Monotypic
Guides
Notholopisca
Notholopisca is a monotypic genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) containing a single described species, N. californica. The genus was established by Carvalho in 1975. As a member of the Miridae, it belongs to the diverse assemblage of true bugs known for their phytophagous habits, though specific ecological details for this genus remain limited.
Obolodiplosis
locust gall midge
Obolodiplosis is a monotypic genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, containing the single species Obolodiplosis robiniae. The genus was established by Felt in 1908. All biological information known for this genus derives from studies of its sole representative species.
Occidentalia
Occidentalia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Crambidae, established by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. and Carl Heinrich in 1927. The genus contains a single species, Occidentalia comptulatalis, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. It is distributed across northern North America, with adults active in mid-summer and larvae specializing on Scirpus (bulrush) species.
Odontivalvia
Odontivalvia is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Munroe in 1973. The sole species, Odontivalvia radialis, is recorded from Texas. Larvae are known to feed on Leucophyllum minus and construct distinctive silken tunnels covered with frass on host plant branches.
Odontoxiphidium
meadow katydids
Odontoxiphidium is a genus of meadow katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, tribe Conocephalini. The genus contains a single described species, O. apterum, found in the southeastern United States. The genus was established by Morse in 1901.
Oidematops
Oidematops is a monotypic genus of flies in the family Sciomyzidae, containing only the species Oidematops ferrugineus. The genus was established by Cresson in 1920. Members of Sciomyzidae are commonly known as marsh flies or snail-killing flies due to the predatory or parasitic habits of their larvae.
Oliarces
Oliarces is a genus of moth lacewings (Neuroptera: Ithonidae) containing a single described species, O. clara. Moth lacewings are a relatively obscure group of neuropterans characterized by their moth-like appearance and reduced wing venation compared to other lacewings. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1908. Very little is known about the biology or ecology of this genus due to its rarity and limited observations.
Oligoria
Twin-spot skipper
Oligoria is a monotypic genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, containing only the species Oligoria maculata, commonly known as the twin-spot skipper. The genus was established by Scudder in 1872. The sole species is restricted to the southeastern United States, with coastal and Gulf distribution patterns.
Omalorphanus
Omalorphanus is a monotypic genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) described in 1987 from the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in Oregon. The sole species, Omalorphanus aenigma, was noted by its authors for possessing multiple unusual morphological features that complicated its taxonomic placement. The genus was ultimately assigned to subfamily Omaliinae based on its distinctive defense gland structure and spiracle arrangement.
Opsimus
Opsimus is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by Mannerheim in 1843. The genus contains a single species, Opsimus quadrilineatus. It belongs to the tribe Opsimini within the subfamily Cerambycinae.
Oreana
Oreana is a monotypic genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. It was described by George Duryea Hulst in 1887, with its sole species Oreana unicolorella described one year earlier. The genus is known from most of North America. As a monotypic genus, Oreana contains only this single species.
Oreophantes
Oreophantes is a monotypic genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) containing the single species Oreophantes recurvatus. First described by K. Y. Eskov in 1984, this genus is known only from the United States and Canada. As a member of the sheet-web weavers, it represents a poorly documented component of North American spider diversity.
Origanates
Origanates is a monotypic genus of dwarf spiders in the family Linyphiidae. It contains a single species, Origanates rostratus, described by C. R. Crosby and S. C. Bishop in 1933. The genus is endemic to the United States and is known from limited observations.
Orthochoriolaus
Orthochoriolaus is a monotypic genus of flower longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, established by Linsley & Chemsak in 1976. The genus contains a single species, Orthochoriolaus chihuahuae, known from Arizona and western Mexico. It is classified within the subfamily Lepturinae and tribe Lepturini.
Orthosoma
brown prionid
Orthosoma is a monotypic genus of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing the single species Orthosoma brunneum, commonly known as the brown prionid. The genus is classified in the subfamily Prioninae and tribe Prionini. Adults are attracted to lights and have been documented in fermenting bait traps. The genus name Orthosoma was previously used for a microsporidian genus, which has since been renamed Orthosomella due to this preoccupation.
Orygma
Orygma is a monotypic European genus of flies in the family Sepsidae, established by Meigen in 1830. The sole species, Orygma luctuosum, is associated with coastal wrack zones where its larvae develop in decaying seaweed and marine debris. The genus is classified in the subfamily Orygmatinae, reflecting its distinct ecological specialization within the Sepsidae.
Osbornia
myrtle mangrove
Osbornia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It contains a single species, Osbornia octodonta, commonly known as the myrtle mangrove. The genus was established in 1862 by Ferdinand von Mueller based on specimens collected in Trinity Bay, Queensland. Osbornia is restricted to coastal mangrove habitats of Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
Osmopleura
Osmopleura is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles in the subfamily Cerambycinae, tribe Agallissini. The genus contains a single species, Osmopleura chamaeropis, described by George Henry Horn in 1893. It is endemic to the southeastern United States.
Pachylioides
Pachylioides is a monotypic moth genus in the family Sphingidae, established by Ronald W. Hodges in 1971. It contains a single species, Pachylioides resumens, described by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions with multiple generations per year.
Palmia
Palmia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Sesiidae, established by William Beutenmüller in 1896. The genus contains a single species, Palmia praecedens, described by Henry Edwards in 1883. As a member of the clearwing moth family, adults likely exhibit wasp-mimicking characteristics common to this group.
Paragalasa
Paragalasa is a monotypic genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, established by Cashatt in 1969. The genus contains a single species, Paragalasa exospinalis, known only from Arizona. Adults are small moths with distinctive wing coloration and patterning.
Paragalasa exospinalis
Paragalasa exospinalis is a monotypic moth species in the snout moth family Pyralidae, subfamily Chrysauginae. It was described by Cashatt in 1969 and is known only from Arizona. The genus Paragalasa contains no other species. Fewer than 10 observations have been documented, indicating this is a poorly known species with limited ecological data available.
Parahypenodes
masked parahypenodes moth
Parahypenodes is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, containing the single species Parahypenodes quadralis. The genus was established by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. Taxonomic placement has varied, with the genus previously classified in Hypeninae within either Erebidae or Noctuidae. Some modern sources treat Parahypenodes as a synonym of Paradelta.
Paranoplium
Paranoplium is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) established by Casey in 1924. The genus contains a single species, Paranoplium gracile, distributed in the western United States and Mexico. It belongs to the tribe Oemini within the subfamily Cerambycinae.
Paratillus
Paratillus is a genus of checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, established by Gorham in 1876. The genus is monotypic, containing a single described species: P. carus. As a member of Cleridae, it belongs to a family of predatory beetles commonly associated with other insects. The genus appears to be rarely encountered, with limited documentation beyond taxonomic description.
Parthenothrips
Parthenothrips is a monotypic genus of thrips in the family Thripidae, subfamily Panchaetothripinae. The sole described species, P. dracaenae, was described by Uzel in 1895. The genus has been recorded from Scandinavia.
Patriciola
Patriciola is a monotypic genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae, established by Carl Heinrich in 1956. The genus contains a single species, Patriciola semicana, described in the same publication. Records indicate a restricted distribution in western North America.
Phaloesia
saucy beauty moth
Phaloesia is a monotypic genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, containing only the species Phaloesia saucia. The genus was described by Francis Walker in 1854. Adults are active nearly year-round and have been documented feeding on nectar from specific flowering plants. The genus occurs from southern Texas through Central America to northern South America.
Philagraula
Philagraula is a monotypic genus of scoopwing moths in the family Uraniidae, established by Hulst in 1896. The genus contains a single described species, Philagraula slossoniae. Scoopwing moths (Uraniidae) are a small family of Lepidoptera known for their distinctive wing shapes and often iridescent coloration.
Phlyctaina
Phlyctaina is a monotypic genus of litter moths in the family Erebidae, established by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. It contains a single species, Phlyctaina irrigualis, which occurs in North America. The genus belongs to the subfamily Herminiinae, a group commonly known as litter moths due to their association with decomposing plant material. The Hodges number for the sole species is 8392.
Phoenicococcidae
palm scales, phoenicococcids
Phoenicococcidae is a monotypic family of scale insects containing a single genus and species, Phoenicococcus marlatti. Commonly known as palm scales or red date scales, these insects are specialized pests of palms in the genus Phoenix. They are sessile as adults, embedded in white waxy nests at the base of palm fronds.
Phormoestes
Phormoestes is a monotypic genus of small moths in the family Choreutidae (subfamily Millieriidae), established by Heppner in 1982. The sole species, Phormoestes palmettovora, is endemic to Florida, United States. The genus is distinguished by distinctive morphological features in both adult and immature stages, most notably a pupal case that resembles a basket—reflected in the etymology of its name.
Phryganeopsis
Phryganeopsis is a monotypic genus of moths in the family Tineidae, containing a single species, Phryganeopsis brunnea. The genus is endemic to California. Little detailed information is available about its biology or ecology.
Phrypeus
Phrypeus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (Carabidae: Trechinae: Sinozolini) containing the single species Phrypeus rickseckeri. The genus was described by Casey in 1924 and is considered taxonomically isolated within the supertribe Trechitae. Its phylogenetic relationships remain obscure; larval morphology studies have failed to link it definitively with any other tribe. The first-instar larva has been described and illustrated.
Phymonotus
Phymonotus is a monotypic genus of shield-backed katydid erected in 2011, containing the single species P. jacintotopos. The genus is distinguished by an unusually enlarged dome-like pronotum, a distinctive calling song, and seven additional morphological features. It is considered a Pleistocene relic taxon endemic to high-elevation conifer forests of the San Jacinto Mountains in southern California.
Pieriballia
painted white, viardi white
Pieriballia is a monotypic genus of pierid butterflies erected by Alexander Barrett Klots in 1933. Its sole species, Pieriballia viardi, occurs from Mexico southward through Central and South America to Bolivia and Paraguay. The genus is characterized by moderate size, with wingspans around 57 mm, and association with rainforest and cloud forest habitats. Larval development has been documented on Capparis pseudocacao.
Piesmus
Piesmus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) containing the single species Piesmus submarginatus. The genus was established by LeConte in 1846 and is classified within the tribe Pterostichini. The sole species has been documented from mesophilous forest habitats under dead pine bark.
Piodes
Piodes is a monotypic genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) established by LeConte in 1850. It contains a single species, Piodes coriacea, distributed in the United States. The genus is classified in the subfamily Lepturinae and tribe Rhagiini.
Piosoma
Piosoma is a monotypic genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing the single species Piosoma setosum. The genus was established by LeConte in 1847 and is classified within the tribe Harpalini. It is endemic to North America.
Plagioneurus
Plagioneurus is a monotypic genus of long-legged flies (family Dolichopodidae) containing a single species, Plagioneurus univittatus. It is the sole member of the subfamily Plagioneurinae. The genus is distinguished by an unusual wing venation pattern: the medial vein M converges obliquely with radial vein R4+5, a trait reflected in its etymology from Greek 'plágios' (oblique) and 'neûron' (nerve). Adults display metallic green thorax with a central black stripe and black abdomen with white pruinose posterior bands.
Platylyra
Platylyra is a monotypic genus of katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Phaneropterinae. It contains a single described species, Platylyra californica, found in California. The genus was established by Scudder in 1898.
Platypatrobus
Platypatrobus is a monotypic genus of ground beetles (family Carabidae) established by Darlington in 1938. The genus contains a single species, Platypatrobus lacustris, found in North America. It belongs to the subfamily Patrobinae, a group of small to medium-sized ground beetles often associated with moist habitats.
Pleromella
Pleromella is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1921. It contains a single species, Pleromella opter, known from western North America. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae, one of the largest lineages within the owlet moths.
Poecilocera
Poecilocera is a monotypic genus of aquatic leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing the single species Poecilocera harrisii. The genus was established by Schaeffer in 1919. The name has been used historically in both Coleoptera and Orthoptera, creating taxonomic confusion.
Policocnemis
Policocnemis is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, containing a single species, Policocnemis ungulatus. The genus was described by Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1932. The sole species is endemic to Texas.
Porphyrorhegma
Porphyrorhegma is a monotypic genus of crambid moths in the subfamily Odontiinae, established by Munroe in 1961. The genus contains a single species, Porphyrorhegma fortunata, recorded from California. Knowledge of this genus is limited due to its rarity and restricted distribution.
Portentomorpha
Portentomorpha is a monotypic genus of crambid moths established by Hans Georg Amsel in 1956. The genus contains a single species, Portentomorpha xanthialis, and serves as the type genus for the tribe Portentomorphini. The genus is distributed across the southeastern United States, Caribbean islands, and tropical regions of Central and South America.
Praeschausia
Praeschausia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Notodontidae, established by Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1932. It contains a single species, Praeschausia zapata, described by William Schaus in 1920. The genus is endemic to Mexico.
Prorocorypha
Prorocorypha is a monotypic genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing a single described species, P. snowi (Snow's Toothpick Grasshopper). The genus was established by Rehn in 1911. Members are characterized by their slender, elongate body form typical of toothpick grasshoppers, with cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against their substrate.
Psectraglaea
Psectraglaea is a monotypic moth genus in the family Noctuidae, established by George Hampson in 1906. It contains a single species, Psectraglaea carnosa (pink sallow), described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877. The genus is native to North America and its sole species holds conservation status in parts of its range.