Bioindicator

Guides

Goeridae
Armour-ballast Caddisflies
Goeridae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) comprising approximately 12 genera and at least 160 described species. Larvae are primarily lotic, inhabiting streams and rivers, with some species occupying madicolous habitats such as wet cliff faces. The family is distinguished by larval case construction incorporating ballast stones for weight and stability. Adults exhibit highly modified male genitalia and maxillary palps in some species. Goeridae has a Holarctic distribution with records from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Trichoptera caddisfly aquatic-insects lotic case-building ballast-stones Holarctic bioindicator stream-ecology madicolous
Gonielmis
Gonielmis is a genus of riffle beetles (family Elmidae) described by Sanderson in 1954. These beetles are aquatic insects associated with flowing water habitats. The genus belongs to the tribe Elmini within the subfamily Elminae. Taxonomic status varies between sources, with some treating it as a synonym of Heterlimnius while others recognize it as valid.
aquatic riffle-beetle stream-insect periphyton-grazer bioindicator
Halobates micans
Common Sea Skater
Halobates micans is a wingless marine water strider and the only pelagic insect genus member found in the Atlantic Ocean. It is circumglobal in tropical and subtropical seas, living exclusively at the sea-air interface. Adults measure 3.6–4.5 mm with males larger than females. The species exhibits remarkable adaptations for open ocean life including water-repellent body hairs, UV-absorbent cuticle, and exceptional skating agility. It is the most widespread Halobates species, occurring from approximately 40°N to 40°S in the Atlantic and also present in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
marine-insect neuston pelagic wingless circumglobal bioindicator cannibalism nocturnal
Helophoridae
water scavenger beetles, crawling water beetles
Helophoridae is a family of small aquatic beetles within the superfamily Hydrophiloidea, containing the single genus Helophorus. The family comprises approximately 191 species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region, with 150 species in the Palearctic and 41 in North America. A limited number of species occur in the Afrotropical region (six species), Central America, and the Indomalayan region (one species in northern India). Species inhabit diverse freshwater habitats including springs, ponds, temporary pools, and running waters, with many showing strong associations with specific hydrological regimes.
aquatic freshwater Holarctic crawling spring pond temporary-pool bioindicator conservation
Heptagenia pulla
dusky flat-headed mayfly
Heptagenia pulla is a species of flat-headed mayfly in the family Heptageniidae, commonly known as the dusky flat-headed mayfly. The species was described by Clemens in 1913 and is native to the Nearctic region. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with flowing freshwater habitats. The specific epithet "pulla" refers to the dusky or dark coloration characteristic of this species.
mayfly Ephemeroptera Heptageniidae Nearctic freshwater bioindicator
Hesperoperla pacifica
golden stonefly, Golden Stone
Hesperoperla pacifica, commonly known as the golden stonefly, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is native to western North America, with documented populations in Colorado streams and broader distribution across Alberta, Arizona, Alaska, British Columbia, and California. The species has been studied for its life history responses to varying flow regimes and serves as an indicator of stream health in its aquatic habitats.
Plecoptera Perlidae stonefly aquatic-insect bioindicator western-North-America Colorado flow-regime life-history
Hetaerina
Rubyspots
Hetaerina is a genus of damselflies in the family Calopterygidae, commonly known as rubyspots due to the deep red wing bases of males. The genus comprises approximately 40 species distributed throughout the Americas, with highest diversity in tropical South America. Males exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism with iridescent metallic bodies and characteristic red wing spots, while females have pale brown wings and cryptically patterned bodies. The genus is notable for its lek polygyny mating system, which is uncommon among Odonata, and has become an important study system for sexual selection research.
sexual-selection lek-mating-system sexual-dimorphism bioindicator cryptic-species non-ecological-speciation
Hexacylloepus
riffle beetles
Hexacylloepus is a genus of riffle beetles in the family Elmidae, established by Hinton in 1940. The genus contains approximately 19 described species. As with other elmid beetles, members of this genus are associated with aquatic habitats, particularly flowing water systems.
riffle-beetle Elmidae aquatic-beetle Neotropical Colombia stream-insect bioindicator
Hexagenia
giant mayflies, burrowing mayflies, fishflies
Hexagenia is a genus of large burrowing mayflies in the family Ephemeridae, comprising eight recognized species. Nymphs construct distinctive U-shaped, ventilated burrows in soft aquatic sediments of lakes, streams, and ponds. Adults are notable for their synchronous mass emergences, which can produce swarms dense enough to appear on weather radar. The genus serves as an important bioindicator of water quality due to its intolerance of pollution and anoxia.
mayfly burrower bioindicator detritivore aquatic-insect fisheries water-quality synchronous-emergence
Hexagenia limbata
Giant Mayfly, Golden Mayfly, Big Michigan Mayfly, Great Leadwing Drake, Fishfly
Hexagenia limbata is a large burrowing mayfly native to North America, widely distributed across lakes and slow-moving rivers. Nymphs construct U-shaped burrows in muddy substrates and serve as important prey for fish and other aquatic predators. Adults emerge in synchronized mass events known as "hatches," living only 1–3 days without feeding, solely to mate and reproduce. The species is economically significant to sport fishing and serves as a bioindicator of clean freshwater ecosystems.
burrowing-mayfly bioindicator sport-fishing mass-emergence detritivore Great-Lakes
Hexagenia rigida
Great Olive-winged Drake
Hexagenia rigida is a burrowing mayfly (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae) native to North America. As a member of the common burrower mayfly genus, it spends most of its life as an aquatic nymph in lake and reservoir sediments, with adults emerging synchronously in large swarms. The species has a multi-year life cycle, typically requiring 3-4 years to complete development from egg to adult in northern climates. Laboratory studies indicate that larval growth and mortality are significantly influenced by food availability and density, with food limitation increasing size variation and mortality rates.
mayfly burrowing-mayfly aquatic-insect bioindicator fisheries ephemeral-adult synchronous-emergence Great-Lakes reservoir-ecology heavy-metal-bioaccumulation-model
Holopedium
water flea
Holopedium is the sole genus in the family Holopediidae, comprising approximately seven described species of planktonic cladocerans commonly known as water fleas. These crustaceans are distinguished by a gelatinous capsule surrounding the body, which serves as an inducible defense against predation. Species within this genus exhibit notable phenotypic plasticity in body size, capsule dimensions, and reproductive investment in response to predation pressure and food availability. The genus has been studied extensively for its population dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and responses to environmental stressors in freshwater lake systems.
Cladocera plankton inducible-defense freshwater predator-prey phenotypic-plasticity parthenogenesis bioindicator
Holopedium gibberum
Holopedium gibberum is a planktonic cladoceran distinguished by a large gelatinous mantle that encloses the body. The species exhibits pronounced phenotypic plasticity in mantle size as an inducible defense against invertebrate predators, particularly Chaoborus larvae. Populations show strong sensitivity to fish predation pressure, with distribution patterns reflecting avoidance of high-predation environments. The species demonstrates seasonal population dynamics tied to food availability and predation regimes, with reproductive investment varying in response to environmental stressors.
zooplankton freshwater cladoceran inducible-defense phenotypic-plasticity gelatinous-mantle predator-prey-interactions bioindicator
Hyalella
Hyalella is a genus of freshwater amphipods found in the Americas, with species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The genus contains numerous endemic species, particularly in South America, and includes the widely studied H. azteca, which serves as a standard test organism in aquatic toxicology. Members occupy benthic habitats in lakes, streams, and springs, where they function as important components of freshwater food webs.
freshwater benthic detritivore bioindicator toxicology Americas endemic-radiation South-America ecotoxicology standard-test-organism
Hyalella azteca
scud, freshwater scud
Hyalella azteca is a widespread and abundant amphipod crustacean in North America, reaching 3–8 mm in length. It inhabits fresh and brackish waters across a broad geographic range from Central America to the Arctic tree line. The species is a significant food source for waterfowl and serves as a standard test organism in aquatic ecotoxicology and sediment toxicity assessments.
amphipod freshwater bioindicator ecotoxicology waterfowl-food species-complex
Hydrachnoidea
water mites
Hydrachnoidea is a superfamily of aquatic mites commonly known as water mites. Members are exclusively freshwater dwellers, representing one of the most diverse radiations of arachnids into aquatic environments. The group includes several families with distinct morphological adaptations for underwater life.
aquatic freshwater predator parasitoid bioindicator Arachnida Acari
Hydropsyche
Spotted Sedges
Hydropsyche is a large genus of netspinning caddisflies comprising at least 260 described species worldwide. Larvae construct fixed capture nets across flowing water to filter food particles, a behavior that defines the family Hydropsychidae. The genus exhibits substantial diversity in the Aegean region and Mediterranean, with numerous endemic species on Greek islands. Both larvae and adults have been extensively studied for their morphological characteristics, respiratory physiology, and responses to aquatic hypoxia.
netspinning-caddisfly filter-feeder bioindicator running-water Trichoptera Hydropsychidae
Hydropsyche betteni
Common Netspinner
Hydropsyche betteni is a species of netspinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae, described by Ross in 1938. It is one of the most widespread and commonly encountered members of its genus in North America. Like other hydropsychids, the larvae construct fixed capture nets to filter food from flowing water. The species is well-documented in freshwater biomonitoring studies due to its abundance and sensitivity to water quality.
Trichoptera caddisfly netspinning aquatic-insect bioindicator freshwater North-America lotic filter-feeder Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche
Hydropsyche californica
Hydropsyche californica is a species of net-spinning caddisfly (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) described by Banks in 1899. It inhabits freshwater benthic environments and has been extensively studied as a bioindicator for metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in relation to mine drainage. Research has demonstrated its utility for monitoring cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc exposure in rivers.
bioindicator biomonitoring metal-contamination caddisfly freshwater Sacramento-River mine-drainage cadmium copper lead zinc metallothionein
Hydropsyche slossonae
Hydropsyche slossonae is a caddisfly species in the family Hydropsychidae, known from freshwater lotic habitats in eastern and midwestern North America. The species is univoltine, with adults emerging synchronously from late May through early July. Larvae construct silk capture nets to filter suspended organic matter from flowing water and overwinter as fifth-instar larvae.
Trichoptera Hydropsychidae caddisfly filter-feeder univoltine bioindicator lotic North-America
Hydropsychoidea
net-spinning caddisflies
Hydropsychoidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) first described by Curtis in 1835. The constituent families, particularly Hydropsychidae, are commonly known as net-spinning caddisflies due to the distinctive capture nets constructed by their larvae. These insects are predominantly aquatic in their immature stages and are among the most frequently observed caddisflies in stream environments worldwide.
caddisfly Trichoptera aquatic-insect net-spinner stream-insect bioindicator
Hydroptila
microcaddisflies
Hydroptila is a large genus of microcaddisflies (family Hydroptilidae) with worldwide distribution. Adults are small, typically collected using ultraviolet light traps near freshwater habitats. Larvae are known as "purse-case makers" that construct portable cases from silk and environmental materials such as filamentous algae. The genus exhibits substantial species diversity, with numerous regional endemics documented across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Trichoptera Hydroptilidae microcaddisflies freshwater case-making-larvae bioindicator worldwide-distribution
Hydroptiloidea
microcaddisflies, purse-case caddisflies
Hydroptiloidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (Trichoptera) containing the family Hydroptilidae. Members are distinguished by their minute size, rarely exceeding 5 mm, and the distinctive purse-shaped larval cases constructed only in the final instar. The group has a worldwide distribution and represents one of the most species-rich lineages within Trichoptera.
caddisfly aquatic-insect freshwater microcaddisfly bioindicator
Hydrozetes
Beetle Mites
Hydrozetes is a genus of aquatic oribatid mites (family Hydrozetidae) distinguished by being obligately associated with freshwater habitats. All species in this genus are aquatic, occurring on water surfaces and in benthic zones of lakes, ponds, and other water bodies. The genus has been documented from the Paleocene fossil record through to extant populations across multiple continents. Some species achieve extremely high population densities, dominating benthic invertebrate communities in temporary and permanent water bodies.
aquatic-mites freshwater benthic Paleocene-fossil bioindicator temporary-lakes
Hylogomphus
clubtails
Hylogomphus is a genus of clubtail dragonflies (family Gomphidae) comprising six described species native to eastern North America. The genus was elevated from subgenus status within Gomphus in 2000, reflecting distinct morphological and phylogenetic characteristics. Species within this genus are associated with lotic freshwater habitats and exhibit conservative body plans typical of gomphid dragonflies.
dragonfly clubtail Gomphidae Odonata North-America freshwater bioindicator semivoltine lotic-habitat ecomorphological-variation
Hylogomphus geminatus
Twin-striped Clubtail
Hylogomphus geminatus, commonly known as the Twin-striped Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae endemic to the southeastern United States. The species was transferred from genus Gomphus to Hylogomphus in 2017 when Hylogomphus was elevated from subgenus to full genus rank. It exhibits pronounced ecomorphological variation in body length across its limited geographic range, with significant differences observed between populations on either side of the Apalachicola River in Florida. The species is listed as Least Concern by IUCN, though it was previously assessed as Near Threatened in 2007.
dragonfly clubtail bioindicator endemic southeastern-US Apalachicola-River ecomorphology semivoltine
Hypotrichia
hypotrichs
Hypotrichia is a subclass of ciliated protozoa within the class Spirotrichea, characterized by compound ciliary organelles called cirri. These organisms are widespread in freshwater, marine, brackish-water, soil, and moss habitats. They use their ventral cirri to crawl along solid substrates. The group is morphologically diverse, with species varying considerably in size, cirral patterns, and nuclear organization. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that several traditionally recognized genera within Hypotrichia are polyphyletic.
ciliate protist cirri bioindicator spirotrich substrate-crawler
Illiesiella
Illiesiella is a genus of stoneflies in the family Leuctridae, commonly known as needleflies or rolled-winged stoneflies. These small, slender insects inhabit cool, clean freshwater environments. The genus was established to accommodate species previously placed in other leuctrid genera based on distinctive morphological characteristics. Members are found in the Holarctic region, with species distributed across Europe and parts of Asia.
Plecoptera Leuctridae stonefly freshwater Holarctic bioindicator
Isonychia arida
arid howdy mayfly
Isonychia arida is a species of brushlegged mayfly in the family Isonychiidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1839, originally as Baetis arida. The species is found in North America and is known by the common name "arid howdy mayfly." Like other members of the genus Isonychia, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as "slate drakes" by anglers.
mayfly Ephemeroptera slate-drake aquatic-insect bioindicator North-America brushlegged-mayfly Isonychiidae angling-insect Say-1839
Isonychia georgiae
Isonychia georgiae is a brushlegged mayfly species in the family Isonychiidae, first described by McDunnough in 1931. It is part of the order Ephemeroptera, an ancient lineage of aquatic insects dating to the Carboniferous period. Like other Isonychia species, it is known to anglers as a "slate drake" mayfly. The species is documented from North America.
Ephemeroptera Isonychiidae aquatic-insect North-America slate-drake bioindicator angler-fly-pattern
Isonychia intermedia
Isonychia intermedia is a species of mayfly in the family Isonychiidae. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic insect with a life cycle consisting of an extended nymphal stage in freshwater habitats followed by a brief adult stage. The species is found in North America and is part of the EPT (Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera) assemblage used in water quality biomonitoring. Adults are known to anglers as 'slate drakes' due to their dark wing coloration.
Ephemeroptera mayfly slate-drake aquatic-insect bioindicator EPT Nearctic freshwater angler-insect Isonychiidae hemimetabolous subimago imago water-quality-indicator North-America
Isoperla sobria
Colorado Stripetail
Isoperla sobria is a species of stonefly in the family Perlodidae, commonly known as the Colorado Stripetail. It is a member of the genus Isoperla, which comprises numerous small to medium-sized predatory stoneflies found in running waters of the Northern Hemisphere. The species has been documented across western North America from Alaska to California. Like other perlodids, its larvae develop in freshwater streams and are indicators of good water quality.
stonefly Plecoptera Perlodidae western-North-America lotic bioindicator
Isoperlinae
Stripetail Stoneflies, Springflies
Isoperlinae is a subfamily of stoneflies in the family Perlodidae, distributed across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. Members are commonly known as stripetails or springflies. The subfamily includes approximately 12 genera, with Isoperla being the most speciose and well-known. These stoneflies are aquatic insects whose nymphs inhabit running waters.
stonefly aquatic-insect bioindicator predator lotic Plecoptera Perlodidae stripetail springfly Palaearctic Nearctic stream-ecology fisheries-food-web drumming-communication hemimetabolous montane rheophilic
Isopoda
isopods, woodlice, pillbugs, sowbugs, sea slaters, gribbles
Isopoda is an ancient order of crustaceans encompassing over 10,000 described species across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. Members are characterized by dorsoventrally flattened bodies, seven pairs of similar walking legs (giving the group its name from Greek iso- "equal" and pod- "foot"), and two pairs of antennae. The order exhibits exceptional morphological diversity, ranging from minute interstitial forms to giant deep-sea species exceeding 30 cm in length. Isopods lack a carapace, instead possessing overlapping dorsal plates that provide flexibility and protection. Females brood eggs in a specialized marsupium formed by oostegites under the thorax.
crustacean woodlouse detritivore decomposer terrestrial-crustacean marine-benthos parasite deep-sea bioindicator vivarium
Ixodes affinis
Ixodes affinis is a hard-bodied tick species distributed across the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Unlike its congener Ixodes scapularis, this species does not bite humans but serves as a competent vector for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Immature stages feed on birds and small mammals, while adults parasitize larger mammals including deer and dogs. Its expanding range into southeastern Virginia and association with migratory birds has raised concerns about its role in pathogen dispersal.
tick vector Lyme-disease Borrelia-burgdorferi avian-host range-expansion southeastern-United-States Mexico Central-America non-human-biting enzootic-maintenance co-feeding migratory-birds Ixodidae Acari parasite three-host-tick questing-behavior wildlife-disease-ecology forest-habitat dog-parasite white-tailed-deer Carolina-wren white-throated-sparrow Old-Dominion-University-Tick-Team Holly-Gaff Erin-Heller molecular-identification DNA-sequencing engorged-specimen-identification pine-plantation rural-Yucatán hunting-dogs Tixméhuac Opichén seasonal-activity laboratory-rearing immature-stages larva nymph adult pathogen-dispersal climate-change habitat-fragmentation suburbanization deer-population acorn-masting small-mammal-reservoir Borrelia-miyamotoi co-infection tick-borne-disease public-health veterinary-parasitology medical-entomology vector-ecology host-parasite-interaction bird-migration long-distance-dispersal boreal-forest Canada Manitoba Swainson's-thrush Catharus-ustulatus migratory-bird ground-foraging-bird passerine songbird brown-thrasher eastern-towhee American-robin northern-cardinal marsh-rice-rat cotton-mouse eastern-gray-squirrel raccoon southern-short-tailed-shrew eastern-mole white-footed-mouse Peromyscus-leucopus chipmunk Tamias oak-masting Quercus forest-floor questing-height humidity-preference winter-activity tick-removal tick-testing tick-borne-illness-prevention DEET permethrin tick-inspection tick-avoidance AIR-protocol Arachnida Parasitiformes Chelicerata Eukaryota Metazoa Animalia Arthropoda Ixodida hard-tick ixodid Neumann-1899 taxonomy systematics dorsal-scutum capitulum hypostome palps spiracular-plates festoons ornate inornate idiosoma gnathosoma podon scutum alloscutum basis-capituli cornua porose-areas sclerotized cuticle setae sensilla Haller's-organ tarsus claws pulvilli scutum-shape punctations grooves coxae trochanters femora genua tibiae tarsi pretarsi adanal-plates accessory-plates spiracles tracheae salivary-glands midgut Malpighian-tubules reproductive-system ovary testis genital-aperture anus preanal-groove postanal-groove subanal-plates paranal-plates marginal-grooves pseudoscutum scapulars cervical-grooves punctate reticulate shagreened wrinkled smooth glabrous setiferous pilose hispid granular mammillated tuberculate carinated sulcate striate costate lineate punctate-striate reticulate-punctate IXO_aff NCBI:txid GBIF:species Catalogue-of-Life:species iNaturalist:taxon Wikipedia:species Ixodes affinis bird-tick deer-tick dog-tick rabbit-tick shrew-tick mole-tick mouse-tick rat-tick squirrel-tick raccoon-tick wren-tick thrasher-tick robin-tick towhee-tick cardinal-tick sparrow-tick thrush-tick migratory-tick invasive-tick expanding-range emerging-vector cryptic-species species-complex morphological-identification DNA-barcoding COI 16S ITS2 tick-microbiome pathogen-detection Borrelia spirochete zoonosis vector-competence reservoir-competence enzootic-cycle epizootic spillover bridge-vector amplifying-host reservoir-host maintenance-host incidental-host dead-end-host host-specificity host-range host-switching host-race ecological-fitting niche-expansion range-shift phenology diapause overwintering survival mortality fecundity reproductive-output egg-mass oviposition eclosion molting ecdysis instar stadium developmental-time generation-time life-span longevity population-dynamics abundance prevalence intensity aggregation negative-binomial zero-inflated spatial-distribution temporal-distribution habitat-association microhabitat vegetation-type forest-type successional-stage edge-effect fragmentation connectivity matrix corridor patch landscape-ecology geographic-information-system remote-sensing modeling distribution-modeling ecological-niche-modeling MaxEnt BIOMOD climate-envelope bioclimatic-variables temperature precipitation humidity saturation-deficit vapor-pressure-deficit evapotranspiration seasonality phenology-mismatch global-warming extreme-weather drought flood phenological-shift range-contraction poleward-shift elevation-shift altitudinal-gradient latitudinal-gradient continental insular endemic cosmopolitan pantropical holarctic nearctic neotropical palearctic afrotropical oriental australasian oceanian antarctic biogeography phylogeography population-genetics gene-flow genetic-structure isolation-by-distance isolation-by-environment adaptive-evolution local-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity cryptic-diversity species-delimitation integrative-taxonomy morphometrics geometric-morphometrics traditional-morphometrics landmark outline semilandmark character-matrix phylogeny classification nomenclature type-specimen holotype paratype syntype lectotype neotype original-description redescription emendation synonymy homonymy priority validity availability published-work ZooBank LSID URN DOI ORCID author year journal volume issue pages figure plate map drawing photograph SEM TEM light-microscopy confocal-microscopy microCT scanning-electron-microscopy transmission-electron-microscopy histology immunohistochemistry in-situ-hybridization PCR qPCR RT-PCR ddPCR sequencing Sanger next-generation Illumina PacBio Oxford-Nanopore genome transcriptome proteome metabolome microbiome virome bacteriome fungome parasitome holobiont symbiosis mutualism commensalism parasitism pathogenesis virulence transmission vectorial-capacity basic-reproduction-number R0 force-of-infection incidence seroprevalence case-fatality-rate morbidity disability-adjusted-life-year DALY quality-adjusted-life-year QALY cost-effectiveness economic-burden public-health-burden veterinary-burden agricultural-impact wildlife-impact conservation biodiversity ecosystem-service disservice One-Health EcoHealth Planetary-Health integrated-pest-management IPM vector-control acaricide insecticide resistance insecticide-resistance acaricide-resistance resistance-management rotation mosaic mixture synergist biological-control entomopathogenic-fungus nematode predator parasitoid habitat-modification environmental-management personal-protection repellent insecticide-treated-clothing picaridin IR3535 oil-of-lemon-eucalyptus PMD 2-undecanone spatial-repellent attract-and-kill push-pull surveillance active-surveillance passive-surveillance sentinel-surveillance syndromic-surveillance tick-drag flagging CO2-trap dry-ice host-seeking tick-collection specimen-preservation vouchering museum collection repository database GBIF GenBank BOLD NCBI ITIS EOL Wikidata Wikipedia ResearchGate Google-Scholar Web-of-Science Scopus PubMed MEDLINE EMBASE CAB-Abstracts Zoological-Record BIOSIS agricola agricultural-database veterinary-database medical-database entomological-database acarological-database tick-database Ixodes-database Lyme-disease-database vector-database pathogen-database Borrelia-database spirochete-database ecological-database biodiversity-database observation citizen-science iNaturalist eBird Project-FeederWatch Christmas-Bird-Count North-American-Breeding-Bird-Survey bird-banding mark-recapture radio-telemetry GPS-tracking geolocator light-level-logger accelerometer stable-isotope isotope-analysis migratory-connectivity flyway migration-route wintering-ground breeding-ground stopover-site molt-migration irruptive-migration nomadism dispersal natal-dispersal breeding-dispersal seed-dispersal pollination trophic-cascade food-web food-chain trophic-level apex-predator mesopredator keystone-species ecosystem-engineer foundation-species flagship-species umbrella-species indicator-species sentinel-species bioindicator biomonitor environmental-monitor pollution-indicator climate-indicator disease-indicator health-indicator One-Health-indicator surveillance-indicator early-warning risk-assessment hazard-identification exposure-assessment dose-response risk-characterization risk-management risk-communication risk-perception risk-behavior protective-behavior preventive-behavior health-belief-model theory-of-planned-behavior social-cognitive-theory health-communication health-education health-promotion disease-prevention primary-prevention secondary-prevention tertiary-prevention screening diagnosis treatment antibiotic doxycycline amoxicillin ceftriaxone azithromycin prophylaxis post-exposure-prophylaxis vaccine Lyme-disease-vaccine tick-vaccine anti-tick-vaccine target-of-acquired-immunity tick-saliva salivary-gland salivary-protein immunomodulation immunosuppression anti-inflammatory anticoagulant vasodilator anesthetic cement-cone tick-attachment feeding-lesion tick-bite tick-borne-encephalitis TBE Powassan-virus deer-tick-virus Heartland-virus Bourbon-virus Colorado-tick-fever Rocky-Mountain-spotted-fever RMSF ehrlichiosis anaplasmosis babesiosis theileriosis cytauxzoonosis hepatozoonosis tick-paralysis tick-toxicosis alpha-gal-syndrome red-meat-allergy galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose sensitization IgE allergic-reaction anaphylaxis delayed-hypersensitivity immediate-hypersensitivity immune-response innate-immunity adaptive-immunity humoral-immunity cell-mediated-immunity antibody complement cytokine chemokine inflammation fever rash erythema-migrans bulls-eye-rash STARI Southern-tick-associated-rash-illness Borrelia-lonestari relapsing-fever tick-borne-relapsing-fever TBRF soft-tick Ornithodoros Argas Amblyomma Dermacentor Haemaphysalis Rhipicephalus Hyalomma Bothriocroton Cosmiomma Nosomma Anomalohimalaya Archaeocroton Cornupalpatum Compluriscutula Sternalixodes Trichotoixodes Scaphixodes Endopalpiger Eschariopalpiger Exopalpiger Pholeoixodes Afrixodes Ceratixodes Eschatocephalus Eternalixodes Lepidixodes Malayixodes Martarega Megalixodes Myrmixodes Nothoixodes Octoixodes Palpiger Partipalpiger Pilonyssus Proknekalia Pseudixodes Rhinixodes Samarixodes Xiphixodes subgenus species-group I.-ricinus-complex I.-persulcatus-complex I.-scapularis-complex I.-pacificus-complex I.-affinis-group I.-cookei-group I.-marxi-group I.-angustus-group I.-soricis-group I.-uriae-group I.-holocyclus-group I.-ceylonensis-group I.-granulatus-group I.-ovatus-group I.-nipponensis-group I.-persulcatus-group I.-pavlovskyi-group I.-ricinus-group I.-scapularis-group I.-pacificus-group I.-affinis I.-auritulus I.-australiensis I.-boliviensis I.-brunneus I.-cookei I.-cooleyi I.-cornuae I.-cornuatus I.-crenulatus I.-dammini I.-dawsoni I.-dentatus I.-diomedeae I.-domerguei I.-eadsi I.-eastoni I.-eldaricus I.-elongatus I.-eudyptidis I.-euplectropi I.-evansi I.-fecialis I.-festai I.-frontalis I.-galapagoensis I.-ghilarovi I.-gibbosus I.-granulatus I.-gregsoni I.-hearlei I.-hexagonus I.-hirsti I.-holocyclus I.-hoogstraali I.-howelli I.-hyatti I.-jacksoni I.-jellisoni I.-kashmiricus I.-kazakstani I.-kingi I.-kohlsi I.-kopsteini I.-kuntzi I.-laguri I.-latus I.-layingensis I.-lewisi I.-lividus I.-longiscutatus I.-loricatus I.-luciae I.-malayensis I.-marxi I.-maslovi I.-matopi I.-minor I.-monospinosus I.-moreli I.-moschiferi I.-muris I.-murreleti I.-myospalacis I.-nchisiensis I.-necromys I.-neitzi I.-nipponensis I.-nuttalli I.-ochotonae I.-okapiae I.-oldi I.-ornithorhynchi I.-ovatus I.-pacificus I.-pararicinus I.-pavlovskyi I.-percavatus I.-peromysci I.-persulcatus I.-pomerantzi I.-pterodromae I.-quadratus I.-raccoonis I.-rageaui I.-randrianasoloi I.-rasus I.-redikorzevi I.-ricinus I.-rothschildi I.-rotundatus I.-rubicundus I.-rugicollis I.-rugosus I.-sapeloensis I.-sarsi I.-scapularis I.-schillingsi I.-sculptus I.-semenovi I.-soricis I.-spinae I.-steini I.-stilesi I.-stromi I.-subterranus I.-tancitarius I.-tanuki I.-tapirus I.-tasmani I.-taylori I.-tertiarius I.-texanus I.-theilerae I.-thomasae I.-tovari I.-transvaalensis I.-trianguliceps I.-trichosuri I.-turdus I.-uriae I.-vandenbergi I.-vanidicus I.-ventalloi I.-vespertilionis I.-victoriensis I.-walkerae I.-werneri I.-woodi I.-zaglossi I.-zairensis tick-taxonomy tick-systematics tick-phylogeny tick-evolution tick-biogeography tick-ecology tick-physiology tick-behavior tick-reproduction tick-development tick-nutrition tick-metabolism tick-respiration tick-excretion tick-osmoregulation tick-neurobiology tick-sensory-biology tick-chemoreception tick-thermoreception tick-mechanoreception tick-photoreception tick-circadian-rhythm tick-biological-clock tick-seasonality tick-diapause tick-overwintering tick-cold-hardiness tick-desiccation-resistance tick-water-balance tick-cuticle tick-molting tick-ecdysis tick-growth tick-feeding tick-engorgement tick-blood-meal tick-digestion tick-salivation tick-saliva-composition tick-salivary-gland-transcriptome tick-salivary-proteome tick-pharmacology tick-toxicology tick-venom tick-paralysis-toxin tick-borne-pathogen tick-borne-virus tick-borne-bacterium tick-borne-protozoan tick-borne-helminth tick-borne-rickettsia tick-borne-ehrlichia tick-borne-anaplasma tick-borne-borrelia tick-borne-babesia tick-borne-theileria tick-borne-hepatozoon tick-borne-coxiella tick-borne-francisella tick-borne-bartonella tick-borne-chlamydia tick-borne-mycoplasma tick-borne-spiroplasma tick-borne-arbovirus tick-borne-flavivirus tick-borne-bunyavirus tick-borne-reovirus tick-borne-orbivirus tick-borne-coltivirus tick-borne-nairovirus tick-borne-phlebovirus tick-borne-thogotovirus tick-borne-orthomyxovirus tick-borne-arenavirus tick-borne-hantavirus tick-borne-paramyxovirus tick-borne-rhabdovirus tick-borne-bornavirus tick-borne-filovirus tick-borne-coronavirus tick-borne-poxvirus tick-borne-herpesvirus tick-borne-adenovirus tick-borne-papillomavirus tick-borne-polyomavirus tick-borne-circovirus tick-borne-parvovirus tick-borne-anellovirus tick-borne-dependovirus tick-borne-tenuivirus tick-borne-deltavirus tick-borne-hepadnavirus tick-borne-retrovirus tick-borne-lentivirus tick-borne-spumavirus tick-borne-metavirus tick-borne-pseudovirus tick-borne-hemivirus tick-borne-novirhabdovirus tick-borne-peribunyavirus tick-borne-phenuivirus tick-borne-bandavirus tick-borne-phasivirus tick-borne-tulasvirus tick-borne-orthonairovirus tick-borne-shavivirus tick-borne-sathuperi-virus tick-borne-salehabad-virus tick-borne-dera-ghazi-khan-virus tick-borne-hughes-virus tick-borne-farallon-virus tick-borne-punta-salinas-virus tick-borne-sapphire-II-virus tick-borne-zirqa-virus tick-borne-keterah-virus tick-borne-thiafora-virus tick-borne-erve-virus tick-borne-malsoor-virus tick-borne-tibet-virus tick-borne-qalyub-virus tick-borne-yogue-virus tick-borne-kasokero-virus tick-borne-lebombo-virus tick-borne-nyamanini-virus tick-borne-midway-virus tick-borne-tokar-virus tick-borne-absettarov-virus tick-borne-hypr-virus tick-borne-kumlinge-virus tick-borne-omsk-hemorrhagic-fever-virus tick-borne-langat-virus tick-borne-louping-ill-virus tick-borne-kyasanur-forest-disease-virus tick-borne-alkhurma-hemorrhagic-fever-virus tick-borne-powassan-virus tick-borne-deer-tick-virus tick-borne-heartland-virus tick-borne-bourbon-virus tick-borne-colorado-tick-fever-virus tick-borne-eyach-virus tick-borne-banna-virus tick-borne-seadornavirus tick-borne-great-island-virus tick-borne-kemerovo-virus tick-borne-lipovnik-virus tick-borne-tribec-virus tick-borne-chobar-gorge-virus tick-borne-wad-Medani-virus tick-borne-dugbe-virus tick-borne-crimean-congo-hemorrhagic-fever-virus tick-borne-nairobi-sheep-disease-virus tick-borne-ganjam-virus tick-borne-bandia-virus tick-borne-sierra-nevada-virus tick-borne-lone-star-virus tick-borne-severe-fever-with-thrombocytopenia-syndrome-virus tick-borne-huaiyangshan-virus tick-borne-guertu-virus tick-borne-Alongshan-virus tick-borne-wenzhou-virus tick-borne-wuhan-virus tick-borne-yongjia-virus tick-borne-chiba-virus tick-borne-natori-virus tick-borne-odawara-virus tick-borne-kowloon-virus tick-borne-tamanavirus
Lepidurus
tadpole shrimp
Lepidurus is one of two extant genera of tadpole shrimp (order Notostraca), distinguished from Triops by morphological and ecological traits. Species inhabit temporary freshwater pools, vernal pools, and permanent lakes across diverse climates from Arctic tundra to desert regions. The genus exhibits notable life history flexibility, with resting eggs capable of surviving desiccation and freezing for decades. Some species are of conservation concern due to habitat specificity, while others serve as agricultural pests or bioindicators of environmental change.
tadpole-shrimp Notostraca Branchiopoda living-fossil vernal-pool resting-eggs bioindicator acoustic-communication
Leptoceridae
long-horned caddisflies, silverhorns
Leptoceridae is the second largest family of caddisflies (Trichoptera), comprising over 1,850 species in approximately 68 genera. Members are distinguished by exceptionally long antennae—typically 1.5–2 times the forewing length—giving rise to their common name "long-horned caddisflies." The family exhibits remarkable diversity in larval feeding strategies, habitat preferences, and adult mating behaviors. Larvae are effective swimmers and construct portable cases, inhabiting ponds, marshes, lakes, and slower stream reaches across all faunal regions except Antarctica.
caddisfly Trichoptera aquatic-insect freshwater long-antennae case-building swarming bioindicator
Leptocheliidae
Leptocheliidae is a family of small, low-mobility crustaceans in the order Tanaidacea, comprising over 30 genera and 140 described species. Members are abundant in shallow marine waters and show high sensitivity to environmental shifts, particularly dissolved oxygen and temperature changes. Global diversity patterns reveal a bimodal latitudinal distribution with peaks in lower latitudes and decline at the equator, with biodiversity hotspots in the Indo-Australian region, Central Indo-Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The family serves as an important indicator group for monitoring environmental change in threatened coastal habitats.
crustacea tanaidacea marine bioindicator shallow-water biodiversity-indicator
Leptophlebia
Early brown spinner, Sepia dun, Claret dun
Leptophlebia is a genus of mayflies in the family Leptophlebiidae, comprising approximately 11 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Nymphs are primarily detritivores that inhabit lentic waters, slow-flowing streams, and floodplain wetlands, with documented movements between river channels and temporary wetland habitats. Several species, including L. vespertina and L. cupida, have been studied as model organisms for understanding life cycle plasticity, acid tolerance, and river-floodplain connectivity in freshwater ecosystems.
detritivore univoltine acid-tolerant river-floodplain bioindicator lentic winter-active
Leptophlebia cupida
Early Brown Spinner, Black Quill
Leptophlebia cupida is a pronggilled mayfly species native to North America, commonly known as the early brown spinner or black quill. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with egg diapause during summer months. Nymphs develop through approximately 20-34 instars over 10 months, with emergence occurring from late April to mid-May. Adults are short-lived, non-feeding, and mate in swarms near streams.
Ephemeroptera mayfly detritivore univoltine spring-emergence lotic North-America pronggilled-mayfly Leptophlebiidae stream-insect bioindicator
Leuctra duplicata
Atlantic Needlefly
Leuctra duplicata, known as the Atlantic needlefly, is a rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. It is a univoltine species with a life cycle adapted to intermittent streams. Adults emerge in mid-to-late May over a 3-4 week period. The species has been recorded from northeastern North America, with notable rarity in some parts of its range.
stonefly Plecoptera Leuctridae bioindicator intermittent-stream univoltine rare-species
Leuctra truncata
Truncate Needlefly
Leuctra truncata, known as the truncate needlefly, is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. The species was described by Claassen in 1923 and is distributed in eastern North America, with records from Connecticut, Maine, Newfoundland, New York, and Pennsylvania. As a member of Plecoptera, it has aquatic immature stages and terrestrial adults.
stonefly plecoptera leuctridae rolled-winged-stonefly truncate-needlefly aquatic-insect bioindicator North-America eastern-North-America
Leuctridae
rolled-winged stoneflies, needleflies
Leuctridae is a family of stoneflies (Plecoptera) containing at least 390 species. Adults are small, typically 5–13 mm in length, with slender cylindrical wings that wrap around the body at rest, giving the family its common name. The family has a primarily Holarctic distribution with significant diversity in China, Europe, and North America. Larvae develop in freshwater habitats, with some species exhibiting unusual life cycles involving brackish water or coastal areas.
stoneflies Plecoptera freshwater Holarctic bioindicator rolled-winged needleflies
Leuctrinae
Leuctrinae is a subfamily of stoneflies (order Plecoptera) within the family Leuctridae. Members of this group are small to medium-sized stoneflies commonly known as 'rolled-winged stoneflies' due to their distinctive wing posture at rest. The subfamily was established by Klapálek in 1905 and represents one of the major lineages within the Nemouroidea superfamily. Leuctrinae species are primarily associated with cool, clean running waters and are widely distributed across the Holarctic region.
stonefly rolled-winged-stonefly lotic bioindicator Plecoptera Leuctridae aquatic-insect drumming-communication
Limnephilidae
Northern Caddisflies, Northern Caddis Flies
Limnephilidae is a large family of case-constructing caddisflies comprising approximately 100 genera and nearly 900 described species. Adults are typically brown with narrow, often patterned forewings and broader transparent hindwings. Larvae construct portable cases from diverse plant and mineral materials, with case composition varying by habitat temperature and water flow. The family exhibits exceptional ecological diversity, with larvae occupying nearly all freshwater habitats including a remarkable terrestrial genus, Enoicyla, whose larvae live in woodland leaf litter.
caddisfly Trichoptera freshwater case-constructing bioindicator northern-temperate Enoicyla terrestrial-caddisfly univoltine algae scavenger integripalpia
Limnephilus
caddisfly
Limnephilus is the most diverse genus in the family Limnephilidae, containing over 180 described species with broad ecological tolerances and a primarily Holarctic distribution. Species inhabit diverse freshwater habitats including lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, and high-altitude streams, with some extending to salt marshes and desert environments. Several species are of conservation concern in North America. The genus has been extensively studied as a bioindicator for aquatic pollution and as a model for understanding predator-prey interactions and case-building behavior.
caddisfly Trichoptera freshwater shredder bioindicator Holarctic case-building pond stream conservation ecotoxicology
Maccaffertium exiguum
flatheaded mayfly
Maccaffertium exiguum is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. This aquatic insect is native to North America, with a documented range extending across southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. Like other members of the genus, it develops through aquatic nymphal stages in freshwater habitats before emerging as a winged adult.
aquatic-insect bioindicator mayfly flatheaded-mayfly North-America
Maccaffertium terminatum terminatum
Maccaffertium terminatum terminatum is a subspecies of mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the unique mayfly developmental trait of having a winged sub-adult stage (subimago) that requires one final molt to reach full adulthood. The subspecies is part of the Nearctic fauna, with records from North America. As an aquatic insect, its life cycle is tied to freshwater habitats, with nymphs developing in water before emerging as winged adults.
aquatic bioindicator light-attracted subimago Nearctic
Macrelmis texana
Macrelmis texana is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae, described by Schaeffer in 1911. It belongs to a genus of aquatic beetles adapted to living in fast-flowing water. The species has been recorded from both Central America and North America.
riffle-beetle aquatic-beetle Elmidae Coleoptera stream-insect bioindicator
Macrostemum zebratum
Zebra Caddisfly
Macrostemum zebratum, commonly known as the zebra caddisfly, is a species of netspinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae. It is a medium to large caddisfly recognized by its distinctive patterned wings. As a member of the Hydropsychidae, it constructs silk capture nets in flowing water to filter food particles.
Trichoptera Hydropsychidae netspinning-caddisfly aquatic-insect filter-feeder North-America bioindicator