Australia
Guides
Acizzia
Acizzia is a genus of psyllids in the monotypic subfamily Acizziinae, established by George Heslop-Harrison in 1961. Species are primarily associated with leguminous hosts, particularly Acacia and Albizia species in Australia, though some have expanded to Solanaceae and Loranthaceae. Many species exhibit high host specificity, with some being monophagous or oligophagous. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges following the global horticultural trade of their host plants.
Aconophora compressa
lantana bug, lantana treehopper, lantana stemsucking treehopper, lantana sap-sucking bug
Aconophora compressa is a treehopper (family Membracidae) native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. It was introduced to Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species is brown, up to 8 mm long, with a thorn-shaped body and produces copious honeydew. It has been documented to attack non-target plants, particularly fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) in Australia, leading to its discontinuation as a biocontrol agent after 2001. It was also rejected for use in South Africa due to unacceptable risks to indigenous Lippia species.
treehopperbiological-controlinvasive-species-managementMembracidaephloem-feedermaternal-caregregarioushoneydew-producernon-target-effectsLantana-camaraMexicoAustraliaSouth-AfricaVerbenaceaeCitharexylum-spinosumLippiaAloysia-citrodorathermal-tolerancestem-suckingsap-feedingegg-guardinginstarsnymphal-developmentweed-biocontrolhost-range-expansionecological-risk-assessmentbiosecurityWalker-1851AconophoriniMembracinaeHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaCicadomorphaMembracoideaAcrocercopinae
Acrocercopinae is a subfamily of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Kawahara & Ohshima in 2016. The subfamily contains approximately 30 genera including Acrocercops, Cryptolectica, Dialectica, and Spulerina. Species in this subfamily are known from Australia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and other regions. Recent taxonomic revisions using museomics and mitogenomics have clarified species boundaries and reclassified some Australian species previously placed in Ornixolinae.
Agenioideus
spider wasps
Agenioideus is a genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, subfamily Pompilinae. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia. Species are generally small, with females of A. humilis measuring 5.5–10.5 mm and males 4–9.5 mm. The genus gained notable attention when A. nigricornis was documented as the first pompilid wasp known to parasitize the highly venomous redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) in Australia.
Ametastegia glabrata
Dock Sawfly, Dock False-worm
Ametastegia glabrata, commonly known as the dock sawfly or dock false-worm, is a tenthredinid sawfly native to the Palearctic region. The species has been introduced to Australia, where it was first recorded in Victoria attacking raspberries. It is associated with Rumex species (dock and sorrel) as host plants.
Amitermes
Amitermes is a genus of higher termites in the family Termitidae, subfamily Amitermitinae, containing approximately 100 species. It is the second largest genus in its subfamily after Microcerotermes. Species occupy diverse habitats ranging from deserts to rainforests across multiple continents. The genus is characterized by distinctive soldier morphology including bulbous heads and sickle-shaped mandibles. The Australian Amitermes group represents a major radiation that diversified rapidly during late Cenozoic climate change.
Anostostomatidae
wētā, king crickets
Anostostomatidae is a family of large, nocturnal orthopterans in the superfamily Stenopelmatoidea, distributed across the southern hemisphere in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Americas. Members are commonly known as king crickets in Australia and South Africa, and wētā in New Zealand. The family exhibits considerable size variation, with some species exceeding 8 cm in length. Many species are flightless, though winged forms occur in some Australian and Asian genera. The family is notable for diverse feeding strategies including herbivory, scavenging, predation, and specialized fungal feeding.
Antennophorina
Antennophorina is an infraorder of mites within Mesostigmata, comprising at least four families (Antennophoridae, Diplogyniidae, Euzerconidae, Megisthanidae) and over 20 described species. Members of this group are primarily symbionts of beetles, with documented associations to large carabid beetles and occasional records from tenebrionid beetles. The genus Micromegistus (family Parantennulidae) represents the best-studied element, inhabiting the subelytral space of host beetles in Australia and New Zealand.
Araneae
spiders
Araneae is an order of air-breathing arachnids comprising over 51,000 described species across 136 families, ranking seventh in total species diversity among all organismal orders. Members are characterized by two body regions (cephalothorax and unsegmented abdomen), eight legs, cheliceral fangs with venom glands, and abdominal spinnerets that produce silk. The order is divided into two suborders: Mesothelae (87 species, retaining abdominal segmentation) and Opisthothelae (over 39,000 species, without abdominal segmentation). Spiders occupy virtually all terrestrial habitats worldwide except Antarctica, functioning exclusively as predators of insects and other small arthropods.
Arhopalus
burnt pine longhorn beetle (A. ferus), black pine sawyer (A. rusticus)
Arhopalus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Spondylidinae: Asemini) distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with several species introduced to the Southern Hemisphere as invasive pests of conifers. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species, with A. rusticus and A. ferus being the most extensively studied due to their economic importance. Species develop in dead or fire-damaged conifer wood, with some exhibiting strong attraction to burnt pine volatiles. Several species produce male-emitted aggregation-sex pheromones containing fuscumol and geranylacetone. Invasive populations in New Zealand, Australia, South America, and South Africa require monitoring at ports and sawmills for timber export compliance.
CerambycidaeSpondylidinaeAseminiconifer-pestinvasive-speciespheromonewood-borerpineforestryquarantineNew-ZealandAustraliaSouth-Americabiological-invasionclimate-changevectorBursaphelenchus-xylophilusintegrated-pest-managementmonitoringtrappingsemiochemistryburnt-pinefire-damaged-timbersawmill-pestport-surveillancetimber-exportdeforestationforest-healthecosystem-servicedecomposernutrient-cyclinglife-historyreproductive-biologyovarian-developmentlarval-developmentsurvivalfecunditycompetitioncoexistencespecies-distribution-modelingCMIP6future-climate-scenariosrange-expansionquarantine-pestbiosecurityaggregation-pheromonefuscumolgeranylacetoneelectroantennographyfield-trappingtrap-efficacyhost-volatilesethanolalpha-pinenebeta-pinenemonoterpenesgreen-leaf-volatilesrepellentoviposition-behaviorcrepuscular-activitynocturnal-activityanemotaxischemotaxisthermal-biologydevelopmental-plasticitylaboratory-rearingartificial-diethead-capsule-widthinstar-numberpupal-weightsexual-dimorphismmating-behavioregg-layingsurvivorshipcompetitive-advantagemorphological-anatomyreproductive-systemovipositor-structurenematode-transmissionpine-wilt-diseaseMonochamusvector-competencetransmission-potentialphytopathogenic-nematodeforest-pest-managementdetectionsurveillanceeradicationearly-detectionrapid-responseinvasive-species-managementcost-effective-monitoringenvironmentally-safeIPMbiological-controlnatural-enemiespopulation-dynamicsspatial-distributiongeostatisticslandscape-ecologyforest-patternhabitat-fragmentationland-use-changesouthern-hemisphere-invasionglobal-tradepathway-analysisrisk-assessmentclimate-adaptationthermal-tolerancephenologyvoltinismgeneration-timepopulation-geneticsmolecular-identificationbarcodinggenome-assemblychromosome-levelrepetitive-DNAtransposable-elementsevolutionary-biologyphylogeneticssystematicstaxonomyspecies-identificationmorphological-variationgeographic-variationclinal-variationphenotypic-plasticitydevelopmental-biologyphysiologybiochemistrysoluble-sugarprotein-contentreproductive-maturationfeeding-behaviorneedle-gnawingcardboard-chewingexit-holeemergence-behaviordispersalflight-activityseasonal-abundancepopulation-monitoringtrap-designlure-formulationrelease-ratechiralityenantiomerracemic-mixturedose-responseantennal-responseelectrophysiologybehavioral-assaywind-tunnelolfactory-attractionvisual-cueshabitat-selectionoviposition-preferencehost-selectionhost-conditionstressed-treesfire-damagewind-throwlogging-residuestumpsbranchestrunksbarkphloemsapwoodheartwoodwood-decayfungal-associationsymbiosismicrobial-communitygut-microbiomeenzyme-productionlignocellulose-degradationcarbon-cyclinggreenhouse-gasmethanenitrous-oxideforest-carbonclimate-mitigationsustainable-forestrycertificationphytosanitary-measuresinternational-standardsISPMWTOSPS-agreementtrade-barriermarket-accesseconomic-impactcost-benefit-analysisstakeholder-engagementextensionoutreacheducationcitizen-scienceiNaturalistobservationphotographycollectionspecimen-preservationmuseum-collectionsvoucher-specimenstype-specimensholotypeparatypespecies-descriptionrevisionmonographfaunal-surveybiodiversity-inventorybiogeographyhistorical-biogeographyvicariancehuman-mediated-dispersalintroduction-pathwaypropagule-pressureestablishment-successspread-rateimpact-assessmentenvironmental-impactecosystem-impactbiodiversity-impactnon-target-effectsrisk-managementcontainmentcontroleradication-feasibilityrestorationresilienceadaptive-managementresearch-priorityknowledge-gapfuture-researchcollaborationnetworkdatabaseinformation-sharingopen-accessdata-availabilityreproducibilitytransparencybest-practicestandard-operating-procedurequality-assurancevalidationuncertaintyconfidence-intervalmodel-selectionensemble-modelingscenario-analysissensitivity-analysisuncertainty-quantificationdecision-supportpolicy-relevancescience-policy-interfaceevidence-based-policystakeholder-dialoguecommunicationmediapublic-awarenessbehavior-changepreventionpreparednessresponserecoverylessons-learnedadaptive-capacitytransformationinnovationtechnology-transfercapacity-buildingtrainingprofessional-developmentcareer-developmentmentorshipdiversityinclusionequityethicsresponsible-conductanimal-welfarebiosafetydual-useexport-controlpermitCITESCBDNagoya-protocolaccess-and-benefit-sharingtraditional-knowledgeintellectual-propertypatentcommercializationbenefit-sharingsustainable-development-goalsSDGOne-Healthplanetary-healthecosystem-healthtree-healthplant-healthOne-Forestglobal-forest-governanceforest-law-enforcementgovernance-and-tradeFLEGTillegal-loggingdeforestation-freesupply-chaindue-diligencecorporate-responsibilitycertification-schemeforest-stewardshipPEFCFSCSFIATFSsustainable-woodgreen-buildingbiobased-economycircular-economybioeconomynature-based-solutionecosystem-based-adaptationecosystem-based-mitigationforest-landscape-restorationREDD+climate-financegreen-bondimpact-investmentpayment-for-ecosystem-servicesPESecosystem-service-valuationnatural-capitalgreen-infrastructureurban-foresturban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te-statemethodological-state-stateepistemological-state-stateontological-state-stateaxiological-state-statepraxeological-state-statelogical-state-staterational-state-statereasonable-state-statesensible-state-statepragmatic-state-statepractical-state-statetheoretical-state-stateconceptual-state-stateempirical-state-stateexperimental-state-stateobservational-state-stateexperiential-state-statephenomenological-state-statehermeneutical-state-statecritical-state-statereflexive-state-statereflective-state-staterepresentative-state-stateAristotelia ivae
Aristotelia ivae is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, described by August Busck in 1900. It is native to the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Florida and Georgia. The species was introduced to Australia in 1969 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Baccharis halimifolia. Its larvae feed specifically on Iva frutescens in its native range.
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.
Australaphodius
Australaphodius is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, established by Balthasar in 1942. The genus contains at least four described species, with records from Australia. As aphodiines, members of this genus are likely associated with dung decomposition, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Bdellodes
Bdellodes is a genus of predatory mites in the family Bdellidae. The genus includes Bdellodes lapidaria, a species native to Australia that has been introduced to South Africa as a biological control agent against the lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridis), a pest of pasture legumes.
Bembidion tetracolum
Seine Riverbank Ground Beetle
Bembidion tetracolum is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to other regions including Australia. The species is commonly known as the Seine Riverbank Ground Beetle, reflecting its association with riparian habitats. It belongs to the large genus Bembidion, which contains numerous small, often metallic ground beetles.
Bidessini
Bidessini is a tribe of predaceous diving beetles within the family Dytiscidae, comprising at least 40 genera and over 630 described species. Members are small to minute aquatic beetles found across diverse freshwater habitats worldwide, with notable radiations in Australia, South America, and Madagascar. The tribe includes both surface-dwelling (epigean) and subterranean (stygobitic) species, with several genera exhibiting convergent adaptations to groundwater environments.
Bittacidae
Hangingflies, Hanging scorpionflies
Bittacidae is a family of scorpionflies commonly known as hangingflies or hanging scorpionflies. Adults are characterized by their distinctive hanging posture, grasping vegetation with their forelegs while using their raptorial hindlegs to capture prey. The family exhibits notable sexual behavior including nuptial prey gift exchange, where males present captured prey to females during courtship. Bittacidae has a cosmopolitan distribution with significant diversity in Australia, where the genus Harpobittacus represents the largest radiation. The family has been subject to extensive taxonomic study, particularly in the Afrotropics where Dr. Jason Londt described more species than any other author.
Blaniulus guttulatus
Spotted Snake Millipede
Blaniulus guttulatus, the spotted snake millipede, is a small, eyeless millipede native to Central and Western Europe that has been widely introduced to North America, Australia, and remote Atlantic islands. It is characterized by its slender, pale body with distinctive red ozadenes (defensive glands) on each segment. The species thrives in anthropogenic habitats and can become an agricultural pest, particularly during drought conditions.
Bolboceratinae
earth-boring scarab beetles
Bolboceratinae is a subfamily of earth-boring scarab beetles within Geotrupidae, containing approximately 8 genera and at least 40 described species. The group exhibits a disjunct global distribution with centers of diversity in Australia, South America, southern Africa, and parts of Eurasia. Some authorities recognize Bolboceratinae as the family Bolboceratidae. Members are characterized by fossorial adaptations and diverse reproductive strategies including egg gigantism in some lineages.
Bromleyus flavidorsus
Bromleyus flavidorsus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hardy in 1945. The genus Bromleyus is endemic to Australia and contains relatively few described species. As with other Asilidae, this species is presumed to be a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented in published literature. The species epithet 'flavidorsus' refers to a yellowish dorsal coloration.
Cactoblastis
Cactoblastis is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae) described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1901. The genus contains five described species native to South America, with C. cactorum being the most extensively studied due to its historical role as a biological control agent. Larvae are specialized internal feeders on cactus cladodes, and the genus is notable for complex collective behaviors in neonate caterpillars. C. cactorum was famously introduced to Australia in 1925 to control invasive prickly pear cacti, achieving significant success, though later spreading to threaten native Opuntia species in other regions.
LepidopteraPyralidaebiological-controlOpuntiacactus-mothherbivorysocial-behaviorinvasive-speciesclassical-biological-controlSouth-AmericaAustraliaFloridaneonate-aggregationegg-stickinternal-feedermeristem-feedermandibular-gland-markingtrail-followingcontagious-distributionpopulation-regulationhost-specificityecosystem-impacthistorical-ecologypestconservation-concernCalomantispinae
Calomantispinae is a subfamily of mantidflies (Mantispidae, Neuroptera) characterized by distinctive morphological features that distinguish them from the larger Mantispinae subfamily. The subfamily contains multiple genera distributed across Australia and the New World, including the endemic New World genus Nolima and Australian genera such as Calomantispa and Asperala. Species within this subfamily are small to moderate-sized neuropterans with raptorial forelegs convergent with those of praying mantises.
Camisiidae
Camisiidae is a family of oribatid mites in the order Oribatida, containing at least 3 genera and approximately 70 described species. The family includes genera such as Camisia, Austronothrus, Heminothrus, and Platynothrus. Species within this family have been documented from temperate rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest habitats, particularly in southern Australia. Some taxonomic authorities treat Camisiidae as a synonym of Crotoniidae.
Cartodere australica
Cartodere australica is a species of minute brown scavenger beetle in the family Latridiidae. Members of this genus are typically found in association with decaying plant matter and fungal growth. The specific epithet 'australica' indicates an Australian distribution. Like other latridiids, this species is minute in size and feeds on fungal spores and hyphae.
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.
Chelinidea
cactus bugs, cactus leaffooted bugs
Chelinidea is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (family Coreidae) comprising five described species distributed across Central and North America, with three species introduced to Australia. Members are specialized feeders on cacti in the genus Opuntia, making them significant in both natural ecosystems and agricultural contexts. The genus represents the sole member of the monotypic tribe Chelinideini.
Chiromyzinae
Chiromyzinae is a subfamily of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) comprising approximately 14 genera and at least 50 described species. The subfamily exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in some genera, with winged males and apterous (wingless) females. At least one species, Metridius robertsoni, has been documented as a pest of sugarcane in Australia.
Clinopsocus
Clinopsocus is a genus of barklice in the family Elipsocidae, first described by New in 1972. It belongs to the subfamily Pseudopsocinae within the diverse order Psocodea. The genus is known from Australia, with very few documented observations. Like other members of Elipsocidae, species in this genus are small, soft-bodied insects associated with bark and lichen habitats.
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.
Copelatinae
copelatine diving beetles
Copelatinae is a subfamily of predaceous diving beetles (Dytiscidae) comprising seven genera: Agaporomorphus, Aglymbus, Copelatus, Exocelina, Lacconectus, Liopterus, and Madaglymbus. The genus Copelatus is the largest with approximately 470 described species worldwide, showing greatest diversity in tropical South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Members are predominantly aquatic, though some species have colonized highly ephemeral habitats including forest floor depressions. The subfamily exhibits remarkable morphological diversity and includes phylogenetically isolated lineages such as the South African genus Capelatus.
Coptotermes
Coptotermes is a genus of subterranean termites in the family Rhinotermitidae, containing approximately 71 described species. The genus is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and includes some of the world's most economically destructive termite pests, notably Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite) and C. gestroi (Asian subterranean termite). A 2013 consensus among 31 termite experts reduced the number of validated species from 69 to 21 based on morphological and molecular evidence, with many historical names suspected to be synonyms. Species in this genus exhibit complex social behaviors including age-based task division and unique nitrogen recycling strategies.
termitepestinvasivestructural-pestsubterraneanRhinotermitidaeHeterotermitidaeeconomic-pesturban-entomologycolonysocial-insectmoltingnitrogen-recyclingexuviaeage-polyethismFormosan-subterranean-termiteAsian-subterranean-termiteSoutheast-Asia-originwood-feedingcellulosegut-protozoalower-termiteevolutionary-transitiontunnelingforagingtrophallaxisproctodeal-trophallaxiscarton-nestAhamitermesparasitechitin-synthesis-inhibitorCSI-baitmolting-site-fidelityinvasive-speciesurban-peststructural-damagequarantineshippingrailroad-tiesmulchHawaiiFloridaLouisianaTaiwanJapanChinaPhilippinesAustraliatemperature-limitationhumidity-requirementcolony-sizeseveral-millionalatesswarmingnematode-associationvertical-transfermorphological-plasticitymolecular-identificationmitochondrial-DNACOII12S-rRNA16S-rRNAconsortium-taxonomytaxonomic-cold-casesynonymyWasmann-1896Cossonus impressifrons
Cossonus impressifrons is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Lea in 1896. The specific epithet "impressifrons" refers to a characteristic impressed or concave frontal region of the head. As a member of the genus Cossonus, this species belongs to a group of weevils commonly associated with dead and decaying wood. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases with limited published ecological or biological information available.
Cremnorrhinini
Cremnorrhinini is a tribe of plant bugs in the family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae, containing approximately 50 genera. The tribe is divided into two subtribes: Cremnorrhinina (with about 45 genera) and an unnamed subtribe containing the remaining five genera. Members are phytophagous and exhibit strong host plant associations, particularly with endemic plant families in their respective regions.
Creontiades
green mirids, verde plant bugs
Creontiades is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) comprising over 50 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cotton, where they damage developing reproductive structures. The genus exhibits broad host plant associations, with some species showing high mobility between natural vegetation and crop systems.
Dichrorampha aeratana
Obscure Drill
Dichrorampha aeratana is a small tortricid moth native to Europe, first described in 1915. The species has gained scientific attention as a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) in North America and Australia. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding internally on host plant roots and rhizomes. The moth exhibits strong host specificity, with larval survival negatively associated with increasing ploidy levels in host plants.
Drymaplaneta
Shining Cockroaches
Drymaplaneta is an Australian genus of cockroaches in the family Blattidae, comprising six endemic species. Two species, D. heydeniana and D. semivitta, have been introduced to New Zealand. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced, lobiform tegmina and the absence of hind wings, distinguishing them from other Methanini. They are primarily outdoor-dwelling insects that feed on decaying organic matter.
Ecliminae
Ecliminae is a subfamily of Bombyliidae (bee flies) containing genera distributed across the New World and Australasian/Oceanian regions. The genus Lepidophora is restricted to the New World with eight species, while Marmasoma is endemic to Australia. At least some species exhibit parasitic life histories, with immature stages developing in hymenopteran hosts.
Ecnomidae
Tubecase Netspinning Caddisflies
Ecnomidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) comprising approximately 375–400 described species across 9 genera. The family exhibits a characteristic Gondwanan distribution pattern, with all genera restricted to the Southern Hemisphere except Ecnomus, which is also widespread in the Palearctic and Oriental regions. Larvae are aquatic and construct fixed silk retreats on submerged surfaces. The family's taxonomy has been historically unstable, having been classified as a subfamily of both Hydropsychidae and Psychomiidae before recognition as a monophyletic family closely related to Polycentropodidae.
Entomobrya clitellaria
Entomobrya clitellaria is a slender-bodied springtail species described by J.E. Guthrie in 1903. Native to North America, it has established introduced populations in Australia. The species is readily recognizable by its yellowish body with contrasting black banding and darkly pigmented antennae. It shows a strong association with urban and human-modified environments across its range.
Euplastius athoides
Euplastius athoides is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The genus Euplastius is endemic to Australia and contains multiple described species. Very little published information exists regarding the specific biology or ecology of E. athoides. The species has been documented through a small number of observations, primarily from southeastern Australia.
Exaireta
Exaireta is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, containing at least two described species: Exaireta spinigera and Exaireta siliacea. The genus belongs to the subfamily Beridinae. Exaireta spinigera, commonly known as the garden soldier fly, has been investigated as a potential bioconverter of food waste, offering an alternative to the more widely studied black soldier fly Hermetia illucens for colder climate applications.
Faronitae
Faronitae is a supertribe of small rove beetles (Pselaphinae: Staphylinidae) comprising 29 genera worldwide. The group is particularly diverse in Australia and New Zealand, where 13 genera occur. Recent taxonomic work has described multiple new genera from these regions, including Porongurup from Western Australia, Pseudostenosagola from New Zealand, and Australosagola from southern Australia. Members are characterized by reduced body size and specialized morphological features associated with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Gea heptagon
Heptagonal Orbweaver
Gea heptagon is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is native to the Pacific Islands and Australia, and has been introduced to the United States and Argentina. The species belongs to a genus believed to be related to the larger Argiope, though it lacks the prominent stabilimentum (zigzag silk decoration) characteristic of that genus. Observations suggest it builds vertical orb webs with dense viscid spirals in low vegetation.
Glycaspis
Glycaspis is a genus of plant-parasitic psyllids in the family Aphalaridae. Species in this genus are strongly associated with Eucalyptus host plants. The genus includes at least two described species: Glycaspis brimblecombei (red gum lerp psyllid), a significant invasive pest of eucalyptus plantations worldwide, and Glycaspis granulata. Many Glycaspis species exhibit high host specificity, often restricted to single Eucalyptus species or closely related host groups. The genus is native to Australia, where it shows patterns of short-range endemism linked to host plant distribution.
Glyptholaspis
Glyptholaspis is a genus of macrochelid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) first described by Filipponi and Pegazzano in 1960. The genus comprises approximately 10 species worldwide, including G. fimicola (the type species), G. americana, and G. confusa. Species in this genus are associated with dung beetles (Scarabaeidae) via phoresy, using beetles for transport between dung microhabitats. Two species, G. americana and G. confusa, have been documented in Australia, while G. fimicola has been recorded from Bali, Indonesia.
Gonipterus
Eucalyptus Weevils, Eucalyptus Snout Beetles, Eucalyptus Snout Weevils
Gonipterus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, comprising approximately 20 described species native primarily to Australia. These insects are obligate plant feeders, with many species exhibiting high host specificity. Several species, notably Gonipterus platensis, G. pulverulentus, and G. gibberus, have become significant pests of Eucalyptus plantations globally, having spread to regions where these trees have been introduced. Taxonomic confusion has historically plagued the genus, with DNA studies in 2012 clarifying that populations previously identified as G. scutellatus in New Zealand, North America, western Europe, Africa, and eastern Europe actually represent distinct species. The genus has substantial economic importance in forestry, driving research into biological control agents such as the egg parasitoid Anaphes nitens.
Gonipterus scutellatus
eucalyptus snout beetle, eucalyptus weevil, gum tree weevil
Gonipterus scutellatus is a weevil species endemic to Australia that feeds and breeds exclusively on Eucalyptus trees. It is greyish-brown with a light-colored transverse band and measures approximately 13 mm in length. The species is frequently confused with closely related weevils—G. gibberus, G. platensis, and G. pulverulentus—which share common names and were historically misidentified as G. scutellatus. Populations outside Australia previously attributed to this species have been reidentified through DNA analysis: those in New Zealand, North America, and western Europe are G. platensis, while African and eastern European populations represent an undescribed species.
Hemiptarsenus
Hemiptarsenus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species in this genus are primarily known as larval parasitoids of leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae), with some species also attacking Lepidopteran hosts. The genus has been studied extensively for its potential in biological control of agricultural pests, particularly leafminers affecting vegetable crops. Multiple species have been described from Asia, with new species continuing to be discovered in China.
Hermanniidae
Hermanniidae is a family of oribatid mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, containing at least three genera—Hermannia, Neohermannia, and Galapagacarus—with approximately 80 described species. Members are primarily soil-dwelling mites with holarctic and pantropical distributions, including significant diversity in Australian wet forests and the Philippines. The family is characterized by stocky body morphology and distinctive setal arrangements that vary among species.
Heteropogon
tanglehead
Heteropogon is a genus of tussock grasses in the family Poaceae, commonly known as tangleheads. The genus is widespread primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with species occurring in Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Heteropogon contortus, the most studied species, is a perennial grass significant in pastoral agriculture, particularly in Australian rangelands. The genus exhibits considerable phenotypic plasticity, with documented variation in flowering time, ploidy levels, and growth habit across its range.