Texas
Guides
Oncerometopus atriscutis
Oncerometopus atriscutis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1928. The species belongs to the genus Oncerometopus, a group of mirid bugs associated with flowering plants. Observations indicate it occurs on yellow composite flowers in western Texas, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The species name refers to the dark scutellum characteristic of this taxon.
Oncerometopus ruber
Oncerometopus ruber is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Reuter in 1876. It belongs to the suborder Heteroptera (true bugs) within the order Hemiptera. The species has been recorded from Texas, USA, and is part of the North American mirid fauna. Like other members of the Miridae family, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant fluids.
Onthophagus alluvius
Onthophagus alluvius is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Howden and Cartwright in 1963. It is native to the southern United States, particularly Texas, and extends into central and eastern Mexico. The species has been documented using dog dung as a resource. Like other Onthophagus species, it likely engages in tunneling behavior to bury dung for larval development, though specific behavioral details for this species remain limited.
Onthophagus cavernicollis
Cave-dwelling Dung Beetle
Onthophagus cavernicollis is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Howden and Cartwright in 1963. The species epithet "cavernicollis" suggests a possible association with cave or subterranean habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited. Like other members of the genus Onthophagus, it is presumed to be a dung-feeding beetle involved in nutrient recycling. The species has been documented in the south-central United States.
Onthophagus mextexus
Onthophagus mextexus is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Howden and Cartwright in 1970. The species occurs in montane regions of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, USA. As a member of the genus Onthophagus, it is presumed to be a tunneler dung beetle that buries dung for larval development, though specific natural history details remain undocumented. The species was described from specimens collected in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, and Veracruz.
Onthophagus schaefferi
Onthophagus schaefferi is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Howden and Cartwright in 1963. It belongs to the genus Onthophagus, a large and diverse group of dung beetles known for their ecological role in nutrient recycling and their complex sexual selection dynamics involving horned males. The species has been recorded from Texas in the United States and Veracruz in Mexico, placing it within the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic realms. Like other members of its genus, it likely participates in dung burial behavior, though specific details for this species remain limited.
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.
Onychylis texanus
Onychylis texanus is a species of weevil in the family Brachyceridae, described by Burke in 1959. The specific epithet 'texanus' indicates a likely association with Texas. Very little is known about this species; it belongs to a genus of small weevils within the Curculionoidea superfamily. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases, suggesting some uncertainty regarding its status or circumscription.
Ophryastes speciosus
broad-nosed weevil
Ophryastes speciosus is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the subfamily Entiminae and tribe Ophryastini. The species is distributed in southwestern North America, with confirmed records from New Mexico and Texas. As a member of the broad-nosed weevil group, it possesses the characteristic elongated rostrum typical of Curculionidae.
Ora discoidea
marsh beetle
Ora discoidea is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae, described by Champion in 1897. It occurs in Central America and has been recorded in North America from Texas to Florida. The species belongs to a family commonly associated with moist habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ornithodoros turicata
relapsing fever tick
Ornithodoros turicata is a soft tick (family Argasidae) found in the midwestern and southwestern United States. It is the primary vector of Borrelia turicatae, the spirochete agent of tick-borne relapsing fever in humans. The tick has been documented feeding on at least 27 vertebrate host species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It exhibits autogenous reproduction (egg production without a bloodmeal) and transovarial transmission of spirochetes, enabling pathogen maintenance across generations.
Pachybrachis texasensis
Pachybrachis texasensis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Robert J. Barney in 2021. The species is part of the diverse genus Pachybrachis, which contains numerous small, often colorful beetles associated with various host plants. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Pachybrachis turgidicollis
Pachybrachis turgidicollis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been documented in North America, specifically recorded from Arizona and Texas. The species was described by Fall in 1915. Like other members of the genus, it belongs to the tribe Pachybrachini, which are known for their compact bodies and enlarged hind femora.
Pammene medioalbana
Pammene medioalbana is a species of tortrix moth in the family Tortricidae, described by Knudson in 1986. It belongs to the genus Pammene, a group of small moths commonly known as fruitworm moths. The species is part of the subfamily Olethreutinae, which includes many economically significant agricultural pests. Limited published information exists regarding its specific biology and ecology.
Papilio pilumnus
Three-tailed Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio pilumnus, the three-tailed tiger swallowtail, is a species of swallowtail butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is found in Texas, Mexico, and Guatemala. The larvae feed on leaves of Litsea species. As a member of the tiger swallowtail group, it shares the characteristic tail-like extensions on the hindwings with related species.
Paracyrtophyllus
western true katydids
Paracyrtophyllus is a genus of western true katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, established by Caudell in 1906. The genus contains at least two described species: P. excelsus (Chisos katydid) and P. robustus (truncated true katydid). These insects are found in the southwestern United States and northeastern Mexico, with observations concentrated in Texas.
Paraidemona olsoni
Paraidemona olsoni is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Yin & Smith in 1989. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Dactylotini. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from Texas. It has been documented as prey for the parasitoid wasp Prionyx thomae.
Pardalophora saussurei
Saussure's grasshopper
Pardalophora saussurei, or Saussure's grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Texas. As a member of the subfamily Oedipodinae, it shares the characteristic banded hind wings typical of this group.
Pediodectes bruneri
Bruner Shieldback
Pediodectes bruneri, commonly known as the Bruner shieldback, is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Texas. The species is characterized by the typical shield-backed katydid morphology, where the pronotum extends posteriorly to cover much of the abdomen. Information on specific biology and ecology of this species remains limited in the available literature.
Pediodectes tinkhami
Tinkham's Shieldback, Tinkham's shieldback katydid
Pediodectes tinkhami, or Tinkham's shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with records from Texas and northeastern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Pediodectes, it is wingless as an adult, which can make distinguishing adults from nymphs difficult. Species identification within Pediodectes is challenging from photographs alone due to variable color patterns and age-related changes in appearance.
Pediopsoides davisi
Pediopsoides davisi is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Knull in 1940. It belongs to the subfamily Megophthalminae and tribe Pediopsoidini. The genus Pediopsoides comprises small leafhoppers often associated with woody vegetation. Available records indicate this species occurs in Texas.
Peritaxia hispida
broad-nosed weevil
Peritaxia hispida is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by George H. Horn in 1876. The species belongs to the subfamily Entiminae and tribe Byrsopagini. It is known from western North America, with confirmed records from Colorado and Texas.
Petrophila heppneri
Heppner's Petrophila
Petrophila heppneri is a small moth species in the family Crambidae, described in 1983 by André Blanchard and Edward C. Knudson. The species is known from Texas, where it inhabits riparian and aquatic-associated habitats typical of the genus Petrophila. Like other members of this genus, the larvae are presumed to be aquatic and feed on algae. Adults are nocturnal and can be attracted to light. The specific epithet honors Dr. J. B. Heppner, a lepidopterist who contributed significantly to the study of North American microlepidoptera.
Phaedrotettix concinnus
Phaedrotettix concinnus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The genus Phaedrotettix is part of the tribe Melanoplini. Available records indicate occurrence in Texas, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Phalangodidae
Phalangodid Harvestmen
Phalangodidae is a family of small harvestmen in the suborder Laniatores, containing approximately 30 genera and more than 100 described species. Members are characterized by pedipalps armed with prominent spines and body lengths generally under 3 mm. The family is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region, with exceptional diversity in the western Nearctic, particularly California. Several species, especially in the genus Texella, are obligate cave-dwellers exhibiting troglomorphic traits such as depigmentation and reduced eyes.
Phaloesia saucia
Saucy Beauty, Saucy Beauty Moth
Phaloesia saucia, commonly known as the Saucy Beauty, is a moth in the family Erebidae found from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas through tropical regions to Venezuela. This species belongs to the tiger moth lineage within the Arctiinae subfamily. The common name references the species epithet 'saucia,' meaning 'wounded' or 'hurt' in Latin, though the origin of 'Saucy Beauty' as a vernacular name is not documented in available sources.
Phanaeus texensis
Texas Black Phanaeus
Phanaeus texensis is a dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Edmonds in 1994. The species belongs to a genus renowned for its colorful, horned males and ecological role in dung burial. It is found in Texas and adjacent regions of Mexico.
Phaulotettix eurycercus
Sotol Grasshopper
Phaulotettix eurycercus, commonly known as the sotol grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species is found in arid regions of North America, particularly in Texas and northeastern Mexico. It is associated with desert scrub habitats and has been observed using sotol plants (Dasylirion) for shelter and possibly feeding. The species is flightless and belongs to a group of desert grasshoppers adapted to extreme heat conditions.
Phoenicoprocta lydia
Lydia tiger moth
A tiger moth in the subfamily Arctiinae, described by Herbert Druce in 1889. The species occurs in Mexico and southern Texas, with adult flight records limited to October. The genus Phoenicoprocta belongs to the diverse tiger moth group within Erebidae, though specific ecological details for this species remain sparse.
Photinus texanus
Texas Tiny
Photinus texanus is a small firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Green in 1956. As a member of the genus Photinus, it likely exhibits the characteristic bioluminescent courtship flashes typical of this group, though species-specific flash patterns have not been documented in the provided sources. The species is known from North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a connection to Texas. Like other Photinus species, it is presumed to have larvae that are predatory soil-dwellers, but detailed life history studies specific to this species are lacking.
Phydanis
Phydanis is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) containing two described species. The genus was established by Horn in 1889. Species in this genus are uncommonly encountered and poorly documented in the literature. One species, P. bicolor, has been recorded from Texas with a confirmed adult host association, though specific host plants are not detailed in available sources.
Phyllobrotica sororia
Four-spotted Texas Phyllobrotica
Phyllobrotica sororia is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is endemic to Texas, making it one of the most geographically restricted species in the genus Phyllobrotica. Like other members of this genus, it exhibits extreme host plant specialization.
Phyllophaga curialis
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga curialis is a species of scarab beetle in the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species was described by Reinhard in 1939 and is known from Texas in the southern United States. Like other members of this large genus, the larvae are soil-dwelling root feeders while adults feed on foliage and flowers. The genus Phyllophaga contains over 400 species in North America, many of which are economically significant agricultural pests.
Phyllophaga epigaea
Phyllophaga epigaea is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is one of over 400 species in the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species is found in North America, with records from Texas in the United States and Nuevo León in Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is likely nocturnal and associated with soil habitats.
Phyllophaga ignava
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga ignava is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, it shares the typical characteristics of the group including nocturnal adults and root-feeding larvae.
Phyllophaga karlsioei
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga karlsioei is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, one of over 400 species in the genus Phyllophaga found in North America. Like other May beetles, it is likely nocturnal with adults emerging in late spring to early summer. The genus is characterized by larvae that feed on plant roots in soil, earning them the common name 'white grubs.'
Phyllophaga pleroma
Phyllophaga pleroma is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is one of over 400 species in the genus Phyllophaga, a large and taxonomically challenging group of North American scarab beetles commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. The species was described by Reinhard in 1940 and is currently known from Texas. Like other members of the genus, it is likely nocturnal and attracted to lights, with larvae developing as soil-dwelling root-feeders.
Phyllophaga psiloptera
Phyllophaga psiloptera is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Sanderson in 1939. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, a large group of beetles commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species has been documented in Texas, USA, within the Nearctic region. Like other members of Phyllophaga, it is presumed to have a subterranean larval stage and aerial adult stage, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Phyllophaga renodis
Phyllophaga renodis is a species of scarab beetle in the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs. The genus Phyllophaga is one of the most species-rich genera in North America, with over 400 species. Species-level identification within this genus is notoriously difficult and typically requires examination of male and female genitalia. P. renodis is documented from Texas in the Nearctic region. Like other members of the genus, it likely has a subterranean larval stage feeding on plant roots and above-ground adults that feed on foliage.
Phyllophaga rolstoni
Phyllophaga rolstoni is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Riley and Wolfe in 1995. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga (May beetles), it is part of a large and taxonomically challenging group of scarab beetles with over 400 species in North America. The species is known from Texas within the Nearctic region.
Phyllophaga rubricosa
Phyllophaga rubricosa is a species of May beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Reinhard in 1939. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, it is likely a root-feeding scarab beetle with larvae that develop in soil. The species is known from Texas, USA. Information specific to this species is sparse; most knowledge about Phyllophaga rubricosa must be inferred from the genus level.
Phyllophaga scitula
Phyllophaga scitula is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Texas. As a member of the genus Phyllophaga, it belongs to a large group commonly referred to as May beetles or June beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Phyllophaga torta
Phyllophaga torta is a scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the large genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June bugs, which contains over 400 species in North America. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Texas in the United States and several states in northeastern Mexico.
Phyllophaga tusa
Phyllophaga tusa is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1887. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, a large and taxonomically challenging group of North American scarab beetles commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. The species is recorded from the Nearctic region, specifically Texas in the United States. Like other members of its genus, adults are likely nocturnal and attracted to lights, with larvae developing as soil-dwelling root-feeders.
Phylloxera caryaeren
pecan phylloxera, pecan stem phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaeren is a small, soft-bodied, gall-forming insect closely related to aphids that attacks pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). It is considered the most damaging phylloxera species on pecans because it attacks shoots and developing nuts, unlike the pecan leaf phylloxera which only affects foliage. Heavy infestations can reduce current-year yield, impair tree vitality, and reduce production in subsequent years. The insect is sedentary and cannot fly long distances, so infestations spread slowly from tree to tree.
Phytocoris roseipennis
Phytocoris roseipennis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1934. The specific epithet "roseipennis" refers to the pinkish or rosy coloration of the wings. Like other members of the genus Phytocoris, it is primarily a plant-feeding insect with occasional predatory behavior on smaller insects. It is found in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and Texas.
Pinaxister decipiens
clown beetle
Pinaxister decipiens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It occurs in North America, with records from Arizona and Texas. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a group of histerid beetles often associated with social insects, though specific ecological relationships for this species remain poorly documented.
Platynota blanchardi
Platynota blanchardi is a small tortricid moth species described in 2012. It is known only from the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from Arizona and Texas. The species has a wingspan of 19–20 mm. Like other members of the genus Platynota, it is likely a leafroller caterpillar in its larval stage, though specific host plant associations remain undocumented.
Platyomus flexicaulis
Broad-nosed Ebony Weevil
Platyomus flexicaulis is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. The species was described by Schaffer in 1905. It belongs to the tribe Naupactini, a group of primarily New World weevils. Available records indicate it occurs in Texas, though detailed biological information remains sparse.
Poblicia texana
Poblicia texana is a large planthopper in the family Fulgoridae, described by Oman in 1936. The species was formerly placed in the genus Angulapteryx but is now accepted as Poblicia texana. Members of this genus are among the largest North American planthoppers, combining the hopping capabilities of smaller planthoppers with body size approaching that of small cicadas. The genus Poblicia includes only two species known to occur as far north as Missouri, with P. texana representing the western component of the genus' distribution.