Monotypic-genus
Guides
Glaucotes
Glaucotes is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. The genus contains a single species, Glaucotes yuccivorus, described by Fall in 1907. The genus was established by Casey in 1913.
Glaucotes yuccivorus
Glaucotes yuccivorus is a species of longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lamiinae, and the sole member of the monotypic genus Glaucotes. Described by Fall in 1907, this beetle is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species epithet 'yuccivorus' indicates an association with yucca plants, likely as a host. It belongs to the tribe Acanthocinini within the diverse family Cerambycidae.
Glycobius
sugar maple borer
Glycobius is a monotypic genus of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing the single species Glycobius speciosus, commonly known as the sugar maple borer. The species is native to eastern North America and is a specialist wood-borer whose larvae feed on sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Adults are active in spring and early summer.
Glyphocystis viridivallis
Glyphocystis viridivallis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Glyphocystis. The species was described by André Blanchard in 1973 and is known only from Texas. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Gnamptopelta obsidianator
bent-shielded besieger wasp
Gnamptopelta obsidianator is a large ichneumonid wasp and the sole species in its monotypic genus. It is distinguished by a concave clypeus, a trait reflected in its genus name derived from Greek words for 'bent' and 'shield.' The species is an ectoparasitoid of sphinx moth caterpillars (Macroglossinae) feeding on grapevines. Adults are active in spring across eastern North America.
Gnaphalodes
Gnaphalodes is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Thomson in 1861. It is monotypic, containing only the species Gnaphalodes trachyderoides. The genus belongs to the tribe Bothriospilini within the subfamily Cerambycinae.
Gnaphalodes trachyderoides
A longhorn beetle and the sole species in its genus, characterized by a robust, somewhat flattened body and antennae that are notably shorter than those of many cerambycids. The species name 'trachyderoides' references its resemblance to the genus Trachyderes. It occurs from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America.
Gnathonargus unicorn
Unicorn spider
Gnathonargus unicorn is a small sheet-web weaving spider belonging to the family Linyphiidae. It is the sole species in its genus, which was established by Bishop & Crosby in 1935. The species was originally described by Banks in 1892 and is known from the United States. As with many linyphiid spiders, it is poorly studied and little is known of its natural history.
Gnathonaroides pedalis
Gnathonaroides pedalis is a dwarf spider and the sole species in the monotypic genus Gnathonaroides. First described by Emerton in 1923 and later placed in its current genus by Bishop & Crosby in 1938, this small linyphiid spider is known only from Canada and the United States. As a sheet-web weaver, it belongs to one of the most species-rich families of spiders.
Goniops chrysocoma
Golden-haired Horse Fly
Goniops chrysocoma is the sole species in the monotypic genus Goniops, a horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is found in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. The species is characterized by its distinctive golden-haired appearance, which contributes to its common name. As a member of the horse fly family, it belongs to a group of blood-feeding flies known for their painful bites and ecological significance as pollinators and prey for other animals.
Gosodesmus
pink feather boa millipede
Gosodesmus is a monotypic genus of platydesmidan millipedes described by Ralph V. Chamberlin in 1922. The sole species, Gosodesmus claremontus, is endemic to California and notable for its bright pink to coral coloration. The species has been the subject of chemical research following the 2020 discovery of a novel alkaloid, gosodesmine, in its defensive secretions.
Gracilia
Gracilia is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing a single species, Gracilia minuta. The genus is native to Europe but has been introduced to North and South America, including the United States, Argentina, and Uruguay. It belongs to the diverse group of wood-boring beetles commonly known as longhorn beetles.
Gracilia minuta
basket longhorn beetle
Gracilia minuta is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to Europe, with established introduced populations in the United States, Argentina, and Uruguay. It is the sole species in the genus Gracilia. The species has been documented on islands in the Azores (Faial, São Miguel, Santa Maria, and Terceira), suggesting dispersal capabilities or human-mediated transport to oceanic islands.
Grais stigmaticus
Hermit Skipper
Grais stigmaticus, commonly known as the hermit skipper, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Grais. This skipper butterfly has a broad distribution spanning from the southwestern United States through Central America to Argentina, with populations also present in Jamaica. The species was first described by Mabille in 1883 under the basionym Anastrus stigmaticus. As a member of the family Hesperiidae, it exhibits the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern typical of skippers.
Grypotes puncticollis
Grypotes puncticollis is a deltocephaline leafhopper and the sole species in the monotypic genus Grypotes. It is a Palaearctic species whose eastern distributional margin is defined by records from Kazakhstan. The species belongs to the tribe Athysanini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae.
Guentherocoris
Guentherocoris is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) established by Schuh & Schwartz in 2004. The genus contains a single described species, G. atritibialis. As a member of the mirid family, it belongs to the diverse group of true bugs known for their plant-associated habits.
Hadenella pergentilis
Hadenella pergentilis is a noctuid moth and the sole species in its genus. It occurs in western North America from the Pacific Northwest and Canadian prairies south through the Rocky Mountains to Colorado and Utah, with coastal populations in southern California. The species is associated with sage steppe habitats. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883.
Hadromychus
handsome fungus beetles
Hadromychus is a genus of handsome fungus beetles in the family Endomychidae, established by Bousquet & Leschen in 2002. The genus is monotypic, containing only one described species, Hadromychus chandleri. As members of Endomychidae, these beetles are associated with fungal substrates. The genus is poorly known due to its rarity and limited collection records.
Hagenius
dragonhunter
Hagenius is a monotypic genus of clubtail dragonflies (family Gomphidae) containing the single species Hagenius brevistylus, commonly known as the dragonhunter. This large, aggressive dragonfly inhabits riverine systems of eastern North America and is notable for its exceptional predatory behavior, including the habit of capturing and consuming other dragonflies and damselflies. The genus name honors Hermann August Hagen, a prominent 19th-century entomologist specializing in Odonata.
Haideoporus
Haideoporus is a monotypic genus of diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, subfamily Hydroporinae. The genus contains a single species, Haideoporus texanus, described by Young & Longley in 1976. The species is a North American endemic stygobiont, meaning it is restricted to subterranean aquatic habitats. Larval morphology has been described, showing adaptations to hypogaeic (subterranean) life.
Harpalobrachys leiroides
Harpalobrachys leiroides is a ground beetle species and the sole member of its genus. It is classified within the subfamily Harpalinae, tribe Harpalini. The species has a Holarctic distribution spanning northern Eurasia and North America. It was first described by Motschulsky in 1844.
Hayhurstia
Hayhurstia is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, containing the single species H. atriplicis. The genus is notable for its role in biological control research, as populations serve as reservoirs for parasitoids that have been used in pest management programs. It is associated with Chenopodium (goosefoot) plants in agricultural and urban environments.
Heliocis
false blister beetles
Heliocis is a monotypic genus of false blister beetles (family Oedemeridae) containing a single described species, Heliocis repanda. The genus was established by Arnett in 1951. Members of this genus share the general characteristics of Oedemeridae, including soft, flexible elytra and a tendency toward elongate body forms. The limited species diversity suggests either restricted geographic range or specialized ecological requirements.
Hemigrotella argenteostriata
Hemigrotella argenteostriata is a noctuid moth and the sole member of its genus. It was described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The species is endemic to southern California. Very few observations exist, with only 10 records documented on iNaturalist.
Heminocloa mirabilis
Heminocloa mirabilis is a moth species and the sole member of its monotypic genus within the family Noctuidae. Originally described as Basilodes mirabilis by Berthold Neumoegen in 1884, it was later placed in the genus Heminocloa erected by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924. The species is known only from the US state of Arizona, with 69 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Hemioslaria pima
Hemioslaria pima is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, representing the sole member of its monotypic genus. The species was first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924. It is known only from the US state of Arizona, with 47 documented observations on iNaturalist. The genus and species are classified within the subfamily Acontiinae and tribe Chamaecleini.
Heteropacha rileyana
Riley's Lappet Moth
Heteropacha rileyana is a lappet moth in the family Lasiocampidae, the sole species in its genus. It was historically misidentified as a clearwing moth (Sesiidae) due to superficial resemblance. The species exhibits wasp-mimicking coloration with distinctive abdominal banding. Larvae feed on horse nettle (Solanum carolinense), a plant associated with sandy soils.
Hippiscus
wrinkled grasshopper
Hippiscus is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing a single described species, Hippiscus ocelote. The genus is classified within the subfamily Oedipodinae and tribe Hippiscini. Commonly known as the wrinkled grasshopper, the sole species has been documented in dry woodland and glade habitats in North America.
Hodebertia
Hodebertia is a monotypic genus of crambid moths erected by Leraut in 2003. Its sole species, Hodebertia testalis, is a tropical micro-moth with occasional vagrant records in Europe. The genus is notable for its distinctive wing pattern and larval association with milkweed relatives and hibiscus.
Hodebertia testalis
Incolorous Pearl
Hodebertia testalis, known as the Incolorous Pearl, is a small crambid moth found primarily in tropical regions with occasional vagrant records reaching parts of Europe. It is the sole species in its genus, making Hodebertia monotypic. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1794 and has undergone taxonomic reclassification, with some sources placing it in the genus Pyrausta.
Hofmannophila
brown house moth (for sole species H. pseudospretella)
Hofmannophila is a monotypic genus of concealer moths (family Oecophoridae) containing a single species, H. pseudospretella, commonly known as the brown house moth. The genus appears closely related to Borkhausenia. The sole species is a significant synanthropic pest with nearly worldwide distribution, particularly abundant in Britain.
Homocerynea cleoriformis
Homocerynea cleoriformis is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Homocerynea. The species was described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1913 from material collected in Arizona. It belongs to the family Erebidae (formerly classified in Noctuidae). No observations have been recorded in iNaturalist, indicating extreme rarity or possible extinction.
Homolagoa grotelliformis
Homolagoa grotelliformis is a noctuid moth and the sole member of its monotypic genus. The species was described in 1912 by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough, who noted its resemblance to moths in the genus Grotella (hence the specific epithet "grotelliformis"). It is found in North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Hoplomachidea
Hoplomachidea is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Reuter in 1909. The genus contains a single described species, H. consors. Members of this genus are classified within the suborder Heteroptera (true bugs) and the infraorder Cimicomorpha. As a mirid genus, it belongs to one of the largest families of true bugs, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Hubbellia marginifera
Arboreal Pine Katydid
Hubbellia marginifera, the sole species in the monotypic genus Hubbellia, is a shield-backed katydid endemic to the southeastern United States. It is strongly associated with pine forests and has been documented in arboreal habitats, reflecting its common name. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1869 from specimens collected in the region.
Hylurgopinus
native elm bark beetles
Hylurgopinus is a monotypic genus of bark beetles in the tribe Hylesinini. The sole species, Hylurgopinus rufipes, is native to North America and serves as a principal vector of Dutch elm disease. Adults are small, brownish-red beetles that bore into elm bark to construct galleries for reproduction and overwintering.
Hymenodria
Hymenodria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, containing a single species, Hymenodria mediodentata. The genus was erected by James Halliday McDunnough in 1954. It is native to North America. The sole species was originally described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1911.
Hypna
jazzy leafwing, marbled leafwing, silver-studded leafwing
Hypna is a monotypic butterfly genus in the family Nymphalidae, containing only Hypna clytemnestra. The species is the largest member of the tribe Anaeini and is known for its striking leaf-mimicry. The common names jazzy leafwing, marbled leafwing, and silver-studded leafwing refer to this single species. It is considered uncommon across its range.
Hypna clytemnestra
Silver-studded Leafwing, Jazzy Leafwing, Marbled Leafwing
Hypna clytemnestra is the sole species in the monotypic genus Hypna, a leafwing butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. The species is known by multiple common names reflecting its distinctive wing patterning. It is classified within the subfamily Charaxinae, tribe Anaeini, a group characterized by robust bodies and often cryptic, leaf-mimicking wing shapes.
Hypodacne
Hypodacne is a genus of beetles in the family Euxestidae, established by J.L. LeConte in 1876. The genus contains a single described species, H. punctata. These beetles are characterized by their well-polished, glossy appearance. The family Euxestidae was historically treated as part of Cerylonidae, and some sources still reflect this classification.
Idiobates castaneus
Idiobates castaneus is a North American darkling beetle and the sole member of its genus. The species is known from eastern Canada and has been documented in Ontario and Québec. Its life history includes described larval and pupal stages. The genus Idiobates is monotypic within the family Tenebrionidae.
Idiopidonia
Idiopidonia is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing a single described species, Idiopidonia pedalis. The genus was established by Swaine and Hopping in 1928 and is classified within the subfamily Lepturinae. It represents a monotypic lineage of flower longhorns with limited documented ecological information.
Janseodes melanospila
Janseodes melanospila is the sole species in the monotypic genus Janseodes. It is a moth with a notably wide geographic range spanning three continents: Asia, Africa, and North America. The species was first described from India in 1852 and has since been recorded in South Africa and Florida, USA. Its disjunct distribution pattern suggests possible human-mediated introduction to some regions, though natural dispersal mechanisms remain unclear.
Juniperella
Juniperella is a monotypic genus of beetles in the family Buprestidae, containing only the single species Juniperella mirabilis. The genus was established by Knull in 1947. It belongs to the subfamily Buprestinae and tribe Melanophilini. Knowledge of this genus is extremely limited due to its rarity and the scarcity of observations.
Juniperella mirabilis
Juniper Metallic Wood-boring Beetle
Juniperella mirabilis is a rare metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, and the sole species in its genus. It is endemic to North America and associated with juniper hosts. The species was described by Knull in 1947 and remains poorly known, with very few documented observations.
Knightomiris distinctus
A small plant bug in the family Miridae, originally described as Lygus distinctus by Knight in 1917 and later transferred to the monotypic genus Knightomiris in 1973. The genus was established based on distinctive morphological features including male genitalia structure. This species belongs to a large family of true bugs commonly known as plant bugs or capsid bugs.
Kocakina
Intractable quaker moth (for sole species K. fidelis)
Kocakina is a monotypic genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established in 2006 to replace the preoccupied genus name Himella. The sole species, Kocakina fidelis (intractable quaker moth), is an early-spring flying moth of eastern North American dry woodlands. The caterpillar is known as the four-lined green fruitworm and feeds primarily on oak, elm, and flowering crabapple leaves.
Kocakina fidelis
Intractable Quaker
Kocakina fidelis, commonly known as the Intractable Quaker, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It is the sole member of the genus Kocakina, which was established in 2006 to replace the junior homonym Himella. The species occurs across eastern North America from Quebec and Maine south to Florida, and west to Texas and Kansas. It inhabits dry woodland environments.
Kodiosoma fulva
Kodiosoma fulva is a moth species in the family Erebidae and the sole member of the monotypic genus Kodiosoma. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Both the genus and species were described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1872. The species epithet is sometimes rendered as 'fulvum' in older literature.
Lampracanthia
Lampracanthia is a monotypic genus of shore bugs in the family Saldidae, containing a single described species, L. crassicornis. It was established by Reuter in 1912. Shore bugs in this family are generally associated with moist habitats near water. Very little specific information is documented about this genus beyond its taxonomic placement.