Cosmopolitan-distribution
Guides
Perigona nigriceps
Perigona nigriceps is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. It has been recorded across multiple continents, with confirmed observations in the Azores (Faial, Graciosa, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira) and historical captures in urban woodland habitats in Paris, France. The species was described by Dejean in 1831 and is currently accepted under that authorship, though it has also been attributed to Nietner (1858) in some sources.
Phacophallus
Phacophallus is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) established by Coiffait in 1956. The genus contains approximately 28 recognized species with an almost cosmopolitan distribution, found across multiple continents. As a member of the tribe Xantholinini within the subfamily Staphylininae, these beetles share the characteristic short elytra and elongated body form typical of rove beetles. Records indicate presence in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Phacophallus pallidipennis
Pale-winged Rove Beetle
A rove beetle (Staphylinidae) with broad native distribution across Asia and introduced populations in Europe, North America, Australia, and various oceanic islands. The species has been transported widely through human activity, with established populations documented from the Canary Islands to Hawaii.
Philonthus umbratilis
Philonthus umbratilis is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described from Europe and now widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Like other members of the genus Philonthus, it is a predatory beetle associated with decaying organic matter. The species exhibits the characteristic shortened elytra and flexible abdomen typical of staphylinid beetles.
Philonthus varians
A rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae with a wide native distribution across the Palearctic region and established introduced populations in North America and elsewhere. As a member of the large genus Philonthus, it is one of many similar-looking predatory rove beetles. The species has been documented in carrion habitats alongside other decomposer-associated beetles.
Phradonoma nobile
A dermestid beetle in the family Dermestidae, with a broad distribution spanning the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and introduced populations in Europe, the United States, and Australia. The species has been documented in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Platypezinae
flat-footed flies
Platypezinae is a subfamily of small, fungus-associated flies in the family Platypezidae, commonly known as flat-footed flies. The subfamily contains approximately 250 described species across at least 14 valid genera. Members are distinguished by flattened bodies, distinctive wing venation, and modified hind legs with broadened tibiae and tarsi. The genus Microsania is cosmopolitan in distribution, while Agathomyia is primarily Holarctic with some Oriental representatives.
Pleurophorus caesus
Pleurophorus caesus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It has been recorded across a remarkably broad geographic range spanning the Palearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, and Madagascan regions. The species belongs to the tribe Psammodiini, which are often associated with sandy or loose substrates. Its widespread distribution suggests either human-mediated dispersal or an underappreciated native range, though this remains unresolved.
Prodidomus rufus
Prodidomus rufus is a species of true spider in the family Prodidomidae. It was described by Hentz in 1847 and has a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species appears to be native to the Mediterranean region and Africa, with confirmed established populations across the Americas, Asia, and Pacific islands suggesting human-mediated dispersal. Its wide range and presence on remote islands indicates significant colonization ability.
Pseudosinella
slender springtails
Pseudosinella is a genus of slender-bodied springtails in the family Entomobryidae, established by Schäffer in 1897. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed across diverse habitats including tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, and even Antarctic and subantarctic regions. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body form and reduced or absent pigmentation. They are part of the diverse soil and leaf litter fauna, contributing to decomposition processes.
Psyllipsocus ramburii
cave barklouse
Psyllipsocus ramburii is a species of cave barklouse in the family Psyllipsocidae, first described by Selys-Longchamps in 1872. It is notable for its exceptionally broad geographic distribution, spanning six continents and numerous oceanic islands. The species belongs to the suborder Trogiomorpha, a group characterized by reduced or absent wings and troglophilic tendencies.
Ptinus bicinctus
Ptinus bicinctus is a species of spider beetle in the family Ptinidae, first described by Sturm in 1837. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, Africa, and North America, suggesting either a wide native range or human-mediated dispersal. As a member of the genus Ptinus, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly associated with stored products and dry organic materials. The species remains poorly documented in published literature, with limited biological information available beyond distributional records.
Ptinus raptor
eastern spider beetle
Ptinus raptor, commonly known as the eastern spider beetle, is a species of spider beetle in the family Ptinidae. It belongs to the genus Ptinus, a group of beetles often associated with stored products and dry organic materials. The species was first described by Sturm in 1837. Like other spider beetles, it has a rounded, compact body with long legs that give it a spider-like appearance.
Pulex
human flea (for P. irritans)
Pulex is a genus of fleas in the family Pulicidae, established by Linnaeus in 1758. The genus comprises six to seven recognized species, with Pulex irritans (the human flea) being the most notable and widespread. The remaining species are restricted to the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Members of this genus are laterally compressed, wingless ectoparasites adapted for blood-feeding on mammals.
Rhyzopertha
Grain-borers
Rhyzopertha is a monotypic genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae (false powderpost beetles). The sole species, Rhyzopertha dominica, is commonly known as the lesser grain borer and is a major worldwide pest of stored cereal grains and peanuts. The genus is characterized by its cylindrical body form and association with dry stored products.
Saldula pallipes
pale shore bug
Saldula pallipes is a shore bug in the family Saldidae with a remarkably broad global distribution spanning six continents. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1794 and has since been recorded across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, North America, and South America. Two subspecies are recognized: S. pallipes pallipes (the nominate subspecies) and S. pallipes dimidiata. Despite its wide geographic range, detailed ecological and behavioral studies remain limited.
Saprinus subnitescens
clown beetle
Saprinus subnitescens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has been recorded from Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species was described by Bickhardt in 1909. As a member of the genus Saprinus, it belongs to a group of small, predatory beetles commonly associated with carrion and dung habitats.
Scutigera
house centipede
Scutigera is a genus of centipedes in the family Scutigeridae, commonly known as house centipedes. The genus comprises more than 30 species, with Scutigera coleoptrata being the most widespread and well-studied. Members of this genus are characterized by exceptionally long legs and antennae, true compound eyes, and remarkable speed. They are primarily synanthropic, having spread globally through human commerce from their presumed Mediterranean origin.
Scydmaenus
ant-like stone beetles
Scydmaenus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Scydmaeninae, commonly called ant-like stone beetles. The genus has nearly cosmopolitan distribution with species documented across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and other regions. Members are small, slow-moving beetles typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats. Some species have been documented as predators of soft-bodied arthropods, though earlier literature suggested specialization on armored mites.
Scytodes
spitting spiders
Scytodes is a globally distributed genus of spitting spiders distinguished by their unique prey-capture mechanism: projecting a sticky, glue-like secretion from their fangs to immobilize prey. The genus contains approximately 239 species, with Scytodes thoracica being the most widely distributed. Members exhibit diverse social structures ranging from solitary to communal-territorial and fully social species.
Sericoderus lateralis
minute hooded beetle
Sericoderus lateralis is a species of minute hooded beetle in the family Corylophidae, first described by Gyllenhal in 1827. It is one of the smallest beetles, with adults typically measuring under 2 mm in length. The species has a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents including Africa, Australia, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. Its wide range suggests either exceptional dispersal capabilities or cryptic species diversity requiring further investigation.
Sinoxylon unidentatum
conifer auger beetle
Sinoxylon unidentatum, commonly known as the conifer auger beetle, is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. It has a broad global distribution spanning Africa, North America, Oceania, South America, and Southern Asia. The species has been intercepted in international trade, including a first record from Greece in wood packaging material originating from China. As a member of the Bostrichidae, it is associated with wood-boring habits.
Sphaericus gibboides
humped spider beetle
Sphaericus gibboides, commonly known as the humped spider beetle, is a species of spider beetle in the family Ptinidae. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, Australia, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. It is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Sphaericus, which are characterized by their compact, rounded body form. The specific epithet 'gibboides' refers to the humped or gibbous shape of the body.
Stenoptilia zophodactylus
dowdy plume, Dowdy Plume Moth
Stenoptilia zophodactylus is a small plume moth with a wingspan of 16–23 mm, found across multiple continents. The species has a complex life cycle involving both leaf-mining and external feeding stages. It is a specialized seed predator of plants in the Gentianaceae family, particularly Centaurium species. Adults are active from July to September in overlapping broods.
Stephanopachys rugosus
horned powder-post beetle
Stephanopachys rugosus is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. The species has been documented across three continents: Africa, Australia, and North America. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Stephanopachys, which are characterized by their association with wood-boring habits typical of the Bostrichidae family.
Symbiotes gibberosus
Symbiotes gibberosus is a small beetle species first described by Lucas in 1846. It belongs to the family Anamorphidae (historically placed in Endomychidae), a group of beetles commonly known as handsome fungus beetles. The species has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning three continents.
Systelloderes
gnat bugs
Systelloderes is a genus of gnat bugs (family Enicocephalidae) containing approximately 12 described species. The genus exhibits a nearly cosmopolitan distribution with highest diversity in humid tropical and subtropical forests. Species occur across multiple continents including Africa, Madagascar, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and the Americas from North America through Central and South America. The genus was established by Blanchard in 1852 and belongs to the tribe Systelloderini within the subfamily Enicocephalinae.
Tetrapriocera longicornis
horned powder-post beetle
Tetrapriocera longicornis is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, North America, and South America. The species was first described by Olivier in 1795.
Theridion varians
Variable Cobweb Spider
Theridion varians is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It has a broad native distribution spanning Europe, North Africa, Turkey, the Caucasus, Russia, Central Asia, and China. The species has been introduced to North America, where it is now established in Canada and the United States. Four subspecies are recognized, reflecting geographic variation across its range.
Tinea pallescentella
Large Pale Clothes Moth
Tinea pallescentella is a small clothes moth in the family Tineidae, commonly known as the large pale clothes moth. Adults have a wingspan of 12–15 mm and are active year-round. The species has a broad distribution spanning most of Europe (excluding the Iberian and most of the Balkan Peninsula), western North America, South America, and Australia. Larvae feed on keratinous animal matter including hair, wool, fur, and feathers.
Tinodes
Tinodes is a genus of caddisflies in the family Psychomyiidae, first described by John Curtis in 1834. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with the richest species assemblages in the Oriental region and southern Western Palearctic. Species have been documented from Europe, Africa, Madagascar, the Comoros, and Asia. Larvae of at least some species construct fixed tunnel-like retreats (galleries) on stone surfaces in freshwater streams. The genus serves as an important bioindicator of freshwater ecosystem health due to its sensitivity to environmental changes.
Trichomma
Trichomma is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Anomaloninae. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution, with records spanning the Indian subcontinent, Brazil, Scandinavia, and other regions. Species within this genus are known to parasitize lepidopteran hosts, including pyralid and tortricid moths. The genus was established by Wesmael in 1849 and contains approximately 30 described species.
Tuberolachnus salignus
Giant Willow Aphid
Tuberolachnus salignus, the giant willow aphid, is one of the largest aphid species in the world, reaching up to 5.8 mm in body length. It is an obligate parthenogenetic species, reproducing without males and producing genetically identical female offspring. Native to Asia, it has become cosmopolitan, spreading to all continents except Antarctica. The species feeds primarily on willow phloem sap and is considered an invasive pest in regions including New Zealand, where it impacts willow-based industries and apiculture through copious honeydew production.
Udeini
Udeini is a tribe of pyraloid moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, erected in 2019 based on three genitalic synapomorphies. It comprises nine genera and 262 species, including the large, cosmopolitan genus Udea (214 species) and several geographically restricted genera. The tribe is notable for retaining plesiomorphic characters shared with the sister group Pyraustinae, distinguishing it from other Spilomelinae.
Unaspis citri
Citrus Snow Scale, Orange Chionaspi, Orange Snow Scale, White Louse Scale, White Snow Scale
Unaspis citri is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) that infests citrus crops worldwide. The species forms dense colonies on bark, fruit, and leaves, causing direct damage through sap feeding and indirect harm by promoting sooty mold growth. It is economically significant in citrus-producing regions, particularly Florida, where management requires integrated approaches combining monitoring, biological control, and targeted chemical applications.
Willowsia buski
damp grain springtail
Willowsia buski is a medium-sized springtail, averaging 1-2 mm in length, with a smooth, dark-purple to black body and a lighter-colored head. It is found in abundance throughout North America and Europe, with likely cosmopolitan distribution. The species is known to infest stored dry goods, particularly grain, when moisture levels are elevated. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, characterized by four roughly equal antennal segments.
Zaprionus indianus
African fig fly
Zaprionus indianus is a highly invasive drosophilid fruit fly native to West and Central Africa that has established populations across tropical and temperate regions worldwide. It is distinguished by striking longitudinal black and white stripes on the head and thorax. Unlike many invasive drosophilids, it cannot penetrate intact fruit skin and instead exploits pre-existing wounds or oviposition holes made by other species, particularly spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii). It is a significant pest of figs, grapes, and other soft fruits, and exhibits strong interspecific competitive ability.