Rarely-observed
Guides
Rysepyris
Rysepyris is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Bethylidae, first described by Kieffer in 1906. Members of this genus are poorly known, with very few observations and limited taxonomic study. Bethylid wasps are generally ectoparasitoids of insect larvae, particularly beetles and moths.
Salebriaria carolynae
Salebriaria carolynae is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Neunzig in 1988. The genus Salebriaria belongs to the subfamily Phycitinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized moths. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, suggesting it is either rare, poorly sampled, or restricted in distribution.
Salebriaria fergusonella
Salebriaria fergusonella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. The genus Salebriaria was established by George Hampson in 1901 and includes small to medium-sized moths. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records currently available on iNaturalist. The specific epithet honors Douglas C. Ferguson, a prominent American lepidopterist who specialized in Pyralidae.
Schistocerca ceratiola
rosemary grasshopper
Schistocerca ceratiola, the rosemary grasshopper, is a poorly known species endemic to Florida. First described in 1928, it is rarely encountered except by researchers specifically seeking it. The species is a shrub-inhabiting grasshopper with a specific ecological association with Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides). Its limited distribution and cryptic habits have contributed to its obscurity in the scientific literature.
Scotinella fratrella
Scotinella fratrella is a small true spider in the family Phrurolithidae, described by Gertsch in 1935. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. It belongs to a genus of ground-dwelling spiders that are generally associated with leaf litter and soil habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented, reflecting either genuine rarity or cryptic habits.
Scymnus indianensis
Indiana lady beetle
Scymnus indianensis, commonly known as the Indiana lady beetle, is a small dusky lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to the genus Scymnus, which comprises minute lady beetles often characterized by their dull coloration and pubescent bodies. The species was described by Weise in 1929 and is documented from North America, with specific records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of Scymninae, it is presumed to be a predator of small soft-bodied insects, though direct observations of its biology remain limited.
Sericopompilus neotropicalis
Sericopompilus neotropicalis is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cameron in 1893. It belongs to a genus characterized by silvery or sericeous pubescence on the body. The species name 'neotropicalis' indicates a distribution in the Neotropical region. Very few observations exist, with only 5 records on iNaturalist.
Sericosema wilsonensis
Sericosema wilsonensis is a geometrid moth in the subfamily Ennominae, described by Cassino and Swett in 1922. It is recorded from North America and assigned Hodges number 6674. Very few observations exist in public databases, indicating it is either rare, poorly sampled, or restricted to specific habitats.
Sialis iola
Sialis iola is a species of alderfly described by Ross in 1937. As a member of the family Sialidae, it belongs to the order Megaloptera, a small group of aquatic insects closely related to dobsonflies and fishflies. The species is known to occur in North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. Like other alderflies, its larvae are presumed to be aquatic predators in freshwater habitats.
Sibinia ruidula
Sibinia ruidula is a species of leguminous seed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Clark in 1978. It belongs to the tribe Tychiini, a group of weevils specialized on legume seeds. The species is known from North America. Very few observations exist in public databases.
Sisicus
Sisicus is a genus of sheet web spiders (family Linyphiidae) established in 1938. The genus contains three described species distributed across northern temperate regions including North America, Europe, Siberia, and East Asia. These spiders construct horizontal sheet webs to capture prey.
Smodicum pacificum
Smodicum pacificum is a species of longhorn beetle (family Cerambycidae) described by Linsley in 1934. It belongs to the tribe Smodicini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The species has been recorded from North America and Middle America, with specific distribution including Mexico and the United States. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it is rarely encountered or understudied.
Somatolophia ectrapelaria
Somatolophia ectrapelaria is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Grossbeck in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies within the geometrid moths. The species is documented in North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 6945. Available records indicate it is a rarely observed species with limited published biological information.
Soulgas
Soulgas is a monotypic genus of sheet web spiders (family Linyphiidae) endemic to the United States. It was established in 1936 by C. R. Crosby and S. C. Bishop and contains a single species, Soulgas corticarius. The genus is known from very few observations and remains poorly documented.
Spalacopsis suffusa
Spalacopsis suffusa is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) first described by Newman in 1842. It belongs to the subfamily Agapanthiinae and tribe Agapanthiini. The species is known from North America, with presence confirmed in the United States. Available records indicate it is a rarely observed species, with only four documented observations in iNaturalist.
Speleketor
Speleketor is a genus of large-winged psocids (booklice/barklice) in the family Prionoglarididae. The genus was established by Gurney in 1943 and contains at least three described species. Members are found in the southwestern United States. Psocids in this genus are characterized by relatively large wings compared to body size, distinguishing them from many related taxa.
Sphindociinae
Sphindociinae is a small subfamily of beetles established by Lawrence in 1974. The group has been historically classified within different families, with sources placing it in either Tetratomidae or Ciidae. The subfamily contains few described species and remains poorly known, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist. Members are minute beetles associated with fungal habitats.
Stantonia
Stantonia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Ashmead in 1904. The genus belongs to the diverse ichneumonoid lineage of wasps, which are characterized by their parasitic lifestyle targeting other insects. Based on iNaturalist records, the genus is rarely encountered, with only three documented observations. Members of Braconidae are generally small to medium-sized wasps with reduced wing venation compared to their relatives in Ichneumonidae.
Steneretma laticauda
Steneretma laticauda is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1873. The genus Steneretma belongs to a group of flies commonly known as ulidiids or picture-winged flies, recognized for their patterned wings. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Stenobarichneumon saundersii
Stenobarichneumon saundersii is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It was described by Ezra Townsend Cresson in 1877. The genus Stenobarichneumon is a small group within the diverse ichneumonid fauna. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Stilbopogon
Stilbopogon is a genus of wasps in the family Tiphiidae, established by Mickel and Krombein in 1942. These insects belong to a family known for parasitoid relationships with scarab beetle larvae. The genus remains poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records available.
Styloxus fulleri californicus
Styloxus fulleri californicus is a subspecies of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Fall in 1901. It belongs to the tribe Methiini within the subfamily Cerambycinae. The taxon is currently accepted with valid status. Very few documented observations exist—only three records in iNaturalist—indicating it is rarely encountered or potentially underreported. Its distribution includes parts of North America, specifically the United States and Mexico.
Sylvanelater mendax
Mendax Click Beetle
A click beetle in the family Elateridae, distributed across northern and western Canada. The species is known from scattered records in Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories. Limited observational data suggests it is rarely encountered, with only five documented observations on iNaturalist.
Sympherobius amiculus
Sympherobius amiculus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. It was first described by Fitch in 1855 under the basionym Hemerobius amiculus. The species is found in North America and the Caribbean.
Symphoromyia hirta
Symphoromyia hirta is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Johnson in 1897. It belongs to the subfamily Spaniinae within the order Diptera. The species is currently accepted as valid, though some sources list it as a synonym of Symphoromyia (Paraphoromyia) hirta. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 4 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Sympistis aterrima
Sympistis aterrima is a small noctuid moth described by Grote in 1879. It is known from limited observations in western North America, with records from California. The species was originally described under the genus Stylopoda before being transferred to Sympistis.
Sympistis coprocolor
Sympistis coprocolor is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Troubridge and Crabo in 1999. It belongs to a large genus of owlet moths found primarily in North America. The species is known from a limited number of observations.
Synchita lecontei
Synchita lecontei is a species of ironclad beetle in the family Zopheridae. The genus Synchita comprises small, cylindrical beetles characterized by their heavily sclerotized exoskeletons. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only four records in iNaturalist. The species epithet honors the American entomologist John Lawrence LeConte.
Syscia augustae
Syscia augustae is a species of doryline ant originally described by Wheeler in 1902 as Cerapachys augustae. The species was transferred to the genus Syscia following taxonomic revision of the doryline ants. It belongs to the subfamily Dorylinae, a group known for army ant-like behaviors including group foraging and nomadic colony cycles. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with most records originating from Brazil.
Tabanus cymatophorus
Tabanus cymatophorus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1876. The species is recognized as valid by major taxonomic databases including GBIF and NCBI, though it was historically listed as a synonym in some sources. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and biting mouthparts typical of horse flies. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only four documented observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it may be rare, geographically restricted, or underreported.
Tabanus fulvicallus
Brown-footed Horse Fly
Tabanus fulvicallus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1931. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and blood-feeding habits typical of horse flies. The species is recognized by iNaturalist under the accepted name with the common name "Brown-footed Horse Fly," though detailed biological information remains limited. Only three observations are recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, undercollected, or restricted in distribution. The Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym, while GBIF treats it as accepted, suggesting some taxonomic uncertainty or recent revalidation.
Taracticus paulus
Taracticus paulus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Pritchard in 1938. The genus Taracticus comprises small, slender robber flies with distinctive wing venation and reduced mystax. As with other Asilidae, adults are predatory. The species is rarely documented, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating either genuine rarity or limited survey effort in its range.
Tesiophora entephros
Tesiophora entephros is a species of geometrid moth described by Rindge in 1990. It belongs to the family Geometridae, commonly known as inchworm or geometer moths. The genus Tesiophora is a small group within the subfamily Ennominae. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Thrinax albidopicta
Thrinax albidopicta is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Norton in 1868. It is a rarely encountered species with limited observational records, known primarily from eastern Canada. As with other members of its family, it is likely herbivorous in the larval stage, though specific host plant associations remain undocumented. Adults are presumably active during the warmer months, but detailed life history information is sparse.
Thyraylia voxcana
Thyraylia voxcana is a species of tortricid moth first described by Kearfott in 1907. It was originally placed in the genus Cochylis and later transferred to Thyraylia. The species is known from limited observations in the northeastern United States. Its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Trichastylopsis
Trichastylopsis is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, tribe Acanthocinini. It was established by Lawrence S. Dillon in 1956. The genus currently contains two recognized species: T. albidus (described by LeConte in 1852) and T. hoguei (described by Chemsak & Linsley in 1978). iNaturalist records indicate very few observations of this genus, suggesting it is rarely encountered or understudied.
Trichochrous fulvovestitus
Trichochrous fulvovestitus is a species of soft-bodied plant beetle in the family Melyridae. Members of this genus are characterized by their pubescent bodies and relatively small size. The species epithet "fulvovestitus" suggests yellowish-brown coloration. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, indicating it may be rarely encountered or understudied.
Triprocris smithsoniana
Triprocris smithsoniana is a species of forester moth in the family Zygaenidae, a group known for aposematic coloration and cyanide-based chemical defenses. The species was described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1861 (originally as Procris smithsonianus). It belongs to a genus of small, diurnal moths primarily distributed in North America. Like other zygaenids, adults are likely active during daylight hours. The species is rarely recorded, with few documented observations.
Trophimus
Trophimus is a genus of soft-bodied plant beetles in the family Melyridae, order Coleoptera. The genus was established by Horn in 1870. It is currently classified as doubtful (status: DOUBTFUL) in the GBIF taxonomy, indicating taxonomic uncertainty or insufficient documentation. Only one observation is recorded in iNaturalist, suggesting the genus is rarely encountered or poorly documented.
Usechimorpha
Usechimorpha is a genus of ironclad beetles in the family Zopheridae, established by Blaisdell in 1929. The genus contains at least three described species: Usechimorpha barberi, Usechimorpha montana, and Usechimorpha montanus. As members of Zopheridae, these beetles possess the heavily sclerotized exoskeletons characteristic of ironclad beetles. The genus appears to be rarely encountered, with limited observational records.
Valonetus
Valonetus is a monotypic genus of dirt-colored seed bugs established by Barber in 1918. It belongs to the family Rhyparochromidae, tribe Myodochini, and contains a single described species, Valonetus puberulus. The genus is part of the large lygaeoid radiation within the Pentatomomorpha. Very few observations of this genus exist in natural history databases.
Vanduzea albifrons
Vanduzea albifrons is a species of treehopper described by Fowler in 1895. It belongs to the family Membracidae, a group of insects known for their highly modified pronotum that often extends into elaborate projections. The species has been documented in North and Central America, with distribution records from California, Baja California, and Bocas del Toro. Like other treehoppers, it is presumed to feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific host plant associations have not been documented in the available sources.
Virgichneumon subcyaneus
Virgichneumon subcyaneus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1864. It belongs to the genus Virgichneumon, which comprises parasitoid wasps. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Vrilletta laurentina
Vrilletta laurentina is a small beetle species described by Fall in 1905. It belongs to the family Ptinidae (deathwatch and spider beetles), a group known for wood-boring habits in larvae. The species has been recorded from eastern Canadian provinces.
Wespus arkansasensis
Wespus arkansasensis is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones) in the family Phalangodidae. It was described in 1942 by the arachnologists Clarence J. Goodnight and Marie L. Goodnight. The species is known from Arkansas and represents a member of the diverse North American phalangodid fauna. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Willistonina
Willistonina is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Back in 1908. As members of the Asilidae, these predatory flies are characterized by their robust build and aerial hunting behavior. The genus contains relatively few described species and is poorly represented in collections and observations. Limited information exists regarding its species-level diversity and biology.
Xanthocomus rutilans
Xanthocomus rutilans is a species of beetle in the family Phalacridae, a group commonly known as shining flower beetles. The genus Xanthocomus is small and poorly documented in the literature. Available records from iNaturalist indicate very few observations, suggesting it is either genuinely rare, cryptic in habit, or underreported. No detailed biological studies appear to have been published on this species.
Xestocephalus piceus
Xestocephalus piceus is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, described by Osborn in 1928. It is currently treated as a synonym of Xestocephalus desertorum. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States (Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas), Baja California, and the Galápagos Islands. Very few observations exist, with only 8 records documented on iNaturalist.
Zygona
Zygona is a genus of soil-dwelling centipedes in the family Geophilidae, first described by Chamberlin in 1960. Members of this genus are elongate, multi-legged arthropods characteristic of the order Geophilomorpha. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its species composition or biology. A single observation exists on iNaturalist, suggesting it is rarely encountered or underreported.