Texas
Guides
Macromia annulata
Bronzed River Cruiser
Macromia annulata, commonly known as the bronzed river cruiser, is a species of dragonfly in the family Macromiidae. It is native to parts of Mexico and the southern United States, specifically New Mexico and Texas. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. As a member of the cruiser dragonflies, it is typically associated with riverine habitats.
Macrorrhinia aureofasciella
Macrorrhinia aureofasciella is a small snout moth described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1887. It belongs to the subfamily Phycitinae within the family Pyralidae. The species is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and Texas.
Macroscytalus chisosensis
Macroscytalus chisosensis is a species of seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. It is endemic to the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park in Texas, USA. The species is known from a limited number of specimens collected at high elevations in this isolated mountain range. Its restricted distribution makes it a notable example of localized endemism in the Chihuahuan Desert region.
Mecas pergrata
Mecas pergrata is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults are 6–12 mm in length with gray pubescence. The species is a stem- and root-borer that exploits plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), including cultivated sunflowers. It is known from Mexico and the United States.
Megamelus coronus
Megamelus coronus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Beamer in 1955. The genus Megamelus comprises planthoppers associated with wetland and aquatic habitats, with several species known to feed on emergent aquatic vegetation. Megamelus coronus is recorded from Texas in North America. The species is part of a genus that includes some members used in biological control of invasive aquatic plants, though specific biological control applications for M. coronus have not been documented.
Megetra vittata
Megetra vittata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, ranging from northern Arizona to western Texas. It is one of three recognized species in the North American genus Megetra. The species produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that is dangerous to livestock when ingested. It appears to be strictly allopatric with and ecologically similar to M. punctata.
Melanoplus cameronis
Brownsville Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus cameronis, the Brownsville Short-wing Grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper described by Roberts in 1947. It is endemic to southern Texas, with confirmed records from the Brownsville area. The species belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshoppers of economic and ecological significance. It is considered a short-winged species, suggesting reduced dispersal capability compared to fully winged relatives.
Melanoplus franciscanus
San Francisco short-wing grasshopper
Melanoplus franciscanus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is known from a restricted geographic range in the American Southwest, specifically in the Guadalupe Mountains of Texas, the San Mateo Mountains of New Mexico, and the San Francisco Peaks of Arizona. The species was described by Scudder in 1899 and is characterized by short wings, as indicated by its common name.
Melanoplus ottei
Melanoplus ottei is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hill in 2015. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains numerous North American grasshopper species. The species is known from Texas based on available distribution records. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Melanoplus warneri
Warner's spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus warneri, commonly known as Warner's spur-throat grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Little in 1929. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically important grasshopper species in North America. Available records indicate it occurs in Texas and is present broadly across North America.
Menoeceus texanus
Menoeceus texanus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Champion in 1888. The genus Menoeceus is a small group within this large family of beetles. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification.
Mestobregma terricolor
Dirt-colored Grasshopper
Mestobregma terricolor, commonly known as the dirt-colored grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was described by Rehn in 1919 and is native to North America, with records from Texas and northeastern Mexico. It belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, a group characterized by banded hindwings. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Mexicomiris texanus
Mexicomiris texanus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Carvalho in 1986. It is a member of the diverse and speciose family of true bugs commonly known as plant bugs or leaf bugs. The species is known from Texas and has been recorded in North America.
Microcentrus perditus
Microcentrus perditus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, subfamily Stegaspidinae. It is native to the Nearctic region, with confirmed records from Texas, USA. The species was described by Amyot and Audinet-Serville in 1843 and belongs to the tribe Microcentrini, which is characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications typical of this group of treehoppers.
Microdonia laticollis
Microdonia laticollis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the tribe Lomechusini. Described by Brues in 1902, this species belongs to a genus of myrmecophilous beetles associated with ant colonies. The specific epithet 'laticollis' refers to the broad pronotum characteristic of this species. Like other members of the subtribe Myrmedoniina, it is adapted to life within ant nests.
Microledrida flava
Microledrida flava is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Metcalf in 1923. The specific epithet "flava" (Latin for yellow) likely refers to its coloration. Records indicate this species occurs in parts of southern North America, specifically Texas in the United States and Tamaulipas in Mexico. As a member of the Cixiidae, it belongs to a family of small to medium-sized planthoppers that feed on plant phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Ministrymon janevicroy
Vicroy's Ministreak, Pebbly Ministreak
Ministrymon janevicroy, commonly known as Vicroy's Ministreak or Pebbly Ministreak, is a small lycaenid butterfly discovered in 2013 by Jeffrey Glassberg. The species remained unrecognized in museum collections for over a century due to its close resemblance to the Gray Ministreak (Ministrymon azia). It is distinguished by its distinctive olive-green compound eyes, a unique feature among North American butterflies. The species occurs from southern Texas through Central America to Costa Rica, with disjunct populations on Caribbean islands.
Misodema reticulata
Misodema reticulata is a species of tropiduchid planthopper first described by Melichar in 1906. It belongs to the family Tropiduchidae, a group of fulgoroid planthoppers characterized by their relatively broad bodies and often reticulate wing venation. The species is documented from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona and Texas. As a member of the subfamily Elicinae, it shares morphological traits with other genera in this group, though specific biological details remain limited in published literature.
Mitostylus elongatus
broad-nosed weevil
Mitostylus elongatus is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. The species was described by Van Dyke in 1936. It is known from North America, with confirmed records from Texas.
Mitostylus tenuis
broomweed broad-nosed weevil
Mitostylus tenuis is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Horn in 1876. The common name 'broomweed broad-nosed weevil' suggests an association with broomweed (Gutierrezia spp.), a genus of composite plants. The species is known from North America, with records from Oklahoma and Texas.
Monalocorisca rostrata
Monalocorisca rostrata is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Johnston in 1939. It belongs to the large and diverse family of true bugs, which are characterized by their piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is currently accepted and documented in taxonomic catalogs, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Monoaster fulgidus
Monoaster fulgidus is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, a group known for feeding on leaf tissue between veins. The species is documented from Texas in North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or specific host associations.
Mycetomoellerius
fungus-farming ants
Mycetomoellerius is a genus of higher attine fungus-growing ants comprising 31 recognized species distributed throughout Central and South America. The genus was erected in 2019 based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, having previously been classified under Trachymyrmex. Mycetomoellerius occupies a phylogenetic position intermediate between lower attines and leaf-cutting ants, and species have been extensively studied for their agricultural symbioses, reproductive biology, and social organization.
Nehalennia pallidula
Everglades Sprite
A small damselfly endemic to the southeastern United States, restricted to Florida and Texas. It inhabits swamps and freshwater marshes, where its preference for dense vegetation and diminutive size make it difficult to detect. The species faces significant threats from habitat loss due to water diversion, peat fires, and invasive species.
Neltumius texanus
Snakewood Bruchid
Neltumius texanus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in Central America and North America. It is commonly known as the Snakewood Bruchid. The genus Neltumius was previously placed in the family Bruchidae (seed beetles) before that family was subsumed into Chrysomelidae. The specific epithet "texanus" indicates a connection to Texas, though the precise nature of this association (type locality or broader distribution) is not detailed in available sources. The species is represented by relatively few observations, with only 6 records documented on iNaturalist.
Nemoria zygotaria
Texas Emerald
Nemoria zygotaria, commonly known as the Texas Emerald, is a species of emerald moth in the family Geometridae. The species was described by George D. Hulst in 1886 under the basionym Aplodes zygotaria. It is assigned Hodges number 7040 in the North American moth numbering system. The species occurs in North America.
Neocarus texanus
Neocarus texanus is a species of opilioacarid mite described by Chamberlin & Mulaik in 1942. It belongs to the order Opilioacarida, a small group of primitive mites that retain characteristics of both mites and harvestmen. The species is found in North America and Middle America, with distribution records indicating presence in both regions. Very little is known about the specific biology or ecology of this species.
Neochodaeus repandus
Neochodaeus repandus is a species of sand-loving scarab beetle in the family Ochodaeidae, first described by Fall in 1909. The species is restricted to sandy habitats in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to a genus and family of beetles specialized for life in loose, sandy substrates.
Neocoelidia beameri
Neocoelidia beameri is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Oman in 1931. It belongs to the subfamily Neocoelidiinae, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species has been recorded from Texas based on distribution data. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or behavior.
Neodusmetia sangwani
Neodusmetia sangwani is a minute encyrtid parasitoid wasp native to India, renowned as one of the most successful classical biological control agents ever deployed. It was introduced to the United States in the 1950s and Brazil in 1967 to combat the Rhodesgrass mealybug (Antonina graminis), a destructive pest of pasture grasses. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: females are wingless, short-lived, and sedentary, while males are winged. Its introduction saved an estimated $17 million annually in turf management costs in Texas alone.
Neolasioptera allioniae
Neolasioptera allioniae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species induces galls on plants in the genus Allionia (Nyctaginaceae). It has been recorded from Colorado to Texas, with its range potentially extending more widely based on the distribution of its host plants. The species was described by Felt in 1911.
Neopsammodius quinqueplicatus
Neopsammodius quinqueplicatus is a species of aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1871. It belongs to the family Scarabaeidae and is part of the Psammodiini tribe, which comprises beetles often associated with sandy habitats. The species occurs in both Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Neopsammodius werneri
Neopsammodius werneri is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It was described by Cartwright in 1955. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with records from the southern United States (Texas) and several Mexican states including Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, as well as Honduras. As a member of the tribe Psammodiini, it is associated with sandy habitats.
Neotettix nullisinus
sinusless pygmy grasshopper
Neotettix nullisinus, known as the sinusless pygmy grasshopper, is a small orthopteran in the family Tetrigidae. The specific epithet "nullisinus" refers to the absence of a sinus (a notch or indentation) in the pronotum, a diagnostic feature of this species. It belongs to a genus of ground-dwelling pygmy grasshoppers characterized by their elongated pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen. The species has been documented in Texas and is considered part of the North American pygmy grasshopper fauna.
Nersia florida
Nersia florida is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, described by Fennah in 1944. It belongs to the tribe Nersiini and is part of the diverse Fulgoroidea superfamily within the order Hemiptera. Distribution records indicate presence in the southeastern United States (Florida, Mississippi, Texas) and Veracruz, Mexico. The species is one of approximately 429 observations recorded on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare but also not among the most commonly encountered planthoppers.
Netrosoma
Netrosoma is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae, first described by Scudder in 1897. Species in this genus are flightless and inhabit aridland scrub environments, particularly in desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are often found sheltering beneath vegetation during extreme heat. The genus has been documented roosting on Sotol (Dasylirion) leaves alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers such as Agroecotettix and Phaulotettix.
Netrosoma fusiformis
Fusiform camel cricket
Netrosoma fusiformis is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The species was described by Scudder in 1897. It is associated with aridland scrub habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico, particularly in the Big Bend region of Texas. The species has been observed sheltering beneath leaves of sotol (Dasylirion) during extreme midday heat alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers.
Neurocolpus johnstoni
Neurocolpus johnstoni is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1934. It belongs to the genus Neurocolpus, a group of mirid bugs found in North America. The species is known from limited collection records in Texas, USA. Like other members of Miridae, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Nicagus
Nicagus is a monogeneric genus of stag beetles (family Lucanidae) comprising three described species: N. japonicus (Japan), N. obscurus (eastern and central North America), and N. occultus (western Texas). The genus represents the tribe Nicagini within subfamily Aesalinae. The discovery of N. occultus in unvegetated sand dunes marked an unexpected range extension and unusual habitat for the family.
Nicrophorus mexicanus
Mexican burying beetle
Nicrophorus mexicanus is a burying beetle in the family Silphidae, described by Matthews in 1888. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and Central America, including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. As a member of the genus Nicrophorus, it exhibits the characteristic behavior of burying small vertebrate carcasses to serve as food for developing larvae.
burying-beetlecarrion-beetleSilphidaeNicrophorinaeMatthews-1888scavengervertebrate-carcassparental-caresouthwestern-United-StatesCentral-AmericaMexicoGuatemalaEl-SalvadorHondurasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoKansasNew-MexicoNevadaTexasUtahIowadecompositioncarrionNicrophorusbeetleColeopterainsectarthropodNoctueliopsis rhodoxanthinalis
Noctueliopsis rhodoxanthinalis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Odontiinae. It was described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1974 based on specimens from Texas. The species is known from very few records and remains poorly documented.
Oberea oculaticollis
Oberea oculaticollis is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is distributed across central North America from Manitoba to Texas. The species is characterized by its dark integument covered with dense, grayish pubescence. An adult was observed on black willow (Salix nigra) in Oklahoma, which may represent the first documented host plant association for this species.
Obolopteryx castanea
Chestnut Short-winged Katydid, Chestnut Short-wing Katydid
Obolopteryx castanea is a phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from Texas and northeastern and Gulf regions of Mexico. Formerly classified under the genus Dichopetala, it was moved to Obolopteryx based on morphological and taxonomic revisions. The common name refers to its chestnut coloration and reduced wing morphology.
Oecanthus texensis
Texas Tree Cricket
Oecanthus texensis is a tree cricket species described in 2013 from Texas. It belongs to a genus known for distinctive courtship behaviors, including male singing and metanotal gland secretions that females feed upon during mating. Like other Oecanthus species, it is likely small, green, and cryptic in vegetation. The species was distinguished from congeners based on morphological and acoustic characteristics.
Oecleus obrieni
Oecleus obrieni is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by O'Brien in 1982. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini, a group of small to medium-sized fulgoroid insects characterized by their association with plant roots. The species is known from Texas, USA. Like other cixiids, it likely has a life cycle involving underground nymphal stages feeding on root xylem, though specific biological details remain undocumented.
Oenobotys texanalis
A small moth in the family Crambidae, described in 1976 from Texas specimens. The specific epithet refers to its Texas type locality. As a member of Pyraustinae, it belongs to a diverse subfamily of grass moths, though its specific biology remains poorly documented.
Ogdoconta altura
Ogdoconta altura is a small noctuid moth described by William Barnes in 1904. It occurs in south-central and southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Adults are active from spring through late summer.
Omorgus inflatus
Omorgus inflatus is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae, described by Loomis in 1922. Members of this genus are commonly known as skin beetles and are associated with decomposing animal matter. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Omorgus nodosus
skin beetle
Omorgus nodosus is a species of skin beetle in the family Trogidae. It has been documented in sandy habitats of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is active nocturnally. The species feeds on dried animal matter, with observations of individuals feeding on dried dog feces. It occurs in association with sand dune ecosystems, where it has been found walking on sand surfaces at night.
Omorgus scutellaris
Omorgus scutellaris is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae. It occurs in the south-central United States and northern Mexico. Like other trogids, it is associated with decomposing animal matter. The species has been documented from sand dune habitats in Texas and is attracted to ultraviolet light.