Decomposer
Guides
Tenebrio
Mealworms
Tenebrio is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) containing approximately 11 extant species, including the widely known yellow mealworm (T. molitor) and dark mealworm (T. obscurus). Adults measure 12–18 mm in length and have a lifespan of 1–2 years. The larvae, commonly called mealworms, are minor pests of stored grain products but are also extensively reared commercially as food for pets, livestock, fish bait, and increasingly as a protein source for human consumption and animal feed.
Tenebrionidae
Darkling beetles, Чернотелки
Tenebrionidae is one of the largest families of beetles, with more than 20,000 described species distributed globally. Members are predominantly detritivores, consuming decaying plant matter, fungi, and lichens. The family exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, from desert sand dunes to forest floor habitats. Several species are significant pests of stored products, while others serve as important decomposers and bioindicators of ecosystem health. Notable adaptations include fog-basking behavior in desert-dwelling genera and chemical defense mechanisms in many species.
Termitidae
Higher Termites
Termitidae is the largest family of termites, containing over 2,100 described species and representing the most evolutionarily specialized termite group. Members lack the flagellated protozoan symbionts found in lower termites, instead relying on bacterial and archaeal gut symbionts for digestion. This family exhibits exceptional dietary diversity, with approximately 60% of species being soil-feeders and others consuming wood, grass, leaf litter, fungi, lichen, and humus. Termitidae encompasses multiple subfamilies including Macrotermitinae (fungus-growing termites), Nasutitermitinae (nasute termites with defensive frontal projections), and numerous soil-feeding lineages.
Tetanolita mynesalis
Smoky Tetanolita, Smoky Tetanolita Moth
Tetanolita mynesalis, known as the smoky tetanolita, is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1859, it occurs in eastern North America with adults active from late spring through late autumn. The species is notable as a prey item of bolas spiders, which chemically mimic its female sex pheromones to attract males.
Tetracanthella californica
Tetracanthella californica is a species of springtail described by Deharveng in 1978. It belongs to the family Isotomidae, a diverse group of small, wingless hexapods found in soil and leaf litter ecosystems. The species epithet indicates its occurrence in California. Like other Collembola, it contributes to decomposition processes in terrestrial habitats.
Teuchestes
Teuchestes is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, established by Mulsant in 1842. The genus comprises approximately 10 described species distributed across the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions. Taxonomic placement has been debated, with some sources treating Teuchestes as a subgenus of Aphodius. Species in this genus are dung beetles associated with decomposing organic matter.
Thanatophilus coloradensis
Thanatophilus coloradensis is a species of carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. It is found in western North America, with records from Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Alaska, and British Columbia. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with decomposing animal remains. The species was described by Wickham in 1902.
Thanatophilus trituberculatus
Cold-shore Carrion Beetle
Thanatophilus trituberculatus is a carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. The species occurs across northern regions of both North America and Eurasia. It is associated with cold environments, as indicated by its common name "Cold-shore Carrion Beetle" and its distribution in subarctic and boreal zones. Like other members of its genus, it likely feeds on decomposing animal matter.
Thanatophilus truncatus
Northern Carrion Beetle, Silky Carrion Beetle
Thanatophilus truncatus is a carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, found across Central and North America. As a member of the genus Thanatophilus, it is associated with decomposing animal matter and plays a role in nutrient cycling. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823 and is documented from the southwestern United States through Mexico.
Thione
Thione is a genus of small beetles in the family Monotomidae, established by Sharp in 1899. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Thionini, a group of monotomid beetles characterized by their association with decaying organic matter and fungal substrates. The genus is part of the nitiduloid beetle assemblage within the superfamily Cucujoidea. Species-level taxonomy and biology of Thione remain poorly documented in available literature.
Tipula simplex
range crane fly
Tipula simplex, commonly known as the range crane fly, is a crane fly species in the family Tipulidae found in California and potentially Oregon. It is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing development: males possess fully developed wings, while females are essentially wingless with reduced wings subequal to the halteres. The species inhabits unirrigated pastures and has been documented to reach larval densities capable of causing significant pasture damage.
Trichocera annulata
Winter Gnat, Winter Crane Fly
Trichocera annulata, commonly known as the winter gnat, is a species of winter crane fly in the family Trichoceridae. First described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1818, it is one of the few insects regularly active in adult form during winter months. The species has a broad distribution across Europe and North America, with introduced populations in New Zealand.
Trichocera bimacula
winter crane fly
Trichocera bimacula is a species of winter crane fly in the family Trichoceridae. The genus Trichocera comprises slender, long-legged flies that are active during cold months. Larvae are scavengers on decaying organic matter including leaves, vegetables, dung, fungi, and material in rodent burrows.
Trichocera garretti
winter crane fly
Trichocera garretti is a species of winter crane fly in the family Trichoceridae. Adults are active during winter months, a rare trait among insects. The species is part of the genus Trichocera, which contains most North American winter crane flies. Larvae are scavengers in decaying organic matter.
Trichocera salmani
Winter crane fly
Trichocera salmani is a species of winter crane fly in the family Trichoceridae. Like other members of this family, adults are active during cold months when few other insects fly. The species was described by Alexander in 1927 and has been recorded from Vermont and other parts of the United States.
Trichocnemis spiculatus
Spined Woodborer, Pine Sawyer, Western Pine Sawyer, Ponderosa Pine Borer
Trichocnemis spiculatus is a large wood-boring beetle in the family Cerambycidae, native to western North America. It is notable as the largest wood-boring beetle species in Colorado and has served as inspiration for technological innovation—its opposable mandibles inspired the design of modern chainsaw chains with alternating right and left cutting teeth. The species develops in dead and dying conifers, primarily ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, with a multi-year life cycle. Larvae create extensive tunnel systems through sapwood and heartwood.
Trichocnemis spiculatus neomexicanus
New Mexican ponderous borer
Trichocnemis spiculatus neomexicanus is a subspecies of the ponderous borer, a large prionine longhorn beetle native to western North America. The larvae are among the largest of any North American cerambycid, developing in dead or dying coniferous wood—particularly ponderosa pine. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. This subspecies was described by Casey in 1890 and occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species has gained notoriety as the inspiration for modern chainsaw design, after Joe Cox observed the larva's opposable mandibles in action.
Trichophaga tapetzella
Tapestry Moth, Carpet Moth
A small moth in the family Tineidae with a widespread distribution. Larvae have been documented living in owl pellets, feeding on accumulated organic material including feathers and hair. The species is commonly known as the tapestry moth or carpet moth due to historical association with woolen textiles, though this habit is less emphasized in modern sources.
Tricorynini
Tricorynini is a tribe of small beetles within the family Ptinidae (spider beetles and allies), established by R.E. White in 1971. Members are classified in the subfamily Mesocoelopodinae and are characterized by morphological features distinguishing them from related tribes such as Mesocoelopodini. The tribe includes genera associated with stored products and dry organic materials. These beetles are generally small, compact, and often found in human-associated environments.
Trigoniulus corallinus
Rusty Millipede, Common Asian Millipede
Trigoniulus corallinus is a large millipede native to the Indo-Malayan region that has become established as an introduced species across multiple continents. Adults reach 50–75 mm in length and are characterized by a uniform reddish-brown coloration. The species inhabits moist terrestrial environments, particularly areas rich in decaying organic matter. It was the first millipede to have its genome sequenced (2015), and subsequent research has identified an XX/X0 sex chromosome system with males possessing modified seventh-leg pairs (gonopods) used for mating.
Triplax alachuae
Triplax alachuae is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae. It belongs to a genus of small beetles that are strongly associated with fungal fruiting bodies, particularly mushrooms. The species was described by Boyle in 1956. Like other members of Triplax, it is presumed to feed on fungal tissue and to be found in association with decaying mushrooms in forested habitats.
Trogiidae
Granary Booklice
Trogiidae is a family of small, wingless or short-winged insects commonly known as granary booklice. The family comprises approximately 11 genera and more than 50 described species. Members are classified in the order Psocodea (formerly Psocoptera), suborder Trogiomorpha. Several fossil genera are known from Cretaceous and Eocene amber deposits.
Trox
hide beetles
Trox is a genus of hide beetles in the family Trogidae, subfamily Troginae. The genus currently contains approximately 70 species divided among three subgenera: Trox (Trox), Trox (Niditrox), and Trox (Granulitrox). These beetles are specialized scavengers that colonize animal remains in advanced stages of decomposition, feeding on dried skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue. They are among the last insects to visit carcasses, appearing after most other carrion fauna have departed. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with former subgenera Phoberus and Glyptotrox elevated to full genera and numerous species synonymized.
Trox capillaris
Hide beetle
Trox capillaris is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. As a member of this family, it is associated with the late stages of vertebrate decomposition, feeding on dried skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue. The species occurs in the Nearctic region, primarily in the central and eastern United States and southern Canada.
Trox floridanus
hide beetle
Trox floridanus is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae, first described from Florida in 1957. As a member of this family, it is associated with decomposing animal remains in advanced stages of decay, feeding on dried skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue. The species is documented from the Nearctic region, specifically Florida, USA. Hide beetles in this genus are cryptic insects that typically become coated in debris and exhibit thanatosis (death-feigning) when disturbed.
Trox hamatus
Hide beetle
Trox hamatus is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, currently classified under the genus Glyptotrox. It is a Nearctic species found primarily in the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. Like other trogids, it feeds on dried animal remains, including skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue. The species was described by Robinson in 1940 and is now treated as a synonym of Glyptotrox hamatus in modern classifications.
Trox laticollis
hide beetle
Trox laticollis is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae. It is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with decomposing animal remains, particularly dried skin, hair, and connective tissue in the later stages of carcass decomposition.
Trox plicatus
Trox plicatus is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae, described by Robinson in 1940. The species belongs to a genus specialized in consuming dried animal remains during the final stages of decomposition. Like other trogids, it is adapted to cryptic existence among carrion debris. It has been documented from the southwestern United States and central Mexico.
Trox robinsoni
Trox robinsoni is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, described by Vaurie in 1955. Members of this genus are specialized decomposers that colonize carcasses in advanced stages of decay, feeding on dried skin, hair, feathers, and other keratinous materials when little else remains. The species occurs in the north-central United States and central Canada.
Trox scaber
Hide beetle, Scarab beetle
Trox scaber is a small hide beetle in the family Trogidae, measuring 5–8 mm. It has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution and is strongly associated with bird nests, where both adults and larvae develop. The species feeds on dried animal remains including skin, feathers, fur, and small dry carcasses. It is characterized by rough, sculptured elytra and pronotum with distinctive bristly scales, and exhibits a remarkable death-feigning behavior when disturbed.
Trox striatus
Hide beetle
Trox striatus is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, occurring in the Nearctic region of eastern North America. Like other members of its genus, it specializes in consuming dried animal remains during the final stages of decomposition. The species has been recorded from scattered localities across the northeastern and midwestern United States and adjacent Canada.
Trox terrestris
Hide beetle, Hide and tallow beetle
Trox terrestris is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, closely allied to scarab beetles. The species has been reclassified under Glyptotrox terrestris in some taxonomic treatments. These beetles specialize in consuming dried animal remains, including skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue during the final stages of carcass decomposition. They are known for their cryptic appearance and thanatosis behavior.
Trox tuberculatus
hide beetle
Trox tuberculatus is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, a group of scarabaeoid beetles specialized in feeding on dried animal remains. The species occurs in the Nearctic region, with records from multiple U.S. states. Like other Trogidae, it is associated with the late stages of carcass decomposition, consuming dried skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue. The beetle exhibits characteristic defensive behaviors including thanatosis (death-feigning) and debris-covering that render it cryptic and difficult to detect.
Trox unistriatus
Trox unistriatus is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, a group closely related to scarab beetles. Like other members of its genus, this species specializes in consuming dried animal remains, including skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue. It is found across much of North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species exhibits typical trogid behavior: freezing in a rigid posture when disturbed and accumulating debris on its body for camouflage.
Uloma
Uloma is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae comprising more than 200 species and subspecies worldwide. The genus is particularly diverse in China, with at least 37 recorded species. Immature stages have been described for few species, revealing oligopod larvae and exarate pupae with sexual dimorphism in some species. Members are primarily associated with decaying wood in forest habitats.
Unnamed-near-cyphon obscurus
Unnamed-near-cyphon obscurus refers to an undescribed species closely related to Cyphon obscurus within the family Scirtidae (marsh beetles). These beetles are small, semi-aquatic insects associated with moist environments. The 'unnamed-near-' designation indicates a distinct but closely related taxon that has not yet received formal scientific description. Members of this group are characterized by their compact body form and association with wet habitats.
Urgleptes querci
Oak Long-horned Beetle
Urgleptes querci is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Asa Fitch in 1858. It is a small to medium-sized cerambycid native to eastern North America, where it develops in dead wood of various hardwood trees. The species is highly polyphagous and has been recorded from multiple host plants including oak, pawpaw, and other deciduous trees. Adults are active during the growing season and are likely nocturnal or crepuscular, as is typical for many Lamiinae.
Valenzuela
lizard barklice
Valenzuela is a large genus of barklice in the family Caeciliusidae, commonly known as lizard barklice. The genus contains at least 300 described species, making it one of the most diverse genera within Psocodea. Some species are known from Eocene fossils in Poland and Russia, indicating a long evolutionary history. Members of this genus are small, winged or wingless insects that inhabit bark and leaf litter environments.
Valenzuela burmeisteri
Valenzuela burmeisteri is a species of barklouse in the family Caeciliusidae. It is a small, winged insect with yellowish-black coloration. The species has a broad distribution across Europe, including the British Isles, and extends into the Near East. It has been recorded from numerous European countries and island groups including the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands.
Vertagopus pseudocinereus
Vertagopus pseudocinereus is a species of elongate springtail in the family Isotomidae, described from Arctic and northern temperate regions. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, characterized by relatively long antennae and a slender body form compared to the more compact Poduromorpha. The species has been recorded across circumpolar and northern montane regions.
Vesicephalus occidentalis
globular springtail
Vesicephalus occidentalis is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species was described by H.B. Mills in 1935. As a springtail, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) that enables leaping locomotion. The species is part of the diverse community of soil-dwelling microarthropods.
Volucellini
Volucellini is a tribe of hoverflies (Syrphidae) within the subfamily Eristalinae. The tribe includes four genera: Copestylum, Graptomyza, Ornidia, and Volucella. Members are known for their robust, often bee-mimicking appearance and association with rotting plant material, particularly cacti, for larval development. The tribe has a broad distribution with notable diversity in the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions.
Vrilletta
Vrilletta is a genus of small beetles in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), containing 10 described species distributed primarily in North America. The genus was established by J.L. LeConte in 1874 and is classified within the subfamily Xyletininae. Species are recorded from western and eastern North America, with several endemic to California. These beetles are associated with dead wood and woody materials.
Winnertzia
Winnertzia is a genus of mycophagous gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, subfamily Porricondylinae. The genus is exceptionally speciose, with 136 extant species currently recognized following recent taxonomic revisions. Species are documented from the Palearctic, Neotropical, and Australasian regions. Larvae develop in association with fungal substrates.
Xiphydria
wood wasps, xiphydriid wood wasps
Xiphydria is a genus of wood wasps in the family Xiphydriidae, distributed across the Holarctic region including Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are characterized by a distinctive elongated 'neck' formed by the long propleuron, antennae with approximately 20 segments, and mandibles with four teeth. Females oviposit into diseased or dead wood of broadleaf trees and vector symbiotic fungi that decompose wood for larval consumption. The genus is univoltine with one generation per year. While generally of minor economic importance, some species can damage oak and other hardwoods.
Xiphydria abdominalis
Xiphydria abdominalis is a species of wood-wasp in the family Xiphydriidae, a group of sawflies that develop in decaying wood. The genus Xiphydria contains approximately 15 species in North America. These insects are associated with dead and dying hardwood trees, where larvae tunnel in the wood. Adults are diurnal and have been observed flying near host material. The species is part of a guild of wood-inhabiting insects that play important roles in forest decomposition processes.
Xyleborus affinis
sugarcane shot-hole borer
Xyleborus affinis is a highly widespread ambrosia beetle native to the American tropics, now found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It cultivates symbiotic fungi in galleries bored into decaying wood, feeding exclusively on these fungal gardens. The species exhibits facultative eusociality with delayed dispersal of adult offspring, who assist with nest maintenance and brood care. Females are the dispersing sex and are strongly attracted to ethanol and specific host plant volatiles. Despite frequent association with declining trees, it primarily colonizes wood already in early decay rather than causing primary mortality.
Zanclognatha dentata
Coastal Plain Zanclognatha, Toothed Fan-foot
Zanclognatha dentata is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, described by Wagner and McCabe in 2011. It occurs across eastern North America from Ontario to northern Georgia, inhabiting diverse wetland and forest habitats. Adults fly from late June through early August, with occasional second broods in early September in the southern Appalachians. The species name refers to the toothed antemedial and medial lines on the forewing.
Zanclognatha laevigata
Variable Zanclognatha, Variable Fan-foot
Zanclognatha laevigata is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It is widely distributed across eastern North America, from Manitoba to Nova Scotia and south to Florida and Missouri. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm and produces one generation annually. Larvae feed on detritus, particularly dead leaves.
Zanclognatha marcidilinea
Yellowish Fan-foot, yellowish zanclognatha
A small litter moth in the family Erebidae, known by the common name Yellowish Fan-foot. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 28 mm and are active from spring through mid-summer. The species is widely distributed across eastern North America. Larvae are thought to feed on decaying leaf litter.