Category Archives: Insecta

Graphium macleayanum ssp. insulana (Waterhouse)

Lord Howe Swallowtail (Graphium macleayanum ssp. insulana)

Macleay’s Swallowtail (Graphium macleayanum (Leach)) is an Australian butterfly species that contains three subspecies, of which two occur in Australia while the third one was restricted to Lord Howe Island.

The larvae feed on several plant species from the Atherospermataceae, the Lauraceae and the Winteraceae.

The Lord Howe subspecies, described in 1920, was last seen in 1893 and is now obviously extinct.

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The photo below shows the south-eastern Australian subspecies of Macleay’s Swallowtail (Graphium macleayanum ssp. moggana Couchman).

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Macleay’s Swallowtail (*Graphium macleayanum ssp. moggana*)

Photo: daniaustin
https://www.inaturalist.org/people/daniaustin
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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edited: 02.02.2024

Taylorilygus aldrichi (Izzard)

Aldrich’s Plant Bug (Taylorilygus aldrichi)

Aldrich’s Plant Bug was described in 1936 on the basis of material that had been collected in 1933 on Christmas Island, Australia.

The species has not been recorded since and appears to be extinct now.

***

syn. Lygus aldrichi Izzard

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References:

[1] John Woinarski: A Bat’s End: The Christmas Island Pipistrelle and Extinction in Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia 2018
[2] D. J. James; P. T. Green; W. F. Humphreys; J. C. Z. Woinarski: Endemic species of Christmas Island, Indian Ocean. Records of the Western Australian Museum 34: 55-114. 2019

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edited: 16.02.2024

Proplatycnemis longiventris (Schmidt)

Long-bellied White-legged Damselfly (Proplatycnemis longiventris)

This species is known only by its type which had been collected in 1933 or -34 from the vicinity of the city of Ambanja at the Sambirano River in north-western Madagascar.

The status of this species is currently unknown, but it could potentially be extinct.

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syn. Platycnemis longiventris Schmidt

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edited: 24.08.2022

Taylorilygus murrayi (Izzard)

Murray’s Plant Bug (Taylorilygus murrayi)

This species, which is endemic to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, was last recorded in 1933, it may now be extinct. [1]

There appear to exist no further information about this species.

***

syn. Lygus murrayi Izzard

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References:

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edited: 16.02.2024

Acrotylus mossambicus Brancsik

South-East African Burrowing Grasshopper (Acrotylus mossambicus)

The South-East African Burrowing Grasshopper was described in 1893, it apparently is widely distributed over parts of Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

The species has apparently not been recorded since 1946 and might be extinct, however, given its wide distribution this assumption seems quite strange.

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edited: 03.11.2020

Xyronotus hubbelli Disrh & Mason

Hubbell’s Grasshopper (Xyronotus hubbelli)

Hubbell’s Grasshopper was described in 1979; it is known from Oaxaca, Mexico.

The species is apparently known only by the type material and was never found since its description and might thus be extinct.

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edited: 22.01.2022

Taomyia ocellata (Lamb)

Ocellated Fruit Fly (Taomyia ocellata)

This species was described in 1914, it was endemic to the Seychelles Islands (which island(s) exactly?), from where it was not recorded in recent years, it is thus considered extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Justin Gerlach: Red Listing reveals the true state of biodiversity: a comprehensive assessment of Seychelles biodiversity. Phelsuma 20: 9-22. 2012

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edited: 26.11.2018

Homoeodera asteris Wollaston

Scrubwood Fungus Beetle (Homoeodera asteris)

The Scrubwood Fungus Beetle was described in 1877; it is, or probably was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was apparently associated with the endemic scrubwood (Commidendrum rugosum (Dryand) DC.).:

“It is to Mr. P. Whitehead that we are indebted for this addition to the St.-Helena fauna, – the only two examples which I have seen having been captured by him from some bushes of the scrubwood between Sugarloaf and Flagstaff Hill, in the extreme north of the island.” [1]

***

The Scrubwood Fungus Beetle was not found during the most recent field searches and might well be extinct.

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

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edited: 26.05.2021

Peritropis listeri (Izzard)

Lister’s Capsid Bug (Peritropis listeri)

Lister’s Capsid Bug was restricted to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean; it is apparently known only from specimens that were collected in 1933. [1]

The species was not found since and is believed to be extinct.

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References:

[1] John Woinarski: A Bat’s End: The Christmas Island Pipistrelle and Extinction in Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia 2018

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edited: 9.11.2021

Melobasis empyria Olliff

Fiery Jewel Beetle (Melobasis empyria)

The Fiery Jewel Beetle was described in 1889; it was endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia.

The species reached a length of 1,2 cm; it was “Coppery green, shining; prothorax bright coppery, purplish on the disc; scutellum fiery copper; elytra coppery, with purple refelxions, irregularly striate-punctate, the third and fourth interstices obviously raised.
Head nearly flat in front, coarsely and very densely punctured. Prothorax at the base more than one-third broader than long, considerably narrowed in front, rather strongly and sparingly punctured on the disc, the punctuation at the sides much stronger and denser, the anterior margin slightly produced in the middle, its angles produced and rounded; the sides rounded; the posterior margin nearly straight. Scutellum excessively finely punctured. Elytra about twice as long as broad, coppery, inclining to fiery near the suture and about the middle, rather strongly and irregularly striate-punctate; the sides straight and nearly parallel for about two-thirds of their length, then denticulate, and narrowed to the apex. Underside bright coppery green, the sterna strongly and not very closely punctured, the abdomen with the punctuation somewhat obsolete. legs coppery green, finely punctured, the tarsi darker.” [1]

The species has not been collected since the 1880s and is very likely extinct now. [2]

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References:

[1] Sidney Olliff: The insect fauna of Lord Howe Island. The Australian Museum memoir 2: 75-98. 1889
[2] Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan Appendices, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Sydney 2007

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edited: 26.04.2022

Blackburnia koebelei (Sharp)

Koebele’s Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia koebelei)

Koebele’s Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 1903, it was endemic to the western part of the island of Maui, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was not recorded during recent field surveys and might very well be extinct.

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References:

[1] James K. Liebherr: Hawaiian Blackburnia beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Platynini): Patterns of specialization with implications for conservation. Mitteilungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für allgemeine und angewendete Entomologie 15: 57-62. 2006

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edited: 02.09.2019

Tomosvaryella sylvaticoides (Lamb)

Seychelles Big-headed Fly (Tomosvaryella sylvaticoides)

The Seychelles Big-headed Fly was described in 1922 based on one male- and three female specimens, of which apparently only two of the female specimens still exist.

The species was found on the islands of Mahé and Silhouette, Seychelles but has apparently never been recorded since 1908, when the types had been collected. [1]

***

syn. Pipunculus sylvaticoides Lamb

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References:

[1] Marc De Meyer: A revision of the Afrotropical species of Tomosvaryella Aczél, 1939 (Diptera: Pipunculidae) Annals of the Natal Museum 34(1): 43-101. 1993

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edited: 21.08.2022

Acanthoxia aculeus Grunshaw

Uluguru Slender Grasshopper (Acanthoxia aculeus)

The Uluguru Slender Grasshopper was described in 1996, it is only known from two localities at the northwestern slopes of the Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania.

The species was not seen since 1964 and might be extinct now.

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edited: 03.11.2020

Tenebroides mihiura Kolibáč & Porch

Mihiura Bark-gnawing Beetle (Tenebroides mihiura)

This species was described in 2020, it is known only from the type material, a subfossil prothorax, that was collected from a sediment core sample that had been taken from the Mihiura Swamp on the island of Tubuai in the Austral Islands.

The species reached a size of about 0,6 cm in length; it might have been black in color. [1]

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References:

[1] Jiří Kolibáč; Milada Bocakova; James K. Liebherr; Thibould Ramage; Nick Porch: Extinct and extant Pacific Trogossitidae and the evolution of Cleroidea (Coleoptera) after the Late Triassic biotic crisis. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 20: 1-37. 2020

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edited: 02.11.2020

Fletcherana giffardi (Swezey)

Giffard’s Geometer Moth (Fletcherana giffardi)

Giffard’s Geometer Moth was described in 1913; it seems to have been restricted to the slopes of the Kīlauea volcano on the island of Hawai’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species has a wingspan of about 2.4 cm; the head and the thorax are white, slightly mixed with fuscous, the palpi and the antennae are pale ochreous; the abdomen is fusco-cinereous, the segmental margins are white; the forewings are white with a few scattered fuscous scales and are much strigulated with fuscous, the median band has nearly straight anterior and posterior edges and is marked with blackish lines, the anterior line is discontinued between the cell and the costa, the discal dot is round and black; the hind wings are similar to the forewings but with less distinct strigulations.

This species was not found during recent searches and is thought to be extinct.

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syn. Hydriomena giffardi Swezey

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References:

[1] Jon G. Griffin: A comparison of moth diversity at Kilauea (1911-1912) and upper Waiakea Forest Reserve (1998-2000), island of Hawaii. Proc. Hawaiian Entomol. Soc. 39: 15-26. 2007

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edited: 15.01.2024

Apetasimus kauaiensis (Scott)

Kauai Sap Beetle (Apetasimus kauaiensis)

The Kauai Sap Beetle was described in 1908; it was endemic to the Waimea region on the island of Kaua’i in the Hawaiian Islands.

The species reached a length of about 0,53 cm; it was brick red colored, with the lateral margins of the elytra being dark brown. [1]

***

Like all members of its group, this species lived under the bark of decaying koa trees (Acacia koa A. Gray), a habitat that now has been overtaken by introduced terrestrial isopods, leading to the extinction of this, and many other endemic invertebrate species. [1]

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References:

[1] Curtis Ewing: Revision of the endemic Hawaiian sap beetle genus Apetasimus Sharp 1908 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). Zootaxa 1385: 1-30. 2006

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edited: 02.06.2021

Longitarsus helenae Wollaston

St. Helena Leaf Beetle (Longitarsus helenae)

The Saint Helena Leaf Beetle was endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species is associated with the likewise endemic Saint Helena Lobelia (Lobelia scaevolifolia Roxb.), which is apparently is main food plant.

“The greenish-brassy alutaceous surface and pale elongate limbs of this little Longitarsus, in conjunction with the broad, largely-developed basal joint of its four anterior male feet, will sufficiently characterize it. A single specimen only was taken by Mr. Bewicke. It is quite distinct from any species with which I am acquainted; and Mr. Waterhouse, who has been working lately at the Halticidae, assures me that he knows nothing at all like it.” [1]

***

The Saint Helena Leaf Beetle wasn’t found during the most recent field surveys and is feared to be extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: On certain Coleoptera from St. Helena. The Journal of Entomology: descriptive and geographical 1(4): 207-216. 1861
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 26.05.2021

Peloriolus brunneus (F. H. Waterhouse)

Brown Riffle Beetle (Peloriolus brunneus)

This species was described in 1879, it is apparently known only by the material that was collected by Charles Darwin himself in 1836, allegedly on the island of Saint Helena, where it has never been found again.

The species might be extinct, or, which is in fact more likely, it was just mislabeled and did in fact originate from southern Africa, where all other species of that genus live, and where Darwin had been just prior to his arrival at Saint Helena. [1]

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References:

[1] C. Hänel; M. A. Jäch: Beetles of the Tristan da Cunha Islands: Poignant new findings, and checklist of the archipelagos species, mapping an exponential increase in alien composition (Coleoptera). Koleopterische Rundschau 83: 257-282. 2013

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edited: 29.05.2021

Somatidia pulchella Olliff

Beautiful Lord Howe Longhorn Beetle (Somatidia pulchella)

The Beautiful Lord Howe Longhorn Beetle was described in 1889; it was endemic to lord Howe Island, Australia.

The species reached a length of 1 cm; it was “Elongate, very convex, narrowed both in front and behind, bronze green, shining, tinged with purple, very sparingly clothed with erect testaceous setae; elytra strongly punctured near the base; antennae, tibiae, and tarsi pale reddish testaceous; femora fuscous. Head transverse, finely and sparingly pubescent, with a few punctures on the disc; the median line distinct. Antennae with the third joint rather longer than the first, the succeeding joints slightly decreasing in length. Prothorax longer than broad, less narrowed in front than behind, sub-cylindrical, rather strongly and closely punctured, the punctures less strong anteriorly, clothed with very fine pubescence and scattered setae. Scutellum triangular, very small. Elytra elongate-ovate, the punctuation strong and moderately dense near the base, gradually effaced posteriorly, clothed with very fine gray pubescence near the suture and at the sides, with four rows of long erect setae which emanate from punctures, and are separated by considerable intervals; each elytron with three longitudinal elevations on the basal half, of which the first only is conspicuous. Legs moderately long, finely pubescent; the femora thickened.” [1]

The species has not been collected since the 1910s and is now considered most likely extinct. [2]

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References:

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Depiction from: ‘Sidney Olliff: The insect fauna of Lord Howe Island. The Australian Museum memoir 2: 75-98. 1889’

(public domain)

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edited: 26.04.2022

Homoeodera elateroides Wollaston

Click Beetle-like Fungus Beetle (Homoeodera elateroides)

This species, endemic to the island of Saint Helena, was described in 1877.

The author of the species gives some information about it.:

“The H. elateroides is confined to the loftier portions of the central ridge, and is decidedly scarce – though, by repeated visits to its proper habitat, I secured a tolerable supply of examples. They were nearly all of them taken about Diana’s Peak and Actaeon, though I met with a few towards the summit of High Peak.” [1]

***

As we see, this species was restricted to the higher mountainous areas of the island, it was already rare in 1965/66 and was not found during the most recent field searches in 2015/06.

The Click Beetle-like Fungus Beetle may be extinct, despite the fact that the plants that it is/was thought to be associated with, the Saint Helena Tree Fern (Dicksonia arborescens L’Hér.) and the Black-scaled Fern (Diplazium filamentosum (Roxb.) Cronk), appear to be still quite common. [2]

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877
[2] Howard Mendel; Philip Ashmole; Myrtle Ashmole: Invertebrates of the Central Peaks and Peak Dale, St. Helena. Report for the St Helena National Trust, Jamestown 2008

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edited: 02.12.2018

Pseudomesoxenus scrobiculatus Wollaston

Boxwood Weevil (Pseudomesoxenus scrobiculatus)

The Boxwood Weevil was described in 1877; it was restricted to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species was obviously adapted to the endemic Boxwood (Mellissia begoniifolia (Roxb.) Hook.f.).:

“The only example of this Pseudomesoxenus which I have yet seen has been communicated lately by Mr. P. Whitehead, who found it in the rotten wood of the Mellissia begoniaefolia [Mellissia begoniifolia] on Rock-Rose Hill.” [1]

***

The species was not found during the latest field searches and is thought to be possibly extinct.

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

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edited: 27.05.2021

Staphylinidae gen. & sp. ‘Mo’orea’

Moorean Osoriine Rove Beetle (Staphylinidae gen. & sp.)

This species is known from at least a single head capsule that was recovered from deposits on the island of Mo’orea in the Society Islands; it can at least assigned to the subfamily Osoriinae. [1]

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References:

[1] Jennifer G. Kahn, Cordelia Nickelsen, Janelle Stevenson, Nick Porch, Emilie Dotte-Sarout, Carl C. Christensen, Lauren May, J. Stephen Athens, Patrick V. Kirch: Mid- to late Holocene landscape change and anthropogenic transformations on Mo‘orea, Society Islands: A multi-proxy approach. The Holocene 1-15. 2014

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edited: 31.10.2020

Ypthima posticalis Matsumara

Taiwan Ringed Butterfly (Ypthima posticalis)

The Taiwan Ringed Butterfly was described in 1909, it was for some time considered a subspecies of the Small Three-ringed Butterfly (Ypthima norma (Westwood)) from the South-East Asian mainland.

The species seems to be endemic to the island of Taiwan.

The Taiwan Ringed Butterfly reaches a wingspan of about 3,4 cm; its wings are mainly brownish grey colored, the forewings have one eye spot each.

***

The Taiwan Ringed Butterfly is said to be extinct, however, I was not able yet to gain any further information; a subspecies (Ypthima posticalis ssp. aei Shirôzu & Shima) does apparently still live on the Philippine Islands, however, this is probably rather to be treated as a distinct species.

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edited: 06.11.2020

Bryanites graeffei Liebherr

Graeffe’s Groud Beetle (Bryanites graeffei)

Graeffe’s Ground Beetle was described in 2017 based on a single male specimen that had been collected sometimes between 1862 and 1870 on the mountains near Apia, the capital of Samoa on the island of ‘Upolu. This specimen was housed in the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France and was only recently rediscovered.

The species is about 1,6 cm long.

Graeffe’s Ground Beetle has never been recorded since the collection of the type and is almost certainly extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] James K. Liebherr: Bryanites graeffei sp. n. (Colepotera, Carabidae): Museum rediscovery of a relict species from Samoa. Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 1-11. 2017

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Photo from: ‘James K. Liebherr: Bryanites graeffei sp. n. (Colepotera, Carabidae): museum rediscovery of a reict species from Samoa. Zoosystematics and Evolution 93(1): 1-11. 2017’

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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edited: 05.05.2022

Valenfriesia rotundata (Wollaston)

Rotund Fungus Beetle (Valenfriesia rotundata)

The Rotund Fungus Beetle was described in 1877; the species was restricted to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species appears to have already been extremely rare when it was discovered.:

“The only two examples of this most interesting little Notioxenus which I have yet seen are from the high central ridge, in the immediate vicinity of Actaeon and Diana’s Peak, – the first of them having been captured by Mr. Gray, and the other by myself. It is evidently, therefore, one of the rarest of the St. Helena Coleoptera.” [1]

***

The Rotund Fungus Beetle was last recorded in the 1970, when a single specimen was collected in at High Peak, it could not be recorded in recent searches and is thus most likely extinct. [2]

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References:

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edited: 26.05.2021

Papilio lampsacus Boisduval

Javan Swallowtail (Papilio lampsacus)

The Javan Swallowtail was described in 1836; it is restricted to the island of Java in Indonesia.

The species is not well known and is believed to be extinct; pinned specimens are still found in the trade and are sold at very high prices.

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Photo: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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edited: 15.01.2024

Blackburnia perkinsi (Sharp)

Perkins’ Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia perkinsi)

Perkins’ Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 1903, it was endemic to the island of Moloka’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was not found during recent surveys and is very likely extinct. [1]

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References:

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edited: 03.09.2019

Telchinia guichardi (Gabriel)

Guichard’s Glasswing Butterfly (Telchinia guichardi)

Guichard’s Glasswing Butterfly was described in 1949. [1]

The species is said to have inhabited the marshy areas and swamps of Lepkempti (very likely Lekempti) in Ethiopia; this and the surrounding areas have been drained for agricultural purposes.

The species is now most likely extinct.

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References:

[1] A. G. Gabriel: Notes on the Rhopalocera of Abyssinia. Proceedings of the Royal Entomological Society of London. Series B, Taxonomy 18(11-12): 207-216. 1949

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edited: 07.05.2021

Eupholidoptera pallipes Willemse & Kruseman

Pale-legged Marbled Bush-Cricket (Eupholidoptera pallipes)

The Pale-legged Marbled Bush-Cricket was described in 1976, it is, or maybe was, restricted to its type locality, apparently near the Linoseli spring in the Lefka Ori Mountains on the island of Crete, Greece.

The species was apparently only ever found once and is now believed to be extinct.

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edited: 03.11.2020

Polyommatus escheri ssp. ahmar (Le Cerf)

Ahmar Blue (Polyommatus escheri ssp. ahmar)

Escher’s Blue (Polyommatus escheri (Hübner)) inhabits northern Africa and southern Europe, the species is divided into several subspecies.

The subspecies discussed here was described in 1928, it is, to my knowledge, known from a single male and female specimen collected at a place named Tizi-n-Tiskrine in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

The subspecies appears to have not been recorded since and is likely extinct.

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edited: 15.04.2019

Banza sp. ‘Hawai’i’

Giant Hawaiian Katydid (cf. Banza sp.)

Hawaiian tradition tells us of a large cricket-like insect, called ‘uhini pa’awela, that lived in the Ka’u District of the island of Hawai’i, and which was a favorite food among the natives until the late 1800s – a few of these animals roasted on a skewer provided a full meal.

There are no surviving specimens of that species, and it is speculated that it was a large cricket, perhaps a Banza or Thaumatogryllus sp.. [1]

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References:

[1] F. G. Howarth; W. P. Mull: Hawaiian Insects and their kin. University of Hawaii Press 1992

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edited: 15.01.2019

Chromomastax movogovodia Descamps

Morogoro Monkey Grasshopper (Chromomastax movogovodia)

This species was described in 1964, it was apparently restricted to a single locality in the Morogoro District of Tanzania and is now considered possibly extinct.

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edited: 15.01.2019

Elasmotena insulana Olliff

Lord Howe Island Longhorn Beetle (Elasmotena insulana)

The Lord Howe Island Longhorn Beetle was described in 1890; it was endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia.

The species reached a length of about 2 cm; it was dark fuscous and was clothed with very fine decumbent griseous brown pubescence as well as sparingly with long erect hairs of the same color.

The Lord Howe Island Longhorn Beetle has not been collected since the 1880s and is now considered extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan Appendices, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Sydney 2007

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Depiction from: ‘Sydney Olliff: Additions to the insect-fauna of Lord Howe Island, and descriptions of two new Australian Coleoptera. Records of the Australian Museum 1: 72-76. 1890’

(not in copyright)

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edited: 26.04.2022

Heteragrion beschkii Hagen in Selys

Beschki’s Heteragrion Damselfly (Heteragrion beschkii)

Beschki’s Heteragrion Damselfly was described in 1862; it was apparently restricted to what today is the city of Nova Friburgo in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The species might have been a specialist of the Atlantic Forest, a habitat that today is nearly completely destroyed.

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edited: 02.05.2022

Zygonychidium gracile Lindley

Streamer-tailed Dragonfly (Zygonychidium gracile)

The Streamer-tailed Dragonfly was described in 1970; it appears to be restricted to the Bandama River in Cote d’Ivoire.

The species was last recorded in 1972 and might well be extinct now; however, it appears to have a rather short flight season and thus might have been gone unnoticed.
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edited: 05.01.2024

Pseudostenoscelis sculpturata Wollaston

Sculpturated Pseudostenoscelis Weevil (Pseudostenoscelis sculpturata)

This species was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it appears to have been restricted to the mountainous areas of the Central Ridge.

The species was obviously already rare when it was discovered.:

“Evidently one of the rarest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera, three examples only having been brought to light during our sojourn in the island, ….” [1]

***

The Sculpturated Pseudostenoscelis Weevil apparently lives/lived within rotten stems of dead Saint Helena tree Ferns (Dicksonia arborescens L’Hér.). The species apparently also produces/produced borings in dead wood of Cabbage Trees and maybe of the Saint Helena White Wood (Petrobium arboreum (J.R . Forst. & G. Forst.) R. Br. ex Spreng.). [1][2]

The species was not found during the most recent searches in 2006 and may be extinct. [2]

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References:

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edited: 02.12.2018

Howeotranes insularis (Pascoe)

Mt. Gower Weevil (Howeotranes insularis)

The Mt. Gower Weevil was described in 1874; it was originally thought to be endemic to the summit of Mt. Gower but did also occur on the low elevations of Lord Howe Island, Australia.

The species hasn’t been collected since the 1920s and is now considered extinct.

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References:

[1] Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan Appendices, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Sydney 2007

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edited: 26.04.2022

Carabidae gen. & sp. ‘Rodrigues’

Rodrigues Ground Beetle(s) (Carabidae gen. & sp.)

The subfossil record of the island of Rodrigues, Mascarene Islands held about two or three genera of now extinct platyine carabid beetles.

These species were members of a now completely extinct and still almost unknown insect fauna that disappeared shortly after the islands were settled by European settlers and their livestock.

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edited: 31.10.2020

Nesolestes pauliani Fraser

Pauliani’s Nesolestes Damselfly (Nesolestes pauliani)

Pauliani’s Nesolestes Damselfly was described in 1951; it is known only from the type specimen which was collected in 1947 on the island of Mwali (Mohéli), the smallest of the three main islands of the Comoro Islands.

The amount of suitable habitat is continuously declining due to deforestation and urban pollution and this species might well be extinct.

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edited: 14.05.2022

Mellissius eudoxus Wollaston

Eudoxus Scarab Beetle (Mellissius eudoxus)

This species was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it apparently was very common in former times; its larvae were called hog-worms and were thought to cause great damage to the grasslands by feeding on the roots of the grasses.:

“Indeed we met with the eudoxus almost universally throughout the rather elevated central and south-western parts of the island (particularly in the vicinity of Cason’s, High Peak, and West Lodge), and more sparingly even in the northern ones, whereas of the adumbrates I did not procure so much as a single example during our six months’ sojourn in the island; so that, if the “hog-worms” do really “play so important a part in the destruction of the grass on the high lands, by feeding on its roots, that large patches, and sometimes whole fields, are laid bare,” I suspect that it must be the M. eudoxus, and not the comparatively rare adumbrates, which is mainly responsible for the damage.” [1]

***

The Eudoxus Scarab Beetle was apparently not found during the most recent field searches and appears to be possibly extinct.

***

The depiction below shows another species of that genus, the Shaded Scarab Beetle (Mellissius adumbrates Wollaston), which apparently still survives on the island.

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

*********************

Shaded Scarab Beetle (Mellissius adumbratus)

Depiction from: ‘John Charles Meliss: St. Helena: A Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island, including its Geology, Fauna, Flora, and Meteorology. London: L. Reeve & Co. 1875’

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 26.05.2021

Gurneyacris nigrofasciata Liebermann

Black-striped Grasshopper (Gurneyacris nigrofasciata)

The Black-striped Grasshopper was described in 1958; it is known from Argentinia and Uruguay.

The species is bright yellow colored and bears several black longitudinal stripes along the body and the legs.

The Black-striped Grasshopper was last recorded in 1972 and might well be extinct.

*********************

edited: 29.01.2024

Xestophasis nasalis Wollaston

Nosed Saint Helena Weevil (Xestophasis nasalis)

The Nosed Saint Helena Weevil was described in 1877; it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was apparently already very rare when it was discovered.:

“This singular Cossonid, so remarkable for the structure of its basally strangulate, superiorly gibbose, and anteriorly decurved rostrum (which is comparatively long and narrow in the females, but mesially thickened in the males to an extraordinary extent, and which has the antennae median in the latter sex, but post-median in the former) is one of the rarest, so far as my experience is concerned, of all the St.-Helena Coleoptera. It appears to be attached to the Commidendron robustum, DC. [Commidendrum robustum (Roxb.) DC.], or gumwood, – amongst the old trees of which I have taken it sparingly in Thompson’s Wood (where it was also met with by Mrs. Wollaston), as well as in Peak Gut.” [1]

***

The Nosed Saint Helena Weevil was not recorded during the most recent field searches and is very likely extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

*********************

edited: 26.05.2021

Comostolopsis regina Thierry-Mieg

Regina’s Comostolopsis Geometer Moth (Comostolopsis regina)

Regina’s Comostolopsis Geometer Moth was described in 1915 based on specimens that had been collected in the years between 1897 and 1898 on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.

The species was apparently never found since and might be extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] John Woinarski: A Bat’s End: The Christmas Island Pipistrelle and Extinction in Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia 2018

*********************

edited: 19.08.2022

Tomoxia howensis Lea

Lord Howe Island Pintail Beetle (Tomoxia howensis)

The Lord Howe Island Pintail Beetle was described in 1917; it was endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia.

The species reached a length of about 0,8 cm; it was generally black with a vague bluish iridescence, in some lights the elytral pubescence appears to be of a rusty-brown, and that on the scutellum greyish.

The Lord Howe Island Pintail Beetle has not been collected since the 1880s and is now considered extinct. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan Appendices, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Sydney 2007

*********************

edited: 26.04.2022

Armactica andrewsi Hampson

Andrew’s Owlet Moth (Armactica andrewsi)

This species was described in 1912, it was endemic to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean and was formerly considered very common during the greater part of the rainy season. [1]

The species has not been found since the 1930s and might now be extinct. [2]

*********************

References:

[1] H. M. Pendlebury: Lepidoptera (Heterocera). Bulletin of the Raffles Museum 18: 58-73. 1947
[2] John Woinarski: A Bat’s End: The Christmas Island Pipistrelle and Extinction in Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia 2018

*********************

edited: 08.09.2020

Laparocerus lanatus (Wollaston)

Woolly Weevil (Laparocerus lanatus)

This species was described in 1854, it was endemic to the island of Madeira.

The species reached a length of about 0,45 to 0,47 cm; it was uniformly blackish brown to black.

The species was not found in recent surveys and is considered extinct.

*********************

Depiction from: Thomas Vernon Wollaston: Insecta maderensia; being an account of the insects of the islands of the Madeiran group. London, J. Van Voorst 1854

(not in copyright)

*********************

edited: 29.04.2021

Hydrophilidae gen. & sp. ‘Rimatara’

Rimataran Chasmogenus-like Beetle (Hydrophiidae gen. & sp.)

This species, apparently not yet closer inspected, is known from subfossil remains recovered from deposits on the island of Rimatara, Austral Islands.

*********************

edited: 31.10.2020

Tachys caheni (Basilewski)

Cahen’s Ground Beetle (Tachys caheni)

Cahen’s Ground Beetle was described in 1972, it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Saint Helena.

The species was last seen in 1967 and is probably extinct like so many other insect species that inhabited that island.

***

I have to admit that I could not find any additional information about this certain species.

*********************

edited: 07.05.2021

Mecistogaster pronoti Sjöstedt

Atlantic Helicopter Damselfly (Mecistogaster pronoti)

The Atlantic Helicopter Damselfly was described in 1918, it is still known only from the type specimen, a female, that was discovered in the pristine Mata Atlântica, the Atlantic Forest somewhere in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil.

The species reaches a length of about 6 cm, its head is black except for the labium which is yellow, the prothorax is mainly black with some pale yellow markings, the thorax itself is blackish brown in front and yellowish further back, the upperside of the abdomen is blackish brown with a blue gloss, the underside is yellowish. The legs are black and yellow. [1]

***

The type locality is now completely deforested, it is long lost and so is the Atlantic Helicopter Damselfly.

*********************

References:

[1] Yngve Sjörsted: Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der schwedischen entomologischen Reise des Herrn Dr. A. Roman in Amazonas 1914-1915. Arkiv för Zoologi 2(16): 1-54. 1918

*********************

edited: 12.01.2019

Polyura sempronius ssp. tiberius (Waterhouse)

Lord Howe Island Tailed Emperor (Polyura sempronius ssp. tiberius)

The Lord Howe Island Tailed Emperor was described in 1920, it is endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia.

The biology of this form is not well known, it was apparently last recorded in 1969, it is supposed to be extinct, but might in fact still exist.

*********************

edited: 08.05.2021

Bocula limbata (Butler)

Bordered Bocula Moth (Bocula limbata)

The Bordered Bocula Moth was described in 1888; it is, or rather was, restricted to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.

The species has not been found since the 1930s and is thought to be extinct now. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] John Woinarski: A Bat’s End: The Christmas Island Pipistrelle and Extinction in Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia 2018

*********************

Depiction from: ‘Charles William Andrews: A monograph of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean). London: printed by order of the Trustees 1900’

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 25.04.2022

Xenopsylla nesiotes (Jordan & Rothschild)

Maclear Rat Flea (Xenopsylla nesiotes)

The Maclear’s Rat Flea was described in 1908; it was strictly adapted to Maclears Rat (Rattus macleari(Thomas)) as its one and only host species.

The species died out together with its host around 1903.

***

syn. Loemopsylla nesiotes Jordan & Rothschild

*********************

References:

*********************

edited: 16.02.2024

Apetasimus atratus (Scott)

Blackish Sap Beetle (Apetasimus atratus)

The Blackish Sap Beetle was described in 1908; it was found on the Haleakala region on the island of Maui in the Hawaiian Islands, but is also known to have occurred on the islands of Hawai’i and Moloka’i too.

The species reached a length of about 0,45 to 0,56 cm; it was dark, nearly black in color with some brick red areas on the elytra that were limited to the elytra’s bases, the antennae and legs were red to dark brown in color. [1]

***

*********************

References:

[1] Curtis Ewing: Revision of the endemic Hawaiian sap beetle genus Apetasimus Sharp 1908 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). Zootaxa 1385: 1-30. 2006

*********************

edited: 0.2.06.2021

Sarothrias sp. ‘Samoa’

Samoan Sarothrias Beetle (Sarothrias sp.)

This species is known (so far) only from a subfossil specimen (at least a single head capsule with a size of about 0,037 cm in diameter), which was recovered by Nick Porch from samplings from the Samoan Islands.

The genus has not been recorded from Samoa before.

***

Despite being known so far only from a single subfossil specimen the species might still be alive.

*********************

edited: 22.04.2019

Xanthorhoe bulbulata (Guenée)

South Island Yellow Looper Moth (Xanthorhoe bulbulata)

This species is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand and was once quite common.

The population of the species started to decline sometime after the 1940s and was recorded only twice since, once in 1979 and then again for the last time in 1991; since then, the species is lost and might in fact be completely extinct. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Brian H. Patrick; Hamish J. H. Patrick; Robert J. B. Hoare: Review of the endemic New Zealand genus Arctesthes Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Laurentiinae) with descriptions of two new range-restricted species. Alpine Entomology 3: 121-136. 2019

*********************

male

Photos: Manaaki Whenua
https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*********************

edited: 27.04.2021

Agrotiphila staudingeri (Möschler)

Staudinger’s Owlet Moth (Agrotiphila staudingeri)

Staudinger’s Owlet Moth was described in 1862, the species is known only from the coast of the Labrador peninsula, Canada

The species was never recorded since and may indeed be extinct, yet, apparently not many lepidopterologists have ever collected at Labrador’s coasts, so there is some chance that this species might still be extant.

*********************

*Depiction from: ‘George F. Hampson: Catalogue of the Lepidoptera Phalaenae in the British Museum. London: Printed by Order of the Trustees 1898-1919’*

*(public domain)*

*********************

edited: 04.09.2019

Margatteoidea amoena Bolívar

Desroches Cockroach (Margatteoidea amoena)

The Desroches Cockroach is, resp. was endemic to the island of Desroches, an only 3,24 km² large area of land in the Desroches Atoll in the Amirante islands group of the outer islands of the Seychelles. The species is known from only five specimens that were collected in 1905.

The males reached a length of about 1 cm; the females were smaller.

The Desroches Cockroach disappeared due to the destruction of the island’s indigenous flora.

*********************

References:

[1] Justin Gerlach: Red Listing reveals the true state of biodiversity: a comprehensive assessment of Seychelles biodiversity. Phelsuma 20: 9-22. 2012

*********************

edited: 28.04.2021

Trechus roanicus Barr

Roan Mountain Ground Beetle (Trechus roanicus)

The Roan Mountain Ground Beetle was described in 1962, it was originally only known from its type locality, Roan High Bluff, the highest point on Roan Mountain in Tennessee, USA.

The species apparently is thought to occur in North Carolina as well, but I have no further information about that. [1]

The Roan Mountain Ground Beetle is considered possibly extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Thomas C. Barr Jr.: Revision of Appalachian Trechus (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Brimleyana 2: 29-75. 1979

*********************

edited: 07.09.2020

Stenocypha hasta (Pinhey)

Mahale Jewel (Stenocypha hasta)

The Mahale Jewel, described in 1960, is, or maybe was, restricted to the area around the Mahale Mounatins along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania.

The species has apparently not been recorded since its description, and given the increase in human population in that area there is apparently no habitat left and the species might indeed be extinct.

*********************

edited: 25.05.2021

Metaleptobasis gibbosa Tennessen

Gibbose Forest Damselfly (Metaleptobasis gibbosa)

The Gibbose Forest Damselfly was described in 2012 based on specimens that had been collected in 2005; the species has only ever been found in a very small area, a forest wetland in Los Copales in the Pastaza Province of Ecuador.

The species reaches a length of about 4,6 cm; it is quite inconspicuous colored, the eyes are red-orange dorsally and green anteriorly, the thorax is generally brown-orange with darker brown medially stripes, the abdomen is mostly grey-brown.

The only known locality was destroyed in 2012 for the development of houses; the species has not been found anywhere else, despite searches.

*********************

References:

[1] K. J. Tennessen: Two new species of Metaleptobasis from central Ecuador (Odonata: Coenagrionidae). International Journal of Odonatology 15(2): 87-97. 2012

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edited: 26.04.2022

Heteragrion azulum Dunkle

Blue Heteragrion Damselfly (Heteragrion azulum)

The Blue Heteragrion Damselfly was described in 1989 based on a single specimen, a male that was collected in Veracruz, Mexico. [1]

The species has apparently not been recorded since and might be extinct now.

*********************

References:

[1] S. W. Dunkle: Heteragrion azulum spec nov., a new damselfly from Mexico (Zygoptera: Megapodagrionidae). Odonatologica 18: 195–197. 1989

*********************

edited: 02.05.2022

Oryctes minor Waterhouse

Small Rodrigues Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes minor)

The Small Rodrigues Rhinoceros Beetle was described in 1876, it is only known from the type specimen, a female (or from two specimens, according to other sources).

The species reached a length of 2,5 cm; “The elytra are covered with rather large horseshoe punctures, among which may be traced the usual two pairs of punctured lines; the surface between the large punctures has small punctures scattered here and there.” [1]

The species is now considered extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] Charles O Waterhouse: New species of coleoptera from the island of Rodriguez, collected by the naturalists accompanying the Transit-of-Venus Expedition. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Zoology, Botany, and Geology 4(18): 105-121. 1876

*********************

Photo from: ‘Sergio M. Latorre; Matthias Herrmann; M. J. Paulsen; Christian Rödelsperger; Andreea Dréau; Waltraud Röseler; Ralf J. Sommer; Hernán A. Burbano: Museum phylogenomics of extinct Oryctes beetles from the Mascarene Islands. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory 2020’

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

*********************

edited: 29.04.2022

Mumfordia sp. ‘Tubuai’

Tubuaian Fungus Beetle (Mumfordia sp.)

This species is known from subfossil remains recovered from deposits on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

***

As far as I know, the genus today contains only three species, The Mountain Fungus Beetle (Mumfordia monticola Zimmerman) from Tahiti, Society Islands, and the Spined Fungus Beetle (Mumfordia spinata Van Dyke) as well as the Tubercled Fungus Beetle (Mumfordia tuberculata Van Dyke) from the Marquesas.

It is obviously quite clear that the genus once contained many more species.

*********************

edited: 31.10.2020

Xylotoles wollastoni (White)

Wollaston’s Lord Howe Longhorn Beetle (Xylotoles wollastoni)

Wollaston’s Lord Howe Longhorn Beetle is endemic to Lord Howe Island; it was described in 1856, was apparently only seen one time after 1916 and might now be extinct.

*********************

Depiction from: ‘A. White: Descriptions of some coleopterous insects in the Collection of the British Museum, hitherto apparently unnoticed. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 24. 8-17. 1856’

(public domain)

*********************

edited: 27.04.2021

Eudorylas semiopacus (Lamb)

Semiopaque Big-headed Fly (Eudorylas semiopacus)

The Semiopaque Big-headed Fly was described in 1922, apparently based on two specimens that had been collected in 1908 on the plateau of Mare aux Cochons on Silhouette as well as in 1909 near the western coast of Mahé, Seychelles.

This was apparently a parasitoid of planthopper bugs. [1]

The Semiopaque Big-headed Fly has not been found in recent surveys and appears to be extinct.

***

syn. Pipunculus semiopacus Lamb

*********************

References:

[1] Justin Gerlach: Red Listing reveals the true state of biodiversity: a comprehensive assessment of Seychelles biodiversity. Phesluma 20: 9-22. 2012

*********************

edited: 11.02.2024

Chromochokwea fitzgeraldi (Uvarov)

Ufipa Flightless Forest Grasshopper (Chromochokwea fitzgeraldi)

The Ufipa Flightless Forest Grasshopper was described in 1953, it is known only from the type specimen that had been collected in 1952 in a ravine with dense matted grass on the Ufipa Plateau ij southwestern Tanzania.

The species was not found since and might be extinct.

*********************

edited: 03.11.2020

Blackburnia haleakala Liebherr & Zimmerman

Haleakala Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia haleakala)

The Haleakala Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 2000, it was endemic to the eastern part of the island of Maui, Hawaiian Islands.

The species was recorded on the ground under dead wood. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Dan A. Polhemus; Curtis P. Ewing; R. Kaholo’a, James K. Liebherr: Rediscovery of Blackburnia anomala (Coleoptera: Carabidae), in East Maui, Hawai’i, after a 107-year hiatus. Pacific Science 57(2): 16-166. 2003

*********************

edited: 03.09.2019

Curculionidae gen. & sp. ‘Mo’orea’

Moorean Cossonine Weevil(s) (Curculionidae gen. & sp.)

At least five genera/species assignable to the weevil subfamily Cossoninae are known from subfossil pronota found in deposits on the island of Mo’orea, Society Islands.

These remains belong to species of very different dimensions; the largest of them being almost nine times as large as the smallest.

*********************

References:

*********************

edited: 31.10.2020

Hylaeus melanothrix (Perkins)

Smoky-winged Masked Bee (Hylaeus melanothrix)

The Smoky-winged Masked Bee was described in 1899, it is, or maybe was, endemic to the wet montane forests on the island of Maui, Hawaiian Islands.

The species is nearly completely black, except for some very small markings on its head, its wings are dark smoky brown.

The Smoky-winged Masked Bee has not been found during recent searches and is possibly extinct. [1]

*********************

References:

[1] Howell V. Daly; Elwood Curtin Zimmerman; Karl N. Magnacca: ‘Insects of Hawaii; Volume 17; Hawaiian Hylaeus (Nesoprosopis) Bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea). 2003

*********************

edited: 12.06.2020

Longitarsus janulus Wollaston

She Cabbage Leaf Beetle (Longitarsus janulus)

The She Cabbage Leaf Beetle was described in 1877, it was endemic to the island of saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

The species was apparently adapted to the likewise endemic She Cabbage tree (Lachanodes arborea (Roxb.) B. Nord.), a tree species that once was quite common on the High Central Ridge of the island, but which has virtually disappeared as a wild species now.

“The only spot in which I observed this very distinct Longitarsus is a little ravine below Halley’s Mount and between Oakbank and Hutt’s Gate, known as Vine-Tree Gut, – where it was extremely abundant on the foliage of the curious Lachanodes prenanthiflora [Lachanodes arborea], or “she cabbage-tree.” It is a rather larger insect than the L. helenae, and of not quite so lively a metallic green. Indeed its female sex is comparatively dull and opake, and has the elytra so wonderfully and deeply malleated down either outer disk as to cause the whole surface to appear coarsely wrinkled and (as it were) imperfectly developed, – leaving, however, three or four abbreviated longitudinal ridges (not so short as in the L. helenae) conspicuous within the excavation. Its males moreover differ from those of the L. helenae in having their antennae very much thicker or more developed, and in the basal joint of their four anterior feet being still more broadly expanded. Its prothorax too, in both sexes, is much more coarsely punctured than that of the L. helenae.” [1]

***

The She Cabbage Leaf Beetle was not found during the most recent field searches and is now almost certainly extinct. [2]

*********************

References:

*********************

edited: 26.05.2021

Chironomus sp. ‘Rapa Nui’

Rapa Nui Nonbiting Midge (Chironomus sp.)

The Rapa Nui Nonbiting Midge is known from a single larva specimen that was found in a core sample that was collected in the lake of the Rano Kau volcano crater on Rapa Nui at a depth of about 10,9 to 11 m. [1]

The genus may still occur on Rapa Nui today, but not this particular species, because nearly all vertebrates and invertebrates found on the island today, were introduced, mostly in quite recent times.

*********************

References:

[1] M. Horrocks; M. Marra; W. T. Baisden; J. Flenley; D. Feek; L. González Nualart; S. Haoa-Cardinali; T. Edmunds Gorman: Pollen, phytoliths, arthropods and high-resolution 14C sampling from Rano Kau, Easter Island: evidence for late Quaternary environments, ant (Formicidae) distributions and human activity. Journal of Paleolimnology 50(4): 417-432. 2013

*********************

edited: 10.12.2018

Cossonus variipennis Gahan

Christmas Island Rotten-Wood Weevil (Cossonus variipennis)

The Christmas Island Rotten-Wood Weevil was described in 1900; it is, or maybe was, endemic to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.

The species was last recorded in 1897-98 and might well be extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] John Woinarski: A Bat’s End: The Christmas Island Pipistrelle and Extinction in Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia 2018

*********************

edited: 14.02.2024

Pseudostenoscelis asteriperda Wollaston

Large Pseudostenoscelis Weevil (Pseudostenoscelis asteriperda)

This species was described in 1877, it is/was endemic to the island of Saint Helena, where it was restricted to a single locality when it was discovered.:

“… indeed the only locality in which I have met with it (though there in tolerable profusion) is on the almost inaccessible and windy sides of the great Sandy-Bay crater just beyond West Lodge, near to the old Picquet House and overlooking Lufkins.” [1]

***

The Large Pseudostenoscelis Weevil lived within the rotten wood of Burchell’s Gumwood (Commidendrum burchellii Benth. & Hook. f. ex Hemsl.) and Saint Helena Gumwood (Commidendrum robustum ssp. gummiferum (Roxb.) Q. C. B. Cronk), both endemic to the island and either very rare now, or even extinct respectively. [1]

The species was not found during the latest searches in 2006 and may in fact be extinct now. [2]

*********************

References:

*********************

edited: 02.12.2018

Thera juniperata ssp. orcadensis Cockayne

Orkneys Juniper Carpet (Thera juniperata ssp. orcadensis)

The Orkneys Juniper Carpet is a subspecies of the Juniper Carpet (Thera juniperata (L.)), which is distributed from Europe to western Asia; it was described as a distinct subspecies in 1951.

The caterpillars feed exclusively on Common Junipers (Juniperus communis L.).

The nominate form reaches a wingspan of about 2,5 cm; the subspecies discussed here, is smaller and is also lighter, more cream-colored.

The Orkneys Juniper Carpet was restricted to the Orkney Islands and is thought to be extinct now

*********************

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*********************

edited: 03.05.2022

Parnassius mnemosyne ssp. bang-haasi Bryk

Danish Clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne ssp. bang-haasi)

The Clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne (L.)) is native to the Palearctic, it inhabits meadows and woodland clearings; the species is divided into several subspecies, of which probably at least some are very likely invalid.

The Danish Clouded Apollo is thought to have indeed been endmic to Denmark, where several populations were found, for example on the islands of Funen, Langeland, Lolland-Falster and Zealand.

The form was last seen on Zealand in 1948 in the Knudsskov forest near Vordingborg, respectively in 1961 in the Nordskoven forest near the town of Jægerspris.

*********************

edited: 31.10.2020

Ampagia sp. ‘Moorea’

Moorean Ampagia Weevil (Ampagia sp.)

This species is apparently only known from a subfossil head capsule that was recovered from deposits on the island of Mo’orea in the Society Islands.

The species might have been mainly black in color. [1]

*********************

References:

*********************

edited: 02.05.2021

Miocalles sp. ‘Mo’orea’

Black Moorea Miocalles Weevil (Miocalles sp.)

This species is known from a subfossil pronotum that was recovered from deposits on the island of Mo’orea in the Society Islands.

The species apparently was generally black in color. [1]

*********************

References:

*********************

edited: 08.05.2022

Eupithecia prasinombra (Meyrick)

Ukulele Pug Moth (Eupithecia prasinombra)

The Ukulele Pug Moth was described in 1899, it is known only from the female type specimen.

The species reaches a wingspan of about 1,9 cm, it was originally described as being green, but the sole surviving specimen has faded so much that there is no green color any more, instead it shows some plae cream colored areas, some scales are orange – or rosy-tipped.

The Ukulele Pug Moth inhabited native rain forest areas at a place named Ukulele somewhere in the Haleakala region of eastern Maui, Hawaiian Islands, the habitat is now heavily degraded by introduced mammalian herbivores and the species, which was never found since its description, may already be extinct.

*********************

References:

[1] E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 7, Macrolepidoptera. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1958
[2] Steven L. Montgomery: Carnivorous caterpillars: The behavior, biogeography and conservation of Eupithecia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in the Hawaiian Islands. GeoJournal 7.6: 549-556. 1983

*********************

edited: 06.01.2019

Apetasimus sordidus (Sharp)

Dirty Sap Beetle (Apetasimus sordidus)

The Dirty Sap Beetle was described in 1881; it was restricted to the slopes of the Mauna Loa on the island of Hawai’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The species reaches a length of about 0,46 to 0,55 cm; it was dark brown to black, with the elytra having brick red markings. [1]

***

*********************

References:

[1] Curtis Ewing: Revision of the endemic Hawaiian sap beetle genus Apetasimus Sharp 1908 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). Zootaxa 1385: 1-30. 2006

*********************

edited: 02.06.2021

Euschmidtia dirshi Descamps

Dirsh’s Monkey Grasshopper (Euschmidtia dirshi)

This species inhabited a small forested area near the city of Morogoro in the same-named district of Tanzania.

The species has not been found since 1954 and is considered possibly extinct.

*********************

edited: 15.01.2019

Bembidion trechoides Wollaston

Trechus-like Bembidion Ground Beetle (Bembidion trechoides)

The Trechus-like Bembidion Ground Beetle was described in 1877; it is, or rather was, restricted to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.:

“It is only on the lofty central ridge that I have observed the B. trechoides, – where, however, in damp places generally, amongst the cabbage trees and tree ferns, it is not particularly uncommon, on the densely-covered slopes about Actaeon and Diana’s Peak; but I did not meet with it in the more western and rather less elevated parts towards High Peak and West Lodge, where the B. sublimbatum would seem to occur.” [1]

***

The species was apparently not found during the latest field searches and might be extinct.

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References:

[1] T. Vernon Wollaston: Coleoptera Sanctae-Helenae. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row 1877

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*Photo: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London*

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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edited: 30.05.2021

Hylaeus gliddenae Magnacca & Daly

Glidden’s Masked Bee (Hylaeus gliddenae)

This species was described in 2003 based on a single (?) specimen, a male that had been collected sometimes in the early 20th century at an not further specified locality on the Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawai’i.

The species is known to have nested in the burrows left behind by the larvae of beetles from the genus Halcobius in the stems of kolea (Myrsine spp.).

The species differs from nearly all others by its red metasoma (the posterior part of the body), which it shares only with the Paradox Masked Bee (Hylaeus paradoxus (Schrottky)), and by its somewhat u-shaped facial markings. [1]

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References:

[1] Howell V. Daly; Elwood Curtin Zimmerman; Karl N. Magnacca: ‘Insects of Hawaii; Volume 17; Hawaiian Hylaeus (Nesoprosopis) Bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea). 2003

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edited: 12.06.2020

Sympetrum dilatatum (Calvert)

Saint Helena Darter (Sympetrum dilatatum)

This dragonfly species was endemic to the island of Saint Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it was the largest member of its genus.

The island of Saint Helena has not much free-running freshwater, thus the habitat for the dragonfly has always been very limited.

The dragonfly’s habitat was apparently completely destroyed due to the introduction of New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.) to the island. The plant was introduced sometimes in the 1850s to establish a flax industry, which was especially prospering from the beginning of the 20th century to 1966, when the last flax mill was finally closed. The New Zealand Flax, however, proved to be highly invasive and is still covering tremendous areas of Saint Helena’s mountains today.

The Saint Helena Darter was last recorded in 1963 and is now considered extinct.

***

syn. Diplax dilatata Calvert

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wings

Depiction from: ‘Collections Zoologiques du Baron Edm. De Selys Longchamps; Catalogue systematique et descriptive: F. Ris: Libellulines Vol. II. Fasc. 12-14. 1911-1912’

(not in copyright)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Bombus melanopoda (Cockerell)

Sumatran Black Bumblebee (Bombus melanopoda)

The Sumatran Black Bumblebee is known from a single specimen, a female that was collected (probably sometimes during the late 19th century) on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

The species has never been recorded since and might be extinct; however, it is also possible that the single existing specimen represents a melanistic individual of another species that simply has been mislabeled. [1]

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References:

[1] Paul H. Williams: An annotated checklist of bumble bees with an analysis of patterns of description (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Bombini). Bulletin of the Natural History Museum. Entomology series 67: 79-152. 1998

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edited: 25.04.2022

Blackburnia menehune Liebherr & Porch

Menehune Blackburnia Ground Beetle (Blackburnia menehune)

The Menehune Blackburnia Ground Beetle was described in 2015, it is known from several subfossil remains, mainly head capsules and elytra, that had been recovered from the deposits of the Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. [1]

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References:

[1] James K. Liebherr; Nick Porch: Reassembling a lost lowland carabid beetle assemblage (Coleoptera) from Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Invertebrate Systematics 29: 191-213. 2015

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edited: 03.09.2019

Agrotis photophila (Butler)

Light-loving Cutworm (Agrotis photophila)

The Light-loving Cutworm was described in 1879, it was endemic to the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands.

The species reached a wingspan of about 3,6 cm.

***

The Light-loving Cutworm obviously was a lowland species, it was always found near the sea.

The species is now extinct.

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References:

[1] E. C. Zimmerman: Insects of Hawaii 7, Macrolepidoptera. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1958

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edited: 22.01.2019

Oriens alexina (Plötz)

Samoan Skipper (Oriens alexina)

The Samoan Skipper, sometimes considered a subspecies of the Fijian Skipper (Oriens augustula (Herrich-Schäffer)) (see photo) or even as a synonym of it, however, both forms differ significantly from each other.

This species is known only from the island of ‘Upolu, Samoa, but was not found there in recent years and might in fact be extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Brian H. Patrick; Jean-Pierre Policard: The butterflies of Wallis and Futuna. The Weta 49: 28-33. 2015

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Fijian Skipper (*Oriens augustula* (Herrich-Schäffer))

Photo: Bird explorers
http://www.inaturalist.org/people/birdexplorers
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0

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edited: 11.10.2020

Graphium aurivilliusi Seeldrayers

Albertine Rift Butterfly (Graphium aurivilliusi)

The Albertine Rift Butterfly was described in 1896, it is known only by the type series that apparently consists of at least two male specimens.

This species was found somewhere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an exact locality seems not to be known.

The Albertine Rift Butterfly reaches a wingspan of 7,5 cm; the winds are blackish-brown with green-tinged white markings forming large, interrupted bands on the fore- and the hindwings. [1]

The species was never found again since its description and is possibly extinct.

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References:

[1] N. Mark Collins; Michael G. Morris: Threatened swallowtail butterflies of the World: The IUCN Red Data Book. Intl Union for Conservation of. 1985

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Depiction from: ‘E. Seeldrayers: Lépidoptères noveaux du Congo. Annales de la Société entomologique de Belgique 40: 499-505. 1896’

(public domain)

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edited: 11.10.2020

Euodynerus radula (Fabricius)

Kauaian Rasp Wasp (Euodynerus radula)

This species is considered the first scientifically described insect species from the Hawaiian Islands, as the first specimen was collected on the day of Cook’s landing on the island of Kaua’i on January 21, 1778.The Kauaian Rasp Wasp did not build its own nesting tubes but instead took over existing burrows into which it introduced micro butterfly caterpillars as food for its larvae.

The species was apparently last seen in 1925 and is now very likely extinct.

***

syn. Odynerus radula (Fabricius)

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Depiction from: ‘Fauna Hawaiiensis; being the land-fauna of the Hawaiian Islands. by various authors, 1899-1913. Cambridge [Eng.]: The University Press 1913’

(public domain)

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References:

[1] James M. Carpenter: Review of Hawaiian Vespidae (Hymenoptera). Bishop Occasional Papers 99: 1-18 2008

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edited: 11.02.2024

Euschmidtia burtti Descamps

Burtt’s Monkey Grasshopper (Euschmidtia burtti)

Burtt’s Monkey Grasshopper was described in 1964, it is known only from the type collection obtained in 1954.

The type locality, a place named as Kingolwera in the Morogoro District of Tanzania, appears to be heavily deforested now and the species is thought to be extinct.

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edited: 15.01.2019

Eophileurus convexus (Arrow)

Convex Rhinoceros Beetle (Eophileurus convexus)

The Convex Rhinoceros Beetle was described in 1900; the species is known from a single specimen that had been found in 1897 or 1898 at Flying Fish Cove at the northern coast of Christmas Island, Australia.

“This new species is formed for the first representative of the important family Dynastidae so found in the island, a single specimen having been recently discovered by Mr. H. Ross.
This species is less flattened, and somewhat longer than usual, but does not differ structurally from the larger described forms of Continental Asia, where all its hitherto known allies are found, ….” [1]

The species has never been found and might well be extinct now. [2]

***

syn. Phileurus convexus Arrow

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Depiction from: ‘Charles William Andrews: A monograph of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean). London: printed by order of the Trustees 1900’

(public domain)

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References:

[1] Charles William Andrews: A monograph of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean). London: printed by order of the Trustees 1900
[2] D. J. James; P. T. Green; W. F. Humphreys; J. C. Z. Woinarski: Endemic species of Christmas Island, Indian Ocean. Records of the Western Australian Museum 34: 55-114. 2019

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edited: 15.02.2024

Apetasimus guttatus (Sharp)

Speckled Sap Beetle (Apetasimus guttatus)

The Speckled Sap Beetle was described in 1881; it was apparently found near the city of Honolulu on the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands, but is otherwise also known to have occurred on the island of Hawai’i.

The species reached a length of about 0,52 to 0,61 cm; it was brick red to nearly blackish, with some pale yellow to orange-red markings. [1]

***

The Speckled Sap Beetle was living subcortical in the wood of decaying koa trees (Acacia koa A. Gray); this microhabitat was severely disrupted on all of the Hawaiian main islands by the introduction of terrestrial isopods, leading to the disappearance of nearly all invertebrates that shared the same modus vivendi. [1]

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References:

[1] Curtis Ewing: Revision of the endemic Hawaiian sap beetle genus Apetasimus Sharp 1908 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). Zootaxa 1385: 1-30. 2006

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edited: 02.06.2021

Lacordairia fugax (Olliff)

Swift Lord Howe Ground Beetle (Lacordairia fugax)

The Swift Lord Howe Ground Beetle was described in 1889; it was endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia.

The species reached a length of about 1,3 cm; it was “Elongate-ovate, dark piceous, shining, sometimes with a bluish tinge; elytra strongly striate, the interstices rather narrow, plain; antennae (except the basal joint) and palpi reddish testaceous; legs rufo-piceous.
Head narrow; eyes rather prominent. Antennae more than two-thirds the length of the body, the basal joint piceous. Prothorax narrowed behind, with a distinct median line; the sides rounded in front; posterior angles rounded: Elytra oblong-ovate, very slightly contracted before the middle, strongly and regularly striate, the interstices narrow and smooth, the second stria, on each side, with an obscure puncture before the middle; sides slightly sinuate before the apex. Legs rather long.” [1]

The Swift Lord Howe Ground Beetle was last recorded before 1900 and is now considered extinct. [2]

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References:

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edited: 26.04.2022

Zopheridae gen. & sp. ‘Hawai’i’

Hawaiian Ironclad Beetle (Zopheridae gen. & sp.)

This species (currently being described by Nick Porch) is known from subfossil material that was recovered from samplings from the island of Hawai’i, Hawaiian Islands.

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edited: 22.04.2019

Levuana iridescens Bethune-Baker

Levuana Moth (Levuana iridescens)

The Levuana Moth was described in 1906; it is only known from the island of Viti Levu, Fiji; it is, however, almost certainly not native and more likely originates from some place west to the Fijian Islands, maybe Vanuatu.

the species has a wingspan of about 1.6 cm; its head and the thorax are steely blue; the abdomen is ochreous; the forewings are iridescent blue and somewhat subhyaline, so are the hind wings.

The larvae feed upon the leaves of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) and therefore, the Levuana Moth was considered a serious pest for Coconut plantations and thus for the copra production.

Because of that, a biological control program was started in 1925 to solve the problem, this involved the introduction of the Malayan Tachinid Fly (Bessa remota (Aldrich)) and was a total ‘success’ as it led to the complete extinction of the moth species.

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Depiction from: PaDIL
https://www.padil.gov.au
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en

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edited: 17.02.2024

Ptinidae gen. & sp. ‘Rodrigues’

Rodrigues Ptinidid Beetle (Ptinidae gen. & sp.)

This species is known from several subfossil specimens, including at least three elytra, which because of their toast-shaped punctures were nicknamed as ‘bread’ by Nick Porch, an Australian entomologist who is a specialist for subfossil insect remains.

The elytra are glossy black and, in some cases, bear corn-colored filaments in the frontal and the distal parts as well as on their margins, when alive, the beetle might have been completely covered by them ….

The species is very likely extinct.

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edited: 30.10.2020

Conozoa hyalina (McNeill)

Central Valley Grasshopper (Conozoa hyalina)

The Central Valley Grasshopper was described in 1901; it is known from only four areas in the Central Valley in California, USA.

“Robust, pale testaceous, almost plain, with a few scattered spots in the middle of the tegmina occupying the usual position of the fuscous bands; anterior and posterior fields plain except for exceedingly faint spots near the base.
…
Length of body, female, 30 mm.; length of tegmina, 30 mm.; length of posterior femora, 18 mm.
….” [1]

The species has not been found since 1953 and is believed to be extinct.

***

syn. Trimerotropis hyalina McNeill

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References:

[1] Jerome McNeill: Revision of the orthopteran genus Trimerotropis. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 23(1215): 393-449. 1901

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edited: 19.08.2022

Nephele leighi Joicey & Talbot

Leigh’s Sphinx Moth (Nephele leighi)

This species was described in 1921, it is apparently known from only four specimens that were collected on the islands of Mahé and Silhouette, Seychelles Islands.

The last specimen, a male, was obviously collected in 1969, since that date there has not been any trace of this species, which is now feared to be extinct.

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female

Photo: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London
http://sphingidae.myspecies.info/file-colorboxed/9071
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

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References:

[1] Pat Matyot: The hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) of Seychelles: identification, historical background, distribution, food plants and ecological considerations. Phelsuma 13. 55-80. 2005
[2] Justin Gerlach: Red Listing reveals the true state of biodiversity: a comprehensive assessment of Seychelles biodiversity. Phelsuma 20: 9-22. 2012

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edited: 27.04.2022

Hesperus gigas (Lea)

Giant Lord Howe Island Roof Beetle (Hesperus gigas)

The Giant Lord Howe Island Roof Beetle was described in 1929 based on specimens that had been collected from the summit of Mt. Lidgbird on Lord Howe Island, Australia.

The species was flightless, it reached a size of about 1,7 cm, making it a true giant compared to most other species of its family.

The Giant Lord Howe Island Roof Beetle has never been found again since its description, and it is quite clear that this big insect fell victim to introduced mice and rats, it is now extinct. [1][2]

***

Lord Howe Island still harbors two very large members of the same genus: Hesperus dolichoderes (Lea) and Hesperus pacificus Olliff. [2]

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References:

[1] Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan Appendices, Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Sydney 2007
[2] Arn Rytter Jensen; Josh Jenkins Shaw; Dagmara Żyła; Alexey Solodovnikov: A total-evidence approach resolves phylogenetic placement of ‘Cafius’ gigas, a unique recently extinct rove beetle from Lord Howe Island. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 190(4): 1159-1174. 2020

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edited: 26.04.2022

Leptopius etheridgei (Olliff)

Etheridge’s Leptopius Weevil (Leptopius etheridgei)

Etheridge’s Leptopius Weevil was described in 1889; it was restricted to Lord Howe Island, Australia.

the species reached a length of about 1,2 cm; it was “Elongate ovate, piceous, densely covered with griseous scales; rostrum long, depressed in the middle; prothorax rugulose, narrowed in front; elytra ample, seriate-punctate, obtusely bi-tuberculate posteriorly.
Head thickly covered with scales, those near the sides inclining to ochraceous; rostrum about as long as the prothorax. Eyes narrow, vertical. Antennae rather long, the scape closely scaled, funiculus finely pubescent. Prothorax decidedly broader than long, moderately strongly rugulose, the scales inclining to ochraceous at the sides, an obscure median carina which is effaced anteriorly. Scutellum distinct, pointed behind. Elytra about two and a half times as long as the prothorax, somewhat flattened above, moderately strongly seriate-punctate, the punctures widely separated and somewhat irregular, the interstices broad and slightly raised, the third interstice slightly and the sixth rather strongly elevated posteriorly, giving the elytra a bi-tuberculate appearance. Underside and legs moderately closely scaled and finely pubescent.” [1]

The species has not been collected since the 1910s and is now considered extinct. [2]

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References:

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Depiction from: ‘Sidney Olliff: The insect fauna of Lord Howe Island. The Australian Museum memoir 2: 75-98. 1889’

(public domain)

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edited: 26.04.2022