Data-deficient
Guides
Microdon lanceolatus
Spear-horned Ant Fly
Microdon lanceolatus is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Spear-horned Ant Fly. Like other members of the genus Microdon, it is presumed to have an ant-associated life cycle, with larvae developing within ant colonies. The species was described by Adams in 1903. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification.
Microhelia angelica
Microhelia angelica is a small noctuid moth species described by Smith in 1900. It occurs along the Pacific coast of North America from California to Washington. The species has a wingspan of 9–13 mm, making it one of the smaller members of the subfamily Heliothinae. Little is known of its biology beyond basic collection records.
Microlipus laticeps
Microlipus laticeps is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae, a group commonly known as soft-winged flower beetles. The genus Microlipus is poorly studied, with very limited published information on its biology and distribution. Only a single observation of this species has been documented on iNaturalist, indicating extreme rarity in public records. Melyridae beetles are generally associated with flowers and vegetation where they feed on pollen and small insects.
Micropeza compar
Micropeza compar is a species of stilt-legged fly (family Micropezidae) described by Cresson in 1938. The genus Micropeza is characterized by extremely long, slender legs and a distinctive elongated body form. Members of this family are commonly known as stilt-legged flies or thread-legged flies due to their remarkable limb proportions. M. compar is one of numerous species within this diverse genus of acalyptrate flies.
Minofala instans
Minofala instans is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1905. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Hadenini. The genus Minofala is small and poorly documented, with limited available information on its biology and ecology.
Miscophus slossonae
Miscophus slossonae is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Miscophini. It belongs to a genus of thread-waisted wasps known for provisioning nests with spiders. The species was described in 1897 and is recorded from North America. Like other Miscophus species, it is presumed to be a spider-hunting wasp, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Mochloribatula texana
Mochloribatula texana is a species of oribatid mite in the family Mochlozetidae. First described by Ewing in 1909, this species belongs to a group of soil-dwelling mites commonly known as beetle mites or box mites. Oribatid mites play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The specific epithet "texana" suggests a connection to Texas, though the full geographic range remains incompletely documented.
Mochlosoma illocale
Mochlosoma illocale is a species of tachinid fly described by Reinhard in 1958. It belongs to the subfamily Dexiinae within the large family Tachinidae, a group of parasitoid flies. The genus Mochlosoma contains relatively few described species, and this taxon is known from limited records in North America. Information regarding its biology and ecology remains sparse.
Monoaster fulgidus
Monoaster fulgidus is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, a group known for feeding on leaf tissue between veins. The species is documented from Texas in North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or specific host associations.
Monocrepidius xysticus
Atta-associated Wireworm
Monocrepidius xysticus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Atta-associated Wireworm. The species is known from 41 iNaturalist observations. As a member of Elateridae, it possesses the characteristic click mechanism for righting itself when overturned. The common name suggests an ecological association with leafcutter ants of the genus Atta, though the nature of this relationship requires further investigation.
Monophadnoides pauper
Monophadnoides pauper is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Provancher in 1882. The genus Monophadnoides belongs to the subfamily Blennocampinae within the diverse sawfly family. As with other tenthredinid sawflies, adults lack the narrow waist characteristic of many other hymenopteran groups. The species epithet 'pauper' (Latin for 'poor') likely refers to some perceived morphological deficiency in the original description, though the specific meaning is not documented in available sources. The species has been minimally documented in modern literature, with only one observation recorded on iNaturalist.
Mulsanteus arizonensis
A click beetle species in the family Elateridae, known from very limited observations in the southwestern United States. The specific epithet 'arizonensis' indicates association with Arizona, though detailed biological information remains sparse due to minimal documented encounters.
Muscina dorsilinea
Muscina dorsilinea is a species of true fly in the family Muscidae, first described by Frederik Maurits van der Wulp in 1896. It belongs to a genus commonly known as house flies or dump flies, which are frequently associated with decaying organic matter and animal waste. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal specific information available beyond its taxonomic classification. Like other Muscina species, it likely plays a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in environments where organic waste accumulates.
Mychocerinus depressus
Mychocerinus depressus is a small beetle species in the family Murmidiidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. Murmidiidae is a small family of beetles within the order Coleoptera, and members of this family are generally associated with decaying plant material and fungi. Very little is known about the specific biology or ecology of M. depressus beyond its basic taxonomic placement and geographic distribution.
Myolepta lunulata
Poplar-rot Pegleg
Myolepta lunulata is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) first described by Bigot in 1884. It belongs to the tribe Brachyopini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The species is known from limited observations, with records documented through iNaturalist and other biodiversity databases. Its common name, Poplar-rot Pegleg, suggests an association with decaying poplar wood and possibly distinctive leg morphology.
Myrmex texanus
antlike weevil
Myrmex texanus is a species of antlike weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It is native to North America. The species is characterized by its ant-mimicking appearance, a common trait in the genus Myrmex. Very little specific information is available about its biology or ecology.
Myrmica fracticornis
Broken-horned Ant
Myrmica fracticornis is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Auguste Forel in 1901. It belongs to the genus Myrmica, a diverse group of ants commonly known as 'stinging ants' or 'red ants.' The species is distinguished by its 'broken-horned' antennae, a trait reflected in its specific epithet. Like other Myrmica species, it is a small to medium-sized ant with a two-segmented petiole. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 14 records on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Myrmosula exaggerata
Myrmosula exaggerata is a species of velvet ant in the family Myrmosidae, a small family of solitary parasitoid wasps. Members of this genus are rarely encountered and poorly documented in scientific literature. The species name 'exaggerata' likely refers to some pronounced morphological feature, though the specific etymology has not been formally published. Based on family-level characteristics, individuals are expected to be wingless females or winged males with reduced wing venation.
Mythenteles propleuralis
Mythenteles propleuralis is a minute fly species in the family Mythicomyiidae, originally described as Empidideicus propleuralis by Melander in 1946. The species belongs to a genus of tiny, often overlooked flies whose biology remains poorly documented. It is one of very few species in the genus Mythenteles, a group characterized by reduced wing venation and compact body form. Known from only three documented observations on iNaturalist, this species exemplifies the data deficiency common to many micro-dipterans.
Naera fuscocristatella
Naera fuscocristatella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Chambers in 1875. It is the sole species in the genus Naera. The species is known from scattered records across the south-central United States, with documented occurrences in Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be genuinely rare, undercollected, or difficult to detect.
Nalassus californicus
Nalassus californicus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1843. The species epithet reflects its association with California. As a member of this large beetle family, it likely inhabits dry, terrestrial environments typical of many tenebrionids. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only two documented observations in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Nausigaster geminata
Armored Dimpleback
Nausigaster geminata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Merodontini. It is commonly known as the Armored Dimpleback. The species was described by Townsend in 1897. As a syrphid fly, it likely exhibits typical hoverfly behaviors including flower visitation for nectar and pollen feeding, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Negalasa rubralis
Negalasa rubralis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Chrysauginae. It was described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1913, the same year as the genus Negalasa was established. The species is extremely poorly known, with only three observations recorded in iNaturalist and minimal published documentation. It appears to be distinct from the better-known congener N. fumalis, which is found in Arizona.
Nelsonites jonesi
Nelsonites jonesi is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the subfamily Trechinae, a group that includes many cave-dwelling and ground-dwelling beetles. The genus Nelsonites is recognized within Carabidae, though specific details about this particular species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Nematodes collaris
Nematodes collaris is a species of beetle in the family Eucnemidae, commonly known as false click beetles. The genus Nematodes is part of the diverse beetle fauna, with species typically characterized by their elongated bodies and association with decaying wood. This species is known from very limited observations, with only two documented records on iNaturalist. Members of Eucnemidae are often found in forested habitats where their larvae develop in dead or decaying wood, contributing to nutrient cycling processes.
Nematus curvarius
Nematus curvarius is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. As a member of the suborder Symphyta, it lacks the narrow waist characteristic of wasps, bees, and ants. The species is documented in limited observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported. Like other Nematus species, it likely has herbivorous larval stages associated with woody plants.
Nenema convergens
Nenema convergens is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Bunn in 1930. It belongs to the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha, within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha. The species is recorded from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Little is known about its biology, ecology, or host associations.
Neochrysops
horse flies
Neochrysops is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae, subfamily Chrysopsinae. The genus was established by Walton in 1918 and is known from the United States. Only one species, Neochrysops globosus, has been described. As a member of the deer fly tribe Chrysopsini, adults likely share the blood-feeding habits typical of this group, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Neochrysops globosus
Neochrysops globosus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Walton in 1918. The genus Neochrysops is a small group within the subfamily Chrysopsinae, closely related to the more widespread genus Chrysops. As a member of Tabanidae, this species is presumed to share the blood-feeding habits typical of female deer flies, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species epithet "globosus" suggests a rounded or globular body form.
Neoclytus jouteli
Neoclytus jouteli is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Donald R. Davis in 1904. Like other members of the genus Neoclytus, it is a wasp-mimicking beetle with rapid, darting movements. The species is native to North America, with records from the United States. Specific details regarding its biology, host plants, and distribution within North America remain poorly documented in available literature.
Neoleptophlebia memorialis
Neoleptophlebia memorialis is a species of mayfly in the family Leptophlebiidae, originally described by Eaton in 1884. As a member of this family, it belongs to a group of mayflies commonly known as prong-gilled mayflies, characterized by their distinctive gill structures. The species is part of the genus Neoleptophlebia, which contains several North American species. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, suggesting it may be rare, geographically restricted, or underreported.
Neortholomus arphnoides
Neortholomus arphnoides is a species of seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, first described by Baker in 1906. It belongs to the subfamily Orsillinae, a group commonly associated with feeding on seeds. The species is known from the Pacific region of the United States. Published records are sparse, with only six observations documented on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Neoslossonia
Neoslossonia is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, and tribe Hecalini. It was established by Van Duzee in 1909. The genus belongs to the large and diverse group of true bugs known as leafhoppers, which are characterized by their piercing-sucking mouthparts and association with vascular plants. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases, suggesting it may be rare, poorly collected, or taxonomically obscure.
Neotelphusa on-myricaceae
Neotelphusa on-myricaceae is a species of gelechiid moth. The specific epithet references its association with Myricaceae (bayberry family). Information on this species is limited in published literature.
Neotephritis rava
Neotephritis rava is a tephritid fruit fly species described by Foote in 1960. The genus Neotephritis includes species associated with sunflower hosts, though specific biological details for N. rava remain poorly documented. This species is known only from limited observations in the United States.
Nephus ornatus
ornate lady beetle
Nephus ornatus is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the ornate lady beetle. It is classified among the dusky lady beetles, a group characterized by generally subdued coloration compared to the brightly patterned lady beetles more familiar to the public. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850 and is known to occur across North America.
Neuroterus minutus
Neuroterus minutus is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Members of this genus are known to induce galls on oak trees (Quercus species). The species has been documented through citizen science observations, with records available on platforms such as iNaturalist. As with many cynipid wasps, detailed biological studies of this particular species appear limited in the available literature.
Nimioglossa
Nimioglossa is a genus of tachinid flies in the family Tachinidae, established by Reinhard in 1945. The genus contains two described species: Nimioglossa planicosta and Nimioglossa ravida, both also described by Reinhard in the same year. As members of Tachinidae, these flies are likely parasitoids, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The genus is poorly known, with minimal published biological information and few observations.
Nitops craigheadi
Nitops craigheadi is a small beetle species in the family Nitidulidae (sap beetles), originally described as Carpophilus craigheadi by Dobson in 1972. The genus Nitops comprises species often associated with fermenting plant materials, though specific ecological data for this species remain limited. Like other nitidulids, adults are likely attracted to decaying organic matter and fungal growth. The species is distinguished from congeners by subtle morphological features of the antennae and pronotum.
Nomada verecunda
Nomada verecunda is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1879. As a member of the genus Nomada, it exhibits kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing its own nest or collecting pollen. The species is known from North America, though specific details regarding its biology, host associations, and conservation status remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Nomia angustitibialis
Canyon Nomia
Nomia angustitibialis is a species of ground-nesting bee in the family Halictidae, described by Ribble in 1965. The species is known from Middle America and North America. As a member of the genus Nomia, it shares the group's characteristic nesting biology in soil, though specific details of its ecology remain poorly documented compared to the well-studied congener Nomia melanderi.
Notanisomorphella
Notanisomorphella is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eulophidae, established by Girault in 1913. Members are parasitoids with documented hosts including case-bearer moths (Coleophoridae), leaf-mining beetles, and spider eggs. The genus is poorly known, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Notiodes laticollis
Notiodes laticollis is a species of weevil in the family Erirhinidae, originally described by Blatchley in 1916. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with GBIF currently listing it as a synonym under the genus Endalus as Endalus laticollis, while NCBI retains it in Notiodes. Erirhinidae weevils are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, often feeding on aquatic plants.
Odontobracon
Odontobracon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Cameron in 1887. Members of this genus are part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna, characterized by their role as parasitoids of other insects. The genus is represented by very few observations in biodiversity databases, suggesting it is either rare, poorly sampled, or taxonomically cryptic. Braconid wasps in this group generally possess the family-typical features of reduced wing venation and larval development inside or on host insects.
Oedalocanthus ornatus
Oedalocanthus ornatus is a species of stilt bug in the family Berytidae, described by Henry in 1996. It belongs to the subfamily Gampsocorinae and tribe Hoplinini. The species is characterized by its elongated, slender body form typical of stilt bugs, with notably long legs. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, suggesting it is either rare, cryptic, or restricted to specific habitats.
Oistus edmonstoni
Oistus edmonstoni is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus Oistus is a small group within this family, and O. edmonstoni appears to be a rarely encountered species with very few documented observations. Its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in scientific literature.
Olethreutes diallacta
Olethreutes diallacta is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae. It was described by Edward Meyrick in 1932. As a member of the genus Olethreutes, it belongs to a diverse group of small moths commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. Specific ecological and biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Olethreutes footiana
Olethreutes footiana is a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, first described by Fernald in 1882. It belongs to the large genus Olethreutes, which contains numerous small moth species commonly known as tortrix moths or leafroller moths. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a small moth with relatively nondescript patterning, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Oligomerus obtusus
Oligomerus obtusus is a small beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), first described by LeConte in 1865. The species has been recorded in North America and Oceania, with observations documented in Ontario, Canada. It belongs to the genus Oligomerus, which comprises wood-boring beetles often associated with dead or decaying wood. Available information on this species is limited, with only seven observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data.
Oligostigmoides cryptalis
Oligostigmoides cryptalis is a moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. It was described by Herbert Druce in 1896 based on specimens from Mexico. The species has been recorded from montane localities in Mexico (Xalapa, Orizaba), Costa Rica, and Panama. Very few observations exist, with only three records documented on iNaturalist.