Rarely-observed
Guides
Lauxania nigrimana
Lauxania nigrimana is a species of small fly in the family Lauxaniidae, first described by Coquillett in 1902. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Lauxania nigrimanus. It belongs to a family of flies commonly known as lauxaniid flies, which are typically found in association with vegetation and decaying organic matter. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 3 documented observations on iNaturalist.
Lepidostoma hoodi
Hood River Bizarre Caddisfly
Lepidostoma hoodi is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Ross in 1948. It belongs to a group commonly referred to as 'bizarre caddisflies' due to unusual morphological features characteristic of this genus. The species is known from North America, with records indicating presence in the Nearctic region. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Leptofoenus rufus
Leptofoenus rufus is a species of chalcidoid wasp in the family Pelecinellidae, described by LaSalle and Stage in 1985. The genus Leptofoenus is notable within the Chalcidoidea for its relatively large body size compared to most members of this superfamily. This species is known from Mexico based on distribution records.
Leptovectura
Leptovectura is a genus of soft-bodied plant beetles in the family Melyridae, established by Thomas L. Casey in 1895. The genus has uncertain taxonomic status and is currently marked as doubtful in major databases. Only four observations have been recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly documented. Members of Melyridae are characterized by soft, flexible elytra and often possess chemical defense glands.
Ligidium kofoidi
Kofoid's Rockslater
Ligidium kofoidi is a species of woodlouse in the family Ligiidae, described by Maloney in 1930. It is a small to medium-sized terrestrial isopod found in North America. The species is rarely documented, with only a handful of observations recorded. As a member of the genus Ligidium, it inhabits moist terrestrial environments and belongs to a group commonly known as rockslaters.
Liodema
Liodema is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Horn in 1870. The genus is native to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from Colorado and broader distribution across the Americas. It is a poorly documented genus with very few observations in citizen science databases.
Liotrichus falsificus
Liotrichus falsificus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, first described by LeConte in 1853. It belongs to a genus characterized by fine, dense pubescence. The species is recorded from eastern Canada with very few modern observations. As with many elaterids, adults possess the family's distinctive clicking mechanism for righting themselves when overturned.
Lipochaeta slossonae
Lipochaeta slossonae is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Coquillett in 1896. It belongs to a genus of small flies associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species is rarely encountered, with limited observational records.
Lissohypnus
Lissohypnus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Xantholinini, established by Casey in 1906. The genus belongs to the subfamily Staphylininae, one of the largest subfamilies of rove beetles. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases, suggesting it is either rare, poorly sampled, or taxonomically cryptic.
Loberus aeratus
Loberus aeratus is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae, described by Bruce in 1953. The species is known from North America. Members of the genus Loberus are generally associated with fungal substrates. Only one observation has been recorded on iNaturalist, suggesting it may be rarely encountered or underreported.
Lobocleta griseata
Lobocleta griseata is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Cassino in 1931. It is a small moth found in North America. The species is assigned Hodges number 7099 in the MONA (Moths of North America) numbering system. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only two records in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Longitarsus arenaceus
Longitarsus arenaceus is a species of flea beetle described by Blatchley in 1921. It belongs to the genus Longitarsus, a large group of small leaf beetles characterized by their enlarged hind femora that enable jumping. The species is known from North America. Very few observations exist in public databases, indicating it is rarely encountered or understudied.
Loxocera ojibwayensis
Loxocera ojibwayensis is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, described by Buck in 2006. The species was originally described in the genus Imantimyia but is currently accepted in Loxocera. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only two records on iNaturalist. The specific epithet references the Ojibway, suggesting a connection to the geographic region associated with this Indigenous group, likely in the Great Lakes area of North America.
Macaria flavicaria
Macaria flavicaria is a North American geometrid moth first described by Packard in 1876. It belongs to the genus Macaria, a group of moths commonly known as angle moths or inchworm moths. The species is rarely observed, with limited documentation in entomological databases.
Macaria grossbecki
Macaria grossbecki is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Ennominae. The species was described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly known as angle moths or bark moths. Available records indicate it is rarely encountered, with limited observational data.
Macrolygistopterus ignitus
Macrolygistopterus ignitus is a species of net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae. Members of this genus are characterized by their soft, flexible elytra with distinctive reticulate venation patterns. The species epithet "ignitus" suggests a fiery or reddish coloration, though specific color patterns for this species are not well documented. Only three observations are recorded on iNaturalist, indicating this species is rarely encountered or poorly documented.
Macrosiphum mentzeliae
blazingstar aphid
Macrosiphum mentzeliae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Wilson in 1915. The species is known by the common name 'blazingstar aphid', likely referencing an association with plants in the genus Mentzelia (blazingstars). It belongs to the large genus Macrosiphum, which contains numerous aphid species that feed on various host plants. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only a single observation documented on iNaturalist. The species is currently listed as a synonym in the Catalogue of Life, suggesting taxonomic uncertainty or consolidation with another taxon.
Macrotylus tristis
Macrotylus tristis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Uhler in 1890. The species is endemic to California, where it has been documented from a small number of observations. As a member of the genus Macrotylus, it belongs to a group of mirids often associated with specific host plants.
Mancia
Mancia is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae, tribe Villini. The genus was established by Daniel William Coquillett in 1886. Very little published information exists on the biology or species diversity of this genus.
Megapenthes solitarius
Megapenthes solitarius is a click beetle (family Elateridae) described by Fall in 1934. The species is known from limited records in Canada, with confirmed observations in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Quebec. Available data suggest it is rarely encountered, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Megasyrphus catalina
Yellow-legged Gossamer
Megasyrphus catalina is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1930. The species is known by the common name 'Yellow-legged Gossamer.' As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae and tribe Syrphini, it belongs to a diverse group of flies commonly known as flower flies or hoverflies, many of which are important pollinators. The specific epithet 'catalina' likely references the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona, suggesting a southwestern North American distribution. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Melanactes consors
Melanactes consors is a species of click beetle (family Elateridae) in the genus Melanactes. The genus Melanactes belongs to the click beetle family, characterized by the distinctive clicking mechanism these beetles use to right themselves when flipped onto their backs. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Melanoplus devius
Devious Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus devius, the devious short-wing grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Morse in 1904. The species is known from limited observations in North America, with records from Virginia and broader presence indicated across the continent. As a member of the large genus Melanoplus, it shares the characteristic spur-throated morphology of its subfamily Melanoplinae.
Melanoplus nanciae
Ocala clawcercus grasshopper
Melanoplus nanciae, known as the Ocala clawcercus grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper described by Deyrup in 1997. It belongs to the diverse genus Melanoplus within the family Acrididae. The species is known from a restricted geographic range in Florida. Published records indicate it is rarely encountered, with limited observational data available.
Melanoplus serrulatus
Nantahala Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus serrulatus is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1937. The common name "nantahala short-wing grasshopper" references the Nantahala region of western North Carolina, where the species is known to occur. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. Available information on this species is extremely limited.
Mellinus bimaculatus
Mellinus bimaculatus is a small wasp in the family Crabronidae, known for its specialized predation on flies. The species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in scientific literature. Observations indicate females hunt muscoid flies, paralyze them with a sting, and transport them to underground burrows as provisions for their larvae. The species occurs in sandy habitats across parts of North and Central America.
Mendesellinae
Mendesellinae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Braconidae, one of the largest families of Hymenoptera. The subfamily is poorly known and rarely encountered, with extremely limited published information. It represents a distinct lineage within the braconid wasp radiation, though its phylogenetic relationships and biological characteristics remain largely unstudied. The single iNaturalist observation suggests it is seldom detected in field surveys.
Menkokia blandii
Menkokia blandii is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1864. The genus Menkokia is a small and poorly known group within the diverse ichneumonid fauna. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only 7 records on iNaturalist as of the source data. Its biology and ecology remain largely unstudied.
Meringopus serraticaudus
Meringopus serraticaudus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Pratt in 1945. It belongs to the genus Meringopus within the family Ichneumonidae, a large group of parasitoid wasps. The species epithet 'serraticaudus' refers to a serrated or saw-like tail structure. Very few observations exist, with only two records documented on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly known.
Metalectra albilinea
white-lined fungus moth
Metalectra albilinea, commonly known as the white-lined fungus moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Richards in 1941. The species is found in North America and has been assigned Hodges number 8504. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Metapogon amargosae
Metapogon amargosae is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1972. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by reduced wing venation and generally small to medium body size. The specific epithet references the Amargosa region, suggesting a geographic association with desert environments in the southwestern United States. Like other asilids, it is presumed to be an aerial predator, though direct observations of its biology remain limited.
Metarranthis pilosaria
coastal bog metarranthi, slender groundsel moth
Metarranthis pilosaria is a species of geometrid moth found in North America. It is known by two common names: the coastal bog metarranthi and the slender groundsel moth. The species was first described by Packard in 1876. As a member of the subfamily Ennominae, it belongs to a diverse group of moths commonly referred to as inchworms or loopers due to their characteristic larval movement.
Metopius galbaneus
Metopius galbaneus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Townes & Townes in 1959. It belongs to the genus Metopius, a group characterized by distinctive facial modifications in males. The species is known from limited observations, with records primarily from North America. Like other members of Ichneumonidae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Microchridium
Microchridium is a genus of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae, established by Bohart in 1980. It belongs to the order Hymenoptera, a group that includes wasps, bees, and ants. As with other chrysidids, members of this genus are likely cleptoparasitic, laying eggs in the nests of other wasps or bees. The genus is poorly known, with minimal published information and very few observations documented. Its taxonomic status is marked as doubtful in some databases, indicating potential issues with its validity or circumscription.
Microdon lanceolatus
Spear-horned Ant Fly
Microdon lanceolatus is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Spear-horned Ant Fly. Like other members of the genus Microdon, it is presumed to have an ant-associated life cycle, with larvae developing within ant colonies. The species was described by Adams in 1903. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification.
Microplontus edentulus
Microplontus edentulus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae. The species was originally described by Schultze in 1896 under the genus Ceuthorrhynchus, and later transferred to Microplontus. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Ceuthorrhynchus edentulus in some taxonomic treatments. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Minettia lobata
Minettia lobata is a species of fly in the family Lauxaniidae, described by Shewell in 1938. It belongs to the genus Minettia, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as lauxaniid flies. The species is placed in the subgenus Frendelia within Minettia. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with limited documented information available regarding its biology and ecology.
Minettia shewelli
Minettia shewelli is a small fly species in the family Lauxaniidae, described by Steyskal in 1971. It belongs to the subgenus Frendelia within Minettia. The species is known from very few observations, with only two records documented on iNaturalist.
Minofala instans
Minofala instans is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1905. It belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae and tribe Hadenini. The genus Minofala is small and poorly documented, with limited available information on its biology and ecology.
Mitromyia
Mitromyia is a genus of stilt-legged flies (family Micropezidae) established by Cresson in 1930. Its taxonomic status is uncertain, with some sources treating it as a synonym of Taeniaptera. The genus has been rarely documented, with only 10 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a micropezid, members likely possess the family's characteristic elongated legs and slender body form, though specific diagnostic features for the genus remain poorly characterized.
Mojaviodes blanchardae
Mojaviodes blanchardae is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Mojaviodes. The species was described by Munroe in 1972 and is known from Texas in North America. Very few observations of this species exist, with only four documented records.
Mychocerus discretus
Mychocerus discretus is a minute bark beetle in the family Cerylonidae. It was originally described as Lapethus discretus by Casey in 1890. The species is native to North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. It is a rarely observed species with few documented occurrences.
Mydaea impedita
Mydaea impedita is a species of muscid fly described by Stein in 1920. It belongs to the subfamily Mydaeinae within the family Muscidae, a group that includes many synanthropic and free-living flies. The species is rarely documented, with only five observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data. Like other members of Mydaea, it is presumed to be a generalist decomposer, though specific ecological details remain poorly known.
Myrmex estriatus
Myrmex estriatus is a species of antlike weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. The species was originally described by Casey in 1892 and is currently listed as a synonym of Otidocephalus estriatus in some taxonomic databases. Very few observations of this species exist in biodiversity databases. As a member of the antlike weevil genus Myrmex, it likely exhibits morphological adaptations resembling ants, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Myrmosa bradleyi
Myrmosa bradleyi is a species of velvet ant wasp in the family Myrmosidae. The family Myrmosidae comprises small, parasitoid wasps that are closely related to Mutillidae (true velvet ants). Species in this family are typically wingless females and winged males, with females resembling ants in their terrestrial, ground-dwelling habits. Very little specific information is available for M. bradleyi, which has been documented from only a handful of observations.
Myrmosula exaggerata
Myrmosula exaggerata is a species of velvet ant in the family Myrmosidae, a small family of solitary parasitoid wasps. Members of this genus are rarely encountered and poorly documented in scientific literature. The species name 'exaggerata' likely refers to some pronounced morphological feature, though the specific etymology has not been formally published. Based on family-level characteristics, individuals are expected to be wingless females or winged males with reduced wing venation.
Naera fuscocristatella
Naera fuscocristatella is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Chambers in 1875. It is the sole species in the genus Naera. The species is known from scattered records across the south-central United States, with documented occurrences in Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be genuinely rare, undercollected, or difficult to detect.
Nalassus californicus
Nalassus californicus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1843. The species epithet reflects its association with California. As a member of this large beetle family, it likely inhabits dry, terrestrial environments typical of many tenebrionids. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only two documented observations in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Nalassus convexulus
Nalassus convexulus is a small darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1861. It belongs to a genus of beetles commonly associated with dead wood and forest floor habitats. The species is rarely encountered, with few documented observations.
Nannodioctria
Nannodioctria is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Wilcox and Martin in 1942. It is currently treated as a synonym of Dioctria, specifically as the subgenus Dioctria (Nannodioctria). The genus belongs to the subfamily Dioctriinae, a group of small, often slender robber flies. Very few observations or specimens have been documented, with only a single iNaturalist observation recorded.