China-biodiversity
Guides
Chrysoteuchia
sod webworms, cranberry girdlers
Chrysoteuchia is a genus of Crambidae moths containing approximately 36 species worldwide, with exceptional diversity in China (33 species). The genus exhibits a Palearctic, Sino-Japanese, and Oriental distribution pattern. Species are strongly associated with humid to semi-humid environments and show cold tolerance with humidity-dependent distribution patterns. The cranberry girdler (C. topiarius) is a notable pest of cool-season turfgrasses, cranberries, and fir in North America.
Gandaritis
Gandaritis is a genus of geometrid moths comprising approximately 22 species, with 16 species recorded from China. The genus was established by Frederic Moore in 1868. Species within this genus are primarily distributed across the Palearctic region, with notable diversity in montane areas of western China. The Barred Straw (G. pyraliata) is the best-studied species, having been sequenced for genomic analysis.
Ocypus
Ocypus is a genus of rove beetles in the subfamily Staphylininae, containing approximately 176 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions. The genus includes the well-known Ocypus olens (devil's coach-horse beetle), a large, predatory species with documented potential for biological control of pest snails. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, including O. nitens, which has established in North America and shown rapid range expansion. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in China, with numerous species described from Sichuan, Gansu, Yunnan, and other provinces.
Orchestina
goblin spiders
Orchestina is a species-rich genus of tiny goblin spiders (family Oonopidae) containing over 180 extant species. Members measure 1.0–3.0 mm in body length and possess an enlarged fourth femur enabling jumping. The genus exhibits a nearly global distribution in the Northern Hemisphere south of 45°N, with highest diversity in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. First described by Eugène Simon in 1882.
Ptychoptera
phantom crane flies
Ptychoptera is a genus of phantom crane flies comprising at least 70 described species. The genus is characterized by larvae that are aquatic or semi-aquatic detritivores inhabiting freshwater environments. Adults are recognized by their distinctive wing folding behavior, giving rise to the common name "fold-winged crane flies." Species occur across the Holarctic and Oriental regions, with significant diversity in China.