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Ribautiana unca
Ribautiana unca is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It was originally described as Typhlocyba unca by McAtee in 1926 and later transferred to the genus Ribautiana. The species is documented from scattered localities across the United States. As a member of the Typhlocybinae, it belongs to a group of small, often greenish leafhoppers that feed on plant vascular tissues.
Robertus pumilus
Robertus pumilus is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States. The species was described by James Henry Emerton in 1909.
Rugosana manua
Rugosana manua is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. It belongs to the tribe Gyponini within the subfamily Iassinae. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, and Utah. As with other members of the genus Rugosana, it is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Sableta infulata
Sableta infulata is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, described by Casey in 1910. It belongs to the tribe Athetini, a large group of small to medium-sized aleocharine rove beetles. The species is known from scattered records across the eastern and central United States.
Sanctanus cruciatus
Sanctanus cruciatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Osborn in 1911. As a member of the subfamily Deltocephalinae, it belongs to one of the most diverse groups of leafhoppers. The species has been documented in multiple U.S. states in the eastern and southeastern regions. Like other leafhoppers, it feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The specific epithet "cruciatus" may refer to markings resembling a cross, though this has not been explicitly documented in available sources.
Saperda fayi
Thorn-limb Borer
Saperda fayi is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Bland in 1863. It belongs to the genus Saperda, a group of medium-sized cerambycids commonly associated with woody plants. The species is known from Canada and the United States, with records from New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec in Canada. Two infraspecific varieties have been described: var. shoemakeri and var. immaculipennis. As a member of the Lamiinae subfamily, it likely develops as a larva in living or recently dead woody tissue.
Satyrium favonius
Oak Hairstreak, Southern Hairstreak
Satyrium favonius, commonly known as the Oak Hairstreak or Southern Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae with a wingspan of 22–38 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, from southern New England and the Atlantic Coast south to peninsular Florida and west to central Illinois, southeastern Colorado, and the Gulf Coast. The larvae feed on Quercus (oak) species, consuming leaves, buds, and male catkins. The species overwinters as an egg.
Sayiana sayi
Sayiana sayi is a species of planthopper in the family Derbidae, first described by Ball in 1902 under the name Anotia sayi. It belongs to the tribe Otiocerini within the subfamily Otiocerinae. The species is recorded from several states in the eastern and central United States. As a member of Fulgoromorpha, it shares the characteristic morphology of planthoppers, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Scaphinotus snowi snowi
Scaphinotus snowi snowi is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species Scaphinotus snowi is closely related to other members of the genus Scaphinotus, which are specialized predators. Based on records of the nominate species, adults are associated with the host plant Robinia (black locust) and are active during fall. The subspecies is recorded from the United States.
Scaphytopius triangularis
Scaphytopius triangularis is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1945. It belongs to the tribe Scaphytopiini, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features including enlarged heads. The species has been documented in multiple states across the southeastern and midwestern United States.
Scardia anatomella
Pied Scardia
Scardia anatomella is a small moth in the family Tineidae, commonly known as the Pied Scardia. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881 from specimens collected in the northeastern United States. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to feed on fungi and decaying organic matter. Records indicate it is a regional endemic with limited distribution in the northeastern United States.
Schizax senex
Schizax senex is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) and the sole member of the monotypic genus Schizax. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. Based on distribution records, it occurs in the United States.
Scolops viridis
Green Dictyopharid Planthopper
Scolops viridis is a planthopper species in the family Dictyopharidae, first described by Ball in 1902. It belongs to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group known for their distinctive head structures and jumping abilities. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States including Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. As a member of the Dictyopharidae, it shares family-level characteristics of having an elongated, often enlarged head structure.
Scoparia normalis
Scoparia normalis is a small crambid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904. It is known from a disjunct distribution across the western United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah) with an isolated eastern record from North Carolina. Adults are active during summer months, with flight records from July through September. The species has a wingspan of approximately 26 mm and exhibits distinctive gray forewings with complex black patterning.
Scopula cacuminaria
Frosted Tan Wave
Scopula cacuminaria, commonly known as the frosted tan wave, is a small geometrid moth described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1874. Adults have a wingspan of 18–23 mm and are active in July in Alberta, Canada. The species occurs across southern Canada from the Maritimes to southern British Columbia, extending south to Texas.
Selenophorus breviusculus
Selenophorus breviusculus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1880. It belongs to the genus Selenophorus, a group of nocturnal, soil-dwelling beetles commonly known as false bombardier beetles. The species is recorded from the United States.
Selonodon
A genus of click beetles in the family Cebrionidae, comprising 25 recognized species distributed primarily in the southern United States. The genus exhibits a trend of phyletic size increase and has been organized into six species groups based on cladistic analysis. Most species were described in a 1995 revision that provided detailed taxonomic diagnoses and geographic data.
Selonodon ferrugineus
Selonodon ferrugineus is a species of click beetle in the family Cebrionidae, described as new to science from Georgia, United States. It was formally recognized in a 2004 revision of the genus Selonodon that described 17 new species from the southern United States. The species epithet 'ferrugineus' (rust-colored) likely refers to its coloration. Like other cebrionids, adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Serica aspera
Serica aspera is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Dawson in 1921. It belongs to the genus Serica, a large and taxonomically challenging group of chafers commonly known as May beetles or June beetles. Adults are distinguished from close relatives by subtle morphological differences, particularly in antennal structure. The species has a restricted distribution in the southeastern United States.
Serica campestris
Serica campestris is a small scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Dawson in 1919. Adults measure approximately 8.5 mm in length and are characterized by their very dark mahogany coloration with a bare, polished, and shining upper surface that lacks any sericeous or pruinose luster. The species is known from a limited distribution in the central United States.
Serica mystaca
Serica mystaca is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Dawson in 1922. It is distributed across a broad swath of the eastern and central United States, from New England south to the Gulf Coast and west to the Great Plains. Adults are distinguished from the closely related Serica parallela by their larger, more robust build, darker coloration, and more pronounced iridescence.
Serica opposita
Serica opposita is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Dawson in 1921. Adults reach approximately 8 mm in length and are very similar in appearance to the congeneric species Serica spicula, though slightly larger. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States.
Serranillus
Serranillus is a genus of small ground beetles in the family Carabidae. The genus was established by Barr in 1995 and contains three described species, all endemic to the United States. These beetles belong to the subtribe Anillina, a group characterized by reduced eyes and elongate bodies adapted to subterranean or soil-dwelling habits. The genus is relatively poorly known, with limited ecological and biological data published.
Shellenius
Shellenius is a small genus of planthoppers in the family Derbidae, subfamily Otiocerinae, tribe Otiocerini. The genus was established by Ball in 1928 and contains species distributed in the eastern United States and Mesoamerica. At least one species has been documented in association with palms in Costa Rica. A recent taxonomic revision transferred Otiocerus interruptus Fowler to this genus as Shellenius interruptus.
Sikaiana harti
Sikaiana harti is a species of derbid planthopper in the family Derbidae, originally described as Euklastus harti by Metcalf in 1923. The species is part of the tribe Sikaianini within the subfamily Otiocerinae. As a derbid planthopper, it belongs to a group of true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by their distinctive wing morphology and plant-feeding habits.
Silvius abdominalis
Silvius abdominalis is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Philip in 1954. The species is classified within the subgenus Griseosilvius of the genus Silvius. Like other deer flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar. The species is known from the United States.
Silvius pollinosus
horse fly, deer fly
Silvius pollinosus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Williston in 1880. It belongs to the subfamily Chrysopsinae and is classified within the genus Silvius. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology remain limited.
Solenopsis molesta
thief ant, grease ant
Solenopsis molesta is a small myrmicine ant known for its habit of nesting near other ant colonies and stealing their food and brood, earning it the common name 'thief ant.' Workers are tiny (0.5–3 mm), yellow to pale brown, with reduced eyes and a two-segmented petiole. The species is native to the United States and northern Mexico, where it occupies diverse habitats from soil and rotting logs to human dwellings. Colonies range from a few hundred to a few thousand workers and may be polygynous. Nuptial flights occur from late July through early fall. The species is attracted to grease and protein sources rather than sweets, making it a distinctive household pest that is difficult to control due to its small size and inaccessible nesting sites.
Sonia paraplesiana
Hebrew Sonia Moth
Sonia paraplesiana is a small tortricid moth species described by Blanchard in 1979. It is commonly known as the Hebrew Sonia moth. The species has a wingspan of approximately 14 mm and occurs across the eastern and southeastern United States.
Sosippus mimus
funnel-web wolf spider
Sosippus mimus is a web-building wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. Unlike most wolf spiders, which are nomadic hunters, species in the genus Sosippus construct sheet-like webs with funnel-shaped retreats. This species is found in the United States and shares the distinctive eye arrangement typical of lycosids: two large posterior median eyes with four smaller eyes below and two lateral eyes flanking them.
Sosippus placidus
Lake Placid Funnel Wolf Spider
Sosippus placidus is a web-building wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, endemic to the United States. Unlike most wolf spiders, which are nomadic hunters, this species constructs thick sheet-like webs with funnel-like retreats. It is described as a habitat specialist compared to its widespread congener Sosippus floridanus. The species is known from relatively few observations (31 records on iNaturalist as of source date), suggesting restricted distribution or specific habitat requirements.
Spalacopsis stolata
Spalacopsis stolata is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Newman in 1842. It belongs to the subfamily Agapanthiinae and is native to the continental United States. The species is known from limited occurrence records and sparse observational data.
Sparganothoides lentiginosana
Lentiginos Moth
Sparganothoides lentiginosana, the lentiginos moth, is a small tortricid moth and the sole member of the Lentiginosana Group within its genus. It occurs across the southeastern and south-central United States south to Mexico. Adults are active nearly year-round with multiple generations per year. Sexual dimorphism in forewing length is documented.
Spartidelphax detectus
Spartidelphax detectus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1897. It belongs to a genus associated with spartina grasses in coastal salt marsh habitats. The species has been recorded from multiple states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States.
Speleketor flocki
Speleketor flocki is a species of cave-dwelling psocopteran insect in the family Prionoglarididae, described by Gurney in 1943. It belongs to the suborder Trogiomorpha, a group of psocids adapted to dark, humid environments. The genus Speleketor is specialized for cave habitats, with reduced or absent eyes and elongated appendages typical of troglobitic insects.
Sphecomyia dyari
Dyar's Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia dyari is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) known for its striking resemblance to yellowjacket wasps. It belongs to a genus notable for exceptionally convincing wasp mimicry, including elongated antennae and flight patterns that imitate queen yellowjackets searching for nest sites. The species was described by Shannon in 1925 and is found in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely serves as a Batesian mimic, gaining protection from predators by resembling stinging wasps.
Sphecomyia oraria
Sphecomyia oraria is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) described in 2019. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group within the Holarctic genus Sphecomyia, which comprises large wasp-mimicking flies in subtribe Criorhinina. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, particularly yellowjackets. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have larvae that develop in rotting wood or tree holes, though this has not been confirmed for S. oraria specifically.
Steatoda grandis
Steatoda grandis is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by Banks in 1901. It is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the scientific literature. The species belongs to a genus that includes several well-known spiders, some of which are frequently encountered in human dwellings.
Steatoda variata
Steatoda variata is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by Gertsch in 1960. It is found in the United States and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: Steatoda variata variata and Steatoda variata china. Very little is known about the specific biology or ecology of this species compared to better-studied congeners like Steatoda triangulosa or Steatoda nobilis.
Stegasta capitella
Teaweed Moth
Stegasta capitella, commonly known as the teaweed moth, is a small gelechiid moth described by Fabricius in 1794. The species occurs in the West Indies and southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Adults are active from February through August, with additional activity in October and December in Florida. The larvae feed on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and Sida spinosa.
Stenocranus dorsalis
Stenocranus dorsalis is a delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae. It is found in the Caribbean and North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States (Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia). As a member of the Delphacidae, it shares the family characteristic of a movable spur on the hind tibia.
Stenopa affinis
Stenopa affinis is a species of fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, described by Quisenberry in 1949. It belongs to the subfamily Tephritinae and tribe Dithrycini. The genus Stenopa is placed within the subtribe Cecidocharina. Like other tephritid flies, it is likely associated with plant material, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Sternidius centralis
Sternidius centralis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae, described by LeConte in 1884. It belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini, a group of small to medium-sized flat-faced longhorns. The species is part of the genus Sternidius, which contains multiple North American species that are often difficult to distinguish without close examination.
Sternidius imitans
Sternidius imitans is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae. Described by Knull in 1936, this species belongs to a genus that has undergone taxonomic revision, with some species previously synonymized under S. alpha later revalidated. The genus Sternidius comprises small longhorned beetles that are frequently encountered by collectors beating vegetation.
Stictocephala diminuta
Stictocephala diminuta is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, described by Van Duzee in 1908. The genus Stictocephala belongs to the tribe Ceresini within the subfamily Smiliinae, a group characterized by pronounced pronotal expansions. This species appears to have a limited documented distribution in the southeastern United States, with records from Florida and North Carolina. As with many membracids, detailed natural history information for this species remains sparse in the available literature.
Stictolobus borealis
Stictolobus borealis is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, described by Caldwell in 1949. The species is known from limited distributional records in Nebraska. As a member of the tribe Ceresini, it belongs to a group of treehoppers characterized by distinctive pronotal modifications. Detailed biological information for this species remains sparse in published literature.
Stigmella juglandifoliella
Pecan serpentine leafminer
Stigmella juglandifoliella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Nepticulidae, commonly known as the pecan serpentine leafminer. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae create serpentine mines in the leaves of pecan (Carya illinoinensis). It is currently known from a restricted range in the eastern United States.
Stilbus apicalis
Apical Shining Flower Beetle
Stilbus apicalis is a species of shining flower beetle in the family Phalacridae. The species was originally described by Melsheimer in 1845 under the name Phalacrus apicalis, and is now accepted as a member of the genus Stilbus. Commonly known as the Apical Shining Flower Beetle, it has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. The genus Stilbus comprises small, often metallic beetles associated with flowers and decaying plant material.
Stomacoccus platani
Sycamore Scale
Stomacoccus platani is a scale insect in the family Margarodidae, commonly known as the sycamore scale. It is a specialist herbivore found on sycamore trees (Platanus species), particularly the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). The species was described by Ferris in 1917 and is native to North America. As a member of the Sternorrhyncha, it feeds on plant phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Stonemyia isabellina
Stonemyia isabellina is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1828. It belongs to the subfamily Pangoniinae and tribe Pangoniini. The species has been documented in the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited.