Warm-climate
Guides
Argiope argentata
Silver Argiope, Silver Garden Spider, Silver Garden Orbweaver
Argiope argentata is a large, striking orb-weaving spider found from the southern United States through Central and South America to Chile and Argentina. Females are notable for their silvery cephalothorax and distinctive X-shaped stabilimentum in their webs, formed by four zigzag silk bands. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with females reaching 12–16 mm body length while males are only 4–5 mm. Unlike many temperate Argiope species that mature in late summer, A. argentata adults may be found year-round in warmer regions, with males maturing as early as February. The spider incorporates UV-reflecting silks into both its body coloration and web decorations, which may function to attract pollinating prey by mimicking floral signals.
Leptosteges vestaliella
Leptosteges vestaliella is a small crambid moth described by Zeller in 1872. It occurs in the southeastern and south-central United States. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn. The species is among the smaller members of its genus.
Megaselia scalaris
Scaled Hump-backed Fly, scuttle fly, coffin fly, humpbacked fly, laboratory fly
Megaselia scalaris is a small phorid fly, approximately 2–3 mm in length, widely distributed in warm regions globally. It is one of the most commonly encountered species in the family Phoridae, particularly in urban environments. The species exhibits remarkable ecological flexibility, functioning as a decomposer, facultative parasitoid, and forensic indicator. Adults display characteristic jerky running behavior, earning the common name "scuttle fly." The species has been documented in diverse contexts including coffins, decomposing carrion, termite mounds, social wasp nests, and deteriorating museum specimens.
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis
cotton seed bug
Oxycarenus hyalinipennis, commonly known as the cotton seed bug, is a small seed-feeding true bug in the family Oxycarenidae. It is a polyphagous pest of Malvaceae, with Gossypium (cotton) as its preferred host. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and Africa but has expanded its range to the Caribbean in recent decades. It completes three to four generations per year under favorable conditions.