Cosmopolitan
Guides
Oedemeridae
false blister beetles, pollen-feeding beetles
Oedemeridae is a cosmopolitan family of beetles containing approximately 100 genera and 1,500 species. Adults are slender, soft-bodied beetles commonly found on flowers and foliage, where they feed primarily on pollen and nectar. Larvae develop in decaying wood or herbaceous plant stems, with most species being xylophagous. The family is notable for producing cantharidin, a toxic defensive compound also found in blister beetles (Meloidae), which makes adults chemically protected and often brightly colored with aposematic coloration.
Ogcodes
small-headed flies, spider flies
Ogcodes is the largest and most speciose genus in the family Acroceridae (small-headed flies), with approximately 90 described species. The genus is cosmopolitan in distribution and is the only extant genus in the subfamily Ogcodinae. All species are endoparasitoids of ground-dwelling entelegyne spiders, with larvae developing inside adult spiders before emerging to pupate.
Oligosita
Oligosita is a genus of minute egg parasitoid wasps in the family Trichogrammatidae, established by Walker in 1851. Members of this genus are cosmopolitan in distribution and have been documented attacking eggs of diverse host groups including Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Thysanoptera. Specific species have been recorded as parasitoids of leafhopper eggs (Cicadellidae) in agricultural and natural systems across Italy, China, and North America. The genus is characterized by its small body size typical of trichogrammatids and distinctive morphological features used in species-level identification.
Omaliini
ocellate rove beetles
Omaliini is a tribe of rove beetles within the subfamily Omaliinae, characterized by the presence of ocelli. The tribe comprises approximately 45 genera and 450 described species distributed across all zoogeographic regions. Fossil evidence from Cretaceous amber has established the minimum age of the tribe at approximately 100 million years. The tribe exhibits considerable morphological and ecological diversity, with ongoing taxonomic research revealing numerous new species, particularly in Asia and the Papuan Region.
Orfelia
fungus gnats
Orfelia is a cosmopolitan genus of fungus gnats in the family Keroplatidae, comprising approximately 46 described species. The genus is notable for containing Orfelia fultoni, whose larvae produce the bluest bioluminescence (~460 nm) known among insects via a novel luciferin-luciferase system involving keroplatin. Species occur across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, and North America. In Australia, members of this genus serve as important pollinators of native greenhood orchids through pseudocopulation.
Orphinus fulvipes
carpet beetle
Orphinus fulvipes is a small carpet beetle species in the family Dermestidae. It has a documented body length of 2.5 mm. The species exhibits a broad intercontinental distribution spanning North America, South Asia, Oceania, and Europe. As a member of Dermestidae, it is likely associated with keratinous or dried organic materials, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Orthonama obstipata
Gem, Gem Moth
Orthonama obstipata, known as the Gem, is a cosmopolitan moth in the family Geometridae. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and pattern. It is noted for its vagrant behavior and ability to cross open water, leading to regular though irregular occurrences on islands including the British Isles and Iceland.
Oryzaephilus surinamensis
Sawtoothed grain beetle, Malt beetle
Oryzaephilus surinamensis is a cosmopolitan stored product pest known for the distinctive sawtooth-like projections on its prothorax. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758 from specimens received from Suriname, though it is not native to that region. It is flightless and frequently confused with the closely related merchant grain beetle (O. mercator), from which it differs in having smaller eyes and a broader, more triangular head. The beetle is a secondary pest that primarily attacks damaged grain and grain products, with both larvae and adults contributing to economic losses through feeding and contamination.
Otodectes
ear mite
Otodectes is a genus of parasitic mites in the family Psoroptidae containing a single species, Otodectes cynotis, commonly known as the ear mite. These ectoparasites infest the external ear canals of domestic and wild carnivores, causing otitis externa. The genus is distributed worldwide and is of significant veterinary importance due to the intense irritation and secondary infections it can cause in host animals.
Otodectes cynotis
Ear Mange Mite, Ear Mite, Common Ear Mite
Otodectes cynotis is a parasitic mite in the family Psoroptidae, the sole species in its genus. It is a non-burrowing ectoparasite that inhabits the external ear canals of mammals, causing otitis externa. The mite completes its entire life cycle on a single host in approximately three weeks. It is distributed worldwide and primarily affects domestic cats, dogs, and ferrets, though it has been recorded on numerous other carnivores and occasionally humans. Infestation causes intense pruritus, head shaking, and ear scratching, and can lead to secondary bacterial infections in severe cases.
Oxidus
greenhouse millipedes
Oxidus is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Paradoxosomatidae, containing approximately nine described species, though recent revision recognizes five valid species with one species inquirenda. The genus is characterized by a cosmopolitan member, Oxidus gracilis (the greenhouse millipede), which has achieved global distribution in temperate and sub-tropical regions, while other species exhibit restricted endemic ranges. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes confirms Oxidus as monophyletic and closely related to the genus Tylopus. Species within the genus are distinguished primarily by gonopod morphology, coloration, and body size.
Pantala flavescens
globe skimmer, globe wanderer, wandering glider
Pantala flavescens is a cosmopolitan dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, recognized as the most widespread dragonfly on Earth. It performs the longest known insect migration, with populations completing annual multigenerational circuits of up to 18,000 km between breeding grounds in Asia and Africa. The species exploits temporary freshwater habitats for rapid larval development, completing the life cycle from egg to adult in as little as 38–65 days. Its extraordinary dispersal ability is facilitated by broad wings adapted for gliding flight and utilization of high-altitude wind systems.
Parachironomus
Parachironomus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Chironominae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with approximately 85 valid species worldwide. Some species are free-living aquatic larvae, while others are endoparasites of freshwater snails. Species have been recorded from diverse habitats including standing and flowing waters, soft sediments, aquatic macrophytes, and artificial urban waterbodies.
Paralimnini
Paralimnini is a tribe of leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) within the subfamily Deltocephalinae, established by Distant in 1908. The tribe comprises 139 genera and over 900 species, divided into two subtribes: Aglenina and Paralimnina. Members are distributed worldwide across all biogeographical regions, with the highest diversity occurring in the Oriental region.
Parasteatoda
Colourful Comb-footed Spiders
Parasteatoda is a genus of comb-footed spiders (family Theridiidae) first described by Allan Frost Archer in 1946. The genus name derives from Greek "para-" (near) combined with the related genus Steatoda. Species in this genus are characterized by a teardrop-shaped or nearly spherical abdomen with highly variable coloration, and possess the comb-footed spines on the fourth leg typical of theridiids. The genus contains 42 species and one subspecies as of October 2025, distributed primarily across the Old World with many species in Asia and New Guinea, though several have been introduced to the Americas and Europe through human commerce. The best-known member, Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Common House Spider), has become a significant model organism for evolutionary developmental biology research.
Parasteatoda tabulata
Wandering House Cobweaver
Parasteatoda tabulata is a cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by H. W. Levi in 1980. It is native to tropical Asia but has been introduced to North America, Europe, and temperate Asia including China, Korea, and Japan. The species belongs to a genus closely related to the Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) and shares similar web-building habits.
Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Common House Spider, American House Spider, Domestic Spider, Common Gray House Spider
Parasteatoda tepidariorum, the common house spider, is a small cobweb-weaving spider native to the Americas that has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human commerce. It is strongly synanthropic, rarely found outside human-built structures. Females measure 5–8 mm in body length, males 3.8–4.7 mm, with variable coloration from tan to nearly black. The species constructs irregular three-dimensional webs in dark corners of buildings and has become a model organism for developmental biology research due to its short lifecycle, ease of laboratory culture, and accessible embryology.
Parholaspididae
Parholaspididae is a family of free-living predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, containing 14 genera and approximately 163 described species. Members are distributed worldwide and occupy diverse terrestrial microhabitats. The family was established by Evans in 1956 and is classified within the superfamily Eviphidoidea.
Penthaleidae
earth mites
Penthaleidae, commonly known as earth mites, is a family of mites in the order Trombidiformes. The family is distributed globally across every continent. In southern Australia, several species are major agricultural pests, causing damage to winter crops and pastures. The family contains approximately 30 described species across seven genera, including economically significant species such as *Halotydeus destructor* (the redlegged earth mite) and *Penthaleus major* (the blue oat mite).
Pentodontini
rhinoceros beetles
Pentodontini is the most diverse tribe within the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), containing over 100 genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. Most genera are restricted to a single biogeographic region. The tribe is characterized by substantial morphological diversity, with generic-level identification often relying on mouthpart morphology in females and secondary sexual characters (horns, claw modifications, antennal club length) in males.
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moth flies
Pericoma is a genus of moth flies (family Psychodidae) comprising approximately 159–190 recognized species arranged in four subgenera. The genus has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, with records from Europe, North America, and South America. Species within Pericoma are small, hairy flies characteristic of the Psychodidae family. The genus was established by Haliday in 1856 and remains taxonomically active with ongoing species descriptions.
Periplaneta
Periplaneta is a genus of large cockroaches in the family Blattidae, containing several species with cosmopolitan distributions that have become significant urban pests worldwide. The genus includes well-known species such as Periplaneta americana (American cockroach), Periplaneta lateralis (Turkestan cockroach), and Periplaneta japonica (Asian cockroach). These species are characterized by their relatively large size, flattened bodies, and long antennae. Many Periplaneta species have been spread globally through human commerce and travel, with some showing remarkable adaptability to diverse climates including cold-tolerant species capable of surviving freezing temperatures.
Peripsocus
Peripsocus is a genus of barklice (order Psocodea) comprising over 250 described species. Members are characterized by their stout body form compared to other barklice. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution across six continents. Species in this genus are associated with bark and lichen habitats.
Philodromidae
Running Crab Spiders, Philodromid Crab Spiders
Philodromidae is a family of araneomorph spiders comprising over 530 species across 31 genera. Members are commonly called running crab spiders or philodromid crab spiders due to their crab-like appearance and sideways-oriented legs. Unlike true crab spiders (Thomisidae), philodromids do not construct webs for prey capture but instead hunt by ambush. They are primarily associated with vegetation, where they occur on stems, leaves, and tree trunks.
Pholcus opilionoides
Opilion-like Cellar Spider
Pholcus opilionoides is a cellar spider species in the family Pholcidae, named for its resemblance to harvestmen (Opiliones) due to its exceptionally long, sprawling legs. The species is native to Europe, Egypt, the Caucasus, and possibly Iran, and has been introduced to North America. Adults are small-bodied with a body length of 3-5 mm but appear larger due to their elongated legs. It is frequently confused with the more widespread Pholcus phalangioides and the similar Pholcus manueli, requiring careful examination for accurate identification.
Pholcus phalangioides
Long-bodied Cellar Spider, Cosmopolitan Cellar Spider, Daddy Long-legs Spider
Pholcus phalangioides is a long-legged cellar spider native to Asia that has become cosmopolitan through human association. Females reach about 7-8 mm body length with legs 5-6 times longer; males are slightly smaller at 6-10 mm. The species is notable for building loose, irregular webs in dark indoor spaces and for its specialized predatory behaviors including web invasion and aggressive mimicry. It preys on other spiders—including dangerous species such as redbacks—and exhibits a distinctive whirling defense against predators. Despite common misconceptions, its bite is harmless to humans.
Phoroncidia
Mushroom Comb-footed Spiders, cob-web spiders
Phoroncidia is a genus of comb-footed spiders in the family Theridiidae, first described by J. O. Westwood in 1835. The genus contains approximately 83 species distributed worldwide. Members are characterized by heavily sclerotized, often leathery abdomens with distinctive sculpturing including folds, humps, spines, or tubercles. They are commonly known as Mushroom Comb-footed Spiders.
Phthiracarus
Phthiracarus is the second largest genus of ptyctimous mites (Euptyctima), with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The genus belongs to the family Phthiracaridae within the oribatid mites (Oribatida), a diverse group of soil-dwelling arachnids. Species in this genus are primarily found in temperate forest soils and are associated with decomposition processes. Recent taxonomic work has described new species from previously understudied regions including Northeast China.
Phygadeuontinae
Darwin wasps
Phygadeuontinae is a subfamily of Darwin wasps within Ichneumonidae, comprising numerous genera including Atractodes, Chirotica, Gelis, Lochetica, and others. The subfamily exhibits cosmopolitan distribution with substantial diversity in the Neotropics, Europe, and Asia Minor. Members are primarily parasitoids with varied host associations including Lepidoptera (Psychidae), Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae), and other insects. The genus Gelis includes at least one documented endoparasitoid of insect eggs, representing an unusual life history strategy for ichneumonids.
Physiphora alceae
picture-winged fly
Physiphora alceae is a small picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, notable for lacking the bold wing patterns typical of its family. Approximately 5 millimeters in length, this species has become cosmopolitan through human-mediated dispersal. Males perform elaborate courtship dances involving foreleg movements, wing lifting, and physical contact with females.
Physocyclus globosus
short-bodied cellar spider
Physocyclus globosus, commonly known as the short-bodied cellar spider, is a small pholcid spider with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is frequently found in anthropogenic habitats including buildings and caves across tropical and subtropical regions, and has been introduced to numerous temperate areas worldwide. The species is characterized by a compact, globose abdomen and distinctive dark dorsal markings. It belongs to the globosus species group within its genus, which exhibits a biogeographical distribution pattern in the Mesoamerican and Mexican Mountain biotic components.
Pieris
Garden Whites, Whites
Pieris is a widespread, nearly cosmopolitan genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, commonly known as the garden whites. The genus exhibits highest species diversity in the Palearctic region. Many species are economically significant as agricultural pests, with larvae feeding on Brassicaceae crops including cabbage, broccoli, and kale. The genus has been extensively studied for its biochemical adaptations to glucosinolate-containing host plants.
Pipunculus
Pipunculus is a genus of flies in the family Pipunculidae with cosmopolitan distribution. Members are internal parasites of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae (Homoptera). The genus has been documented in Europe, Australia, Fiji, and North America. At least one species, Pipunculus semifumosus, has been studied for its parasitic effects on host size and reproductive structures.
Pison
Pison is a cosmopolitan genus of spider wasps in the family Crabronidae, comprising approximately 145 described species with many more undescribed, particularly in South America. Adult females hunt and paralyze living spiders to provision nest cells, on which they lay eggs. The genus exhibits diverse nesting strategies, including mud construction, use of natural cavities, and excavation of burrows. Pison wasps are most diverse in the Southern Hemisphere, with about one-third of species occurring in Australia.
Platnickina
Platnick's Cobweb Spiders
Platnickina is a genus of cobweb spiders (Theridiidae) established in 2008 and named in honor of arachnologist Norman Platnick. The genus is cosmopolitan, excluding Oceania, with fifteen recognized species as of 2025. European species exhibit distinctive bright yellow coloration with black mottling. The genus can be distinguished from other theridiids by specific morphological traits including trichobothria on the metatarsi of the third leg pair.
Platylabus
Platylabus is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Wesmael in 1845. The genus contains approximately 131 described species with cosmopolitan distribution across multiple continents. As with other ichneumonid wasps, members of this genus are parasitoids, developing within or upon other arthropod hosts. The genus has been documented from Europe, North America, and other regions based on collection records.
Platytomus
Platytomus is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, containing more than 20 described species. The genus was established by Mulsant in 1842. Species in this genus are classified within the tribe Psammodiini, a group often associated with sandy or psammophilous habitats. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with records from multiple continents.
Plexippus paykulli
Pantropical Jumping Spider
Plexippus paykulli is a cosmopolitan jumping spider native to Southeast Asia, now established across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Commonly called the pantropical jumping spider, it is strongly associated with human-built structures, particularly building exteriors near light sources where it hunts insects. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males display black bodies with bold white stripes, while females are brownish-grey with tan markings. It is an active diurnal predator that does not construct prey-capture webs, relying instead on acute vision, stalking, and jumping to subdue prey.
Polyphagotarsonemus latus
Broad Mite, Yellow Tea Mite, Citrus Silver Mite
Polyphagotarsonemus latus, commonly known as the broad mite, is a microscopic tarsonemid mite with a cosmopolitan distribution and an exceptionally broad host range spanning over 60 plant families. First described from mango in a Washington, D.C. greenhouse in 1904, it has become a significant agricultural pest affecting crops including cotton, soybean, peppers, strawberries, blackberries, citrus, tea, coffee, and increasingly, cannabis and hemp. The mite feeds on young, tender plant tissues, causing characteristic damage including leaf stunting, twisting, and distortion that resembles auxin herbicide injury. It thrives in greenhouse environments and tropical to subtropical climates, with development occurring between 10–36°C at high humidity. Management relies on acaricides and biological control using predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus, and A. orientalis.
Pompilidae
Spider Wasps, Spider-hunting Wasps, Pompilid Wasps
Spider wasps in the family Pompilidae are solitary, stinging wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The family contains approximately 5,000 described species in six subfamilies, distributed worldwide. Most species capture and paralyze spiders using venom, then deposit them in burrows or cavities where a single egg is laid on each victim. Females of the genus Auplopus construct distinctive free-standing mud cells, while most other genera excavate burrows in soil or use pre-existing cavities. Members of the subfamily Ceropalinae are kleptoparasites, laying eggs in the nests of other pompilids or acting as ectoparasitoids of living spiders rather than building their own nests.
Hymenopterasolitary-waspsspider-predatorsparasitoidsmud-nest-buildersburrowing-waspsant-mimicskleptoparasitesPepsinaeCeropalinaePompilinaeAuplopusAnopliusAgeniellaCaliadurgusPepsisPriocnemisAplocharesArachnospilaEvagetesAgenioideusEpisyronNanoclaveliaPedinpompilusAgenioidevatetesNorth-AmericaAustraliaIranEuropecosmopolitanPorcellio laevis
swift woodlouse, smooth slater
Porcellio laevis is a large terrestrial isopod distinguished by its smooth dorsal surface and rapid escape response when disturbed. Native to North Africa, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated transport and now occurs across Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Pacific islands. The species exhibits direct development with eggs and juveniles brooded in a fluid-filled marsupium, representing extensive parental care among terrestrial arthropods. It is widely kept in captivity due to ease of maintenance and the availability of selectively bred color morphs.
Porcellio scaber
Common Rough Woodlouse, Rough Woodlouse
Porcellio scaber is a European woodlouse species with a cosmopolitan distribution, now found across North America, South Africa, Australia, and sub-Antarctic islands through human-mediated dispersal. It is one of the most abundant and widespread terrestrial isopods in many regions, including the United Kingdom where it is considered one of the 'big five' woodlouse species. The species is notable for its rough, tuberculate exoskeleton and inability to conglobate (roll into a ball), instead relying on tonic immobility and chemical defenses when threatened. Research has documented individual personality traits in this species, expressed through consistent differences in defensive behavior duration.
Porcellionides
woodlice
Porcellionides is a genus of terrestrial isopods (woodlice) in the family Porcellionidae, characterized by cosmopolitan distribution and ecological adaptability. Species within this genus exhibit notable intraspecific variation in reproductive strategies, with some populations showing seasonal reproduction and others continuous breeding activity. The genus has been extensively studied for its population dynamics, behavioral ecology, and sensitivity to environmental stressors, making it a valuable model organism for soil health assessment.
Porcellionides pruinosus
Powderblues, powder blue woodlouse
Porcellionides pruinosus is a cosmopolitan terrestrial isopod (woodlouse) native to Europe that has achieved global distribution through human-mediated dispersal. The species is detritivorous and occupies diverse terrestrial habitats from agricultural fields to desert margins. It is suspected to represent a cryptic species complex, with ten subspecies currently recognized and significant morphological and reproductive variation documented across populations. The species carries Wolbachia endosymbionts that can induce feminization of males and cytoplasmic incompatibility, affecting population sex ratios. P. pruinosus has become popular in the pet trade, with numerous color morphs selectively bred.
Proclitus
Proclitus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Förster in 1869. The genus contains approximately 25 described species and exhibits an almost cosmopolitan distribution. Members are parasitoid wasps, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Promicrogaster
Promicrogaster is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, comprising over 40 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. Members are small wasps that develop as endoparasitoids of caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae). The genus was established by Brues and Richardson in 1913.
Propsocus pulchripennis
Propsocus pulchripennis is a species of damp barklouse in the family Elipsocidae. It has a remarkably broad cosmopolitan distribution spanning six continents, including Africa, Australia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. The species was originally described by Perkins in 1899 under the basionym Stenopsocus pulchripennis. As a member of the damp barklice, it inhabits moist microhabitats associated with bark and decaying wood.
Psychodinae
Moth Flies, Drain Flies, Filter Flies, Sewer Flies
Psychodinae is the nominate subfamily of moth flies (Psychodidae), commonly known as drain flies or filter flies. Adults are small, hairy flies rarely exceeding 5–6 mm in length, with distinctive kidney-shaped eyes connected by an eye-bridge. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution, including subantarctic islands. Larvae are aquatic or semi-terrestrial, developing in diverse moist habitats ranging from natural springs and phytotelmata to artificial environments like drains and sewage systems.
Psychomyia
Psychomyia is a genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera) in the family Psychomyiidae, established by Latreille in 1829. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution with species recorded across Europe, Asia, and other regions. Larval stages have been described for at least some species, with diagnostic morphological characters established for instar identification. The genus is taxonomically active, with new species continuing to be described, particularly from China.
Psylliodes
flea beetles
Psylliodes is a large cosmopolitan genus of flea beetles comprising approximately 200 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, a trait shared with other Alticini. Approximately half of all species are specialized feeders on Brassicaceae, with the remainder associated with roughly 24 other plant families. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including the cabbage stem flea beetle (P. chrysocephala) and potato flea beetle (P. affinis). The genus includes rare endemic species such as the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle (P. luridipennis), a globally Critically Endangered species restricted to a single island off the coast of England.