Decomposer
Guides
Delphinia picta
Common Picture-winged Fly, Picture-winged Fly
Delphinia picta is a picture-winged fly and the sole member of its monospecific genus. It is frequently mistaken for fruit flies due to its similar size and appearance, but unlike true fruit flies, it does not attack living plant tissue. The species is notable for its distinctively patterned wings and detritivorous feeding habits.
Dendrophagus
Dendrophagus is a genus of beetles in the family Silvanidae, first described by Schönherr in 1809. The genus contains four recognized species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members of this genus are associated with woody habitats, reflecting their genus name derived from Greek roots meaning "tree-feeding."
Derbidae
Derbid Planthoppers, Derbids
Derbidae is a large and diverse family of planthoppers within the superfamily Fulgoroidea, comprising over 1,700 described species in 166 genera. Adults are small sap-sucking insects typically 5–10 mm in length, with highly variable morphology across subfamilies and tribes. The family exhibits striking diversity in wing shape, head structure, and antennae form. Nymphs develop in decaying organic matter, particularly under bark of dead trees and in palm debris, where they feed on fungi—an unusual life history trait among planthoppers. Several species are economically significant as suspected vectors of phytoplasma diseases affecting palms, including lethal yellowing and related syndromes, though clear evidence of transmission remains limited.
Dermestes
skin beetles, hide beetles, larder beetles
Dermestes is a globally distributed genus of beetles in the family Dermestidae, comprising approximately 92 species. These beetles are specialized scavengers of dead and dried animal material, with larvae feeding on carrion, dried meat and fish, bone, hair, skin, and feathers. The genus has significant economic and forensic importance: larvae are destructive pests of museum specimens and stored products, yet are also deliberately employed to clean flesh from skeletons in taxidermy and forensic contexts. Some species assist in estimating postmortem intervals in criminal investigations.
Dermestes maculatus
hide beetle, skin beetle, flesh-eating beetle
Dermestes maculatus is a cosmopolitan hide beetle with worldwide distribution on all continents except Antarctica. Adults are 5.5–10 mm, black with distinctive white hair bands on the pronotum. The species is a specialized decomposer of dry animal tissues, with physiological adaptations enabling survival on desiccated carrion where competitors fail. It holds significant forensic value for estimating postmortem intervals and is widely used by museums and universities for skeleton preparation. Larvae are densely setose with paired urogomphi on the terminal segment.
Dermestes pulcher
Dermestes pulcher is a species of hide beetle in the family Dermestidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. Like other members of the genus Dermestes, this species is associated with carrion and decomposing animal matter. The species has been recorded in North America from Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Québec), though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Dermestes sardous
Dermestes sardous is a species of hide beetle in the family Dermestidae, a group of scavengers important as stored product pests, ecosystem recyclers, and forensic tools. Like other members of the genus Dermestes, this species is associated with carrion and dried animal remains. The species is known from North America, including the conterminous United States. As part of the subfamily Dermestinae, it shares the general characteristics of the genus: elongated body form, clubbed antennae, and association with decomposing animal matter.
Dermestes talpinus
hide and tallow dermestid
Dermestes talpinus, commonly known as the hide and tallow dermestid, is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is native to North America and has been documented from dry bones and carrion in advanced stages of decomposition. The species is smaller than many congeners and can be distinguished by its distinctive scale pattern: gold or coppery scales on the pronotum and silvery scales on the elytra.
Dialytes striatulus
Dialytes striatulus is a small aphodiine dung beetle described by Thomas Say in 1825. As a member of the Aphodiinae subfamily, it is associated with dung habitats and contributes to nutrient cycling. The species is documented across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from southeastern Canada to the eastern and central United States.
Dialytes ulkei
Dialytes ulkei is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Horn in 1875. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the United States (Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, South Carolina, Wisconsin). As a member of the Aphodiinae, it is associated with dung and decaying organic matter.
Diaperis californica
Diaperis californica is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blaisdell in 1929. It belongs to the genus Diaperis, a small group of beetles characterized by their distinctive body shape and coloration patterns. The species is known from California, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and fungal resources, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Dichaeta caudata
Dichaeta caudata is a shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Fallén in 1813. The species develops in decaying organic matter, with larvae feeding on decomposing plant material. Adults are commonly found in moist habitats, particularly pond margins and other humid situations. The species is recorded from the Palearctic region, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Dicrepidius
Dicrepidius is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) established by Eschscholtz in 1829. It belongs to the tribe Dicrepidiini within the subfamily Elaterinae. Species in this genus are characterized by their elongated body form and are distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The genus has been documented in 872 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate public awareness and detectability.
Dicymolomia metalliferalis
Dusky-patched Dicymolomia
Dicymolomia metalliferalis is a small crambid moth of western North America, described by Packard in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. The species is notable for larval specialization on decaying lupine seed pods.
Dienerella ruficollis
Red-necked plaster beetle
A small beetle in the family Latridiidae, commonly known as the red-necked plaster beetle. This species is associated with damp, moldy environments and has been introduced to North America from Europe. It is frequently found in buildings and other human-modified habitats where fungal growth occurs.
Dilophus arizonaensis
Dilophus arizonaensis is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Hardy in 1937. Like other members of the genus Dilophus, it is smaller and less robust than the related genus Bibio, often with reddish coloration. The genus is distinguished from Bibio by having a ring of shorter teeth on the front legs rather than long spurs. As with other bibionids, adults are short-lived and emerge in spring, with males forming swarms to attract mates. Larval stages feed on decaying organic matter in soil.
Dilophus orbatus
March fly
Dilophus orbatus is a species of March fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in multiple traits: females are larger with black wings and smaller eyes, while males are smaller with transparent wings and large, nearly conjoined compound eyes that dominate the head. Adults typically emerge in spring. Like other Bibionidae, the larvae are soil-dwelling and feed on decaying organic matter.
Dilophus serotinus
March fly
Dilophus serotinus is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Like other members of the genus Dilophus, adults are typically smaller and less robust than related Bibio species, often with reddish coloration. The genus is characterized by a ring of shorter teeth on the front legs rather than the long spurs found in Bibio. As with other bibionids, larvae develop in soil and feed on decaying organic matter.
Dilophus spinipes
Dilophus spinipes is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The genus Dilophus is distinguished from the related genus Bibio by having a ring of shorter teeth on the forelegs rather than long spurs. Members of this genus are typically smaller and less robust than Bibio, often with reddish coloration. Like other bibionids, adults are short-lived and emerge in large numbers during spring months.
Dilophus stigmaterus
March fly
Dilophus stigmaterus is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. Like other members of the genus Dilophus, it is typically smaller and less robust than related Bibio species, often with reddish coloration. The genus is distinguished from Bibio by having a ring of shorter teeth on the front legs rather than long spurs. Adults emerge in spring and males form swarms to attract females. Larvae develop in soil and feed on decaying organic matter.
Dilophus tibialis
Dilophus tibialis is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae. It is one of approximately 15-18 Dilophus species recognized in North America north of Mexico. The genus Dilophus is distinguished from the similar genus Bibio by having a ring of shorter teeth on the tibiae rather than long spurs. Species in this genus are typically smaller and less robust than Bibio, and often exhibit reddish coloration rather than black.
Diplocheta
Rock Slaters
Diplocheta is an infraorder of terrestrial isopods commonly known as rock slaters. Members of this group are adapted to coastal and intertidal environments, showing morphological specializations for life in these habitats. The group was established by Vandel in 1957 and includes the family Ligiidae. These isopods represent an evolutionary transition between fully marine and fully terrestrial lifestyles.
Diplopoda
millipedes
Millipedes (Diplopoda) are a class of myriapod arthropods characterized by having two pairs of jointed legs on most body segments, a result of segmental fusion during their evolutionary history over 400 million years ago. They are primarily detritivores that play critical roles in ecosystem nutrient cycling through decomposition of organic matter. The class contains approximately 12,000 described species across 16 extant orders, with body forms ranging from elongated cylindrical forms to short, pill-like species capable of conglobation (rolling into a defensive ball).
Diptera
Flies, True Flies
Diptera is one of the largest insect orders, containing an estimated 1,000,000 species including house flies, mosquitoes, robber flies, and crane flies. The name derives from Greek 'di-' (two) and 'pteron' (wing), referring to the single functional pair of wings—the hindwings have evolved into halteres, small knobbed structures that function as gyroscopic organs for flight stabilization. This wing modification distinguishes Diptera from all other winged insects and enables their characteristic agile flight. The order exhibits extraordinary diversity in form, size (1-50+ mm), and ecological roles, with species occupying nearly every terrestrial and freshwater habitat.
Dorcatomini
Dorcatomini is a tribe of beetles within the family Ptinidae (spider beetles and relatives). The tribe comprises at least 11 genera and approximately 50 described species. Members of this group are small to minute beetles associated with dead wood, fungal fruiting bodies, and other decaying organic matter. The tribe is distributed across multiple continents with greatest diversity in temperate and subtropical regions.
Drepanura californica
Drepanura californica is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae. It was described by H. Schött in 1891 and is known from California and other Pacific North American regions. The genus Drepanura is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a furcula with reduced dentes. As an entomobryid springtail, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Drosophila
small fruit flies, pomace flies, vinegar flies, wine flies
Drosophila is a genus of small flies in the family Drosophilidae containing over 1,500 described species. The genus exhibits exceptional diversity in appearance, behavior, and breeding habitat, with species ranging from 2–4 mm to larger than a house fly. Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most extensively studied model organisms in genetics and developmental biology. The genus is distinguished from true fruit flies (Tephritidae) by morphology and ecology. Hawaiian Drosophila represent a major adaptive radiation with over 800 species.
Drosophila hydei
Hydei Fruit Fly
Drosophila hydei is a vinegar fly in the family Drosophilidae, notable for possessing the largest recorded sperm of any Drosophila species at approximately 23 mm—over ten times the male body length. It is a member of the hydei species subgroup within the repleta species group. The species is widely used as a feeder insect in the pet trade and has contributed significantly to invertebrate genetics research through the Minos transposon, which has been developed into a versatile genetic tool for gene disruption across diverse arthropod genomes.
Drosophilidae
Vinegar flies, Pomace flies, Fruit flies
Drosophilidae is a diverse, cosmopolitan family of small flies commonly known as vinegar or pomace flies, though often mislabeled 'fruit flies.' The family contains over 4,000 species across 75 genera, with Drosophila melanogaster serving as one of the most important model organisms in genetics, development, and behavioral research. Most species are associated with decomposing organic matter, particularly fermenting fruits and vegetables, though some have evolved specialized relationships with flowers, fungi, or living plant tissue.
Drymaplaneta
Shining Cockroaches
Drymaplaneta is an Australian genus of cockroaches in the family Blattidae, comprising six endemic species. Two species, D. heydeniana and D. semivitta, have been introduced to New Zealand. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced, lobiform tegmina and the absence of hind wings, distinguishing them from other Methanini. They are primarily outdoor-dwelling insects that feed on decaying organic matter.
Drymeia flavinervis
Drymeia flavinervis is a species of muscid fly described by Malloch in 1915. It belongs to the tribe Azeliini within the family Muscidae. The species was originally described under the genus Pogonomyia before being transferred to Drymeia. Like other members of the genus, it is likely associated with soil and decaying organic matter habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Dryocoetes betulae
birch bark beetle
Dryocoetes betulae is a bark beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae, commonly known as the birch bark beetle. It is a secondary colonizer that specializes in weakened, dying, or dead birch trees rather than attacking healthy hosts. The species has been documented in paper birch forests of northern Idaho and across North America from Alberta to Newfoundland.
Eccoptomera
Eccoptomera is a genus of small flies in the family Heleomyzidae, first described by Loew in 1862. These flies belong to a family commonly known as 'sun flies' or 'heleomyzid flies,' which are often associated with decaying organic matter. The genus is documented from northern European countries including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with many heleomyzid genera, detailed biological information remains limited.
Elateroidea
Click, Firefly, and Soldier Beetles
Elateroidea is a large superfamily of beetles comprising approximately 25,000 species across multiple families. It includes the familiar click beetles (Elateridae), fireflies and glow-worms (Lampyridae and related families), and soldier beetles (Cantharidae). The superfamily exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, ranging from hard-bodied forms with five abdominal ventrites to soft-bodied forms with 7-8 ventrites connected by membranes. Bioluminescence has evolved independently in multiple lineages, particularly within the lampyroid clade and certain Elateridae. A distinctive clicking mechanism using a prothoracic peg and mesothoracic cavity is present in several sclerotized families, enabling the characteristic jumping behavior of click beetles.
Eleodes dentipes
Dentate Stink Beetle
Eleodes dentipes is a medium-sized darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the dentate stink beetle. It measures 16–28 mm in length and is frequently encountered in decaying wood and leaf litter habitats. The species is widely distributed and readily identifiable within the genus Eleodes by its size and habitat preferences.
Endomychus
Endomychus is a genus of beetles in the family Endomychidae, distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental realms. The genus was established by Panzer in 1795. Species in this genus are associated with fungi and decaying organic matter. The genus has been documented from northern Europe through North America to Asian regions.
Entomobrya quadrilineata
Entomobrya quadrilineata is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Büker in 1939. It belongs to a large genus of slender, scaled springtails commonly found in diverse terrestrial habitats. The specific epithet "quadrilineata" refers to four longitudinal lines, likely describing a distinctive dorsal pattern on the body. Like other members of Entomobrya, this species possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion and exhibits the characteristic entomobryid body plan with well-developed eyes and antennae.
Epilampra
Epilampra is a genus of cockroaches in the family Blaberidae, first described by Burmeister in 1838. The genus contains more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Epilampra species are classified within the subfamily Epilamprinae and tribe Epilamprini. These cockroaches are part of the diverse Blaberidae family, which includes many of the larger cockroach species.
Epiplatea
Epiplatea is a genus of Neotropical flies in the family Richardiidae (subfamily Epiplateinae). The genus has been documented in association with decomposing animal carcasses, including domestic pig carcasses in Amazonas State, Brazil. Records suggest potential use in forensic entomology contexts. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Neotropical region.
Epuraea helvola
Epuraea cf. helvola is a small sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, characterized by its compact, oval body form and association with fermenting plant materials. The 'cf.' designation indicates the identification is provisional and based on morphological comparison rather than definitive confirmation. Members of this genus are frequently encountered in decaying vegetation, fungal fruiting bodies, and other microhabitats rich in yeasts and fungal growth. The species epithet 'helvola' (meaning tawny or yellowish-brown) likely references its coloration.
Epuraea luteola
pineapple sap beetle
Epuraea luteola, commonly known as the pineapple sap beetle, is a small sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. The species has been documented in North America, Oceania, and Europe, with records from the Galápagos Islands. It is associated with decaying plant matter and fermenting sap flows.
Eremaeoidea
Eremaeoidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) established by Oudemans in 1900. Recent integrative taxonomic studies have revealed substantial cryptic diversity within this group, particularly in the genus Caleremaeus. What was long considered a single widespread species, C. monilipes, has been demonstrated to comprise at least five distinct species based on combined genetic, ecological, and morphological evidence. These mites are small, soil-dwelling microarthropods with varied habitat specializations ranging from strict deadwood association to alpine moss communities.
Eristalinae
Drone Flies and Allies
Eristalinae is a subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately nine tribes and notable for exceptional Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. Adults are important pollinators, while larvae exhibit the greatest habitat diversity among hoverflies, occupying aquatic environments, decaying organic matter, sap runs, and even wasp nests. The subfamily includes the well-known drone fly (Eristalis tenax), whose larvae—called rat-tailed maggots—possess an extendable posterior breathing siphon.
Eristalini
Rat-tail Maggot Flies
Eristalini is a tribe of hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by larvae known as "rat-tailed maggots," which possess a posterior telescopic breathing siphon. Several species are notable hymenopteran mimics: Eristalis species resemble honeybees, while Helophilus and Parhelophilus display wasp-like yellow and black striping. Adults function as pollinators, while larvae inhabit aquatic or semi-aquatic environments rich in decaying organic matter.
Eristalis
Drone Flies, Droneflies
Eristalis is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 99 species. Adults are commonly called drone flies due to their resemblance to honeybee drones, a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larvae, known as rat-tailed maggots, are aquatic and possess an extendable breathing siphon that allows them to inhabit oxygen-depleted environments such as stagnant water, sewage, and decomposing organic matter. Adults are important generalist pollinators, with some species proposed as managed alternatives to honey bees for agricultural pollination.
Ernoporini
Ernoporini is a tribe of weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Members of this tribe are small, wood-boring beetles associated with dead or dying wood. The tribe contains several genera, though it remains relatively poorly studied compared to other curculionid groups.
Erotides
Erotides is a genus of net-winged beetles (family Lycidae) established by Waterhouse in 1879. Species are medium-sized with elongated, flattened bodies and strongly costate, reticulate elytra forming the characteristic net-like pattern. The genus is distributed across the Oriental and Australasian regions, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. Members participate in Müllerian and Batesian mimicry complexes and are chemically defended.
Eudicrana obumbrata
Eudicrana obumbrata is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Loew in 1870. It belongs to the subfamily Sciophilinae, a group characterized by larvae that develop in fungal substrates. The species is part of a genus distributed across the Holarctic region.
Eulabis
Eulabis is a genus of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) within the tribe Eulabini. The genus was established by Eschscholtz in 1829 and contains species found in western North America. As members of Tenebrionidae, these beetles are generally associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The genus is relatively small and understudied compared to larger tenebrionid genera.
Eusphalerum convexum
Eusphalerum convexum is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae. The species is known from eastern North America, with records spanning Canada and the northeastern and midwestern United States. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.