INSECTS
Many families of insects have been identified on Socorro Island. Below are some of the most popular species on the island. By downloading the full species list, you can view a more complete listing of the family and genera identified. A majority of them have not been identified down to the species, so the genus is given.
Vaejovis janssi
Family: Vaejovidae
Endemic: Yes
IUCN Status: Not evaluated
Vaejovidae is a large family of scorpions that are commonly found in Mexico. Vaejovids are found in nearly every habitat, up to the Alpine tree-line (over 3,000 meters), though most are found in arid (to 70 m below sea level) and semi-arid habitats. Vaejovis janssi is a species endemic to the Revillagigedos.
Latrodectus mactans
Family: Theridiidae
Common Name: Southern black widow
Endemic: No
IUCN Status: Not evaluated
These spiders are poisonous and known to make a littery web. Though not aggressive towards humans, their painless bite can have deadly consequences. The Southern black widow can be found through the southeastern United States and Mexico.
Xenylla humicola
Family: Hypogastruridae
Endemic: No
IUCN Status: Not evaluated
Hypogastruridae is a family of springtails. Members are common and widespread with a very large distribution of around 660 species in about 40 genera. The Xenylla humicola is a salt-tolerant marine species.
Scolopendra tenuitarsis
Family: Scolopendridae
Endemic: No
IUCN Status: Not evaluated
Scolopendridae is a family of large centipedes. They are elongated creatures with a pair of legs for each body segment. They are known for their venomous claws and are carnivorous.
Cheiroseius spp.
Family: Ascidae
Endemic: No
IUCN Status: Not evaluated
Mites of this genus are distributed around the world and tend to live in soil and leaf litter. The mites are mostly predators, but also feed on fungal mycelium.