Thorn-scrub
Guides
Agroecotettix modestus
Modest Aridland Scrub Jumper
Agroecotettix modestus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Bruner in 1908. It belongs to a genus of aridland scrub grasshoppers found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with desert and semi-arid environments, particularly in Texas and northeastern Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to hot, dry conditions and exhibits behaviors such as seeking shade during extreme heat.
Cymatodera aegra-complex
checkered beetle
The Cymatodera aegra-complex comprises a group of checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, subfamily Tillinae. These beetles are known from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where they have been collected in association with desert thorn-scrub vegetation. Members of this complex are morphologically similar and may represent a cryptic species assemblage requiring further taxonomic study.
Gyascutus caelatus
Gyascutus caelatus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Field observations from Arizona indicate adults are active during summer months and are associated with Acacia species, particularly sweet acacia (Acacia rigidula).
Stenaspis solitaria
Stenaspis solitaria is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it has been collected from various woody hosts including Acacia species and Baccharis sarothroides. Field observations indicate adults are active during summer months, particularly July and August, and are often found by beating vegetation or sweeping flowering plants.
Strymon alea
Lacey's Scrub-Hairstreak, Alea Hairstreak
Strymon alea is a small hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, first described by Godman and Salvin in 1887. It ranges from northwestern Costa Rica through Mexico to central and southern Texas, occupying subtropical thorn scrub habitat. The species has a wingspan of 19–29 mm. Adults feed on flower nectar, while larvae feed specifically on Bernardia myricaefolia buds and flowers.