Tropical
Guides
Hieroxestinae
Hieroxestinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Tineidae, comprising approximately 275 valid species across six genera. The group shows notable biogeographic patterns, with significant radiations of Opogona and Amphixystis on Indian Ocean islands and a distinct radiation of Opogona on St Helena in the South Atlantic. The subfamily is predominantly tropical in distribution and depauperate in the Americas.
Hodebertia testalis
Incolorous Pearl
Hodebertia testalis, known as the Incolorous Pearl, is a small crambid moth found primarily in tropical regions with occasional vagrant records reaching parts of Europe. It is the sole species in its genus, making Hodebertia monotypic. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1794 and has undergone taxonomic reclassification, with some sources placing it in the genus Pyrausta.
Hyblaeoidea
Teak Moths
Hyblaeoidea is a small superfamily of moths in the order Lepidoptera, containing a single family Hyblaeidae with two genera (Hyblaea and Erythrochrus) and approximately 20 species. The superfamily has an uncertain phylogenetic position within the group Obtectomera, sometimes placed near Pyraloidea. Members are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus Hyblaea includes significant forest pests, notably Hyblaea puera, the teak defoliator.
Hyboptera auxiliadora
Auxiliadora's humped-wing carabid beetle
Hyboptera auxiliadora is a species of ground beetle described by Erwin in 2004. It belongs to the genus Hyboptera, which is characterized by humped-wing morphology. The species occurs in Central America and parts of North America, with confirmed records from Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama. It is a member of the subfamily Lebiinae within the family Carabidae.
Hybosoridae
scavenger scarab beetles, scavenger and pill scarab beetles
Hybosoridae is a family of scarabaeiform beetles comprising over 600 species in 78 extant genera. Members are small (5–7 mm), oval beetles with distinctive antennae bearing a deeply grooved 8th antennomere that houses the 9th and 10th segments. The family was historically recognized as distinct based on unique larval characteristics, particularly the stridulatory behavior of rubbing front legs against the epipharynx margin. Formerly, the family Ceratocanthidae was merged into Hybosoridae, expanding its constituency.
Hydrobiomorpha
Hydrobiomorpha is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, established by Blackburn in 1888. The genus contains 56 extant described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, with additional fossil species known from the Cenozoic. Members are aquatic beetles associated with freshwater habitats.
Hypothenemus
Hypothenemus is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae containing more than 200 described species. The genus is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with reduced representation in temperate areas of eastern North America and eastern Asia. Members are minute beetles, ranging from 0.6 mm to 2.2 mm in length, with males consistently smaller than females. The genus includes several economically significant species, most notably H. hampei (coffee berry borer), which is considered the most destructive insect pest of coffee globally.
Jacobsoniidae
Jacobson's beetles
Jacobsoniidae is a small family of minute beetles within the superfamily Staphylinoidea, comprising three extant genera (Derolathrus, Sarothrias, Saphophagus) and approximately 28 described species. Adults and larvae inhabit cryptic microhabitats including leaf litter, rotting wood, fungal fruiting bodies, bat guano, and caves. The family exhibits remarkable morphological stasis since the Cretaceous, with fossil records from Cretaceous amber of Myanmar and France, Eocene Baltic amber, and Holocene copal. Members are among the smallest beetles, measuring 0.7–2.1 mm, and are exceptionally rare in collections.
Larra
Mole Cricket Hunters
Larra is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as mole cricket hunters. These wasps are distributed throughout tropical regions worldwide and have gained prominence as biological control agents for mole cricket pests. The genus was established by Fabricius in 1793 and belongs to the subfamily Crabroninae within the tribe Larrini.
Lascoria orneodalis
Enigmatic Owlet
Lascoria orneodalis is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae. It occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species is known to feed on Lycopersicon (nightshades) during its larval stage. It has been documented across North America and Caribbean regions including Jamaica.
Lathrotelinae
Spotted-costa Crambid Snout Moths
Lathrotelinae is a small subfamily of crambid moths comprising approximately 54 species in six genera, distributed mainly in tropical regions. The subfamily was established by Clarke in 1971 but remained classified within Spilomelinae until phylogenetic studies in the mid-2010s demonstrated its distinctiveness. Larvae are root-feeders on monocotyledonous plants, with some species causing economic damage to cultivated palms and sugarcane.
Lepadidae
Goose Barnacles
A family of pedunculate (stalked) barnacles established by Charles Darwin in 1852, commonly known as goose barnacles. Comprises approximately five genera and over 20 described species. Members are exclusively marine, with worldwide distribution in warm temperate and tropical seas. The family includes the well-known genus Lepas (goose barnacles) and Conchoderma (whale barnacles).
Leptocircini
Kite Swallowtails, Swordtails, and Jays
Leptocircini is a tribe of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae) comprising approximately 162 species across nine genera. The group includes the kite swallowtails (Eurytides), swordtails (Graphium), and dragontails (Lamproptera). This tribe represents roughly 25% of global swallowtail diversity and is distributed throughout the tropics of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. Recent phylogenomic studies have clarified previously unresolved relationships within the tribe, leading to significant taxonomic revisions including the synonymization of several genera and subgenera.
Leptogenys
Razorjaw Ants
Leptogenys is the most diverse genus in the ant subfamily Ponerinae, with over 260 described species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus exhibits remarkable morphological and behavioral diversity, ranging from large-eyed epigaeic species that forage above ground to small-eyed cryptobiotic species inhabiting soil and leaf litter. Many species possess distinctive falcate, bowed mandibles and specialize on isopod prey. Most species have ergatoid (worker-like) queens rather than typical winged queens.
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.
Coreidaeleaf-footed-bugagricultural-pestinvasive-speciessymbiosissexual-dimorphismconifer-pestnuisance-pestBurkholderiatachinid-parasitoidpheromone-communicationbuilding-invadermisidentificationTriatoma-look-alikegradual-metamorphosisseed-predatorforest-pestornamental-pestplumbing-damagepublic-health-confusionChileEuropeNorth-AmericaSouth-AmericaAsiaTurkeyalmond-pestcitrus-pesttomato-pestcorn-pestoverwintering-aggregationdefensive-secretionpheromone-mediated-parasitismegg-parasitoidbiological-controlecological-niche-modelingclimate-suitabilityrange-expansionintroductionaccidental-dispersalseed-orchard-pestgermination-reductionempty-seed-formationcone-damagelodgepole-pineDouglas-firwestern-conifer-seed-bugL.-occidentalisL.-zonatusL.-phyllopusL.-clypealisL.-australisL.-chilensisL.-oppositusmale-combatfemoral-weaponabdominal-glandpheromone-glandtibial-dilationleaf-like-hind-legtrue-bugHemipteraHeteropteraPentatomomorphaAnisosceliniphytophagousplant-feedingstylet-feedingsalivary-sheathoverwinteringdiapausebuilding-entrystructural-pestnuisance-odorflight-sounddroning-flightaggregation-behaviormale-pheromonefemale-choiceparasitoid-hostbiological-control-agentintegrated-pest-managementmonitoringearly-detectionpreventioninvasion-biologyalien-speciesnon-native-pestglobal-spreadclimate-changeniche-modelingsuitable-habitatestablishment-riskquarantinephytosanitaryforest-healthseed-productionreforestationafforestationconifer-forestrypine-seedseed-viabilityeconomic-impactcrop-lossyield-reductionkernel-damagefruit-damagenut-damagevector-of-diseaseChagas-diseasekissing-bugpublic-alarmmisinformationeducationidentification-toolshealth-system-burdenpesticide-overuseurban-ecologydomiciliaryperidomiciliaryAndean-regionPatagoniaMediterraneantemperatesubtropicaltropicalagroecosystemnatural-enemypredatorparasitepathogensymbiontgut-microbiomesoil-ingestionfitness-benefitreproductive-successsperm-morphologytesticular-morphologyaccessory-glandpheromone-blendspecies-specific-odorcherry-scentvanilla-scentcinnamon-scentrose-scentolfactory-communicationmate-locationmate-recognitionsexual-selectionmale-male-competitionweapon-morphologyallometrydevelopmental-plasticitynymphal-instaregg-barrelegg-arrangementlinear-ovipositionleaf-surfaceplant-tissuestylet-penetrationenzymatic-digestionfluid-feedingphloem-feedingxylem-feedingseed-feedingcone-feedingfruit-feedingkernel-feedingnut-feedingcrop-feedinghost-plant-rangepolyphagyoligophagyspecialistgeneralistpest-statusdamage-thresholdeconomic-injury-levelmanagement-strategycultural-controlphysical-controlchemical-controlresistancetolerancehost-plant-resistancemonitoring-traplight-trappopulation-densitydistribution-mapspread-ratecolonizationestablishmentpopulation-dynamicslife-tabledevelopmental-ratethermal-requirementsdegree-daysphenologyvoltinismunivoltinebivoltinemultivoltinegeneration-timeoverwintering-sitehibernaculumshelter-seekingcold-hardinessfreeze-tolerancesupercoolingwater-relationsdesiccation-resistancestarvation-resistancedispersal-abilityflight-capacitywalking-behaviorclimbing-behavioraggregation-pheromonealarm-pheromonestink-glandmetathoracic-glanddorsoabdominal-glandventral-abdominal-glandsexual-glandmorphological-defensechemical-defensemechanical-defenseautotomyleg-losspredation-riskparasitism-riskparasitoid-riskpathogen-riskcompetitionintraspecificinterspecificresource-competitionmating-competitionsperm-competitioncryptic-female-choicereproductive-isolationspeciationphylogenysystematicstaxonomymorphologyanatomyhistologyultrastructurespermatogenesisspermatozoasperm-lengthnuclear-lengthcyst-productionfollicle-numbertestis-structurereproductive-anatomygenitaliamating-behaviorcopulationinseminationovipositionegg-productionfecundityfertilityhatching-successnymphal-survivaladult-longevitysex-ratiooperational-sex-ratiopopulation-sex-ratioeffective-population-sizegenetic-diversitygene-flowpopulation-structurephylogeographybiogeographyhistorical-biogeographyvicariancedispersalrange-shiftrange-contractionaltitudinal-distributionlatitudinal-distributionlongitudinal-distributionisland-distributioncontinental-distributionendemismcosmopolitanismintroduced-rangenative-rangesource-populationfounder-populationinvasion-frontlag-phaseestablishment-phasespread-phaseequilibrium-phaseimpact-assessmentrisk-assessmenthorizon-scanningearly-warningrapid-responseeradicationcontainmentcontrolmanagementadaptationmitigationrestorationconservationbiodiversityecosystem-serviceecosystem-functionfood-webtrophic-levelprimary-consumerherbivorefruit-predatorplant-animal-interactionmutualismantagonismpredationparasitismcommensalismamensalismfacilitationindirect-interactiontrait-mediated-interactiondensity-mediated-interactionbehavioral-ecologyevolutionary-ecologyfunctional-ecologyphysiological-ecologypopulation-ecologycommunity-ecologyecosystem-ecologylandscape-ecologymacroecologyglobal-ecologyapplied-ecologyagricultural-ecologyforest-ecologyconservation-biologyinvasion-ecologyrestoration-ecologypest-managementconservation-biological-controlaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlparasitoidnematodefungusbacteriumvirusentomopathogenmicrobial-controlsterile-insect-techniquegenetic-controlmating-disruptionattract-and-killpush-pulltrap-cropborder-croprefugehabitat-managementcultural-practicecrop-rotationtillageirrigationfertilizationpruningharvest-timingsanitationresidue-managementweed-managementcover-cropcompanion-plantingintercroppingagroforestrysilvicultureforest-managementseed-orchard-managementcone-collectionseed-extractionseed-testinggermination-testingseed-qualityseed-vigorempty-seedinsect-damageinsect-injuryfeeding-scarpuncturestylet-sheathsalivary-flangesymptomsigndiagnosissamplingeconomic-thresholddecision-supportexpert-systemmodelingsimulationforecastingclimate-modelniche-modelspecies-distribution-modelhabitat-suitabilityrisk-mappinginvasion-pathwayintroduction-vectortradetransporttourismmigrationnatural-dispersalhuman-mediated-dispersalaccidental-introductionintentional-introductionreleaseescapecultivationornamentalforestryagriculturehorticultureurbanizationglobalizationland-use-changehabitat-fragmentationhabitat-lossdegradationpollutionpesticidefertilizernutrient-enrichmenteutrophicationacidificationwarmingdroughtextreme-eventdisturbancesuccessionrecoveryresiliencestabilityvariabilityuncertaintysustainable-developmentgreen-economycircular-economybioeconomyecosystem-approachone-healthplanetary-healthenvironmental-healthpublic-healthveterinary-healthplant-healthfood-securitynutritionlivelihoodpovertyinequalitygenderindigenous-knowledgetraditional-knowledgelocal-knowledgecitizen-sciencestakeholder-engagementpolicygovernanceregulationlegislationinternational-cooperationcapacity-buildingawarenesscommunicationoutreachextensionadvisory-serviceresearchinnovationtechnology-transferknowledge-exchangenetworkingpartnershipcollaborationevaluationevidence-based-policyscience-policy-interfacediplomacyadvocacyactivismsocial-movementenvironmental-justiceenvironmental-ethicsenvironmental-philosophyenvironmental-humanitiesenvironmental-historyenvironmental-literatureenvironmental-artenvironmental-educationenvironmental-communicationscience-communicationrisk-communicationcrisis-communicationhealth-communicationbehavior-changepro-environmental-behaviorsustainable-behaviorconsumptionproductionwasterecyclingreusereductionefficiencyrenewablecleangreenbluenaturalorganicagroecologypermacultureregenerativerestorativehealingtransformativetransdisciplinaryinterdisciplinarymultidisciplinarycross-disciplinarydisciplinarydisciplinary-integrationknowledge-integrationsystem-thinkingcomplexityemergencenon-linearityfeedbacktipping-pointregime-shiftalternative-stable-stateresilience-thinkingadaptive-managementadaptive-governancelearningreflectionparticipationinclusionequityjusticefairnessethicsvaluesnormscultureidentityplacesense-of-placeattachmentwell-beingquality-of-lifehappinessflourishingthrivingsustainabilitysustainabledevelopmentgrowthdegrowthpost-growthsteady-statecirculardoughnut-economicsplanetary-boundariessafe-operating-spacetipping-elementscritical-transitionearly-warning-signalresilience-indicatorsustainability-indicatorbenchmarktargetgoalcommitmentpledgeagreementtreatyconventionprotocolframeworkstrategyplanprogramprojectinitiativecampaignmovementcoalitionalliancenetworkplatformhubcenterinstituteorganizationassociationsocietyunionfederationconfederationfoundationtrustfundbankfacilitymechanisminstrumenttoolmethodapproachtechniqueprocedureprocesssystemstructureinstitutionadministrationoperationservicedeliveryprovisionsupplydemandmarketeconomyfinanceinvestmentfundingfinancingresourcecapitalassetliabilityincomeexpenditurerevenuecostbenefitprofitlossreturnyieldoutcomeoutputinputthroughputproductivityeffectivenessperformancequalitystandardcriterionindicatormetricmeasureassessmentappraisalreviewauditverificationvalidationcertificationaccreditationrecognitionawardprizehonordistinctionexcellencebest-practicelesson-learnedexperienceexpertisecompetencecapacitycapabilityskillknowledgeinformationdataevidencesciencediscoveryinventioncreationdesigntestingpilotingscalingmainstreaminguptakeadoptiondiffusiondisseminationpublicationreportingdocumentationarchivingpreservationrehabilitationreconstructionreplicationduplicationbackupsecuritysafetyprotectionsafeguardinginsurancerisk-managementemergency-preparednessresponsereliefhumanitarianpeaceprosperityhealthemploymenthousinginfrastructureenergywaterfoodfisheryaquacultureminingmanufacturingindustrycommercerecreationheritagenatureecosystemenvironmentclimateatmosphereoceanfreshwaterlandsoilmineralbiotaflorafaunamicroorganismfungiplantanimalvertebrateinvertebratearthropodinsectbugHemipteranHeteropteranpentatomomorphancoreoidcoreidsquash-bugboxelder-bugstink-bugshield-bugplant-bugmiridlygaeidseed-bugbroad-headed-bugalydidreduviidassassin-bugtriatominebed-bugcimicidwater-bugnepomorphangerromorphanleptopodomorphanenicocephalomorphandipsocoromorphanceratocomboidschizopteroidpeloridioidcoleorrhynchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLeptotes 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.
Lithoseopsis
barklice
Lithoseopsis is a genus of tropical barklice in the family Amphientomidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus was established by Mockford in 1993 and is primarily distributed in tropical regions of the Americas. A 2018 study described the first South American species from Brazil, expanding the known range beyond Central America and the Caribbean. Species are distinguished by forewing pigmentation patterns and details of the spermapore sclerite.
Littorophiloscia
Littorophiloscia is a genus of terrestrial isopods (woodlice) established by Hatch in 1947, containing at least 20 described species. The genus belongs to the family Halophilosciidae (sometimes referenced as Philosciidae in older sources). Species in this genus have been documented as hosts for trichomycete fungi in their hindguts. The genus shows a tropical distribution pattern, with documented occurrences in the Caribbean region.
Mansoniini
Mansoniini is a tribe of mosquitoes comprising approximately 83 species in two genera: Mansonia (25 species) and Coquillettidia (58 species). Members exhibit unique larval biology, using aquatic plants as respiratory substrates rather than surfacing directly for air. Adults display preferentially crepuscular and nocturnal hematophagic activity. Several species have been implicated as vectors for arboviruses including Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and Mayaro virus. The tribe shows strong sensitivity to seasonal meteorological variation, with temperature and precipitation directly influencing population dynamics.
Massala
Massala is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae. It was established by Francis Walker in 1865. Species in this genus are distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. The genus is part of the diverse erebid moth fauna and is characterized by features typical of calpine moths.
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.
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.
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.
Melanis
Melanis is a genus of butterflies in the family Riodinidae, restricted to the Neotropical realm. The genus was established by Hübner in 1819 and contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Central and South America, with highest diversity in Brazil. Species within this genus exhibit variation in wing patterns and are typically found in tropical and subtropical forest habitats.
Melipotis januaris
January melipotis moth, January Graphic
Melipotis januaris is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It exhibits a broad New World distribution spanning the Caribbean, Florida, and from Mexico to Paraguay. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. The larvae are known to feed on Inga laurina.
Miagrammopes
Miagrammopes is a genus of cribellate orb-weaving spiders in the family Uloboridae, first described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1870. These spiders are distinguished by their reduced eye complement—retaining only four of the original eight eyes—and their highly modified web-building behavior. Rather than constructing traditional orb webs, they spin single horizontal threads with viscid capture silk, employing a unique hunting strategy of maintaining tension and releasing the line with a snap to entangle prey. The genus currently includes 71 recognized species and is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions.
Minthea
tropical powderpost beetles
Minthea is a genus of tropical powderpost beetles in the family Bostrichidae, established by Pascoe in 1863. The genus comprises approximately eight described species distributed in tropical regions. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles that infest dry wood, contributing to their classification as powderpost beetles alongside related genera in the subfamily Lyctinae.
Murricia uva
Murricia uva is a species of hersiliid spider described by Foord in 2008. It belongs to the family Hersiliidae, commonly known as tree trunk spiders, recognized for their elongated spinnerets and cryptic bark-dwelling habits. The species is documented from Central Africa, with confirmed records spanning Cameroon to Uganda. Like other hersiliids, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic morphology and behavior, though species-specific details remain limited.
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.
Nagurus
Nagurus is a genus of terrestrial isopods in the family Trachelipodidae, established by Holthuis in 1949. These woodlice are found in tropical and subtropical regions, with records from northern Europe and Southeast Asia suggesting either introduced populations or broader native distribution than currently documented. The genus comprises small to medium-sized isopods adapted to life on land.
Nanopsocus
Nanopsocus is a genus of thick barklice in the family Pachytroctidae, established by Pearman in 1928. The genus comprises five described species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with records from Malaysia and oceanic islands. Members of this genus are small, cryptic insects associated with bark and decaying plant material. Like other Pachytroctidae, they are part of the diverse psocopteran fauna that inhabits forest microhabitats.
Nasutitermitinae
Nasute Termites
Nasutitermitinae is a subfamily of higher termites within Termitidae, comprising 81 genera and approximately 605 species with near-cosmopolitan distribution. The subfamily is distinguished by a highly derived soldier caste bearing vestigial mandibles and a prominent fontanellar process (the nasus) used to project chemical defenses. Notable genera include Nasutitermes, Hospitalitermes, and Constrictotermes, the latter two recognized for forming conspicuous above-ground foraging trails.
Neoconocephalus triops
Broad-tipped Conehead
Neoconocephalus triops, commonly known as the broad-tipped conehead, is a large katydid species in the family Tettigoniidae. It has a wide geographic distribution spanning from Peru to Ohio, USA, including the Caribbean and North America. Females use male pulse rate and call structure for mate recognition, with documented geographic variation in signal preferences between populations. Puerto Rican females show high selectivity for pulse rate but not call structure, while Costa Rican females prefer versed calls and show temperature-dependent selectivity for pulse rate.
Neogoveidae
Neogoveid Harvestmen
Neogoveidae is a family of small, eyeless harvestmen (Cyphophthalmi) distributed across tropical regions of West Africa and the Neotropics. Members range from 1 to 4.5 mm in body length and exhibit distinctive morphological features including a heavily granulated dorsal scutum, laterally projecting ozophores, and variable adenostyle morphology. The family shows substantial undescribed diversity, with many species awaiting formal description.
Neolepolepis
Neolepolepis is a genus of scaly-winged barklice in the family Lepidopsocidae, established by Mockford in 1993. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across the Caribbean and Central America. Members of this genus are characterized by their scale-covered wings, a defining trait of the family Lepidopsocidae. These insects are part of the order Psocodea, which includes barklice, booklice, and parasitic lice.
Neotermes
Neotermes is a genus of drywood termites in the family Kalotermitidae, established by Nils Holmgren in 1911. Species are obligate wood-nesters that inhabit dead wood, including branches of living trees. The genus includes over 100 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Some species exhibit facultative parthenogenesis, though they lack the asexual queen succession system found in other parthenogenetic termites. Neotermes castaneus is the type species.
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.
Ochrostomus
Ochrostomus is a genus of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae, established by Carl Stål in 1874. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Lygaeinae and are characterized by their relatively small to medium size and association with seed-feeding habits typical of the family. The genus is primarily distributed in the Old World tropics and subtropics. As with many lygaeid genera, species-level taxonomy remains partially unresolved, and ecological data for most species are limited.
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.
Oncopodura
Oncopodura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Oncopoduridae, established by Carl & Lebedinsky in 1905. The genus contains multiple species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including Amazonia, the Andes, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. At least one species, O. moghanensis, has been described from subterranean cave habitats in Iran. Species in this genus exhibit distinctive morphological features of the postantennal organ (PAO) and furca that serve as key diagnostic characters.
Operclipygus
Operclipygus is a genus of hister beetles (family Histeridae) containing approximately 177 described species. The genus name refers to the clamshell-like appearance of the pygidium (rear end). A 2013 systematic revision by Caterino and Tishechkin described 138 new species from Central and South America, increasing the genus size more than sixfold. These beetles are small, round, and predominantly black, with ecological importance as predators of insect larvae.
Ophisma
Ophisma is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus contains approximately 21 described species distributed primarily in tropical regions of the Americas. Many species were described in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by authors including Guenée, Walker, Schaus, and Hampson.
Ophisma tropicalis
Ophisma tropicalis is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from the southern United States to Uruguay. The species has been recorded on numerous Caribbean islands and throughout mainland South America. Larvae feed on Cupania americana, a member of the soapberry family.
Opilioacaroidea
mite harvestmen, opilioacarid mites
Opilioacaroidea is a small superfamily of arachnids comprising the single family Opilioacaridae, with approximately 25 described species. These organisms represent a phylogenetically significant group, often considered the most primitive living mites due to their retention of ancestral chelicerate characteristics. They occupy an intermediate position between mites and harvestmen (Opiliones), exhibiting morphological features of both groups. Their restricted distribution and specialized habitat requirements make them among the least studied arachnids.
Opogona
fungus moths
Opogona is a genus of fungus moths in the family Tineidae, representing the type genus of subfamily Hieroxestinae. The genus is most diverse in tropical regions, with approximately 30 species known from Australia alone. Some species have been introduced outside their native ranges, including the banana moth (O. sacchari) and O. omoscopa in Europe. The genus exhibits exceptional radiation on St Helena Island in the South Atlantic, where 41 species occur, 31 of them endemic.
Opogona sacchari
banana moth, sugar-cane moth
Opogona sacchari is a tineid moth native to humid tropical and subtropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands. It has become established in glasshouses and tropical agriculture worldwide, causing damage to bananas, pineapples, sugarcane, and numerous ornamental plants. The species exhibits thermal sensitivity, with development optimal at 25°C and complete mortality above 30°C.
Orchestina
goblin spiders
Orchestina is a species-rich genus of tiny goblin spiders (family Oonopidae) containing over 180 extant species. Members measure 1.0–3.0 mm in body length and possess an enlarged fourth femur enabling jumping. The genus exhibits a nearly global distribution in the Northern Hemisphere south of 45°N, with highest diversity in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. First described by Eugène Simon in 1882.
Orthocentrinae
Orthocentrinae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Ichneumonidae. The group is among the least-studied ichneumonid subfamilies despite representing a major component of tropical faunas. At least 29 genera are recognized, with substantial undescribed diversity in the Neotropics. Recent surveys in Brazil and Mexico have revealed species richness far exceeding previous estimates.
Orthomorpha
Orthomorpha is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Paradoxosomatidae, comprising approximately 50 species native to Southeast Asia. Adults possess 20 body segments and range from 15–50 mm in length, with prominent lateral keels (paranota) that often display bright coloration. The genus includes both endemic tropical species and at least one species, O. coarctata, that has been widely introduced by humans to tropical regions worldwide. Several species are commonly found in human-modified environments including greenhouses and heated buildings.
Pachytroctes
Pachytroctes is a genus of small, wingless insects in the family Pachytroctidae, order Psocodea. Members of this genus are part of a group formerly known as booklice, now classified within Psocodea alongside barklice and parasitic lice. The genus was established by Enderlein in 1904 and has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia.