Undescribed-species
Guides
Microphotus
Microphotus is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) in western North America. At least one undescribed species is known to exist, distinguished from described congeners by morphological and potentially genetic differences. The genus is poorly studied relative to more widespread firefly genera, and taxonomic revision is needed to clarify species boundaries.
Mompha sp. (on Spermacoce)
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha, a family of small moths known for their narrow wings and association with specific host plants. This taxon is recognized from specimens reared or collected on Spermacoce species, a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). As an undescribed species, it lacks formal scientific description and has not been assigned a species epithet. Its existence is documented through association with this particular host plant genus.
Mompha sp. (undescribed, Galium-feeding, midwestern)
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) associated with Galium hosts in the midwestern United States. Momphidae are small moths whose larvae typically mine leaves or bore into stems, fruits, or roots of their host plants. This taxon represents a documented but not formally described entity awaiting taxonomic study. Its specific morphological and biological characteristics remain unpublished in scientific literature.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-crocanthemum
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) associated with the plant genus Crocanthemum. The species remains formally undescribed in scientific literature. Its host relationship with Crocanthemum distinguishes it from described congeners.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-epilobium
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae), recognized by its association with Epilobium host plants. The species has not received formal taxonomic description but has been documented through larval collections and rearing records. It belongs to a genus of small moths commonly known as momphid moths or twirler moths. The specific epithet designation reflects its provisional status pending formal description.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-epilobium-canum
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) associated with Epilobium canum (California fuchsia). The species has been documented through larval collections and rearing records but lacks formal taxonomic description. It represents part of the poorly resolved North American Mompha fauna, many species of which are host-specific to Onagraceae.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-galium-eastern
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) that has been documented feeding on Galium species in eastern North America. Like other Mompha species, it is a small moth likely associated with specific host plants in the Rubiaceae family. The species remains formally undescribed in scientific literature despite being recognized in field studies and regional biodiversity surveys.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-hamelia-patens
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) associated with Hamelia patens, a flowering shrub in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). The species has not received formal scientific description but has been documented through field observations on this specific host plant. Momphidae are small moths, many of which are specialized to particular host plants.
Mordellistena sp-one-al
Mordellistena sp-one-al is a species of tumbling flower beetle in the family Mordellidae. Members of this genus are generally small, wedge-shaped beetles with enlarged hind femora that enable their characteristic tumbling escape behavior. The specific epithet "sp-one-al" suggests this may be an undescribed or code-named species, possibly from Alabama based on the "al" suffix. Like other Mordellistena, it likely occupies floral habitats and exhibits the family's distinctive morphology and behavior.
Nausibius
Neolasioptera (possible new species on Galium)
This undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Neolasioptera is associated with plants in the genus Galium (bedstraws). As a member of the tribe Lasiopterini, it likely induces galls or feeds within plant tissues. The provisional designation indicates it has been recognized as morphologically or biologically distinct from described species but awaits formal taxonomic description. Its specific host relationships and geographic distribution remain undocumented in published literature.
Neolasioptera undescribed-species-on-erechtites
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Neolasioptera that forms galls on plants of the genus Erechtites. Like other members of this genus, it induces gall formation on host plant tissues. The species remains formally undescribed in the scientific literature. Its association with Erechtites distinguishes it from described congeners that attack other host plants.
New-genus-on-chrysobalanus new-species
New-genus-on-chrysobalanus new-species is an insect species associated with Chrysobalanus (a genus of flowering plants in the family Chrysobalanaceae). The genus name indicates a previously undescribed taxon established based on specimens collected from this host plant. No published description of this species is available in accessible scientific literature. The species appears to remain formally undescribed or is referenced only in unpublished or highly specialized sources.
Olethreutes n-sp-nr-auricapitana
Olethreutes n-sp-nr-auricapitana is an undescribed or provisionally named species in the tortricid moth genus Olethreutes, indicated by the notation 'n-sp-nr-auricapitana' suggesting it is a new species near or related to O. auricapitana. The genus Olethreutes comprises small to medium-sized tortrix moths, many of which are leaf-rollers or bud-feeders as larvae. This particular taxon lacks formal description in the scientific literature, reflecting the substantial undescribed diversity that remains within North American microlepidoptera.
Olethreutes n-sp-nr-baccatana
Olethreutes n-sp-nr-baccatana is an undescribed species in the family Tortricidae, closely related to Olethreutes baccatana. The 'n-sp-nr-' notation indicates a provisional designation used by entomologists to flag specimens that appear distinct from described species but await formal taxonomic description. Members of this genus are small moths commonly known as tortricid leafroller moths.
Olethreutes n-sp-on-acer
Olethreutes n-sp-on-acer is an undescribed species in the tortricid moth genus Olethreutes. The provisional name indicates a documented but not yet formally described taxon associated with Acer (maple) as a host plant. Species in this genus are typically small moths with diverse larval associations, many feeding on fruits, seeds, or foliage of woody plants. This particular entity awaits formal taxonomic description.
Ophiomyia new-species-on-symphyotrichum
Opogona
Opogona n-sp is an undescribed species in the family Tineidae, a group of small moths commonly known as fungus moths or clothes moths. The genus Opogona contains several economically significant species, including the Opogona crown borer (O. omoscopa), which has been documented attacking strawberries and bird of paradise plants in California. This undescribed species has been recorded in blacklighting surveys conducted at the Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis, indicating it is part of the nocturnal moth fauna of the region. As a newly recognized but not yet formally described species, its biology and distribution remain incompletely known.
Orthemis
An undescribed species in the dragonfly genus Orthemis, recognized as distinct from described congeners but not yet formally named. The genus Orthemis is part of the skimmer family Libellulidae, with most described species occurring in the Neotropical region. This taxon represents one of many insect species awaiting formal taxonomic description.
Ozarba
Ozarba n-sp is an undescribed or unidentified species in the genus Ozarba, a group of small noctuid moths in the subfamily Acontiinae. The genus Ozarba contains numerous species distributed across multiple continents, with many species poorly known or awaiting formal description. Members of this genus are typically small, nocturnal moths with relatively plain forewings. The specific epithet "n-sp" indicates this record represents a species not yet assigned a formal scientific name.
Pacarina
Little Specklewings
Pacarina is a genus of cicadas in the family Cicadidae, distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus remained poorly known until 2020, when the first definitive host plant and rearing records were published. Twenty-nine adults emerged from the soil of a potted Dracaena trifasciata plant in Panama, revealing that nymphs develop underground feeding on host plant roots. These reared specimens likely represent an undescribed species, highlighting how much remains unknown about this genus.
Palpada undescribed-species-near-furcata
An undescribed species in the hoverfly genus Palpada, closely related to P. furcata. As a member of tribe Eristalini, its larvae are rat-tailed maggots—aquatic larvae with an extensible posterior breathing siphon that allows respiration while living in oxygen-poor, organic-rich waters. The genus Palpada includes species commonly found in urban, suburban, and rural areas in putrid standing water.
Paraidemona species-a
Paraidemona species-a is a grasshopper in the family Acrididae, recorded as prey for the sphecid wasp Prionyx thomae. The genus Paraidemona belongs to the order Orthoptera, a group of herbivorous insects commonly known as grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts. This particular species designation ('species-a') suggests it may be an undescribed or provisionally identified taxon.
Paraidemona species-b
Paraidemona species-b is a grasshopper in the family Acrididae, known primarily as a recorded host of the solitary wasp Prionyx thomae. The species was documented in a study of wasp prey relationships in the southwestern United States. Beyond this host record, little specific information about its biology, distribution, or ecology has been published.
Paramiana
Paramiana is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae. The specific epithet "n-sp" indicates an undescribed or unidentified species within this genus. Information regarding this particular species is limited, as it has not been formally described in scientific literature. The genus itself belongs to the diverse owlet moth family, which contains thousands of species worldwide.
Paramiana n-sp-two
Paramiana n-sp-two is an undescribed species within the noctuid moth genus Paramiana, a group of medium-sized owlet moths in the tribe Xylenini. The genus Paramiana is native to western North America, with species distributed primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. As an undescribed species, formal documentation is limited to specimen records and preliminary taxonomic notes. The species is recognized as distinct based on genitalic morphology and wing pattern characteristics that separate it from described congeners.
Parauleutes
Parauleutes is a genus of metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, subfamily Polycestinae. The genus is closely related to Acmaeodera and is restricted to western North America. Species within Parauleutes remain poorly represented in collections due to cryptic habits, and the genus is currently in need of taxonomic revision with multiple undescribed species known to exist.
Patara n-sp-fl
Patara n-sp-fl is an undescribed species within the genus Patara, a group of moths in the family Noctuidae (subfamily Erebidae). The 'n-sp-fl' designation indicates a provisional species name used in collections or databases prior to formal description, with 'fl' likely referring to Florida as the geographic origin of the type material. Species in this genus are generally medium-sized moths with relatively plain forewings and subtle patterning. Formal description and characterization of this entity await taxonomic revision.
Phlepsanus n-sp-ut
Phlepsanus n-sp-ut is an undescribed species in the leafhopper genus Phlepsanus (family Cicadellidae, tribe Chiasmini). The 'n-sp-ut' designation indicates it is a new species from Utah, currently known from specimen records but not yet formally described in scientific literature. Species in this genus are typically associated with grassland and sagebrush habitats.
Phtheochroa
Phtheochroa is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Cochylini. Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized with relatively plain forewing patterns. The genus occurs primarily in the Holarctic region, with most species described from the Palearctic. Larval stages are associated with various herbaceous plants and shrubs.
Phytocoris unnamed-a
A plant bug species in the family Miridae, belonging to the large and diverse genus Phytocoris. Members of this genus are typically small, soft-bodied insects associated with vegetation. The specific epithet "unnamed-a" indicates this is an undescribed or provisional species designation, likely used in collections or databases pending formal taxonomic description.
Phytocoris unnamed-c
Phytocoris unnamed-c is an undescribed species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It belongs to a large genus of mostly plant-feeding true bugs. Like other members of the genus, it has been observed visiting blacklights at night. The species designation "unnamed-c" indicates it has been recognized as distinct but not yet formally described in the scientific literature.
Pigritia nr-murtfeldtella-one
Pigritia nr-murtfeldtella-one is an undescribed or near-species member of the genus Pigritia, a group of small moths in the family Coleophoridae (case-bearer moths). The "nr" designation indicates morphological or genetic similarity to P. murtfeldtella, a described North American species, but not confirmed conspecificity. Members of this genus are characterized by their minute size and the larval habit of constructing portable cases from silk and plant material. This taxon is known from North American records, particularly in association with oak and other woody plants.
Pirhidius
Pirhidius is a genus of metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, tribe Acmaeoderini. The genus contains at least one undescribed species, indicating incomplete taxonomic knowledge of this group. Members of this genus are part of the diverse North American buprestid fauna that remains understudied relative to more commonly collected groups.
Plagiomimicus
Plagiomimicus n-sp is an undescribed species of moth in the family Noctuidae, recorded from New Mexico, USA. The genus Plagiomimicus belongs to the owlet moths, a diverse group of primarily nocturnal Lepidoptera. As an undescribed species, its formal taxonomic status and relationships within the genus remain to be established by systematic revision. Specimens have been documented through blacklight trapping in mixed conifer forest habitat.
Platydracus undescribed-fla
An undescribed species of large rove beetle in the genus Platydracus, recognized from Florida but not yet formally described in the scientific literature. Members of this genus are among the largest rove beetles in North America, typically characterized by their elongated bodies, shortened forewings (elytra) that leave most of the abdomen exposed, and predatory habits.
Platydracus undescribed-fla-b
Podabrus
Podabrus sp-two-ariz is an undescribed species of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) from Arizona. Like other Podabrus, it belongs to a genus of elongate, soft-bodied beetles commonly found on flowers and foliage. The genus is widespread in North America and includes species active as adults during daylight hours. This particular designation refers to a morphospecies awaiting formal description.
Polygrammodes
Polygrammodes is a genus of crambid snout moths in the subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed primarily in the New World. Adults are typically medium-sized moths with relatively broad wings. Larval stages are associated with various host plants, though specific associations vary by species.
Polyhymno n-sp-three
Polyhymno n-sp-three is an undescribed species within the genus Polyhymno, a group of small gelechiid moths. As a member of this genus, it is expected to be a minute moth with narrow, lanceolate forewings. The species awaits formal description and naming.
Prionapteryx
Prionapteryx n-sp is an undescribed or unidentified species within the genus Prionapteryx, a group of grass-veneer moths in the family Crambidae. The 'n-sp' designation indicates it has been recognized as distinct but not yet formally described or assigned a specific epithet. Members of this genus are typically associated with grassland and wetland habitats.
Pseudexentera nr-oreios
Pseudexentera nr-oreios is an undescribed or near-species tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae, currently recognized by the provisional designation "nr-oreios" (near oreios). The specific epithet "oreios" refers to a described species in the genus, suggesting this taxon represents a closely related but potentially distinct entity. Members of the genus Pseudexentera are small to medium-sized tortricid moths, many of which are associated with coniferous or deciduous trees. The "nr-" prefix indicates taxonomic uncertainty, commonly used in biodiversity inventories and ecological studies where morphological or genetic distinctions from described species remain unresolved.
Pseudopamera sp-one-calif
Pseudopamera sp-one-calif is an undescribed seed bug species in the family Rhyparochromidae, provisionally designated from California specimens. The genus Pseudopamera comprises small to medium-sized ground-dwelling seed bugs with characteristic body proportions. This species represents one of several Californian Pseudopamera lineages awaiting formal taxonomic description. Members of this genus are typically associated with ground layer habitats and seed-feeding ecology.
Rhagonycha
An undescribed species within the genus Rhagonycha, a group of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae. The genus Rhagonycha comprises elongate, soft-bodied beetles with leathery elytra, commonly found on flowers and vegetation. This particular taxon has not yet received formal scientific description. Species in this genus are typically predatory or feed on pollen and nectar as adults.
Rhopalomyia undescribed-species-on-amorpha
An undescribed species of gall midge in the genus Rhopalomyia that forms galls on Amorpha (false indigo), a genus of leguminous shrubs native to North America. As a member of Cecidomyiidae, this species likely exhibits the typical life cycle of gall midges with larval development occurring within plant tissue. The species remains formally undescribed in scientific literature, indicating it has been recognized by specialists but awaits formal taxonomic characterization. Its association with Amorpha suggests host-specificity, a common trait in Rhopalomyia species which often exhibit narrow host plant ranges.
Schinia n-sp
Schinia n-sp is an undescribed species of flower moth in the family Noctuidae, genus Schinia. The 'n-sp' designation indicates it is a new species awaiting formal scientific description. Members of this genus are typically small to medium-sized noctuid moths with strong associations with specific host plants, often Asteraceae. The genus Schinia is well-known among lepidopterists for its colorful species and specialized ecological relationships.
Sphenophorus probably-unnamed
Sphenophorus probably-unnamed is a billbug species within the weevil genus Sphenophorus, a group of turfgrass and agricultural pests whose larvae are notoriously difficult to identify morphologically. The specific epithet "probably-unnamed" indicates this taxon represents a distinct species that has not yet been formally described or named in the scientific literature. Like other Sphenophorus species, it is presumed to have a life cycle involving larval development within plant tissues and adult feeding on vegetation, though specific biological details for this undescribed taxon remain undocumented.
Stigmella undescribed-species-on-carya
An undescribed species of pygmy moth in the family Nepticulidae, genus Stigmella, associated with Carya (hickory) as a host plant. The species has not yet received a formal scientific name but is recognized as distinct based on host association and presumably morphological or genetic differentiation from described congeners.
Stigmella undescribed-species-on-frangula-purshiana
An undescribed species of pygmy moth in the genus Stigmella (family Nepticulidae) associated with Frangula purshiana (cascara buckthorn). As a member of this genus, it is a leaf-mining moth whose larvae feed internally within leaf tissue. The species has not yet received formal scientific description, though its host plant association has been documented. Stigmella species are typically small, with adults often measuring less than 5 mm in wingspan, and are recognized by their distinctive larval feeding patterns.
Stigmella undescribed-species-on-mahonia
An undescribed species of pygmy moth in the genus Stigmella (family Nepticulidae) known to occur on Mahonia plants. Like other Stigmella species, it is presumed to be a leaf-mining specialist, though formal description and detailed biological study are pending. The species has been documented sufficiently to recognize its distinctness from described taxa but awaits taxonomic formalization.