Decomposer
Guides
Euspilotus azurescens
clown beetle
Euspilotus azurescens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Marseul in 1855. The species exhibits a broad Neotropical distribution spanning from the southern United States through Central America to southern South America. It belongs to a genus characterized by small, often metallic beetles associated with decomposing organic matter.
Euspilotus scrupularis
clown beetle
Euspilotus scrupularis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It occurs across western and southern North America and into Central America. Like other histerid beetles, it likely inhabits decomposing organic matter where it preys on fly larvae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860.
Euzetes
Euzetes is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Ceratozetidae, established by Berlese in 1908. These mites belong to the diverse group of soil-dwelling microarthropods commonly known as moss mites or beetle mites. The genus occurs in temperate regions of Europe, with documented presence in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the British Isles. Oribatid mites in this group contribute to decomposition processes in forest and soil ecosystems.
Exochocepheus
Exochocepheus is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Scutoverticidae, established by Woolley & Higgins in 1968. The genus comprises seven described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with records from North America, Europe, and northern Asia. Oribatid mites in this group are primarily soil-dwelling decomposers.
Fannia fuscula
Fannia fuscula is a species of lesser house fly in the family Fanniidae. It is a small, grayish fly distributed across northern Europe and parts of North America. The species belongs to a genus commonly associated with decaying organic matter and synanthropic environments. Like other Fannia species, it is often found in and around human structures.
Folsomia stella
Folsomia stella is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, first described from North America in 1977. It belongs to a genus of small, elongate Collembola commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The species has been recorded from multiple geographic regions including Arctic and sub-Arctic zones, Caribbean mainland, Hawaii, northern North America, and Pacific North America. Like other Folsomia species, it is likely a decomposer in soil ecosystems, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Forcipomyia genualis
Forcipomyia genualis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae. Like other members of the genus Forcipomyia, adults are minute flies, typically 1–3 mm in length. The genus includes species with diverse feeding habits: some females bite birds or mammals, others feed on the blood of large insects such as moths and dragonflies, and some are pollinators. Larvae develop in moist or decaying organic substrates, feeding on algae, plant debris, or fungi.
Gabronthus thermarum
Gabronthus thermarum is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) originally described from Europe in 1850. The species has become widely distributed through human activity, with established populations across the Palearctic region and numerous introductions to the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. It is frequently associated with warm, moist environments including compost, manure, and decomposing organic matter. Its successful global spread makes it one of the more broadly distributed members of the genus Gabronhus.
Geotrupes splendidus
Splendid Earth-boring Beetle
A large, metallic earth-boring beetle in the family Geotrupidae, native to eastern North America. Adults are most commonly encountered in late fall and early winter, walking clumsily on trails through high-quality woodlands in search of mammal dung for feeding and oviposition. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism, with eastern populations typically bright green and western populations (including Missouri) ranging from yellow-green with golden or reddish hints to dark purple. Unlike true dung beetles, adults frequently feed on fungus and leaf litter, though dung remains important for larval development.
Gibbium aequinoctiale
smooth spider beetle
Gibbium aequinoctiale, commonly known as the smooth spider beetle, is a small beetle in the family Ptinidae (subfamily Ptininae). It has a pantropical distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The species feeds primarily on dead organic materials and is frequently associated with stored products and warm, humid environments. It is morphologically similar to G. psylloides, from which it can be distinguished by pronotal shape and elytral punctation.
Glischrochilus sanguinolentus
Bloody Sap Beetle
Glischrochilus sanguinolentus, commonly known as the Bloody Sap Beetle, is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus known for association with fermenting plant sap, fungi, and occasionally damaged fruit. The species is relatively well-documented with over 700 observations on iNaturalist.
Glyphidops flavifrons
Glyphidops flavifrons is a cactus fly in the family Neriidae, distributed across the southern United States through Central and South America. It is one of the most widely distributed species in its family. Adults live and reproduce on bark of trees in early stages of decay. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism and complex male-male aggressive behavior, particularly in the presence of females.
Gnathoncus barbatus
clown beetle
Gnathoncus barbatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Bousquet and Laplante in 1999. It is known from North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. Like other histerid beetles, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Gosodesmus
pink feather boa millipede
Gosodesmus is a monotypic genus of platydesmidan millipedes described by Ralph V. Chamberlin in 1922. The sole species, Gosodesmus claremontus, is endemic to California and notable for its bright pink to coral coloration. The species has been the subject of chemical research following the 2020 discovery of a novel alkaloid, gosodesmine, in its defensive secretions.
Gosodesmus claremontus
Pink Feather Boa Millipede
A small, brightly colored millipede endemic to California, notable for its pink to coral coloration and flattened body form. Body length ranges from 17 to 27 mm with up to 81 segments. Described by Ralph V. Chamberlin in 1922, it is among the most frequently observed millipedes in California on citizen science platforms.
Gryllidea
crickets
Gryllidea is an infraorder within the suborder Ensifera comprising crickets and their relatives. The group contains two superfamilies—Grylloidea (true crickets, tree crickets, scaly crickets, and allies) and Gryllotalpoidea (mole crickets and ant crickets)—encompassing more than 6,000 described species globally. Members are characterized by acoustic communication through stridulation, with males producing species-specific songs to attract mates. The infraorder originated in the Triassic period approximately 250–200 million years ago and represents the third most diverse group within Orthoptera.
cricketsOrthopteraEnsiferaacoustic-communicationstridulationmole-cricketsant-cricketsmyrmecophilybioacousticsedible-insectsagricultural-pesthousehold-pestTriassic-originhemimetabolous-developmentkleptoparasitismchemical-mimicryautotomythigmotaxisinvasive-speciesDiestrammena-asynamoraAcheta-domesticusGryllodes-sigillatusGryllus-firmusParagordius-variushost-parasite-interactionsmitochondrial-genomicspositive-selectioncox1Nearctic-faunaYunnan-biodiversityurban-ecologysoil-ecosystem-engineeringdecomposerfood-securityalternative-proteinGymnochiromyia concolor
Gymnochiromyia concolor is a species of fly in the family Chyromyidae, a small family of acalyptrate Diptera commonly known as "dung flies" or "yellow flies." Originally described as Chyromya concolor by Malloch in 1914, it was later transferred to the genus Gymnochiromyia. Members of Chyromyidae are typically associated with decomposing organic matter. The species is known from relatively few observations, with 25 records documented on iNaturalist.
Hadreule blaisdelli
Hadreule blaisdelli is a species of minute tree-fungus beetle in the family Ciidae. Like other members of this family, it is associated with wood-decaying fungi, particularly bracket fungi (Polyporales), which serve as both habitat and food source. The genus Hadreule is part of a diverse group of small beetles that play specialized roles in forest decomposition systems.
Hadrobregmus
Hadrobregmus is a genus of small wood-boring beetles in the family Ptinidae (formerly placed in Anobiidae). Species in this genus are associated with dead and decaying wood. The genus was established by C.G. Thomson in 1859 and includes approximately ten described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.
Helicobia
flesh flies
Helicobia is a genus of flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) comprising at least 30 described species. Members are necrophagous and associated with decomposing animal matter. The genus has been studied for its forensic importance, particularly in estimating postmortem intervals. Research on Helicobia aurescens has provided detailed life cycle data and ultrastructural descriptions of immature stages.
Helophilus fasciatus
Narrow-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus fasciatus, commonly known as the narrow-headed marsh fly, is a syrphid fly species widespread across the United States and Canada. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in wet, decaying organic matter, particularly accumulations of decaying vegetation in ponds and mud. This species is one of the more frequently observed hoverflies in North America, with over 18,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Helophilus latifrons
Broad-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus latifrons, commonly known as the Broad-headed Marsh Fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The larvae are aquatic and develop in decaying submerged vegetation, functioning as decomposers in wetland ecosystems. The species occurs across much of North America including the United States, southern Canada, and mountainous regions of Mexico.
Helops perforatus
Helops perforatus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Horn in 1880. The genus Helops belongs to a group of darkling beetles that can be challenging to distinguish from ground beetles (Carabidae) due to convergent morphological traits. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with decomposing organic matter and aridland ecosystems, though specific natural history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Hermanniella
Hermanniella is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Hermanniellidae, established by Berlese in 1908. These mites are small arachnids that inhabit soil and litter environments. The genus has been documented from Europe and Turkey, with species such as H. picea and H. dolosa recorded in Turkish fauna.
Hermetia concinna
Hermetia concinna is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Williston in 1900. It belongs to the same genus as the well-known black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), but is a distinct species with a more limited known distribution. The species has been recorded in Mexico and the United States, with 117 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of Stratiomyidae, adults are likely diurnal and associated with decomposing organic matter where larvae develop.
Herminiinae
Litter Moths
Herminiinae is a subfamily of moths in the family Erebidae, order Lepidoptera. Members are commonly called litter moths due to the feeding habits of their caterpillars. The subfamily was previously treated as a separate family (Herminiidae) or as a subfamily of Noctuidae, but phylogenetic analysis places it within Erebidae, most closely related to Aganainae.
Heterocheila
half-bridge flies
Heterocheila is a genus of acalyptrate flies comprising the monotypic family Heterocheilidae. The genus contains two described species: Heterocheila buccata (Palearctic distribution across North America and Eurasia) and Heterocheila hannai (restricted to the northeastern USA and Pacific Northwest coasts). These flies are specialized inhabitants of temperate seashores, where adults and larvae feed on stranded kelp in the wrack zone.
Heterosilpha ramosa
Garden Carrion Beetle
Heterosilpha ramosa, commonly known as the Garden Carrion Beetle, is a species of carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. Despite its common name, this species exhibits unusual dietary habits for a carrion beetle, functioning primarily as a generalist feeder rather than a strict carrion specialist. It is widely distributed across western and central North America, from Canada through Mexico, and occupies diverse habitats including shortgrass prairie and coniferous forest. The species has been documented as active from March through October, with adults overwintering.
Holotrochus
Holotrochus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Osoriinae, established by Erichson in 1839. Members of this genus are small to minute beetles characterized by reduced or absent eyes, a trait common among Osoriinae that inhabit soil and leaf litter environments. The genus is distinguished within Osoriini by particular arrangements of pronotal and elytral setae and specific configurations of the mouthparts. Species are found in various regions but detailed biological information remains limited for most taxa.
Holoverticata
Woodlice and Pillbugs
Holoverticata is an infraorder of isopod crustaceans encompassing the familiar terrestrial woodlice and pillbugs. Members of this group are distinguished by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies, seven pairs of walking legs, and ability to occupy moist terrestrial habitats. The group includes species capable of conglobation (rolling into a ball) as well as those that remain flattened. This infraorder represents the most successful lineage of crustaceans to colonize land.
Homaledra octagonella
Octagonal Casemaker Moth
Homaledra octagonella is a small moth species in the family Pterolonchidae, commonly known as the Octagonal Casemaker Moth. The species was described by Walsingham in 1882. Members of this genus are known for constructing distinctive larval cases from plant material. The family placement has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources historically placing it in Coleophoridae.
Homidia
springtails
Homidia is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Entomobryidae) comprising 84 described species worldwide, with 71% of species (60) recorded from China. The genus is distinguished by specific morphological features including inner spines at the base of the dens, a bidentate mucro with a much larger subapical tooth, eyebrow-like macrochaetae formations on the anterior part of the fourth abdominal segment, and absence of scales. Colour pattern and chaetotaxy serve as important diagnostic characters for species identification.
Homidia socia
Homidia socia is a species of slender springtail described by Denis in 1929. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails characterized by well-developed furculae. The species has been documented across multiple regions including Caribbean mainland, Continental Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and North America. Like other members of its genus, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Homoneura americana
American lauxaniid fly
Homoneura americana is a small fly in the family Lauxaniidae, originally described by Wiedemann in 1830 under the name Sapromyza americana. The species is known from at least one iNaturalist observation and is characterized by its small size and association with decaying organic matter. Members of the genus Homoneura are often attracted to fermenting fruits and other decomposing plant material.
Homoneura fuscibasis
Homoneura fuscibasis is a species of small fly in the family Lauxaniidae, first described by Malloch in 1920. The species name 'fuscibasis' refers to a dark or dusky base, likely describing a color pattern on the body or wings. Members of the genus Homoneura are often attracted to decaying organic matter, including fermenting fruits. One observation from Massachusetts in 2009 noted a pumpkin-orange individual visiting a jack-o'-lantern, suggesting this species may exhibit orange coloration.
Homoneura incerta
Homoneura incerta is a species of fly in the family Lauxaniidae, originally described as Sapromyza incerta by Malloch in 1914. The species has been documented in association with decaying organic matter, including pumpkins and other fermenting fruits. It exhibits a distinctive orange coloration that has been noted by observers. Distribution records indicate presence in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Hyalopsocus floridanus
common barklouse
Hyalopsocus floridanus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Banks in 1905. It is a small, winged insect that inhabits bark and foliage surfaces. The species is distributed across North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. As a member of the 'common barklice' group, it contributes to the decomposition of organic material in forest and woodland ecosystems.
Hybosorus illigeri
Illiger's Scavenger Scarab
A small scarab beetle in the family Hybosoridae with a remarkably broad global distribution spanning the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, Madagascan, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. First described from North Africa in 1853, it has established populations across multiple continents and is considered introduced in the United States, where its range continues to expand. The species is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Hypnoidus nocturnus
Nocturnal Click Beetle
Hypnoidus nocturnus is a species of click beetle (Elateridae) commonly known as the Nocturnal Click Beetle. It is distributed across northern and western North America, including Alaska, western Canada, and associated regions. The species is characterized by its small size, dark coloration, and the ability to produce a clicking sound by flexing its body—a defensive mechanism shared with other members of the family. Observations of this species remain limited, with few documented records in public databases.
Hypocharassus pruinosus
A marine dolichopodid fly inhabiting the intertidal zone. Larvae develop in decaying seaweed and algal mats in the supralittoral zone, with four larval instars before pupation. Adults are associated with the same marine coastal habitat. The species shows physiological adaptations to tolerate salinity and periodic submersion.
Hypogastrura
snow fleas
Hypogastrura is a large genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, comprising at least 150 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes the well-known "snow fleas" such as Hypogastrura nivicola, which are conspicuous on snow surfaces in winter. Members are small, typically 1–3 mm, with the characteristic springtail body plan including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore. The genus occupies diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to caves and forest floors.
Hypogastrura nivicola
snow flea, dark blue springtail
Hypogastrura nivicola is a small, dark blue springtail commonly known as the snow flea in North America. Despite its common name, it is unrelated to true fleas and belongs to the ancient group Collembola, which predates the first vertebrates on land by millions of years. The species is notable for its ability to remain active on snow surfaces during winter, enabled by glycine-rich antifreeze proteins that prevent ice crystal formation in its tissues. It possesses the characteristic springtail anatomy including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore.
Hypotelus
Hypotelus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Piestinae. The genus was established by Erichson in 1839 and contains species characterized by their association with decaying organic matter. Members of this genus are part of the diverse staphylinid fauna that contribute to decomposition processes in forest ecosystems.
Idia denticulalis
Toothed Idia Moth
Idia denticulalis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Leon F. Harvey in 1875. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, from Quebec south to Alabama and Texas. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with generation timing varying by latitude. Larvae feed on lichen and detritus.
Idia julia
Julia's Idia Moth, Julia's idia
Idia julia is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. The species is distributed across eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada to Georgia and Texas. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 17 mm. Larvae feed on detritus, particularly dead leaves.
Idia lubricalis
Glossy Black Idia Moth, Glossy Black Idia
Idia lubricalis, commonly known as the Glossy Black Idia Moth, is a litter moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Carl Geyer in 1832. It is a small to medium-sized moth with a wingspan of 24–36 mm, found in deciduous forests across eastern North America from Canada to Florida and Texas. Adults are active from May through September, with multiple generations occurring annually in southern portions of its range.
Indiopsocus texanus
common barklouse
Indiopsocus texanus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, first described by Aaron in 1886. It belongs to the order Psocodea, which includes barklice and booklice. The species has been recorded from Texas in the United States and Cuba in the Caribbean. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with bark, lichens, and other organic substrates in its environment.
Ipelates latus
Ipelates latus is a species of primitive carrion beetle in the family Agyrtidae. It is found in North America, with documented occurrences in western Canada and the United States. The species was originally described as Agyrtes latus by Mannerheim in 1852. It belongs to a small family of beetles associated with decomposing organic matter.
Iphthiminus
Iphthiminus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Tenebrioninae. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Members are primarily associated with coniferous forests, where they inhabit decaying wood and feed on fungal resources. They are nocturnal and have been observed on the trunks and stumps of recently fallen or cut pines.
Ischnoptera deropeltiformis
Dark Wood Cockroach, Dark Wood Roach
Ischnoptera deropeltiformis, commonly known as the dark wood cockroach, is a species of wood cockroach in the family Ectobiidae. It is native to the United States and has been recorded as a host for the pinworm nematode Protrellus browni. The species is part of the diverse wood cockroach fauna associated with forest floor habitats.