Azores
Guides
Acalypta parvula
moss lacebug
Acalypta parvula is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae, commonly known as the moss lacebug. It is a small true bug with a widespread distribution spanning Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species was originally described as Tingis parvula by Fallén in 1807. Records from the Azores (Faial, Flores, Pico, São Miguel, Terceira) indicate established populations on Atlantic islands.
Aglenus brunneus
Aglenus brunneus is a small beetle in the family Salpingidae, originally described by Gyllenhal in 1813 as Hypophloeus brunneus. It belongs to the order Coleoptera and is distributed in the Azores, with confirmed presence on Faial Island. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited ecological and biological information available.
Anommatus duodecimstriatus
Anommatus duodecimstriatus is a small beetle species in the family Teredidae (formerly placed in Bothrideridae), distributed across the Palearctic region with confirmed records from the Azores. The species has been used as a comparative taxon in identification keys for congeneric species.
Aphis farinosa
Small Willow Aphid
Aphis farinosa is a species of aphid commonly known as the Small Willow Aphid. It is a member of the family Aphididae and is associated with willow host plants. The species has been documented in parts of Europe, including Belgium and the Azores islands of Portugal.
Aphis hederae
Aphis hederae is an aphid species first described by Kaltenbach in 1843. It is currently listed as an accepted species in major taxonomic databases, though some sources note it as an ambiguous synonym. The species is recorded from the Azores archipelago (Faial, Flores, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Santa Maria islands). As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares the family's characteristic sap-feeding biology on host plants.
Aphis urticata
dark green nettle aphid
Aphis urticata, commonly known as the dark green nettle aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is associated with nettle plants (Urtica species), as suggested by its specific epithet. The species has been recorded in parts of Europe including Belgium and the Azores (São Miguel). Like other aphids, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap.
Atrichopogon minutus
Atrichopogon minutus is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1830. Originally placed in the genus Ceratopogon, it was later transferred to Atrichopogon. The species belongs to the subfamily Forcipomyiinae, a group whose members are often associated with various ecological roles including pollination and parasitism. Records indicate presence in European and Atlantic island localities including the Azores.
Cathormiocerus curvipes
Cathormiocerus curvipes is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. It was described by Thomas Vernon Wollaston in 1854. The species is endemic to the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic, with records from multiple islands including São Miguel, Faial, Flores, São Jorge, and Corvo. As a member of the Trachyphloeini tribe, it belongs to a group of flightless weevils often associated with soil-dwelling habits and cryptic lifestyles.
Ceratophysella gibbosa
Ceratophysella gibbosa is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae. It was originally described as Achorutes gibbosus by Bagnall in 1940. The species has been recorded from the Azores archipelago (Faial, São Miguel, Santa Maria) and Antarctic & Subantarctic regions, as well as the Caribbean mainland. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Copromyza equina
Copromyza equina is a small dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, commonly known as lesser dung flies. The species was described by Fallén in 1820 and has been recorded from several islands in the Azores archipelago. Sphaeroceridae are among the most species-rich families of Diptera, with members typically associated with decaying organic matter.
Coproporus pulchellus
Coproporus pulchellus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described by Erichson in 1839 under the basionym Tachinus pulchellus. It belongs to the subfamily Tachyporinae and tribe Vatesini. The species has been recorded from several islands in the Azores archipelago (Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge).
Corticaria elongata
minute brown scavenger beetle
Corticaria elongata is a minute brown scavenger beetle in the family Latridiidae, first described by Gyllenhal in 1827. This species belongs to a group of small beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal growth. The species has been documented in European localities including the Azores (Graciosa, São Miguel, Terceira), Montenegro, and Serbia.
Corticaria serrata
Serrated Minute Scavenger Beetle
Corticaria serrata is a species of minute brown scavenger beetle in the family Latridiidae. The species is native to Europe and has been recorded from the Azores and Inaccessible Island. Adults are small, typically measuring 2-3 mm in length. The species belongs to a group commonly known as plaster beetles or fungus beetles due to their association with mold and decaying organic matter.
Desoria trispinata
Desoria trispinata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae. It was first described from the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. The species belongs to a genus of elongate-bodied springtails commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats. Limited published information exists on its biology.
Dicyrtoma fusca
Dicyrtoma fusca is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, distributed across the United States and Europe. The species exhibits variable coloration ranging from yellowish-red to dark red, with a distinctive pattern of two intersecting dorsal stripes forming a cross shape on the back. A lighter form (var. 1) and a darker subspecies (D. fusca var. rufescens) have been described, with the latter being predominantly European and characterized by yellowish eyes. The species possesses the characteristic pronged antennae typical of the genus Dicyrtoma.
springtailglobular-springtailCollembolaSymphypleonaDicyrtomidaeDicyrtomaDicyrtoma-fuscaDicyrtoma-fusca-var.-rufescensDicyrtoma-fusca-Var-1United-StatesEuropeAzoresArcticSub-arcticLubbock-1873pronged-antennaedorsal-stripescross-patternreddish-colorationyellowish-reddark-redvariable-colorationeye-colorationsubspeciescolor-variantEmpicoris rubromaculatus
Thread Bug
Empicoris rubromaculatus is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the thread bug. It is characterized by its elongated, slender body and exceptionally long, thread-like legs. The species has been documented in North America and Oceania, with distribution records from the Azores islands including Faial, Flores, Pico, São Miguel, and Santa Maria. It has been observed at ultraviolet light sources, suggesting nocturnal activity.
Forcipomyia bipunctata
Forcipomyia bipunctata is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1767. It occurs in Europe and North America, with distribution records also from the Azores (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Terceira islands). Like other members of its genus, it is a tiny fly, typically 1–3 millimeters in length. The specific epithet 'bipunctata' refers to two spots, likely a diagnostic marking pattern.
Heteromurus major
Heteromurus major is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae, originally described by Moniez in 1889 under the basionym Templetonia major. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the largest and most diverse groups of springtails. The species has been recorded from several islands in the Azores archipelago.
Heterotoma planicornis
Common Flathorn Plant Bug
Heterotoma planicornis is a small mirid bug in the family Miridae, recognized by its distinctive flattened second antennal segment. It has a single generation per year with adults active from July to September. The species exhibits omnivorous feeding habits, functioning as both a predator of small arthropods and a consumer of plant materials. It is widespread across much of Europe and has been introduced to the Nearctic realm.
Ischnopterapion virens
White Clover Weevil
Ischnopterapion virens is a small weevil species in the family Brentidae (subfamily Apioninae), commonly known as the White Clover Weevil. The species name 'virens' derives from Latin, meaning 'green,' likely referring to a greenish coloration characteristic of this beetle. The genus Ischnopterapion belongs to a group of weevils historically classified in the family Apionidae, now treated as a subfamily within Brentidae. This species has been documented across multiple island localities in the Azores archipelago (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Santa Maria) as well as in New Brunswick, Canada, suggesting a broad but potentially disjunct distribution pattern.
Ischnura hastata
Citrine Forktail
Ischnura hastata, the Citrine Forktail, is a small damselfly with remarkable reproductive diversity across its range. Native populations in North America exhibit typical sexual reproduction, while populations in the Azores archipelago represent the only known example of parthenogenesis in the order Odonata. A population in the Galápagos Islands has evolved monandry (single mating per female), driven by extremely short adult lifespans of 1–3 days. The species occupies diverse wetland habitats from temperate North America to oceanic islands.
Isotoma viridis pomona
Isotoma viridis pomona is a subspecies of springtail described by J.W. Folsom in 1937. It belongs to the family Isotomidae, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails. Records indicate presence on several Azorean islands (Pico, São Miguel, Terceira) as well as in Arctic, Sub-arctic, and African Indian Desert regions. As a subspecies of the widespread Isotoma viridis, it likely shares the general ecology of this soil-dwelling group, though specific biological details for this particular subspecies remain poorly documented.
Laemostenus complanatus
Cosmopolitan Ground Beetle
Laemostenus complanatus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to Europe. It has been introduced to the Azores, where it is now established on multiple islands. The species is sometimes called the Cosmopolitan Ground Beetle, reflecting its spread beyond its native range. It belongs to a genus of predominantly nocturnal predatory beetles.
Lepidocyrtus curvicollis
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus curvicollis is a species of slender springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae. It was described by Bourlet in 1839. The species has been recorded in Europe and on several islands of the Azores archipelago (Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, and São Jorge). It belongs to the subfamily Lepidocyrtinae, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features including a curved or arched body profile.
Leptometopa latipes
freeloader fly
Leptometopa latipes is a species of freeloader fly in the family Milichiidae. The species was described by Meigen in 1830. Members of the family Milichiidae are commonly known as freeloader flies due to their kleptoparasitic behavior, often feeding on the prey of other insects rather than capturing their own food. The species has been recorded from several locations in Europe including Belgium and the Azores (Flores, Pico, Terceira).
Loricula elegantula
Loricula elegantula is a minute true bug in the family Microphysidae, a group commonly known as minute pirate bugs or microphysid bugs. The species was originally described as Anthocoris elegantula by Bärensprung in 1858 before being transferred to the genus Loricula. It is known from the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic, with records from five islands: Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, and São Miguel. As a member of the Microphysidae, it likely shares the family's predatory habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Marinarozelotes lyonneti
Marinarozelotes lyonneti is a ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, endemic to the Azores archipelago. Originally described by Audouin in 1826 as Drassus lyonnetii, this species was later transferred to the genus Marinarozelotes. It has been recorded from five islands in the central and western Azores. Like other gnaphosids, it is likely a nocturnal, cursorial hunter.
Melanaphis donacis
Giant Reed Aphid
Melanaphis donacis, commonly known as the Giant Reed Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. The species was first described by Passerini in 1861 under the basionym Aphis donacis. It is part of the genus Melanaphis, which includes other economically significant aphid species such as the sugarcane aphid (M. sacchari). Records indicate presence on several islands of the Azores archipelago.
Melanotus dichrous
Melanotus dichrous is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, first described by Erichson in 1841 under the basionym Cratonychus dichrous. The species is known from the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic, with records from five islands: Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, and São Jorge. As a member of the genus Melanotus, it shares the characteristic click beetle morphology including an elongated body form and the prosternal process that enables the defensive "clicking" mechanism.
Mermessus bryantae
dwarf spider
Mermessus bryantae is a species of dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by Ivie & Barrows in 1935. Originally described as Eperigone bryantae, this species has a broad native distribution across North America, Cuba, and Venezuela, and has been introduced to the Azores archipelago. As a member of the Linyphiidae, it belongs to one of the most species-rich spider families, commonly known as sheet-web weavers or money spiders. The genus Mermessus is part of an emerging research system for studying heritable bacterial symbionts in spiders.
Minettia fasciata
Minettia fasciata is a species of fly in the family Lauxaniidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as lauxaniid flies. The species was originally described as Lauxania fasciata by Fallén in 1820. It belongs to a genus that has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources treating it as a species complex. Distribution records indicate presence in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as on São Miguel Island in the Azores (Portugal).
Muscina prolapsa
Muscina prolapsa is a species of fly in the family Muscidae, first described by Harris in 1780. It belongs to a genus of flies commonly known as "dump flies" or "false stable flies" that are frequently associated with animal waste and decomposing organic matter. The species has been recorded in Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and the Azores (São Jorge and São Miguel islands). Like other Muscina species, it is likely involved in nutrient cycling through decomposition processes and may serve as a biological control agent for pest fly populations.
Mycetaea subterranea
Mycetaea subterranea is a small beetle species in the family Mycetaeidae, historically classified in Endomychidae. It is distributed across the Azores archipelago, with records from Faial, Flores, and São Miguel islands. The species was originally described by Fabricius in 1801 as Dermestes subterranea. Limited biological information is available for this insular species.
Mymar taprobanicum
Mymar taprobanicum is a species of fairyfly in the family Mymaridae, described by Ward in 1875 from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). The genus Mymar is one of the oldest-established genera in Mymaridae and serves as the type genus for the family. Mymar taprobanicum represents one of approximately 100 species currently recognized in this genus, though species-level taxonomy within Mymar remains challenging due to the minute size of these wasps and subtle morphological differences.
Nitidula carnaria
Nitidula carnaria is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, originally described by Schaller in 1783 under the name Silpha carnaria. It belongs to the genus Nitidula, a group of beetles commonly associated with fermenting or decaying organic matter. The species has been recorded from several islands of the Azores archipelago.
Opsius stactogalus
tamarix leafhopper
Opsius stactogalus, commonly known as the tamarix leafhopper, is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is strongly associated with Tamarix plants and serves as a host for the parasitoid fly Tomosvaryella frontata (Diptera: Pipunculidae). The species occurs in Europe, Africa, and the Azores.
Oxytelus sculptus
Oxytelus sculptus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Gravenhorst in 1806. It belongs to the tribe Oxytelini within the subfamily Oxytelinae. The species has been documented in the Azores archipelago based on distribution records. As with other members of the genus Oxytelus, it is a small beetle with the characteristic abbreviated elytra of staphylinid beetles.
Perigona nigriceps
Perigona nigriceps is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. It has been recorded across multiple continents, with confirmed observations in the Azores (Faial, Graciosa, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira) and historical captures in urban woodland habitats in Paris, France. The species was described by Dejean in 1831 and is currently accepted under that authorship, though it has also been attributed to Nietner (1858) in some sources.
Philhygra palustris
Philhygra palustris is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) originally described by Kiesenwetter in 1844. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Atheta palustris in some taxonomic databases, though it retains the genus Philhygra in other treatments. It belongs to a large genus of small to medium-sized staphylinids associated with moist habitats.
Philonthus politus
Philonthus politus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is a small, predatory beetle approximately 10 mm in length. The species has been documented in association with carrion, where it feeds on fly maggots and other small insects. It occurs in North America and has been recorded from the Azores islands (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Santa Maria). The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Phycitodes reliquellum
Phycitodes reliquellum is a synonym of Phycitodes albatella, a small moth in the family Pyralidae. The name was described by Dyar in 1904 but is no longer accepted as a valid species. Records indicate occurrence in the Azores archipelago (Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, and Pico islands).
Scaptomyza pallida
Scaptomyza pallida is a small fruit fly species in the family Drosophilidae. It is found in Europe, with distribution records from the Azores islands including Faial, Flores, Pico, São Jorge, and São Miguel. The genus Scaptomyza includes both herbivorous and non-herbivorous species, though the specific biology of S. pallida remains poorly documented. It belongs to a lineage nested within the Drosophilidae that has undergone evolutionary transitions to herbivory.
Sphaerocera curvipes
lesser dung fly
Sphaerocera curvipes is a species of small dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, commonly known as lesser dung flies. The species was described by Latreille in 1805 and is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with over 260 documented observations on iNaturalist. It belongs to a family specialized in exploiting decaying organic matter, particularly dung.
Sunius debilicornis
Sunius debilicornis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) first described by Wollaston in 1857. It is currently treated as a synonym of Hypomedon debilicornis in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing nomenclatural revisions within this group. The species is known from the Azores archipelago, with records from five islands. As a rove beetle, it belongs to one of the most diverse families of Coleoptera, characterized by short elytra and exposed abdominal segments.
Tetramorium caldarium
Greenhouse Fierce Ant
Tetramorium caldarium is a small ant species in the family Formicidae, commonly known as the Greenhouse Fierce Ant. It belongs to the genus Tetramorium, which includes many species that are morphologically similar and often difficult to distinguish. The species has been documented from several islands in the Azores archipelago. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a generalist forager with opportunistic feeding habits.
Tinocallis takachihoensis
Japanese elm aphid
Tinocallis takachihoensis is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described from Japan in 1972. It is closely related to the well-studied crapemyrtle aphid (Tinocallis kahawaluokalani), a specialist pest of crape myrtle trees in the southeastern United States. The species has been recorded in Belgium and the Azores (São Miguel), suggesting some capacity for dispersal or human-mediated introduction. Like other members of the genus Tinocallis, it is likely a specialist herbivore feeding on phloem sap of its host plants.
Xantholinus linearis
Linear Rove Beetle
Xantholinus linearis is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, characterized by an elongated, slender body form typical of the genus. The species was described by Blatchley in 1910. As a member of the tribe Xantholinini, it belongs to a group of rove beetles often associated with decaying organic matter and soil habitats. The specific epithet 'linearis' refers to the linear, slender body shape.
Xantholinus longiventris
Long-bellied Rove Beetle
Xantholinus longiventris is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Heer in 1839. It is known from the Azores archipelago, with records from five islands: Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, and São Jorge. The species is recognized by iNaturalist as the Long-bellied Rove Beetle and has accumulated over 200 observations, suggesting it is relatively well-documented for an island endemic. Its taxonomic status shows some discrepancy between sources, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym while GBIF treats it as accepted.