Rarely-observed
Guides
Nematodinus lanieri
Nematodinus lanieri is a species of beetle in the family Eucnemidae, commonly known as false click beetles. The genus Nematodinus is poorly documented in scientific literature, and this species is known from very few observations. Eucnemidae beetles are generally associated with decaying wood in forest habitats. The species name honors an individual, likely a collector or entomologist, but the etymology is not formally documented.
Neohirmoneura
Neohirmoneura is a genus of tangle-veined flies in the family Nemestrinidae. The genus was established by Bequaert in 1920. Taxonomic status remains contested: Catalogue of Life treats it as a synonym of Hirmoneura, while GBIF and iNaturalist recognize it as accepted. The genus is rarely encountered, with only 46 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Neophyllura arbuticola
Arizona Madrone Psyllid
Neophyllura arbuticola is a psyllid species in the family Liviidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. The species is associated with madrone (Arbutus) host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet. It is known from limited observations in Arizona. The genus Neophyllura comprises psyllids that feed on various host plants, though species-level biological details remain poorly documented for many members.
Odontobracon
Odontobracon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Cameron in 1887. Members of this genus are part of the diverse ichneumonoid wasp fauna, characterized by their role as parasitoids of other insects. The genus is represented by very few observations in biodiversity databases, suggesting it is either rare, poorly sampled, or taxonomically cryptic. Braconid wasps in this group generally possess the family-typical features of reduced wing venation and larval development inside or on host insects.
Oedalocanthus
Oedalocanthus is a genus of stilt bugs in the family Berytidae, established by Henry in 1996. It belongs to the subfamily Gampsocorinae and tribe Hoplinini. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, slender body form typical of stilt bugs, with extremely long legs adapted for life on vegetation. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with very few observations recorded.
Oistus edmonstoni
Oistus edmonstoni is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus Oistus is a small group within this family, and O. edmonstoni appears to be a rarely encountered species with very few documented observations. Its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in scientific literature.
Oligolochus bracatus
Oligolochus bracatus is a species of flower weevil in the family Curculionidae. The species was described by Casey in 1892. It is currently treated as a synonym of Limnobaris bracatus in some taxonomic databases. Very few observations exist in citizen science platforms.
Oligomerus alternans
death-watch beetle
Oligomerus alternans is a death-watch beetle in the family Ptinidae, described by LeConte in 1865. It is known from North America, with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. The species is rarely encountered, with only five observations documented on iNaturalist. Its taxonomic status is marked as doubtful in some databases due to limited study.
Oligostigmoides cryptalis
Oligostigmoides cryptalis is a moth in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. It was described by Herbert Druce in 1896 based on specimens from Mexico. The species has been recorded from montane localities in Mexico (Xalapa, Orizaba), Costa Rica, and Panama. Very few observations exist, with only three records documented on iNaturalist.
Oneida grisiella
Oneida grisiella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Epipaschiinae. Described by Solis in 1991, this species is known from only two documented observations, both from the US state of Texas. It belongs to the genus Oneida, a group of relatively obscure pyralid moths.
Onycholyda quebecensis
Onycholyda quebecensis is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, order Hymenoptera. As a member of this family, it is a non-stinging relative of wasps and bees with larvae that develop on plants. The species epithet 'quebecensis' indicates a geographic connection to Quebec, Canada. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Opiconsiva
Opiconsiva is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, first described by Distant in 1917. As members of the Delphacidae, these insects belong to a family characterized by a distinctive movable spur on the hind tibia. The genus is placed within the subfamily Delphacinae and tribe Delphacini. Records indicate very few documented observations, suggesting it may be rare, understudied, or restricted to specific habitats.
Oresbius
Oresbius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Marshall in 1867. Species are distributed across Europe and North America. The genus is poorly studied, with limited published information on species biology and ecology.
Orthoptochus
Orthoptochus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Peritelini) established by Casey in 1888. The genus contains at least one described species, O. squamiger. As a member of the Entiminae subfamily, adults are characterized by their rounded, short snouts rather than the elongated rostra typical of many other weevil groups. The genus is rarely encountered in collections and observations, with minimal documented information about its biology.
Ostrocerca dimicki
Hooked Forestfly
Ostrocerca dimicki, commonly known as the hooked forestfly, is a species of spring stonefly in the family Nemouridae. It belongs to the order Plecoptera, a group of aquatic insects whose nymphs inhabit cold, clean streams. The species was described by Frison in 1936. It is recorded from the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
Ozaena
ozaena beetles
Ozaena is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Paussinae. These beetles belong to the tribe Ozaenini, which includes species with specialized morphological adaptations. Members of this genus are rarely encountered, with limited observational records. The genus has been documented since the early 19th century, with Olivier establishing the taxon in 1812.
Pachybrachis mobilis
Pachybrachis mobilis is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. The species belongs to a genus of small, often colorful beetles known for their hardened forewings that protect the hindwings and abdomen. It is native to North America. Available information on this species is limited, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Papaipema aweme
Aweme borer moth, Bogbean Borer Moth, small white-aster moth
Papaipema aweme is a noctuid moth described by Lyman in 1908. It belongs to the genus Papaipema, a group of stem-boring moths whose larvae tunnel into the roots and stems of herbaceous plants. The species is known from limited observations in North America, with confirmed records from Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada. It is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9504.
Paracardiophorus fenestratus
Paracardiophorus fenestratus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus Paracardiophorus is a small group within the cardiophorine beetles, characterized by specific morphological features of the pronotum and prosternal process. This species appears to be rarely collected, with limited occurrence data available.
Paracraspedothrix angulicornis
Paracraspedothrix angulicornis is a tachinid fly species described by Curran in 1930. The species has been transferred to the genus Chaetostigmoptera by some taxonomic treatments, creating a synonym relationship. Records indicate extremely limited documentation, with only a single observation recorded in iNaturalist. As with other tachinid flies, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Paranomada velutina
Black-velvet Flat-Nomad
Paranomada velutina is a cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, described by Linsley in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Nomadinae, a group of bees that are cleptoparasites (nest parasites) of other bees. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other nomadine bees, it lacks pollen-collecting structures and relies on host bees to provision its young.
Paranura anops
Paranura anops is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described in 1980 from western North America. The genus Paranura belongs to the tribe Neanurini, a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) springtails. This species is rarely encountered, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Parectecephala eucera
Parectecephala eucera is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, originally described by Loew in 1863 under the genus Chlorops. It belongs to a genus of small flies commonly associated with grasses and sedges. The species has been recorded in very few observations, with only three documented occurrences in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Pareuidella magnistyla
Pareuidella magnistyla is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. The species is characterized by distinctive male genitalia with enlarged styles, as indicated by its specific epithet. It has been recorded from scattered locations across the southern United States and Mexico, with very few documented observations.
Pedilus lewisii
Pedilus lewisii is a species of fire-colored beetle in the family Pyrochroidae. The genus Pedilus is part of a small family of beetles characterized by soft bodies and often bright coloration. This species appears to be rarely encountered, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist. The family Pyrochroidae is known for larvae that typically develop under bark or in decaying wood, though specific life history details for P. lewisii remain undocumented.
Penehuleria acuticephala
Penehuleria acuticephala is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Beamer in 1934. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Athysanini. The species is known from California, with very few documented observations.
Peracalles
hidden snout weevils
Peracalles is a genus of hidden snout weevils established by D.G. Kissinger in 1964. The genus belongs to the family Curculionidae and contains at least two described species: Peracalles pectoralis (LeConte, 1876) and Peracalles ventrosus (LeConte, 1878). The common name "hidden snout weevils" refers to a morphological characteristic of this group, though specific details of this trait are not documented in available sources. The genus is rarely encountered, with few observations recorded.
Pericompsus ephippiatus
Pericompsus ephippiatus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1830. The species is distributed across North and Central America, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. As a member of the Harpalinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of predominantly ground-dwelling beetles. Published observations of this species remain limited.
Perothops muscidus
Perothops muscidus is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae. The genus Perothops is a small, distinctive group within this family, characterized by unusual morphological features. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, reflecting either genuine rarity or cryptic habits.
Philoctetes variatus
Philoctetes variatus is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, a group known for their kleptoparasitic or parasitoid lifestyle targeting other Hymenoptera. The genus Philoctetes is a small, poorly documented group within Chrysididae. Information about this species is extremely limited, with minimal published research and few verified observations. It is known from a single iNaturalist record, indicating significant data gaps in its biology and distribution.
Phobetus saylori
Phobetus saylori is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Cazier in 1937. It belongs to the tribe Phobetusini within the subfamily Melolonthinae. The species is known from a small number of observations and has a restricted distribution in western North America.
Phoenicobiella schwarzii
Phoenicobiella schwarzii is a species of fungus weevil in the family Anthribidae. This beetle belongs to a genus associated with palms (Arecaceae), though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species is rarely recorded, with few observations in scientific collections and citizen science databases. It is one of several Phoenicobiella species found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Phyllomydas bruesii
Phyllomydas bruesii is a species of mydas fly in the family Mydidae, described by Johnson in 1926. The species is known from a small number of observations and limited published records. Like other members of the genus Phyllomydas, it is a large-bodied fly with distinctive morphology characteristic of the Mydidae family.
Piratula cantralli
Cantrall's Wolf Spider
Piratula cantralli is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, originally described as Pirata cantralli by Wallace and Exline in 1978. The species is known from the northern United States and Canada, with records from Alberta and Manitoba. It belongs to the genus Piratula, which comprises semi-aquatic wolf spiders often found in association with wetlands and riparian habitats. This species is rarely recorded, with only six observations documented on iNaturalist.
Pirhidius
Pirhidius is a genus of beetles in the family Ripiphoridae, established by Besuchet in 1957. Ripiphoridae are a family of unusual beetles characterized by extreme sexual dimorphism and complex life histories often involving parasitoid relationships with other insects. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records.
Platydema subcostata
Platydema subcostata is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) first described by Laporte. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles characterized by flattened bodies. The species is known from a limited number of observations in eastern Canada.
Platyura manteri
Platyura manteri is a species of fungus gnat in the family Keroplatidae, described from North America in 1931. Members of this genus are recognized by their elongated, often flattened bodies and distinctive wing venation. The species is rarely recorded, with only one known observation in iNaturalist.
Polybiomyia macquarti
Short-horned Wasp Fly
Polybiomyia macquarti is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Shannon in 1925. It is known by the common name Short-horned Wasp Fly. As a member of the tribe Cerioidini, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies that exhibit wasp mimicry. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and GBIF with accepted taxonomic status. Available records from iNaturalist indicate it is rarely observed, with only 12 documented observations.
Pompostolella
Pompostolella is a genus of small moths in the family Meessiidae, established by Fletcher in 1940. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited information available on its constituent species and biology. It belongs to the superfamily Tineoidea, which includes many fungus-feeding and detritivorous moths.
Prairiana ponderosa
Prairiana ponderosa is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Iassinae, and tribe Gyponini. First described by Ball in 1920 as a subspecies of Gypona cinerea, it is now recognized as a distinct species in the genus Prairiana. The specific epithet "ponderosa" likely references the ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), suggesting a potential host plant association, though this relationship has not been formally documented. The species is rarely observed, with only four records in iNaturalist as of the source data.
Prodoxus y-inversus
Prodoxus y-inversus is a small yucca moth in the family Prodoxidae, restricted to the southwestern United States. Adults are active in spring and possess a wingspan of 11–16 mm. The species is intimately associated with Yucca baccata and Yucca schottii, on which its larvae feed.
Prokoeneniidae
microscorpions, microwhip scorpions
Prokoeneniidae is a family of microscorpions (order Palpigradi) established by Condé in 1996. The family contains at least two genera—*Prokoenenia* and *Triadokoenenia*—with approximately seven described species. These minute arachnids are among the least studied of all arachnid orders, reflecting their cryptic lifestyle and small size.
Pronotocrepis
Pronotocrepis is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) established by Knight in 1929. The genus contains at least three described species: P. clavicornis, P. ribesi, and P. rubra. All three species were described by Knight, with P. clavicornis named in 1929 and the other two in 1969. Like other mirids, members of this genus are presumably phytophagous, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Protambulyx carteri
Carter's sphinx, Carter's Streaked Sphinx
Protambulyx carteri is a species of sphinx moth (Sphingidae) first described by Rothschild and Jordan in 1903. It is commonly known as Carter's sphinx or Carter's Streaked Sphinx. The species is known from the US state of Florida. As a member of the genus Protambulyx, it belongs to a group of hawkmoths characterized by their streamlined bodies and powerful flight capabilities. Published records indicate it is a rarely encountered species with limited observational data available.
Protanyderus vipio
Protanyderus vipio is a species of primitive crane fly in the family Tanyderidae. The genus Protanyderus contains some of the most archaic members of the Diptera, retaining characteristics that reflect the early evolutionary history of true flies. This species was described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, suggesting it is either genuinely rare, poorly surveyed, or restricted to specific habitats.
Protrocha obscura
Protrocha obscura is a species of planthopper in the family Caliscelidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1912. It belongs to the tribe Peltonotellini within the subfamily Caliscelinae. The species is placed in the superfamily Fulgoroidea, a diverse group of fulgoroid planthoppers characterized by their often distinctive head morphology. Very little is known about the biology and ecology of this species, which appears to be rarely encountered based on limited observation records.
Ptomaphagus fumosus
Ptomaphagus fumosus is a small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by Peck in 1979. It is one of many North American species in the genus Ptomaphagus, a group associated with decomposing organic matter. The species has been documented in the southeastern United States.
Rastrogenius ambrosiaphilus
Rastrogenius ambrosiaphilus is a species of ant-like flower beetle in the family Anthicidae. The species epithet "ambrosiaphilus" suggests an association with ambrosia beetles (Scolytinae) or their fungal symbionts, though specific ecological relationships remain undocumented. It is known from a single iNaturalist observation, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly sampled. As a member of Anthicidae, it belongs to a family of small, elongate beetles often found in association with decaying plant material and other insects.
Rhaphiomidas nigricaudis
Rhaphiomidas nigricaudis is a species of mydas fly described by Cazier in 1985. It belongs to the family Mydidae, a group of large, robust flies often mistaken for wasps. The species is known only from Arizona. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the characteristic mydas fly morphology with an elongated body and clubbed antennae.
Rosenus cruciatus
Rosenus cruciatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Osborn and Ball in 1898 under the basionym Deltocephalus cruciatus. It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Paralimnini. The species is recorded from northern and central North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, Illinois, and Iowa. Like other leafhoppers, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Available records indicate it is a rarely observed species with limited documented ecological information.