Monotypic
Guides
Abolloptera
Abolloptera is a monotypic genus of planthoppers in the family Issidae, established in 2006 by Gnezdilov & O'Brien. The genus contains a single species, Abolloptera bistriata, which occurs in the southern United States and adjacent Mexico. As a member of the tribe Thioniini, it belongs to a group of small, often cryptic planthoppers with limited documented natural history.
Abrenthia
Abrenthia is a monotypic genus of sedge moths in the family Glyphipterigidae, described by August Busck in 1915. The sole species, Abrenthia cuprea, is a small North American moth with a wingspan of 9–12 mm. Adults are active in mid-to-late June, with likely a single generation per year.
Acizziinae
Acizziinae is a monotypic subfamily of psyllids (family Psyllidae) containing the single genus Acizzia. The subfamily was established by George Heslop-Harrison in 1961 and has a worldwide distribution. Members are small sap-feeding insects associated with host plants.
Acmaeopsoides
Acmaeopsoides is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae and tribe Rhagiini. The genus was described by Linsley and Chemsak in 1976 and contains a single species, Acmaeopsoides rufula. The genus is distributed in Canada and the United States.
Acoptus
Acoptus is a monotypic genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing the single described species A. suturalis. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. Its sole species is restricted to the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, where it has been documented in association with beaver-modified wetlands.
Acrodectes
Acrodectes is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, containing a single described species, Acrodectes philopagus. The genus was established by Rehn and Hebard in 1920. These insects belong to the diverse katydid group within Orthoptera, characterized by their elongated antennae and stridulatory sound production.
Adicrophleps
Adicrophleps is a monotypic genus of caddisflies in the family Brachycentridae, established by Flint in 1965. The genus contains a single described species, A. hitchcocki. Members are classified as "humpless casemaker" caddisflies, distinguishing them from the "humped" Brachycentrinae subfamily.
Agraphus
Agraphus is a monotypic genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing a single species, Agraphus bellicus. The genus was established by Thomas Say in 1831 and is classified within the subfamily Entiminae and tribe Agraphini. It is endemic to the eastern United States.
Alexicles
Alexicles moth
Alexicles is a monotypic genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae. Its sole species, Alexicles aspersa, occurs in the southwestern United States. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. Adults are active during summer months.
Allochares
Allochares is a monotypic genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, containing only the species Allochares azureus. The genus is endemic to the southern United States and Mexico. Its sole species is a specialist parasitoid of the southern house spider (Kukulcania hibernalis), exhibiting distinctive hunting and oviposition behaviors adapted to this host.
Allotria
false underwing moth
Allotria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, containing only the species Allotria elonympha (false underwing moth). The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. Its sole species is found in eastern North America and was described in 1818.
Ameroduvalius
Ameroduvalius is a monotypic genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing a single described species, Ameroduvalius jeanneli. The genus was established by Valentine in 1952 and is classified within the tribe Trechini, subfamily Trechinae. These beetles belong to the diverse lineage of small carabids often associated with subterranean or specialized microhabitats.
Amiana
Amiana is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, containing a single species, Amiana niama. The genus was established by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1904. It is endemic to the southwestern United States, specifically the state of Arizona. As a member of the subfamily Acronictinae, it belongs to a group of noctuid moths commonly known as dagger moths.
Anarsioses
Anarsioses is a genus of leafmining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Davis in 2019 to accommodate the species formerly known as Phyllonorycter aberrans. The genus was separated from Phyllonorycter based on distinctive morphological and molecular evidence, particularly the unusual asymmetry of the male genitalia and differences in larval biology. It is currently monotypic, containing only the type species Anarsioses aberrans.
Anatralata
Anatralata is a monotypic genus of Crambidae moths established by Munroe in 1961. The sole species, Anatralata versicolor, occurs in western North America from coastal central California north to British Columbia and east to Idaho. Adults are small moths with forewings 5–7 mm in length, active from spring through mid-summer.
Anomalacra
Anomalacra is a genus of shining leaf chafers (subfamily Rutelinae) in the scarab beetle family Scarabaeidae. It was described by Thomas L. Casey in 1915 and contains a single described species, Anomalacra clypealis. The genus belongs to the tribe Anomalini and is classified within the subtribe Anomalina. Its taxonomic status has been flagged as doubtful in some databases.
Anoplognatho
Anoplognatho is a monotypic genus of rhinoceros beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, containing the single described species A. dunnianus. The genus was established by Rivers in 1889. As a member of the subfamily Dynastinae, it belongs to the group of scarab beetles commonly known for enlarged head or thoracic horns in males.
Anthonaeus
Anthonaeus is a genus of short-winged flower beetles in the family Kateretidae. The genus was established by Horn in 1879 and contains a single described species, A. agavensis. Members of this genus are small beetles with reduced hindwings, characteristic of their family.
Anycteola
Anycteola is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acronictinae. It was erected by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1929. The genus contains a single species, Anycteola fotelloides, described by Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1916.
Apanisagrion
A monotypic genus of damselflies in the family Coenagrionidae, containing the single species Apanisagrion lais. The genus is characterized by its distinctive black-and-white coloration and is restricted to the Neotropical region.
Aplos
Aplos is a monotypic genus of issid planthoppers in the family Issidae, established by Gnezdilov in 2018. The sole species, Aplos simplex, was previously classified under the genus Thionia. The genus has established invasive populations in Europe.
Appendiseta
Appendiseta is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Richards in 1965. The sole described species, Appendiseta robiniae, is known as the black locust aphid and has been introduced to Europe from its native North American range. The genus is classified within the tribe Therioaphidini and subfamily Calaphidinae.
Apsaphida
Apsaphida is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by John G. Franclemont in 1973. It contains a single species, Apsaphida eremna, known only from Arizona. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest groups of owlet moths. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Araeoderes
Araeoderes is a monotypic genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, containing a single described species, A. texanus. The genus was established by Schaeffer in 1906. As members of Anthribidae, these beetles are associated with fungal associations rather than plant-feeding like true weevils (Curculionidae). The single species is known from Texas.
Araeopidius
toe-winged beetles
Araeopidius is a monotypic genus of toe-winged beetles (family Ptilodactylidae) containing the single species A. monachus. Adults are uncommon and occur along the western coast of North America. The genus is notable for its three-year life cycle and unusual larval diet of woody material.
Arenochroa
Arenochroa is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Munroe in 1976. The genus contains a single species, Arenochroa flavalis, found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pyraustinae within the family Crambidae.
Argentostiria
Argentostiria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by Robert W. Poole in 1995. The genus contains a single species, Argentostiria koebelei, described by Riley in 1893. It is endemic to the Mojave Desert of the United States.
Aristaria
Aristaria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae. It contains a single species, Aristaria theroalis, known from the United States and Costa Rica. The genus was established by Guenée in 1854. Little is documented about the biology or ecology of this genus.
Ascia
great southern white (for sole species)
Ascia is a monotypic genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, containing only the species Ascia monuste (great southern white). The genus is distributed from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States south through tropical America to Argentina. The sole species exhibits sexual dimorphism and seasonal migration patterns along the southeastern United States coast.
Astalotesia
Astalotesia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, containing a single species, Astalotesia bucurvata. The genus was established by Ferguson in 1983 based on specimens collected in Texas. As a member of the subfamily Ennominae, it belongs to a diverse group of geometrid moths commonly known as inchworms or loopers.
Astylidius
Astylidius is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1913. The genus contains a single species, Astylidius parvus, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. It belongs to the subfamily Lamiinae and tribe Acanthocinini. The genus has been documented in 160 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate contemporary recording activity.
Attaneuria
Enigmatic Stone
Attaneuria is a monotypic genus of stoneflies in the family Perlidae, containing only the species Attaneuria ruralis. The genus was established by Ricker in 1954. The single species, commonly known as the Enigmatic Stone, has not been collected in Ohio for 50–60 years despite historical records from larger rivers in that state. Like other Perlidae, members are aquatic as immatures and terrestrial as adults.
Bajulata
Bajulata is a monotypic genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae, and tribe Amastrini. It contains a single species, Bajulata bajula, described by Ball in 1933. As a treehopper, it belongs to the diverse group of true bugs known for their enlarged and often elaborate pronotal structures. The genus is rarely documented, with minimal observational records available.
Basiaeschna
springtime darner
Basiaeschna is a monotypic genus of dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae, containing the single extant species Basiaeschna janata, commonly called the springtime darner. The genus is notable for its early seasonal flight period and distinctive bluish coloration. A fossil species, †Basiaeschna alaskaensis, has been described from the Paleocene-Eocene boundary in Alaska, providing evidence of the genus's ancient presence in North America and potential trans-Beringian origin.
Beerellus
Beerellus is a monotypic genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing a single described species, Beerellus taxodii. The genus was established by Nelson in 1982 and is classified within the subfamily Polycestinae. Very little is known about this genus beyond its taxonomic placement and the description of its sole species.
Beeria
Beeria is a monotypic genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Hatch in 1957. Its sole species, Beeria nematocera, occurs in the Nearctic region. The genus exhibits morphological characteristics intermediate between tribes Staphylinini and Quediini, with prothoracic features supporting its placement in Quediini. The type species was originally described as Philonthus nematocerus by Casey in 1915.
Bellamira
Bellamira is a monotypic genus of flower longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by LeConte in 1873. The genus contains a single species, Bellamira scalaris, which occurs in South America. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Lepturinae, a group commonly associated with flowers and decaying wood.
Benjaminiola
Benjaminiola is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Strand in 1928. The genus contains a single species, Benjaminiola colorada. As a noctuid moth, it belongs to one of the largest families of Lepidoptera, commonly known as owlet moths.
Bibarrambla
bog bibarrambla moth (sole species)
Bibarrambla is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Depressariidae, containing only Bibarrambla allenella, commonly known as the bog bibarrambla moth. The genus was established by Clarke in 1941, though the sole species was described earlier by Walsingham in 1882. The species occurs in eastern and central North America, with larvae feeding on Alnus and Betula species.
Biblis
red rim, crimson-banded black
Biblis is a monotypic genus of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, established by Fabricius in 1807. The sole species, Biblis hyperia, is commonly known as the red rim or crimson-banded black. This butterfly is distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through Central America to South America.
Biotus
ant-loving beetles
Biotus is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, characterized by their association with ants. The genus contains a single described species, Biotus formicarius, described by Casey in 1887. Members of this genus are classified as myrmecophiles—organisms that live in association with ant colonies.
Blatchleya
false soldier beetles
Blatchleya is a genus of false soldier beetles (family Omethidae) established by Knab in 1910. It contains a single described species, B. gracilis. The family Omethidae is a small group of beetles closely related to soldier beetles (Cantharidae) but distinguished by specific morphological features.
Bolotoperla
winter stonefly
Bolotoperla is a genus of winter stoneflies in the family Taeniopterygidae, containing a single described species, B. rossi. The genus was established by Ricker & Ross in 1975. Winter stoneflies are active during cold months, distinguishing them from most other stonefly groups.
Brucita
Brucita is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Wilcox in 1965. The genus contains a single described species, Brucita marmorata. These beetles are known from limited localities in Texas (USA) and Guatemala.
Bycombia
Bycombia is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Drepanidae, subfamily Thyatirinae. It contains a single species, Bycombia verdugoensis, described from southern California in 1927. The genus was established by Benjamin in 1938. Adults are active during winter and early spring.
Cahela
cahela moth
Cahela is a monotypic snout moth genus in the family Pyralidae, containing a single species, Cahela ponderosella. The genus was described by Carl Heinrich in 1939. The sole species was originally described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. Both the genus and its only species are found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Calyptostomatoidea
Calyptostomatoidea is a superfamily of mites in the order Trombidiformes, established by Oudemans in 1923. It belongs to the infraorder Anystina and contains a single family, Calyptostomatidae. These mites are relatively poorly known compared to other prostigmatan groups, with limited published research on their biology and ecology.
Campylomorphus
Campylomorphus is a monotypic genus of click beetles (Elateridae) containing a single species, Campylomorphus homalisinus. The genus is characterized by its rare orophilous (mountain-dwelling) habit and discontinuous distribution across southwestern Europe. Adults are small, flower-foraging beetles with generalist feeding strategies. The genus exhibits a fragmented geographic pattern hypothesized to reflect Pleistocene glaciation dynamics.
Carptima
Carptima is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, containing a single species, Carptima hydriomenata. The genus was described by Pearsall in 1906. It is endemic to Arizona, USA. The genus is classified within the subfamily Larentiinae.
Cathartus
Cathartus is a monotypic genus of flat bark beetles in the family Silvanidae, containing the single species Cathartus quadricollis. The genus is known from both stored product environments and agricultural systems, with documented populations in Hawaii functioning as predators of scolytine pests. Laboratory studies have characterized its developmental biology on various grain substrates.