Dead-wood-habitat
Guides
Andrenosoma
Chiselmouths
Andrenosoma is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Laphriinae, containing at least 70 described species. The genus is distributed across North America, Europe, and the Neotropics, with greatest diversity in the Neotropical region. Species are associated with dead wood habitats, where larvae prey on wood-boring beetle larvae. Adults are predatory and typically perch on sun-exposed surfaces such as tree trunks, logs, and stumps.
Aradus linsleyi
Aradus linsleyi is a species of flat bug (family Aradidae) described by Usinger in 1936. The species belongs to a group of true bugs commonly associated with dead wood habitats. As with other members of the genus Aradus, this species is characterized by its dorsoventrally flattened body form adapted for living under bark. The species is known from North America.
Ceratocanthinae
Pill Scarab Beetles
Ceratocanthinae is a subfamily of scarabaeoid beetles within Hybosoridae, comprising approximately 366 species in 43 genera distributed across three tribes. These small beetles (2.0–10.0 mm) are renowned for their unique ability to perform complete conglobation—rolling their body into a tight ball by curling three body trunk segments and folding their tibiae. This defensive behavior, which evolved once in the Mesozoic, represents the only known complete conglobation in insects and is supported by specialized exoskeletal structures and thickened, mechanically reinforced dorsal cuticle.
Cerotainia macrocera
Yellow-faced Micropanther
Cerotainia macrocera is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Yellow-faced Micropanther. It is one of the smallest North American robber flies, measuring approximately 6–8 mm in length. The species is distinguished by its exceptionally long antennae relative to body size. It belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae, whose larvae prey on wood-boring beetle larvae.
Chrysobothris quadriimpressa
Four-impressed Chrysobothris
Chrysobothris quadriimpressa is a jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, belonging to the Chrysobothris femorata species group. This species was originally described in 1837, subsequently synonymized, and resurrected in the 2007 revision by Wellso and Manley. It occurs across eastern North America west to the Continental Divide and is primarily associated with oak (Quercus) hosts. The species is distinguished from closely related members of the C. femorata group by subtle morphological characters of the pygidium and elytra.
Chrysobothris shawnee
Chrysobothris shawnee is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described in 2007 as part of a revision of the Chrysobothris femorata species group. It occurs in the eastern United States west to Colorado. The species is primarily associated with oak (Quercus) hosts, though it has also been reared from willow (Salix) and Prunus. Adults are active on large branches and trunks of dead oak trees.
Clytini
Clytini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Cerambycinae. Members are typically medium-sized (8–16 mm), often with bright coloration and banded elytra. Many species exhibit wasp-mimicry, with rapid, jerky movements and contrasting yellow-black or red-black patterns. The tribe includes ant-mimicking genera such as Cyrtinus, which are among the smallest cerambycids (2–3 mm). Larvae are primarily xylophagous, developing in dead wood of trees and shrubs. Adults are frequently floricolous or attracted to exudates and fermented fruits. The tribe is distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, with some species showing expanding or declining population trends.
Coenomyia
stink fly
Coenomyia is a genus of flies in the family Xylophagidae, commonly known as "stink flies." The genus contains at least four described species, including the widespread Coenomyia ferruginea. These flies are characterized by their large size, brown coloration, and slow, clumsy movements. The family name Xylophagidae derives from Greek roots meaning "wood-eating," reflecting the larval habitat in dead and decaying wood where they prey on wood-boring beetle larvae.
Cryptocercus punctulatus
brown-hooded cockroach, woodroach, wingless wood roach, eastern wood-eating cockroach
Cryptocercus punctulatus is a wingless, wood-feeding cockroach endemic to montane forests of the eastern United States. It is one of the few subsocial cockroach species, exhibiting extended biparental care of offspring over multiple years. The species harbors obligate cellulolytic flagellate symbionts in its hindgut, transferred to neonates through proctodeal trophallaxis by parents. Its life history—xylophagy, social behavior, and gut symbiosis—makes it a key model for understanding the evolutionary origins of termite eusociality.
Dicerca asperata
Dicerca asperata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, distinguished by its shiny, brassy coloration and intricate surface sculpturing. Adults have been documented overwintering in bark crevices of dead American elm trees in Ohio. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Canada (Ontario, Québec).
Glyptotus
Glyptotus is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae: Stenochiinae) containing at least two described species, including G. cribratus. The genus is characterized by saproxylic larvae and adults that inhabit soft rotten dry wood of dead branches on living trees or recently fallen sections. Larvae possess distinctive urogomphi (pinching organs) used in antipredator defense. The genus is distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with confirmed records from the southeastern United States.
Pedilus flabellatus
A fire-colored beetle species in the family Pyrochroidae. The mature larva has been described and exhibits a unique morphological trait: an uninterrupted transverse series of asperities on sternum 9, which is not found in other Pedilus larvae. This character supports the subfamily classification of Pedilinae within Pyrochroidae.
Phloeocharis
Phloeocharis is a genus of rove beetles in the subfamily Phloeocharinae. Species in this genus are saproxylic, living under tree bark in association with bark beetle communities. The genus is native to the Palearctic region, with at least one species, Phloeocharis subtilissima, introduced to North America via port cities.
Polycesta
jewel beetles
Polycesta is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Polycestinae, tribe Polycestini. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed across North America, the Neotropics, and parts of the Palearctic region. Several species have been documented breeding in dead wood of various host plants, particularly in oak and mesquite habitats. The genus was established by Dejean in 1833 and includes notable species such as P. arizonica, P. californica, and P. cazieri, the latter having been reared from Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany).
Pycnomerus
ironclad beetles
Pycnomerus is a genus of ironclad beetles (family Zopheridae) comprising more than 20 described species. Members are small, elongated beetles with hardened, often sculptured exoskeletons typical of the family. The genus includes both widespread and highly restricted species, with some island endemics now considered extinct due to habitat loss. Several species are associated with dead wood habitats and are classified as saproxylic.