Cosmopolitan-distribution
Guides
Etiella
snout moths, pod borers, limabean pod borers
Etiella is a genus of snout moths (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1839. The genus contains approximately seven described species, with Etiella zinckenella being the most economically significant as a major pest of legume crops worldwide. Species in this genus are characterized by their larval habit of boring into pods of leguminous plants, causing substantial agricultural damage. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution spanning tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions across multiple continents.
Etiella zinckenella
pulse pod borer moth, Gold-banded Etiella Moth, limabean pod borer
Etiella zinckenella is a pyralid moth and significant agricultural pest of leguminous crops. Native to southern and eastern Europe, it has spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, with introduced populations in North America and Australia. Larvae feed internally on developing seeds within pods, causing direct damage to economically important crops including soybean, mung bean, cowpea, pigeonpea, and common bean. The species is subject to substantial biological control pressure from multiple hymenopteran parasitoids.
Eucalymnatus tessellatus
Tessellated scale, Palm scale
Eucalymnatus tessellatus, commonly known as the tessellated scale or palm scale, is a soft scale insect (family Coccidae) native to South America. First described by Signoret in 1873 from specimens collected on a palm in France, this species has been disseminated worldwide through human activity on cultivated hosts. It is recognized as a pest in greenhouses, commercial nurseries, and landscapes—particularly in subtropical regions such as south Florida. The species belongs to a genus containing 17 species, most of which are neotropical in origin.
Fabogethes nigrescens
black pollen beetle, Black Sap Beetle
Fabogethes nigrescens is a species of pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is widely distributed across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species was originally described by Stephens in 1830 under the genus Meligethes, and has since been reclassified to Fabogethes. It is commonly known as the black pollen beetle or Black Sap Beetle.
Fannia pusio
Chicken Dung Fly
Fannia pusio is a small calyptrate fly in the family Fanniidae, commonly known as the chicken dung fly. Native to Central and North America, it has achieved near-global distribution through human-mediated dispersal associated with livestock. The species is notable for its synanthropic association with poultry facilities, where it can reach nuisance-level populations. It has forensic significance as a colonizer of decomposing remains, including buried corpses inaccessible to larger flies, and serves as a developmental indicator for post-mortem interval estimation. Females also function as phoretic hosts for Dermatobia hominis eggs, linking the species to veterinary and medical myiasis cases.
Gastrallus
Gastrallus is a genus of beetles in the family Ptinidae containing nearly 100 described species. The genus has a nearly worldwide distribution, with the Palearctic realm harboring the greatest diversity. Several species are significant pests of cultural heritage materials, particularly in library and archive environments.
Gnathoncus rotundatus
clown beetle
Gnathoncus rotundatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is a small beetle with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning multiple continents. The species has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. It is associated with poultry manure habitats where it functions as a biological control agent of fly pests.
Gyrininae
whirligig beetles, gyrinine beetles
Gyrininae is the largest subfamily of Gyrinidae, containing over 740 described extant species. These beetles are commonly known as whirligig beetles for their characteristic circling behavior on water surfaces. The subfamily comprises three tribes: Dineutini, Gyrinini, and Orectochilini, with genera distributed across all major biogeographic regions. Members occupy diverse freshwater habitats from lentic to lotic systems.
Halobrecta algophila
Halobrecta algophila is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Aleocharinae, characterized by its reduced elytra typical of the family Staphylinidae. The species has a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents, including native ranges in Australia, Europe, North America, South America, and New Zealand, with introduced populations on Tristan da Cunha. Its specific epithet 'algophila' suggests an association with algae, though this relationship requires verification. The species was originally described as Atheta algophila by Fenyes in 1909 before transfer to Halobrecta.
Halticus apterus
Halticus apterus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is found across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species has been documented feeding on a variety of host plants, particularly members of Fabaceae and Galium. It is a small, wingless or short-winged mirid with a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents.
Hemipsocus chloroticus
leaf litter barklouse
Hemipsocus chloroticus is a species of leaf litter barklouse in the family Hemipsocidae, first described by Hagen in 1858. It has an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, Central America, North America, Oceania, and Southern Asia. The species belongs to the order Psocodea, a group formerly split between barklice/booklice (Psocoptera) and parasitic lice (Phthiraptera). As a member of Hemipsocidae, it is associated with leaf litter habitats rather than living foliage.
Henicopidae
Henicopidae is a family of stone centipedes comprising approximately 19 genera and at least 120 described species. Members of this family belong to the order Lithobiomorpha, a group characterized by elongated bodies with 15 pairs of legs in adults. The family exhibits broad geographic distribution, with records from Europe, North America, and Asia. Some species, such as Lamyctes coeculus, have achieved cosmopolitan distribution through anthropochorous dispersal facilitated by parthenogenetic reproduction.
Heterobostrychus brunneus
boxwood borer
Heterobostrychus brunneus, commonly known as the boxwood borer, is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. The species has a remarkably wide distribution spanning Africa, Australia, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of the Bostrichidae, it belongs to a group of beetles known for their wood-boring habits and association with timber and woody plant materials.
Heteroceridae
Variegated Mud-loving Beetles
Heteroceridae, commonly known as variegated mud-loving beetles, are a family of small, dorsoventrally depressed beetles inhabiting shorelines worldwide. Approximately 250 species are recognized globally, with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. The family exhibits remarkable phenotypic uniformity in external morphology, making species identification difficult without examination of male genitalia. These beetles construct shallow tunnels in damp soils and have been documented on every continent except Antarctica.
Heterotermes
subterranean termites
Heterotermes is a genus of subterranean termites with near-cosmopolitan distribution. Members are eusocial insects forming large colonies with distinct castes: primary reproductives (alates), nymphoid neotenic secondary reproductives, workers, and soldiers. The genus is closely related to Reticulitermes. Several species are significant pests of timber, crops, and structures.
Hogna
wolf spiders
Hogna is a large genus of wolf spiders (Lycosidae) comprising more than 200 described species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. The genus is taxonomically problematic, having never been properly revised even in Europe, and lacks a reliable diagnostic framework. Species are generally large, ground-dwelling hunters that construct open silk-lined burrows rather than using trapdoors. Hogna carolinensis is among the largest wolf spiders in North America, with females reaching 35 mm body length. The genus exhibits notable ecological diversity, with parallel habitat specialization documented in island radiations such as the Galápagos and Madeira.
Hybosorus illigeri
Illiger's Scavenger Scarab
A small scarab beetle in the family Hybosoridae with a remarkably broad global distribution spanning the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, Madagascan, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. First described from North Africa in 1853, it has established populations across multiple continents and is considered introduced in the United States, where its range continues to expand. The species is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Idotea metallica
metallic isopod
Idotea metallica is a neustonic marine isopod in the family Idoteidae, commonly known as the metallic isopod. It is recognized by its metallic blue coloration and blunt, squared-off telson. The species inhabits drifting objects at the sea surface, forming persistent local populations on floating patches of debris. It has a worldwide distribution in open ocean waters but is competitively inferior to coastal congeners such as Idotea baltica, limiting its persistence in nearshore environments.
Lachesilla pedicularia
cosmopolitan grain barklouse, cosmopolitan grain psocid
A small barklouse (1.5–2 mm) with near-global distribution. Frequently macropterous but brachypterous forms occur. Distinguished by abdominal brown stripes, hairless forewings, and characteristic wing venation. Found on tree bark, in stored grain, and human structures. Member of the pedicularia species group within Lachesillidae.
Latrodectus geometricus
Brown Widow, Brown Button Spider, Grey Widow, Brown Black Widow, House Button Spider, Geometric Button Spider
Latrodectus geometricus, commonly known as the brown widow, is a widow spider in the family Theridiidae native to Africa with a cosmopolitan distribution due to human-mediated introduction. It is smaller and lighter in color than black widow species, with distinctive black-and-white geometric patterns on the dorsal abdomen and an orange-yellow hourglass marking ventrally. The species is notable for its highly aggressive behavior toward native black widow spiders in invaded ranges, actively seeking out and killing them rather than competing for resources. While possessing neurotoxic venom, its bites are significantly less dangerous to humans than those of black widows due to lower venom delivery.
Lepadidae
Goose Barnacles
A family of pedunculate (stalked) barnacles established by Charles Darwin in 1852, commonly known as goose barnacles. Comprises approximately five genera and over 20 described species. Members are exclusively marine, with worldwide distribution in warm temperate and tropical seas. The family includes the well-known genus Lepas (goose barnacles) and Conchoderma (whale barnacles).
Lepinotus inquilinus
granary booklouse
Lepinotus inquilinus is a species of granary booklouse in the family Trogiidae. It has a broad cosmopolitan distribution spanning Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, North America, Oceania, and Southern Asia. The species has been documented in the Azores archipelago (Pico, São Miguel, and Terceira islands). As a member of the granary booklice group, it is associated with stored products and human-modified environments.
Leptomorphus
Leptomorphus is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 45 extant species distributed across multiple biogeographic realms. The genus is monophyletic based on morphological phylogenetic analysis, with four major species groups recognized: the L. ornatus group, L. grjebinei group, L. walkeri group, and L. furcatus group. Species exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with detailed descriptions and illustrations of habitus, wings, and male genitalia available for identification.
Litargus balteatus
stored grain fungus beetle
Litargus balteatus, commonly known as the stored grain fungus beetle, is a small beetle in the family Mycetophagidae (hairy fungus beetles). It has been documented across multiple continents including North America, Europe, Oceania, and temperate Asia. As its common name suggests, it is associated with stored grain environments where fungal growth occurs. The species is part of a group of beetles specialized in feeding on fungi, particularly in stored products and related habitats.
Loxosceles rufescens
Mediterranean recluse spider, violin spider, brown spider
Loxosceles rufescens is a globally invasive recluse spider native to the Mediterranean region. It has established populations across six continents through human-mediated dispersal, often in synanthropic environments. The species is medically significant due to cytotoxic venom containing phospholipases D that can cause loxoscelism—characterized by dermonecrosis, hemolysis, and potential systemic complications. Despite its fearsome reputation, bites are defensive and relatively uncommon even where populations are established.
Lyctus brunneus
brown powderpost beetle, brown lyctus beetle, powder post beetle
Lyctus brunneus is a wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, subfamily Lyctinae, known as the brown powderpost beetle. It is a xylophagous species that causes significant damage to dry hardwood and bamboo. Originally native to the Neotropical region, it has achieved worldwide distribution through human commerce. The species is notable for its specialized chemosensory mechanism for detecting starch content in wood, which determines oviposition site selection.
Lyctus cavicollis
shiny powderpost beetle, western lyctus beetle
Lyctus cavicollis is a species of powderpost beetle in the family Bostrichidae. Commonly known as the shiny powderpost beetle or western lyctus beetle, it occurs across Australia, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species is part of a genus known for infesting and damaging seasoned hardwoods.
Melanagromyza
Melanagromyza is a genus of leaf-miner flies in the family Agromyzidae, established by Hendel in 1920. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution and contains numerous species, many of which are significant agricultural pests. Several species, particularly Melanagromyza sojae (soybean stem fly) and Melanagromyza obtusa (pigeon pea fly), cause substantial economic damage to legume crops through larval mining of stems, roots, and petioles. The genus has been the focus of biological control research, with multiple parasitoid wasp species identified as potential natural enemies.
Mesaphorura
Mesaphorura is a genus of springtails in the family Tullbergiidae, first described by Börner in 1901. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated body forms. They are distributed across multiple continents including Antarctica, South America, Africa, and North America, indicating broad ecological tolerance. The genus is taxonomically placed within the subfamily Mesaphorurinae.
Metadelphax propinqua
delphacid planthopper
Metadelphax propinqua is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae with a remarkably broad global distribution spanning six continents. It has been introduced to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Laboratory studies on a Turkish population maintained at 22°C documented an egg stage of 12 days, nymphal development of 19 days through five instars, and adult female longevity of 51 days, with fecundity averaging 1112 eggs per female. Adults exhibit wing dimorphism, occurring as macropters, brachypters, or intermediary forms.
Mezium
spider beetles
Mezium is a genus of spider beetles (subfamily Ptininae) with a global distribution concentrated in two main regions: the western Mediterranean from the Iberian Peninsula to Morocco and the Canary Islands, and central and southern Africa. Species in this genus are primarily cave-dwelling, feeding on animal feces and bat guano, though several have adapted to human-made structures such as barns and chicken coops. The genus includes notable species such as Mezium affine (shiny spider beetle) and Mezium americanum (American spider beetle).
Milichiella
freeloader flies
Milichiella is a genus of small flies in the family Milichiidae, commonly known as freeloader flies. The genus is cosmopolitan in distribution with numerous species described from tropical and subtropical regions. Species within this genus are kleptoparasites, attracted to predatory events where they feed on fluids from prey captured by other arthropods such as spiders and assassin bugs. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many species described by Brake in 2009.
Mimosestes nubigens
Mimosestes nubigens is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae (seed beetles). It has been recorded across an exceptionally broad geographic range spanning five continents, including North America, Central America, South America, Southern Asia, and Oceania. The genus Mimosestes is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly species of Mimosa. This wide distribution suggests either human-mediated dispersal or association with widely cultivated host plants.
Monocrepidius
Monocrepidius is a large genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) comprising approximately 380 species distributed worldwide. The genus was established by Eschscholtz in 1829, with the name Monocrepidius taking priority over the simultaneously published Conoderus under ICZN First Reviser rules. Highest species diversity occurs in Australian and Neotropical regions. Larvae of some species possess diagnostic morphological features useful for taxonomic identification.
Monomorium
Trailing, Pharaoh, and Timid Ants
Monomorium is a large and morphologically diverse genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, containing approximately 396 species as of 2013. The genus exhibits remarkable variation in worker size, eye development, and caste polymorphism, with species ranging from minute to relatively large. It includes several significant pest species, notably the pharaoh ant (M. pharaonis) and the flower ant (M. floricola), which have achieved global distribution through human commerce. The genus is considered taxonomically problematic, lacking distinct morphological synapomorphies and currently recognized as paraphyletic, with several subgroups recently elevated to separate genera based on molecular evidence.
Monomorium floricola
Bicolored Trailing Ant, Flower Ant
Monomorium floricola is a small myrmicine ant native to tropical regions that has become a widespread global invader. Commonly known as the bicolored trailing ant or flower ant, it is frequently transported through human commerce and has established populations across multiple continents. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, polygynous colony structure, and association with human-disturbed habitats. It is recognized as a significant invasive species with potential ecological impacts in tropical biodiversity hotspots.
Monomorium pharaonis
Pharaoh Ant
Monomorium pharaonis, commonly known as the pharaoh ant, is a small (approximately 2 mm) yellow to light brown invasive ant species of unknown origin that has become one of the most widespread and problematic indoor pest ants globally. It is a highly polygynous, unicolonial species with colonies containing multiple queens, workers, males, and brood. The species exhibits pronounced caste polyphenism with distinct morphologies and behaviors across queens, workers, and males. Pharaoh ants are notorious for infesting hospitals, food service facilities, and residential structures, where they pose significant public health risks as mechanical vectors of pathogens. Their complex social structure, involving multiple reproductives and decentralized nest sites, makes them exceptionally difficult to control using conventional insecticide treatments.
Monophylla terminata
checkered beetle
Monophylla terminata is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents, having been recorded from Australia, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, and North America. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1835. As a member of Cleridae, it belongs to a family commonly known as checkered beetles, many of which are predatory on other insects.
Monotoma longicollis
root-eating beetle
Monotoma longicollis is a species of root-eating beetle in the family Monotomidae. It has a broad cosmopolitan distribution spanning Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. The species was first described by Gyllenhal in 1827 under the basionym Cerylon longicollis.
Mycetophagus quadriguttatus
spotted hairy fungus beetle, four-spotted fungus beetle
Mycetophagus quadriguttatus is a species of hairy fungus beetle in the family Mycetophagidae. It is known by the common names spotted hairy fungus beetle and four-spotted fungus beetle. The species has a remarkably broad cosmopolitan distribution, occurring across multiple continents including Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. As a member of Mycetophagidae, it is associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in the available literature.
Myrmecocephalus concinnus
Myrmecocephalus concinnus is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae. It has an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning six continents, including native ranges in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and Asia, with introduced populations in New Zealand and the Galápagos Islands. The species belongs to the tribe Falagriini, a group of small to medium-sized rove beetles often associated with ant colonies or decaying organic matter.
Nausibius clavicornis
Nausibius clavicornis is a cosmopolitan silvanid flat bark beetle known primarily as a pest of stored sugar products. It is frequently recorded from sugar commodities and has been most commonly collected from sugar in Trinidad, where it appears restricted to this substrate. Under laboratory conditions, development from egg to adult averages 30 days. The species exhibits relatively high fecundity and adult longevity, with females living up to 163 days and producing an average of 275 eggs. However, it is unlikely to multiply rapidly in raw or unrefined sugar, and any deterioration it causes in stored products is minor compared to other factors.
Nylanderia
Crazy ants
Nylanderia is a large genus of formicine ants with over 130 described species and a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, notably absent from Europe. The genus was resurrected from synonymy with Paratrechina in 2010 based on molecular phylogenetics and morphological reassessment. Species range from small to medium in size (1–4 mm) and exhibit coloration from pale yellow to black. Several species are significant invasive pests, including N. fulva (tawny crazy ant) and N. bourbonica, which form massive supercolonies and cause ecological and economic damage.
Oligota chrysopyga
Oligota chrysopyga is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Aleocharinae, characterized by its compact body and metallic coloration. The species has been introduced to multiple regions outside its native range, including Europe, Canada, and the United States. Its wide distribution across tropical and subtropical zones suggests human-mediated dispersal, though specific ecological impacts remain poorly documented.
Opopaea deserticola
Goblin spider
Opopaea deserticola is a species of goblin spider in the family Oonopidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1892. Originally described from Southeast Asia, this species has demonstrated remarkable dispersal capabilities and is now recognized as having one of the widest distributions among oonopid spiders. It has been introduced to numerous regions worldwide including the Americas, Pacific islands, Atlantic islands, and Japan. The species is part of a diverse radiation of minute spiders that inhabit leaf litter and soil microhabitats, where their small size and cryptic coloration make them exceptionally difficult to detect.
Palporus nitidulus
Palporus nitidulus is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Tachyporinae. The species has a broad native distribution across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and has been introduced to multiple regions including North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Its wide geographic spread and establishment across diverse climates suggest ecological adaptability. The species is frequently observed and relatively well-documented for a staphylinid beetle.
Panonychus ulmi
European red mite, fruit tree red spider mite, apple red spider mite
Panonychus ulmi, the European red mite, is a major agricultural pest of deciduous fruit trees with global economic significance. The species exhibits a high reproductive rate and short generation time of approximately 21 days at 20°C, enabling multiple broods per year. It possesses a cosmopolitan distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Australasia. First described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1836, this spider mite is particularly damaging to apple orchards and grapevines.
Parataenius simulator
Parataenius simulator is a small aphodiine dung beetle native to South America that has established an exceptionally broad global distribution spanning six biogeographic realms. First described by Harold in 1868, this species has been recorded across the Americas, Africa, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. In 2024, it was reported for the first time on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile, where adult specimens were intercepted at Mataveri International Airport; no self-sustaining populations have been confirmed elsewhere on the island. The mechanism and timing of its worldwide dispersal remain subjects of investigation.
Pediculus humanus capitis
Human Head Louse, Head Louse
The human head louse is an obligate ectoparasite specialized for life on human scalp hair. Unlike its close relative the body louse, it has remained associated with hair rather than clothing throughout human evolution. Populations in many regions have developed widespread resistance to pyrethrin and permethrin insecticides, complicating control efforts. Transmission occurs primarily through direct head-to-head contact, with infestations clustering in settings where children interact closely.
Pentacora sphacelata
Pentacora sphacelata is a species of shore bug in the family Saldidae, first described by Uhler in 1877 under the basionym Salda sphacelata. As a member of the Chiloxanthinae subfamily, it belongs to a lineage of true bugs adapted to shoreline and wetland habitats. The species exhibits a notably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents, including the Caribbean, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, North America, and South America.