Inaturalist
Guides
Alabagrus stigma
Alabagrus stigma is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, first described by Brullé in 1846. As a member of the genus Alabagrus, it belongs to a group of braconid wasps known for their role as parasitoids of other insects. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and NCBI Taxonomy databases, with 35 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Specific ecological and biological details remain limited in available sources.
Ctenodactylomyia watsoni
Sea Grape Gall Midge
Ctenodactylomyia watsoni is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, commonly known as the Sea Grape Gall Midge. It induces galls on sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), a coastal shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species is well-documented through iNaturalist observations, with over 790 records, indicating it is relatively common and readily observed by naturalists in its range. As a gall-forming insect, it manipulates host plant tissue to create protected structures for larval development.
Dasylechia
Dasylechia is a monotypic genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Williston in 1907. The genus contains a single described species, Dasylechia atrox. This robber fly was historically considered ultra-rare, but its known range has expanded significantly through citizen science photography. Observations documented on iNaturalist have become the primary source of distributional data for this species, now outnumbering museum specimens.
Dasylechia atrox
Dasylechia atrox is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Laphriinae. Once considered ultra-rare, its true geographic range is now being defined primarily through photographic observations on iNaturalist, which have substantially outnumbered collected specimens. The species belongs to a small genus of distinctive, large-bodied robber flies.
Gyponana gladia
Gyponana gladia is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by DeLong in 1942. Like other members of its genus, it possesses distinctive brochosomes—nanoparticles produced in the Malpighian tubules that create a superhydrophobic, anti-reflective coating on the body and wings. The species has been documented at blacklight traps in autumn, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns. It is one of many small, often overlooked leafhopper species that contribute to the high diversity of Hemiptera in North American temperate regions.
Melikaiella flora
Live Oak Petiole Gall Wasp
Melikaiella flora is a cynipid gall wasp that induces distinctive leaf galls on live oak trees (Quercus agrifolia, Q. wislizeni, and Q. chrysolepis) in California. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving two generations, with second-generation females ovipositing into acorns rather than leaf tissue. The galls typically engulf the entire petiole and may extend into the leaf blade, representing one of the more dramatic gall morphologies among North American Cynipidae. Formerly classified as Callirhytis milleri, the species was reclassified to reflect improved understanding of cynipid phylogeny.
Physegenua obscuripennis
Physegenua obscuripennis is a species of lauxaniid fly described by Bigot in 1857. The genus Physegenua contains small to medium-sized flies in the family Lauxaniidae, a group characterized by often patterned wings and bodies. Records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Pseudorgyia russula
Pseudorgyia russula is a species of owlet moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. It is found in North America, where it inhabits diverse terrestrial environments. As a member of the subfamily Calpinae, it belongs to a group of moths with varied feeding habits and ecological roles. The species has been documented through citizen science observations, with over 200 records contributing to knowledge of its distribution.
Rosalia funebris
Banded Alder Borer
Rosalia funebris, commonly known as the Banded Alder Borer, is a striking longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is notable for its bold black-and-white coloration and elongated body form. Adults are active in spring and summer and are frequently observed on the bark of hardwood trees, particularly alders. The species is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to California and New Mexico. Unlike many wood-boring beetles, it is not considered a significant pest as it generally lays eggs in downed rather than living trees.