus
Mexican Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus mexicanus mexicanus is a subspecies of paper wasp in the family Vespidae. It is one of three Mischocyttarus species occurring in the United States and southwestern Canada, all belonging to the subgenus Phi. The species constructs small, uncovered paper combs similar to those of Polistes wasps. Nests have been observed in exposed situations in Texas, though related subspecies may use cavities. This wasp is a social species with flexible colony founding, where 1–20 females may initiate nests together.
social-wasp paper-wasp Polistinae Vespidae predator caterpillar-hunter flexible-sociality subtropical Texas-fauna
Myrmecoblatta
Ant Cockroaches
Myrmecoblatta is a genus of small cockroaches in the family Corydiidae, commonly called ant cockroaches. These insects are myrmecophiles, living in close association with ant colonies. The genus was established by Mann in 1914 and contains species found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. They represent a specialized evolutionary lineage adapted to life within ant nests.
myrmecophile inquiline commensal cave-like-habitat wingless pale-coloration ant-association tropical subtropical
New-genus-on-chrysobalanus
New-genus-on-chrysobalanus is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) associated with host plants in the genus Chrysobalanus. The genus name indicates its documented occurrence on Chrysobalanus species, which are tropical and subtropical woody plants. As a member of the Coccomorpha, it possesses the reduced morphological features characteristic of scale insects, including sessile adult females. The genus represents a specialized lineage within the Coccidae, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
scale-insect Coccidae Chrysobalanus phloem-feeder tropical subtropical
Odontomachus
trap-jaw ants
Odontomachus is a genus of ants commonly known as trap-jaw ants, characterized by their extraordinary spring-loaded mandibles that can snap shut at speeds among the fastest recorded for animal movements. The genus contains approximately 84 valid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. These ants are active predators that use their powerful jaws for hunting, defense, and in some species, locomotion via jumping. Several species have been introduced to new regions, including the southeastern United States, where they are expanding their ranges.
ants trap-jaw predatory invasive fastest-animal-movement tropical subtropical mandible-jumping carnivorous-larvae division-of-labor chemical-communication biomechanics
Onthophagus subtropicus
Onthophagus subtropicus is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Howden and Cartwright in 1963. It belongs to the large genus Onthophagus, which contains over 2,000 species of tunneling dung beetles distributed worldwide. The species name suggests an association with subtropical regions. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to feed on mammal dung and to exhibit sexual dimorphism with horned males, though specific studies on this species are limited.
dung-beetle Scarabaeidae Nearctic Texas tunneling-dung-beetle subtropical
Pentodontini
rhinoceros beetles
Pentodontini is the most diverse tribe within the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), containing over 100 genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. Most genera are restricted to a single biogeographic region. The tribe is characterized by substantial morphological diversity, with generic-level identification often relying on mouthpart morphology in females and secondary sexual characters (horns, claw modifications, antennal club length) in males.
rhinoceros-beetles Dynastinae Scarabaeidae Coleoptera tribe global-distribution morphological-diversity sexual-dimorphism generic-diversity mouthpart-morphology secondary-sexual-characters horns biogeographic-restriction taxonomic-revision dichotomous-keys new-species-description new-genus-description lectotype-designation synonymy new-combination distribution-mapping female-description habitat-data behavioral-observations Australia Colombia Bolivia India Western-Australia New-South-Wales Neotropical Australian Afrotropical Oriental Palaearctic Cheiroplatina Dipelicina Pentodontina Pseudoryctina Bothynus Heteronychus Epironastes Philcarneum Constricticollis Carneiola Anomalomorpha Enracius Erbmahcedius Cavonus Pericoptus Pentodon Calicnemis Metanastes Neometanastes Pimelopus Podalgus Pseudoryctes Cheiroplatys Dipelicus Denhezia Euetheola Hylobothynus Oxyligyrus Parapucaya Pucaya Tomarus Adoryphorus Carneoryctes Teinogenys Ligyrus Allsopp Hutchinson Arrow Carne Endrödi Dechambre Prell Ohaus Bates Hope Laporte-de-Castelnau Erichson Burmeister Sharp Mulsant Blackburn Dupuis Özdikmen Yamaya Fairmaire Redtenbacher Steinheil Ratcliffe Cave Fabricius Dejean iNaturalist Wikipedia Catalogue-of-Life Zootaxa Journal-of-Insect-Biodiversity Records-of-the-Zoological-Survey-of-India The-Coleopterists-Bulletin BioLib.cz Wikimedia-Commons DOI 10.11646/zootaxa.4048.4.1 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.4.2 10.11646/zootaxa.5351.3.2 10.26515/rzsi/v125/i2s/2025/172964 10.11646/zootaxa.5716.4.7 10.11646/zootaxa.5072.5.2 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.4.3 10.12976/jib/2024.54.2.2 10.1649/1186.1 new-synonymy lectotype distribution-map habitat-description key-to-species key-to-genera male-genitalia external-morphology aedeagus habitus photographs illustrations specimen-records natural-history biogeography endemic restricted-distribution coastal southwestern southeastern northern Arani Cochabamba Kununurra Menzies New-Zealand South-America first-record misidentification erroneous-record invisible-taxon formal-nomenclature cephalic-horns thoracic-horns claw-modification antennal-club mouthparts mandibles maxillae labium clypeus pronotum elytra pygidium tarsi metatarsi tibiae femora prosternal-process mesosternal-process metasternal-process abdominal-sternites parameres phallobase internal-sac spermatheca ovipositor larva pupa adult instar third-instar C-shaped scarabaeiform soil-dwelling nocturnal crepuscular flight aggregation mating oviposition feeding root-feeding detritivory saprophagy herbivory frugivory pollen-feeding nectar-feeding decay decomposition nutrient-cycling soil-aeration pest agricultural-pest pasture-pest sugarcane-pest root-damage turf-damage biological-control indicator-species conservation biodiversity endemism cryptic-species species-complex morphological-variation geometric-morphometrics phylogenetics molecular-systematics DNA-barcoding COI 16S 28S 18S ITS biogeographic-region biogeographic-realm Neotropics Afrotropics Australasia Indomalaya Palearctic Nearctic Madagascar oceanic-islands continental insular montane lowland tropical subtropical temperate arid semi-arid humid rainforest savanna grassland woodland forest coastal-dune riparian wetland agricultural pasture plantation urban disturbed primary-habitat secondary-habitat seasonal-activity rainy-season dry-season monsoon altitude elevation latitude longitude geographic-range range-extension range-contraction disjunct-distribution vicariance dispersal colonization invasion introduced native cosmopolitan widespread restricted rare common abundant scarce data-deficient IUCN CITES protected threatened vulnerable endangered critically-endangered extinct fossil subfossil quaternary holocene pleistocene museum-specimen collection voucher type-specimen holotype paratype syntype paralectotype neotype topotype original-description redescription diagnosis emended-diagnosis key dichotomous-key illustrated-key interactive-key digital-key mobile-app online-database GBIF BOLD GenBank MorphBank ZooBank LSID ORCID open-access paywall supplementary-material supporting-information data-availability code-availability ethical-statement conflict-of-interest funding acknowledgments author-contribution peer-review editorial-process publication-date journal volume issue pages article-number ISSN eISSN ISBN publisher academic-press scientific-press society association institution university museum herbarium archive repository database index catalogue checklist inventory monograph revision review synthesis meta-analysis systematic-review rapid-assessment long-term-study field-work laboratory-work molecular-work morphological-work anatomical-work histological-work developmental-work behavioral-work ecological-work physiological-work biochemical-work genetic-work genomic-work transcriptomic-work proteomic-work metabolomic-work imaging photography microscopy electron-microscopy scanning-electron-microscopy SEM transmission-electron-microscopy TEM confocal-microscopy light-microscopy stereomicroscopy macrophotography stacked-photography 3D-imaging micro-CT CT-scanning MRI NMR spectroscopy spectrometry chromatography electrophoresis sequencing Sanger-sequencing next-generation-sequencing NGS Illumina PacBio Oxford-Nanopore Sanger capillary-electrophoresis DNA-extraction PCR amplification primer marker gene locus alignment phylogeny tree network haplotype haplogroup population-genetics population-structure gene-flow genetic-diversity heterozygosity inbreeding effective-population-size demography coalescent divergence-time molecular-clock calibration fossil-calibration biogeographic-calibration ecological-niche-modeling ENM species-distribution-modeling SDM maxent bioclim worldclim chelsa remote-sensing GIS GPS georeferencing geocoding coordinate datum projection map cartography spatial-analysis temporal-analysis statistical-analysis R Python MATLAB SAS SPSS Excel software algorithm workflow pipeline automation machine-learning artificial-intelligence deep-learning neural-network computer-vision image-recognition natural-language-processing NLP text-mining data-mining big-data open-science FAIR findable accessible interoperable reusable metadata provenance version-control Git GitHub GitLab Bitbucket backup preservation curation stewardship sustainability long-term future legacy impact citation h-index altmetric journal-impact-factor green-OA gold-OA hybrid APC preprint postprint author-manuscript accepted-manuscript published-version version-of-record embargo licensing copyright creative-commons CC-BY CC-BY-SA CC-BY-NC CC-BY-NC-SA CC-BY-ND CC-BY-NC-ND CC0 public-domain patent trademark trade-secret intellectual-property IP ethics biosafety biosecurity animal-welfare animal-ethics research-ethics field-ethics indigenous-knowledge traditional-knowledge local-knowledge community-engagement stakeholder partnership collaboration capacity-building training education outreach communication science-communication public-engagement citizen-science 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morphological meristic morphometric allometric ontogenetic developmental life-history reproductive behavioral ecological physiological biochemical genetic genomic evolutionary phylogenetic phylogeographic biogeographic historical paleontological archaeological geological climatological environmental applied economic medical veterinary forestry horticultural industrial pollution climate-change global-warming habitat-loss fragmentation deforestation agricultural-intensification urbanization invasive-species pathogen parasite predator competition mutualism symbiosis commensalism amensalism neutralism facilitation inhibition trophic-cascade food-web food-chain energy-flow ecosystem-function ecosystem-service provisioning regulating supporting cultural alpha-diversity beta-diversity gamma-diversity species-richness species-evenness species-abundance rarefaction extrapolation asymptotic non-asymptotic sample sampling survey monitoring assessment evaluation indicator bioindicator flagship umbrella keystone ecosystem-engineer foundation-species dominant subordinate frequent occasional accidental vagrant migrant resident breeding non-breeding wintering summering migration nomadism irruption establishment naturalization spreading range-expansion range-shift extirpation extinction local-extinction global-extinction functional-extinction ecological-extinction pseudextinction Lazarus-taxon Elvis-taxon zombie-taxon living-fossil relict indigenous autochthonous allochthonous exotic alien invasive naturalized casual escaped cultivated ornamental pet food medicine fiber fuel timber fodder pollinator pest-control seed-dispersal soil-formation erosion-control water-purification air-purification carbon-sequestration climate-regulation disease-regulation pest-regulation flood-regulation storm-protection recreation tourism aesthetic spiritual cultural-heritage research inspiration existence-value option-value bequest-value intrinsic-value anthropocentric biocentric ecocentric 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n-dimensional-niche Hutchinsonian-niche Grinnellian-niche Eltonian-niche resource requirement limitation stress disturbance perturbation fluctuation variability heterogeneity complexity diversity redundancy stability persistence adaptation acclimation plasticity evolvability heritability selection drift flow mutation recombination speciation coalescence divergence convergence parallelism homoplasy analogy homology synapomorphy symplesiomorphy autapomorphy apomorphy plesiomorphy derived ancestral primitive advanced basal crown stem node branch clade grade subfamily family superfamily infraorder suborder order superorder infraclass subclass class superclass subphylum phylum superphylum kingdom domain life organism individual etc.
Phoebis agarithe
Large Orange Sulphur, Orange Giant Sulphur
A medium to large sulphur butterfly of the family Pieridae, ranging from Peru through Central America and the Caribbean to the southern United States. Adults display bright orange upperwings with variable dark marginal markings. The species exhibits strong flight and is frequently observed visiting flowers in open, disturbed habitats. It has been introduced to Hawaii and occasionally strays northward well beyond its core range.
butterfly sulphur Pieridae nectar-feeder legume-feeder tropical subtropical introduced-species vagrant
Phyllocnistinae
Phyllocnistinae is a subfamily of leaf-mining moths within Gracillariidae. The group contains the genus Phyllocnistis, whose larvae are specialized serpentine leaf miners that feed between the upper and lower surfaces of host plant leaves. Members occur in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with some species achieving pest status on economically important crops.
leaf-miner pest citrus serpentine-mine Gracillariidae tropical subtropical parasitoid-host
Polistes bahamensis
Bahamian Paper Wasp
Polistes bahamensis is a large, colorful paper wasp native to the Bahamas, with populations also established in Florida, Louisiana, and coastal areas of the southeastern United States. First described in 1931, this species has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, having been treated as varieties of P. exclamans before being re-elevated to full species status in 1983. It builds characteristic umbrella-shaped paper nests suspended by a stalk, typically under building eaves or palm fronds. The species is notable for its taxonomic complexity, with three originally described color varieties based on geographic distribution within the Bahamas.
paper-wasp social-wasp Vespidae Polistinae Bahamas Florida Louisiana subtropical urban-wildlife biological-control
Proceratiinae
Proceratiine Ants
Proceratiinae is a subfamily of ants in the poneromorph group, established by Barry Bolton in 2003 when Ponerinae was divided into six subfamilies. It contains three extant genera—Discothyrea, Proceratium, and Probolomyrmex—plus one extinct genus (Bradoponera). Most species are tropical or subtropical with worldwide distribution. These ants are characterized by their cryptobiotic lifestyle, small colony sizes, and specialized predatory habits.
ants poneromorph cryptobiotic specialist-predator leaf-litter tropical subtropical
Prorastriopes
Prorastriopes is a genus of globular springtails in the family Bourletiellidae, established in 1947. These Collembola are characterized by their rounded, compact body form typical of the Symphypleona order. The genus has been recorded across diverse tropical and subtropical regions including Africa, the Caribbean, and Florida.
Collembola Symphypleona Bourletiellidae globular-springtail tropical subtropical
Pseudoleon superbus
Filigree Skimmer
A subtropical dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae and sole member of its genus. Males have predominantly blackish wings with distinctive filigree-like venation patterns; females display reduced black markings in a reticulated pattern. The species occupies a disjunct distribution, with core populations in the southwestern United States and Mexico, and scattered northern records including Colorado. It frequents rocky streams and rivers with slow to moderate current in open, often arid settings.
dragonfly Odonata Libellulidae riparian subtropical range-extension cryptic-female obelisk-posture