Bioindicator
Guides
Acneus
water-penny beetles
Acneus is a genus of water-penny beetles (family Psephenidae) containing four described species. The genus is characterized by flattened, oval larvae that cling to submerged rocks in flowing water. Adults are terrestrial and rarely encountered. The genus was established by Horn in 1880 and is restricted to western North America.
Acroneuria arenosa
Eastern Stone
Acroneuria arenosa, commonly known as the eastern stone, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It was first described by Pictet in 1841 under the basionym Perla arenosa. This species belongs to the order Plecoptera and is part of the diverse stonefly fauna of North America. Stoneflies in the genus Acroneuria are generally considered predatory and are indicators of good water quality.
Acroneuriinae
Acroneuriinae is a subfamily of stoneflies within the family Perlidae, comprising approximately 32 genera and 520 described species. Members are aquatic insects whose larvae inhabit freshwater environments. The subfamily has been the subject of recent mitogenomic research, including the first documented gene rearrangements in the order Plecoptera.
Aeshnidae
darners, hawkers, aeshnids
Aeshnidae is a family of large dragonflies known as darners in North America and hawkers elsewhere. The family includes some of the largest and fastest-flying dragonflies in the order Odonata, with over 450 species in more than 50 genera distributed nearly worldwide. Members are characterized by their powerful flight, elongated abdomens, and large compound eyes that meet at the top of the head. The family name derives from the Greek 'Aechma' meaning 'spear', though the spelling resulted from a printer's error.
Allocapnia
winter stoneflies
Allocapnia is a genus of small winter stoneflies in the family Capniidae, comprising at least 40 described species. Adults emerge during winter months, typically from December through March. Nymphs inhabit stream substrates and exhibit vertical movement within the hyporheic zone, often retreating to deeper substrate during summer diapause and returning to surface layers in autumn.
Allonychiurus
Allonychiurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Yoshii in 1995. The genus includes species that inhabit soil ecosystems, with Allonychiurus kimi being particularly well-studied as an ISO-standardized soil bioindicator for ecotoxicology. Members are wingless and exhibit limited mobility, with some species showing negative phototaxis. The genus has been documented across Arctic, subarctic, and temperate regions including Europe and northeastern Eurasia.
Anaspis
false flower beetles
Anaspis is a large genus of small beetles in the family Scraptiidae, commonly known as false flower beetles. Adults are frequently found on flowers, particularly blossoms of trees, shrubs, and umbellifers, and exhibit a characteristic tumbling behavior when disturbed. Larvae are saproxylic, developing in decaying wood of various deciduous and coniferous trees. The genus is widespread across the Palaearctic region, with species distributed from Western Europe through Siberia to East Asia.
Anax
Emperors, Green Darners
Anax is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae, commonly known as emperors and green darners. The genus includes some of the largest and most powerful dragonflies in the world, with species distributed across multiple continents. Several Anax species are notable long-distance migrants, with Anax junius (the common green darner) being one of the most studied migratory dragonflies in North America. The genus name derives from the ancient Greek word for 'lord' or 'king', reflecting their imposing size and predatory dominance.
Ancyronyx
spider water beetles, spider riffle beetles
Ancyronyx is a genus of aquatic riffle beetles in the family Elmidae, commonly known as spider water beetles or spider riffle beetles. The genus comprises 21 described species distributed across North America, South Asia, China, and Southeast Asia, with the Philippines recognized as a center of diversity containing 11 endemic species. Members are obligate inhabitants of lotic freshwater environments, where both adults and larvae cling to submerged substrates using their elongated legs and strong claws. The genus is notable for its potential use as a bioindicator of water quality due to its sensitivity to pollution and oxygen levels.
Ancyronyx variegata
Spider Water Beetle
Ancyronyx variegata is a riffle beetle (Elmidae) commonly known as a Spider Water Beetle, characterized by extremely long legs and often a cross-like elytral color pattern that gives it a spider-like appearance. It inhabits clean, pristine running waters in lotic environments and has been studied for its life history and energetics in Northwest Arkansas and Southeast Texas. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults present year-round.
Anisoptera
Dragonflies
Anisoptera is the suborder of dragonflies, distinguished from damselflies (Zygoptera) by their larger, stouter bodies, eyes that touch or nearly touch at the top of the head, and wings held horizontally away from the body at rest. The name derives from Greek roots meaning 'unequal wings,' referring to the broader hindwings compared to forewings. With over 3,000 described species globally, dragonflies represent one of the most ancient lineages of flying insects, with fossil relatives dating to the Triassic Period 250 million years ago. Adults are aerial predators with exceptional flight capabilities and vision, while larvae are aquatic predators found in diverse freshwater habitats.
Antocha
Antocha is a genus of crane flies (Limoniidae) comprising approximately 161 species across three subgenera. The genus is globally distributed with highest diversity in the Oriental (83 species) and East Palearctic (53 species) regions. Larvae are aquatic and rheophilic, inhabiting fast-flowing streams and rivers where they construct silken tubes on submerged rocks. The genus exhibits notable sensitivity to hydrological disturbances, making it a potential indicator of stream ecosystem health.
Apataniidae
Early Smoky Wing Sedges
Apataniidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) commonly known as early smoky wing sedges. The family contains approximately 18 genera and at least 180 described species. Members are primarily Holarctic in distribution, with notable diversity in Europe, Asia, and North America. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable cases from mineral particles.
Armadillidium
pill woodlice, leg pebbles, pill bugs, roly-poly, potato bugs
Armadillidium is a genus of terrestrial crustaceans commonly known as pill bugs or roly-polies, distinguished by their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed (conglobation). The genus contains approximately 189 recognized species, most endemic to Mediterranean regions. These detritivores inhabit moist environments and play important roles in decomposition. The most widespread species, A. vulgare, has been introduced globally and serves as a soil bioindicator.
Armases
square-back American marsh crabs
Armases is a genus of sesarmid crabs comprising approximately 13 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical coastal regions of the Americas. These semi-terrestrial crabs inhabit salt marshes, mangroves, and estuarine environments, with some species exhibiting notable movement between marine and terrestrial habitats. Several species have been extensively studied for their larval development, metabolic ecology, and role in ecosystem energy transfer. The genus includes both species with larval export strategies to continental shelves and those breeding in supratidal rock pools.
Athericidae
water snipe flies, ibis flies
Athericidae is a small family of flies in the infraorder Tabanomorpha, historically classified within Rhagionidae until separated by Stuckenberg in 1973. The family contains approximately 123 described species distributed worldwide across two subfamilies: Dasyommatinae (monotypic) and Athericinae. Adults are commonly known as water snipe flies or ibis flies. Larvae are strictly aquatic predators in fast-flowing montane streams and torrents, while adults are primarily nectar-feeders with some species exhibiting hematophagy.
Attaneuria
Enigmatic Stone
Attaneuria is a monotypic genus of stoneflies in the family Perlidae, containing only the species Attaneuria ruralis. The genus was established by Ricker in 1954. The single species, commonly known as the Enigmatic Stone, has not been collected in Ohio for 50–60 years despite historical records from larger rivers in that state. Like other Perlidae, members are aquatic as immatures and terrestrial as adults.
Attaneuria ruralis
Giant Stone, Enigmatic Stone
Attaneuria ruralis, commonly known as the Giant Stone or Enigmatic Stone, is a stonefly species in the family Perlidae. It was historically documented from larger rivers in Ohio but has not been collected in the last 50-60 years, raising concerns about local extinction. The species possesses a long life cycle of 1-2 years, which increases its vulnerability to population loss. Its distribution extends across the southeastern and midwestern United States.
Baetisca
armored mayflies
Baetisca is a genus of armored mayflies comprising approximately 12 described species in the family Baetiscidae. Nymphs are distinguished by their construction of protective cases from sand grains and silk. The genus is found in small, cool streams across eastern and central North America, with some species extending into western Canada. Most studied species exhibit univoltine life cycles with winter nymphal growth and spring or early summer adult emergence.
Bembidion quadrimaculatum oppositum
Bembidion quadrimaculatum oppositum is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1823, originally as Bembidium oppositum. The subspecies has been documented in agricultural studies as a beneficial ground beetle sensitive to soil management practices. Historical distribution records indicate presence across parts of Europe, Asia, and North America including Alaska, though specific habitat associations remain poorly documented.
Bicellonycha
Bicellonycha is a genus of fireflies (Lampyridae) comprising more than 40 described species. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological tolerances, with some such as B. lividipennis showing adaptation to artificial night lighting and anthropogenic disturbance, while others including B. wickershamorum face conservation threats and have been petitioned for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The genus occurs primarily in the Americas, with documented presence in Brazil and the United States.
Blepharicera
net-winged midge
The genus Blepharicera Macquart, 1843 comprises net-winged midges in the family Blephariceridae, with approximately 60 species worldwide and 12 known species in China. It is the most species-rich blepharicerid genus in China, concentrated in Southwest China. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation with net-like patterns of folds and transversely divided compound eyes. Recent taxonomic work has expanded knowledge through DNA barcoding and descriptions of new species from China and North America.
Brachycentridae
Humpless Casemaker Caddisflies
Brachycentridae is a family of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) commonly known as humpless casemaker caddisflies. The family contains approximately 100 species across 8 genera and is distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Larvae construct portable cases using plant material, rock fragments, or silk, with some species exhibiting specialized filter-feeding behaviors. The family was first described by Georg Ulmer in 1903 as a subfamily of Sericostomatidae before being elevated to family rank.
Brachycentrus
Grannom Caddisflies, Humpless Casemaker Caddisflies
Brachycentrus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Brachycentridae, commonly known as grannoms or humpless casemaker caddisflies. The genus contains at least 30 described species distributed across North America and Eurasia. Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders that construct portable cases from silk and environmental materials such as sand, small stones, or plant fragments. The genus is ecologically significant as an important prey item for trout and other freshwater fish.
Brachycercus
squaregilled mayflies
Brachycercus is a genus of small mayflies in the family Caenidae, commonly known as squaregilled mayflies. The genus is characterized by its distinctive square-shaped gills and is distributed primarily in the Palaearctic and Nearctic realms. At least six species have been described, including B. harrisella, which is the type species described by Curtis in 1835.
Branchiopoda
Branchiopods
Branchiopoda is a class of small, primarily freshwater crustaceans unified by the presence of gills on their appendages—giving the group its name from Greek 'bránkhia' (gill) and 'poús' (foot). The class comprises fairy shrimp (Anostraca), tadpole shrimp (Notostraca), clam shrimp (Spinicaudata, Laevicaudata, Cyclestherida), and water fleas (Cladocera/Diplostraca), plus the extinct Devonian Lepidocaris. Most are filter-feeders on plankton and detritus, though notostracans are opportunistic omnivores. Many species inhabit temporary pools and produce desiccation-resistant resting eggs, allowing survival through dry periods.
Brevitentoria
caddisflies
Brevitentoria is an infraorder of Trichoptera (caddisflies) within the suborder Integripalpia, established by Weaver in 1984. It comprises families of case-making caddisflies characterized by shortened, reduced tentoria in the adult head skeleton. A comprehensive inventory in Espírito Santo State, Brazil documented 40 species from 3,420 adult specimens, including three newly described species in the genera Phylloicus, Helicopsyche (Feropsyche), and Marilia. The estimated total species richness for this infraorder in the state is approximately 72 species.
Brillia
Brillia is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Orthocladiinae of the family Chironomidae. The genus exhibits remarkable cryptic diversity, with DNA barcoding studies revealing 30 Barcode Index Numbers and 158 unique haplotypes across 13 described species. East Asian and North American populations show complete genetic distinctness, suggesting long-term isolation. The larvae inhabit freshwater depositional zones and serve as sensitive bioindicators for ecosystem monitoring.
Caenis
Common Square-gills
Caenis is a genus of small mayflies in the family Caenidae, commonly known as "square-gilled mayflies." Adults are among the smallest mayflies, with some species measuring only 3–4 mm in body length. The genus is globally distributed across multiple continents and serves as an indicator taxon for aquatic ecosystem health. Nymphs inhabit various freshwater environments, and adults emerge in synchronized events.
Caenis latipennis
small squaregilled mayfly
Caenis latipennis is a small squaregilled mayfly in the family Caenidae, distributed across Central and North America including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The species inhabits small prairie streams with sandy substrates and exhibits a multivoltine life cycle with overlapping generations. Adult emergence occurs primarily at dusk, with females completing mating and oviposition in approximately 37 minutes.
Calineuria
common stoneflies
Calineuria is a genus of stoneflies in the family Perlidae, established by Ricker in 1954. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed across western North America and East Asia. Species such as Calineuria californica have been subjects of life history studies in stream environments. The genus was taxonomically revised from previously broader classifications, with C. californica formerly placed in Acroneuria.
Calleida viridipennis
Calleida viridipennis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, characterized by a metallic green-black exoskeleton, large eyes, and functional wings enabling flight. It is a spring breeder that overwinters as an adult under tree bark, emerging in late February or early March. The species is a documented predator of specific insect larvae, including the tortoise beetle Hemisphaerota cyanea and the fruittree leafroller Archips argyrospila.
Callibaetis pictus
Speckled Dun
Callibaetis pictus is a small minnow mayfly in the family Baetidae, commonly known as the Speckled Dun. It is distributed across Central America and North America, including all of Mexico and the northern and southwestern United States. Like other mayflies, it has an aquatic nymphal stage lasting months to years, followed by a brief adult lifespan measured in hours to days. The species is part of the EPT index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) used to assess water quality in environmental monitoring.
Calopterygidae
broad-winged damselflies, demoiselles, jewelwings
Calopterygidae is a family of damselflies in the suborder Zygoptera, containing approximately 150 species. Members are relatively large for damselflies, with wingspans of 50–80 mm, and are characterized by broad wings with wide bases, metallic coloration, and a distinctive flight pattern described as jerky and fluttering. The family is distributed across all continents except Antarctica, primarily associated with running water habitats.
Camponotus atriceps
Tropical Carpenter Ant
Camponotus atriceps is a large carpenter ant species endemic to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central and South America. In the Amazon region, it has been documented attacking colonies of stingless bees (Melipona flavolineata and M. fasciculata), destroying hives and consuming brood when food resources are scarce. The species occupies diverse moist forested habitats from sea level to 2,290 meters elevation. Research in Brazil has demonstrated that empty hive 'trap boxes' can attract these ants, providing a non-chemical control method for managed bee colonies. Workers of this species have been shown to bioaccumulate heavy metals, indicating potential use as environmental contamination indicators.
Capniidae
small winter stoneflies, winter stoneflies
Capniidae, the small winter stoneflies, is one of the largest families in the order Plecoptera, comprising approximately 300 species distributed throughout the Holarctic region. Adults are active during winter months, often observed on snow-covered stream banks when most other insects are dormant. The family exhibits notable adaptations to cold environments, including antifreeze compounds and winglessness in some species, which has led to high endemism and restricted distributions. Their closest relatives are the rolled-winged stoneflies (Leuctridae).
Carabus granulatus
Granulated Ground Beetle
Carabus granulatus is a small, winged ground beetle native to the Palearctic, ranging from Ireland to the Russian Far East, with introduced populations in North America. Adults measure 14–20 mm and exhibit metallic greenish-bronze, green, or occasionally black coloration with distinctive granulated elytra. Unlike most Carabus species, it has retained functional flight ability, though it primarily remains ground-dwelling. The species occupies diverse habitats including forests, fields, prairies, taiga, river margins, fens, lakeshores, and upland peat, occasionally occurring in gardens.
Chauliodes
Spring and Summer Fishflies
Chauliodes is a genus of fishflies in the family Corydalidae, commonly known as spring and summer fishflies. The genus contains approximately five described species distributed in North America, including the well-known spring fishfly (C. rastricornis) and summer fishfly (C. pectinicornis). Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to lights. The genus is distinguished from other fishflies by specific antennal and wing characteristics.
Cheumatopsyche
Little Sister Sedges
Cheumatopsyche is a large genus of net-spinning caddisflies comprising at least 240 described species. Larvae construct silk capture nets to filter food from flowing water and are important components of freshwater benthic communities. Species exhibit variable life histories including univoltine and multivoltine cycles, with some populations capable of producing additional generations when thermal conditions permit. The genus is widely distributed across multiple continents and serves as a significant bioindicator for water quality assessment.
Chironomidae
non-biting midges, chironomids, lake flies, bay flies, sand flies, muckleheads, muffleheads, Canadian soldiers, American soldiers, blind mosquitoes, chizzywinks, bloodworms (larval stage)
Chironomidae is a large family of non-biting midges with over 10,000 described species globally. Adults are frequently mistaken for mosquitoes due to their similar body shape, but they lack wing scales and piercing mouthparts. The family exhibits remarkable ecological versatility, with larvae inhabiting diverse aquatic and terrestrial environments from Antarctic glaciers to tropical lakes. Males possess distinctive plumose antennae. Larvae of some species contain hemoglobin analogs that produce bright red coloration, earning them the common name 'bloodworms.'
Chironomus dilutus
Chironomus dilutus is a freshwater non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, described in 1999. The species has become a standard test organism in aquatic toxicology, particularly for chronic toxicity assessments of sediment-associated contaminants including pyrethroids, fluorotelomer acids, selenium, and microplastics. Laboratory studies demonstrate its sensitivity to various organic pollutants, with emergence and reproduction serving as key toxicological endpoints. The species is used in regulatory testing protocols for evaluating ecological risks of hydrophobic contaminants in freshwater systems.
Chironomus staegeri
Chironomus staegeri is a non-biting midge (Diptera: Chironomidae) characterized by extensive chromosomal inversion polymorphism. Populations exhibit significant genetic differentiation between deep and shallow water habitats in North America, with inversion patterns suggesting possible incipient speciation. The species has been used as a standard test organism in aquatic ecotoxicology studies, particularly for heavy metal toxicity research.
Chlaenius nemoralis
vivid metallic ground beetle
Chlaenius nemoralis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. The genus Chlaenius comprises approximately 1,000 species worldwide, with this species occurring in Canada and the United States. Members of this genus are often referred to as "vivid metallic ground beetles" due to their characteristic metallic coloration. The species is part of a diverse group of carabid beetles that serve as important bioindicators of environmental health in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Chlaenius pennsylvanicus
Say's Ground Beetle
Chlaenius pennsylvanicus, commonly known as Say's Ground Beetle, is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains roughly 1,000 species worldwide. The species is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a ground-dwelling beetle sensitive to environmental disturbances and habitat changes.
Chlaenius tricolor
Tricolored Harp Ground Beetle, Vivid Metallic Ground Beetle
Chlaenius tricolor is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized by its vivid metallic coloration. The species ranges from southern Canada to Guatemala, with two recognized subspecies divided by the Rocky Mountains. It has been documented as a predator of slugs in agricultural settings and is considered sensitive to soil disturbance, making it a useful bioindicator of farming practices.
Chlaenius tricolor vigilans
vivid metallic ground beetle
Chlaenius tricolor vigilans is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized by its vivid metallic coloration. This subspecies occurs across North America from Canada to Guatemala. It has been documented as a predator of slugs in agricultural settings and is considered sensitive to soil management practices, making it a useful bioindicator of environmental disturbance.
Chloroperlidae
Green Stoneflies, Green Sallies, Yellow Sallies, Yellow Sallflies
Chloroperlidae is a family of stoneflies comprising over 200 species across 22 genera, commonly known as green stoneflies for their characteristic yellowish-green to green coloration. Adults range from 6–20 mm in body length and are distinguished by relatively short cerci, slender labial palps, and wings pads that remain parallel to the body midline. The family exhibits hemimetabolous development with egg, nymph, and adult stages but no pupal stage. Nymphs are aquatic inhabitants of cold, clean streams and rivers across five continents, where their sensitivity to pollutants makes them important bioindicators of water quality. Adults are primarily terrestrial, dwelling in riparian vegetation near water bodies with a brief lifespan focused on reproduction.
Chydorus
Chydorus is a genus of small benthic-littoral cladocerans in the family Chydoridae, established by William Elford Leach in 1816. Species in this genus are characterized by rounded, often reticulated carapaces and are among the most common anomopods in freshwater systems worldwide. The genus exhibits cosmopolitan distribution with multiple centers of diversification in Europe and Asia, and includes ecologically significant species such as Chydorus sphaericus, which dominates eutrophic waters and plays important roles in food web dynamics involving cyanobacteria.
Cicindelini
tiger beetles, flashy tiger beetles
Cicindelini is a tribe of tiger beetles comprising approximately 80% of the family's genera and species diversity. The tribe contains over 90 genera and more than 2,000 described species, making it one of the most species-rich groups within the ground beetle assemblage. Members are characterized by their diurnal activity patterns, rapid running speed, and distinctive predatory behaviors. The tribe exhibits broad geographic distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, though species occur across all continents except Antarctica.
Cinygmula
Cinygmula is a genus of flatheaded mayflies (Heptageniidae) comprising at least 30 described species. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features in some species, including pointed claws and a distinct frontal fold on the imago. Species occur in high-altitude alpine habitats across central Asia and the eastern Himalaya. The genus has been studied for its potential use as a bioindicator of aquatic contamination.