Provisional-identification
Guides
Antispila cf-isabella
Antispila cf-isabella is a provisional species designation within the genus Antispila, a group of leaf-mining moths in the family Heliozelidae. The 'cf.' (confer) notation indicates morphological similarity to A. isabella without confirmed species identity. Antispila moths are commonly known as shield-bearer moths due to the oval cutouts their larvae make in leaves for pupation. Species in this genus are specialized herbivores with larvae that create distinctive mines in the leaves of specific host plants.
Aradus nr-behrensi-calif
California near Aradus behrensi
Aradus nr-behrensi-calif is a flat bug species in the family Aradidae, designated with the "nr" (near) prefix indicating it closely resembles but may not be conspecific with Aradus behrensi. The "calif" suffix suggests California origin. Flat bugs in this genus are typically associated with dead wood habitats. This designation is commonly used in entomological collections when precise species identification requires further taxonomic verification.
Aulacodes cf-aechmialis
Aulacodes cf-aechmialis is a moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. The 'cf.' designation indicates this identification is provisional, based on comparison with the described species Aulacodes aechmialis. Acentropinae moths are predominantly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. This taxon belongs to a genus of small moths whose larvae are typically aquatic and feed on submerged vegetation.
Borkhausenia cf-minutella
Borkhausenia cf-minutella is a small concealer moth in the family Oecophoridae. The specific epithet "cf-minutella" indicates a provisional identification comparing the specimen to Borkhausenia minutella, suggesting morphological similarity but not confirmed conspecificity. The genus Borkhausenia contains species with larvae that feed on decomposed plant material.
Epuraea helvola
Epuraea cf. helvola is a small sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, characterized by its compact, oval body form and association with fermenting plant materials. The 'cf.' designation indicates the identification is provisional and based on morphological comparison rather than definitive confirmation. Members of this genus are frequently encountered in decaying vegetation, fungal fruiting bodies, and other microhabitats rich in yeasts and fungal growth. The species epithet 'helvola' (meaning tawny or yellowish-brown) likely references its coloration.
Eucoptocnemis nr-rufula
Eucoptocnemis nr-rufula is a near-rufula specimen of the genus Eucoptocnemis, a group of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae. The 'nr-' designation indicates this is a morphospecies or provisional identification closely resembling E. rufula but not definitively confirmed to that species. Members of this genus are generally associated with grassland and prairie habitats. Detailed biological information for this specific provisional taxon is limited.
Pigritia nr-fidella
Pigritia nr-fidella is a species of bagworm moth in the family Coleophoridae. The 'nr-' prefix indicates this is a near-relative designation, commonly used when a specimen closely resembles P. fidella but definitive identification requires further taxonomic verification. Species in this genus construct portable larval cases from silk and plant material.
Plusiodonta nr-compressipalpis
Plusiodonta nr-compressipalpis is a noctuid moth provisionally identified as near-compressipalpis, indicating morphological similarity to Plusiodonta compressipalpis without confirmed species status. The genus Plusiodonta comprises primarily tropical and subtropical moths, many with distinctive wing patterns and reduced mouthparts. This provisional designation suggests the specimen requires further taxonomic verification, possibly through genitalic dissection or DNA barcoding. Members of this genus are generally nocturnal and attracted to light.
Rhopalum sp.
A member of the digger wasp genus *Rhopalum*, provisionally assigned as a likely introduced species pending formal identification. *Rhopalum* species are solitary, predatory wasps that provision nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae. This record represents a specimen or population detected outside its presumed native range, suggesting human-mediated dispersal. The genus occurs across multiple continents, with some species widely distributed due to commerce and travel.
Vaxi nr-auratellus
Vaxi nr-auratellus is a moth in the family Crambidae, the grass moths. The 'nr-' prefix indicates this is a near or provisional identification, suggesting morphological similarity to Vaxi aureatellus but lacking formal taxonomic confirmation. Members of this genus are generally small, nocturnal moths associated with grassy habitats.
Zyginama queretarensis
Zyginama cf. queretarensis is a leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, provisionally identified as the species Z. queretarensis. Leafhoppers in this genus are small, active insects associated with vegetation. The 'cf.' designation indicates uncertainty in species-level identification, suggesting morphological similarity to Z. queretarensis without definitive confirmation.