Cosmopolitan

Guides

Lamyctes caeculus
Lamyctes caeculus is a small lithobiomorph centipede in the family Henicopidae, first described by Brölemann in 1889. It is a cosmopolitan species with documented populations across multiple continents including South America, Australia, the Caribbean, and Africa. The species appears to thrive in human-modified environments and has been introduced to numerous oceanic islands. Its broad distribution pattern suggests anthropogenic dispersal, though some populations may represent native ranges.
centipede myriapod cosmopolitan introduced-species oceanic-islands eyeless
Lasioderma
cigarette beetles, tobacco beetles
Lasioderma is a genus of small beetles in the family Ptinidae, containing over 50 species as of 1990. The genus is best known for Lasioderma serricorne, commonly called the cigarette beetle or tobacco beetle, a major cosmopolitan pest of stored products. Members of this genus are associated with dried plant materials and have become distributed globally through human commerce. The genus has been variously classified in Anobiidae or Ptinidae depending on taxonomic treatment.
stored-product-pest anobiid ptinid tobacco-pest cosmopolitan economic-pest
Lasioderma serricorne
cigarette beetle, tobacco beetle, cigar beetle, paprika beetle, tow bug, tobacco borer, cheroot beetle
Lasioderma serricorne is a small stored-product pest beetle, 2–3 mm in length, with a cosmopolitan distribution resulting from human commerce. It is distinguished from similar anobiid beetles by its uniformly serrated antennae lacking a terminal club, flatter thorax profile, and smooth elytra without grooves. The species has a remarkably broad diet, infesting tobacco, cereals, dried fruits, spices, and herbarium specimens. It possesses a mutualistic relationship with yeast-like symbionts (Symbiotaphrina spp.) that assist in protein metabolism and enable survival on nutritionally poor substrates. Strong flight capability and attraction to UV light facilitate its spread and monitoring.
stored-product-pest pantry-pest tobacco-pest herbarium-pest cosmopolitan symbiotic-yeast UV-phototaxis economic-pest anobiid flight-capable temperature-dependent-development polyphagous packaging-penetrator
Latheticus
Latheticus is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The genus contains at least two species: Latheticus oryzae (long-headed flour beetle) and Latheticus prosopis. L. oryzae is a significant economic pest of stored grains and fermented products, notable for its slender body, protruding head morphology, and remarkable adaptability to high-temperature environments.
stored-product-pest grain-pest Tenebrionidae cosmopolitan high-temperature-adapted fermented-product-pest
Leichenum canaliculatum
Madagascar beetle
Leichenum canaliculatum is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) commonly known as the Madagascar beetle. It has a cosmopolitan distribution and has been documented in sandy habitats in Florida. The species was originally described as Opatrum canaliculatum by Fabricius in 1798. It is one of the more frequently observed tenebrionids, with over 200 iNaturalist records.
cosmopolitan sandy-habitat darkling-beetle Florida
Leichenum canaliculatum variegatum
Madagascar Beetle
Leichenum canaliculatum variegatum is a cosmopolitan darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) originally from Madagascar. It has become established in sandy areas of Florida and other regions. This subspecies is part of a group of beetles commonly referred to as the Madagascar Beetle.
cosmopolitan sandy-habitat Madagascar-origin Florida
Lepas anserifera
Goose Barnacle
Lepas anserifera is a pedunculate barnacle that attaches to floating substrates including driftwood, ships' hulls, and marine debris. It possesses a capitulum of six white calcareous plates supported by an orange, flexible stalk. The species exhibits rapid growth and early maturation, with individuals reaching reproductive size within approximately two weeks under favorable conditions. As a hermaphroditic filter feeder, it plays a role in marine neustonic communities and has a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate and tropical seas.
barnacle crustacean neustonic filter-feeder hermaphrodite marine cosmopolitan ephemeral-substrate-specialist
Lepinotus reticulatus
reticulate-winged trogiid, reticulate-winged booklouse, granary booklouse
Lepinotus reticulatus is a species of granary booklouse in the family Trogiidae. It is one of the most widely distributed psocids, occurring across six continents in association with stored grain and dry organic materials. The species is frequently encountered in anthropogenic environments, particularly granaries, warehouses, and food storage facilities. Its common name refers to the distinctive reticulate wing venation pattern visible in winged morphs.
stored-product-pest cosmopolitan granary detritivore Psocodea
Lepisma saccharinum
Common Silverfish, Silverfish
Lepisma saccharinum, commonly known as the silverfish, is a small, wingless insect in the order Zygentoma. It derives its common name from its silvery coloration and fish-like undulating movements. This species is cosmopolitan in distribution and frequently found in human dwellings, where it feeds on starchy materials.
household-pest nocturnal wingless cosmopolitan primitive-insect
Leskiini
Leskiini is a tribe of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 55 genera distributed worldwide. Members are endoparasitoids of arthropods, with larvae developing inside host organisms. Adults of at least some species visit flowers and contribute to pollination. The tribe includes both widespread genera such as Leskia and Solieria, and numerous regional endemics.
endoparasitoid tachinid biological-control pollinator cosmopolitan
Lestidae
spreadwings, spread-winged damselflies
Lestidae is a cosmopolitan family of damselflies distinguished by their characteristic wing posture at rest. Most species hold their wings partially or fully spread rather than folded together over the abdomen. The family includes two subfamilies: Lestinae, which rest with wings partly open, and Sympecmatinae (reedlings, ringtails, and winter damselflies), which rest with wings folded. The family contains nine currently recognized genera. Fossil records extend to the Late Eocene.
damselfly odonata zygoptera spreadwings cosmopolitan wetland
Lindera tessellatella
Bran moth
Lindera tessellatella is a small moth in the family Tineidae, the sole species in the monotypic genus Lindera. It is notable for its exceptionally broad geographic distribution across six continents, having been recorded from South America, Africa, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Hawaii. The species was first described by Émile Blanchard in 1852 from South America, with the genus established two years later. Adults have a wingspan of 20–30 mm.
cosmopolitan monotypic-genus Tineidae microlepidoptera
Linopodes
Linopodes is a cosmopolitan genus of mites in the family Cocceupodidae. These are large mites characterized by oval bodies and extremely elongated first legs. They inhabit diverse terrestrial environments including leaf litter and bark, though their solitary habits and low densities make them infrequently observed despite being common.
mite soil-fauna leaf-litter cosmopolitan
Liorhyssus hyalinus
Hyaline Grass Bug
Liorhyssus hyalinus is a small scentless plant bug in the family Rhopalidae, widely distributed across multiple continents. Adults measure 6.5–7.5 mm and are active year-round in suitable climates. The species is a documented pest of quinoa cultivation in South America, particularly at lower elevations outside the crop's Andean origin, and has been recorded feeding on developing grains of maize and sorghum. Laboratory studies indicate optimal development and reproduction occur at 30°C, with five nymphal instars and thermal requirements of 68.6 degree-days for egg development and 114.8 degree-days for nymphal development.
scentless-plant-bug Rhopalidae pest quinoa maize cosmopolitan thermal-biology Hemiptera Heteroptera agriculture South-America grain-pest degree-day-model
Liposcelis bostrychophila
House Psocid, booklouse
Liposcelis bostrychophila is a minute, wingless booklouse species with near-global distribution, primarily associated with stored products and grain facilities. Most populations reproduce exclusively through parthenogenesis, with females producing approximately 200 eggs over their lifetime. The species has emerged as a significant pest of stored cereals due to its high reproductive rate and documented resistance to chemical control measures. Sexual reproduction was first documented in 2002 in Hawaii, and a second sexually reproducing strain was later identified in Arizona.
stored-product-pest parthenogenesis cosmopolitan grain-pest insecticide-resistance
Lispe
Lispe is a large, cosmopolitan genus of predatory muscid flies comprising approximately 180 described species. Adults and larvae are both predatory, with adults hunting small insects and larvae inhabiting damp sand and mud around water bodies. The genus is notable for complex cursorial courtship displays involving visual and vibratory signals, though the biology of most species remains poorly documented. Lispe occurs in all zoogeographical regions except Antarctica.
predatory shoreline cursorial-courtship cosmopolitan
Lithobius melanops
Garden Lithobius, European steppe centipede
Lithobius melanops is a small stone centipede in the order Lithobiomorpha, native to Europe but introduced to many regions worldwide. Adults measure 11–17 mm in length with a dorsoventrally flattened, fusiform body. The species is distinguished by a combination of morphological traits including 32–44 antennal articles, 10–13 ocelli with a notably enlarged posterior ocellus, and specific tergite projections. It inhabits dry, open habitats and is a nocturnal predator of soil invertebrates.
centipede stone-centipede garden cosmopolitan hemianamorphic nocturnal predator synanthropic
Lithobius peregrinus
Peregrine Stone Centipede
Lithobius peregrinus is a stone centipede species first described in 1880 by Austrian myriapodologist Robert Latzel. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution with type locality in Dalmatia, Croatia. A 2022–2024 study of a troglophilic population in Gaura cu Muscă Cave, Romania documented significant morphological variations, asymmetries, and teratological features across 39 specimens. The species exhibits close water affinity and has been recorded in both surface and subterranean habitats.
centipede stone-centipede myriapod troglophilic cosmopolitan cave-dwelling predator lithobiid
Lithocharis nigriceps
Lithocharis nigriceps is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning multiple continents. It has been introduced to North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand from its native range in Asia. The species is documented from diverse habitats including islands in the Azores and Pacific regions.
rove-beetle cosmopolitan introduced-species Staphylinidae
Lyctocoridae
Lyctocorid Pirate Bugs
Lyctocoridae is a family of predatory true bugs in the infraorder Cimicomorpha, reconstituted from Anthocoridae based on phylogenetic evidence. Members range from 2–6 mm and exhibit distinctive asymmetrical male genitalia. The family includes the cosmopolitan species Lyctocoris campestris, known for occasional blood-feeding, and the Japanese endemic L. ichikawai, which uniquely feeds on oak sap. They occupy diverse microhabitats including tree bark, decaying matter, and stored food products.
predatory traumatic-insemination stored-product-pest-control sap-feeding-specialist cosmopolitan
Lyctus linearis
European lyctus beetle, powderpost beetle
Lyctus linearis is a wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as the European lyctus beetle or a powderpost beetle. Originally native to tropical regions, it has established populations worldwide through human transport of wood products. It is a significant pest of hardwood timber and finished wood products, causing damage through larval feeding that reduces wood to a fine powder. The species shows particular association with deciduous tree woods.
wood-boring-beetle powderpost-beetle pest hardwood-pest stored-product-pest cosmopolitan
Lymaenon
Lymaenon is a genus of fairyflies (Mymaridae), among the smallest known insects. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution and contains at least three described species: L. hoplites, L. spinozai, and L. vladimiri. Members of this genus are egg parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented compared to better-studied mymarid genera.
Mymaridae fairyfly egg-parasitoid cosmopolitan Chalcidoidea
Macrostemum
Glossy Wing Sedges
Macrostemum is a cosmopolitan genus of net-spinning caddisflies in the family Hydropsychidae, comprising at least 90 described species. Adults are recognized by distinctive dark and light contrasting wing patterns. Larvae construct silken retreats with capture nets to filter fine particulate organic matter from flowing water. The genus is particularly diverse in the Neotropical region, with species documented across Africa, Asia, Madagascar, and the Americas.
Trichoptera Hydropsychidae net-spinning-caddisfly filter-feeder lotic cosmopolitan retreat-polymorphism Neotropical Afrotropical Oriental
Marava arachidis
Bone-house Earwig
Marava arachidis is a cosmopolitan earwig species in the family Spongiphoridae with probable Indo-Australian origin. It exhibits ovoviviparous reproduction, with females retaining embryos in thin egg envelopes until shortly before hatching. The species has demonstrated predatory capability on tick eggs and larvae in laboratory conditions, suggesting potential as a biological control agent. It is frequently associated with stored organic materials and fennel plants.
earwig ovoviviparous cosmopolitan biological-control stored-product-pest
Megachile
Leafcutter bees, Leafcutting bees, Resin bees, Mortar bees
Megachile is a large, cosmopolitan genus of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae, comprising over 1,500 described species across more than 50 subgenera. The genus includes the commercially important alfalfa leafcutter bee (M. rotundata), managed globally for crop pollination. Species exhibit diverse nesting strategies: many cut circular leaf or petal pieces to line nest cells, while others use plant resin or mortar-like materials. The genus contains the world's largest bee, M. pluto (Wallace's Giant Bee), with a wingspan exceeding 6 cm.
solitary-bee leafcutter pollinator cavity-nester commercially-managed cosmopolitan Megachilidae agricultural-importance
Megaselia scalaris
Scaled Hump-backed Fly, scuttle fly, coffin fly, humpbacked fly, laboratory fly
Megaselia scalaris is a small phorid fly, approximately 2–3 mm in length, widely distributed in warm regions globally. It is one of the most commonly encountered species in the family Phoridae, particularly in urban environments. The species exhibits remarkable ecological flexibility, functioning as a decomposer, facultative parasitoid, and forensic indicator. Adults display characteristic jerky running behavior, earning the common name "scuttle fly." The species has been documented in diverse contexts including coffins, decomposing carrion, termite mounds, social wasp nests, and deteriorating museum specimens.
scuttle-fly coffin-fly humpbacked-fly forensic-entomology decomposer facultative-parasitoid urban-pest museum-pest laboratory-model myiasis termite-parasitoid wasp-parasitoid carrion-fly omnivore cosmopolitan warm-climate
Melittobia
Melittobia is a genus of tiny parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, notable for extreme polymorphism, complex social behaviors, and highly female-biased sex ratios. Females exhibit three distinct morphs—winged 'fliers,' short-winged 'jumpers,' and wingless 'crawlers'—determined by larval density rather than genetics. Males are blind, flightless, and comprise only about 5% of offspring, produced asexually through arrhenotokous parthenogenesis. The genus attacks prepupae and pupae of solitary bees, wasps, and other insects in their hosts' nests, with some species also parasitizing fruit flies and flesh flies. Several species are well-studied model organisms for genetics, developmental biology, and behavioral ecology, though taxonomic confusion persists due to extreme morphological plasticity.
parasitoid polymorphism arrhenotoky sex-ratio model-organism gregarious ectoparasitoid Eulophidae Tetrastichinae hymenoptera developmental-plasticity kin-selection pheromone lethal-male-combat morph-determination cosmopolitan biological-control bee-parasite wasp-parasite
Mesopolobus
Mesopolobus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, established by Westwood in 1833. The genus contains approximately 135 valid species with cosmopolitan distribution. Most species are parasitoids of pupae, though the genus exhibits diverse life histories. Species have been documented from coniferous foliage, particularly spruce, as well as from gall-forming insects and other hosts.
parasitoid pteromalidae chalcidoidea forest conifer spruce cosmopolitan pupal-parasitoid Westwood-1833
Mezium affine
shiny spider beetle, northern spider beetle, hood spider beetle
Mezium affine is a small beetle species in the family Ptinidae, commonly known as the shiny spider beetle or northern spider beetle. It is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced to Australia. The species is notable for its highly convex, oval body shape that gives it a spider-like appearance, and its larvae are significant pests of stored food products and organic materials.
stored-product-pest spider-beetle cosmopolitan generalist-feeder museum-pest library-pest
Mezium americanum
American spider beetle, black spider beetle
Mezium americanum, commonly known as the American spider beetle or black spider beetle, is a small stored-product pest in the family Ptinidae. Adults measure 1.5–3.5 mm and are recognized by their rounded abdomens, long slender legs, and glossy black or reddish elytra contrasting with a dull yellow hairy body. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution and is considered exotic in Australia. It is frequently mistaken for spiders or mites due to its distinctive body shape.
stored-product-pest cosmopolitan museum-pest pantry-pest
Microdipoena
dwarf cobweb weaver spiders
Microdipoena is a genus of minute cobweb-weaving spiders in the family Mysmenidae. First described by Nathan Banks in 1895, it contains 21 species as of 2025. The genus has a nearly worldwide distribution, being absent only from Antarctica. Members are among the smallest spiders, typically inhabiting leaf litter and ground-level vegetation.
spiders Araneae Mysmenidae leaf-litter cosmopolitan dwarf-spiders cobweb-weavers
Microtendipes
non-biting midges
Microtendipes is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae comprising over 60 species with nearly worldwide distribution. Adult males are distinguished by one or two rows of stout proximally directed setae on the fore femur. The genus is divided into two species groups based on larval characteristics. Species delimitation has been historically challenging due to color pattern variations, but DNA barcoding has proven effective for identification.
Chironomidae non-biting-midges freshwater bioindicator DNA-barcoding cosmopolitan Chironominae
Microterys
Microterys is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), with its center of distribution in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Species are important natural enemies of various scale insects (Coccoidea), including soft scales (Coccidae), wax scales (Ceroplastes), and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly for managing pest scale insects on citrus and other crops. Several species have been introduced to new regions as biocontrol agents, including Microterys flavus in California.
parasitoid biological-control scale-insect Coccoidea Encyrtidae Chalcidoidea Hymenoptera ovipositor integrated-pest-management citrus-pest soft-scale mealybug hyperparasitoid host-specificity biotype classical-biological-control synchrotron-microtomography oviposition-behavior natural-enemy agricultural-entomology taxonomy Girault Australia China California Syria India Czech-Republic Europe Asia North-America Southern-Hemisphere Ceroplastes Coccus Phenacoccus Kermes Parthenolecanium Metaceronema Chaetococcus Kerria Laccifer Gascardia Sphaerolecanium Cerococcus Chloropulvinaria pest-management host-selection host-penetration envenomation egg-deposition host-feeding valvifer valvula musculoskeletal-system 3D-morphology SEM SR-µCT invasive-species biocontrol-introduction hyperparasitism efficiency-reduction natural-enemy-conservation citrus Camellia Magnolia fruit-crops ornamental-plants forestry lac-insect wax-scale plum-scale cottony-maple-scale European-fruit-lecanium brown-soft-scale citricola-scale citrus-snow-scale Japanese-wax-scale type-material species-description redescription identification-key intraspecific-variation diagnostic-characters Northern-Hemisphere center-of-distribution cosmopolitan new-species new-record faunistics museum-collection UCR Timberlake Compere Gordh Triapitsyn Noyes Xu Sugonjaev Prinsloo Rosen Ishii Mercet Dalman Howard Ashmead Walker Ferrière Kerrich Annecke Mynhardt Hayat Subba-Rao Trjapitzin Viggiani De-Santis Mayr Thomson Westwood Gahan Crawford Blanchard Perkins Risbec Brues Bennett Erdös Silvestri Domenichini Dozier Cockerell Coquillet Fonscolombe Ratzeburg Matsumura Vassiljev Yoshimoto Ghesquière Tachikawa Logvinovskaya Siscaro Agarwal Ahmad Ghani Burks Girault-species Australian-fauna Chinese-fauna Indian-fauna Syrian-fauna European-fauna Californian-fauna global-distribution economic-entomology applied-entomology systematics morphology behavioral-ecology functional-morphology evolutionary-success diverse-group understudied minute-wasps micro-Hymenoptera slide-collection voucher-specimens host-records undetermined-specimens valid-genera synonymy manuscript-names nomina-nuda unpublished-names re-organization curator historical-notes collection-growth collecting-activities identification sorting drawers points slides paratypes backbone biological-control-projects California-entomologists Citrus-Experiment-Station Hawaiian-collection bee-taxonomy systematists students staff world largest important value mere-number taxa-represented reported scientific-literature conducted augmented contributions countries rapidly growing complete list presented italicized miscellaneous undetermined full-drawers unsorted specimens-per-slide more-than-500-slides at-least-700-slides sometimes-more-than-one-specimen-per-slide synchrotron-X-ray-phase-contrast-microtomography scanning-electron-microscopy in-vivo-documentation 3D-model microstructures cuticular-elements motion-patterns phases parasitization working-mechanism key-trait adaptive-evolution reproductive-success mechanical-aspects functional-aspects fully-understood enormously-diverse specialized parasitising plant-pests ecological-role economic-role improve-understanding mechanics mode-of-function detailed analysis identified consisting recently-discovered described elucidated penetration assessment internal-organs developed underlying observed contributing highly-diverse-group chalcidoid-wasps Frontiers-in-Zoology Acta-Musei-Silesiae Arab-Journal-for-Plant-Protection Australian-Journal-of-Entomology Insect-Science Oriental-Insects Journal-of-Natural-History Phytoparasitica Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America Environmental-Entomology GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI-Taxonomy iNaturalist Wikipedia DOI 10.1186/s12983-025-00575-1 10.2478/cszma-2021-0007 10.22268/AJPP-41.3.292305 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1975.tb02058.x 10.1111/j.1744-7917.2000.tb00345.x 10.1080/00305316.2011.646827 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1973.tb01670.x 10.1080/00222933.2020.1786608 10.1007/s12600-019-00727-0 10.1007/s12600-018-0691-5 10.1093/aesa/54.2.222 10.1093/ee/7.6.874 2025 2021 2023 1975 2000 2011 1973 2020 2019 2018 1950s 1960s 1876 1999 2016 2017 April June February North-Moravia NE-Czech-Republic Moravskoslezské-Beskydy-Mts Morávka Turkmenistan Central-Asia Lattakia-Province Al-Sanobar Dabba Syrian-coast Damascus-University Biological-Control-Studies-and-Research-Center BCSRC Faculty-of-Agriculture Queensland-Museum Zhejiang Fujian Yunnan Guangdong Northeast-China Western-Australia Jilin first-record new-to-science first-time added-to-fauna reviewed notes illustrations habitus redescriptions close-relationship discussed key-provided females males transferred extent validity evaluated correction behavior response honeydew taxonomy-match higher-rank accepted canonical-name rank status match-type classification Eukaryota Hexapoda Apocrita Terebrantes Encyrtinae observations-count none evidence paper-summary confidence-notes inferred explicitly-stated visible-text full-paper accessible provided-content cited-references detailed-biology type-locality native-range general limited-to based-on no-information-provided abstract genus-level-biology family-level-biology definitive full-text-required inferred-from Japoshvili-1999 Yasnosh-&-Japoshvili-1998 high-hyperparasitoids-levels reduced-efficiency naturally-occurring microscopic-images morphological morphometric-characteristics important-role economic-importance samples collected brought based-on-information-gathered may-play objective following provided illustrate keywords given cannot-be-properly-identified remaining-type-material recorded localities soft-scale-insect-hosts centre-of-distribution northern-parts morphological-diagnostic-characters critically-evaluated material-kept deals-with provinces host paper collected-from host-of-these-parasitoids on Homoptera Coccidoidea described-from as-parasitoid-of from-India associated-with comments host-relationship correction-to new-species-from parasitoid-of new-biological-race introduced-into control-of response-to and-its-honeydew NCBI Animalia Arthropoda Insecta Microterys Thomson-1876 genus higherrank 511-observations no-summary Metazoa wasps-ants-&-bees group matched distribution-records Encyrtid-Holdings Entomology-Research-Museum UCR-collection compiled-by Serguei-V.-Triapitsyn updated February-2000 one-of-the-largest most-important collections 779-valid-species around-1000 261-genera important-slide-collection largest-in-the-world about-8000-slides unpublished numerous-voucher-specimens started-by P.H.-Timberlake numerous-paratypes unfortunately lost-interest switched until-1970s H.-Compere notable-contributions P.-Timberlake J.-Maple P.-DeBach C.-Clausen 1970s-1980s G.-Gordh J.-LaSalle J.-Woolley J.-Pinto J.-Beardsley Mexico US other-countries presently growing-rapidly J.-Heraty majority V.-Trjapitzin J.-Noyes complete-re-organization S.-Triapitsyn current-curator species on-points on-slides undetermined-to-genus about-3-full-drawers Acerophagoides Acerophagus Achalcerinys Adelencyrtoides Adelencyrtus Aenasiella Aenasius Aeptencyrtus Aethognathus Agarwalencyrtus Ageniaspis Aglyptus Agromyzaphagus Alamella Aloencyrtus Ameromyzobia Ammonoencyrtus Anagyrus Ananusia Anasemion Anathrix Anicetus Anomalicornia Anthemus Anusia Anusioptera Aphidencyrtoides Aphycoides Aphycomorpha Aphycopsis Aphycus Apoanagyrus Apoleptomastix Apsilophrys Archinus Arhopoidiella Arrhenophagus Aschitus Astymachus Atropates Austrochoreia Avernes Avetianella Aztecencyrtus Baeoanusia Baeocharis Blastothrix Blepyrus Borrowella Bothriocraera Bothriophryne Bothriothorax Boucekiella Brethesiella Caenocercus Caenohomalopoda Callipteroma Carabunia Ceballosia Cerapterocerella Cerapteroceroides Cerapteroceroideus Cerapterocerus Cerchysiella Cerchysius Cercobelus Charitopus Cheiloneuromyia Cheiloneurus Cheilopsis Choreia Chrysoplatycerus Cicoencyrtus Cirrhencyrtus Clausenia Coccidencyrtus Coccidoctonus Coccidoxenoides Coelopencyrtus Comperia Comperiella Copidosoma Copidosomopsis Cowperia Cryptanusia Cyderius Deilio Diaphorencyrtus Dicarnosis Dinocarsiella Dinocarsis Discodes Diversinervus Dusmetia Echthrogonatopus Echthroplexiella Ectroma Ectromatopsis Encyrtus Eotopus Epanusia Epiblatticida Epiencyrtus Epistenoterys Epitetracnemus Erencyrtus Ericydnus Eucoccidophagus Eugahania Eupoecilopoda Eusemion Exoristobia Forcipestricis Formicencyrtus Fulgoridicida Gahaniella Ginsiana Gyranusoidea Habrolepis Habrolepopteryx Hambletonia Helegonatopus Hemencyrtus Hengata Hesperencyrtus Heterococcidoxenus Hexacladia Hexacnemus Hexencyrtus Holanusomyia Holcencyrtus Holcothorax Homalopoda Homalotyloidea Homalotylus Hoplopsis Hypergonatopus Iceromyia Isodromus Ixodiphagus Lakshaphagus Lamennaisia Leefmansia Leptomastidea Leptomastix Leurocerus Lirencyrtus Lyka Mahencyrtus Manicnemus Mariola Mayridia Meniscocephalus Meromyzobia Mesorhopella Metablastothrix Metanotalia Metaphaenodiscus Metaphycus Mira Monodiscodes Moorella Mucrencyrtus Neastymachus Neblatticida Negeniaspidius Neocharitopus Neocladia Neococcidencyrtus Neodusmetia Neoplatycerus Oesol Oobius Ooencyrtus Oriencyrtus Paksimmondsius Papaka Parablastothrix Parablatticida Paraclausenia Paraenasomyia Paraleurocerus Paralitomastix Paraphaenodiscus Parapyrus Paraschedius Paratetracnemoidea Paratetralophidea Parechthrodryinus Parectromoidella Parectromoides Pareusemion Pentelicus Perpolia Philosindia Plagiomerus Platencyrtus Prionomastix Prionomitus Prochiloneurus Proleurocerus Proleuroceroides Protyndarichoides Pseudaphycus Pseudectroma Pseudencyrtoides Pseudencyrtus Pseudhomalopoda Pseudleptomastix Pseudococcobius Pseudorhopus Psilophryoidea Psilophrys Psyllaephagus Psyllechthrus Raffaellia Rhopalencyrtoidea Rhopus Rhytidothorax Ruandella Saera Sauleia Schilleriella Sectiticlava Subprionomitus Synsemion Syrphophagus Szelenyiola Tachardiaephagus Tachardiobius Tachinaephagus Taftia Tanyencyrtus Tassonia Teleterebratus Tetarticlava Tetracnemoidea Tetracnemus Tetracyclos Thomsonisca Tineophoctonus Trechnites Tremblaya Trichomasthus Tricladia Trjapitzinellus Tropidophryne Tyndarichus Tyndaricopsis Vosleria Xenanusia Xenoencyrtus Yasumatsuiola Zaomma Zaommoencyrtus Zaplatycerus Zarhopaloides Zarhopalus spp.sp.sp(p).?nr.ms-name manuscript-name nomen-nudum including probably-mixed-with unsorted-miscellaneous University-of-California-Riverside collection museum specimens vouchers hosts parasitoids scale-insects mealybugs soft-scales wax-scales citrus-pests agricultural-pests natural-enemies hyperparasitoids efficiency oviposition anatomy 3D-reconstruction microtomography in-vivo-observation evolution adaptive-radiation diversity Africa South-America Middle-East Hawaii horticulture crop-protection augmentative-biological-control conservation-biological-control egg-laying population-dynamics ecosystem-services natural-pest-control sustainable-agriculture organic-farming biodiversity 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Milichiella lacteipennis
freeloader fly
Milichiella lacteipennis is a small, dark-colored fly in the family Milichiidae, commonly known as freeloader flies. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution, having been recorded from the Galápagos Islands, Japan, Madeira, Hawaii, and Argentina. It is a kleptoparasite that feeds on fluids from prey captured by predatory insects, particularly heteropteran bugs. The species was described by Loew in 1866.
kleptoparasite cosmopolitan Diptera Milichiidae chemical-ecology
Minilimosina
lesser dung flies
Minilimosina is a genus of small flies in the family Sphaeroceridae, commonly known as lesser dung flies. The genus was established by Roháček in 1983 and contains more than 70 described species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. Species have been documented from diverse habitats including mammal burrows and have been the subject of recent taxonomic revisions, particularly in China where 16 species are recorded.
lesser-dung-flies Sphaeroceridae cosmopolitan mammal-burrows decomposer-habitats
Monopis crocicapitella
Pale-backed clothes moth, Bird-nest moth, Bird Nest Moth
A small tineid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, first described from the eastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of 10–16 mm. The species has been documented in cave environments and serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Apanteles carpatus. Its capability to infest human dwellings remains unknown.
cave-dwelling cosmopolitan humidity-sensitive identification-difficult
Monopis monachella
White-blotched Clothes Moth
Monopis monachella is a small tineid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution spanning Eurasia, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. The species is commonly known as the White-blotched Clothes Moth and has been observed feeding on animal remains during its larval stage. Adults are active from spring through late summer in temperate regions.
detritivore carrion-feeder cosmopolitan tineid clothes-moth-group
Mydidae
Mydas flies, Mydaid flies
Mydidae, or mydas flies, are a small cosmopolitan family of large to very large flies within the superfamily Asiloidea. With approximately 471 described species, they represent one of the most distinctive dipteran groups due to their exceptional size—Gauromydas heros is the largest known fly species—and their frequent mimicry of stinging hymenopterans, particularly spider wasps. Most species inhabit arid and semiarid regions globally. The family is poorly studied, with larval biology documented for only a handful of species.
Diptera Asiloidea mydas-flies mimicry predatory-larvae large-flies wasp-mimicry cosmopolitan arid-habitats poorly-known-biology
Myolepta
Pegleg Flies
Myolepta is a cosmopolitan genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) in the tribe Brachyopini, most closely related to the genus Lepidomyia. The genus contains species distributed across the Indomalayan Realm, West Palaearctic, and Nearctic regions. One Chinese species, Myolepta sinica, has been documented with host plant associations.
hoverflies Syrphidae cosmopolitan Brachyopini saprophagous
Myrmecocephalus
Myrmecocephalus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Falagriini. The genus contains approximately 115 recognized species as of 2026 and has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with ant colonies, reflecting their myrmecophilous lifestyle implied by the genus name.
rove-beetles myrmecophiles ant-associated Staphylinidae Aleocharinae cosmopolitan
Nacerdes melanura
Wharf Borer
Nacerdes melanura, commonly known as the wharf borer, is a false blister beetle in the family Oedemeridae. It is a cosmopolitan wood-boring pest with a nearly worldwide distribution, particularly prevalent in coastal regions. The species infests timber in marine and waterfront structures, causing structural damage to wharves, piers, and other wooden maritime installations.
wood-borer marine-pest cosmopolitan Oedemeridae false-blister-beetle timber-pest coastal-insect
Nathrius brevipennis
Nathrius brevipennis is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to the Palearctic region that has become cosmopolitan through human-mediated transport in timber and wood packaging. Adults measure 4–7 mm in length. The species is polyphagous on dead twigs of broadleaved trees, with documented hosts spanning at least 15 genera including Alnus, Rosa, Fraxinus, Corylus, Ficus, Castanea, Salix, Juglans, Quercus, Morus, Cornus, Ceratonia, Pistacia, Ziziphus, Robinia, and Ostrya. Its invasive spread has led to first records in Australia and other regions outside its native range.
Cerambycidae Cerambycinae Psebiini invasive-species cosmopolitan wood-boring polyphagous timber-pest broadleaved-trees dead-wood decomposer
Nausibius
Nausibius is a genus of silvanid flat bark beetles in the family Silvanidae. The genus is cosmopolitan with extant representatives worldwide. A fossil species, Nausibius radchenkoi, has been described from Eocene Rovno amber, confirming the genus originated at least 34 million years ago and was present in European forest ecosystems. Extant species are frequently associated with stored food products, particularly sugar.
silvanid flat-bark-beetle stored-product-pest cosmopolitan Eocene-fossil sugar-beetle
Necrobia ruficollis
ham beetle, red-shouldered ham beetle, red-necked bacon beetle
Necrobia ruficollis is a small, metallic beetle in the family Cleridae with cosmopolitan distribution. It is primarily associated with decomposing animal matter, including dried and smoked meats, animal skins, and cheese. The species is forensically significant, appearing on cadavers during advanced decay and skeletonization stages, and serves as an important indicator for postmortem interval estimation in cases involving longer time frames.
forensic-entomology carrion-beetle storage-pest sarcosaprophagous cosmopolitan
Nezarini
stink bugs
Nezarini is a tribe of stink bugs within the family Pentatomidae, containing at least 21 described genera. The tribe includes economically significant agricultural pests such as the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) and various species in the genera Chinavia and Chlorochroa. Members are distributed across multiple continents with substantial observation records documenting their presence.
agricultural-pest Pentatomidae Hemiptera stink-bug cosmopolitan
Nitela
Nitela is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, tribe Miscophini. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and was established by Latreille in 1809. As members of the Miscophini, species in this genus are presumed to be spider-hunting wasps, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented. The genus includes species such as N. amazonica and N. apoensis.
spider-wasp solitary-wasp cosmopolitan
Nymphalidae
Brush-footed Butterflies, Four-footed Butterflies
Nymphalidae is the largest family of butterflies, comprising approximately 6,000–7,200 species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. Members are medium-sized to large butterflies characterized by reduced, brush-like forelegs that are held curled against the thorax, causing adults to stand and walk on only four functional legs. The family exhibits exceptional diversity in wing patterns, with many species displaying bright dorsal coloration for mate attraction and cryptic ventral patterns for predator avoidance. Larvae typically possess spiny or hairy projections and feed on an exceptionally broad range of host plant families.
butterflies brush-footed reduced-forelegs pollen-feeding mimicry sound-producing-pupae cosmopolitan
Oecetis
long-horned caddisflies
Oecetis is a genus of long-horned caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, containing over 500 described species worldwide. Adults are distinguished by exceptionally long maxillary palps and an unbranched forewing M vein. Larvae inhabit freshwater environments including lakes, streams, and rivers with sandy substrates. The genus is among the largest and most widely distributed caddisfly genera, occurring in all faunal regions.
caddisfly Trichoptera Leptoceridae aquatic-insect freshwater cosmopolitan
Oecobius cellariorum
wall spider
Oecobius cellariorum is a small spider in the family Oecobiidae, commonly known as wall spiders. The species is native to the Mediterranean region and has been introduced to North America and East Asia. It is frequently found in human-built structures.
spider synanthropic introduced cosmopolitan Mediterranean-native
Oecobius navus
wall spider, baseboard spider, stucco spider
A small cribellate spider, 2–2.5 mm in body length, native to Europe and Northern Africa but introduced globally. Builds flat, circular webs with lateral openings on artificial structures. Uses an unusual hunting method: running around prey to entangle it in sticky silk ribbons from the anal tubule and spinnerets before biting.
spider cribellate urban cosmopolitan introduced-species wall-dwelling synanthropic