Uncommon Insect observations in Vermont

Dolichopus brevimanus @iNaturalist user bugeyedbernie

Uncommon insect species

by Bernie Paquette (bugeyedbernie on iNaturalist)

Uncommon: out of the ordinary, unusual, or remarkably great. In 2012 the Polystoechotes punctata or giant lacewing was the first recorded in eastern North America in over 50 years — and the first record of the species ever in the state of Arkansas (at a Walmart). Vermont too has had a share of uncommon discoveries. Thankfully there is no need to travel to Arkansas or Walmart to discover and observe an uncommon insect taxa. 

One can appreciate the perseverance of Bryan Pfeiffer, who after searching for two decades discovered (first for Vermont) a rare and elusive butterfly, the Bog elfin in 2023. 

Most of us will never see a Bog elfin, and many will never see a bog. However, uncommon finds can be had closer to home, even in our own yards. 

As my list below demonstrates, the next uncommon insect discovery may be awaiting in your town, or even in your own backyard. 

Below are a few uncommon discoveries, most from our Jericho, VT backyard, and a few from nearby towns, that I posted on iNaturalist in 2024.

• Dolichopus brevimanus (3 IDs R.G.) 6/9/2024 First on iNat in the U.S.
• Subgenus Parandrena (1 ID) 5/1/2024 Possibly one dubious, old A. nida record is the state's only (other) representation of the subgenus.
• Argogorytes nigrifrons  (2 IDs R.G.*) 7/9/2024 Argogorytes is a widespread genus of sand wasps in the subtribe Bembicini. There are 31 Argogorytes species worldwide. Only two species occur in North America.
• Poecilographa decora (2 IDs R.G.) 8/11/2024
• Iridescent Bromeliad Fly Copestylum vesicularium (2 IDs R.G.) 7/13/2024
• Chrysis cessata (2 IDs R.G.) 7/12/2024
• Dolichopus versutus (1 ID Needs ID) 6/15/2024
• Rhaphium melampus (1 ID Needs ID) 6/13/2024 
• Orange-tailed Wood Fly Blera analis (4 IDs R.G.) 5/19/2024
• Obliterated Nomad Nomada obliterata (2 IDs R.G.) 5/15/2024 
• Cuterebra buccata (2 IDs R.G.) 10/3/2024 (Took the red-eye to get this one!)
• American Snout Libytheana carinenta (4 IDs R.G.) 8/10/2024
• Genus Dolichopus (not uncommon but one of my favorite mating observations) 6/7/2024
• Subgenus Zadontomerus (1 ID) 5/7/2024 Not uncommon. I observed them copulating from 12:30:15 to 1:08: 07.  Eight seconds shy of 38 minutes. They flew off together. Better than a backyard outdoor movie. Next time I will bring popcorn.

*R.G. indicates Research Grade on iNaturalist.

You can view more insect essays, photos, and single-panel comics on Bernie's blog, vtbugeyed.blogspot.com