Decomposer
Guides
Isopoda
isopods, woodlice, pillbugs, sowbugs, sea slaters, gribbles
Isopoda is an ancient order of crustaceans encompassing over 10,000 described species across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. Members are characterized by dorsoventrally flattened bodies, seven pairs of similar walking legs (giving the group its name from Greek iso- "equal" and pod- "foot"), and two pairs of antennae. The order exhibits exceptional morphological diversity, ranging from minute interstitial forms to giant deep-sea species exceeding 30 cm in length. Isopods lack a carapace, instead possessing overlapping dorsal plates that provide flexibility and protection. Females brood eggs in a specialized marsupium formed by oostegites under the thorax.
Isotoma arctica
Isotoma arctica is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by H. Schött in 1893. The species epithet 'arctica' indicates its association with Arctic regions. Springtails are small, wingless hexapods that play important roles in soil decomposition and nutrient cycling. As a member of the genus Isotoma, it likely exhibits the elongated body form typical of this group, though specific morphological details for this species require direct examination of type specimens or specialized literature.
Isotoma viridis
Green springtail
Isotoma viridis is an elongate-bodied springtail species in the family Isotomidae, first described by Bourlet in 1839. It has a Holarctic distribution and is commonly found in meadows and agricultural fields. The species feeds on fungal hyphae and decaying leaves, playing a role in soil decomposition processes.
Joshuella
Joshuella is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Gymnodamaeidae, first described by Wallwork in 1972. These mites belong to the diverse group of soil-dwelling microarthropods commonly known as moss mites or beetle mites. The genus is part of the superfamily Gymnodamaeoidea, a group characterized by certain morphological reductions in the adult stage. Records of this genus are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Julida
Snake Millipedes
Julida is an order of millipedes commonly known as snake millipedes due to their long, cylindrical body form. Members typically range from 10–120 mm in length and are characterized by having two pairs of legs per body segment, a trait distinguishing them from centipedes. The order exhibits considerable diversity with 593 species recorded from Europe alone, and includes families such as Julidae, Parajulidae, Blaniulidae, and Zosteractinidae. Many species are important decomposers in forest ecosystems.
Julus
Julus is a genus of millipedes in the family Julidae, order Julida. First described by Linnaeus in 1758, it is one of the most historically significant millipede genera. Species occur across Eurasia, with documented populations in the Caucasus, Siberia, and Scandinavia. The genus exhibits notable morphological diversity, particularly in male genital structures and gnathochilarium characteristics.
Kalotermes approximatus
Dark Southern Drywood Termite
Kalotermes approximatus is a drywood termite in the family Kalotermitidae, commonly known as the dark southern drywood termite. The species is classified as an uncommon structural pest that infests wooden structures and trees without requiring soil contact. It is distributed across the southeastern United States from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas, and plays a role as a decomposer of dead wood and woody debris in natural ecosystems.
Katiannina
Katiannina is a genus of globular springtails in the family Katiannidae, order Symphypleona. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their rounded, compact body form. The genus was established in 1951 and is distributed across North America and parts of East Asia. Katiannina species inhabit leaf litter and soil microhabitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Labia minor
lesser earwig, small earwig
Labia minor is a small earwig species, 4–7 mm in length including pincers, distinguished by its dull yellow-brown to chocolate brown coloration and less shiny appearance compared to the common earwig. It is notable as the first Dermapteran species to have its genome sequenced by the Darwin Tree of Life project. The species exhibits exceptional maternal care behavior, with females guarding eggs and feeding offspring for 1–2 weeks after hatching—a rarity among insects. Unlike many earwigs, it flies frequently and possesses visible hind wings.
Latridius
Latridius is a genus of minute brown scavenger beetles in the family Latridiidae, established by Herbst in 1793. The genus contains at least 16 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe, North America, and Asia. Species within this genus are small, cryptic beetles associated with decaying plant matter and fungal growth. The genus is part of the superfamily Coccinelloidea, though its members bear little resemblance to the more familiar lady beetles.
Latridius minutus
squarenosed fungus beetle, square-nosed fungus beetle
Latridius minutus is a minute brown scavenger beetle in the family Latridiidae, commonly known as the square-nosed fungus beetle. The species is characterized by its small size and association with fungal substrates. Population activity peaks during summer months and declines in winter.
Lauxaniidae
Lauxaniid Flies
Lauxaniidae is a family of acalyptrate flies comprising approximately 1800 described species across 126 genera. Adults are small (2–7 mm), often with large, brightly colored compound eyes and variegated wing patterns. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution with highest diversity in tropical Asia and the Americas; species richness declines markedly toward temperate regions. Adults are typically sedentary, associated with shaded, humid forest environments where they feed on leaf-surface fungi. Larvae are primarily saprophagous, developing in decaying plant matter, leaf litter, rotting wood, and bird nests.
Leptocera
Leptocera is a genus of small flies in the family Sphaeroceridae (Diptera), established by Olivier in 1813. The genus includes multiple subgenera with divergent ecological specializations: the nominate subgenus Leptocera contains species associated with decaying organic matter including sewage systems, while the subgenus Thoracochaeta is restricted to marine supralittoral habitats. Several species have been documented as pests in artificial environments. The genus is distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Nearctic, with some species recently introduced to North America.
Lestremiinae
Lestremiine Wood Midges
Lestremiinae is a subfamily of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) comprising 105 described species across 13 genera. The subfamily is distinguished by larval specialization on fungal substrates. Unlike many Cecidomyiidae that form plant galls, Lestremiinae larvae are primarily fungivorous, inhabiting decaying wood where they consume fungal growth. The group has received substantial taxonomic attention in northern Europe, with ongoing discoveries of new species.
Ligidium elrodii
Eastern Rockslater, rock slater
Ligidium elrodii is a terrestrial isopod species in the family Ligiidae, commonly known as the Eastern Rockslater. It is native to North America, with documented presence in both the United States and Canada. The species includes five recognized subspecies, described by Schultz in 1970 from various geographic locations. It belongs to a family of rock-dwelling woodlice adapted to moist, rocky microhabitats.
Limnoriidea
Gribbles and allies
Limnoriidea is a suborder of marine isopod crustaceans containing three families: Hadromastacidae, Keuphyliidae, and Limnoriidae. Members are commonly known as gribbles and allies. The group is distinguished by wood-boring habits in many species, particularly within Limnoriidae. They are exclusively marine and play a significant role in coastal ecosystems through wood decomposition.
Lionothus ulkei
A small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by W.J. Brown in 1937. The species is known from scattered records across the eastern and south-central United States. Like other members of its family, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Lophognathella choreutes
Lophognathella choreutes is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Carl Börner in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Lophognathellinae, a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) springtails characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated mouthparts. The species has been recorded across northern North America, Pacific North America, and the Sino-Japanese region. As with other members of Onychiuridae, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Lotophila atra
Lotophila atra is a species of lesser dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, distributed across the Palearctic region. The species is characterized by its small size and association with decaying organic matter. Larvae develop in moist, decomposing substrates where they feed on microorganisms.
Lucilia cuprina
Australian sheep blowfly, bronze bottle fly
Lucilia cuprina, commonly known as the Australian sheep blowfly, is a member of the blow fly family Calliphoridae. It is a significant agricultural pest in sheep-rearing regions, causing the condition known as fly strike or myiasis. The species has been introduced to multiple continents through human commerce and is also utilized in forensic entomology for estimating postmortem intervals. Adults are characterized by their metallic green or greenish-blue abdomen with bronze or coppery reflections.
Lucilia illustris
Illustrious Greenbottle Fly, green bottle fly
Lucilia illustris is a blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, commonly known as the Illustrious Greenbottle Fly. Adults are 6–9 mm in length with a metallic blue-green thorax that reflects bronze and purple. The species develops through three larval instars with distinct morphological characteristics at each stage. It is frequently used in forensic entomology due to its predictable development rate and preference for carrion in sunlit environments.
Lucilia mexicana
green bottle fly
Lucilia mexicana is a green bottle blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, first described by Pierre-Justin-Marie Macquart in 1843 or 1844. Adults measure 6–9 mm and exhibit metallic blue-green thoraxes with purple tints. The species is distributed from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil, inhabiting wooded and urban environments. It holds potential forensic significance for determining postmortem intervals and stored-product contamination cases, though more research is needed for reliable application in criminal investigations.
Lucilia sericata
common green bottle fly, green bottle fly, blow fly
Lucilia sericata is a blow fly in family Calliphoridae, widely distributed across most temperate regions worldwide. Adults display brilliant metallic blue-green or golden coloration and are frequently among the first insects to arrive at carrion. The species has significant forensic importance due to predictable developmental rates used to estimate postmortem intervals. Larvae are also employed in maggot debridement therapy for cleaning necrotic wounds. The species exhibits temperature-driven seasonal activity, preferring warmer summer months.
Lucoppia burrowsii
Lucoppia burrowsii is a species of oribatid mite in the family Oppioidea. It was described by Mahunka in 1992 from specimens collected in South Africa. Oribatid mites in this genus are generally small, slow-moving decomposers found in soil and leaf litter. The species is known from limited material and has not been extensively studied.
Malandryinae
Malandryinae is a subfamily of false darkling beetles within the family Malandryidae. Members are primarily associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. The subfamily contains numerous genera distributed across the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in temperate forests. Adults and larvae are generally saproxylic, contributing to wood decomposition processes.
Marginitermes hubbardi
light western drywood termite
Marginitermes hubbardi, commonly called the light western drywood termite, is a drywood termite species in the family Kalotermitidae. It is distinguished from the sympatric Incisitermes minor by its notably paler winged reproductives. The species is native to arid regions of southwestern North America and Central America, where it colonizes dry wood including living trees, dead cacti, and human structures. Unlike dampwood or subterranean termites, it does not require soil contact or high moisture levels to establish colonies.
Megarthrus excisus
Megarthrus excisus is a species of rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Proteininae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. The species is broadly distributed across northern North America, with records spanning boreal and temperate regions of Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of the genus Megarthrus, it is associated with forest floor habitats and decomposing organic matter. The genus is characterized by distinctive modifications of the male genitalia and antennae structure.
Megaselia aurea
scuttle fly
Megaselia aurea is a species of scuttle fly in the family Phoridae, one of thousands of species within the hyperdiverse genus Megaselia. Adults are very small, measuring 1–3 millimeters in length, with a characteristic humped thorax. The species exhibits distinctive mating behavior where females aggregate on leaves. Larvae develop in damp, decaying organic matter.
Megaselia scalaris
Scaled Hump-backed Fly, scuttle fly, coffin fly, humpbacked fly, laboratory fly
Megaselia scalaris is a small phorid fly, approximately 2–3 mm in length, widely distributed in warm regions globally. It is one of the most commonly encountered species in the family Phoridae, particularly in urban environments. The species exhibits remarkable ecological flexibility, functioning as a decomposer, facultative parasitoid, and forensic indicator. Adults display characteristic jerky running behavior, earning the common name "scuttle fly." The species has been documented in diverse contexts including coffins, decomposing carrion, termite mounds, social wasp nests, and deteriorating museum specimens.
Megasternum
Megasternum is a genus of small water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, tribe Megasternini. These beetles are associated with decomposing organic matter in moist or aquatic environments. The genus was established by Mulsant in 1844 and occurs primarily in the Palearctic region.
Megatoma pubescens
Pubescent Carpet Beetle
Megatoma pubescens is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is found in North America and Europe. The species is commonly known as the Pubescent Carpet Beetle. Like other dermestid beetles, it belongs to a family whose larvae feed on dry organic materials including animal products, plant matter, and natural fibers.
Melanophila acuminata
black fire beetle, fire bug
Melanophila acuminata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, renowned for its exceptional ability to detect and locate forest fires from considerable distances. Adults possess specialized infrared radiation sensors on the thorax that detect heat, enabling them to swarm to freshly burned conifer trees for reproduction. The species has a broad Holarctic distribution and exhibits strong flight capabilities, with adults documented flying more than 50 miles to reach fire sites. Larvae develop in the phloem of fire-damaged conifers, taking several years to mature before emerging through D-shaped exit holes.
Melasini
Melasini is a tribe of false click beetles within the family Eucnemidae, established by Fleming in 1821. Members of this tribe are classified under the subfamily Melasinae, a group characterized by their inability to produce the clicking sound typical of true click beetles (Elateridae). The tribe encompasses multiple genera of small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in forested habitats.
Melinopterus femoralis
Melinopterus femoralis is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It is broadly distributed across North America, with records from numerous U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and has also been reported from Siberia in the Palaearctic region. As a member of the Aphodiinae, it is associated with dung decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.
Metophthalmus septemstriatus
Metophthalmus septemstriatus is a minute beetle in the family Latridiidae, commonly known as plaster beetles or minute brown scavenger beetles. The genus Metophthalmus contains small, inconspicuous species associated with damp, moldy environments. The specific epithet 'septemstriatus' refers to seven stripes, likely describing elytral patterning. Like other latridiids, this species is presumed to feed on fungal spores and hyphae, though direct observations are limited.
Metylophorus novaescotiae
Speckled Barklouse
Metylophorus novaescotiae is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, commonly known as the Speckled Barklouse. It is one of the most frequently observed barklice in North America, with substantial iNaturalist documentation. The species was originally described by Francis Walker in 1853 under the basionym Psocus novaescotiae. It inhabits wooded environments where it feeds on lichens, algae, and organic debris on tree bark.
Meziini
Meziini is a tribe of small beetles within the family Ptinidae (spider beetles and deathwatch beetles), established by Bellés in 1985. Members of this tribe are characterized by their compact body form and are classified within the subfamily Ptininae. The tribe represents a distinct lineage within the diverse Ptinidae, a family known for species associated with stored products, wood, and dry organic matter. Based on iNaturalist records, the group has been documented in at least 446 observations, indicating moderate levels of detection by naturalists.
Mezira subsetosa
Mezira subsetosa is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae. Members of this family are characterized by their extremely flattened bodies, an adaptation for living in tight spaces under bark and in decaying wood. The species has been documented in North America with over 800 observations, suggesting it is relatively common within its range. Like other aradids, it is presumed to feed on fungal hyphae in dead wood, though specific dietary studies for this species are lacking.
Micrisotoma achromata
Micrisotoma achromata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by P.F. Bellinger in 1952. It belongs to a genus characterized by small body size and reduced pigmentation. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including North America, Eurasia, and Malaysia, suggesting either a broad natural distribution or potential cryptic species complexity. Like other isotomids, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Microchrysa
soldierfly
Microchrysa is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Sarginae. The genus was established by Loew in 1855 and contains approximately 40 described species distributed across multiple continents. Historical taxonomic confusion with the synonym Chrysomyia (Macquart, 1834) has led to misidentifications, particularly with blow flies in the genus Chrysomya. The genus is well-represented in citizen science observations with over 7,500 records.
Microchrysa polita
black-horned gem, black-horned gem fly
Microchrysa polita, commonly known as the black-horned gem or black-horned gem fly, is a small species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. Adults are active from March through September and are found in deciduous woodland edges, hedgerows, gardens, and parks across Europe, Asia, and North America. The species is notable for its distinctive black antennae and predominantly black legs.
Microcoryphia
bristletails
Microcoryphia is an order of wingless hexapods commonly known as bristletails, representing one of the two extant orders of apterygote insects. They retain numerous ancestral characteristics that make them significant for understanding early insect evolution, including monocondylic mandibles and the ability to molt throughout their entire life. The group is distinguished by their laterally compressed bodies, large compound eyes, and three long caudal filaments. Approximately 500 species have been described worldwide, with new species continuing to be discovered in diverse habitats including leaf litter, rocky areas, and caves.
Miktoniscus medcofi
Small Alabama Sowbug
A small terrestrial isopod in the family Trichoniscidae, found in both North America and South America. This species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced body pigmentation and small size. It inhabits moist microhabitats in forested environments. The common name 'Small Alabama Sowbug' reflects its documented occurrence in the southeastern United States.
Milesia
Giant Flower Flies
Milesia is a genus of very large hoverflies (family Syrphidae) known for their striking resemblance to social wasps. Adults are among the largest flower flies, with body lengths reaching 18–28.5 mm. The genus is notable for Batesian mimicry of hornets and yellowjackets, including similar coloration and a loud droning buzz. At least three species occur in North America: M. virginiensis (eastern North America), M. bella (southwestern U.S.), and M. scutellata (southeastern U.S.).
Milesia virginiensis
yellowjacket hover fly, Virginia flower fly, Virginia Giant Hover Fly, News Bee
A large, striking syrphid fly native to eastern North America. Adults are notable mimics of yellowjackets and hornets, complete with yellow, brown, and black coloration and a loud droning buzz. The species is active primarily in mid-summer to early fall, frequenting forest edges and meadows. Larvae develop in decaying wood. The species carries extensive American folklore, commonly known as the "News Bee" for its habit of hovering near people.
Mochloribatula texana
Mochloribatula texana is a species of oribatid mite in the family Mochlozetidae. First described by Ewing in 1909, this species belongs to a group of soil-dwelling mites commonly known as beetle mites or box mites. Oribatid mites play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The specific epithet "texana" suggests a connection to Texas, though the full geographic range remains incompletely documented.
Monotoma producta
root-eating beetle
Monotoma producta is a species of small beetle in the family Monotomidae, commonly referred to as root-eating beetles. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1855 and is known to occur in North America, with documented records from Canada including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Like other members of Monotomidae, it is associated with decaying plant material and fungal environments. The species remains poorly documented in scientific literature beyond basic taxonomic and distributional records.
Morulina delicata
Morulina delicata is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by E.C. Bernard in 2006. It belongs to the subfamily Morulininae, a group characterized by distinctive body ornamentation and reduced or absent furcula. The species is known from Pacific North America. Springtails in this genus are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Musca
house flies, face flies
Musca is a genus of calyptrate flies in the family Muscidae, containing approximately 70 species worldwide. The genus includes Musca domestica, the common house fly, one of the most widespread and synanthropic insects on Earth. Musca species are characterized by their association with human habitation and livestock, with larvae developing in decaying organic matter. Adults are medium-sized, robust flies with distinctive head morphology including aristate antennae and well-developed chaetotaxy.
Muscina
false stable flies
Muscina is a genus of muscid flies comprising approximately 27 species with worldwide distribution. The genus includes several synanthropic species frequently associated with livestock facilities, manure, and human structures. M. stabulans (false stable fly) is the most extensively studied species, serving as a model for flight biomechanics research and forensic entomology. Members of this genus are notable for their epidemiological significance as mechanical vectors of pathogens, forensic utility in post-mortem interval estimation, and facultative predatory behavior by third-instar larvae.