Decomposers
Guides
Plethochaeta
Plethochaeta is a genus of dung flies in the family Scathophagidae, established by Daniel William Coquillett in 1901. The genus belongs to the subfamily Scathophaginae and contains species whose biology remains poorly documented. Members of this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of calyptrate flies associated with decomposing organic matter.
Pnyxia
dark-winged fungus gnats
Pnyxia is a genus of dark-winged fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae, established by Johannsen in 1912. The genus contains at least four described species, including Pnyxia scabiei, commonly known as the potato scab gnat. Members of this genus are small, delicate flies typically associated with moist, decomposing organic matter. The genus is part of a diverse family of fungus gnats whose larvae often feed on fungal mycelia and decaying plant material.
Prometopinae
Prometopinae is a subfamily of sap-feeding beetles within the family Nitidulidae. It comprises approximately eight genera, with the genus Prometopia being the sole North American representative. Members are associated with fermenting plant materials and sap flows.
Pseudepierus
clown beetles
Pseudepierus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) established by Casey in 1916. The genus contains at least two described species: P. gentilis and P. italicus. Like other histerids, these beetles are likely associated with decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pseudisotoma
Pseudisotoma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, established by Handschin in 1924. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods found across diverse geographic regions including Arctic, European, Caribbean, Southeast Asian, and Hawaiian localities. As part of the diverse Isotomidae family, they contribute to decomposition processes in their habitats.
Pseudosinella
slender springtails
Pseudosinella is a genus of slender-bodied springtails in the family Entomobryidae, established by Schäffer in 1897. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed across diverse habitats including tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, and even Antarctic and subantarctic regions. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body form and reduced or absent pigmentation. They are part of the diverse soil and leaf litter fauna, contributing to decomposition processes.
Psychoda
moth fly, drain fly, filter fly
Psychoda is a large genus of moth flies (family Psychodidae) containing over 400 described species. These tiny, moth-like flies are characterized by their dense body hair, broad wings held roof-like over the body, and long antennae. They are commonly associated with moist, decaying organic matter and are frequently encountered in sewage systems, drains, and bathrooms where they can become nuisance pests. The genus has worldwide distribution with records from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
Psychodidae
Moth flies, Drain flies, Sink flies, Filter flies, Sewer gnats, Sand flies
Psychodidae is a large family of true flies comprising over 2,600 described species worldwide, with highest diversity in humid tropical regions. Members exhibit distinctive short, hairy bodies and wings that create a moth-like appearance. The family encompasses two ecologically divergent groups: non-biting moth flies that inhabit moist, decaying organic matter and plumbing systems, and blood-feeding sand flies (subfamily Phlebotominae) that serve as disease vectors.
Reinwardtiini
Reinwardtiini is a tribe of flies within the family Muscidae, subfamily Muscinae. The tribe comprises 11 recognized genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Several genera, notably Philornis and Passeromyia, have attracted research attention due to their specialized ecological associations with birds. The type genus Reinwardtia was established by Brauer & von Bergenstamm in 1890.
Sarcophaginae
Typical Flesh Flies
Sarcophaginae is a diverse subfamily of flesh flies comprising at least 60 genera and over 1,800 species worldwide, with the highest diversity in the Neotropical region. These calyptrate flies are characterized by their association with decomposing organic matter, including carrion, feces, and decaying material. Many species exhibit synanthropic behavior, thriving in human-modified environments. Their life histories encompass necrophagy, coprophagy, and scavenging, with some species documented in association with eusocial wasp nests. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia due to uniform external chaetotaxy.
Scarabaeinae
true dung beetles, dung beetles
Scarabaeinae is a subfamily of scarab beetles comprising the true dung beetles. Adults typically feed on dung, though some species consume carrion, decaying fruit, or fungi. The subfamily is divided into three functional guilds—rollers (telecoprids), tunnelers (paracoprids), and dwellers (endocoprids)—based on dung processing behavior. Members exhibit modified mouthparts with an expanded clypeus covering the mandibles, and possess a space between the middle legs for dung manipulation. The subfamily originated in the Lower Cretaceous (115–130 million years ago) and is hypothesized to have co-evolved with dinosaurs.
Scatopsinae
Scatopsinae is a subfamily of minute black scavenger flies (Diptera: Scatopsidae). These small, dark-colored flies are generally associated with decaying organic matter. The subfamily contains numerous genera and species distributed across diverse habitats worldwide. They are distinguished from the other scatopsid subfamily, Aspistinae, primarily by wing venation and antennal characteristics.
Sciaroidea
Fungus Gnats and Gall Midges
Sciaroidea is a superfamily of nematoceran flies in the infraorder Bibionomorpha, comprising approximately 16 families and over 15,000 described species. The group includes fungus gnats, gall midges, and related families, with larvae predominantly associated with fungi, dead wood, and soil. Fennoscandia represents a major biodiversity hotspot for this group, harboring roughly 1,000 species—about 83% of Europe's total. Despite substantial DNA barcoding efforts yielding over 56,000 barcode index numbers (BINs), only 5% currently have scientific names assigned, indicating vast undescribed diversity.
Silphidae
carrion beetles, burying beetles, large carrion beetles, sexton beetles
Silphidae is a family of beetles commonly known as carrion beetles or burying beetles, comprising approximately 183 species in two tribes: Silphini and Nicrophorini. Members feed primarily on decaying organic matter, particularly animal carcasses, with some species exhibiting specialized behaviors such as burying small carcasses and providing parental care. The family has forensic importance due to predictable colonization patterns on human remains. Silphidae are most diverse in temperate regions, with flight capability varying among species and correlated with food source type.
Silphini
carrion beetles
Silphini is a tribe of large carrion beetles within the rove beetle family Staphylinidae, subfamily Silphinae. Members are worldwide distributed and characterized by their association with decomposing animal matter. The tribe comprises approximately 114 described species across 12 extant genera, including well-known genera such as Silpha, Thanatophilus, and Necrophila. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed complex relationships within the tribe, with evidence that some historically recognized genera may render Silpha paraphyletic.
Sminthuridae
globular springtails
Sminthuridae is a family of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by a rounded body shape, four-segmented antennae with successively lengthening segments, and an exceptionally long ventral tube with eversible vesicles. Members possess well-developed tracheae and a furcula for jumping. The family includes 13 genera and is distinguished from the similar Sminthurididae by antennal structure and dens setation. Some species are notable agricultural pests, while others are common in forest litter and snow habitats.
Staphylinidae
Rove beetles
Staphylinidae, the rove beetles, is the largest extant family of beetles with approximately 63,000 described species across thousands of genera. Members are distinguished by abbreviated elytra that expose most of the abdomen, giving them a characteristic elongated, flexible appearance. The family is ancient, with fossil records dating to the Triassic period approximately 200 million years ago. Ecological roles within the family are diverse, encompassing predation, fungivory, myrmecophily, and saprophagy.
Stenocaecilius
lizard barklice
Stenocaecilius is a genus of barklice in the family Caeciliusidae, commonly referred to as lizard barklice. The genus was established by Mockford in 2000 and contains more than 40 described species. Members of this genus belong to the order Psocodea, a group of small, often overlooked insects associated with dead plant material.
Stratiomyomorpha
Soldier Flies and Allies
Stratiomyomorpha is a parvorder of brachyceran flies comprising approximately 3,000 species, dominated by the family Stratiomyidae (soldier flies) with two smaller associated families. The group is characterized by broad morphological diversity ranging from slender to robust body forms. Larvae occupy varied aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Adults are often conspicuous, frequently displaying metallic coloration.
Sylvicola
wood gnats, window gnats, window midges, window flies
Sylvicola is a genus of wood gnats in the family Anisopodidae containing over 80 described species. The genus is widely distributed across the western Palaearctic, with some species introduced to North America and oceanic islands. Adults are active year-round in temperate regions and are frequently observed indoors near windows, earning them the common name 'window gnats.' The most thoroughly documented species, S. cinctus, serves as a representative for understanding genus-level traits.
Telmatophilus
Telmatophilus is a genus of silken fungus beetles (family Cryptophagidae) established by Heer in 1841. The genus comprises approximately seven described species distributed across Europe and North America. These beetles are associated with moist, decomposing plant matter, particularly in wetland and riparian habitats. The type species, Telmatophilus typhae, was described by Fallén in 1802 from cattail (Typha) habitats.
Tetratomidae
polypore fungus beetles
Tetratomidae is a small family of beetles in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea, commonly known as polypore fungus beetles. The family was historically classified within Melandryidae but is now recognized as distinct based on larval and adult morphological characters. Members are found worldwide and are specialized consumers of fungal fruiting bodies. The family includes several extant genera as well as fossil genera from Cretaceous amber deposits.
Thorictini
Thorictini is a tribe of carpet beetles (family Dermestidae) established by Erichson in 1846. Members of this tribe are small, compact beetles adapted to specialized microhabitats. The tribe is relatively species-poor compared to other dermestid tribes and includes genera such as Thorictus. These beetles are primarily known from the Palearctic and Afrotropical regions.
Tineidae
fungus moths, tineid moths, clothes moths
Tineidae is a large family of moths containing over 3,000 species across more than 300 genera. Members are commonly known as fungus moths or clothes moths, reflecting their diverse larval feeding habits. The family is notable for its unusual dietary breadth among Lepidoptera: most larvae feed on fungi, lichens, and detritus rather than living plants, though some species have adapted to keratin-based materials including stored fabrics, feathers, and even tortoise shells. Several species are significant household pests, while others play important roles in decomposition.
Tipulidae
Large Crane Flies, Crane Flies
Tipulidae is a large family of true flies in the order Diptera, comprising over 4,200 described species in more than 30 genera. Members are commonly known as crane flies or large crane flies, characterized by their elongated bodies and exceptionally long, slender legs. Adults are typically short-lived and often do not feed; their primary purpose is reproduction. Larvae occupy diverse moist habitats including soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and aquatic environments, where most feed on decaying organic matter. The family has a fossil record extending to the Late Jurassic.
DipteraNematoceracrane-fliesdecomposerssaprophagousshort-lived-adultsmating-swarmsturfgrass-pestsharmless-to-humansworldwide-distributionLate-Jurassic-fossilsCharles-Paul-Alexandermaxillary-palps13-antennal-segmentsLimoniidaePediciidaemosquito-hawk-misnomerdaddy-longlegs-confusionleatherjacketsaquatic-larvaeterrestrial-larvaespring-emergencelight-attractionwingless-snow-crane-flies-in-genus-Chionea-(now-Limoniidae)Tipulomorpha
crane flies, crane flies and allies
Tipulomorpha is an infraorder of Nematocera containing crane flies and allied families, representing one of the largest and most diverse groups of true flies. The infraorder comprises five extant families: Tipulidae (large crane flies), Limoniidae (limoniid crane flies), Pediciidae (hairy-eyed crane flies), Cylindrotomidae (long-bodied crane flies), and Trichoceridae (winter crane flies). With approximately 15,000 described species in the family Tipulidae alone, this group exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, particularly in larval forms. Adults are characterized by elongated bodies, extremely long legs, and single pair of membranous wings. Larval habitats range from aquatic environments to terrestrial soils, decaying wood, and even snow-covered surfaces in specialized groups.
Trichoceridae
winter crane flies, winter gnats
Trichoceridae, commonly known as winter crane flies or winter gnats, is a small family of delicate, long-legged flies in the order Diptera. Adults are active primarily during cold seasons, including fall, winter, and early spring, with some species observed in snow. They are distinguished from other crane fly families by the presence of three ocelli (simple eyes) on the crown of the head. The family contains approximately 160 described species worldwide, with most diversity concentrated in non-tropical, Holarctic regions. Larvae inhabit moist terrestrial environments where they feed on decaying organic matter.
Trigoniulidae
round-backed millipedes
Trigoniulidae is a family of round-backed millipedes in the order Spirobolida, comprising approximately 171 species across 25 genera. The family was established by Attems in 1909. Members are found in tropical and subtropical regions where they inhabit leaf litter and soil environments. Population studies of at least one species, Trigoniulus lumbricinus, indicate seasonal fluctuations correlated with rainfall patterns.
Ulidiidae
Picture-winged Flies
Ulidiidae, formerly known as Otitidae, is a large and diverse cosmopolitan family of true flies (Diptera) commonly called picture-winged flies. Most species are herbivorous or detritivorous, with larvae developing in decaying plant matter, dung, or living plant tissues. The family is characterized by distinctive wing patterns of spots, bands, or lines that serve in species recognition and courtship displays. Approximately 40 genera and 133 species occur in North America north of Mexico, with global diversity exceeding 700 species. A few species, notably Tetanops myopaeformis and Euxesta stigmatias, are recognized agricultural pests.
Xyletinini
Xyletinini
Xyletinini is a tribe of beetles in the family Ptinidae, commonly known as death-watch and spider beetles. The tribe was established by Gistel in 1848 and contains at least 10 genera and approximately 70 described species. Xyletinini belongs to the subfamily Xyletininae within the superfamily Bostrichoidea. Member genera include Xyletinus, Vrilletta, Euvrilletta, and others.
Xylitini
Xylitini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the family Melandryidae, established by C.G. Thomson in 1864. Members of this tribe are primarily associated with dead and decaying wood, where they develop as larvae. The tribe includes several genera of small to medium-sized beetles that are part of the broader saproxylic beetle community.
Xystodesmidae
Cherry Millipedes, flat-backed millipedes
Xystodesmidae is a family of flat-backed millipedes in the order Polydesmida, established by O. F. Cook in 1895. The family comprises over 390 described species across 62 genera, with many additional species remaining undescribed. Members are characterized by broad, compact bodies with prominent paranota (lateral keels), chemical defenses based on hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde, and frequent participation in Müllerian mimicry rings. Peak diversity occurs in the Appalachian Mountains, where approximately one-third of species are found.
Zopheridae
Ironclad beetles
Zopheridae is a family of beetles in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea, commonly known as ironclad beetles. The family has expanded considerably in recent years to include the former families Monommatidae and Colydiidae as subfamilies or tribes. It comprises approximately 190 genera and 1700 species distributed worldwide. Members are characterized by exceptionally hardened exoskeletons that make specimens difficult to pin for collection. The family includes diverse feeding habits, with many species associated with rotting wood or fungus, while some Colydiinae are predatory or feed on living plant tissue.
Zoraptera
angel insects, ground lice
Zoraptera is a small insect order containing approximately 30–51 extant species across two families (Zorotypidae and Spiralizoridae). These tiny insects exhibit remarkable wing dimorphism: most individuals are wingless, pale, and eyeless, while a minority develop as dark, winged alates with compound eyes and ocelli that can shed their wings at a basal fracture line. They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests worldwide, living cryptically under bark, in rotting wood, or in leaf litter. Their phylogenetic position remains debated, with morphological evidence linking them to Embioptera and molecular data suggesting affinity with Dictyoptera or Dermaptera.
Zorotypus
angel insects
Zorotypus is the sole extant genus of the order Zoraptera, commonly called angel insects. The genus contains approximately 39 extant species distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with four species occurring north of the Tropic of Cancer. Species exhibit two distinct morphs: winged individuals with compound eyes, ocelli, and dark pigmentation that can shed their wings; and wingless, pale individuals lacking eyes and ocelli. The genus has an extensive fossil record, with numerous species described from Cretaceous and Miocene amber deposits.
Zygoribatula
Zygoribatula is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Oribatulidae. These small arachnids are part of the diverse soil-dwelling mite fauna. The genus was established by Berlese in 1916. Records indicate presence in Denmark and Norway, though the genus likely has broader distribution in suitable habitats.