Taxonomic-revision
Guides
Hypoborini
Hypoborini is a tribe of small bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) established by Nüsslin in 1912. Recent molecular and morphological revision of the Afrotropical fauna revealed substantial undescribed diversity, including three new genera and seven new species. The tribe comprises two subtribes in the Afrotropical region: Xerasiborina (Xerasiborus, Nisiborus, tentatively Glochiphorus) and Hypoborina (Dacryostactus, Styracoptinus, Afrotrypetus, Corditarsus). Related Palearctic genera Hypoborus and Liparthrum occur in Mediterranean and Macaronesian regions. Phylogenetic analyses indicate an early Palaeocene origin with ancestral area split between Asia/Africa and Madagascar, followed by single colonization of Madagascar and subsequent recolonization of the African mainland.
Hypocera
Hypocera is a genus of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) in the subfamily Hypocerinae. The genus was taxonomically revised in 1998, which clarified species identities and provided new diagnostic characters for distinguishing closely related Nearctic species. At least one species, H. mordellaria, has been documented as a scavenger on dead insects, with its larval stage described.
Hypocritanus fascipennis
eastern band-winged hover fly
Hypocritanus fascipennis is a North American species of syrphid fly commonly known as the eastern band-winged hover fly. It was transferred from the genus Ocyptamus to Hypocritanus in 2020 based on phylogenetic research. As a member of the hover fly family Syrphidae, it likely exhibits the characteristic hovering flight behavior typical of this group.
Ilisia armillaris
Ilisia armillaris is a crane fly species in the family Limoniidae, originally described as Erioptera armillaris by Osten Sacken in 1869. It is currently classified in the genus Ilisia based on morphological and phylogenetic revisions of the Chioneinae subfamily. The species is distributed across eastern North America, from the Great Plains to the Atlantic coast. Like other limoniid crane flies, adults are delicate and long-legged, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ilyobates
A genus of small rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Oxypodini) containing six recognized valid species distributed across the Pontomediterranean region. Adults exhibit pronounced intraspecific morphological variation and overwinter in cryptic underground habitats. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with numerous historical synonyms resolved.
Ischalia costata
broad-hipped flower beetle
Ischalia costata is a species of broad-hipped flower beetle in the family Anthicidae (sometimes historically placed in Ischaliidae). It is found in North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. The species was described by LeConte in 1866.
Ischnosoma flavicolle
Ischnosoma flavicolle is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Tachyporinae. Originally described by LeConte in 1863 as Mycetoporus flavicolle, it was transferred to the genus Ischnosoma in a 1991 taxonomic revision of North and Central American Mycetoporus and Ischnosoma. The species is known from eastern North America, with records spanning from Canada to the southeastern United States. A lectotype was designated for this species in the 1991 revision.
Ischnosoma splendidum
Splendid Crab-like Rove Beetle
Ischnosoma splendidum is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described by Gravenhorst in 1806 and later transferred from the genus Mycetoporus to Ischnosoma. It has a broad Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. The species belongs to a genus of crab-like rove beetles characterized by their distinctive body form and habitat associations with moist, decaying organic matter.
Isorhipis
false click beetles
Isorhipis is a genus of beetles in the family Eucnemidae, commonly known as false click beetles. The genus contains at least six described species distributed across Europe, Japan, and North America. Recent taxonomic revisions have revealed cryptic diversity within the genus, including the description of new species such as Isorhipis bicolor in 2024. These beetles are part of ongoing research into the classification and diversity of Eucnemidae.
Isorhipis nubila
Isorhipis nubila is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae. It was described as a new species during a revision of the genus Isorhipis. The species was recognized among specimens previously identified as the common Isorhipis obliqua, representing a cryptic species distinguished through detailed taxonomic revision. Specimens of this species have been collected in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.
Knightomiris distinctus
A small plant bug in the family Miridae, originally described as Lygus distinctus by Knight in 1917 and later transferred to the monotypic genus Knightomiris in 1973. The genus was established based on distinctive morphological features including male genitalia structure. This species belongs to a large family of true bugs commonly known as plant bugs or capsid bugs.
Lachnocrepis
Lachnocrepis is a subgenus of ground beetles within the genus Oodes (family Carabidae), established by LeConte in 1853. It was historically treated as a full genus but was downgraded to subgenus status within Oodes based on morphological character analysis. The subgenus currently contains two recognized species: Oodes (Lachnocrepis) desertus and Oodes (Lachnocrepis) japonicus. These species occur in the Palaearctic and Oriental regions, including China and Taiwan. Members of this subgenus share high morphological similarity with other Oodini, contributing to historical taxonomic confusion.
Lachnophorini
Lachnophorini is a tribe of ground beetles (family Carabidae) comprising approximately 18 genera and more than 190 described species. The tribe exhibits remarkable morphological diversity and divergent ecological habits, with most species being very small (less than 3.74 mm in adult body length). A 2014 taxonomic synopsis added a new genus (Peruphorticus) and 24 new species, significantly expanding known diversity. The tribe shows distinct biogeographic patterns, with Neotropical species in the Amazon Basin and Middle and South America, and additional representatives in the Paleotropics and Australia. Recent research indicates local ecological adaptation and morphological convergence related to habitat use within the Amazon Basin radiation.
Lagriini
Lagriini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae) established by Latreille in 1825. Members are small beetles, with some species such as Adynata poupillieri measuring 4–5 mm. The tribe occurs across multiple continents with documented diversity in North Africa, including Morocco and Algeria. Moroccan species have been subject to recent taxonomic revision including lectotype designation and identification keys.
Lasiopogon actius
Lasiopogon actius is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species was described by Melander in 1923 and was validated as a distinct taxon in a 2021 molecular phylogenetic revision of Nearctic Lasiopogon. It is part of a species group characterized by distinctive morphological features within the western Nearctic fauna. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Lasiopogon bitumineus
Lasiopogon bitumineus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by McKnight in 2020 as part of a taxonomic revision of the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species was among 13 new species described from Nearctic populations in a comprehensive phylogenetic and systematic study. As a member of the bivittatus section, it belongs to a morphologically defined group of western Nearctic Lasiopogon species.
Lasiopogon martinensis
Lasiopogon martinensis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) originally described by Cole & Wilcox in 1938. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has transferred this species from the bivittatus section to the tetragrammus group within the opaculus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The species is considered valid based on taxonomic revision of Nearctic Lasiopogon.
Lasiopogon puyallupi
Salish Sea Sandpirate
Lasiopogon puyallupi is a robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. The species was originally described as a subspecies of L. willametti by Cole & Wilcox in 1938, then elevated to full species status in 2020 based on molecular and morphological evidence. It belongs to the bivittatus section of the genus Lasiopogon. The common name "Salish Sea Sandpirate" reflects its coastal habitat association.
Lebiina
Lebiina is a subtribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) within the tribe Lebiini. It comprises at least two genera, Lebia and Matabele, with documented species from Southwest Saudi Arabia. The subtribe has been subject to recent taxonomic revision in the Arabian Peninsula, revealing previously unrecorded species for the region.
Ledaea
Ledaea is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Herbert Druce in 1891. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Spargaloma (Grote, 1873) by authoritative sources including the Global Lepidoptera Names Index and Catalogue of Life. The genus originally contained three described species: Ledaea arciva from Panama, Ledaea marcella from Costa Rica, and Ledaea perditalis from North America. These species are now classified under Spargaloma.
Lelaps
Lelaps is a genus of minute chalcidoid wasps in the family Diparidae, containing over 40 described species. These wasps were formerly classified in Pteromalidae but were reassigned to Diparidae based on phylogenetic studies. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, referencing the hound Laelaps that always caught its prey. Members of this genus are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Lepidodexia
Lepidodexia is a genus of flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) containing at least 170 described species. The genus was established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891. Taxonomic revisions have clarified its boundaries, including revalidation of subgeneric names such as Orosarcophaga. Species in this genus are distinguished primarily by male terminalia morphology.
Lepidotrichidae
Lepidotrichidae is a family of basal insects in the order Zygentoma. The family contains the extinct genus Lepidotrix, known from Eocene Baltic amber. The extant genus Tricholepidion, containing a single species from western North America, has traditionally been included here but recent research suggests it belongs to its own family, Tricholepidiidae.
Leptuca crenulata
Mexican fiddler crab
The Mexican fiddler crab is a small intertidal crab formerly classified in the genus Uca but transferred to Leptuca in 2016. Females exhibit active mate searching behavior, which is notable as this represents a reversal of typical sex roles in fiddler crabs where males usually search for mates. The species inhabits intertidal mudflats and shows the characteristic sexual dimorphism of fiddler crabs, with males possessing one greatly enlarged claw used for signaling and combat.
Lepturobosca
Lepturobosca is a genus of longhorned beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. The genus was established by Reitter in 1912 and contains three recognized species: Lepturobosca chrysocoma, L. nigrolineata, and L. virens. These beetles were formerly classified under the genus Cosmosalia before being reassigned to Lepturobosca based on taxonomic revision.
Lepturobosca chrysocoma
Yellow velvet beetle, Golden flower longhorn beetle, Golden-haired flower longhorn
Lepturobosca chrysocoma is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, characterized by its dense coat of golden hairs that gives rise to its common names. The species was originally described as Cosmosalia chrysocoma by William Kirby in 1837, but was reassigned to Lepturobosca in 1998 based on morphological comparisons by Russian entomologist Alexander Ivanovich Miroshnikov. Adults are frequently observed feeding on flowers during summer months, where they function as pollinators by transferring pollen on their hairy bodies. Larvae develop in decaying wood of trees including black spruce (Picea mariana) and poplars (Populus).
Limosininae
Limosininae is a subfamily of lesser dung flies (Sphaeroceridae) within the order Diptera. The subfamily comprises numerous genera distributed across the New World and Pacific regions, with many species associated with decaying organic matter and specialized microhabitats. Several genera have been described or revised in recent taxonomic work, including Aptilotella, Phthitia, Albistyla, Helicosina, Stipulosina, and Bregmosina. Species within this subfamily exhibit diverse morphological adaptations, with some showing strong associations with specific plant substrates such as bamboo stipules, furled Heliconia leaves, and treefall habitats rich in green leaf litter.
Lineostethus clypeatus
Lineostethus clypeatus is a species of stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, tribe Discocephalini. It was originally described by Stål in 1862. The species belongs to a genus characterized by a discoid head, a distinctive morphological feature among discocephaline genera. It is one of four previously recognized species in the genus Lineostethus, which was taxonomically revised in 2018.
Lionepha erasa
A ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, Lionepha erasa occurs in western North America from Oregon through Alaska. It was previously confused with a widespread congeneric species now named L. probata. The species has 12 pairs of autosomes and an X0/XX sex-chromosome system.
Lomachaeta hicksi
A species of velvet ant (Mutillidae) in the genus Lomachaeta, originally described by Mickel in 1936. The species was taxonomically consolidated in a 2004 revision, which established six junior synonyms under L. hicksi based on page priority. As a member of Mutillidae, it is a parasitoid wasp. The species is known from the southwestern United States and adjacent regions, with new distributional data reported in the revision.
Lonchodryinus
Lonchodryinus is a genus of wasps in the family Dryinidae (Hymenoptera), established by Kieffer in 1905. Species in this genus are distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with documented occurrences in North America, Japan, and northern Europe including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The genus is taxonomically characterized by specific morphological traits of the head and scutum sculpture, with recent taxonomic revisions clarifying Nearctic species boundaries and the first description of the female of L. woodi from Norway.
Lygus convexicollis
Lygus convexicollis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, native to western North America. It is one of 34 recognized species in the genus Lygus on the continent. The species was described by Reuter in 1876, with two former varieties (coloratus and dolichorhynchus) later synonymized under it. Like other Lygus species, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts and is associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Lymantini
Lymantini is a tribe of weevils (Curculionidae: Molytinae) containing genera such as Theognete and Lymantes. The tribe includes leaf-litter inhabiting species in Middle America and North America, with remarkable local endemism. Immature stages and life history remain unknown for most species.
Lynceus
clam shrimp
Lynceus is a genus of clam shrimp in the family Lynceidae, comprising approximately 13 described species. These small branchiopod crustaceans inhabit temporary aquatic habitats, including desert rockholes, gnammas, and dolines. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, particularly in Australia where six species are now recognized. Species identification relies on morphological characters including male first thoracopod structure, head and rostrum form, antenna 2 spinal patterns, carapace shape, and the female lamina abdominalis.
Lyrcus nigroaeneus
Lyrcus nigroaeneus is a parasitic wasp in the family Pteromalidae, originally described by Ashmead in 1894. It was transferred from the genus Zatropis to Lyrcus in 2013 as part of a comprehensive taxonomic revision that redefined the boundaries of several related pteromalid genera. The species name 'nigroaeneus' refers to its black-bronze coloration. No specific biological data have been published for this species.
Macrurocampa gigantea
Macrurocampa gigantea is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae. It was first described by William Barnes and Foster Hendrickson Benjamin in 1924. The species was formerly classified under the genus Litodonta but was transferred to Macrurocampa based on research published in 2021. It is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 7972.
Margarodidae
ground pearls, cottony cushion scales, giant coccids, giant scale insects
Margarodidae, commonly known as ground pearls or cottony cushion scales, is a family of scale insects within the superfamily Coccoidea. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many former subfamilies (including Monophlebidae, Matsucoccidae, Xylococcidae, and others) now elevated to family status. The current Margarodidae sensu stricto is monophyletic and includes genera such as Margarodes, Porphyrophora, and Eurhizococcus. Members exhibit diverse life histories, with some species being subterranean root feeders and others above-ground foliar feeders. Several species are economically important as agricultural pests or historically as sources of natural dyes.
Mecinus pyraster
Stem Miner Weevil
Mecinus pyraster is a small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, native to the Palaearctic region and introduced to North America. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with three junior synonyms synonymized under it. As a member of the genus Mecinus, it likely exhibits the stem-mining larval habit characteristic of this group, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Megacephalini
Big-headed Tiger Beetles
Megacephalini is a tribe of tiger beetles (family Cicindelidae) characterized by notably enlarged heads relative to body size. The tribe includes approximately seven described species across at least two genera, with Megacephala and Tetracha being the most prominent. Members are distributed across the Americas, with some species showing strong habitat specialization for saline or alkaline environments. The taxonomy of this group has undergone recent revision, with former subgenera of Tetracha elevated to generic status.
Meganola
Meganola is a genus of moths in the family Nolidae, subfamily Nolinae, erected by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1898. The genus is distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Palearctic (Europe, Korea), Afrotropical (Ivory Coast, Zambia, Uganda), and Nearctic (Vermont, USA). It contains at least 35 species in West Africa alone, with taxonomic revisions ongoing. Some authorities consider Meganola a synonym of Roeselia.
Meligramma triangulifera
Variable Roundtail
Meligramma triangulifera is a hoverfly species first described from Europe in 1843. Taxonomic revisions have synonymized several Nearctic species names (M. tenuis, M. cincta) under this species, expanding its recognized range. Identification keys exist for both adult and puparial stages. The species has been recorded across Europe and the Nearctic region.
Meridiorhantus calidus
Meridiorhantus calidus is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The species was transferred from the genus Rhantus to Meridiorhantus based on phylogenetic studies. It is found in North America and the Neotropics. The species was originally described by Fabricius in 1792 as Dytiscus calidus.
Mesembrina latreillii
Mesembrina latreillii is a large, conspicuous muscid fly historically considered to have a broader distribution but now regarded as restricted to the Nearctic Region following taxonomic revision. The species belongs to a genus typically associated with boreal forests and high-elevation habitats in the Northern Hemisphere.
Metanopedias
Metanopedias is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae, established by Brues in 1910. The genus was redefined in 1998, with Metanopedias brunneipes (Ashmead, 1887) as the type species. The genus is characterized by distinct morphological features separating it from related platygastrid genera. Species in this genus are known to be associated with host insects, though specific host relationships require further documentation.
Metaparia opacicollis
Metaparia opacicollis is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Eumolpinae. The species was originally described as Chrysodina opacicollis by Lefèvre in 1885 and later transferred to the genus Metaparia. It has been recorded from Argentina, specifically in the province of Corrientes. The genus Metaparia contains species formerly classified under Chrysodina and related genera.
Microcorsini
Microcorsini is a tribe of tortrix moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, first described by Kuznetzov in 1970. The tribe was originally erected for four genera in Olethreutinae, later transferred to Tortricinae by the same author in 1973, with subsequent treatments returning it to Olethreutinae. The genus Cryptaspasma is the primary representative, with species distributed across the Neotropical region from Mexico to South America.
Microedus
Microedus is a genus of small rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae, tribe Anthophagini. The genus was historically known only from North America but was expanded to the Palaearctic Region following taxonomic revision in 2022, which synonymized two Palaearctic genera (Altaiodromicus and Liophilydrodes) with Microedus. The genus currently contains 16 species: seven in the Nearctic Region and nine in the Palaearctic Region. Members of this genus belong to the Hygrogeus group of omaliine rove beetles.
Microphor
Microphor is a genus of small to very small flies in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Microphorinae. The genus contains at least 16 extant species distributed across the Palaearctic, Oriental, Nearctic, and potentially Neotropical realms. Females exhibit kleptoparasitic behavior, stealing tiny prey from spider webs. The genus is characterized by specific morphological traits including eyes without ommatrichia, a scutellum with three or more pairs of setae, and distinctive wing venation.
Microrhagus
Microrhagus is a genus of false click beetles in the family Eucnemidae, tribe Dirhagini. The genus was established by Dejean in 1833 and contains Palaearctic species, including two species recently described from the Russian Far East (M. nikitskyi and M. vicarius). Members of this genus are small beetles associated with decaying wood habitats.
Miturgidae
Prowling Spiders
Miturgidae is a family of araneomorph spiders commonly known as prowling spiders. The family includes approximately 160-200 species across 33 genera worldwide. Members are small to medium-sized, active hunters that do not construct permanent webs for prey capture. The family has undergone substantial taxonomic revision, with the former family Zoridae synonymized and the genus Cheiracanthium (longlegged sac spiders) transferred to the separate family Cheiracanthiidae.