Understudied-species
Guides
Abdera bicincta
Two-banded Comb-clawed Beetle
Abdera bicincta is a species of comb-clawed beetle in the family Melandryidae. The species epithet "bicincta" refers to the two-banded color pattern characteristic of this beetle. Members of the genus Abdera are small to medium-sized beetles typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. Specific ecological details for A. bicincta remain poorly documented in published literature.
Acolobicus erichsoni
Acolobicus erichsoni is a species of ironclad beetle in the family Zopheridae. It is known from limited distributional records in North America and Middle America. The species was described by Reitter in 1877. Available information on this species is sparse, with only four observations documented on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data.
Acsala anomala
Rockslide Lichen Moth
Acsala anomala, commonly known as the Rockslide Lichen Moth, is a rare and poorly known species of lichen moth in the family Erebidae. It represents the sole member of its genus and the monotypic tribe Acsalina. The species is endemic to Alaska, where it inhabits rocky alpine environments. Its biology and ecology remain largely undocumented due to its restricted range and apparent rarity.
Agelenopsis longistyla
Agelenopsis longistyla is a small funnel weaver spider in the family Agelenidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1901. It is the smallest species in the genus Agelenopsis when excluding leg measurements. The species is found in the central United States and constructs characteristic funnel-shaped webs with sheet-like platforms.
Agoliinus congregatus
Agoliinus congregatus is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, commonly known as dung beetles. The species is documented from western North America, with records from Alaska through California and eastward to Colorado and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The specific epithet 'congregatus' suggests grouping behavior, though this has not been formally studied. Like other members of Aphodiinae, it is presumed to be associated with dung decomposition, but specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Alarodia slossoniae
Packard's White Slug Moth
Alarodia slossoniae, known as Packard's White Slug Moth, is a North American moth in the family Limacodidae. The common name refers to the slug-like appearance of its caterpillar, a trait characteristic of this family. Adults are small moths with white or pale coloration. The species was originally described by Alpheus Spring Packard in 1893 under the genus Eupoeya before being transferred to Alarodia.
Ammosphex michiganensis
Ammosphex michiganensis is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Dreisbach in 1949. The species was originally placed in the genus Pompilus before being transferred to Ammosphex. It is a member of the diverse spider wasp family, which are characterized by their habit of hunting spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The species has been documented through a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or understudied.
Anasa andresii
Anasa andresii is a leaf-footed bug species in the family Coreidae, first described by Guérin-Méneville in 1857. It belongs to a genus containing several economically significant agricultural pests, though specific information about this species remains limited. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America.
Andrena canadensis
Canada miner bee, Canada andrena, Canadian Mining Bee
Andrena canadensis is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. Like other Andrena species, it nests in the ground and is active in spring. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with most information inferred from genus-level traits.
Animomyia morta
Animomyia morta is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, described by Dyar in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Ennominae, one of the largest subfamilies within Geometridae. The species is known from North America. Very little specific information has been published regarding its biology, appearance, or ecology.
Anomala delicata
shining leaf chafer
Anomala delicata is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Casey in 1915 and is currently classified under the genus Anomala, though it has been synonymized under Paranomala in some taxonomic treatments. As a member of the subfamily Rutelinae, it shares characteristics with other leaf chafers including a typically metallic or shiny appearance. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species.
Apocrisias thaumasta
Apocrisias thaumasta is the sole species in the monotypic moth genus Apocrisias, described by John G. Franclemont in 1966. The species belongs to the family Erebidae and is known from a restricted range in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is classified within the subfamily Arctiinae (tiger moths), though detailed biological information remains limited due to its rarity and narrow distribution.
Apotomis albeolana
A small tortricid moth in the genus Apotomis, described by Zeller in 1875. The species is known from northeastern North America with confirmed records in Vermont and surrounding regions. Like other members of Olethreutinae, it is presumed to have concealed larval habits, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Aradus depictus
Aradus depictus is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Van Duzee in 1917. As a member of this family, it has the dorsoventrally flattened body form characteristic of aradids. The species is recorded from North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. Like other Aradus species, it likely inhabits forested environments where it feeds on fungal mycelia.
Archipsocus floridanus
ancient barklouse
Archipsocus floridanus is a species of barklouse in the family Archipsocidae, first described by Mockford in 1953. It is one of several species in the genus Archipsocus, a group sometimes referred to as "ancient barklice" within the order Psocodea. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America. Like other members of its family, it is presumed to inhabit bark and lichen microhabitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Asiopus minimus
Asiopus minimus is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) within the order Coleoptera. The genus Asiopus is part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature. Based on family-level characteristics, members of this group are generally associated with arid or semi-arid environments and are often nocturnal or crepuscular in activity patterns.
Bagisara laverna
Bagisara laverna is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, originally described by Druce in 1889. It belongs to the subfamily Bagisarinae, a relatively small and understudied group within the Noctuidae. The species is documented in North America with 175 observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not rare but not extensively studied. Its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in scientific literature.
Bembidion cheyennense
Cheyenne Riverbank Ground Beetle
Bembidion cheyennense is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Casey in 1918. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. As a member of the genus Bembidion, it belongs to a large group of small, often metallic ground beetles commonly associated with riparian and moist habitats. The species is one of many understudied carabid beetles in North America, with limited detailed ecological information available.
Bembidion quadrifoveolatum
Bembidion quadrifoveolatum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Mannerheim in 1843 and is known from North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the United States. The species belongs to the large genus Bembidion, which comprises numerous small predatory beetles commonly found in diverse habitats. Very little specific ecological or behavioral information has been published for this particular species.
Calliephialtes notandus
Calliephialtes notandus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Very little is documented about this species. It belongs to a genus whose members are primarily parasitoids of concealed lepidopteran larvae, though some species have been recorded from other hosts. The species is known from only two iNaturalist observations, indicating it is either rare, poorly collected, or understudied.
Cephalochrysa similis
Cephalochrysa similis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by James in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Sarginae and is one of several species in the genus Cephalochrysa, a group characterized by distinctive head morphology. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published literature. Soldier flies in this family are generally associated with moist or aquatic habitats, with larvae typically developing in decaying organic matter.
Ceratopsallus croceus
Ceratopsallus croceus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1918. It belongs to the large and diverse family of true bugs known as plant bugs or mirid bugs. The genus Ceratopsallus is part of the suborder Heteroptera, which includes the 'true bugs' with their characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Cerceris insolita
Cerceris insolita is a solitary predatory wasp in the family Crabronidae, found in North America. Like other members of the genus Cerceris, it is a ground-nesting wasp that provisions its nests with paralyzed insect prey for its larvae. The species was described by Cresson in 1865. Specific details regarding its prey preferences, nesting behavior, and precise distribution within North America remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Chrysonotomyia auripunctata
Chrysonotomyia auripunctata is a parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Ashmead in 1894 from Florida. The species is characterized by golden-yellow body coloration with dark punctate markings. It belongs to a genus of minute chalcid wasps that are understudied but likely associated with gall-forming insects on oaks and other plants.
Collops insulatus
Collops insulatus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles commonly found on flowers, where they feed on small insects and other arthropods. Like other members of the genus, C. insulatus likely serves as a beneficial insect in agricultural and natural ecosystems by helping control pest populations. The species epithet "insulatus" (meaning "island" in Latin) may refer to an island-like distribution pattern or type locality, though specific etymological details are not documented in available sources.
Conotrachelus naso
Thin-nosed Curculio
Conotrachelus naso is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by LeConte in 1876. It occurs in North America. The species is commonly known as the Thin-nosed Curculio. As a member of the genus Conotrachelus, it shares the characteristic elongated snout typical of this weevil group, though specific ecological and behavioral details remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as the plum curculio.
Cratichneumon arizonensis
Cratichneumon arizonensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Henry Lorenz Viereck in 1905. The species is known from a small number of observations, with records indicating presence in North America. As with other members of the genus Cratichneumon, this species is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The species epithet 'arizonensis' suggests a type locality or primary distribution associated with Arizona.
Crossocerus lentus
Crossocerus lentus is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by W. Fox in 1895. The genus Crossocerus comprises small to medium-sized solitary wasps that provision their nests with paralyzed prey, primarily small flies. This species is recorded from North America, with confirmed observations in Canada (Alberta). As with many Crabronidae, detailed biological information for this specific species remains limited.
Curculio obtusus
Hazelnut Weevil
Curculio obtusus, commonly known as the hazelnut weevil, is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is native to eastern North America and is one of four globally recognized hazelnut-feeding weevil species in the genus Curculio. The species is considered the most understudied of the hazelnut-feeding Curculio species, as commercial hazelnut production was historically not possible in its geographic range until the development of cold-hardy and disease-resistant hybrid hazelnut plants. It is expected to pose increasing economic concerns as hybrid hazelnut production expands in the United States.
Cydia cupressana
Cypress bark moth
Cydia cupressana is a small tortricid moth first described by Kearfott in 1907. The species is commonly known as the cypress bark moth, reflecting its association with cypress host plants. It belongs to the genus Cydia, which includes several economically significant agricultural pests, though C. cupressana itself is not among the most extensively studied species in the genus. The moth is part of the diverse Tortricidae family, which contains approximately 10,000 described species worldwide.
Dendrotettix zimmermanni
Carolina Oak Grasshopper
Dendrotettix zimmermanni, commonly known as the Carolina oak grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with records indicating presence in the southeastern United States. As a member of the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Podismini, it belongs to a group of grasshoppers often associated with woody vegetation.
Dioedus punctatus
Dioedus punctatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by LeConte in 1862. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in North America. Like other members of Tenebrionidae, it is likely associated with decaying plant matter and soil habitats. The specific epithet 'punctatus' refers to punctation or spotting, suggesting distinctive surface markings on the elytra or pronotum.
Ellabella editha
Ellabella editha is a small moth in the family Copromorphidae, described by Busck in 1925. It is distributed across western North America from Canada to the southwestern United States. Adults are active from late spring through summer, with forewing lengths of 9.5–11 mm in males and 8–11.5 mm in females. The larval host plant remains uncertain, though Berberis repens has been suggested as a possible food source.
Endromopoda producta
A parasitoid wasp species in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Walley in 1960. Very little published information exists on its biology, ecology, or host associations. Records indicate presence in Canada.
Eusceptis flavifrimbriata
Eusceptis flavifrimbriata is a noctuid moth described by Todd in 1971. It belongs to the subfamily Acontiinae, a group of small to medium-sized moths often with distinctive wing patterns. The species is known from Mexico and has been documented in North America. Beyond these basic taxonomic and distributional facts, little detailed biological information has been published.
Eutettix nitens
Eutettix nitens is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. The species has been documented in Florida based on distribution records. Like other leafhoppers, it is a member of the order Hemiptera, characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. Available information on this species is limited, with few observational records and minimal published biological data.
Euxoa conjuncta
Euxoa conjuncta is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Smith in 1890. It belongs to the genus Euxoa, which includes numerous cutworm species that are agricultural pests. The species is recorded from North America. Like other Euxoa species, it likely has a life cycle involving egg, larval (cutworm), pupal, and adult stages, with larvae that may damage crops by cutting stems at or below the soil surface.
Formica manni
Mann's Field Ant
Formica manni is a species of field ant in the family Formicidae, described by Wheeler in 1913. It belongs to the diverse genus Formica, which includes many North American ant species. Very little specific information has been documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification. The species name honors a person with the surname Mann, following the naming convention established by Wheeler.
Gnathonargus unicorn
Unicorn spider
Gnathonargus unicorn is a small sheet-web weaving spider belonging to the family Linyphiidae. It is the sole species in its genus, which was established by Bishop & Crosby in 1935. The species was originally described by Banks in 1892 and is known from the United States. As with many linyphiid spiders, it is poorly studied and little is known of its natural history.
Haplaxius enotatus
Haplaxius enotatus is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Oecleini and is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Haplaxius. The species has been documented in six iNaturalist observations, indicating it is infrequently encountered or underreported.
Harpalus opacipennis
Harpalus opacipennis is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Haldeman in 1843. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Harpalus, which contains numerous species of medium-sized ground beetles distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species name 'opacipennis' refers to the dull or opaque appearance of the elytra (wing covers). Like other members of Harpalus, this species is likely a generalist predator and scavenger, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Heliolonche carolus
Chicory Flower Moth
Heliolonche carolus is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1936. It is commonly known as the Chicory Flower Moth. The species is recorded from western North America, specifically California and Arizona. As a member of the subfamily Heliothinae, it is likely associated with flowering plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Hippodamia americana
American lady beetle
Hippodamia americana is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 4.40–5.10 mm in length. The species has been recorded from western and central Canada and the north-central United States, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Wisconsin. Published observations of this species are limited, with only six records documented on iNaturalist.
Hogna timuqua
Hogna timuqua is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Wallace in 1942. The species belongs to a genus of large, active hunting spiders commonly found in North American habitats. Like other Hogna species, it is presumed to be a ground-dwelling predator with well-developed eyes adapted for nocturnal activity. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in published sources.
Hypena subidalis
Hypena subidalis is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Hypeninae, described by Guenée in 1854. The species is native to North America and has been recorded in the conterminous 48 United States. It belongs to a genus containing several economically significant agricultural pests, including the green cloverworm (Hypena scabra), though specific information about H. subidalis ecology and biology remains limited in available sources.
Hypocrita celina
Hypocrita celina is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1870. The species is known only from Guatemala. As a member of the subfamily Arctiinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as tiger moths, though specific details about its biology remain undocumented in published sources.
Idolus debilis
Idolus debilis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, described by LeConte in 1884. This species belongs to a genus of relatively small, slender click beetles. Like other members of Elateridae, adults possess the characteristic prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal groove, enabling the "clicking" mechanism used to right themselves when overturned. The species has been documented across multiple Canadian provinces, suggesting a northern distribution pattern.
Leptoglossus jacquelinae
Leptoglossus jacquelinae is a species of leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, described by Brailovsky in 1976. It belongs to a genus characterized by expanded, leaf-like hind tibiae. The species is known from Mexico and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a plant-feeding true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Ligyrocoris barberi
Ligyrocoris barberi is a species of seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, described by Sweet in 1986. It belongs to the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. The genus Ligyrocoris comprises small to medium-sized true bugs commonly known as seed bugs, though specific ecological details for L. barberi remain poorly documented.
Ligyrocoris delitus
Ligyrocoris delitus is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, first described by Distant in 1882. The species is recorded from the southern United States through Mexico to Guatemala. As a member of the Myodochini tribe, it belongs to a group of ground-dwelling seed bugs with documented associations with fallen seeds and plant debris. Available records indicate limited observation effort, with 16 iNaturalist observations documented.