Decomposer
Guides
Muscina dorsilinea
Muscina dorsilinea is a species of true fly in the family Muscidae, first described by Frederik Maurits van der Wulp in 1896. It belongs to a genus commonly known as house flies or dump flies, which are frequently associated with decaying organic matter and animal waste. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal specific information available beyond its taxonomic classification. Like other Muscina species, it likely plays a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in environments where organic waste accumulates.
Muscina levida
Dark-horned Muscina
Muscina levida is a muscid fly species in the family Muscidae, commonly known as the Dark-horned Muscina. It is found in Europe, with records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Azores. The species is one of several Muscina flies associated with decomposing organic matter and has been observed in indoor settings during autumn and winter.
Myathropa
Myathropa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) distributed across Europe, North Africa, and extending into parts of Asia. Adults are active from May to September and are frequently observed visiting flowers. The genus includes at least three described species: M. florea, M. semenovi, and M. usta. Some species exhibit Batesian mimicry of social wasps.
Myathropa florea
Batman hoverfly, Yellow-haired Sun Fly
Myathropa florea is a common Palearctic hoverfly in the tribe Eristalini, often called the Batman hoverfly due to the distinctive skull-like pattern on its thorax. Adults are active flower visitors from May to October and are notable for their wasp-mimicking appearance. The species has become adventive in western North America since 2005. Larvae develop in waterlogged organic detritus, particularly in tree rot holes.
Mycetophagus flexuosus
hairy fungus beetle
Mycetophagus flexuosus is a hairy fungus beetle in the family Mycetophagidae. The species occurs in North America and has been documented in association with several polypore and gilled fungi. Like other members of its family, it is associated with fungal fruiting bodies.
Mycetophagus punctatus
hairy fungus beetle, punctured hairy fungus beetle
Mycetophagus punctatus is a fungus beetle in the family Mycetophagidae, commonly known as the hairy fungus beetle. It occurs throughout North America and is frequently found in human dwellings where damp conditions and decaying organic matter are present. The species is not considered a pest as it does not cause damage to structures or stored products.
Mycodrosophila
mushroom flies
Mycodrosophila is a genus of small vinegar flies comprising approximately 120-130 described species. Members are obligately mycophagous, meaning they depend on fungi throughout their entire life cycle. The genus belongs to the monophyletic Zygothrica genus group alongside Hirtodrosophila, Paramycodrosophila, and Zygothrica. Species are distributed across the Neotropical and Palearctic regions, with some showing transcontinental ranges.
Myriapoda
myriapods
Myriapoda is a subphylum of terrestrial arthropods comprising approximately 13,000–16,000 described species across four extant classes: Chilopoda (centipedes), Diplopoda (millipedes), Pauropoda, and Symphyla. All myriapods are obligate terrestrial, characterized by elongated bodies with numerous segments bearing legs. The group represents one of the earliest arthropod lineages to colonize land, with fossil evidence dating to the Late Silurian–Early Devonian boundary. Myriapods exhibit diverse ecological roles: centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators using venomous forcipules, while millipedes, pauropods, and symphylans function predominantly as detritivores in soil and leaf litter ecosystems.
Nannaria
Twisted-Claw Millipedes
Nannaria is a genus of small-bodied millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, commonly known as twisted-claw millipedes. First described by Ralph Chamberlin in 1918, it is now the largest genus in its family with 78 described species following major revisions in 2022. The genus comprises two monophyletic species groups: the widespread minor group found throughout eastern North America, and the wilsoni group restricted to the Appalachian Mountains. Unlike many colorful, flat-backed xystodesmids, Nannaria species are cryptic in appearance and exhibit subterranean behavior that makes them difficult to collect.
Nannaria cingulata
Swamp-Dwelling Twisted-Claw Millipede
Nannaria cingulata is a species of twisted-claw millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, described in 2021 from the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. The species belongs to a genus of small, soil-dwelling millipedes that are cryptic and difficult to collect. Like other members of its genus, it plays a role as a decomposer in forest ecosystems. The specific epithet refers to a banded or girdled appearance.
Nannaria hardeni
Curt Harden's Twisted-Claw Millipede
Nannaria hardeni is a species of twisted-claw millipede described in 2021 from the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. It belongs to the genus Nannaria, a group of forest-dwelling millipedes characterized by males having small, twisted and flattened claws on their anterior legs. The species was named in honor of Curt Harden, a millipede researcher who contributed significantly to the study of Appalachian xystodesmid millipedes. Like other members of its genus, N. hardeni plays a role as a decomposer in forest ecosystems.
Nannaria terricola
Loam-dwelling Twisted-Claw
Nannaria terricola is a flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmida, characterized by its loam-dwelling habits and the distinctive twisted, flattened claws on the anterior legs of males. The species is found in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Like other members of the genus Nannaria, it plays a role as a decomposer in forest ecosystems. The species was originally described as Fontaria terricola by Williams & Hefner in 1928 before being transferred to Nannaria.
Narceus
Narceus is a genus of large cylindrical millipedes in the family Spirobolidae native to eastern North America. The genus includes some of the largest millipedes in the region, with individuals reaching up to 12 cm in length. It comprises three to four recognized species, including two Florida endemics and a widespread species complex (N. americanus/annularis) spanning eastern Canada to the southern United States. These millipedes are significant decomposers in forest ecosystems and serve as intermediate hosts for certain parasites.
Narceus americanus-annularis-complex
A species complex of large North American millipedes comprising two closely related, morphologically similar species: Narceus americanus and Narceus annularis. These are among the largest millipedes in eastern North America, reaching lengths over 100 mm. The two species are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination of gonopod morphology, leading to frequent misidentification and the recognition of this unresolved complex. They are slow-moving detritivores found in moist forest habitats.
Nathrius brevipennis
Nathrius brevipennis is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to the Palearctic region that has become cosmopolitan through human-mediated transport in timber and wood packaging. Adults measure 4–7 mm in length. The species is polyphagous on dead twigs of broadleaved trees, with documented hosts spanning at least 15 genera including Alnus, Rosa, Fraxinus, Corylus, Ficus, Castanea, Salix, Juglans, Quercus, Morus, Cornus, Ceratonia, Pistacia, Ziziphus, Robinia, and Ostrya. Its invasive spread has led to first records in Australia and other regions outside its native range.
Necrodes
Necrodes is a genus of carrion beetles in the family Silphidae (or Staphylinidae in some classifications), with at least four described species. These beetles are dominant decomposers of large vertebrate carrion in terrestrial habitats, where they compete with blow flies through mixed competition involving both exploitative and interference effects. They exhibit high dispersal ability, with individuals documented traveling over 30 km, and form massive larval aggregations that generate heat through thermogenesis. The genus has significant forensic importance, particularly N. littoralis, which is used as a bio-indicator for estimating post-mortem intervals.
Necrodes surinamensis
Red-lined Carrion Beetle
Necrodes surinamensis, commonly known as the red-lined carrion beetle, is a species of carrion beetle in the family Staphylinidae (subfamily Silphinae). It is found throughout North America, with documented records across Canada and the United States. The species is associated with carrion and plays a role in decomposition processes.
Necrophilus
Necrophilus is a genus of primitive carrion beetles in the family Agyrtidae, established by Latreille in 1829. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. These beetles are associated with decaying organic matter and represent one of the more basal lineages within the staphylinoid beetles. They are often referred to as flat brown scavenger beetles or small scavenger beetles in common usage.
Necrophilus hydrophiloides
flat brown scavenger beetle
Necrophilus hydrophiloides is a species of primitive carrion beetle in the family Agyrtidae, commonly known as the flat brown scavenger beetle. It belongs to a relict lineage of beetles that represent an early-diverging branch of the staphylinoid beetles. The species is found in western North America, where it inhabits moist forest habitats and is associated with carrion and decaying organic matter.
Negastrius ornatus
Negastrius ornatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, subfamily Negastriinae. The genus Negastrius comprises small to medium-sized elaterid beetles, with species typically characterized by distinctive color patterns and morphological features. As with other members of the subfamily Negastriinae, adults are generally found in association with decaying wood and forest floor habitats.
Neolimnophila placida
Placid Crane Fly
Neolimnophila placida is a crane fly species in the family Limoniidae, subfamily Chioneinae. It is widely distributed across the Holarctic region, occurring in both the Nearctic and Palaearctic realms. The species has been documented from northern North America through much of Europe and across northern Asia to Japan. Like other limoniid crane flies, it is associated with moist habitats where larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Neophyllomyza
A genus of small flies in the family Milichiidae, commonly known as freeloader flies. The Nearctic fauna comprises two species: N. quadricornis and N. gaulti. Both species are saproxylic, with larvae developing in decaying wood of hardwood trees. Adults are associated with decaying logs and show distinct temporal and ecological partitioning despite sympatric distributions.
Nephanini
Nephanini is a tribe of featherwing beetles (family Ptiliidae) established by Portevin in 1929. Members of this tribe are among the smallest beetles known, with most species measuring less than 1 mm in length. The tribe is classified within the subfamily Ptiliinae and is characterized by specific morphological features of the wing structure and body form. These beetles inhabit decaying organic matter where they feed on fungal spores and hyphae.
Nicrophorus americanus
American burying beetle, giant carrion beetle
Nicrophorus americanus is a federally threatened burying beetle endemic to North America and the largest member of its genus. Adults are nocturnal, strong fliers capable of traveling up to one kilometer per night while searching for carrion. The species exhibits elaborate biparental care, with both sexes cooperating to locate, bury, and prepare vertebrate carcasses for their offspring. Once abundant across 35 U.S. states and parts of Canada, it now occupies less than 10% of its historic range due to habitat loss, carrion scarcity, and other factors.
Nicrophorus defodiens
Boreal Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus defodiens is a burying beetle species first described by Mannerheim in 1846. It is one of at least two burying beetle species known to breed in the forest canopy. The species exhibits communal breeding behavior, where multiple male-female associations share parental care duties on larger vertebrate carcasses. It produces approximately twice as many eggs as the related N. orbicollis, with clutch sizes averaging around 24 eggs.
Nicrophorus hybridus
hybrid burying beetle
Nicrophorus hybridus is a burying beetle species in the family Silphidae, described by Melville Hatch and John W. Angell in 1925. The species occurs across western and central North America, from Canada through the western United States. Like other members of the genus Nicrophorus, it specializes on small vertebrate carcasses for reproduction and exhibits parental care behaviors. The specific epithet 'hybridus' refers to its intermediate morphological characteristics between related species.
Nicrophorus nigrita
Black Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus nigrita, the black burying beetle, is a species of carrion beetle described by Mannerheim in 1843. It is distinguished from other Nearctic burying beetles by its uniformly black elytra lacking the typical orange or red markings found in congeners. Adults range from 12–28 mm in length and possess distinctive red-orange antennal clubs. The species occurs along the western coast of North America.
Nicrophorus pustulatus
Pustulated Carrion Beetle, Blistered Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus pustulatus is a North American burying beetle distinguished by its unique ecology among congeners. Unlike typical carrion beetles that bury small vertebrate carcasses underground, this species is a canopy specialist that has undergone a remarkable host shift to exploit snake eggs as a primary breeding resource. It is the only described Nicrophorus species demonstrated to function as a true parasitoid of vertebrates, attacking live reptile eggs. Adults are medium-sized (14.0–22.2 mm), predominantly black with distinctive orange elytral spots, and lack the long dorsal setae characteristic of related species. The species exhibits flexible social mating systems and facultative parental care.
Nicrophorus tomentosus
Gold-necked carrion beetle, Tomentose burying beetle
Nicrophorus tomentosus is a burying beetle (family Silphidae) distinguished by a dense patch of golden-yellow setae on the pronotum. Unlike most congeners, it does not completely bury carcasses; instead, it excavates shallow pits beneath small vertebrate remains and covers them with leaf litter. Adults exhibit biparental care, feeding larvae regurgitated carrion. The species is active from May through October, peaking in July and August, and overwinters as prepupae—a trait unique among sympatric Nicrophorus species. Behavioral dominance in competitive interactions is determined primarily by body size rather than species identity.
Nitidula bipunctata
two-spotted sap beetle, two-dots sap beetle
Nitidula bipunctata, commonly known as the two-spotted sap beetle, is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It has a holarctic distribution, occurring across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species is associated with carrion and decomposing organic matter, though its specific ecological relationships remain incompletely documented.
Nitidula flavomaculata
Yellow-spotted Nitidula, Yellow-spotted Sap Beetle
Nitidula flavomaculata is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. Native to the Mediterranean Region, it has become naturalized in North America. The species is strongly associated with later stages of decay in mammalian corpses, making it valuable for forensic investigations. Its presence on carrion distinguishes it from many other sap beetles that feed primarily on plant exudates, pollen, or fungi.
Nitidula ziczac
Nitidula ziczac is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is a small beetle, measuring 3–5 millimeters in length, and is known to associate with carrion. The species is found in North America, primarily from the Great Plains westward, and also occurs in Central America.
Nitidulini
Nitidulini is a tribe of small beetles within the family Nitidulidae, established by Latreille in 1802. The tribe comprises approximately 10 genera and at least 20 described species, including economically significant genera such as Aethina and Stelidota. Members are primarily associated with fermenting or decaying plant materials and sap flows. The tribe is taxonomically well-defined within the subfamily Nitidulinae and has been documented across multiple continents.
Norrbomia fulvipennis
A small dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, described in 1992 from material collected in Costa Rica. The species epithet refers to the tawny or yellowish-brown coloration of the wings. Sphaeroceridae are commonly known as lesser dung flies and are associated with decaying organic matter.
Nycteus
Nycteus is a genus of beetles in the family Eucinetidae, established by Latreille in 1829. Members of this genus are small, obscure beetles associated with moist, decaying organic matter. The family Eucinetidae is a small, specialized group within the superfamily Scirtoidea, containing fewer than 50 described species worldwide. Nycteus species are rarely encountered and poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Nyctoporis
Nyctoporis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Eschscholtz in 1831. The genus comprises five described species distributed in North America. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pimeliinae and tribe Nyctoporini. Members of this genus are part of the diverse tenebrionid fauna characteristic of arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.
Ochrogramma bentona
Ochrogramma bentona is a millipede species in the family Caseyidae, order Chordeumatida. It was described by Chamberlin in 1952. The species is known from North America and belongs to a group of small-bodied millipedes commonly called "snake millipedes" or "bristly millipedes" due to their elongated, slender form and setose bodies. Like other chordeumatidans, it likely inhabits moist forest floor habitats.
Oecothea
sun fly
Oecothea is a genus of small flies in the family Heleomyzidae, commonly known as sun flies. The genus contains at least 20 described species. Members are distinguished by long, perpendicular spines on the leading edge of the wing, a diagnostic feature for the family. They are most frequently observed in early spring and late fall, and are attracted to artificial light sources at night.
Oegoconia deauratella
Scarce Obscure Moth
Oegoconia deauratella, commonly known as the Scarce Obscure Moth, is a small gelechioid moth in the family Autostichidae. It has a wingspan of 11–15 mm and is known from most of Europe and parts of North America including Québec, Ontario, and Michigan. The species was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1854.
Oestroidea
Bot Flies, Blow Flies, and Allies
Oestroidea is a superfamily of Calyptratae comprising approximately 15,000 described species worldwide. It includes blow flies (Calliphoridae), bot flies (Oestridae), flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), tachinid flies (Tachinidae), and related families. The group exhibits diverse ecological strategies including saprophagy, parasitism, and parasitoidism. Molecular analyses confirm Oestroidea as monophyletic, though relationships among constituent families remain partially unresolved.
Oiceoptoma inaequale
Ridged Carrion Beetle
Oiceoptoma inaequale, commonly known as the ridged carrion beetle, is a North American species of carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. It is one of several Oiceoptoma species that specialize in consuming decaying animal matter. The species has been documented breeding on snake carcasses and participates in carcass-based food webs alongside blow flies and other necrophagous insects. Like related species, it likely contributes to nutrient cycling through the decomposition of vertebrate remains.
Oiceoptoma noveboracense
Margined Carrion Beetle
A medium-sized carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, distinguished by orange-red margins on the pronotum. Adults are diurnal and active primarily from spring through fall in deciduous forest habitats. The species produces one generation per year, with larvae and adults feeding on carrion and preying on fly larvae. It has forensic importance for estimating postmortem intervals based on succession patterns.
Omorgus asper
Rough Hide Beetle
Omorgus asper is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. The species occurs in the southern United States and Mexico, where it inhabits arid and semi-arid environments. Like other Trogidae, it is associated with carrion and animal remains, playing a role in decomposition processes.
Omorgus howelli
Howell's hide beetle
Omorgus howelli is a hide beetle in the family Trogidae, native to the southern United States. First described in 1957, it was historically classified under the genus Trox but was reassigned to Omorgus in 2006 based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The species occurs in Florida and Texas, with additional records from Mexico and Peru. Like other Trogidae, it is associated with decomposing animal remains.
Omorgus inflatus
Omorgus inflatus is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae, described by Loomis in 1922. Members of this genus are commonly known as skin beetles and are associated with decomposing animal matter. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Omorgus nodosus
skin beetle
Omorgus nodosus is a species of skin beetle in the family Trogidae. It has been documented in sandy habitats of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is active nocturnally. The species feeds on dried animal matter, with observations of individuals feeding on dried dog feces. It occurs in association with sand dune ecosystems, where it has been found walking on sand surfaces at night.
Omorgus punctatus
Omorgus punctatus is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae, distributed across the southwestern and central United States and northern Mexico. The species is associated with carrion and dry animal remains, typical of the family. Adults are characterized by their punctured elytra, which contributes to the species epithet 'punctatus'.
Omorgus rubricans
Omorgus rubricans is a species of hide beetle in the family Trogidae, first described by Robinson in 1946. The species belongs to a genus known for its association with carrion and dung, playing important roles in decomposition. It is found in parts of Mexico and the southern United States.
Omorgus texanus
Omorgus texanus is a skin beetle in the family Trogidae, first described by LeConte in 1854. The species is known from Texas in the United States and extends south into northeastern Mexico (Nuevo León, Tamaulipas). Like other members of the genus, it is associated with dry, sandy habitats and has been observed feeding on dried animal matter. The species is part of a diverse genus of hide beetles that play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling in arid environments.
Oniticellini
Oniticellini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Scarabaeinae, commonly known as true dung beetles. The tribe comprises one of the largest and most ecologically significant groups of dung beetles globally, accounting for approximately half of the world's dung beetle fauna. Species in this tribe exhibit diverse nesting behaviors, with most acting as tunnelers that bury dung below droppings, while some genera such as Oniticellus and Tragiscus function as dwellers that create brood cavities within or beneath dung. Oniticellini and the related tribe Onthophagini share a single common ancestor and have achieved worldwide distribution except for Antarctica.