The ebony boghaunter was first scientifically described in 1923 by American entomologist Edward Bruce Williamson based on 10 specimens collected in Mer Bleue Bog in Ottawa.

[2] The name fletcheri recognises Canadian entomologist James Fletcher, chosen by Williamson as the species was then known only from Canada.

The dispute originated in the fact that two specimens of W. fletcheri from Manitoba had been given a name, but not described, in 1867 by German entomologist Hermann August Hagen.

[4] Howe wanted to include a brief description of W. fletcheri in a paper about Williamsonia lintneri, using the name Hagen had proposed.

[8] It is considered rare in most jurisdictions where it is found, including Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.