2020-description
Guides
Bembidion corgenoma
Bembidion corgenoma is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by David Maddison in 2020. The species was named in honor of former California Governor Jerry Brown and his wife Anne Brown, following its rediscovery on their Colusa County ranch after a 55-year absence from scientific observation. The beetle was previously known only from 21 historical specimens collected between the 1920s and 1966, suggesting a significant population decline likely driven by habitat loss from urbanization and agricultural development in California's Central Valley and Los Angeles Basin.
Bleptina verticalis
Bleptina verticalis is a species of litter moth in the family Erebidae, described by James T. Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to the subfamily Herminiinae, a group of moths commonly known as underwing or litter moths due to their typical resting posture with wings folded tent-like over the body. The species is part of a genus whose members are generally associated with moist, forested habitats where their larvae feed on decaying plant matter. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Clastoptera querci
Clastoptera querci is a species of spittlebug in the family Clastopteridae, described in 2020. The specific epithet "querci" indicates an association with oak (Quercus), suggesting a host relationship with oak trees. As a member of the spittlebug superfamily Cercopoidea, this species shares the characteristic nymphal habit of producing protective foam masses on host plants. The genus Clastoptera is the primary genus within its family and is distributed across North America.
Dinacoma sanfelipe
Dinacoma sanfelipe is a melolonthine scarab beetle endemic to southern California, described in 2020 as the first new species in the genus in 90 years. The genus Dinacoma is restricted to California and contains cryptic species that are difficult to distinguish. One congener (D. caseyi) is federally listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and all known species in the genus may be of conservation concern.
Doryodes fulva
Doryodes fulva is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, described by Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to the genus Doryodes, which comprises species of noctuid-like moths. The specific epithet 'fulva' refers to the tawny or yellowish-brown coloration typical of many species in this genus. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Junonia stemosa
twintip buckeye
Junonia stemosa, the twintip buckeye, is a butterfly species described in 2020 following genomic revision of North American Junonia. It is endemic to southern Texas, particularly coastal barrier islands, where it specializes on Stemodia tomentosa as its exclusive larval host plant. The species maintains genetic integrity despite occurring in sympatry with related buckeyes, and its distribution is tightly linked to the patchy occurrence of its host plant in sandy coastal habitats.
Lasiopogon bitumineus
Lasiopogon bitumineus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McKnight in 2020 as part of a taxonomic revision of the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species was among 13 new species described from Nearctic populations in a comprehensive phylogenetic and systematic study. As a member of the bivittatus section, it belongs to a morphologically defined group of western Nearctic Lasiopogon species.
Lasiopogon esau
Lasiopogon esau is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. The species epithet honors Katherine Esau (1898-1997), a renowned Ukrainian-born plant biologist and UC Davis professor emeritus who received the National Medal of Science. As a member of the genus Lasiopogon, this species belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their bristly bodies and ambush hunting behavior.
Lasiopogon nelsoni
Lasiopogon nelsoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by McKnight in 2020. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in North America. As with other asilids, this species is likely an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight. The species epithet honors an individual named Nelson, though the specific honoree is not documented in available sources.
Nuntianus
Nuntianus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Miranda in 2020. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini, a diverse group of flower-visiting flies. The genus was established relatively recently, and its species are found in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus share morphological characteristics that distinguish them from related syrphine genera, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Sphinx vanbuskirki
Sphinx vanbuskirki is a species of sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, described by Haxaire in 2020. As a recently described species, detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited. It belongs to the genus Sphinx, which includes medium to large-sized moths commonly known as sphinx or hawk moths.
Tripudia calusa
Tripudia calusa is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Troubridge in 2020. The species was documented from bycatch collected during mosquito surveillance in the Florida Keys. It belongs to a genus of small noctuid moths found in the Nearctic region. Like other members of Eustrotiinae, it is likely a nocturnal moth with cryptic coloration.
Zale clandestina
Clandestine Zale Moth
Zale clandestina is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by James T. Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to the genus Zale, a group of nocturnal moths commonly known as "zale moths" or "underwing moths" due to their characteristic wing patterns. The species epithet "clandestina" suggests a secretive or hidden nature, possibly reflecting its cryptic appearance or elusive habits. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Zale lafontainei
Zale lafontainei is a moth species in the family Erebidae, described by J. Donald Lafontaine and David Troubridge in 2020. The species belongs to the genus Zale, a group of underwing and related moths within the subfamily Erebinae. Like other Zale species, it is presumed to be nocturnal with cryptically colored adults. The species was named in honor of J. Donald Lafontaine, a prominent Canadian lepidopterist who has made substantial contributions to the taxonomy of Noctuoidea.