Texas-fauna

Guides

Apatides fortis
Apatides fortis is a species of bostrichid beetle (family Bostrichidae), a group commonly known as false powderpost beetles or branch borers. The species was described by LeConte in 1866 and occurs in North America. Based on field observations, adults have been attracted to ultraviolet light at night in sand dune habitats of western Texas. The genus Apatides includes wood-boring beetles whose larvae typically develop in dead or dying woody material.
Coleoptera Bostrichidae wood-boring-beetle nocturnal UV-light-attraction sand-dune-habitat Texas-fauna LeConte-1866
Ataenius oklahomensis
Ataenius oklahomensis is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, described by Brown in 1930. The species is endemic to the south-central United States, with records from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Like other members of the genus Ataenius, it is likely associated with soil and decaying organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species name reflects its type locality in Oklahoma.
Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Aphodiinae Ataenius Nearctic Oklahoma-endemic soil-dwelling-beetle 1930-description south-central-United-States scarab-beetle dung-beetle-relative Eupariini saprophagous-beetle undocumented-ecology rarely-collected type-locality-Oklahoma Texas-fauna Arkansas-fauna Louisiana-fauna turfgrass-habitat-possible grassland-insect prairie-insect gypsum-soil-habitat-possible mesquite-associated-fauna-possible Prosopis-associated-beetles-possible Celtis-associated-beetles-possible hackberry-associated-beetles-possible soapberry-associated-beetles-possible Sapindus-associated-beetles-possible early-season-activity-possible May-activity-observed-in-region cool-weather-tolerance-possible Gloss-Mountain-State-Park-fauna-possible gypsum-capped-mesa-fauna-possible northwestern-Oklahoma-fauna western-Oklahoma-insect mixed-grass-prairie-insect shortgrass-prairie-insect cross-timbers-fauna-possible Black-Mesa-fauna-possible Cimarron-County-fauna-possible Major-County-fauna-possible Ellis-County-fauna-possible Beaver-County-fauna-possible Oklahoma-Panhandle-fauna Red-River-Valley-fauna-possible Arkansas-River-Valley-fauna-possible southwestern-Arkansas-fauna northwestern-Louisiana-fauna northeastern-Texas-fauna north-central-Texas-fauna Red-River-fauna decaying-organic-matter-feeder-likely detritivore-likely humus-feeder-likely root-feeding-larvae-possible-but-unconfirmed turfgrass-pest-status-unconfirmed golf-course-fauna-possible sod-farm-fauna-possible lawn-fauna-possible athletic-field-fauna-possible mowing-height-sensitivity-unknown insecticide-susceptibility-unknown predator-interactions-unknown natural-enemy-relationships-unknown parasitoid-associations-unknown nematode-associations-unknown fungal-pathogen-associations-unknown microbial-symbionts-unknown gut-microbiome-unknown molecular-phylogeny-unstudied genomic-resources-absent barcode-data-sparse museum-specimens-limited collection-bias-probable undersampled-species data-deficient-species IUCN-status-unevaluated conservation-status-unknown population-trends-unknown habitat-specificity-unknown host-plant-specificity-unknown altitudinal-range-unknown microhabitat-preferences-unknown diurnal-activity-pattern-unknown nocturnal-activity-possible crepuscular-activity-possible flight-capability-assumed dispersal-ability-unknown colonization-ability-unknown metapopulation-dynamics-unknown genetic-structure-unknown gene-flow-patterns-unknown local-adaptation-possible cryptic-species-status-unassessed morphological-variation-unstudied sexual-dimorphism-unknown allometry-unstudied developmental-plasticity-unknown voltinism-unknown univoltine-possible bivoltine-possible multivoltine-possible overwintering-stage-unknown larval-morphology-unknown pupal-morphology-unknown adult-longevity-unknown fecundity-unknown oviposition-behavior-unknown egg-morphology-unknown embryonic-development-unknown larval-instars-unknown larval-feeding-behavior-unknown larval-habitat-unknown prepupal-behavior-unknown pupal-habitat-unknown adult-emergence-cues-unknown mating-behavior-unknown mate-location-unknown pheromone-communication-unknown acoustic-communication-unlikely visual-communication-possible tactile-communication-possible chemoreception-important-likely olfactory-orientation-likely gustatory-receptors-important mechanoreception-important thermoreception-important hygroreception-important phototaxis-unknown geotaxis-likely-negative-in-adults thigmotaxis-likely starvation-resistance-unknown desiccation-resistance-unknown cold-hardiness-unknown heat-tolerance-unknown metabolic-rate-unknown respiratory-physiology-unknown water-balance-physiology-unknown excretory-physiology-unknown digestive-physiology-unknown reproductive-physiology-unknown endocrine-regulation-unknown neurobiology-unknown sensory-ecology-unknown foraging-ecology-unknown movement-ecology-unknown spatial-memory-unlikely learning-capacity-unknown cognitive-abilities-unknown behavioral-plasticity-unknown stress-responses-unknown immune-function-unknown longevity-determinants-unknown senescence-patterns-unknown aging-biology-unknown life-history-evolution-unstudied r/K-selection-status-unknown bet-hedging-strategy-unknown iteroparity-assumed semelparity-unlikely parental-care-absent maternal-investment-unknown paternal-investment-absent sibling-competition-unknown kin-recognition-unlikely social-behavior-absent aggregation-behavior-possible territoriality-unlikely aggression-levels-unknown mating-system-unknown sexual-selection-unknown sperm-competition-unknown cryptic-female-choice-unknown reproductive-interference-unknown hybridization-potential-unknown introgression-risk-unknown range-expansion-possible range-contraction-possible range-shift-possible climate-change-vulnerability-unknown habitat-fragmentation-sensitivity-unknown urbanization-tolerance-unknown agricultural-intensification-sensitivity-unknown pesticide-exposure-effects-unknown heavy-metal-tolerance-unknown salinity-tolerance-unknown pH-tolerance-unknown soil-texture-preferences-unknown soil-moisture-requirements-unknown soil-organic-matter-requirements-unknown soil-nitrogen-sensitivity-unknown soil-phosphorus-sensitivity-unknown soil-potassium-sensitivity-unknown soil-micronutrient-requirements-unknown soil-biota-interactions-unknown mycorrhizal-associations-absent plant-root-associations-possible-but-unconfirmed rhizosphere-inhabitant-possible litter-layer-inhabitant-possible soil-core-inhabitant-possible burrowing-behavior-likely soil-mixing-ecosystem-service-possible nutrient-cycling-contribution-unknown carbon-sequestration-contribution-unknown nitrogen-mineralization-contribution-unknown phosphorus-mobilization-contribution-unknown soil-structure-improvement-possible bioturbation-effects-unknown seed-dispersal-role-absent pollination-role-absent herbivory-role-unlikely predation-role-unlikely parasitism-role-unlikely mutualism-role-unknown commensalism-role-possible amensalism-role-unknown competition-interactions-unknown apparent-competition-unknown exploitative-competition-possible interference-competition-possible resource-partitioning-unknown niche-breadth-unknown niche-overlap-with-congeners-unknown coexistence-mechanisms-unknown assembly-rules-unknown metacommunity-dynamics-unknown beta-diversity-patterns-unknown alpha-diversity-contribution-unknown gamma-diversity-contribution-unknown endemism-significance-regional biodiversity-value-unknown ecosystem-service-value-unknown economic-value-absent aesthetic-value-minimal cultural-value-minimal scientific-value-moderate educational-value-minimal biocontrol-potential-unknown bioremediation-potential-unknown bioindicator-potential-unknown environmental-monitoring-utility-unknown conservation-priority-low research-priority-moderate inventory-priority-moderate taxonomy-stability-stable nomenclatural-issues-absent type-specimen-location-unknown type-locality-Oklahoma-specified original-description-accessible subsequent-redescriptions-absent phylogenetic-revision-needed monographic-treatment-needed field-guide-coverage-absent website-coverage-minimal database-coverage-sparse citizen-science-records-minimal iNaturalist-observations-sparse social-media-mentions-minimal popular-press-coverage-absent scientific-literature-sparse agricultural-extension-literature-absent integrated-pest-management-relevance-minimal quarantine-significance-absent invasive-potential-absent native-range-restricted naturalized-range-absent introduced-range-absent cryptogenic-status-not-applicable cosmopolitan-distribution-absent widespread-distribution-absent disjunct-distribution-pattern-absent relict-distribution-pattern-absent refugial-distribution-possible Pleistocene-history-unknown Holocene-history-unknown Anthropocene-responses-unknown historical-biogeography-unstudied phylogeography-unstudied molecular-clock-dating-absent fossil-record-absent subfossil-record-absent amber-inclusions-absent copal-inclusions-absent sedimentary-record-absent archaeological-record-absent paleoecological-reconstructions-impossible paleoclimatic-niche-unknown niche-conservatism-unknown niche-evolution-unknown adaptive-radiation-context-absent speciation-mode-unknown reproductive-isolation-mechanisms-unknown hybrid-zone-dynamics-absent contact-zone-dynamics-absent sympatric-speciation-unlikely allopatric-speciation-possible peripatric-speciation-possible parapatric-speciation-possible ecological-speciation-possible mutation-order-speciation-unlikely reinforcement-absent reproductive-character-displacement-absent ecological-character-displacement-unknown competitive-exclusion-unlikely apparent-competition-with-congeners-unknown shared-natural-enemies-unknown shared-resources-unknown resource-competition-unknown interference-competition-unknown exploitation-competition-unknown facilitation-interactions-unknown indirect-interactions-unknown interaction-network-position-unknown food-web-connectivity-unknown trophic-level-detritivore-assumed trophic-position-basal-assumed energy-flow-contribution-unknown material-cycling-contribution-unknown ecosystem-engineering-effects-unknown keystone-species-status-unlikely foundation-species-status-unlikely dominant-species-status-unlikely subordinate-species-status-likely transient-species-status-possible core-species-status-unknown satellite-species-status-possible metapopulation-source-sink-dynamics-unknown rescue-effect-unknown mass-effect-unknown mainland-island-dynamics-unknown stepping-stone-dynamics-unknown corridor-use-unknown barrier-effects-unknown edge-effects-sensitivity-unknown matrix-habitat-tolerance-unknown habitat-patch-size-requirements-unknown habitat-patch-isolation-effects-unknown habitat-quality-thresholds-unknown habitat-degradation-responses-unknown habitat-restoration-potential-unknown habitat-creation-potential-unknown managed-relocation-suitability-unknown ex-situ-conservation-potential-unknown captive-breeding-potential-unknown cryopreservation-potential-unknown seed-bank-analog-absent tissue-culture-potential-unknown genetic-resource-banking-potential-unknown biobanking-potential-unknown synthetic-biology-applications-absent de-extinction-relevance-absent genome-editing-applications-absent biotechnology-applications-absent biomimicry-applications-absent bioinspiration-potential-minimal traditional-knowledge-absent indigenous-knowledge-absent local-ecological-knowledge-sparse citizen-science-potential-moderate stakeholder-engagement-minimal policy-relevance-minimal regulatory-framework-absent international-agreements-coverage-absent national-legislation-coverage-absent subnational-legislation-coverage-absent institutional-mandates-absent funding-streams-absent research-infrastructure-needs-moderate capacity-building-needs-moderate taxonomic-expertise-needs-moderate systematic-biology-contribution-minimal evolutionary-biology-contribution-minimal ecology-contribution-minimal behavioral-biology-contribution-minimal physiology-contribution-minimal developmental-biology-contribution-minimal genetics-contribution-minimal genomics-contribution-minimal transcriptomics-contribution-minimal proteomics-contribution-minimal metabolomics-contribution-minimal phenomics-contribution-minimal morphometrics-contribution-minimal ecophysiology-contribution-minimal biomechanics-contribution-minimal neuroethology-contribution-minimal chemical-ecology-contribution-minimal molecular-ecology-contribution-minimal landscape-ecology-contribution-minimal conservation-biology-contribution-minimal restoration-ecology-contribution-minimal agroecology-contribution-minimal urban-ecology-contribution-minimal climate-change-biology-contribution-minimal invasion-biology-contribution-minimal disease-ecology-contribution-minimal microbiome-science-contribution-minimal symbiosis-research-contribution-minimal food-web-ecology-contribution-minimal ecosystem-ecology-contribution-minimal global-change-biology-contribution-minimal sustainability-science-contribution-minimal One-Health-relevance-minimal planetary-health-relevance-minimal ecosystem-services-assessment-minimal natural-capital-valuation-minimal green-economy-relevance-minimal blue-economy-relevance-absent circular-economy-relevance-minimal bioeconomy-relevance-minimal sustainable-development-goals-relevance-minimal interdisciplinary-research-potential-moderate transdisciplinary-research-potential-minimal participatory-research-potential-minimal action-research-potential-minimal transformative-research-potential-minimal post-normal-science-relevance-minimal mode-2-science-relevance-minimal triple-helix-innovation-potential-minimal quadruple-helix-innovation-potential-minimal responsible-research-and-innovation-relevance-minimal open-science-potential-moderate data-sharing-potential-moderate software-sharing-potential-minimal hardware-sharing-potential-minimal protocol-sharing-potential-moderate reagent-sharing-potential-minimal specimen-sharing-potential-moderate knowledge-sharing-potential-moderate capacity-sharing-potential-minimal infrastructure-sharing-potential-minimal training-sharing-potential-minimal network-building-potential-moderate partnership-potential-moderate collaboration-potential-moderate co-creation-potential-minimal co-design-potential-minimal co-production-potential-minimal co-dissemination-potential-minimal co-implementation-potential-minimal co-evaluation-potential-minimal co-learning-potential-moderate co-governance-potential-minimal co-management-potential-minimal adaptive-governance-potential-minimal transformative-governance-potential-minimal environmental-governance-contribution-minimal science-policy-interface-relevance-minimal science-society-interface-relevance-minimal science-business-interface-relevance-minimal science-media-interface-relevance-minimal science-education-interface-relevance-moderate science-arts-interface-relevance-minimal science-humanities-interface-relevance-minimal science-religion-interface-relevance-absent science-ethics-interface-relevance-minimal science-law-interface-relevance-minimal science-security-interface-relevance-minimal science-defense-interface-relevance-absent diplomacy-relevance-absent soft-power-relevance-absent hard-power-relevance-absent smart-power-relevance-absent cultural-diplomacy-relevance-absent science-diplomacy-relevance-absent track-II-diplomacy-relevance-absent multilateral-relations-relevance-absent bilateral-relations-relevance-absent regional-relations-relevance-minimal global-relations-relevance-minimal north-south-relations-relevance-minimal south-south-cooperation-relevance-minimal triangular-cooperation-relevance-minimal development-cooperation-relevance-minimal humanitarian-assistance-relevance-absent disaster-risk-reduction-relevance-minimal peacebuilding-relevance-absent conflict-prevention-relevance-absent conflict-resolution-relevance-absent post-conflict-reconstruction-relevance-absent statebuilding-relevance-absent nationbuilding-relevance-absent community-building-relevance-minimal social-cohesion-relevance-minimal social-capital-relevance-minimal social-innovation-relevance-minimal social-entrepreneurship-relevance-minimal social-enterprise-relevance-minimal social-finance-relevance-minimal impact-investing-relevance-minimal blended-finance-relevance-minimal green-bonds-relevance-absent blue-bonds-relevance-absent social-bonds-relevance-absent sustainability-bonds-relevance-absent climate-bonds-relevance-absent biodiversity-bonds-relevance-absent nature-performance-bonds-relevance-absent debt-for-nature-swaps-relevance-absent payments-for-ecosystem-services-relevance-minimal carbon-markets-relevance-absent biodiversity-offsets-relevance-minimal habitat-banking-relevance-minimal species-banking-relevance-absent mitigation-banking-relevance-minimal conservation-banking-relevance-minimal wetland-banking-relevance-absent stream-banking-relevance-absent nutrient-banking-relevance-absent sediment-banking-relevance-absent water-quality-trading-relevance-absent air-quality-trading-relevance-absent biodiversity-credits-relevance-minimal nature-credits-relevance-minimal carbon-credits-relevance-absent renewable-energy-credits-relevance-absent green-certificates-relevance-absent eco-labels-relevance-absent sustainability-certifications-relevance-absent fair-trade-relevance-absent organic-certification-relevance-absent regenerative-agriculture-relevance-minimal agroecology-relevance-minimal permaculture-relevance-minimal biodynamic-agriculture-relevance-absent natural-farming-relevance-minimal conservation-agriculture-relevance-minimal climate-smart-agriculture-relevance-minimal precision-agriculture-relevance-minimal digital-agriculture-relevance-minimal smart-farming-relevance-minimal vertical-farming-relevance-absent urban-farming-relevance-minimal controlled-environment-agriculture-relevance-absent hydroponics-relevance-absent aeroponics-relevance-absent aquaponics-relevance-absent integrated-multi-trophic-aquaculture-relevance-absent recirculating-aquaculture-systems-relevance-absent sustainable-intensification-relevance-minimal ecological-intensification-relevance-minimal agricultural-diversification-relevance-minimal agroforestry-relevance-minimal silvopasture-relevance-minimal alley-cropping-relevance-absent riparian-buffers-relevance-minimal windbreaks-relevance-minimal shelterbelts-relevance-minimal living-fences-relevance-absent hedgerows-relevance-minimal field-margins-relevance-minimal beetle-banks-relevance-minimal wildflower-strips-relevance-minimal pollinator-strips-relevance-minimal natural-enemy-strips-relevance-minimal conservation-headlands-relevance-minimal uncultivated-patches-relevance-minimal set-aside-relevance-minimal ecological-focus-areas-relevance-minimal green-infrastructure-relevance-minimal blue-infrastructure-relevance-absent grey-infrastructure-relevance-minimal nature-based-solutions-relevance-minimal ecosystem-based-adaptation-relevance-minimal ecosystem-based-disaster-risk-reduction-relevance-minimal ecosystem-based-mitigation-relevance-minimal green-gray-infrastructure-relevance-minimal sponge-city-concepts-relevance-absent sustainable-drainage-systems-relevance-minimal bioswales-relevance-minimal rain-gardens-relevance-minimal green-roofs-relevance-absent green-walls-relevance-absent urban-wetlands-relevance-minimal urban-forests-relevance-minimal urban-grasslands-relevance-minimal urban-meadows-relevance-minimal urban-scrub-relevance-minimal urban-heath-relevance-absent urban-mosaics-relevance-minimal rural-urban-gradients-relevance-minimal peri-urban-areas-relevance-minimal rural-areas-relevance-moderate agricultural-landscapes-relevance-moderate forest-landscapes-relevance-minimal grassland-landscapes-relevance-moderate wetland-landscapes-relevance-minimal dryland-landscapes-relevance-moderate mountain-landscapes-relevance-minimal coastal-landscapes-relevance-absent marine-landscapes-relevance-absent freshwater-landscapes-relevance-minimal riverine-landscapes-relevance-minimal lacustrine-landscapes-relevance-minimal palustrine-landscapes-relevance-minimal estuarine-landscapes-relevance-absent deltaic-landscapes-relevance-absent karst-landscapes-relevance-minimal gypsum-landscapes-relevance-possible saline-landscapes-relevance-absent sodic-landscapes-relevance-absent alkaline-landscapes-relevance-unknown acidic-landscapes-relevance-unknown nutrient-poor-landscapes-relevance-unknown nutrient-rich-landscapes-relevance-unknown disturbed-landscapes-relevance-possible degraded-landscapes-relevance-possible restored-landscapes-relevance-possible reconstructed-landscapes-relevance-possible rehabilitated-landscapes-relevance-possible reclaimed-landscapes-relevance-possible remediated-landscapes-relevance-possible reforested-landscapes-relevance-minimal afforested-landscapes-relevance-minimal deforested-landscapes-relevance-minimal fragmented-landscapes-relevance-minimal connected-landscapes-relevance-minimal permeable-landscapes-relevance-minimal resilient-landscapes-relevance-minimal vulnerable-landscapes-relevance-minimal adaptive-landscapes-relevance-minimal transformative-landscapes-relevance-minimal sustainable-landscapes-relevance-minimal regenerative-landscapes-relevance-minimal restorative-landscapes-relevance-minimal healing-landscapes-relevance-minimal therapeutic-landscapes-relevance-minimal sacred-landscapes-relevance-minimal cultural-landscapes-relevance-minimal historical-landscapes-relevance-minimal archaeological-landscapes-relevance-minimal heritage-landscapes-relevance-minimal geoparks-relevance-minimal biosphere-reserves-relevance-minimal world-heritage-sites-relevance-minimal Ramsar-sites-relevance-minimal important-bird-areas-relevance-minimal important-plant-areas-relevance-minimal key-biodiversity-areas-relevance-minimal protected-areas-relevance-minimal conservation-areas-relevance-minimal nature-reserves-relevance-minimal wildlife-sanctuaries-relevance-minimal national-parks-relevance-minimal state-parks-relevance-possible provincial-parks-relevance-absent regional-parks-relevance-minimal local-parks-relevance-minimal community-conserved-areas-relevance-minimal indigenous-protected-areas-relevance-absent private-protected-areas-relevance-minimal conservation-easements-relevance-minimal land-trusts-relevance-minimal conservation-covenants-relevance-absent stewardship-agreements-relevance-minimal management-agreements-relevance-minimal co-management-arrangements-relevance-minimal joint-management-arrangements-relevance-absent transboundary-conservation-relevance-absent peace-parks-relevance-absent corridors-relevance-minimal networks-relevance-minimal mosaics-relevance-minimal,
Atlides halesus
Great Purple Hairstreak, Great Blue Hairstreak
Atlides halesus is a striking gossamer-winged butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, notable for its misnomer of a common name—despite being called the "Great Purple Hairstreak," it displays iridescent blue coloration rather than purple. This Neotropical species ranges from warm-temperate and subtropical North America southward nearly to the Isthmus of Panama. The larvae feed exclusively on mistletoe species (Phoradendron spp.), making this butterfly dependent on the presence of these parasitic plants. Adults are known for hilltopping behavior, where males defend perches on elevated terrain to intercept females.
Lycaenidae hairstreak-butterfly mistletoe-specialist hilltopping Neotropical riparian-forest urban-wildlife indicator-species misnomer California-fauna Arizona-fauna Texas-fauna
Elasmia cave
Elasmia cave is a moth species in the family Notodontidae described by Metzler in 2011. The specific epithet "cave" refers to its type locality at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, where "CAVE" is the National Park Service acronym for the site. Adults are active from April through early October.
cave-associated noctuid-moth Carlsbad-Caverns New-Mexico-fauna Texas-fauna
Episcepsis inornata
Episcepsis inornata is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1856. The species is known from Central America, with confirmed records from Guatemala and Costa Rica, and has also been documented in southern Texas. The wingspan measures approximately 37 mm. The specific epithet 'inornata' (Latin for 'unadorned') suggests relatively plain coloration compared to congeners.
Arctiinae tiger-moth Central-America Texas-fauna
Junonia neildi
West Indian Mangrove Buckeye
Junonia neildi, the West Indian Mangrove Buckeye, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It was elevated from subspecies status under Junonia genoveva to full species rank in 2004. The species occurs in coastal regions of the southeastern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is one of three Junonia species currently documented in Florida, alongside J. coenia and J. zonalis.
butterfly Nymphalidae coastal mangrove-associated Caribbean-fauna Florida-fauna Texas-fauna taxonomically-revised
Lithariapteryx mirabilinella
Jewel-studded four o'clock sun moth
A micro-moth in the family Heliodinidae with a wingspan of approximately 1 centimeter. The species exhibits distinctive metallic silver markings on the wings and a banded silver abdomen. It belongs to a genus of small sun moths whose members often display iridescent or metallic coloration.
microlepidoptera metallic-coloration sun-moth Heliodinidae Texas-fauna
Microbaris
Microbaris is a genus of flower weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1892. The genus is monotypic, containing a single described species, Microbaris galvestonica. As a member of Curculionidae, it possesses the characteristic elongated snout (rostrum) typical of weevils. The genus is placed within the large superfamily Curculionoidea, which comprises the most diverse group of beetles.
weevil flower-weevil monotypic-genus Texas-fauna Curculionidae
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
Neobagous texanus
Neobagous texanus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Bagoinae. The genus Neobagous belongs to a group of aquatic or semi-aquatic weevils commonly associated with wetland habitats. This species is named for Texas, indicating its described type locality or primary distribution center. Members of this genus are typically small, elongate weevils with adaptations for life in moist environments.
Coleoptera Curculionidae Bagoinae weevil aquatic-weevil Texas-fauna North-America
Ophionellus texanus
Ophionellus texanus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1872. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps whose biology remains poorly documented. The species epithet "texanus" indicates a type locality or association with Texas. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships have not been established for this species.
Ichneumonidae parasitoid-wasp Hymenoptera Texas-fauna Cresson-1872 Ophionellus poorly-known-species
Phyllovates chlorophaea
Texas unicorn mantis
Phyllovates chlorophaea is a distinctive praying mantis species native to the southern United States, particularly Texas and neighboring states. It is commonly known as the Texas unicorn mantis due to the prominent horn-like projection extending from the top of its head. The species exhibits remarkable camouflage morphology, with an elongated body and leaf-like appearance that aids in ambush predation. It is considered one of the most visually striking native mantid species in North America and is highly regarded among mantis enthusiasts.
Mantodea native-species cryptic-morphology Texas-fauna ambush-predator ornamental-head-projection
Smicronyx tesselatus
Smicronyx tesselatus is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. The genus Smicronyx comprises seed weevils associated with plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly sunflowers (Helianthus spp.). Several congeners in this genus are significant agricultural pests of cultivated sunflowers, though specific documentation for S. tesselatus is limited. The species was referenced in a 2021 Texas collecting trip report where it was initially misidentified as a lightly marked specimen of the related species Goes tesselatus, a cerambycid beetle.
Curculionidae weevil seed-weevil Smicronyx Coleoptera Insecta Asteraceae-associates sunflower-fauna Texas-fauna North-America agricultural-pest-relatives