Conservation-concern
Guides
Lipochaeta
nehe
Lipochaeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The genus comprises approximately 20 accepted species, commonly known as nehe. Several species are extinct or possibly extinct, including L. bryanii, L. degeneri, L. perdita, and L. populifolia. Taxonomic relationships within the genus remain uncertain and require further phylogenetic study.
Lirceolus
Texas Caveslaters
Lirceolus is a genus of freshwater isopods in the family Asellidae, endemic to subterranean habitats in Texas, USA. These troglobitic crustaceans are adapted to life in caves and aquifers, showing reduced pigmentation and eye structures compared to surface-dwelling relatives. The genus was established by Bowman and Longley in 1976 to accommodate species previously assigned to other asellid genera. Known as "Texas Caveslaters," they represent an important component of the unique groundwater fauna of the Edwards Aquifer and related systems.
Lithophane lemmeri
Lemmer's Pinion, Lemmer's noctuid moth
Lithophane lemmeri is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America, first described in 1929. It is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, reflecting its limited distribution and potential vulnerability. The species is associated with coniferous host plants and has a relatively narrow flight period in early summer.
Lithophane viridipallens
Pale Green Pinion, pale green pinion moth
Lithophane viridipallens, commonly known as the pale green pinion moth, is a noctuid moth species native to North America. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877, it is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, indicating conservation significance. The species belongs to the genus Lithophane, a group of moths often associated with late-season flight periods.
Lynceidae
clam shrimp
Lynceidae is a family of small, bivalved crustaceans commonly known as clam shrimp, classified in the order Laevicaudata. The family contains approximately 5 genera and more than 20 described species, with the genus Lynceus being the most species-rich and well-studied. Members are distinguished from other clam shrimp families by specific morphological features of the carapace, head, and male clasping appendages. Lynceidae species inhabit temporary aquatic habitats across multiple continents, though many species have restricted distributions due to habitat destruction.
Lynceus
clam shrimp
Lynceus is a genus of clam shrimp in the family Lynceidae, comprising approximately 13 described species. These small branchiopod crustaceans inhabit temporary aquatic habitats, including desert rockholes, gnammas, and dolines. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, particularly in Australia where six species are now recognized. Species identification relies on morphological characters including male first thoracopod structure, head and rostrum form, antenna 2 spinal patterns, carapace shape, and the female lamina abdominalis.
Macroscytalus chisosensis
Macroscytalus chisosensis is a species of seed bug in the family Lygaeidae. It is endemic to the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park in Texas, USA. The species is known from a limited number of specimens collected at high elevations in this isolated mountain range. Its restricted distribution makes it a notable example of localized endemism in the Chihuahuan Desert region.
Melanoplus islandicus
island short-wing grasshopper, forest locust, island locust
Melanoplus islandicus is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, found in coastal regions of Alaska, Canada, and the Great Lakes area. Populations have declined due to habitat loss and invasive species, prompting conservation concern. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service proposed it for Endangered Species Act listing in 2003, though it remains unlisted.
Melanoplus ordwayae
Trail Ridge Scrub Grasshopper, Ordway Melanoplus Grasshopper
Melanoplus ordwayae is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Deyrup in 1997. It is endemic to Florida, specifically associated with the scrub habitat of the Lake Wales Ridge region. The species is known from very few observations and is considered rare and potentially threatened by habitat loss. Its common name references the Trail Ridge, a prominent geologic feature in its range.
Melinaea
clearwing butterflies
Melinaea is a genus of clearwing (ithomiine) butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, comprising 14 recognized species. It is the most species-rich and widespread genus within the subtribe Melinaeina, distributed from Mexico to Northern Argentina. Adults are aposematic and serve as main models in Neotropical Müllerian mimicry rings. The genus has been studied for its role in understanding speciation through divergent selection on wing colour patterns and the evolution of assortative mating.
Meropleon ambifusca
Newman's Brocade
Meropleon ambifusca, commonly known as Newman's Brocade, is a noctuid moth species described by Newman in 1948. It belongs to the cutworm or dart moth group within the family Noctuidae. The species is recorded from North America and holds conservation status as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Metamasius callizona
Mexican bromeliad weevil
Metamasius callizona is an invasive weevil native to southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama that was first documented in Florida in 1989. Adult females chew slits in bromeliad leaves near feeding sites and deposit single eggs within these wounds. Larvae mine meristematic tissue and flower stalks, typically killing host plants, while adult leaf feeding is generally non-fatal. Florida populations have grown dramatically larger than native-range densities and now threaten multiple native and endangered bromeliad species.
invasive-speciespestbiological-controlbromeliad-specialistFloridaMexicoGuatemalaPanamaTillandsiaAnanasLixadmontia-frankiholometabolousmultivoltineepiphyteconservation-concernendangered-species-threatgardening-industry-vectorparasitoid-introductionBeauveria-bassiana-(native-range-pathogen-not-present-in-Florida)Mimallonidae
Sack-bearer Moths, Mimallonids
Mimallonidae is a family of approximately 300-320 species in 43-44 genera, constituting the sole family of the superfamily Mimallonoidea. These moths are endemic to the New World, with the vast majority occurring in the Neotropics and only five species known from the United States. Adults are externally similar to moths in the superfamilies Bombycoidea and Drepanoidea, a resemblance that historically caused taxonomic confusion. The family has been reorganized based on molecular phylogenetics, now recognizing seven subfamilies.
Mogoplistidae
Scaly Crickets and Allies
Mogoplistidae is a family of scaly crickets within the superfamily Grylloidea, comprising over 370 species in approximately 30 genera worldwide. The family is considered monophyletic and sister to the true crickets (Gryllidae). Members are distinguished by scales covering the abdomen and parts of the thorax, resembling those of Lepidoptera. The family includes three subfamilies: Mogoplistinae, Malgasiinae (restricted to Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands), and the extinct †Protomogoplistinae known from Burmese amber.
OrthopteraGrylloideascaly-cricketscoastalbeach-specialistdriftwood-dependentrare-speciesUK-protected-speciesMediterraneanAtlantic-coastMadagascar-endemicBurmese-amber-fossilscale-coveringLepidoptera-like-scalesomnivorousnocturnallong-ovipositoregg-development-one-yearshingle-habitatcobble-beachesstrandline-invertebrateconservation-concernbeach-cleaning-threatdriftwood-burning-threatMygalomorphae
Mygalomorphs, Orthognatha
Mygalomorphae is one of three major lineages of living spiders, comprising over 3,000 species across 32 families. Members include tarantulas, trapdoor spiders, and Australian funnel-web spiders. They are characterized by downward-pointing chelicerae, two pairs of book lungs, and often large body sizes with exceptional longevity—some individuals live 25 years or more. The group exhibits remarkable morphological conservatism across its global distribution.
Neduba
shield-back katydid
Neduba is a genus of shield-back katydids (Tettigoniidae) endemic to North America. The genus comprises 21 described species, including one extinct species (N. extincta). A 2021 revision established species boundaries using molecular phylogenetics, morphology, quantitative analysis of calling songs, and karyotypes. The group represents a relict lineage whose diversification reflects cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact in western North America.
Nehalennia pallidula
Everglades Sprite
A small damselfly endemic to the southeastern United States, restricted to Florida and Texas. It inhabits swamps and freshwater marshes, where its preference for dense vegetation and diminutive size make it difficult to detect. The species faces significant threats from habitat loss due to water diversion, peat fires, and invasive species.
Nemobius sylvestris
Wood Cricket
Nemobius sylvestris, commonly known as the wood cricket, is a small, flightless cricket native to Western Europe and North Africa. Adults measure 7–10 mm (males) or 9–12 mm (females) and are dark brown with reduced, non-functional wings. The species inhabits woodland edges and clearings, where it lives among leaf litter and is closely associated with deciduous trees such as oak, beech, hazel, and holly. It has been introduced to North America, with populations documented in New York and Washington. In Britain, it is uncommon and listed as a species of special conservation concern, with populations restricted to the New Forest, Isle of Wight, and southern Devon.
Nicoletiidae
Nicoletiidae is a family of primitive wingless insects in the order Zygentoma. Members are predominantly subterranean, inhabiting soil, caves, and mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS) environments. Many species exhibit troglobiotic adaptations including lack of eyes and pigmentation. The family contains at least four subfamilies (Atelurinae, Nicoletiinae, Cubacubaninae, Coletiniinae, Subnicoletiinae) with over 100 described genera. Some species are commensals in social insect nests, such as Allotrichotriura saevissima in fire ant nests.
Nomada
Nomad Bees, Cuckoo Bees
Nomada is one of the largest genera in the family Apidae, with over 850 species worldwide. These bees are kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily ground-nesting species in the genus Andrena. Adult bees lack pollen-carrying scopa and are mostly hairless, feeding on nectar but not collecting pollen for offspring. The genus name derives from the Greek word for 'roaming' or 'wandering,' reflecting their parasitic lifestyle.
Omus
Night-stalking Tiger Beetles
Omus is a genus of flightless, nocturnal tiger beetles (subfamily Cicindelinae) endemic to the west coast of North America. Members are uniformly dark-colored and characterized by reduced or absent hind wings, restricting them to ground-dwelling locomotion. The genus comprises at least five recognized species, including O. audouini, O. californicus, O. cazieri, O. dejeanii, and O. submetallicus. These beetles occupy diverse habitats from forest floors to upper salt marshes, with some species showing strong associations with specific plant communities.
flightlessnocturnalwest-coast-endemictiger-beetlesalt-marshforest-floorprolonged-copulationconservation-concernCanada-species-at-riskmorphological-character-displacementAmblycheiliniCicindelinaeCarabidaeColeopteralarval-burrowsDouglas-aster-indicator-speciesniche-partitioningmale-mandible-dimorphismsyn-copulatory-courtshiprain-shadow-habitatSierra-NevadaCascade-RangeCoast-RangeBritish-ColumbiaOregonCaliforniaWashingtonOmus audouini
Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle
Omus audouini, commonly known as Audouin's Night-stalking Tiger Beetle, is a nocturnal tiger beetle species in the family Cicindelidae. It exhibits pronounced sexual size dimorphism with females larger than males, and possesses mandibles that serve dual functions for prey capture and mating amplexus. The species shows niche partitioning with sympatric O. dejeanii through body size and mandible length differences following Hutchinsonian Ratios. It is of conservation concern in Canada due to its extremely limited distribution.
Omus cazieri
Mount Ashland Night-stalking Tiger Beetle, Cazier's night-stalking tiger beetle
Omus cazieri is a nocturnal tiger beetle species endemic to the western United States, specifically known from southwestern Oregon and adjacent northern California. It belongs to the genus Omus, a group of flightless, night-active tiger beetles distinguished by their cylindrical body form and reduced eyes. The species is named in honor of entomologist Mont Cazier.
Opiliones
harvestmen, harvesters, daddy longlegs, granddaddy longlegs, shepherd spiders
Opiliones is an ancient order of arachnids comprising over 6,650 described species, with estimates suggesting more than 10,000 extant species worldwide. The order includes five suborders: Cyphophthalmi, Eupnoi, Dyspnoi, Laniatores, and Tetrophthalmi. Fossil evidence from 410 million-year-old Devonian deposits demonstrates that harvestmen have remained morphologically conservative since their early evolution. Despite superficial resemblance to spiders, Opiliones represent a distinct arachnid lineage with unique anatomical and behavioral characteristics.
arachnidharvestmandaddy-longlegsancient-lineageomnivorenocturnalgregariouscave-dwellingpaternal-carechemical-defenseautotomymodel-organismconservation-concernvenomlesstracheal-respirationdirect-copulationshort-range-endemictroglobiteaposematiccrypsismimicrythanatosisviscoelastic-adhesiveanurophagyvertebrate-predatorOsmodermatini
Hermit Beetles
Osmodermatini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as hermit beetles. The group includes the genus Osmoderma and related taxa, characterized by their association with decaying wood in mature forests. These beetles are of conservation concern in many regions due to habitat loss.
Osphya
false darkling beetles
Osphya is a genus of false darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Melandryidae: Osphyinae) comprising approximately seven to ten described species. The genus originated in the mid-Cretaceous and exhibits a discontinuous, uneven distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, with highest species richness in the Mediterranean region of Europe. It is considered a relict insect group with conservative ecological preferences.
Pacifastacus leniusculus
Signal Crayfish
The signal crayfish is a large North American freshwater crayfish introduced to Europe in the 1960s to replace declining native fisheries. It has become one of the most ecologically impactful invasive decapods in Europe, outcompeting native crayfish and serving as a carrier of crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci). The species establishes self-sustaining populations rapidly, with six age cohorts documented within a few years of introduction. It shows sex- and size-specific coloration patterns, with males displaying more saturated and brighter ventral claw surfaces than females, suggesting a role in intraspecific communication.
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Papaipema is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, erected by John B. Smith in 1899. The genus comprises approximately 50 described species, most of which are commonly known as "borers" due to their larval feeding habits. Species are distributed primarily across North America, with many exhibiting highly specialized host plant associations. Larvae tunnel into stems, roots, or rhizomes of specific native plants, making many species of conservation concern due to habitat loss and host plant rarity.
Papaipema beeriana
Blazing Star Borer Moth, Blazing Star Stem Borer, Liatris Borer Moth, Oriental Sea-kale
Papaipema beeriana is a noctuid moth whose larvae are specialist borers in the stems of blazing star (Liatris species). The species is endemic to North America and is of conservation concern due to its dependence on native prairie habitats and specific host plants. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. The common name 'blazing star borer moth' directly references its obligate relationship with Liatris host plants.
Papaipema maritima
maritime sunflower borer moth, giant sunflower borer moth
Papaipema maritima is a noctuid moth species native to North America, first described by Henry Bird in 1909. The larvae are specialized stem borers that tunnel into the stems of giant sunflower (Helianthus giganteus), creating distinctive stem galls. The species has experienced significant population decline and is classified as a species of special concern in Connecticut, where it is believed to be extirpated. Its specialized host relationship and habitat loss contribute to its vulnerable conservation status.
Parvindela celeripes
Swift Tiger Beetle
Parvindela celeripes, the Swift Tiger Beetle, is a tiny (6–8 mm), flightless tiger beetle species native to the Great Plains of North America. Once abundant in native grasslands of Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the species has experienced severe population declines due to habitat loss. It was unknown from Missouri until its discovery in 2010, where it persists in small, isolated loess hilltop prairie remnants. The species remains robust in northwestern Oklahoma's red clay/gypsum exposures, representing its most secure population. Its flightless nature makes recolonization of disturbed or burned sites extremely difficult.
Petrophila confusalis
confusing petrophila moth
Petrophila confusalis is a semi-aquatic moth in the family Crambidae, commonly known as the confusing petrophila moth. Adults are small, with forewing lengths of 5–11 mm, and are active from April to September. The species is notable for its specialized aquatic larval stage, during which caterpillars feed on algae and diatoms in fast-moving streams. The moth serves as a host for the parasitic aquatic wasp Tanychela pilosa and has been observed in large grazing zones that contribute to epilithic spatial patchiness. In 2021, it was listed on the Nevada Division of Natural Heritage watch list due to population decline.
Philosciidae
Philosciid Woodlice
Philosciidae is a family of terrestrial isopod crustaceans commonly known as woodlice. The family exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution with strong representation in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Species diversity is highest in the Neotropics, with numerous genera and species described from Brazil alone. Several species have adapted to cave environments (troglobitic), including notable examples in the genera Benthana and Benthanoides from iron-ore caves in the Amazon biome. The family is less diverse in the Holarctic realm, where only a few species occur.
Philotes sonorensis
Sonoran blue, stonecrop blue
Philotes sonorensis, the Sonoran blue or stonecrop blue, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Philotes. This small butterfly is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, inhabiting arid rocky environments. The species has a wingspan of 22–25 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on Dudleya species (stonecrops), boring into leaves. The subspecies P. s. extincta from the upper San Gabriel River wash was declared extinct in 1970 after three decades of annual sampling documented its disappearance.
Photinus ignitus
Ignited Firefly
Photinus ignitus is a North American firefly species distinguished by its bioluminescent courtship displays. Males produce characteristic flash patterns to attract females, who respond from perches in vegetation. Research has documented seasonal plasticity in female mate choice behavior, with females becoming less selective as the breeding season progresses. Like other Photinus species, it produces defensive compounds called lucibufagins that protect against predators.
fireflybioluminescencemate-choiceseasonal-plasticitynuptial-giftaggressive-mimicryLampyridaeColeopteraNorth-Americaflash-communicationlucibufaginsexual-selectionoperational-sex-ratiocold-lightphotocytesluciferinluciferasenocturnalcourtshippredation-defenseinsect-declinelight-pollutionhabitat-lossinsecticide-exposuresoil-dwelling-larvaeglowwormpredatory-larvaesoft-bodied-preysnailsslugswormssoil-insectsbiological-controlflash-patternfemale-choicemale-choicebody-sizelantern-sizereproductive-investmentegg-provisioningspermatophoreflash-signalmating-successselectivitybreeding-seasondusknightvegetationgrasslawnsforestsfieldsedgescanopyairspaceColumbia-MarylandWashington-Baltimore-areaUniversity-of-Virginia-studylight-pollution-impactmating-disruptionurbanizationresidual-insecticideslawn-treatmentweather-cyclesfood-availabilitylarval-predationpopulation-fluctuationbanner-yearspectacleJuly-4thIndependence-DayMother-Nature's-fireworkspyrotechnictwinklinggalaxycold-light-efficiencyno-heat-productionphotocyte-cellsspecialized-light-organterminal-abdominal-segmentslightly-coloredgiant-eyesflash-detectionvisual-acuitynocturnal-visionchemical-ecologydefensive-chemistrysteroidal-pyronestoad-toxinsspider-repellentbird-repellentfemme-fatalepredatory-exploitationchemical-acquisitiondefense-sequestrationnuptial-feedingreproductive-successsexual-conflictflash-manipulationphotographic-challengeflash-rechargefemale-contortionflash-directionalityaimed-signalmale-expendabilityfemale-investmentoffspring-productionbattery-lifeconservation-concernpopulation-monitoringcitizen-scienceBoston-Museum-of-Sciencefirefly-data-projectAllegheny-National-Forestsynchronous-firefliesPhotinus-carolinusPhoturis-pennsylvanicaPennsylvania-Firefly-FestivalFIRE-TeamLynn-FaustSara-LewisThomas-EisnerAerial-FirebaughKyle-Hayneschemical-ecology-pioneerexperimental-studyfield-observationnatural-historybehavioral-ecologyethologyjournal-articlepeer-reviewed-researchscientific-investigationinsect-conservationnocturnal-insectbeetlesoft-winged-beetlenot-true-bugnot-flyElateroideaPolyphagaElateriformiaLampyrinaeLucidotiniaccepted-nameFall-192736-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaBug-of-the-WeekEntomology-Todayincomplete-informationdata-limitedresearch-opportunityfurther-study-neededPieris oleracea
Mustard White
Pieris oleracea, the mustard white, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae native to Canada and the northeastern United States. The species exhibits two distinct seasonal forms: spring individuals display prominent green or yellow venation on the hindwing undersides visible even from above, while summer individuals appear nearly all-white with fainter markings. Populations are currently declining due to the invasive spread of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), which is toxic to larvae despite attracting ovipositing females. The species is biovoltine in most of its range, with two broods annually, though southern Ontario populations may produce three to four generations and northern populations sometimes only one.
Pieris virginiensis
West Virginia White, Toothwort White
Pieris virginiensis, the West Virginia White, is a small white butterfly endemic to moist deciduous forests of eastern North America. The species is univoltine, with adults active for approximately one month in early spring (April–May). It is threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation, and particularly by the invasive plant Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard), which females mistakenly oviposit on due to chemical similarity with native host plants; larvae cannot survive on this toxic invasive. Population declines of 10–70% have been documented across its range.
Polyphylla pubescens
Eglin Uplands Scarab Beetle
Polyphylla pubescens is a rare, endemic scarab beetle restricted to the upland habitats of Eglin Air Force Base and adjacent inland areas in the Florida panhandle. Adults are moderately sized for the genus, with males measuring 17.5–19 mm and females slightly larger at 19–20 mm. The species is distinguished from congeners by a strong lateral elytral margin that extends to the base. Like other members of the genus Polyphylla, males possess greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones, while females are likely flightless and remain buried in sandy substrates. The species is part of the pubescens species group within Polyphylla.
Problema bulenta
Rare Skipper
Problema bulenta, commonly known as the rare skipper, is a butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is one of the most elusive butterflies in the United States, with populations restricted to isolated brackish river marshes along the Atlantic Coast. The species was first described from a drawing by John Abbot in Georgia, with no specimens collected again until the 1920s. Its extreme rarity and specific habitat requirements have made it a subject of conservation concern.
Problema byssus
Byssus Skipper, bunchgrass skipper
Problema byssus, commonly known as the Byssus Skipper or bunchgrass skipper, is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution across three North American regions: the Atlantic coastal plain, the Midwestern tallgrass prairie, and localized prairie fragments. Its larvae feed on specific native grasses, particularly eastern gamagrass and big bluestem. The species is of conservation concern, ranked as G3–G4 (rare or locally threatened) by NatureServe, with critically imperiled populations in Nebraska.
Psectraglaea
Psectraglaea is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by George Hampson in 1906. It contains a single species, Psectraglaea carnosa (pink sallow), described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877. The genus is native to North America and its sole species holds conservation status in parts of its range.
Pycnomerus
ironclad beetles
Pycnomerus is a genus of ironclad beetles (family Zopheridae) comprising more than 20 described species. Members are small, elongated beetles with hardened, often sculptured exoskeletons typical of the family. The genus includes both widespread and highly restricted species, with some island endemics now considered extinct due to habitat loss. Several species are associated with dead wood habitats and are classified as saproxylic.
Pyractomena lucifera
Marsh imp
Pyractomena lucifera is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the marsh imp. It is a wetland specialist with a disjunct distribution across eastern North America. The species produces bioluminescent signals for mate communication and is threatened by habitat destruction and light pollution.
Pyreferra ceromatica
Anointed Sallow, anointed sallow moth
Pyreferra ceromatica, the anointed sallow moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Northern populations, including those in Connecticut, are believed to be extirpated; the state lists it as a species of special concern. Southern populations persist and remain associated with witch-hazel host plants.
Rhacognathus
heather bug (R. punctatus)
Rhacognathus is a genus of predatory stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Asopinae. The genus includes four described species distributed across the Holarctic: R. punctatus in Europe, R. americanus in North America (now possibly extinct), and R. callosus and R. corniger in Asia. Species in this genus are characterized by their distinctive body shape and predatory feeding habits on other insects.
Rhacognathus americanus
Rhacognathus americanus is a large predatory stink bug in the subfamily Asopinae, first described by Carl Stål in 1870. Adults measure 9–11 mm and exhibit dark brown to black coloration mottled with dull yellow. The species is native to North America but has not been collected or observed since 1966, with fewer than 40 verifiable sightings recorded throughout the entire 20th century. It is considered likely extirpated from Ontario and may be extinct across its range.
Rhaphiomidinae
Rhaphiomidinae is a subfamily of mydid flies (Diptera: Mydidae) comprising the genus Rhaphiomidas and its close relatives. These are among the largest flies in North America, with adults reaching substantial body sizes. The group is notable for its extreme rarity, highly restricted geographic distributions, and brief adult activity periods concentrated in desert spring or fall seasons. Several species are of significant conservation concern due to habitat specialization on sand dune systems.
Rhinocyllus conicus
thistle head weevil, nodding thistle receptacle weevil
Rhinocyllus conicus is a small true weevil native to Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to North America in 1969 as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. Adults are black with yellowish mottled hairs, up to 6 mm long, with a short snout. Females lay eggs on thistle flower heads, which larvae enter to feed on developing seeds and flower parts, preventing seed production. While effective at controlling invasive thistles like musk thistle, the weevil was found to attack native North American thistles as well, leading to cancellation of its distribution permits in 2000.
Schenkia
ʻĀwiwi (for S. sebaeoides)
Schenkia is a genus of flowering plants in the gentian family, Gentianaceae, reinstated from the polyphyletic genus Centaurium based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence. The genus comprises five species distributed across Eurasia, North Africa, Australia, the Pacific region, and Hawaii. It was originally described by Grisebach in 1853 and is placed in the subtribe Chironiinae.
Schinia bimatris
White Flower Moth
Schinia bimatris, commonly known as the White Flower Moth, is a small noctuid moth species found in the south-central and south-eastern United States and in a disjunct population in Manitoba, Canada. The species is designated as Endangered under Canada's Species At Risk Act. Adults are distinctive in their entirely white wings, thorax, and abdomen with an orange head, and have a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. The larval stage remains undescribed, and the host plant relationship is poorly understood, though Nuttall's Evening-primrose (Oenothera nuttallii) has been suggested as a possible food source.