Cosmopolitan-distribution
Guides
Acaenitinae
Acaenitinae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Ichneumonidae, comprising 28 genera distributed across all continents except Antarctica. The subfamily is poorly known biologically, with only one species (Acaenitus dubitator) reared to confirm its life history as a koinobiont endoparasitoid of weevil larvae. Females possess a distinctive large triangular projecting genital plate, a key diagnostic feature. Traditional tribal classification into Acaenitini and Coleocentrini remains debated, with molecular studies challenging the monophyly of Coleocentrini.
Acnemia
Acnemia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Winnertz in 1863. The genus contains over 40 described species with an almost cosmopolitan distribution. Species occur across North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions. Acnemia sibirica, described in 1979, was recently redescribed after being overlooked in taxonomic databases due to nomenclatural confusion.
Aedes vexans
inland floodwater mosquito, tomguito
Aedes vexans is a cosmopolitan floodwater mosquito native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is now established in Australia. It is frequently the most abundant mosquito species across much of its range, particularly in northern latitudes. Females are aggressive human biters active at dusk, while males feed exclusively on nectar. The species is a documented vector for multiple pathogens including dog heartworm, Tahyna virus, and West Nile virus, and has demonstrated laboratory competence for Zika virus transmission. Its eggs survive winter in dry flood-prone soils, hatching when inundated by rainfall.
Aglossa cuprina
grease moth
Aglossa cuprina, commonly known as the grease moth, is a pyralid moth described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1872. It is a widespread stored product pest whose larvae feed on dried grain products, while adults consume grease, suet, and butter. The species has gained attention in forensic entomology due to observations of adults feeding on human remains. Its life cycle is temperature-dependent, potentially spanning one to two years.
Alphitophagus
Alphitophagus is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) established by Stephens in 1832. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution. The best-known species, A. bifasciatus, is a cosmopolitan pest of stored products and serves as an intermediate host for the poultry cestode Raillietina cesticillus. A. obtusangulus, described from Croatia in 1904, was recently recorded from France and Greece.
Amphicrossinae
Amphicrossinae is a subfamily of sap-feeding beetles within Nitidulidae, represented by a single genus Amphicrossus Erichson, 1843. The subfamily contains approximately nine described species with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning all major zoogeographical realms. Historical biogeographic analysis indicates an African origin in the Lower Tertiary, followed by multiple dispersal events across continents driven by plate tectonics, sea level changes, and climate fluctuations.
Ancylosis
snout moths
Ancylosis is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae, established by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1839. The genus exhibits broad geographic distribution across multiple continents, with species recorded from Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Taxonomic revision work in recent years has clarified species boundaries, established new synonyms, and reinstated several previously synonymized species. The genus contains multiple subgenera including Ancylosis, Heterographis, Cabotia, and Syria, though some species remain unassigned.
Anomalini
shining leaf chafers
Anomalini is a large and diverse tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as shining leaf chafers. The tribe comprises approximately 1,300 described species worldwide, with significant representation across multiple biogeographical regions including the Palaearctic, Oriental, Ethiopian, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. The tribe includes economically important pest species, particularly in agricultural settings, as well as numerous endemic taxa with restricted distributions. Members of Anomalini exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with diagnostic characters often concentrated in male genitalia structure and body sculpturing patterns.
Anotylus insignitus
Anotylus insignitus is a species of spiny-legged rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It has an exceptionally broad global distribution spanning six continents, including native ranges in the Neotropics and Caribbean, and introduced populations in North America, Europe, and Oceania. The species belongs to the tribe Oxytelini, a group characterized by fossorial (burrowing) habits and association with decaying organic matter.
Anotylus rugosus
Anotylus rugosus is a spiny-legged rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. It is strongly associated with moist, decomposing organic matter in wetland margins, salt marshes, and coastal habitats. The species has been introduced to parts of Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Adults fly in warm weather, particularly in afternoon and evening hours.
Anurida
Anurida is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, established in 1865 by Laboulbène. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with species occupying diverse habitats including intertidal marine zones, river floodplains, riparian areas, and forest ecosystems. Well-studied species include the intertidal specialist Anurida maritima, which exhibits complex tidal-entrained behaviors, and the terrestrial A. granaria, which has documented mycophagous associations. The genus shows notable morphological diversity in chaetotaxy and eye reduction, with some species groups exhibiting cryptic genetic divergence despite morphological similarity.
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picinus
Pitchy Scarab
Ataenius picinus, known as the pitchy scarab, is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species has a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents including North America, Central America, South America, Australia, and various Pacific islands. As a member of the Aphodiinae subfamily, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as small dung beetles or aphodiines, which typically inhabit decomposing organic matter. The specific epithet "picinus" refers to its pitch-black or dark coloration.
Atheta longicornis
Atheta longicornis is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1802. The species has a broad native distribution across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, and has been introduced to North America (Canada and the United States), Australia, and other regions. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Atheta, it inhabits various terrestrial habitats where it contributes to decomposition processes. The species is characterized by its relatively long antennae, which inspired its specific epithet.
Atholus bimaculatus
Spotted Clown Beetle
Atholus bimaculatus, commonly known as the spotted clown beetle, is a species of histerid beetle with a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species is native to the Palearctic region (Europe, Northern Asia, North Africa) and has been introduced to North America, South America, and parts of Asia. It belongs to the family Histeridae, a group commonly called clown beetles or hister beetles, which are typically associated with decomposing organic matter. The specific epithet 'bimaculatus' refers to two spots, likely describing a characteristic marking pattern on the elytra.
Augyles
variegated mud-loving beetles
Augyles is a genus of variegated mud-loving beetles in the family Heteroceridae, established by Schiødte in 1866. The genus exhibits an almost cosmopolitan distribution and is classified in the tribe Augylini. Species within this genus have been documented across diverse regions including European Russia, the Caucasus, and East Asia, with ongoing taxonomic work revealing new regional records.
Bedellia somnulentella
sweet potato leaf miner, morning-glory leafminer moth
Bedellia somnulentella is a microlepidopteran leaf-mining moth in the family Bedelliidae, native to Asia and now nearly cosmopolitan in distribution. It is a significant agricultural pest of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and related Convolvulaceae, with larvae feeding on leaf mesophyll and reducing photosynthetic capacity. The species has expanded its range through association with cultivated crops and maintains populations on wild Ipomoea species during off-season periods. It has been documented across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
Brassicogethes viridescens
pollen beetle
A small pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Africa, Europe, northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Like other members of its family, it is associated with flowers and pollen-feeding habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Brentidae
straight-snouted weevils, primitive weevils
Brentidae is a cosmopolitan family of weevils distinguished by their straight (non-elbowed) antennae and elongated, often flattened bodies. The family has undergone significant taxonomic expansion, now encompassing approximately 4,000 species across six subfamilies including groups formerly classified in Curculionidae (Apioninae, Cyladinae, Nanophyinae) and the previously separate family Ithycerinae. Members are primarily xylophagous, with larvae feeding on fungi in dead wood. The family exhibits its greatest diversity in tropical regions but extends into temperate zones worldwide.
Brevicoryne brassicae
cabbage aphid, cabbage aphis, mealy cabbage aphid
Brevicoryne brassicae, commonly known as the cabbage aphid, is a destructive agricultural pest native to Europe that has spread worldwide. The species feeds exclusively on plants in the family Brassicaceae, including cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and other cultivated brassicas. Large colonies form on the undersides of young leaves and flower heads, causing significant yield losses through direct feeding damage and virus transmission. The aphid possesses a unique chemical defense mechanism, producing myrosinase enzyme and sequestering glucosinolates from host plants to release toxic mustard oil compounds when attacked.
Cardiocondyla emeryi
Cardiocondyla emeryi is a small ant species in the subfamily Myrmicinae with a wide introduced distribution across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The species is known from two recognized subspecies: the nominate C. e. emeryi and C. e. fezzanensis from Algeria. Its extensive range includes native populations in Africa and the Middle East, with numerous introduced populations in the Americas, Caribbean, Pacific islands, and parts of Europe and Asia. The species has been documented in over 40 countries and island groups, indicating significant human-mediated dispersal.
Cardiocondyla mauritanica
Moorish Sneaking Ant
Cardiocondyla mauritanica is a small myrmicine ant originally described from North Africa and the Middle East. It has become a widespread tramp species, now established in numerous regions worldwide through human-mediated dispersal. The species belongs to a genus noted for remarkable morphological and behavioral diversity, particularly among male ants.
Cardiocondyla obscurior
Arboreal Sneaking Ant
Cardiocondyla obscurior is a small myrmicine ant with Indomalayan origins that has achieved cosmopolitan distribution as a tramp species. It exhibits distinctive reproductive traits including male polyphenism with both winged and wingless male morphs, and a unique aging strategy termed 'continuusparity' where queens maintain continuous reproduction with a fitness peak late in life. The species is primarily arboreal, nesting in plant cavities of low vegetation, and has been introduced to numerous regions including the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Cartodere constricta
Plaster Beetle
Cartodere constricta, commonly known as the plaster beetle, is a minute lathridiid beetle measuring 1.3–2.0 mm in length. Native to the Palearctic region, it has become established in the Nearctic through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a mold feeder associated with stored products, buildings, and organic debris in dry environments. It serves as a documented phoretic host for the mite Tarsonemus ascitus, which attaches specifically to the lateral and underside surfaces of the beetle's prothorax.
Cercyon haemorrhoidalis
Cercyon haemorrhoidalis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It has been recorded across multiple continents including Australia, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. The species is part of a genus commonly associated with dung and decaying organic matter in moist habitats.
Cercyon laminatus
Cercyon laminatus is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. The species has a broad distribution spanning multiple continents, with native records from Asia and introduced populations established in Europe, Hawaii, Chile, and Australia. It is one of many Cercyon species adapted to moist or aquatic environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Chaetocnema confinis
sweetpotato flea beetle
Chaetocnema confinis is a small flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae) with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Central and North America, South America, Oceania, and Southern Asia. It is a significant agricultural pest of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), with adults feeding on foliage and larvae developing in soil to feed on tuberous roots. Larval feeding causes distinctive linear epidermal damage to storage roots, creating economic losses in commercial production. The species has been studied intensively in Japan, where seasonal damage patterns have been documented.
Coccotrypes cyperi
seed borer
A small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the seed borer. Native to Southeast Asia, it has established cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated dispersal, particularly via international trade in seeds and plant materials. The species is polyphagous and has been documented from approximately 50 host plant species. It is recognized as an invasive pest in multiple regions including the United States, where it was introduced in the early 1900s through imported bird seeds and avocado seeds.
Coccus longulus
Long Brown Scale
Coccus longulus, commonly known as the long brown scale, is a soft scale insect in the family Coccidae. It has a broad global distribution spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and numerous Pacific islands. As a member of the soft scales, it likely feeds on plant sap and may produce honeydew, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Coenonica puncticollis
Coenonica puncticollis is a small rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae. Originally described from Madagascar in 1857, this species has been introduced to multiple regions worldwide and is now established in Australia, New Zealand, parts of Europe, Egypt, the United States (Florida), and various Caribbean and South American localities. Its native range encompasses the Oriental region, Ryukyu Islands, New Guinea, Tahiti, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, and the Seychelles. The species belongs to the tribe Homalotini within the diverse aleocharine rove beetles.
Coleosoma
Coleosoma is a genus of comb-footed spiders in the family Theridiidae, established by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1882. The genus comprises ten currently recognized species with a cosmopolitan distribution. Taxonomic revision has been ongoing, with several species transferred to other genera and numerous synonymies established. The genus includes both native and introduced species, with C. octomaculatum documented as established in New Zealand through anthropogenic introduction.
Corythucha morrilli
Morrill Lace Bug
Corythucha morrilli, commonly known as the Morrill lace bug, is a species of true bug in the family Tingidae. It has a remarkably broad distribution spanning Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and Oceania, suggesting either high dispersal capability or human-mediated spread. Like other lace bugs, it is a sap-feeding insect that uses its piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant cell contents.
Cosmopolites sordidus
banana root borer, banana borer, banana weevil
Cosmopolites sordidus is a serious pest of banana cultivation with cosmopolitan distribution throughout banana-growing regions worldwide. Adults are approximately 11 mm long with glossy greyish-black to dark brown coloration. The species is considered the most damaging insect pest of bananas, with larvae burrowing into stems and corms causing plant weakening, lodging, and yield reduction. The complete life cycle takes 30–40 days.
Cryptamorpha desjardinsii
Desjardin's beetle, Desjardin's flat beetle
Cryptamorpha desjardinsii is a small silvanid flat bark beetle, originally described from tropical Asia in 1844. It has established cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated introduction, now occurring across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The species feeds on mildews and moulds, particularly on plants such as flax. Its spread to New Zealand is documented as occurring via Australia.
Cryptolestes
Cryptolestes is a genus of small beetles in the family Laemophloeidae. Several species are economically significant pests of stored products, particularly food grains. The genus includes four particularly notorious species: C. ferrugineus (rusty grain beetle), C. pusilloides, C. pusillus (flat grain beetle), and C. turcicus (flour mill beetle). Species within this genus are morphologically similar and often require examination of genitalia for definitive identification.
Cunaxidae
cunaxid mites, snout mites
Cunaxidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Trombidiformes, commonly known as snout mites due to their prominent gnathosoma. The family contains at least 20 genera and over 390 described species, with some estimates exceeding 450 species across 32 genera. These mites occupy diverse terrestrial habitats worldwide except Antarctica, where they function as opportunistic predators of small arthropods and other microfauna. They exhibit two distinct foraging strategies: ambush predation and active cursorial hunting.
Cymbaeremaeidae
Cymbaeremaeidae is a family of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) comprising approximately 5 genera and at least 90 described species. The family includes the genera Cymbaeremaeus, Scapheremaeus, Bulleremaeus, Glanderemaeus, and Seteremaeus. Members of this family have been documented across multiple continents including Asia, Australia, North America, and South America, with habitats ranging from forest soil and litter to arboreal environments and temporary rock pools.
Dendryphantes
Dendryphantes is a genus of jumping spiders (family Salticidae) established by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1837. The genus comprises 72 species as of October 2025. These spiders are found on all inhabited continents except Australia, with documented records from Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They are active hunters characterized by the visual acuity and jumping ability typical of salticid spiders.
Dichomeris acuminatus
Alfalfa Leaf Tier, Alfalfa Leaftier Moth
Dichomeris acuminatus is a small moth in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as the alfalfa leaf tier. It has an exceptionally broad distribution spanning multiple continents including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. The species was first described by Otto Staudinger in 1876. Despite its common name suggesting association with alfalfa, the species appears to be a generalist with a wide ecological tolerance given its cosmopolitan range.
Dinoderus japonicus
Japanese shot-hole borer
Dinoderus japonicus, commonly known as the Japanese shot-hole borer, is a horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. The species has a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Australia, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. As a member of the powder-post beetle group, it is associated with wood-boring habits typical of the family Bostrichidae.
Dixa
Dixa is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Dixidae, established by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1818. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution, with species recorded across Europe, North America, and other regions. Species-level taxonomy within Dixa has been subject to recent revision, with several new species described from North America and taxonomic confusion resolved for historically problematic names such as D. modesta. Larvae develop in aquatic environments, particularly lotic (flowing water) habitats.
Dorypteryx domestica
cave barklouse
Dorypteryx domestica is a small psocid, commonly known as the cave barklouse, in the family Psyllipsocidae. Originally described as Dolopteryx domestica from Zimbabwe in 1958, it was later transferred to Dorypteryx by Lienhard in 1977. The species has a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, Europe, Northern Asia, and North America, and has been recorded from domestic as well as cave habitats.
Ectopsocopsis cryptomeriae
Large-winged Psocid
Ectopsocopsis cryptomeriae is a species of outer barklouse known as the large-winged psocid. It belongs to the family Ectopsocidae and has a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning six continents. The species was first described by Enderlein in 1907 under the basionym Ectopsocus cryptomeriae. It is one of the more frequently observed psocids, with substantial iNaturalist documentation.
Ectopsocus meridionalis
Ectopsocus meridionalis is a species of outer barklouse in the family Ectopsocidae. It has been recorded across an exceptionally broad geographic range spanning six continents, including Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. The species was described by Ribaga in 1904. Its widespread distribution suggests either high dispersal capability or cryptic species diversity, though specific ecological studies remain limited.
Ectopsocus richardsi
outer barklouse
Ectopsocus richardsi is a species of outer barklouse in the family Ectopsocidae, first described by Pearman in 1929. The species exhibits an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning six continents, with documented occurrences across Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia, Central America, North America, Oceania, South America, and Southern Asia. This cosmopolitan range is notable among barklice and suggests either high dispersal capability or cryptic species status. The species is classified within the order Psocodea, which includes both parasitic lice and free-living barklice.
Ectopsocus strauchi
outer barklouse
Ectopsocus strauchi is a species of outer barklouse in the family Ectopsocidae. It has a remarkably broad global distribution spanning six continents. The species was described by Enderlein in 1906. As an outer barklouse, it inhabits the surface of tree bark rather than living beneath it.
Ectopsocus vachoni
outer barklouse
Ectopsocus vachoni is an outer barklouse species described by Badonnel in 1945. It has been recorded across multiple continents including Africa, Australia, Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia. As a member of the family Ectopsocidae, it inhabits outer bark surfaces of trees. The species shows a notably broad geographic distribution for a barklouse.
Elthusa
Elthusa is a genus of cymothoid isopods comprising approximately 40 described species of obligate fish parasites. Species in this genus are characterized by branchial parasitism, attaching to the gill filaments of marine fish hosts where they feed on blood and tissue fluids. The genus has a worldwide distribution with records from the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Several species have been described from South Africa, New Caledonia, Taiwan, and Japan, with some exhibiting host specificity while others parasitize multiple fish species.
Emertonella
Emertonella is a genus of cobweb spiders in the family Theridiidae, subfamily Hadrotarsinae, first described by E. B. Bryant in 1945. The genus was re-delimited in 2024 based on male palpal morphology, transferring approximately 30 species from the genus Euryopis. It now contains species distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and New Guinea.
spidercobweb-spiderTheridiidaeHadrotarsinaeant-predator-subfamilyre-delimited-genuscosmopolitan-distributionmale-palpal-morphologytaxonomyEuryopis-transferChinaHenan-Provinceforest-habitatagricultural-habitatJuly-collectionelevation-70-1340mBryant-19452024-revisionPMC12964056ZooKeys-1270genus-levelAraneaeArachnidacomb-footed-spiderEntomobrya nivalis
Cosmopolitan Springtail
Entomobrya nivalis, commonly known as the cosmopolitan springtail, is a globally distributed species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. Adults measure approximately 2 mm in length and display distinctive coloration with dark transverse bands on a yellow or white background. The species is notable for its cold tolerance, facilitated by antifreeze compounds in its hemolymph, enabling survival in temperate and polar regions. Juveniles inhabit leaf litter while adults migrate to lichen-covered tree bark.
Epuraea ocularis
sap beetle, sap-feeding beetle
Epuraea ocularis is a small sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, characterized by its association with fermenting plant material. The species has a broad global distribution spanning multiple continents. Laboratory studies in India have documented its complete life cycle, including egg-laying in clusters on fermenting overripe fruits, four larval instars, and pupation in soil.