Poorly-known-species
Guides
Cordillonotus stellatus
Cordillonotus stellatus is a species of true bug in the family Rhyparochromidae (seed bugs), described by Scudder in 1984. It belongs to the subfamily Rhyparochrominae within the superfamily Lygaeoidea. The species is known from North America, though detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Cordyla manca
Cordyla manca is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johannsen in 1912. It belongs to the subfamily Mycetophilinae and tribe Exechiini. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is known from very few observations.
Crepidodera opulenta
Crepidodera opulenta is a flea beetle (subfamily Galerucinae, tribe Alticini) first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. As a member of the genus Crepidodera, it belongs to a group of small leaf beetles characterized by their jumping ability. Very little specific information is available about this particular species, though the genus is known to contain species associated with various host plants. The species name 'opulenta' suggests a reference to richness or abundance, possibly alluding to coloration or some other distinctive feature noted by LeConte.
Cryphia sarepta
Cryphia sarepta is a noctuid moth species first described by William Barnes in 1907. It belongs to the genus Cryphia, a group of small to medium-sized owlet moths often associated with lichen-feeding habits in their larval stages. The species is documented from western North America. Like other members of its genus, adults are likely nocturnal and may exhibit cryptic coloration.
Cryptopimpla amblipennis
Cryptopimpla amblipennis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Cryptinae. Members of the genus Cryptopimpla are parasitoid wasps, and this species is presumed to share this biology, though specific host associations for C. amblipennis remain undocumented. The species was described in the early 20th century based on morphological characteristics. It represents one of many poorly studied species within a large and taxonomically complex family.
Culex peccator
Culex peccator is a mosquito species described by Dyar and Knab in 1909, placed in the subgenus Melanoconion within the genus Culex. Records indicate presence in the Caribbean, Middle America, and North America, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature. The species appears to be rarely collected, with minimal observational data available.
Curculio longidens
Curculio longidens is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Chittenden in 1927. It belongs to the genus Curculio, a large and widespread group of weevils commonly known as acorn and nut weevils. The species is documented from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly recorded in available literature.
Cybocephalus californicus
Cybocephalus californicus is a minute beetle species in the family Cybocephalidae, described by Horn in 1879. The species is native to western North America, with documented occurrence in British Columbia, Canada. Adults measure 0.95–1.30 mm in length. Members of the genus Cybocephalus are known as predatory beetles that feed on scale insects and whiteflies, though species-specific biological details for C. californicus remain poorly documented.
Cydia americana
A small tortricid moth in the genus Cydia, described by Walsingham in 1879. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only minimal occurrence records available. As a member of the Grapholitini tribe, it likely shares the general biology of related Cydia species, though specific details remain unverified.
Cyrtopogon chagnoni
Cyrtopogon chagnoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Curran in 1939. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies that typically hunt from perches. Limited observation records exist for this species, with only one documented observation on iNaturalist. As with other Cyrtopogon species, it is expected to exhibit characteristic robber fly predatory behavior, though species-specific details remain poorly documented.
Delia pluvialis
Delia pluvialis is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Malloch in 1918. Like other members of the genus Delia, it is likely associated with soil habitats and root-feeding larval stages, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species epithet 'pluvialis' (Latin for 'rainy' or 'of rain') may reflect habitat associations or collection circumstances. Available records are sparse, with only three observations documented in iNaturalist.
Dentifibula viburni
Dentifibula viburni is a gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) originally described by Felt in 1907 as Contarinia viburni. The species is associated with Viburnum host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet. It belongs to the subfamily Cecidomyiinae, a group known for inducing plant galls. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, distribution, or economic significance of this particular species beyond its taxonomic description and nomenclatural history.
Dermestes pulcher
Dermestes pulcher is a species of hide beetle in the family Dermestidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. Like other members of the genus Dermestes, this species is associated with carrion and decomposing animal matter. The species has been recorded in North America from Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Québec), though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Dicropaltum mesae
Dicropaltum mesae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described as Tolmerus mesae by Tucker in 1907. It belongs to the genus Dicropaltum, a group of predatory flies within the subfamily Asilinae. The species is documented through limited observation records, with 15 observations on iNaturalist. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Diomus amabilis
amiable lady
Diomus amabilis, commonly known as the amiable lady, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America, with distribution records from Canada including Nova Scotia and Québec. The species was first described by LeConte in 1852. As a member of the genus Diomus, it belongs to a group of small lady beetles that are generally less conspicuous than the larger, more commonly recognized Coccinellinae.
Disonycha balsbaughi
Disonycha balsbaughi is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1970. It is known from North America. Like other members of the genus Disonycha, it likely possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is poorly documented in the literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology.
Drassinella modesta
Drassinella modesta is a small spider species in the family Liocranidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1904. It belongs to a genus of ground-dwelling spiders found in North America. The species is poorly known, with minimal published biological or ecological information available.
Eanus granicollis
Eanus granicollis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, first described by Van Dyke in 1932. It is a poorly documented species with limited published information on its biology. Records indicate it occurs in British Columbia, Canada. The species name 'granicollis' refers to a granular or roughened neck region, likely describing a diagnostic morphological feature of the pronotum.
Efferia duncani
Efferia duncani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Wilcox in 1966. The genus Efferia comprises large, predatory flies that are morphologically similar to the related genus Triorla. Robber flies in this group are characterized by their robust build, large eyes, and predatory behavior. Specific ecological details for E. duncani remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Empoasca hastosa
Empoasca hastosa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae, described by Ross and Moore in 1957. The species is part of the large and economically significant genus Empoasca, which includes several major agricultural pests. Distribution records indicate occurrence in Florida and Cuba (CU), with the DO code likely representing the Dominican Republic. Like other Empoasca species, E. hastosa likely shares the characteristic leafhopper morphology and plant-feeding habits of the genus, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Ephippiphora conversana
Ephippiphora conversana is a species of tortrix moth in the family Tortricidae. The genus Ephippiphora is endemic to New Zealand, and this species appears to be a relatively uncommon, poorly documented member of this small genus. Like other tortricids, it is a small moth with wings folded roof-like over the body at rest. Available records are sparse, with only 13 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Erepsocassis rubella
Erepsocassis rubella is a species of tortoise beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae) described by Boheman in 1862. As a member of the Cassidini tribe, it possesses the characteristic domed body shape that provides protection by allowing the beetle to clamp tightly against leaf surfaces. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology. It belongs to a genus containing few described species, most of which are associated with Neotropical and Nearctic regions.
Eschatoporis nunenmacheri
Eschatoporis nunenmacheri is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1906. The genus Eschatoporis is endemic to western North America and comprises several species restricted to arid and semi-arid regions. This species, like other members of its genus, is poorly known and has not been recorded in citizen science databases such as iNaturalist. Tenebrionidae is a large family of beetles predominantly associated with dry habitats, where they function as detritivores and scavengers.
Euchaetes perlevis
Euchaetes perlevis is a small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1882. It is known from the southwestern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 23 mm. Very little is documented about its biology beyond basic taxonomic and distributional records.
Eutrichota cylindrica
root-maggot fly
Eutrichota cylindrica is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, first described by Stein in 1898. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are commonly associated with roots of plants, earning the common name 'root-maggot flies.' Like other members of Anthomyiidae, it is likely a decomposer or plant-associated species, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded in limited numbers on citizen science platforms.
Euxoa bicollaris
Euxoa bicollaris is a noctuid moth in the genus Euxoa, characterized by a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. The species is endemic to western North America, with its core distribution in California and range extending northward to southern British Columbia. As a member of the cutworm moth group, its larvae likely exhibit typical cutworm feeding habits, though species-specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Euxoa guadalupensis
Euxoa guadalupensis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Lafontaine & Byers in 1982. It belongs to a genus containing numerous agricultural pest species known for their larval "cutworm" behavior. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its biology, host plants, and economic significance remain poorly documented compared to better-known congeners such as Euxoa auxiliaris (army cutworm).
Euxoa oberfoelli
Oberfoell's Dart, Oberfoell's Dart Moth
Euxoa oberfoelli is a species of dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Hardwick in 1973. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are commonly known as cutworms. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal specific ecological or behavioral information available. It is recorded from parts of western Canada.
Euxoa oblongistigma
Euxoa oblongistigma is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1888. It belongs to the large genus Euxoa, which includes numerous cutworm species. The species is documented from western Canada with records from Alberta and Saskatchewan. Like other Euxoa species, it is likely nocturnal as an adult. Specific biological details beyond basic taxonomy and distribution remain poorly documented in published literature.
Euxoa piniae
cutworm, dart moth
Euxoa piniae is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Buckett & Bauer in 1964. It belongs to a genus containing numerous agricultural pest species, though specific information about this particular species is limited. Like other Euxoa species, it likely has a life cycle involving egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with larvae that may feed on vegetation. The species is recorded from North America, with minimal observational data available.
Euxoa sculptilis
sculptured cutworm, sculptilis dart moth
Euxoa sculptilis is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Harvey in 1875. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its biology, host plants, and ecological role remain poorly documented compared to related species such as the army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris). The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 10815.
Euxoa shasta
Euxoa shasta is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by J. Donald Lafontaine in 1975. It belongs to a large genus of cutworm moths distributed across North America. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature and appears to be rarely encountered, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist. Its specific biology, distribution, and ecological relationships remain largely unknown.
Evergestis eurekalis
Evergestis eurekalis is a moth species in the family Crambidae, subfamily Evergestinae. It was described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1914. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, California, and Utah. Like other members of the genus Evergestis, it is a small to medium-sized crambid moth, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Fernandocrambus ruptifascia
Fernandocrambus ruptifascia is a species of grass moth in the family Crambidae, first described by George Hampson in 1919. It is known only from Mexico. The species has not been documented on iNaturalist and appears to be poorly represented in collections. As with other members of the genus Fernandocrambus, it likely inhabits grassland or meadow habitats, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Formica oregonensis
Oregon Field Ant
Formica oregonensis is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Cole in 1938. It belongs to the genus Formica, a large and ecologically diverse group of ants found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. The species is known by the common name Oregon Field Ant. As a member of Formicinae, it lacks a stinger and instead uses formic acid for defense. Beyond basic taxonomic information, specific biological details about this species remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Globipes simplex
Globipes simplex is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Globipedidae. It was originally described as Eurybunus simplex by Schenkel in 1951 and later transferred to the genus Globipes. The species is known from limited records in California, specifically Alameda and Fresno counties. As with many harvestmen, detailed biological information is sparse in published literature.
Graphops floridana
Graphops floridana is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1955. The species is known from Florida, with records indicating presence in North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or conservation status. The genus Graphops belongs to the leaf beetle family, though specific details about this particular species remain sparse in the scientific literature.
Haimbachia floridalis
Haimbachia floridalis is a small crambid moth described by Hahn William Capps in 1965. It is known only from Florida, where adults have been recorded in early spring. The species is poorly studied, with limited observational data available.
Hamotus elongatus
Hamotus elongatus is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) first described by Brendel in 1890. The species belongs to a genus commonly referred to as 'ant-loving beetles' due to their association with ant colonies. Records indicate presence in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. Like other members of the genus Hamotus, this species is likely myrmecophilous, living in close association with ants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Haplusia rubra
Haplusia rubra is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, a diverse group of small flies commonly known as gall midges or gall gnats. The species was described by Felt in 1908. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with plant galls, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented. The genus Haplusia is part of the large and taxonomically complex Cecidomyiidae, which contains thousands of species worldwide, many of which are poorly known.
Harpalus atrichatus
Harpalus atrichatus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Hatch in 1949. As a member of the large genus Harpalus, it belongs to the family Carabidae, one of the most diverse beetle families. The species epithet 'atrichatus' suggests a lack of hair or setae, though this has not been explicitly documented in the available sources. Very little specific information about its biology, ecology, or distribution has been published.
Helops confluens
Helops confluens is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Casey in 1924. As a member of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid habitats across North America. The genus Helops is part of the diverse darkling beetle family, which contains over 20,000 described species worldwide. Information specific to H. confluens appears limited in the available literature.
Helops opacus
Helops opacus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1859. Like other members of the genus Helops, it belongs to a group of darkling beetles that are not part of the well-known Eleodes genus but share the family characteristics of concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae segments. The genus Helops is relatively obscure compared to the more frequently encountered darkling beetles, and specific ecological details for H. opacus remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Hemiplatytes parallela
A small moth in the family Crambidae, described by William D. Kearfott in 1908. It is known from a restricted range in the southwestern United States. The species has been documented in only two states and remains poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology or ecology.
Hermetia hunteri
Hermetia hunteri is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Coquillett in 1909. It belongs to the genus Hermetia, which includes the well-studied black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Very little specific information is available about H. hunteri compared to its congener H. illucens, which has been extensively researched for applications in waste management, animal feed, and antimicrobial production.
Heterocerus parrotus
Parrot Mud-loving Beetle
Heterocerus parrotus, commonly known as the Parrot Mud-loving Beetle, is a species of beetle in the family Heteroceridae. Members of this family are small, elongate beetles strongly associated with muddy or silty substrates near water. The species is poorly documented, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist.
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.
Hydatostega plumbea
Hydatostega plumbea is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1911. It belongs to the subfamily Hydrophorinae, a group of predatory flies often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus Hydatostega is characterized by species with hydrophilous tendencies. Information on this species remains sparse, with only 5 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Hypothenemus californicus
Hypothenemus californicus is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Hopkins in 1915. The species is distributed across North America, parts of South America, Africa, and the Galápagos Islands. Like other members of the genus Hypothenemus, it is likely associated with woody plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species name references California, indicating the type locality or region of original description.
Hypothyce mixta
East Texas Hypothyce
Hypothyce mixta is a species of scarab beetle described by Howden in 1968. It belongs to the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species has been recorded from sandy soils in eastern Texas, representing a restricted distribution within the Nearctic region. Like other members of the genus Hypothyce, it is likely associated with soil habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.