Monotypic
Guides
Cathetopteron
Cathetopteron is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lamiinae, and tribe Hemilophini. The genus is monotypic, containing only the single species Cathetopteron amoena described by Hamilton in 1896. Very little information is available about this genus beyond its taxonomic placement.
Ceophyllus
Ceophyllus is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by LeConte in 1849. The genus contains a single described species, C. monilis. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies.
Cephalospargeta
Cephalospargeta is a monotypic moth genus in the family Nolidae, established by Möschler in 1890. It contains a single species, Cephalospargeta elongata, which occurs in the southern United States (Texas) and Caribbean islands (Puerto Rico, Jamaica). The genus was historically classified in Noctuidae but has been reassigned to Nolidae based on phylogenetic revisions.
Ceratolasma
A genus of harvestmen endemic to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Contains a single described species, Ceratolasma tricantha. Formerly placed in its own family Ceratolasmatidae, now classified as the subfamily Ceratolasmatinae within Ischyropsalididae.
Chaetoplagia
Chaetoplagia is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Voriini, subfamily Dexiinae. The genus contains a single described species, Chaetoplagia atripennis, recorded from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Tachinid flies in this group are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Chaetoplagia remain undocumented.
Charisalia
Charisalia is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, containing the single species Charisalia americana. The genus was described by Casey in 1913 and is classified within the subfamily Lepturinae, tribe Lepturini. Members of this genus are commonly known as flower longhorns, reflecting their association with flowers as adults. The genus is endemic to the eastern United States.
Chloroplus
Chloroplus is a monotypic genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae. The genus contains a single described species, Chloroplus cactocaetes. It is classified within the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of grasshoppers commonly known as spur-throated grasshoppers due to the presence of a peg-like projection on the prosternum. The genus was established by Hebard in 1918.
Choephora
Choephora is a monotypic genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Grote & Robinson in 1868. The genus contains a single species, Choephora fungorum, commonly known as the bent-line carpet. These moths belong to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest and most diverse groups within Noctuidae. The genus is recognized in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life and GBIF.
Chrismania
Chrismania is a monotypic moth genus in the family Crambidae, containing a single species, Chrismania pictipennalis. The genus was described in 1914 by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough. It is restricted to the southwestern United States, with records from southern California and Arizona. Adults are small moths with distinctive forewing coloration and fly in early spring.
Chromagrion
aurora damsels
Chromagrion is a genus of damselflies in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as aurora damsels. The genus contains a single described species, Chromagrion conditum. These insects are part of the pond damselfly family, which is one of the largest families within the Odonata order.
Chrotoma
Chrotoma is a monotypic genus of long-horned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Casey in 1891. The genus contains a single species, C. dunniana, distributed in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the tribe Bothriospilini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The genus is rarely encountered, with few documented observations.
Cingilia
Chain-dotted Geometer
Cingilia is a monotypic genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, containing only the species Cingilia catenaria. The genus was erected by Francis Walker in 1862. Its sole species is known by multiple common names including chain-dotted geometer, chain dot geometer, chainspotted geometer, and chain-spotted geometer. The genus is endemic to North America.
Colphepeira
A monotypic genus of orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) established by Allan Frost Archer in 1941. The sole species, Colphepeira catawba, is restricted to the southern United States and Mexico. The genus is rarely encountered, with few observations documented.
Comaldessus
Comaldessus is a genus of diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, established in 1995. The genus is monotypic, containing only the species Comaldessus stygius. It belongs to the tribe Bidessini within the subfamily Hydroporinae, a group of small predatory aquatic beetles.
Connatichela
Connatichela is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae, described by Anderson in 1984. The genus is currently monotypic, containing only C. artemisiae, which is endemic to the Yukon Territory. Members are characterized by connate (joined at base) tarsal claws, absence of metepisternal suture, lack of scales on antennal funiculus, and presence of broad scales on antennal scape. The genus has a documented Pleistocene fossil record from Alaska and western Northwest Territories, indicating a formerly broader distribution.
Contiger
Contiger is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Lange in 1956. The genus contains a single species, Contiger vittatalis, known from Florida in the southeastern United States. Adults are small with a wingspan of approximately 15 mm and exhibit distinct seasonal activity patterns throughout the year.
Copibryophila
Copibryophila is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae. It contains a single species, Copibryophila angelica, described from California in 1900. The genus was established by John Bernhardt Smith.
Copivaleria
Copivaleria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. It contains a single species, Copivaleria grotei (Grote's sallow), described by Herbert Knowles Morrison in 1874. The genus is currently considered a synonym of Psaphida by the Global Lepidoptera Names Index.
Coryphista
barberry geometer moth
Coryphista is a monotypic moth genus in the family Geometridae, erected by George Duryea Hulst in 1896. The genus contains a single species, Coryphista meadii, commonly known as the barberry geometer moth or barberry looper. Some taxonomic authorities consider Coryphista to be a synonym of Rheumaptera. The species is notable as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pimpla sanguinipes.
Crambodes
Crambodes is a monotypic genus of noctuid moths containing a single species, Crambodes talidiformis. The genus was established by Achille Guenée in 1852. The sole species occurs in the eastern and central United States.
Cratacanthus
Cratacanthus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) established by Dejean in 1829. The genus contains a single species, Cratacanthus dubius. It belongs to the tribe Harpalini within the subfamily Harpalinae. The genus is classified within the diverse adephagan beetle radiation.
Crinodessus
Crinodessus is a monotypic genus of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae. The genus contains a single species, Crinodessus amyae, described by K.B. Miller in 1997. This genus belongs to the tribe Bidessini within the subfamily Hydroporinae.
Crocigrapha
Crocigrapha is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Grote in 1875. The sole species, Crocigrapha normani (Norman's quaker), occurs primarily in eastern North America with scattered records west to Alberta and Colorado. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, the largest group within the owlet moths.
Curaliidae
Curaliidae is a monotypic family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) erected in 2008. The family contains a single species, Curalium cronini, found in tropical Australia. Its phylogenetic placement within Cimicoidea reflects a distinct lineage separate from other cimicomorphan families.
Cylindrifrons
Cylindrifrons is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Crambidae, established by Munroe in 1951. It contains a single species, Cylindrifrons succandidalis, found in western North America. The genus is classified within the subfamily Evergestinae.
Cyphonotida
Cyphonotida is a monotypic genus of flower longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Casey in 1913. The genus contains a single species, Cyphonotida rostrata, which occurs across North, Central, and South America. The subspecies C. r. rostrata has been documented in seasonally dry forest habitats.
Daihiniella
Daihiniella is a monotypic genus of sand-treader crickets in the family Rhaphidophoridae, containing a single described species, D. bellicosa. The genus was established by Hubbell in 1936 and belongs to the tribe Daihiniini within the subfamily Ceuthophilinae. Sand-treader crickets are specialized for life in sandy environments, with morphological adaptations for burrowing and moving through loose substrates.
Dalmosella
ant-loving beetles
Dalmosella is a genus of ant-loving beetles (rove beetles) in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1897. It contains a single described species, D. tenuis. As a member of the subfamily Pselaphinae, it belongs to a group of small beetles that are ecologically associated with ants.
Dasyblemma
Dasyblemma is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, established by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1923. It contains a single species, Dasyblemma straminea, known only from California. The genus was formerly classified in subfamily Acontiinae of Noctuidae.
Deidamia
Deidamia is a monotypic genus of sphinx moths in the family Sphingidae, established by Clemens in 1859. The genus contains a single species, Deidamia inscriptum (lettered sphinx), which occurs in North America. The genus belongs to the tribe Macroglossini within the subfamily Macroglossinae.
Dercylinus
Dercylinus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing only Dercylinus impressus. The genus was established by Chaudoir in 1883 and is classified within the subfamily Licininae and tribe Oodini. It is known from the United States. Very little has been published about its biology or ecology.
Didasys belae
double-tufted wasp moth
Didasys belae is a monotypic tiger moth species in the subfamily Arctiinae, commonly known as the double-tufted wasp moth. It is the sole member of its genus. The species is restricted to a narrow geographic range in the southeastern United States. Its common name references distinctive tufted structures and wasp-mimicking appearance.
Diochanthrax
Diochanthrax is a monotypic genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) containing a single described species, D. morulus, which is endemic to California. The genus was established by Hall in 1975 and belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini. As a bee fly, it likely exhibits the parasitoid life history typical of many Bombyliidae, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Dolbogene
Hartweg's sphinx (species-level)
Dolbogene is a monotypic genus of hawkmoths in the family Sphingidae, erected by Walter Rothschild and Karl Jordan in 1903. Its sole species, Dolbogene hartwegii (Hartweg's sphinx), was described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1875. The genus is distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Guatemala. Biological knowledge remains limited due to the small number of specimens collected.
Dolopomyrmex
Dolopomyrmex is a monotypic genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, containing only Dolopomyrmex pilatus. The genus is endemic to arid regions of the western and southwestern United States. These ants are believed to be almost exclusively subterranean, making them rarely observed above ground.
Dryas
Julia heliconians
Dryas is a monotypic genus of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) containing the single species Dryas iulia, commonly known as the Julia butterfly or Julia heliconian. Native from Brazil through Central America to the southern United States, this species has been observed as far north as eastern Nebraska during summer months. The genus is notable for its specialized feeding behavior, with adults known to drink tears from reptiles and eye secretions from sleeping birds to obtain salts and amino acids. Over 15 subspecies have been described across its broad Neotropical and Nearctic range.
Drymoana
Drymoana is a monotypic genus of sedge moths in the family Glyphipterigidae, established by John B. Heppner in 1985. The genus contains a single described species, Drymoana blanchardi. It is known from southern North American states including Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Texas.
Dufouriellus
Dufouriellus is a monotypic genus of minute pirate bugs (family Anthocoridae) established by Kirkaldy in 1906. The genus contains a single described species, Dufouriellus ater, and is classified in the tribe Dufouriellini. Members of this genus are small predatory true bugs found in western and northern Europe.
Dyotopasta
Dyotopasta is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Tineidae. The genus contains a single species, Dyotopasta yumaella, which occurs in the southwestern United States. The genus was established by Busck in 1907.
Echinargus
Reakirt's blue
Echinargus is a monotypic butterfly genus in the family Lycaenidae, containing the single species Echinargus isola (Reakirt's blue). The genus was described by Vladimir Nabokov in 1945. The species is notable for its extensive migratory behavior, regularly moving northward from its core range in Central America and the southern United States into northern regions.
Elaphidionopsis
Elaphidionopsis is a monotypic genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Linsley in 1936. The genus contains a single species, Elaphidionopsis fasciatipennis, described by Linsley and Chemsak. The genus belongs to the tribe Elaphidiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. Based on field observations, adults of the type species have been collected at mercury-vapor and ultraviolet lights in juniper chaparral habitats in west Texas.
Elassoptes
Elassoptes is a monotypic genus of true weevils (family Curculionidae) containing a single species, Elassoptes marinus. The genus was established by George Henry Horn in 1873. As a member of the largest beetle family, it possesses the characteristic elongated rostrum (snout) typical of weevils. The genus is rarely encountered in collections and field observations, with limited biological data available.
Elatotrypes
Elatotrypes is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing a single described species, Elatotrypes hoferi. The genus was established by Fisher in 1919 and is classified within the tribe Callidiini of the subfamily Cerambycinae. Very little is known about the biology or natural history of this genus due to its rarity and limited documentation.
Emertongone
Emertongone is a monotypic genus of dwarf spiders in the family Linyphiidae. It was erected in 2022 to accommodate the species Emertongone montifer, previously classified under Oedothorax. The genus is known only from the United States. It belongs to the diverse sheet-web weaving spiders.
Empelinae
Empelinae is a small subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) with poorly understood biology. The subfamily contains a single monotypic genus, Empelus, with only one described species, Empelus brunipennis. Members are minute beetles under 2 mm in length, found in secluded microhabitats including forest leaf litter, fungi, and moss along stream edges. Their reclusive ecology has made collection and study difficult, resulting in substantial gaps in knowledge about their life history and behavior.
Eremanthe
Chemsak's desert moth
Eremanthe is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Eremanthe chemsaki. The genus was described by Munroe in 1972. Adults are active during daylight hours and occur in spring. The genus is restricted to desert regions of California and Mexico.
Estrandia
Estrandia is a monotypic genus of dwarf spiders in the family Linyphiidae, containing only the species Estrandia grandaeva. First described by H. H. Blauvelt in 1936, this genus has a restricted distribution across parts of East Asia. As a member of the sheet-web weaving spiders, it shares family characteristics of small body size and web-building behavior, though specific details about its biology remain limited.
Eubolina
Eubolina is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. It contains a single species, Eubolina impartialis, commonly known as the eubolina moth. The genus was established by Leon F. Harvey in 1875. The sole species is primarily distributed in southern Texas, United States.
Eucorethra
phantom midges
Eucorethra is a monotypic genus of phantom midges in the family Chaoboridae, containing the single species Eucorethra underwoodi. This genus belongs to a family of non-biting midges known for their distinctive aquatic larvae. The genus was established by Underwood in 1903.
Eulogia
broad-banded eulogia moth
Eulogia is a monotypic genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) containing a single species, Eulogia ochrifrontella. The genus was established by Carl Heinrich in 1956. The sole species, described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1875 as the broad-banded eulogia moth, occurs across much of North America.