Some sources list the eastern population of this species, east of the Rocky Mountains, as C. basalis. Charles Bartlett notes that "Cixius nervosus is the senior synonym of Cixius basalis, which is currently not a valid name (and remains so until published otherwise). Superficially it looks similar to pini and coloepeum- in size and color. You might be able to find differences in pattern of coloration among these species, but I have been unable to find anything that I consistently believe outside of what is listed above. In specimens (as opposed to photos) I can separate nervosus consistently based on the tail (for males), and the bicolored front. I have tried hard to find a consistent difference between pini and coloepeum - I think there must be - but I have always dissected to be sure" (pers. comment). Cixius can be very difficult to ID and therefore a species identification may not be possible for some individuals.