Decaying-wood
Guides
Abdera bicincta
Two-banded Comb-clawed Beetle
Abdera bicincta is a species of comb-clawed beetle in the family Melandryidae. The species epithet "bicincta" refers to the two-banded color pattern characteristic of this beetle. Members of the genus Abdera are small to medium-sized beetles typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. Specific ecological details for A. bicincta remain poorly documented in published literature.
Alaus oculatus
Eastern Eyed Click Beetle, Eyed Elater
Alaus oculatus, commonly called the eastern eyed click beetle or eyed elater, is a large, striking click beetle native to eastern North America. Adults reach 25–45 mm in length and are immediately recognizable by the prominent false eyespots on their pronotum—large oval patches of dark scales framed in white that function in predator deterrence. The beetle possesses a remarkable clicking mechanism: a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch that, when flexed and released, produce an audible snap capable of launching the beetle several inches into the air. This behavior serves both defensive and righting functions. The larvae are predatory wireworms that inhabit decaying wood, feeding voraciously on other beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids.
Amphicrossus
Amphicrossus is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae. The genus was established by Erichson in 1843 and contains approximately nine described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members are associated with decaying plant matter and fermenting sap flows.
Analeptura lineola
Lined Longhorn Beetle, lined longhorn
Analeptura lineola is a small longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as the lined longhorn beetle. Adults are anthophilous, feeding on flower nectar. Larvae develop in decaying wood, boring into the bases of various hardwood species. The species occurs in eastern North America and parts of Europe.
Andrognathus
Andrognathus is a genus of small, thin-bodied millipedes in the order Platydesmida, family Andrognathidae. The genus contains three extant species—A. corticarius, A. grubbsi, and A. hoffmani—distributed in deciduous forests of eastern North America, New Mexico, and Mexico respectively. A fossil species, A. burmiticus, is known from 99-million-year-old Burmese amber, indicating a formerly broader distribution. These millipedes are euanamorphic, adding segments throughout their lifespan, and exhibit paternal care behaviors.
Bacanius tantillus
Bacanius tantillus is a small species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853. It is one of the smallest members of its genus, as indicated by its specific epithet 'tantillus' (Latin for 'so little'). The species is native to eastern North America, where it occurs in forested habitats. Like other members of the subfamily Dendrophilinae, it is likely associated with decaying wood and fungal substrates.
Bdellozonium cerviculatum
Bdellozonium cerviculatum is a small millipede species in the family Polyzoniidae, one of two recognized species in its genus. It is native to the forests of California, where it inhabits crevices in decaying wood. The species reaches up to 16 mm in length and displays distinctive salmon pink coloration in living specimens. It was described by Cook & Loomis in 1928.
Brachycybe petasata
Brachycybe petasata is a small millipede in the order Platydesmida, endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. It inhabits moist forest floor habitats, particularly leaf litter and decaying wood in beech, birch, maple, and hemlock forests. The species is distinguished by its production of four unique monoterpene alkaloids as chemical defenses: gosodesmine, hydrogosodesmine, homogosodesmine, and hydrohomogosodesmine. As a member of the subterclass Colobognatha, it represents one of the few millipede lineages known to synthesize terpenoid alkaloids.
Brachypalpus
Catkin Flies
Brachypalpus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as catkin flies. Adults are distinguished by their triangular head that projects forward and downward, and males possess a spur on the hind trochanter. The genus comprises approximately 15 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region. Larvae develop in decaying wood and sap flows under tree bark.
Canthyloscelidae
Canthyloscelidae is a small family of nematoceran flies closely related to Scatopsidae. The family contains approximately 15 extant species distributed across New Zealand, North America, South America, Japan, and Russia, plus one species known from Jurassic fossils. Most species are considered endangered due to their specialized habitat requirements.
Catocha
wood midges
Catocha is a genus of wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established in 1833 by Irish entomologist Alexander Henry Haliday. The genus contains eleven described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe and Asia. Species within this genus are associated with forested habitats, particularly decaying wood environments. Recent taxonomic work has expanded the known diversity, with several species described since 2000.
Ceratocanthus aeneus
shining ball scarab beetle, round fungus beetle
Ceratocanthus aeneus is a small pill scarab beetle in the family Hybosoridae, commonly known as the shining ball scarab beetle or round fungus beetle. The species is native to eastern and southeastern North America. Like other members of its subfamily, it exhibits a highly compact, rounded body form adapted for conglobation (rolling into a ball).
Chalcosyrphus
Leafwalkers
Chalcosyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, commonly known as leafwalkers. Species are notable for mimicking sawflies and other hymenopterans, often displaying bright or metallic coloration. Adults are structurally and behaviorally similar to the related genus Xylota but differ in larval morphology. The genus occurs across Europe, Asia, and North America, with larvae being saproxylic feeders in rotten wood.
Chalcosyrphus anthreas
yellow-banded leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus anthreas, commonly known as the yellow-banded leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. The species belongs to the family Syrphidae (hoverflies or flower flies), a group known for their ability to remain nearly motionless in flight. Adults are typically found on flowers, where they obtain nectar and pollen. The species was originally described by Walker in 1849 under the basionym Xylota anthreas.
Chalcosyrphus curvarius
Chalcosyrphus curvarius is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, tribe Xylotini. Members of this genus are typically associated with decaying wood habitats. The larvae develop in rotting wood and fermenting sap, functioning as saprophages rather than predators. Adults are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and modified hind legs, though specific details for C. curvarius remain limited in available sources.
Chalcosyrphus inarmatus
Yellow-haired Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus inarmatus, commonly known as the yellow-haired leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly distributed across northern North America. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are typically associated with decaying wood rather than the aphid predation common to many hover flies. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from floral resources.
Clusiidae
druid flies
A family of small acalyptrate flies (approximately 3.5 mm) commonly known as druid flies. The family comprises 636 species in 14 genera across three subfamilies, with highest diversity in tropical regions. Adults are typically found on tree trunks, while larvae inhabit decaying wood. Several genera exhibit lekking behavior and territorial defense by males.
Clypastraea biguttata
Clypastraea biguttata
Clypastraea biguttata is a minute hooded beetle in the family Corylophidae, first described by LeConte in 1879. It belongs to a family commonly known as minute hooded beetles or minute fungus beetles, characterized by extremely small body size and a pronotum that conceals the head. The species is documented from North America, with specific records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with fungal substrates in decaying wood and bark.
Deltometopus
Deltometopus is a genus of false click beetles (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae) in the subfamily Macraulacinae and tribe Macraulacini. The genus is distinguished by its Nearctic distribution and includes species such as Deltometopus amoenicornis. Larval morphology has been described for at least one species, indicating development in decaying wood. The genus is accepted in coleopteran taxonomy with authorship attributed to Bonvouloir (1871), though a later homonym was proposed by Williams (1977) in Hemiptera.
Dendroides canadensis
fire-colored beetle, Canada Fire-colored Beetle
Dendroides canadensis, commonly known as the fire-colored beetle or Canada Fire-colored Beetle, is a species in the family Pyrochroidae. Adults range from 7 to 16 mm in length and display distinctive coloration with black head and elytra contrasting with reddish-brown thorax and legs. The species is notable for having both freezing tolerance and freezing susceptibility (supercooling) adaptations, representing the first documented instance of overwintering by switching between these two mechanisms. Larvae inhabit the cambial layer under bark of decaying hardwood logs.
Diadocidia ferruginosa
Diadocidia ferruginosa is a Palearctic fungus gnat species in the family Diadocidiidae. Larvae construct long dry silken tubes beneath bark or within decaying wood. The species has been associated with the fungal genus Peniophora. Adult ecology remains poorly documented.
Ellychnia
dark firefly, diurnal firefly
Ellychnia is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) containing approximately 24 species found across the United States. Unlike most fireflies, adults are diurnally active and lack bioluminescent organs, instead using chemical signals for mate recognition. Adults are characterized by black bodies with distinctive rose-colored markings on the pronotum. Larvae inhabit rotting logs in moist terrestrial environments.
Enchodes
Enchodes is a genus of beetles in the family Melandryidae (false darkling beetles), established by LeConte in 1866. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The genus contains multiple species distributed primarily in North America.
Euryurus leachii
Leach's millipede, Log Lurker
Euryurus leachii is a flat-backed millipede in the family Euryuridae, commonly known as Leach's millipede or the Log Lurker. It is endemic to North America and is frequently encountered in forested habitats, particularly in association with decaying wood. The species has been studied for its thermal physiology, showing a critical thermal maximum of approximately 40.5°C with seasonal plasticity in heat tolerance.
Helops rugulosus
Helops rugulosus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. The genus Helops belongs to the tribe Helopini within the subfamily Tenebrioninae. Species in this genus are typically associated with decaying wood and forest floor habitats. Like other darkling beetles, they are characterized by concealed mandibles and bead-like antennae segments.
Mezira reducta
Mezira reducta is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1927. Members of the genus Mezira are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The species is known from North America, with observational records from the United States.
Mezira sayi
Mezira sayi is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, a group of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies. The species was described by Kormilev in 1982. It is native to North America. Flat bugs in this family are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Microtonus
Microtonus is a genus of beetles in the family Melandryidae, first described by LeConte in 1862. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The genus is documented through iNaturalist observations and taxonomic databases, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Monoclona
fungus gnats
Monoclona is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 18 described species. The genus was established by Mik in 1886 and belongs to the subfamily Sciophilinae. At least one species, Monoclona carambeiensis, has been described from the Neotropical region with complete life cycle documentation. The genus has been recorded in Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and South America (Brazil).
Mycetobia divergens
wood gnat
Mycetobia divergens is a species of wood gnat in the family Anisopodidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus Mycetobia is the type genus of the subfamily Mycetobiinae within this small family of nematoceran flies. Wood gnats in this family are generally associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. Specific biological details for M. divergens remain poorly documented in published literature.
Mychocerus
minute bark beetles
Mychocerus is a genus of minute bark beetles in the family Cerylonidae, established by Erichson in 1845. The genus contains at least two described species: M. discretus (Casey, 1890) and M. striatus (Sen Gupta & Crowson, 1973). These beetles are small, inconspicuous insects associated with dead or decaying wood.
Omoglymmius americanus
American crudely carved wrinkle beetle
Omoglymmius americanus, commonly known as the American crudely carved wrinkle beetle, is a small ground beetle in the family Rhysodidae native to eastern North America. First described in 1836, this species is characterized by its distinctive sculptured exoskeleton with grooves and indentations. Adults are found in association with fungus-infested trees, where they inhabit decaying wood. The species represents one of approximately 38 observation records documented on iNaturalist.
Omoglymmius hamatus
wrinkled bark beetle
A small beetle in the family Rhysodidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1875. Adults measure 6–7 mm in length. The common name 'wrinkled bark beetle' applies to this species but also refers to the entire family Rhysodidae.
Orchesia ornata
Orchesia ornata is a small beetle in the family Melandryidae (false darkling beetles), described by Horn in 1888. It belongs to a genus of beetles typically associated with decaying wood and fungi. Very little published information exists specifically for this species, though its genus is known from forested habitats in North America.
Parallelostethus attenuatus
Attenuated Click Beetle
Parallelostethus attenuatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. Adult males are strongly attracted to 1,8-octanediol di-hexanoate, which may constitute their complete sex attractant pheromone. The species has been studied for the detailed morphology of its thoracic hinge mechanism used in the characteristic "click" jumping behavior of the family. In Indiana, it is commonly found in rotten logs feeding on decaying moist wood tissue.
Phellopsis
Phellopsis is a genus of zopherid beetles established by J.L. LeConte in 1862. The genus contains approximately seven recognized species distributed across North America and Asia. North American species P. obcordata and P. porcata are vicariant taxa restricted to old growth boreal forests of eastern and western North America, respectively. These species were historically confused until a 2008 revision clarified their distinct status. Asian species include P. amurensis (Russian Far East to Korea), P. suberea (Japan), P. chinense (west-central China), and P. yulongensis (Yunnan Province).
Phloeonomus
Protea Rove Beetles
Phloeonomus is a genus of ocellate rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae, containing approximately eight described species. Species within this genus are obligate saproxylic beetles associated with decaying wood and polypore fungi. The larval stages have been characterized for at least one species (P. punctipennis), showing three instars with morphological differences in antennal, leg, and urogomphal proportions between early and late instars.
Phloiotrya fusca
Dark False Darkling Beetle
Phloiotrya fusca is a small beetle in the family Melandryidae, commonly known as the Dark False Darkling Beetle. It is a saproxylic species associated with decaying wood. The species has been documented in eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.
Platycerus quercus
Oak Stag Beetle
Platycerus quercus is a small stag beetle in the family Lucanidae, commonly known as the Oak Stag Beetle. It is distinguished from other North American stag beetles by its relatively modest size and reduced mandibles in males. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with associations to oak-dominated forests. Both adults and larvae are linked to decaying wood habitats.
Priognathus
Priognathus is a genus of dead log beetles in the family Pythidae, established by LeConte in 1850. The genus contains a single described species, Priognathus monilicornis. Members of this genus are part of the small family Pythidae, which is associated with decaying wood habitats. Information on the biology and ecology of Priognathus remains limited due to its rarity and the scarcity of observations.
Prosternon medianus
Click beetle
Prosternon medianus is a click beetle (Elateridae) species native to eastern North America. It is characterized by its elongated, parallel-sided body form and smooth, dark elytra with subtle pubescence. The species is associated with forested and riparian habitats where its larvae develop in decaying wood. Adults are active during spring and early summer, with activity peaking in May and June. The species is part of the diverse Prosternon genus, which contains approximately 15 species primarily distributed in the Holarctic region.
Pseudotephritis
Pseudotephritis is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, containing five described species distributed across North America, Europe, and East Asia. Species in this genus are saproxylic, with larvae developing in weakened and dying deciduous trees. Adults are typically collected in forest canopies and are attracted to fermenting baits. The genus was established by Johnson in 1902.
Rhexius schmitti
Rhexius schmitti is a small ant-associated rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, first described by Brendel in 1893. The species belongs to the tribe Trogastrini and is distributed across the eastern and central United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits myrmecophilous (ant-loving) behavior and is typically found in decaying organic matter.
Rugilus
Rugilus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Leach in 1819. It represents one of the major genera within the subfamily Paederinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed across Europe, with some members considered rare and associated with specific forest habitats.
Sciophilinae
fungus gnats
Sciophilinae is a subfamily of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae, comprising at least 40 genera and 340 described species. Members are found in humid environments, often associated with decaying wood and fungi. The subfamily has a global distribution with significant diversity in Neotropical, Nearctic, and Palearctic regions. Natural history information remains limited for most species.
Sinodendron rugosum
Rugose Stag Beetle
Sinodendron rugosum, the rugose stag beetle, is a small stag beetle and the only member of its genus in western North America. Adults are black, 11–18 mm in length, with a distinctively pitted, rough-textured exoskeleton. Males possess a short median horn on the head, while females lack this structure or have only a small tubercle. The species develops in decaying wood of broadleaf trees and is active as an adult from spring through early summer.
Solva
wood soldier flies
Solva is a genus of soldier flies in the family Xylomyidae, commonly known as wood soldier flies. These Diptera are characterized by their association with decaying wood habitats. The genus is distributed across northern Europe and North America, with documented records from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the northeastern United States including Vermont. Solva species are part of the understudied but ecologically significant group of xylophagous insects that contribute to wood decomposition processes.
Somula decora
spotted wood fly
Somula decora, commonly called the spotted wood fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species found in central to eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized, roughly honey bee-sized, with black bodies heavily marked with golden yellow. The species exhibits wasp mimicry, likely resembling scoliid wasps or queen yellowjackets. Larvae develop in decaying wood, while adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Trigonurus edwardsi
Trigonurus edwardsi is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Sharp in 1875. It belongs to the subfamily Trigonurinae, a small and distinctive group within the Staphylinidae. The species is known from western North America, with records from California and possibly Oregon. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Trimitomerus
Trimitomerus is a monotypic genus of beetles in the family Pythidae, commonly known as dead log beetles. The genus contains a single described species, Trimitomerus riversii. Members of this family are associated with decaying wood habitats.