Taxonomic-uncertainty
Guides
Decodes nr-horariana
Decodes nr-horariana is a crane fly species in the family Limoniidae. The 'nr-' prefix indicates this is a near-reference specimen that closely resembles D. horariana but has not been formally confirmed as that species through detailed taxonomic examination. Limoniid crane flies are generally small to medium-sized flies with reduced wing venation compared to their larger relatives in Tipulidae.
Diaphorinae
Diaphorinae is a subfamily of long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) characterized by high taxonomic diversity but imprecisely defined boundaries. Some researchers include genera such as Nematoproctus and Urodolichus within Diaphorinae, while others assign these to related subfamilies Rhaphiinae or Sympycninae. The subfamily contains two recognized tribes: Diaphorini and Argyrini. Members are distinguished by elongated legs and typically metallic coloration common to the family Dolichopodidae.
Dietzianus
Dietzianus is a genus of true weevils (family Curculionidae) comprising at least two described species: D. liliputanus and D. pygmaeus. Both species were originally described by Dietz in 1891 and later transferred to this genus by Sleeper in 1953. The genus is currently classified with doubtful status in some taxonomic databases, suggesting potential taxonomic uncertainty or need for revision. No observations of this genus have been recorded in iNaturalist.
Dirotognathus
Dirotognathus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by Horn in 1876. The genus contains at least two described species: D. punctatus (Hatch, 1971) and D. sordidus (Horn, 1876). As members of the subfamily Entiminae, these weevils possess the characteristic short, broad rostrum typical of broad-nosed weevils. The genus is placed in the tribe Byrsopagini. Very few observations exist in biodiversity databases, suggesting it may be rarely encountered or understudied.
Draeculacephala cf-minerva
Draeculacephala cf-minerva is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, distinguished by its distinctive head shape and association with grassland and prairie habitats. The 'cf.' designation indicates specimen identification based on morphological similarity to D. minerva, pending definitive confirmation. Members of this genus are known for their wedge-shaped bodies and powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.
Eana argentana
Eana argentana is a species of tortrix moth in the family Tortricidae. The specific epithet suggests a silvery or silvery-white coloration. The species has been treated under various interpretations by different authors, leading to taxonomic confusion reflected in the "-of-authors" designation. It belongs to the Cnephasiini tribe, a group known for including many grassland and meadow-associated species.
Elachiptera longiventris
frit fly
Elachiptera longiventris is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, originally described by Johannsen in 1924. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the genus Ceratobarys. It belongs to a family of small flies commonly associated with grasses and sedges.
Elaphropus anceps
Elaphropus anceps is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Trechinae. It belongs to a diverse genus of minute carabids often found in moist microhabitats. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Like other members of the tribe Bembidiini, it is likely associated with riparian or wetland edges, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Eleodes nigrina
desert stink beetle
Eleodes nigrina is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, a group known for defensive head-stand posturing when disturbed. The species was described by LeConte in 1858. Available information on this species is limited, with few detailed ecological or behavioral studies published.
Ellychnia facula
Ellychnia facula is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae. It is currently treated as a synonym of Photinus faculus in some taxonomic databases, though the original combination under Ellychnia persists in literature. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854 and is recorded as widespread across North America. Like other members of the genus Ellychnia, this species belongs to the 'dark firefly' group—adults that lack the light-producing organs typical of most fireflies.
Emesinae
Thread-legged Bugs
Emesinae, commonly known as thread-legged bugs, are a subfamily of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) distinguished by their exceptionally slender body form. They are predatory insects that walk on their mid and hind legs while using their raptorial front legs to capture prey. The subfamily contains approximately 90 genera and 900 described species, with greatest diversity in tropical regions, particularly Africa. Some groups specialize on spiders as prey. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have questioned the monophyly of Emesinae, suggesting the group may be polyphyletic with respect to Saicinae and Visayanocorinae.
Enchenopa on-ceanothus-herbaceus
Enchenopa on-ceanothus-herbaceus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, tribe Membracini. The specific epithet suggests an association with Ceanothus herbaceus, a plant in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), indicating likely host plant specialization. Members of the genus Enchenopa are characterized by their enlarged, often ornamented pronotum that extends backward over the body. This species is part of a genus whose taxonomy is currently undergoing revision, with many Neotropical species expected to be reassigned to related genera such as Membracis.
Encoptolophus subgracilis
southwestern dusky grasshopper
Encoptolophus subgracilis is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, described by Caudell in 1903. It is currently considered a synonym of Nebulatettix subgracilis. The species is found in southwestern North America. Limited specific biological information is available for this taxon, with most detailed studies focusing on the related species E. costalis (formerly E. sordidus costalis).
Epacmus
Epacmus is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) characterized by a distinctive case of predator mimicry. Adults possess four prominent, black, polished, hemispherical bumps on the rear of the thorax that strikingly resemble the anterior median eyes of jumping spiders (Salticidae). When viewed from behind, these structures create the illusion of a small salticid spider, potentially deterring predation. The genus is small-bodied, measuring approximately 7–10 mm in length, with a tapered, fuzzy appearance and delicate wings. Taxonomic validity remains debated, with some authorities considering Epacmus a synonym of Aphoebantus.
Eremberga
Eremberga is a genus of snout moths described by Carl Heinrich in 1939. Its taxonomic status is disputed: some sources treat it as a valid genus within Phycitinae, while others synonymize it with Zophodia. The genus contains three described species: E. creabates, E. insignis, and E. leuconips.
Erigone capra
Erigone capra is a species of sheet-web weaving spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1884. The species is known from North America and Eurasia, with records spanning from western Canada to Russia. As a member of the dwarf spider family, it constructs flat, horizontal webs close to the ground in vegetation. Taxonomic status varies between sources: Catalogue of Life treats it as accepted, while GBIF lists it as a synonym of Erigone dentigera.
Eusceptis
bird dropping moths
Eusceptis is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, commonly referred to as bird dropping moths. The genus was established by Hübner in 1823 and currently contains eleven described species distributed in the Americas. Its taxonomic status has been debated, with some authors treating it as a synonym of Acontia, though it is currently maintained as a distinct genus pending further research. The common name reflects the resemblance of some species to bird droppings, a form of protective camouflage.
Exortus punctiferus
Exortus punctiferus is a species of planthopper in the family Issidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1851. Taxonomic status remains disputed: Catalogue of Life treats it as a synonym of Exortus punctifer, while GBIF and iNaturalist recognize it as accepted. The genus Exortus belongs to the tribe Thioniini within the subfamily Issinae. Very few observations exist, with only six records on iNaturalist.
Formica glacialis
Icy Mound Ant
Formica glacialis is a cold-adapted ant species in the Formicinae subfamily, described by William Morton Wheeler in 1908. It belongs to the Formica fusca species group and is primarily found in montane and boreal environments of eastern North America. The species is notable for its association with cold, high-elevation habitats, including areas with persistent snow cover.
Furcula gigans
Furcula gigans is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, first described by McDunnough in 1922. The species has been recorded across central and western Canada and the northeastern United States. Taxonomic status varies by source: Catalogue of Life treats it as accepted, while GBIF lists it as a synonym of Furcula occidentalis. Like other members of the genus Furcula, it belongs to the prominent moth group characterized by distinctive larval morphology including a forked tail-like structure.
Gnophos macguffini
Gnophos macguffini is a moth species in the family Geometridae, described by Smiles in 1979. It belongs to the genus Gnophos, a group of geometrid moths commonly known as 'carpets' or 'carpet moths'. The species is recorded from North America. Taxonomic status has been disputed, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym of Charissa turfosaria, while GBIF treats it as accepted. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Haliplus subguttatus
Haliplus subguttatus is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae, described by Roberts in 1913. Its taxonomic status is disputed between sources: Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym, while GBIF treats it as accepted. The species belongs to the subgenus Liaphlus within Haliplus. Haliplidae beetles are small, aquatic adephagans found in freshwater habitats.
Haplotinea
Haplotinea is a small genus of fungus moths in the family Tineidae. Its subfamily placement remains disputed, with assignments to Myrmecozelinae, Nemapogoninae, or Perissomasticinae proposed by different authors. The genus was described by Diakonoff and Hinton in 1956. Its phylogenetic relationships within Tineidae are poorly resolved.
Harpalus puncticeps
Harpalus puncticeps is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae. The species was described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1914. Taxonomic records indicate some nomenclatural complexity, with the species also referenced under Stephens (1828) as Glanodes puncticeps in some databases. It is currently classified within the genus Harpalus, though some sources list it under the subgenus Ophonus (Metophonus).
Herminocala stigmaphiles
Herminocala stigmaphiles is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae. It was originally described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1914 under the basionym Rhosologia stigmaphiles. The genus Herminocala is a small group within the diverse litter moth assemblage. Available information on this species is extremely limited, with no published studies on its biology, ecology, or distribution beyond original taxonomic description.
Herreshoffia gracea
Herreshoffia gracea is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, described by Sperry in 1949. It belongs to the subfamily Larentiinae, a diverse group of carpet moths. The species has been placed in the genus Orthonama by some authorities, creating taxonomic uncertainty. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Holopogon seniculus
Holopogon seniculus is a species of robber fly described by Loew in 1866. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae within the family Asilidae. The species is extremely poorly documented, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published literature. Its taxonomic status is accepted in GBIF, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym, indicating some taxonomic uncertainty.
Hormoserphus
Hormoserphus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Serphidae (Proctotrupoidea), established by Townes in 1981. The genus belongs to a poorly studied group of small, rarely collected wasps. Its taxonomic status is currently marked as doubtful in some databases, suggesting potential issues with its validity or circumscription. Members of Serphidae are generally associated with decaying organic matter where they parasitize other insects.
Hypocaccus nr-bigener
Hypocaccus nr-bigener is a hister beetle (family Histeridae) identified as near 'bigener' but not formally described or confirmed as matching the original species description. The 'nr' designation indicates morphological similarity to H. bigener without taxonomic certainty. Hister beetles in this genus are generally small, compact predators associated with decaying organic matter. This taxon is known from limited specimen records and lacks formal species-level documentation.
Idiocerus laribaeus
Idiocerus laribaeus is a leafhopper species described by Bliven in 1954 from California. The species belongs to the genus Idiocerus, a diverse group of Eurymelinae characterized by broad heads and often distinctive coloration. Taxonomic status remains unsettled between sources, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym while GBIF treats it as accepted. Distribution records are limited to California.
Isturgia
Isturgia is a genus of geometrid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus belongs to the subfamily Ennominae and contains species distributed across Europe and parts of Asia. Several species have been studied for their biology and ecological roles, including one species (I. disputaria) investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive acacia species. Taxonomic relationships within the genus remain incompletely resolved, particularly for species complexes such as I. limbaria/roraria.
Leiobunum serratipalpe
Leiobunum serratipalpe is a species of harvestman (order Opiliones, family Sclerosomatidae) described by Roewer in 1910. The species is currently considered a synonym of Leiobunum calcar in some taxonomic databases, though this status may reflect ongoing taxonomic revision in this notoriously difficult genus. Like other members of Leiobunum, it possesses the characteristic long, slender legs and ocularium typical of the family. Species in this genus are common inhabitants of wooded habitats across eastern North America.
Leptochilus republicanus
Leptochilus republicanus is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. The name was published by Dalla Torre in 1853. Current taxonomic sources treat this as a synonym of Cyrtolabulus mutinensis. The species has been documented in 67 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is an infrequently recorded but recognized taxon among naturalists. As a member of Eumeninae, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for constructing mud nests.
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.
Lignyodes ligustricolus
Lignyodes ligustricolus is a species of leguminous seed weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Clark in 1980. The species is currently classified under the genus Lignyodes, though some taxonomic databases list it as a synonym of Neotylopterus ligustricolus. As a member of the tribe Lignyodini, it belongs to a group of weevils specialized on leguminous plants.
Limotettix shastus
Limotettix shastus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, originally described by Ball in 1916. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the genus Scleroracus. It is recorded from western North America, including California, Oregon, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Limotettix uhleri
Limotettix uhleri is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, originally described by Ball in 1911. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with GBIF currently treating it as a synonym of Scleroracus uhleri while other sources maintain it under Limotettix. It is recorded from multiple localities in North America including Alberta, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, and Illinois.
Lipochaeta
nehe
Lipochaeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The genus comprises approximately 20 accepted species, commonly known as nehe. Several species are extinct or possibly extinct, including L. bryanii, L. degeneri, L. perdita, and L. populifolia. Taxonomic relationships within the genus remain uncertain and require further phylogenetic study.
Listronotus echinatus
Listronotus echinatus is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, originally described as Hyperodes echinatus by Dietz in 1889. The species is currently classified as a synonym in taxonomic databases, with its accepted placement in the genus Listronotus. No specific ecological or biological information has been documented for this species in the available literature.
Listronotus filiformis
Listronotus filiformis is a small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, first described by LeConte in 1876. It belongs to a genus containing several economically significant agricultural pests, though specific information about this particular species is limited. The species has been recorded in North America based on GBIF distribution data and iNaturalist observations.
Listropsis
Listropsis is a genus of soft-bodied beetles in the family Melyridae, described by Blaisdell in 1924. The genus is currently classified as doubtful in GBIF, indicating taxonomic uncertainty regarding its validity or circumscription. Only three observations are recorded in iNaturalist, suggesting it is rarely encountered or poorly documented. Little is known about its biology or species diversity.
Lyonetia latistrigella
Lyonetia latistrigella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Lyonetiidae. The species has been documented primarily through limited observations, with 49 records on iNaturalist. Its taxonomic status has been subject to revision, with some sources listing it as a synonym while GBIF recognizes it as accepted. Detailed biological information remains sparse in available literature.
Macrocephalus
Macrocephalus is a genus of ambush bugs first described by Olivier in 1789. The genus name refers to the enlarged head characteristic of these insects. Species in this genus are predatory true bugs that capture prey by ambush. Taxonomic placement has varied, with the genus historically assigned to Reduviidae but currently recognized in Phymatidae.
Margaiostus grandicollis
Fivespined engraver beetle
Margaiostus grandicollis is a bark beetle species historically known as the fivespined engraver. The species has been reclassified from the genus Ips to Margaiostus within the family Elateridae, though it was long treated as a member of Curculionidae (Scolytinae). It attacks coniferous trees, particularly pines, and has been documented in eastern North America. The species is known for its gallery-building behavior beneath bark and its association with stressed or dying trees.
Melanoliarus altanus
Melanoliarus altanus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, originally described by Ball in 1934. The genus Melanoliarus comprises small to medium-sized fulgoroid insects characterized by dark coloration. Taxonomic status varies between sources: Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym of Oliarus altanus, while GBIF and iNaturalist recognize it as an accepted species. No observations have been recorded in iNaturalist, indicating limited documentation of its biology and distribution.
Microparsus olivei
Microparsus olivei is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Smith & Tuatay in 1960. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini, a group of aphids characterized by long antennae and siphunculi. The genus Microparsus contains species associated with various host plants, though specific ecological details for M. olivei remain poorly documented. The species is recognized in taxonomic databases including GBIF and iNaturalist, though observations are extremely limited.
Mimophisma delunaris
Mimophisma delunaris is a moth species in the family Erebidae, originally described by Guenée in 1852 as Ophisma delunaris. The species has been recorded in North America and is represented by 447 observations on iNaturalist. Its taxonomic placement has been subject to revision, with some sources placing it in the genus Achaea rather than Mimophisma, contributing to its current 'doubtful' status in some taxonomic databases.
Miscodera
A monotypic genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) containing only Miscodera arctica. The genus has a circumpolar Arctic distribution with disjunct populations in northern New England. Its taxonomic placement has been historically disputed, currently assigned to subfamily Broscinae though formerly placed in Trechinae.
Monomorium trageri
Monomorium trageri is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by DuBois in 1986. It is classified within the genus Monomorium, a diverse group of small ants commonly known as thief ants. The specific epithet honors James C. Trager, an American myrmecologist.
Myrmilloides
Myrmilloides is a genus of velvet ants (family Mutillidae) established by André in 1902. The genus is currently considered doubtful in GBIF taxonomy, suggesting taxonomic uncertainty or potential synonymy with other genera. As members of Mutillidae, species in this group are solitary wasps with wingless females and winged males. The genus has been recorded in iNaturalist with 143 observations, indicating some level of field recognition despite taxonomic questions.