Rare
Guides
Arthromacra pilosella
A species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Lagriinae. The genus Arthromacra is a small group of lagriine beetles distributed in North America. Very little published information exists regarding the biology, ecology, or even precise distribution of A. pilosella. The species name 'pilosella' (Latin diminutive of 'pilosus', meaning hairy) likely refers to a fine pubescence on the body surface. Based on the few available specimen records, the species appears to be associated with forested or woodland habitats in eastern North America.
Athoplastus rainieri
Athoplastus rainieri is a click beetle (family Elateridae) endemic to the Cascade Range of Washington State. Originally described by Van Dyke in 1932, it was transferred to the genus Athoplastus by Etzler & Johnson in 2018. The species is known from very few specimens and remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Atomosiella antennata
Metallic Micropanther
Atomosiella antennata is a small robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Banks in 1920. It is known from only three observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly documented. The common name "Metallic Micropanther" suggests distinctive metallic coloration. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific prey and behavioral details for this species remain undocumented.
Attalus frosti
Attalus frosti is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The species is known from very few specimens in Missouri, with records from Lichen Glade Natural Area in St. Clair County and a single specimen collected in a malaise trap in central Missouri. It is associated with post oak (Quercus stellata) in dry sandstone woodland habitats. The species appears to be rare and poorly known, with no records since the original collections.
Axymyiidae
A small family of nematoceran flies comprising four extant genera and nine described species, with eight additional fossil species. Axymyiidae is the sole member of the infraorder Axymyiomorpha, though historically classified within Bibionomorpha. The family is distributed across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. Larvae are xylophilic and semi-aquatic, developing in saturated decaying wood.
Baconia venusta
clown beetle
Baconia venusta is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1845. The genus Baconia is renowned for brilliant coloration and bizarrely flattened body forms, with species exhibiting jewel-like metallic hues that are rare in the Histeridae family. Species in this genus are believed to be predators of wood-boring beetles and their larvae, with some attracted to bark beetle pheromones. B. venusta is one of approximately 116 species in the genus, most of which were described in a 2013 systematic revision.
Bactericera arbolensis
Bactericera arbolensis is a small psyllid species first described from Arboles, Colorado in 1910. It is associated with Shepherdia species (buffaloberry), particularly Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) and Canadian Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis). The species is poorly known, with few literature records from Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. A 2014 observation from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado suggested potential wing morphology variation or possible undescribed related species, highlighting the need for further study.
Basilodes straminea
Basilodes straminea is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by Poole in 1995. It belongs to the subfamily Stiriinae, a group of owlet moths characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited due to its rarity in collections and observations.
Bathysmatophorini
Bathysmatophorini is a small, basal tribe of leafhoppers in the subfamily Errhomeninae. Species are characterized by robust bodies and dull brown or grey coloration. The tribe was historically classified within Evacanthinae due to morphological similarities. Many females exhibit reduced, non-functional wings. The group is considered rare and has limited distribution in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Beameromyia disfascia
White-sided Pixie
Beameromyia disfascia is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the genus Beameromyia, a group of small, often brightly colored robber flies commonly known as 'pixies.' The species is known from very few observations, with only three records documented on iNaturalist. As with other Asilidae, it is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Behningiidae
Sand-burrowing Mayflies, Tuskless Burrowing Mayflies
Behningiidae is a small, primitive family of burrowing mayflies with four described genera: three extant (Behningia, Dolania, Protobehningia) and one fossil (†Archaeobehningia). Nymphs inhabit sandy river sediments but lack the tusk-like mandibular projections typical of other burrowing mayfly families. The family has a Holarctic distribution, with Dolania occurring in North America and the remaining genera in northern Europe and Asia. Members are rarely collected due to their subterranean lifestyle.
Bembidion robusticolle
Bembidion robusticolle is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Hayward in 1897. Records indicate presence in the United States, specifically Vermont, though observational data is extremely sparse with no confirmed iNaturalist observations. The species belongs to the large genus Bembidion, which comprises numerous small carabid beetles often associated with riparian and moist habitats. Available information about this species is limited due to its rarity and lack of recent documentation.
Biotus
ant-loving beetles
Biotus is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, characterized by their association with ants. The genus contains a single described species, Biotus formicarius, described by Casey in 1887. Members of this genus are classified as myrmecophiles—organisms that live in association with ant colonies.
Bolotoperla
winter stonefly
Bolotoperla is a genus of winter stoneflies in the family Taeniopterygidae, containing a single described species, B. rossi. The genus was established by Ricker & Ross in 1975. Winter stoneflies are active during cold months, distinguishing them from most other stonefly groups.
Bombus cockerelli
Cockerell's Bumble Bee, Cockerell's Bumblebee
Bombus cockerelli is a bumble bee species with the smallest known range of any bumble bee species worldwide, restricted to high-elevation localities in the White Mountains of New Mexico. First described in 1913 from six specimens, it remained unobserved between 1956 and 2011. Fewer than 30 specimens have ever been collected. The species was once considered a potential subspecies, but fresh specimens now allow for genetic analysis to resolve its taxonomic status. Its entire range falls within protected U.S. National Forest and tribal lands.
Brachyopa daeckei
black-tailed sapeater
Brachyopa daeckei is a rare syrphid fly known from northeastern North America. Adults measure 6–7 mm and exhibit distinctive coloration including a black frons with grayish pollen, ferruginous red antennae, and a reddish-brown to black abdomen with white pile. The species is poorly known, with only two observations recorded and larvae undescribed.
Brachypalpus cyanella
Longnose Catkin, Longnose Catkin Fly
Brachypalpus cyanella is a rare Nearctic syrphid fly described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Adults are flower-associated, feeding on nectar and pollen. Larvae are of the rat-tailed type, developing under tree bark in decaying sap. The species has a restricted distribution in southern and central California.
Brachypalpus cyanogaster
Bluebottle Catkin Fly, Bluebottle Catkin
Brachypalpus cyanogaster is a rare syrphid fly described by Loew in 1872. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are of the rat-tailed type and feed on decaying sap under tree bark. The species occurs in Canada and the United States.
Brachypanorpa sacajawea
Brachypanorpa sacajawea is a species of short-faced scorpionfly in the family Panorpodidae, described by George Byers in 1990. It belongs to a genus characterized by reduced wing venation and abbreviated rostrums compared to other mecopterans. The species is known from a small number of observations in western North America. Like other Panorpodidae, adults are likely non-feeding or feed sparingly, with larvae presumed to be detritivores in soil or leaf litter.
Brachyserphus abruptus
Brachyserphus abruptus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Proctotrupidae, a group of small wasps that attack beetle larvae. The genus Brachyserphus is distinguished by reduced wing venation and compact body form. Very few observations of this species exist, reflecting its cryptic habits and likely specialized ecological requirements.
Buprestis confluenta
Yellow-spotted Jewel Beetle
Buprestis confluenta is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle distinguished by its emerald green to coppery-brown coloration with dense, more or less confluent yellow flecks across the elytra. The species is primarily associated with dead cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in central and western North America. Despite the abundance of suitable host trees in some regions, it remains uncommonly encountered and is considered elusive by collectors. Adults are typically found on large, dead, barkless cottonwood trunks.
Buprestis salisburyensis
Buprestis salisburyensis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, subgenus Stereosa. The species is characterized by brilliant metallic blue-green coloration with bright red margins on the elytra. It is associated with pine habitats in eastern North America and has been collected from Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) in Tennessee.
Bycombia verdugoensis
Bycombia verdugoensis is a moth in the family Drepanidae, and the sole member of its genus. It was described by Hill in 1927 based on specimens from California. The species is known from extremely few records, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist. Its biology and ecology remain largely unknown due to this scarcity of data.
Callicera erratica
golden pine fly, American Golden Longhorn
Callicera erratica is a rare species of syrphid fly found in the northeastern United States and Canada. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is notable for its specialized larval habitat: water-filled rot holes and cavities in old, living conifer trees. Its common name "golden pine fly" reflects both its coloration and this unique ecological association with pine trees.
Callicerus
Callicerus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) in the tribe Geostibini. The genus contains seven recognized species distributed across the Palaearctic region, particularly Europe. Species are notably rare to extremely rare in collections, with most records limited to scattered localities. Taxonomic revision in 2001 clarified species boundaries and synonymized several previously described taxa.
Calythea micropteryx
Calythea micropteryx is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, originally described by Thomson in 1869. The species epithet "micropteryx" refers to reduced or small wings. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, with only three records on iNaturalist, indicating it is either genuinely rare, cryptic, or underreported.
Camelopsocus hiemalis
Camelopsocus hiemalis is a small, winter-active barklouse (order Psocodea, family Psocidae) described by Mockford in 1984. It belongs to a monobasic genus, meaning it is the sole species in Camelopsocus. The species is endemic to a restricted area of the Front Ranges in Colorado, USA, where it has been observed active during warm winter days. Its specific epithet 'hiemalis' (Latin for 'of winter') reflects this unusual seasonal activity pattern.
Campylomorphus
Campylomorphus is a monotypic genus of click beetles (Elateridae) containing a single species, Campylomorphus homalisinus. The genus is characterized by its rare orophilous (mountain-dwelling) habit and discontinuous distribution across southwestern Europe. Adults are small, flower-foraging beetles with generalist feeding strategies. The genus exhibits a fragmented geographic pattern hypothesized to reflect Pleistocene glaciation dynamics.
Carptima hydriomenata
Carptima hydriomenata is a rare moth and the sole member of its genus. It was first described by Pearsall in 1906 and is known only from Arizona. The species belongs to the family Geometridae, a large group of moths commonly called inchworms or geometer moths due to their larvae's characteristic looping gait. Its restricted range and limited number of observations make it one of the more poorly documented geometrid moths in North America.
Ceriana abbreviata
Northern Wasp Fly
Ceriana abbreviata, known as the Northern Wasp Fly, is a rare syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1864. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling wasps in coloration and body form to avoid predation. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in tree wounds where they feed on sap. The species has been documented across North America including the United States and Canada.
Chalcedectus maculipennis
Chalcedectus maculipennis is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcedectidae, first described by Ashmead in 1896. The species name 'maculipennis' refers to spotted wings. It belongs to the superfamily Chalcidoidea, a large group of tiny parasitoid wasps. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Chalcosyrphus anthreas
yellow-banded leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus anthreas, commonly known as the yellow-banded leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. The species belongs to the family Syrphidae (hoverflies or flower flies), a group known for their ability to remain nearly motionless in flight. Adults are typically found on flowers, where they obtain nectar and pollen. The species was originally described by Walker in 1849 under the basionym Xylota anthreas.
Chrysis derivata
Chrysis derivata is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Like other members of this genus, it is a parasitoid that targets the nests of solitary wasps and bees. The species exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration typical of Chrysis wasps. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only two documented occurrences in iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, underreported, or restricted in distribution.
Chrysobothris orono
Chrysobothris orono is a rarely collected metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was first described by Frost in 1920 and has been recorded from a limited number of localities along the eastern seaboard and around the Great Lakes, with a 2012 discovery in Tennessee confirming its occurrence in that state. Adults are associated with exposed roots and trunks of pine trees, particularly Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) and red pine (Pinus resinosa). The species has a two-year life cycle and is not considered an economically important forest pest due to its low population levels and minimal damage to host trees.
Chrysobothris seminole
Chrysobothris seminole is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described in 2007 as part of a revision of the Chrysobothris femorata species-group. It is notable as the only member of this species-group associated with a non-woody host plant. The species has a highly restricted distribution in the southeastern United States and is considered rare, with only a few individuals documented at its type locality.
Chrysobothris sloicola
Chrysobothris sloicola is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is a member of the Chrysobothris femorata species-group, a taxonomically challenging complex of species that was revised in 2007. The species is known only from Michigan and is associated with Prunus (cherry/plum) as its host plant. It was described by Manley & Wellso in 1976.
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.
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens
Mescalero Sand Tiger Beetle
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens is a sand dune endemic subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to the Mescalero Sands region of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is distinguished from other C. formosa subspecies by its distinctive greenish-red to coppery coloration. The subspecies is active in late summer and fall, with adults running on open sandy surfaces. It is considered uncommon and patchily distributed within its restricted habitat range.
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Yampa Tiger Beetle
Cicindela scutellaris yampae, the Yampa Tiger Beetle, is a distinctive subspecies of the Festive Tiger Beetle endemic to sand dune habitats in northwestern Colorado, particularly the Yampa River Valley. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is characterized by its striking red, white, and blue coloration. The subspecies occurs sympatrically with Cicindela formosa gibsoni in sandy blowout habitats with sparse vegetation. It is considered rare and has been documented from only a handful of localities in Moffat County, Colorado.
Cicindelidia nigrocoerulea subtropica
Subtropic Tiger Beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the genus Cicindelidia, known from limited observations in the southwestern United States. The taxon appears to be associated with alkaline flat habitats near lake margins in southeastern New Mexico. Based on iNaturalist records, it has been documented from Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lea Lake at Bottomless Lakes State Park in Chaves County, New Mexico. The specific epithet 'subtropica' suggests an association with subtropical or warm-climate environments.
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.
Circotettix coconino
Coconino Wrangler Grasshopper
Circotettix coconino, known as the Coconino Wrangler Grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Rehn in 1921. The species is known from limited records in North America, with confirmed presence in Arizona.
Citharoceps
Citharoceps is a genus of tube-dwelling spiders in the family Segestriidae, established by Chamberlin in 1924. The genus contains two described species, both found in North America: C. fidicina (southern United States and Mexico) and C. cruzana (United States). These spiders are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical abdomens and six eyes arranged in three pairs, traits typical of their family.
Cnemotettix spinulus
Cnemotettix spinulus is a species of camel cricket in the family Anostostomatidae, described by Rentz and Weissman in 1973. It belongs to a genus of small, wingless orthopterans found in western North America. The species is known from very few observations, reflecting either genuine rarity or cryptic habits. Like other members of Anostostomatidae, it is likely nocturnal and ground-dwelling.
Cocytius antaeus
giant sphinx
Cocytius antaeus is a large sphinx moth with a wingspan of 126–178 mm, found from Brazil through Central America to the southern United States. The species is notable for its exceptionally long proboscis, which was once thought to be the only insect proboscis long enough to pollinate the ghost orchid in North America. It is very rare in the United States, with records limited to southern California, Texas, and Florida.
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 stygius
Comal Springs Diving Beetle
Comaldessus stygius is a small diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described from Comal Springs in Texas. It belongs to a genus of minute beetles adapted to spring and groundwater habitats. The species is known from very few records and is considered rare.
Compsocryptus resolutus
Compsocryptus resolutus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps that target lepidopteran hosts. The species was described by Cresson in 1879. Very few observations exist, with records limited to specific locations in western Canada.
Copablepharon michiganensis
Copablepharon michiganensis is a noctuid moth described in 2004 from Michigan. It belongs to a genus of sand-dwelling moths whose larvae are associated with dune habitats. The species is known from very few records, reflecting either genuine rarity or limited survey effort in its specialized habitat.