Data-deficient
Guides
Perola clara
Perola clara is a species of slug caterpillar moth in the family Limacodidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1907. The species belongs to a family known for larvae with reduced prolegs that move with a slug-like gliding motion. As with many Limacodidae, the adults are typically small to medium-sized moths with stout, hairy bodies. Information on the specific biology and ecology of P. clara remains limited in the scientific literature.
Petaserpes strictus
Petaserpes strictus is a millipede species in the family Polyzoniidae, described by Shelley in 1976. It belongs to the order Polyzoniida, a group of small, often flattened millipedes. The species is recorded from North America. Very few observations exist, with only one documented record in iNaturalist.
Phaenomerus foveipennis
Phaenomerus foveipennis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, originally described by Morimoto in 1961. The species has been transferred to the genus Aparallelodemas in some taxonomic treatments, creating nomenclatural synonymy. It belongs to the tribe Phyllobiini, a group of leaf-feeding weevils. Available information on this species is extremely limited.
Phaeoses
Phaeoses is a genus of small moths in the family Tineidae, first described by Forbes in 1922. The genus belongs to the diverse group of fungus moths and clothes moths. Species within Phaeoses are poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited published information on their biology and ecology.
Pheidole porcula
Pheidole porcula is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Wheeler in 1908. As a member of this hyperdiverse ant genus, it exhibits the characteristic worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes. The species is placed within the tribe Attini, though unlike the well-known fungus-growing ants in this tribe, most Pheidole species are generalist foragers. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Pheletes lecontei
Pheletes lecontei is a species of click beetle (family Elateridae). The genus Pheletes is a small elaterid group. As of current records, this species has been documented in only 8 observations, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly known.
Pheloconus infector
Pheloconus infector is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Boheman in 1845. The species has been historically classified under the genus Conotrachelus, and its taxonomic placement has been subject to revision. It is one of few documented species in the genus Pheloconus, a group of weevils with limited published biological information.
Philoctetes variatus
Philoctetes variatus is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, a group known for their kleptoparasitic or parasitoid lifestyle targeting other Hymenoptera. The genus Philoctetes is a small, poorly documented group within Chrysididae. Information about this species is extremely limited, with minimal published research and few verified observations. It is known from a single iNaturalist record, indicating significant data gaps in its biology and distribution.
Phloiotrya riversi
Phloiotrya riversi is a species of beetle in the family Melandryidae, a group commonly known as false darkling beetles. The genus Phloiotrya is part of this small family of beetles, which are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. No observations of this species have been recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is likely rare, poorly documented, or has a restricted distribution. The specific epithet "riversi" suggests the species may have been named in honor of a person, though the authority and original description details are not readily available.
Phobus curvatella
Phobus curvatella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. Described by Ragonot in 1887, this species is among the least documented members of its genus. The genus Phobus contains relatively few described species, and most remain poorly known in terms of biology and distribution.
Phoenicobiella schwarzii
Phoenicobiella schwarzii is a species of fungus weevil in the family Anthribidae. This beetle belongs to a genus associated with palms (Arecaceae), though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species is rarely recorded, with few observations in scientific collections and citizen science databases. It is one of several Phoenicobiella species found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Photinus immaculatus
firefly
Photinus immaculatus is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Green in 1956. It occurs in North America. Like other Photinus fireflies, it produces bioluminescent light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. The species name "immaculatus" (Latin for "spotless" or "unstained") may refer to the lack of distinct markings on the elytra, though this has not been explicitly documented in the available sources.
Phyllobaenus maritimus
Leconte's Checkered Beetle
Phyllobaenus maritimus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. Described by Wolcott in 1910, this species is known from North America. As a member of the genus Phyllobaenus, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized clerid beetles often associated with wood-boring insects and their habitats.
Phyllobrotica sequoiensis
Phyllobrotica sequoiensis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1956. It is found in North America, though specific details about its distribution, habitat preferences, and biology remain poorly documented. The genus Phyllobrotica comprises highly host-specialized beetles, with most species feeding exclusively on plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), particularly the genera Stachys and Scutellaria.
Phylloscelis pennata
Phylloscelis pennata is a species of planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, described by Ball in 1937. It belongs to a small genus within the tribe Phylloscelini, characterized by leaf-like body modifications. The species is known from extremely limited records, with minimal observational data available.
Phyllotreta conjuncta
Phyllotreta conjuncta is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Gentner in 1924. The species is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. As a member of the genus Phyllotreta, it belongs to a group commonly known as flea beetles, characterized by their jumping ability. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its basic taxonomy and distribution.
Phylloxera paludis
Phylloxera paludis is a species of phylloxeran insect in the family Phylloxeridae, order Hemiptera. Phylloxerans are small, soft-bodied, sap-sucking insects closely related to aphids. Members of the genus Phylloxera are known for inducing gall formation on host plants through chemical secretions that alter plant tissue development. The specific epithet "paludis" suggests an association with marsh or wetland habitats, though detailed ecological studies of this particular species appear limited in the available literature.
Phylloxera rileyi
Phylloxera rileyi is a gall-forming insect in the family Phylloxeridae, closely related to aphids. The species is known from limited observations and taxonomic records, with only two documented observations on iNaturalist. Like other phylloxerans, it likely induces abnormal plant growths (galls) on host plants through chemical secretions that manipulate plant development. The species was described by Riley in 1874.
Physoconops nigrimanus
thick-headed fly
Physoconops nigrimanus is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae, first described by Bigot in 1887. Members of this genus are wasp mimics with elongated abdomens resembling potter wasps. The family Conopidae includes parasitic species that attack bees and wasps, though specific host records for P. nigrimanus are not documented. Observations of this species are extremely rare, with only two records in iNaturalist.
Phytodietus solicitanae
Phytodietus solicitanae is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Loan in 1981. It belongs to the genus Phytodietus, a group of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. The species is known from a single locality in Manitoba, Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, though specific host records for this species have not been published.
Piceacecis tsugae
white spruce shoot gall midge
Piceacecis tsugae is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on spruce shoots. The specific epithet "tsugae" suggests an association with hemlock (Tsuga), though this species is documented on spruce (Picea). It is a poorly studied species with limited observational records.
Pityophthorus crinalis
Pityophthorus crinalis is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, described by Blackman in 1928. It belongs to the genus Pityophthorus, a group of small ambrosia and bark beetles primarily associated with coniferous and hardwood trees. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases with records indicating presence in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody host plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Placonotus falinorum
Placonotus falinorum is a species of small beetle in the family Laemophloeidae, a group commonly known as lined flat bark beetles. The species is known from very few observations, reflecting either rarity or limited survey effort. Members of this genus are associated with dead or decaying wood and fungal substrates.
Platyceroides californicus
Platyceroides californicus is a species of stag beetle in the family Lucanidae, endemic to California. It is a small to medium-sized beetle with reduced mandibles compared to many lucanids. The genus Platyceroides is distinguished from the similar Platycerus by antennal club structure and male genitalia morphology. Very few observations exist for this species, and its biology remains poorly documented.
Platycheirus thylax
Yellow-legged Sedgesitter
Platycheirus thylax is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Hull in 1944. It is commonly known as the Yellow-legged Sedgesitter. Like other members of the genus Platycheirus, it is a small fly associated with wetland vegetation. The species is rarely recorded, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Platylabops pecki
Platylabops pecki is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Heinrich in 1961. The genus Platylabops belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Very few records of this species exist in public databases. A single observation has been documented from White Fox, California.
Platylabus ornatus
Platylabus ornatus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Provancher in 1875. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps, characterized by their parasitoid life history. The genus Platylabus is part of the subfamily Ichneumoninae. Very little specific information is available about the biology, distribution, or ecology of this particular species.
Platynota larreana
Platynota larreana is a species of tortricid moth found in the southwestern United States, ranging from the Mojave Desert in California to western Arizona. It was described by Comstock in 1939 and was originally placed in the genus Sparganothis before being transferred to Platynota. Very little is known about the biology of this species compared to other members of the genus.
Platyplastinx sycophantos
Platyplastinx sycophantos is a species of moth fly in the family Psychodidae. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive wing venation and body flattening. Very few records exist for this species, with only one observation documented on iNaturalist. Its biology and ecology remain largely undocumented.
Plesiobaris albilata
Plesiobaris albilata is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1892. The genus Plesiobaris belongs to the diverse weevil superfamily Curculionoidea. Very little specific information is documented about this species.
Podisus neglectus
Podisus neglectus is a predatory stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Asopinae. It belongs to a genus of beneficial insects known for preying on agricultural and forest pests. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature, though it shares the general predatory habits characteristic of Podisus species.
Poecilocera harrisii
Poecilocera harrisii is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus Poecilocera is a small group within the leaf beetles, and this species represents one of the few documented members. Records indicate presence in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Pogonomyrmex anzensis
Anza desert harvester ant
Pogonomyrmex anzensis, the Anza desert harvester ant, is a species of harvester ant endemic to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and surrounding areas in Southern California. Described by Cole in 1968, this species belongs to a genus known for seed-collecting behavior and potent defensive stings. Like other Pogonomyrmex species, it constructs conspicuous nest clearings and plays ecological roles in seed dispersal and soil modification. The species is poorly studied compared to more widespread congeners, with limited published information on its specific biology.
Poliaenus californicus
Poliaenus californicus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Schaeffer in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Pogonocherini. The species is known from the United States, with records indicating presence in North America.
Polyaulon canadensis
Polyaulon canadensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Harrington in 1894. It belongs to the genus Polyaulon, a group of parasitoid wasps. Very little is known about its biology, host associations, or ecological role. The species name 'canadensis' indicates its occurrence in Canada, though specific distribution details remain poorly documented. Like other ichneumonids, it presumably functions as a parasitoid of other insects, but this has not been directly confirmed for this species.
Polyaulon erythropa
Polyaulon erythropa is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Ashmead in 1890. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The species is known from very few records, with iNaturalist documenting only two observations. Its specific epithet "erythropa" (from Greek "erythros" meaning red and "pous" meaning foot) suggests reddish leg coloration, though this has not been formally confirmed in modern literature.
Prateus fusculus
Prateus fusculus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles found in North and Central America. Very few observations exist, with only two records documented on iNaturalist. The species epithet "fusculus" suggests a dusky or dark coloration.
Primavera porrecta
Primavera porrecta is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, a family known for inducing plant galls. The genus Primavera is poorly documented, and this species has been recorded in only three observations on iNaturalist. Like other cecidomyiids, it likely has a complex life cycle involving larval development within plant tissue. The species name "porrecta" refers to something extended or stretched forward, possibly alluding to morphological features.
Pristaulacus auricomus
Pristaulacus auricomus is a species of aulacid wasp in the family Aulacidae. These parasitoid wasps are specialized predators of wood-boring beetle larvae, particularly those of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) and jewel beetles (Buprestidae). Like other members of the genus, they are most commonly encountered in association with freshly cut or decaying wood where their hosts develop. The species is poorly documented in published literature, with limited observational records.
Prolutacea pulsator
Prolutacea pulsator is a species of firefly beetle in the family Lampyridae, described by Cicero in 1984. It belongs to the genus Prolutacea, a group of lampyrid beetles distributed in North and Middle America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only six documented sightings on iNaturalist. The species' biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Pronotocrepis
Pronotocrepis is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) established by Knight in 1929. The genus contains at least three described species: P. clavicornis, P. ribesi, and P. rubra. All three species were described by Knight, with P. clavicornis named in 1929 and the other two in 1969. Like other mirids, members of this genus are presumably phytophagous, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Proterops proteroptoides
Proterops proteroptoides is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described by Viereck in 1905. The genus Proterops belongs to the ichneumonoid wasps, a group characterized by their parasitoid lifestyle. This species has been recorded from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other braconids, it likely develops as a parasitoid of other insects, but specific host associations have not been documented.
Protitame cervula
Protitame cervula is a species of geometrid moth originally described by Rindge in 1958. The species has been transferred to the genus Sperrya in some taxonomic treatments, resulting in the synonym Sperrya cervula. Based on iNaturalist records, it has been documented in at least 17 observations, indicating it is a rarely reported species with limited available natural history data. As a member of Geometridae, it belongs to a large family of moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to the characteristic larval locomotion.
Protrocha minuta
Protrocha minuta is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Bunn in 1930. It belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini within the subfamily Caliscelinae. The genus Protrocha is part of a group of small, often overlooked planthoppers that inhabit grassy and herbaceous vegetation. Very little is known about the specific biology or ecology of this species, reflecting the broader pattern of understudied diversity within the Caliscelidae family.
Pseudamara arenaria
Pseudamara arenaria is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, tribe Zabrini. It is recorded from Canada and the United States. The specific epithet "arenaria" suggests a possible association with sandy habitats, though this has not been confirmed by direct observation. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Pseudanarta vexata
Pseudanarta vexata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by John G. Franclemont in 1941. It belongs to the genus Pseudanarta, a group of noctuid moths found in western North America. The species is poorly documented in public sources, with no observations recorded on iNaturalist and limited published information available.
Pseudanidorus musculus
Pseudanidorus musculus is a species of ant-like leaf beetle in the family Aderidae. The genus Pseudanidorus is a small genus within this family of minute beetles. Aderidae, commonly known as ant-like leaf beetles, are a family of small beetles characterized by their compact bodies and often ant-mimicking appearance. Members of this family are typically found in decaying plant material and are poorly studied due to their small size and cryptic habits.
Pseudanostirus laricis
Pseudanostirus laricis is a species of click beetle (Elateridae) described by W.J. Brown in 1939. It belongs to the genus Pseudanostirus, a group of dendrometrine click beetles. The species epithet 'laricis' suggests an association with larch (Larix), though the precise nature of this relationship requires verification. Records indicate occurrence in British Columbia, Canada.
Pseudasydates inyoensis
Pseudasydates inyoensis is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The species is known from a single iNaturalist observation, indicating it is likely rare or poorly documented. The genus Pseudasydates is placed within the diverse beetle family Melyridae, whose members are commonly known as soft-winged flower beetles and are often found on flowers and vegetation.
Pseudips radiatae
Pseudips radiatae is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae. The genus Pseudips is associated with conifer hosts, and the species epithet 'radiatae' suggests an association with Pinus radiata (Monterey pine). Very few observations exist, indicating it is either rare, poorly documented, or restricted in range.