Asia
Guides
Acroneuria
common stoneflies
Acroneuria is a genus of large-bodied stoneflies in the family Perlidae, containing more than 30 described species distributed across North America and Asia. Nymphs are predatory and inhabit streams and rivers, where they serve as important bioindicators of water quality. Adults are known for distinctive emergence behaviors, including arboreal emergence in some species. Several species in the genus are experiencing range contractions and population declines due to habitat degradation and climate change.
Agalliini
Agalliini is a tribe of leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) within subfamily Megophthalminae, established by Kirkaldy in 1901. Members are distributed across Asia, with documented species in China (Guizhou, Yunnan), Pakistan, and Vietnam. The tribe has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, including descriptions of new genera and species based primarily on male genitalia characters. Species-level identification relies heavily on aedeagal morphology and pygofer structure.
Agrilus planipennis
Emerald Ash Borer, EAB
Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash borer, is a highly destructive invasive beetle native to northeastern Asia. First detected in North America in 2002 (Michigan) and European Russia in 2003, it has since spread to 36 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, and across Eastern Europe. The species has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees, causing severe ecological and economic damage. In its native range, it occurs at low densities without significant tree mortality; in invaded regions, it typically kills over 90% of ash trees within 2–4 years of establishment.
Amara aenea
Common Sun Beetle
Amara aenea, commonly known as the common sun beetle, is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It occurs across almost all of Europe and Northern Asia, with its range extending into parts of Northern Africa. Adults are predatory, feeding on insects including agricultural pests such as apple maggot and soybean aphid. The species has been studied for potential use in integrated pest management programs.
Ambrosiophilus atratus
Black Bark Weevil
Ambrosiophilus atratus is a non-native ambrosia beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. First recorded in Europe in Slovenia in 2017 during monitoring surveys for invasive ambrosia beetles. The species is distinguished by pronounced asperities covering the entire pronotum surface. Native to North America and Southern Asia, it has established populations in Europe through human-mediated introduction.
Ampulichomorpha
Ampulichomorpha is a genus of cockroach wasps in the family Ampulicidae. These solitary wasps are characterized by their specialized predatory behavior targeting cockroaches. The genus represents a distinct lineage within the ampulicid wasps, with species distributed across parts of Asia.
Anapistula
Anapistula is a genus of minute araneomorph spiders in the family Symphytognathidae, established by Gertsch in 1941. The genus comprises 28 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Europe. Members exhibit diverse habitat preferences: approximately 18 species occur in leaf litter, soil, and mosses, while seven are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobites) and one inhabits cave entrances. The genus includes some of the smallest spiders known, with A. ataecina from Portugal representing both the first European record of the family and one of the smallest described spider species.
Apertochrysa
Apertochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, comprising 183 described species. The genus has undergone substantial taxonomic revision, having been previously classified under the names Navasius, Dichochrysa, and Pseudomallada before being synonymized under Apertochrysa in 2021. It is a subcosmopolitan genus with the majority of species distributed in the Palearctic region, particularly Asia and Africa. Species in this genus are predators of soft-bodied insects and some exhibit debris-carrying behavior as larvae.
Aproaerema
Aproaerema is a genus of gelechiid moths in the subfamily Anacampsinae. The genus contains at least 11 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Aproaerema modicella (groundnut leaf miner), which causes severe yield losses in groundnut and soybean crops across South and Southeast Asia and has recently invaded Africa. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with molecular and behavioral evidence suggesting relationships among A. modicella, A. simplexella, and related taxa require re-examination.
Arctogeophilus
Arctogeophilus is a genus of soil centipedes in the family Geophilidae, comprising fourteen species distributed across subarctic and temperate regions of Asia, North America, and western Europe. First described as a subgenus by Carl Attems in 1909 and elevated to genus rank by Henri Ribaut in 1910, its name references the northern distribution toward Ursa Major. Species range from 11 mm to 50 mm in length and possess 35 to 69 pairs of legs.
centipedesoil-dwellingsubarctictemperateGeophilidaeGeophilomorphaChilopodaMyriapodaArthropodanorthern-distributionelongate-headforcipule-denticlesvariable-leg-number14-speciesAttems-1909Ribaut-1910AsiaNorth-AmericaEuropephylogenetic-sister-to-AlloschizotaeniaPachymeriumSchendyloidescarpophagus-absentultimate-legs-longer-than-penultimatescattered-pores-on-ultimate-legs11-50-mm-length35-69-leg-pairsA.-sachalinus-smallA.-wolfi-smallA.-melanonotus-largeA.-macrocephalus-fewest-legsA.-atopus-most-legsA.-glacialis-phylogenetic-representativeArctogeophilus-atopusArctogeophilus-attemsiArctogeophilus-corvallisArctogeophilus-fulvusArctogeophilus-glacialisArctogeophilus-inopinatusArctogeophilus-insularisArctogeophilus-macrocephalusArctogeophilus-melanonotusArctogeophilus-quadratusArctogeophilus-sachalinusArctogeophilus-shelfordiArctogeophilus-umbraticusArctogeophilus-wolfiArthropleidae
flatheaded mayflies
Arthropleidae is a family of mayflies in the order Ephemeroptera, characterized by flattened heads. The family contains at least two genera: the extant Arthroplea and the extinct Electrogenia. Members are aquatic insects with life cycles involving aquatic nymphal stages and short-lived winged adults.
Atheta longicornis
Atheta longicornis is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1802. The species has a broad native distribution across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, and has been introduced to North America (Canada and the United States), Australia, and other regions. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Atheta, it inhabits various terrestrial habitats where it contributes to decomposition processes. The species is characterized by its relatively long antennae, which inspired its specific epithet.
Atomaria lederi
silken fungus beetle
Atomaria lederi is a species of silken fungus beetle in the family Cryptophagidae, described by Johnson in 1970. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning three continents: Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. As a member of the Cryptophagidae, it belongs to a family commonly known as silken fungus beetles due to their association with fungal growth and the silky secretions produced by some species.
Atrichopogon
biting midges, grass punkies
Atrichopogon is a genus of small biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, subfamily Forcipomyiinae. Species occur across multiple continents with documented records from the Neotropical region, Patagonia, Europe, and Asia. Some species are ectoparasites of larger insects, while others develop on aquatic vegetation or in terrestrial habitats such as rotting wood. Immature stages show habitat-specific distribution patterns: larvae of A. wirthi occur on water lettuce leaves, and larvae of European Meloehelea subgenus species inhabit rotting pine wood.
Aulogymnus
Aulogymnus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, first described by Förster in 1851. Members of this genus are small parasitoid wasps, part of a diverse family that primarily parasitizes other insects. The genus has been recorded from Europe and Asia. Specific biological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
parasitoidEulophidaeChalcidoideaHymenopteraPalearcticwaspsinsectsarthropodsentomologytaxonomyFörster-1851DenmarkSpainTibetChinaEuropeAsiaminute-waspschalcid-waspsEulophinaeTerebrantesApocritaHexapodaAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaAulogymnussmall-waspstiny-waspsparasitic-waspsbiological-controlinsect-parasitoidssystematicsmorphologyidentificationkeysNearcticOrientalXizangcitizen-scienceiNaturalistobservationsrecordsdistributionFörster1851genusacceptedvalidsynonymychalcidoidchalcidchalcidseulophideulophidseulophid-waspseulophinesparasitoid-waspsparasitic-Hymenopterabiological-control-agentsinsect-diversitybiodiversityfaunaentomologicalhymenopteranarthropodhexapodhexapodspterygotepterygotesendopterygoteendopterygotesholometabolousholometabolatiny-insectsminute-insectssmall-insectsmicrohymenopteramicro-waspsmicro-parasitoidsmicro-chalcidsmicro-eulophidswing-venationantennaethoraxdiagnostic-characterstaxonomic-keysidentification-keysgeneric-keysNearctic-faunaEuropean-faunaAsian-faunaTibetan-faunaSpanish-faunaDanish-faunapoorly-knowndata-deficientunderstudiedcryptic-diversityhost-unknownbiology-unknownlife-history-unknownecology-unknowndistribution-recordsoccurrence-recordsspecimen-recordsmuseum-recordsdatabase-recordsGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaUniversal-Chalcidoidea-DatabaseKey-to-Nearctic-eulophid-generaliteraturesourcesreferencescitationsbibliographyoriginal-descriptiontype-speciestype-localitynomenclaturesystematic-entomologyhymenopterologychalcidologyparasitologybiological-control-researchintegrated-pest-managementIPMagricultural-entomologyforest-entomologymedical-entomologyveterinary-entomologyurban-entomologyconservation-entomologyinsect-ecologycommunity-ecologypopulation-ecologybehavioral-ecologyevolutionary-ecologyphylogeneticsphylogenymolecular-systematicsDNA-barcodingtaxonomy-and-phylogenyclassificationbiodiversity-informaticsbiogeographyhistorical-biogeographyphylogeographydispersalvicariancespeciationdiversificationevolutionadaptationnatural-selectionsexual-selectionlife-history-evolutionhost-parasitoid-interactionscoevolutiontritrophic-interactionsfood-websecosystem-servicesnatural-enemiesbiocontrolaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlconservation-biological-controlinvasive-species-managementpest-managementsustainable-agricultureorganic-farmingagroecologyecosystem-healthenvironmental-monitoringbioindicatorsindicator-speciesclimate-changeglobal-changehabitat-lossfragmentationconservation-statusIUCNred-listnot-evaluatedresearch-needsknowledge-gapsfuture-researchprioritiesspecimen-collectionvoucheringmuseum-collectionsnatural-history-collectionsdigitizationdata-sharingopen-scienceFAIR-principlescitizen-science-contributionscommunity-sciencepublic-engagementscience-communicationeducationoutreachnatural-historyinsect-watchingwasp-watchingnature-observationbiodiversity-appreciationBorboropsis
Borboropsis is a genus of small flies in the family Heleomyzidae, established by Czerny in 1902. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across Europe and East Asia. Species in this genus are part of a family commonly associated with decaying organic matter and shaded, moist habitats.
Caliscelini
Caliscelini is a tribe of small planthoppers within the family Caliscelidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea). Members are distributed across Asia, with documented genera including bamboo-feeding specialists in southwestern China and taxa from montane regions of Vietnam. The tribe has been studied primarily through taxonomic descriptions of new genera and species, with limited biological data available for most representatives.
Campylomma
mullein bugs
Campylomma is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae, tribe Nasocorini) comprising at least 12 recognized species. The genus is best known from detailed studies of C. verbasci, the mullein bug, which exhibits a predator-phytophage feeding strategy and has been investigated for pheromone-based mating disruption in orchard systems. Japanese species have been taxonomically revised, with emphasis on genitalic characters for identification. The genus occurs across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere including North America, Europe, and East Asia.
Capperia
Capperia is a genus of plume moths in the family Pterophoridae, established by Tutt in 1905. Species are small with wingspans ranging from approximately 12.5 to 20.5 mm. The genus is distributed across Europe, extending into parts of Asia including Kazakhstan and Turkey. Members exhibit bivoltine flight periods with adults active in late spring and mid-summer.
Caprella verrucosa
Caprella verrucosa is a marine amphipod species in the family Caprellidae, commonly known as skeleton shrimp. The species was described by Boeck in 1871. It is found in temperate Asian waters, with confirmed records from the South Korean part of the Yellow Sea. Like other caprellids, it exhibits a reduced body plan with elongated pereiopods adapted for clinging to substrates in marine environments.
Carposina fernaldana ottawana
Carposina fernaldana ottawana is a subspecies of moth in the family Carposinidae. The species Carposina fernaldana is known to occur in Asia and has been intercepted at North American ports of entry on imported goods. This subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the species. The species is associated with Rosaceae hosts, particularly apple.
Chabula
Chabula is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Pyraustinae. The genus was established by Moore in 1886 and contains at least two described species: Chabula acamasalis (described by Walker in 1859) and Chabula vedonalis (described by Swinhoe in 1894). These moths belong to the diverse snout moth group, characterized by their elongated labial palps.
Chabula acamasalis
Chabula acamasalis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning South Asia, East Asia, and Australia. The species is characterized by dark brown forewings marked with contrasting white patches. First described by Francis Walker in 1859 from a specimen originally placed in the genus Zebronia.
Cicurina japonica
Cicurina japonica is a spider species in the family Cicurinidae, originally described from Japan. It occurs naturally in Korea and Japan and has been introduced to parts of Europe, including Switzerland and Germany, though some European records are marked as doubtful. The species belongs to a genus that includes several cave-dwelling species, though specific habitat details for C. japonica itself are limited in available sources.
Cissuvorini
Cissuvorini is a tribe of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, established by Duckworth & Eichlin in 1977. Members of this tribe are distributed across Asia and are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance, a trait common to the family. The tribe includes the genus Toleria, among others. A 2020 annotated catalogue documented Asian members with distribution records and available host plant data.
Cnaemidophorus
rose plume moth
Cnaemidophorus is a genus of plume moths in the family Pterophoridae, established by Wallengren in 1862. The genus contains four described species, including the well-known rose plume moth (C. rhododactyla). These moths are characterized by their deeply divided wings, a defining feature of plume moths. The genus has been documented across Europe and parts of Asia.
Coelophora
Coelophora is a genus of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1850, containing approximately 14 described species distributed across Asia, Australia, and surrounding regions. Members of this genus are predominantly aphidophagous predators, with several species studied for their potential as biological control agents in agricultural systems. The genus exhibits notable colour pattern polymorphism, particularly in Coelophora inaequalis, where multiple elytral pattern morphs are controlled by alleles showing mosaic dominance. Some species have been transferred to other genera upon taxonomic revision, such as Coelophora circumusta moved to Phrynocaria.
Contacyphon padi
Contacyphon padi is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae. It has been recorded across Europe and Northern Asia, excluding China, with additional observations in North America including Canada and the United States. The species is part of a genus of small beetles associated with moist habitats.
Cydalima
Cydalima is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus contains approximately nine described species, with Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth) being the most economically and ecologically significant due to its invasive status in Europe and North America. Most species in the genus are native to Asia, with limited documented information available for the majority of species beyond taxonomic descriptions.
Cyrtepistomus
oriental broad-nosed weevils
Cyrtepistomus is a genus of oriental broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing at least 20 described species. The genus is native to Asia, with some species introduced to North America. One well-documented species, Cyrtepistomus castaneus, is known as the Asiatic oak weevil and has established populations feeding on oak trees in North American forests.
Cyrtepistomus castaneus
Asiatic oak weevil, Asian oak weevil
Cyrtepistomus castaneus, commonly known as the Asiatic oak weevil, is an invasive broad-nosed weevil native to Asia that was first detected in North America in 1933. Adults are folivores that feed on oak (Quercus) and red maple (Acer rubrum) leaves, while larvae develop in soil feeding on root hairs. The species has established widespread populations across eastern and central North America.
Desmiphorini
Desmiphorini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Lamiinae, distributed across the New World and Asia. Members are characterized by distinctive tufts or fascicles of erect hairs (pencils) on the body, often functioning in crypsis against bark or foliage. The tribe includes genera such as Desmiphora, Graphidessa, Miccolamia, and Ceiupaba, with species ranging from minute (Miccolamia minuta, considered the smallest cerambycid in China) to larger forms. Many species exhibit cryptic coloration matching their host substrates, with some showing potential caterpillar mimicry.
Diestrammena
Asian camel cricket, cave cricket, greenhouse camel cricket
Diestrammena is a genus of camel crickets (family Rhaphidophoridae) native to Asia, including Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Several species have become invasive in North America, particularly in residential basements, garages, and caves. These wingless crickets are characterized by their humpbacked appearance, extraordinarily long antennae, and powerful jumping legs. Research has shown that Asian camel crickets now dominate indoor environments in many parts of the eastern United States, having largely displaced native camel cricket species.
camel-cricketcave-cricketinvasive-speciesbasement-pestAsiaNorth-Americacave-ecosystemscavengerwinglessautotomygut-microbiomekeystone-speciesDiestrammena-japanicaDiestrammena-asynamoraTachycines-asynamorusRhaphidophoridaeOrthopteranocturnalthigmotaxisurban-ecologycave-adaptationmorphological-plasticitycompetitive-displacementgreenhouse-pestfish-baitDinumma
Dinumma is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed across South and Southeast Asia, with one species introduced to North America. Adults exhibit characteristic wing venation and palp structure typical of the subfamily Calpinae. Larvae of at least one species demonstrate unusual aquatic locomotion behavior.
Diplous
Diplous is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, tribe Patrobini. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed primarily in boreal North America and Asia. North American Diplous species form a monophyletic group based on morphological and molecular evidence. These beetles are associated with riparian habitats in northern forested regions.
Dolichopus plumipes
Dolichopus plumipes is a long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by modified male mid tibiae bearing a longitudinal narrow dark streak. The species belongs to the D. plumipes species group, which comprises eleven Palaearctic species distinguished by modified male mid tibiae and/or mid basitarsi. It is a predatory fly active in sunny habitats.
Dracunesia parapolita
Dracunesia parapolita is a species of moth in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae. It belongs to a genus of small, relatively obscure geometrid moths found in certain regions of Asia. The species was described based on morphological characteristics distinguishing it from related taxa within the genus Dracunesia.
Elgiva solicita
Elgiva solicita is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, distributed across the Palearctic region from Western Europe to Eastern Asia. Adults are medium-sized flies, 6.5–8 mm in length, with distinctive reddish coloration and characteristic markings on the head and abdomen. The species is known from a broad geographic range including most of Europe, North Africa, and extending into Russia and the Eastern Palearctic.
Erastria
Erastria is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Jacob Hübner in 1813. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. Adults are characterized by distinctive morphological features including upturned palpi, minutely ciliated antennae in males, and abdominal dorsal tufts. Larvae possess four pairs of abdominal prolegs, consistent with the family Geometridae.
Eriotremex formosanus
Asian Horntail
Eriotremex formosanus is an Asian horntail wasp (family Siricidae) native to Asia that has been introduced and established in the southeastern United States. Unlike most siricid wasps, which specialize on conifers, this species exhibits unusually broad host associations, utilizing both coniferous and hardwood tree species. Females possess a long ovipositor for drilling into wood and deposit eggs along with fungal symbionts (Amylostereum areolatum) that larvae feed upon during development. The species targets stressed, dying, or recently dead trees rather than healthy timber.
Eubelidae
Eubelid Pill Woodlice
Eubelidae is a family of woodlice (terrestrial isopods) comprising approximately 50 genera. Members are primarily associated with tropical forest habitats, with the highest diversity concentrated in African tropical forests. The family extends to parts of South-East Asia and the Arabian Peninsula, reflecting a disjunct tropical distribution pattern.
Glyphodes pyloalis
lesser mulberry snout moth, lesser mulberry pyralid, beautiful glyphodes moth, mulberry pyralid
Glyphodes pyloalis is a small crambid moth native to Asia that has expanded its range to North America, Africa, and Central Asia. It is a specialist pest of mulberry (Morus spp.), with larvae feeding on leaves and causing significant economic damage to sericulture and mulberry cultivation. The species has shown notable range expansion in recent decades, facilitated by climate warming and wind dispersal. Population dynamics are strongly influenced by temperature extremes, with cold winters causing mass mortality of overwintering larvae.
Gosibius
Gosibius is a genus of lithobiomorph centipedes in the family Lithobiidae, established by Chamberlin in 1912. Members of this genus are epigean (surface-dwelling) stone centipedes found primarily in eastern Asia. Like other lithobiids, they possess 15 pairs of legs as adults and are fast-moving predators of small invertebrates. The genus contains multiple described species, though comprehensive taxonomic revision remains incomplete.
Greenideinae
Greenideinae is a subfamily of aphids (Aphididae) comprising approximately 179 extant species across 18 genera in three tribes: Cervaphidini, Greenideini, and Schoutedeniini. Species are primarily distributed in eastern and southern Asia, with many exhibiting specialized associations with woody host plants, particularly in Fagaceae. The subfamily has been extensively studied for its complex symbiotic relationships with microbial associates, including the primary endosymbiont *Buchnera aphidicola* and diverse secondary symbionts.
Habrophlebiodes
Habrophlebiodes is a genus of mayflies in the family Leptophlebiidae, established by Ulmer in 1920. The genus contains species distributed across Asia and the Americas, with at least four Asian species documented. Asian species include three endemics to China (H. gilliesi, H. tenella, H. zijinensis) plus H. prominens. The genus is divided into two distinct clades with morphological differences separating Asian and American species.
Halticus
fleahoppers, jumping plant bugs
Halticus is a genus of fleahoppers in the family Miridae, containing at least 20 described species. Members are commonly known as jumping plant bugs due to their characteristic leaping behavior. Some species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of cotton and sweet potato, while at least one species has been identified as a putative vector of phytoplasma plant pathogens.
Harpalus amputatus
Harpalus amputatus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, described by Thomas Say in 1830. It belongs to the subfamily Harpalinae and is one of numerous species in the large genus Harpalus. The species exhibits a transcontinental distribution spanning northern Asia and North America, with recognized subspecies in Russia, China, Mongolia, and North America. Like other Harpalus species, it is a ground-dwelling beetle typically found in open, dry habitats where it hunts small invertebrates and scavenges opportunistically.
Heleomyza serrata
Heleomyza serrata is a small fly in the family Heleomyzidae, measuring 3–7 mm in body length. The species is distinguished by specific chaetotaxy: setae present on the propleura, multiple pairs of setae on the prothorax, and at most one hair on the mesopleura. Males possess distinctive genitalia with rudimentary aedeagus, unexpanded epandrium base, and surstyles that are much longer than the epandrium and evenly curved throughout their length.
Hendecaneura
Hendecaneura is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Walsingham in 1900. The genus contains seven described species distributed primarily in Asia and North America. At least one species, H. shawiana, is a documented agricultural pest of blueberry. Most species were described by Walsingham in 1900 from material collected in Asia.
Hesperentomon
Hesperentomon is a genus of minute, soil-dwelling proturans established by Price in 1960. The genus comprises at least 14 described species distributed primarily across Asia, including China, Japan, and Central Asian regions. As members of the family Hesperentomidae, these hexapods lack eyes and antennae, and possess unique abdominal appendages characteristic of the class Protura. Most species have been described since the 1980s, reflecting ongoing taxonomic work on this understudied group.