Poorly-known
Guides
Bucculatrix separabilis
Bucculatrix separabilis is a species of moth in the family Bucculatricidae, described by Annette Frances Braun in 1963. It is known only from California, where it has been recorded as a leaf miner on Baccharis pilularis. As a member of the genus Bucculatrix, it is part of a group commonly known as 'ribbed cocoon-maker moths' due to the distinctive ribbed structure of their larval cocoons. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature beyond its original description.
Caccodes
Caccodes is a genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) established by Sharp in 1885. The genus is poorly documented in modern literature, with limited species-level revision. Like other cantharids, members are likely soft-bodied beetles with parallel-sided elytra. The genus appears to have restricted geographic distribution, primarily known from the Australasian region based on specimen records.
Cacotherapia bilinealis
Cacotherapia bilinealis is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described from Arizona in 1918. It belongs to the subfamily Galleriinae, which includes many species associated with stored products and plant materials. The species remains poorly known, with only five observations recorded on iNaturalist. Its specific epithet "bilinealis" refers to two lines, likely describing a wing pattern feature.
Calycomyza cynoglossi
Calycomyza cynoglossi is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, a group known for larvae that tunnel through plant leaf tissue. The species was described in 1956 and is recorded from Indiana. Like congeners, it likely produces distinctive serpentine or blotchy mines on host plant foliage, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Campoplex frustranae
Campoplex frustranae is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Cushman in 1927. It belongs to the subfamily Campopleginae, a group of parasitoid wasps that develop inside host insects. The specific epithet "frustranae" suggests an association with the genus Frusana (a genus of tortricid moths), though this relationship has not been confirmed in published literature. Like other Campoplex species, it likely parasitizes lepidopteran larvae. The species is rarely collected and poorly known.
Capitonius
Capitonius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Brullé in 1846. Members of this genus are small wasps belonging to the diverse ichneumonoid wasp radiation. The genus is poorly known, with minimal published biological information and only a handful of observations recorded.
Capraita quercata
Capraita quercata is a flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) native to North America. The species epithet "quercata" indicates an association with oak (Quercus). As a member of the Alticini tribe, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. Observation records are sparse, with limited documentation of its biology and ecology.
Carmenta suffusata
Carmenta suffusata is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by George Paul Engelhardt in 1946. It is known from scattered records in the United States, specifically Florida, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Like other members of the genus Carmenta, it belongs to a group of seed-feeding clearwing moths. The species is poorly known, with only three observations recorded in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Carthasis
Carthasis is a genus of damsel bugs in the family Nabidae, established by Champion in 1900. The genus contains approximately five described species. Members of this genus are predatory true bugs, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited research attention.
Catamergus kickapoo
Catamergus kickapoo is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Hottes and Frison in 1931 from Kickapoo State Park, Illinois. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini and is one of the few species in the genus Catamergus. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Catapastinus
Catapastinus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by G.C. Champion in 1908. The genus is poorly documented in modern literature, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a member of the largest beetle family, it likely exhibits the characteristic elongated snout and elbowed antennae typical of weevils, but specific morphological and biological details remain largely unstudied.
Caulocampus
Caulocampus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Rohwer in 1912. As a member of the sawfly family, it belongs to a group of herbivorous Hymenoptera that are often mistaken for wasps but lack the constricted waist characteristic of many other hymenopterans. The genus contains relatively few documented species and is poorly represented in public biodiversity databases, with limited observational records.
Ceraphron
Ceraphron is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Ceraphronidae, superfamily Ceraphronoidea. These wasps are among the least known members of the Hymenoptera, with very little published information on their biology, ecology, or host associations. The genus serves as the type genus for both its family and superfamily. Ceraphron species are morphologically diverse and have proven difficult to characterize using standard DNA barcoding methods due to their unusual molecular properties.
Ceratagallia inconspicua
Ceratagallia inconspicua is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Baker in 1898. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Aceratagallia inconspicua in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in this genus. It has been recorded from the southwestern United States including Arizona, California, and Nevada. As a member of the leafhopper family Cicadellidae, it belongs to a group known for plant-feeding habits and potential role as vectors of plant pathogens, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Ceratobarys
Ceratobarys is a monotypic genus of frit flies in the family Chloropidae, established by Coquillett in 1898. The genus contains a single described species, Ceratobarys eulophus. Chloropidae are commonly known as grass flies or frit flies, though specific ecological details for this genus remain poorly documented.
Ceutorhynchus medialis
Ceutorhynchus medialis is a species of minute seed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, described by LeConte in 1876. It is a small weevil species found in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. The species belongs to a large genus of weevils associated with seed feeding, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Ceutorhynchus squamosulus
Ceutorhynchus squamosulus is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Sleeper in 1957. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from British Columbia, Canada. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or host associations. As a member of the genus Ceutorhynchus, it likely shares the characteristic elongated snout and compact body form typical of this diverse weevil group, though species-level details remain poorly documented.
Charadracarinae
Charadracarinae is a subfamily of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) within the true bugs (Hemiptera). The group is poorly studied and contains few described species. Members are found in arid regions of the Old World, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. The subfamily was established to accommodate genera with distinctive morphological features that separate them from other reduviid subfamilies.
Chilometopon pallidum
Chilometopon pallidum is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1890. The genus Chilometopon is endemic to Mexico, and this species appears to be poorly known with no documented observations in major biodiversity databases. Like other tenebrionids, adults likely inhabit arid or semi-arid environments and may be nocturnal or crepuscular in activity.
Chionomus dissipatus
Chionomus dissipatus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Muir in 1926. It belongs to a genus of small, grass-feeding delphacids found primarily in the Americas. The species is documented in taxonomic catalogs but remains poorly studied in terms of biology and ecology. Observations are sparse, with limited iNaturalist records suggesting restricted or underreported occurrence.
Cholinobaris rhomboidea
Cholinobaris rhomboidea is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Casey in 1920. The genus Cholinobaris is small and poorly documented, with limited published information on its biology. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases and has been recorded from North America. Very few observations exist, with only a single iNaturalist record documented.
Chrysopilus testaceipes
Chrysopilus testaceipes is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Bigot in 1887. It belongs to the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by metallic coloration derived from delicate scales on the exoskeleton. The specific epithet 'testaceipes' refers to the yellowish-brown (testaceous) coloration of the legs. Like other members of its genus, this species is poorly known biologically, with limited published information on its life history, behavior, or ecology.
Chrysotus arkansensis
Chrysotus arkansensis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It was described by Van Duzee in 1930 based on six specimens collected from Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1906. As a member of the genus Chrysotus, it belongs to a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species remains poorly known, with no subsequent records or biological studies published since its original description.
Chyphotes belfragei
Chyphotes belfragei is a species of wasp in the family Chyphotidae, a small group of solitary wasps sometimes referred to as 'bradynobaenid wasps' or 'velvet ants' due to their wingless females and ant-like appearance. The species was described by Blake in 1871. Chyphotidae wasps are characterized by reduced wing venation and a distinct body form that separates them from related families. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Cidaphus australis
Cidaphus australis is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cushman in 1924 during his taxonomic review of North American Cidaphus. It belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, a diverse group of parasitoid wasps. The species was distinguished from congeners C. paniscoides and C. occidentalis based on diagnostic morphological characters. As with most ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The species is known from very few records, with only two observations documented in iNaturalist.
Cnemogonus lecontei
minute seed weevil
Cnemogonus lecontei is a species of minute seed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. The species was described by Dietz in 1896. As a member of the seed weevil group, it is presumed to be associated with seeds, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cochlorhinus stygicus
Cochlorhinus stygicus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. It was described by Ball in 1902. The species is known from California and appears to be rarely collected, with limited published information available regarding its biology and ecology. It belongs to a genus of relatively obscure leafhoppers within the tribe Athysanini.
Cochylis carmelana
Cochylis carmelana is a small tortricid moth species described in 1907. It is known only from coastal California in the United States. Adults are active in early spring, with records from February and April. The species appears to be narrowly distributed and poorly studied, with basic biological details remaining unknown.
Coelioxys immaculatus
Coelioxys immaculatus is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cockerell in 1912. Like all members of the genus Coelioxys, this species is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo) of other bees, specifically targeting leafcutter bees (Megachile). The specific epithet 'immaculatus' suggests an unmarked or spotless appearance, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources. As a parasitic bee, females do not construct nests or collect pollen but instead lay eggs in the nests of host species.
Coelotrachelus
Coelotrachelus is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It was established by Schmidt in 1914. The genus is known from the Neotropical region. As a member of Aphodiinae, it likely consists of dung-associated beetles, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Colladonus commissus
Colladonus commissus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Van Duzee in 1917. It belongs to a genus of leafhoppers that are documented as prey for certain crabronid wasps. The species is recorded from California. As with many leafhoppers, specific natural history details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Colposternus
Colposternus is a genus of beetles in the family Ptinidae, first described by Fall in 1905. The genus contains at least one described species, C. tenuilineatus. Members of Ptinidae are commonly known as spider beetles or deathwatch beetles, though specific ecological details for Colposternus remain undocumented.
Crambus rickseckerellus
A small grass moth in the family Crambidae, described by Alexander Barrett Klots in 1940. The species is endemic to California and was named in honor of entomologist Lucius Edgar Ricksecker. It belongs to a large genus of grass-veneer moths, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Crassana
Crassana is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, and tribe Platymetopiini. It was established by DeLong & Hershberger in 1947. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal available information on species diversity, biology, and ecology. As a member of the leafhopper family, species in this genus are presumed to be phytophagous, feeding on plant sap via piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host associations remain unstudied. The genus appears to be rarely collected, with only 12 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Cratichneumon tyloidifer
Cratichneumon tyloidifer is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Heinrich in 1961. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The species is known from very few records, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist. As a member of the genus Cratichneumon, it likely exhibits the characteristic features of this group, including the presence of tyloids on the antennae—a trait referenced in the species epithet.
Crenitulus
Crenitulus is a genus of small water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, tribe Anacaenini. The genus was established by Winters in 1926 and is part of the subfamily Chaetarthriinae. Members of this genus are aquatic or semi-aquatic beetles associated with freshwater habitats. The genus is poorly documented in the scientific literature, with limited species-level information available.
Cressonomyia
Cressonomyia is a genus of shore flies (Ephydridae) established by Arnaud in 1958. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal available information on its biology, ecology, or species composition. Records indicate extremely limited observational data, with only three documented observations on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff. Like other ephydrids, members of this genus are presumed to be associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, though specific ecological details remain unverified.
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.
Crosbycus dasycnemus
Crosbycus dasycnemus is a species of harvestman in the family Taracidae, described by Crosby in 1911. It belongs to the suborder Dyspnoi, a group of long-legged harvestmen. Records indicate occurrence in scattered localities across the eastern and central United States. The species is poorly documented, with minimal published information on its biology.
Cryptotreta
Cryptotreta is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Blanc & Foote in 1961. It belongs to the tribe Eutretini within the subfamily Tephritinae. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited observational records.
Cubocephalus
Cubocephalus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Ratzeburg in 1848. Members of this genus are ichneumonid wasps, a diverse group characterized by their parasitoid lifestyle and distinctive morphology including elongated antennae and often prominent ovipositors. The genus has been documented from Scandinavian countries including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with many ichneumonid genera, detailed biological information remains limited.
Cupressatia thujae
Cupressatia thujae is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. It is one of few described species in the genus Cupressatia. The species is known to induce galls on Thuja species, members of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). Very few observations exist, suggesting it may be rare, geographically restricted, or underreported.
Curculio confusor
Curculio confusor is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Hamilton in 1893. It belongs to the genus Curculio, a group of weevils commonly known as acorn or nut weevils due to their association with hard mast. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada.
Dasycerus angulicollis
Dasycerus angulicollis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1882. It belongs to the subfamily Dasycerinae, a small and morphologically distinctive group within the rove beetles. The species is known from California, USA, with limited published information available regarding its biology and ecology. Members of the genus Dasycerus are characterized by their unusual body form among staphylinids.
Dasysyrphus limatus
Narrow-banded Brusheye
Dasysyrphus limatus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hine in 1922. It belongs to a genus characterized by banded abdomens and is known by the common name Narrow-banded Brusheye. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.
Dendrocoris neomexicanus
A species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. The genus Dendrocoris is associated with woody vegetation, though species-level biology for D. neomexicanus remains poorly documented. The specific epithet suggests a connection to New Mexico, likely reflecting type locality or primary distribution.
Dentifibula
Dentifibula is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Felt in 1908. As members of this family, species in this genus are likely associated with plant galls, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus is rarely encountered and has received limited taxonomic or ecological study.
Dexia ventralis
Dexia ventralis is a tachinid fly described by Aldrich in 1925. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented. The species is recorded from North America with limited observational data available.
Diaglyptidea
Diaglyptidea is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Viereck in 1913. The genus is known from a small number of observations and specimens, with records primarily from northern Europe. As a member of Ichneumonidae, species in this genus are presumed to be parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus is not well-studied, and its species-level taxonomy and biology require further investigation.
Dichrorampha incanana
Dichrorampha incanana is a small tortricid moth species first described by Clemens in 1860. Originally placed in the genus Halonota, it was later transferred to Dichrorampha. The species belongs to the subfamily Olethreutinae and tribe Grapholitini. Very little published information exists on its biology, ecology, or distribution beyond taxonomic records.