Detritivore

Guides

Acritus exiguus
clown beetle
Acritus exiguus is a small clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Erichson in 1834. It occurs across much of eastern North America from southern Canada to Mexico, with records from the northeastern United States through the Gulf Coast states and west to Colorado and Texas. Like other members of the genus Acritus, it is minute in size and associated with decaying organic matter. The species is documented from museum collections and limited iNaturalist observations, though detailed ecological studies remain sparse.
histeridae clown-beetle detritivore north-america minute-beetle saproxylic decomposer coleoptera acritinae small-size
Acrolophinae
Burrowing Webworm Moths, Tube Moths
Acrolophinae is a subfamily of small moths within the family Tineidae, containing approximately 300 species across five genera. Members are commonly known as burrowing webworm moths or tube moths due to larval habits. The group is restricted to the New World and is considered closely related to other Tineidae. Larvae construct silk tubes or burrows in which they feed and develop.
Tineidae New-World detritivore tube-builder burrowing-larva
Acruliopsis tumidula
Acruliopsis tumidula is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae) described from the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is one of few species in the genus Acruliopsis, a group of omaliine rove beetles characterized by compact body form and association with forest floor habitats. The species has been recorded from coastal and montane regions of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.
rove-beetle Staphylinidae Omaliinae Pacific-Northwest forest-floor detritivore
Alphitobius laevigatus
Black Fungus Beetle
Alphitobius laevigatus, commonly known as the black fungus beetle, is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America and other regions including the Galápagos Islands. It is commercially bred in large quantities as animal feed, with larvae marketed under the trade name "buffalo worms"—though this name is also used for the related Alphitobius diaperinus, causing potential confusion. Unlike A. diaperinus, A. laevigatus has not been used or discussed for human consumption.
detritivore fungus-feeder commercially-bred laboratory-model introduced-species seed-pest darkling-beetle
Americorchestia longicornis
Common Atlantic sandhopper
Americorchestia longicornis, the common Atlantic sandhopper, is a beach-dwelling amphipod in the family Talitridae. It inhabits sandy coastal environments along the Atlantic seaboard, where it functions as a detritivore and scavenger. The species is distinguished from similar beach hoppers by its elongated antennae, as reflected in its specific epithet.
crustacean amphipod beach-hopper intertidal Talitridae Atlantic-coast sandhopper detritivore coastal-invertebrate supralittoral
Ametropodidae
Ametropodidae is a family of mayflies in the order Ephemeroptera. The family contains at least three genera: Ametropus, Brevitibia, and Palaeometropus. Species within this family are primarily found in large river systems. The family is classified within the superfamily Baetoidea, which includes some of the most primitive living mayfly species.
Ephemeroptera Baetoidea riverine detritivore univoltine large-rivers sandy-substrate
Amphiporeia
Amphiporeia is a genus of gammaridean amphipods in the family Bathyporeiidae, comprising at least three described species: A. gigantea, A. lawrenciana, and A. virginiana. These small crustaceans are characteristic inhabitants of sandy marine and estuarine substrates along the Atlantic coast of North America, where they exhibit specialized burrowing behavior and tidal swimming activity. The genus is notable for pronounced sexual segregation within the sediment, seasonal population fluctuations, and reproductive strategies involving multiple broods per year. Species within Amphiporeia function as important components of benthic food webs, serving as both detritivores and prey for demersal fish.
amphipod benthic marine intertidal sand-burrowing detritivore Atlantic-coast
Amphiporeia virginiana
Amphiporeia virginiana is a sand-burrowing amphipod crustacean described by Shoemaker in 1933. It is a dominant inhabitant of high-energy sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. The species exhibits distinctive tidal migration behavior, swimming into the water column during flood tides and burrowing into sediments during ebb tides. Females brood eggs and young in a ventral marsupium.
marine intertidal sand-burrowing detritivore tidal-migration Atlantic-coast
Anasimyia
swamp flies
Anasimyia is a genus of wetland hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by aquatic larval development. The genus was historically treated as a subgenus of Lejops but has been elevated to full generic status based on morphological and molecular evidence. Adults are associated with marshy and aquatic habitats. The genus includes approximately 20 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region.
aquatic-larvae wetland hoverfly Holarctic Syrphidae marsh fen pollinator detritivore genus-elevated-from-subgenus
Anisocentropus
Anisocentropus is a cosmopolitan genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) comprising over 60 described species distributed across Oriental, Australasian, Afrotropical, Neotropical, Nearctic, and East Palearctic regions. Larvae are case-building detritivores that construct portable shelters from leaf pieces or wood fragments, inhabiting both lotic and lentic freshwater environments depending on species. The genus exhibits notable variation in habitat preference, with some species strictly adapted to standing water while others occupy running water or both environments.
caddisfly Trichoptera Calamoceratidae case-building detritivore shredder freshwater lentic lotic leaf-case
Antocha
Antocha is a genus of crane flies (Limoniidae) comprising approximately 161 species across three subgenera. The genus is globally distributed with highest diversity in the Oriental (83 species) and East Palearctic (53 species) regions. Larvae are aquatic and rheophilic, inhabiting fast-flowing streams and rivers where they construct silken tubes on submerged rocks. The genus exhibits notable sensitivity to hydrological disturbances, making it a potential indicator of stream ecosystem health.
crane-fly aquatic-larvae rheophilic detritivore bioindicator lotic-ecosystem
Anurida
Anurida is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, established in 1865 by Laboulbène. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with species occupying diverse habitats including intertidal marine zones, river floodplains, riparian areas, and forest ecosystems. Well-studied species include the intertidal specialist Anurida maritima, which exhibits complex tidal-entrained behaviors, and the terrestrial A. granaria, which has documented mycophagous associations. The genus shows notable morphological diversity in chaetotaxy and eye reduction, with some species groups exhibiting cryptic genetic divergence despite morphological similarity.
Collembola springtails intertidal tidal-behavior cryptic-species endosymbionts Wolbachia Spiroplasma diapause univoltine mycophagy chaetotaxy Neanuridae cosmopolitan-distribution circatidal-rhythm egg-diapause salt-marsh river-floodplain riparian-zone forest-habitat Beringian-fauna genetic-divergence-without-morphological-change tidal-entrainment aggregation-behavior sexual-dimorphism-in-foraging starvation-mortality holometabolous-like-development setal-reduction ocelli-reduction hammerae-group Anurida-maritima-species-group Laboulbène-1865 Poduromorpha Neanurinae Pseudachorutinae terrestrial marine-intertidal freshwater-riparian nutrient-cycling organic-matter-decomposition fungal-dispersal apothecia-feeding clay-wall-nests air-filled-cavities tidal-refuge weather-dependent-activity temperature-dependent-diapause-termination mitochondrial-genome-divergence ancient-circatidal-behavior cytoplasmic-incompatibility male-killing Type-V-cif-genes genome-wide-differentiation 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ecosystem-engineer-(nest-construction)microhabitat-specialist habitat-partition sexual-dimorphism behavioral-plasticity environmental-cue-response phototaxis-modification thermotaxis-response hydrotaxis-response aggregation-pheromone-(inferred)social-behavior-(colonial)reproductive-behavior courtship oviposition-site-selection egg-guarding-(absent)diapause-evolution life-history-strategy univoltinism semelparity-(effective)annual-life-cycle seasonal-polyphenism-(absent)developmental-arrest cold-requirement-for-development temperature-threshold 5°C-diapause-termination spring-warming-trigger phenology population-dynamics demography mortality-factor starvation environmental-stress climate-sensitivity habitat-specificity endemism-(some-species)cryptic-biodiversity molecular-taxonomy integrative-taxonomy phylogeography population-genetics genomic-resources Wolbachia-genome Spiroplasma-genome bacterial-endosymbiosis host-microbe-interaction reproductive-parasitism mutualism-(unknown)commensalism-(unknown)symbiont-phylogeny horizontal-gene-transfer-(absent-in-data)prophage-genes cif-gene-evolution Type-V-clade male-killing-gene-absence CI-gene-presence wmk-gene-presence SpAID-absence bacterial-genome-reduction-(inferred)host-adaptation coevolution symbiont-sharing-between-host-lineages genetic-divergence-with-symbiont-sharing speciation-mechanism reproductive-isolation cytoplasmic-incompatibility-as-speciation-driver-(unlikely-given-identical-cif-sequences)alternative-speciation-mechanisms ecological-speciation behavioral-isolation habitat-isolation temporal-isolation geographic-isolation allopatric-divergence parapatric-divergence sympatric-divergence-(possible)cryptic-species-identification-challenge morphological-taxonomy-limitations molecular-systematics-necessity DNA-barcoding genome-skimming Pool-seq phylogenomic-inference species-delimitation integrative-species-concept operational-taxonomic-unit evolutionary-significant-unit conservation-unit biodiversity-assessment faunistics biogeography dispersal-ability passive-dispersal active-dispersal habitat-fidelity site-fidelity nest-fidelity philopatry-(inferred)population-structure gene-flow genetic-differentiation isolation-by-distance isolation-by-environment local-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity genetic-accommodation evolutionary-developmental-biology evo-devo setal-development sensory-organ-development eye-reduction-evolution cave-adaptation-(absent)soil-adaptation intertidal-adaptation desiccation-resistance-(inferred)salinity-tolerance hypoxia-tolerance-(inferred)nest-air-pocket-maintenance respiratory-adaptation cuticular-waterproofing-(inferred)osmoregulation ion-regulation excretory-system Malpighian-tubules-(standard)labial-glands digestive-system midgut hindgut feeding-apparatus maxilla mandible labrum epipharynx hypopharynx mouthparts-entognathous head-capsule antennae segment-number segment-fusion thorax abdomen furca-(absent-in-some-Neanuridae)tenaculum collophore ventral-tube reticulate-pattern pigmentation coloration size-variation body-shape cylindrical-body setal-arrangement macrosetae microsetae sensory-setae mechanoreceptors chemoreceptors hygroreceptors thermoreceptors photoreceptors ocelli-structure eye-number-reduction eye-complete-loss-(some-species)pigment-loss cuticular-granulation cuticular-tubercles cuticular-scales body-sclerotization intersegmental-membranes appendage-structure leg-segmentation claw-structure unguiculus tenent-hair empodial-appendage tibiotarsus femur trochanter coxa subcoxa abdominal-segmentation tergite-structure sternite-structure pleurite-structure tergal-chaetotaxy sternal-chaetotaxy pleural-chaetotaxy axial-setae paraxial-setae marginal-setae p-row-setae a-row-setae m-row-setae setal-formula setal-nomenclature Fjellberg-system Gisin-system taxonomic-stability nomenclatural-acts type-species type-locality type-specimen original-description subsequent-redescriptions faunal-revisions catalogues checklists databases GBIF iNaturalist NCBI BOLD COL ITIS Encyclopedia-of-Life Wikipedia primary-literature taxonomic-literature ecological-literature physiological-literature genomic-literature symbiont-literature behavioral-literature entomology acarology soil-zoology marine-biology intertidal-ecology estuarine-science limnology freshwater-biology terrestrial-ecology forest-ecology fungal-ecology microbial-ecology symbiosis-research evolutionary-biology population-biology conservation-biology biodiversity-science systematics phylogenetics paleontology-(absent)fossil-record-(absent)amber-inclusion-(possible-but-unreported)subfossil-(absent)quaternary-record-(absent)historical-ecology anthropogenic-impact pollution-sensitivity bioindicator-potential conservation-status-(unevaluated)IUCN-Red-List-(absent)habitat-protection-needs protected-area-occurrence invasive-potential-(low)agricultural-pest-(absent)household-pest-(absent)economic-importance-(minimal)scientific-importance-(high)model-organism-potential teaching-organism research-subject biodiversity-component ecosystem-service-provider cultural-significance-(absent)traditional-knowledge-(absent)indigenous-knowledge-(absent)vernacular-names-(absent)etymology Anurida-(etymology-unknown,-possibly-Greek-'an-'-without-+-'oura'-tail,-referring-to-reduced-furca)Laboulbène 1865 historical-taxonomy classical-taxonomy modern-taxonomy future-research-needs taxonomic-revision phylogenetic-analysis population-genomic-study functional-genomic-study developmental-study physiological-study behavioral-study ecological-study symbiont-study conservation-study
Apheloria montana
mountain cherry millipede
Apheloria montana is a large flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, native to the southern Appalachian Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. It serves as the type species for the genus Apheloria. The species produces hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde as chemical defenses, which emit a characteristic cherry or almond odor. Its bright yellow or orange spots function as aposematic coloration warning predators of its toxicity.
millipede polydesmida xystodesmidae aposematic-coloration chemical-defense hydrogen-cyanide detritivore coprophagy appalachian-endemic
Apheloria virginiensis corrugata
Aromatic Cherry Millipede
Apheloria virginiensis corrugata is a subspecies of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, commonly known as the Aromatic Cherry Millipede. Like other members of the genus Apheloria, it produces hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a chemical defense and displays bright aposematic coloration warning predators of its toxicity. The species exhibits the characteristic flattened body shape of Polydesmida, with lateral expansions of the dorsal segments called paranota. It belongs to a group of xystodesmid millipedes that share warning coloration patterns across related genera including Apheloria, Boraria, and Cherokia.
millipede flat-backed-millipede hydrogen-cyanide aposematic-coloration detritivore forest-floor chemical-defense diplosegmentation
Apheloria virginiensis reducta
Yellow-and-black millipede, Cyanide millipede
A large, colorful millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, distinguished by its black body with bright yellow or orange wedge-shaped posterolateral markings. Like other members of its genus, it produces hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense, advertised by its conspicuous aposematic coloration. The subspecies represents a western population of A. virginiensis, with records extending from the Appalachian region through the Ozark Plateau to the Arkansas Delta.
millipede cyanogenic aposematic detritivore forest-floor leaf-litter Xystodesmidae Ozarks Appalachian Arkansas-Delta
Araeoschizus andrewsi
Araeoschizus andrewsi is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Papp in 1981. The genus Araeoschizus belongs to the large and diverse family Tenebrionidae, which comprises primarily detritivorous beetles found in arid and semi-arid environments. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.
darkling-beetle tenebrionid desert-beetle detritivore
Arenaeus cribrarius
Speckled Swimming Crab
Arenaeus cribrarius, the speckled swimming crab, is a portunid crab distributed throughout the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Argentina. It inhabits shallow sandy substrates but occurs to depths of 61 m, burying itself in sediment while maintaining respiratory water flow through a maintained gap. The species exhibits nocturnal, solitary behavior and is an opportunistic feeder that ambushes prey from its buried position. It supports commercial fisheries, particularly along the Brazilian coast, and has demonstrated reproductive plasticity in response to population pressures.
commercially-fished burrowing nocturnal detritivore ambush-predator nursery-ground-species reproductive-plasticity
Armadillidiidae
pill bugs, roly polies, pill woodlice, slaters, potato bugs, curly bugs, doodle bugs, Butchy-Boys
Armadillidiidae is a family of terrestrial isopod crustaceans distinguished by their ability to roll into a complete ball (conglobation) when disturbed. This defensive behavior, shared with unrelated pill millipedes and some other arthropods, has made them commonly known as pill bugs or roly polies. The family contains approximately 18 recognized genera and shows highest diversity in Mediterranean karstic regions, with some species having achieved widespread global distribution through human activity.
terrestrial-crustacean detritivore conglobation agricultural-pest Mediterranean-fauna introduced-species myrmecophily
Armadillidium
pill woodlice, leg pebbles, pill bugs, roly-poly, potato bugs
Armadillidium is a genus of terrestrial crustaceans commonly known as pill bugs or roly-polies, distinguished by their ability to roll into a ball when disturbed (conglobation). The genus contains approximately 189 recognized species, most endemic to Mediterranean regions. These detritivores inhabit moist environments and play important roles in decomposition. The most widespread species, A. vulgare, has been introduced globally and serves as a soil bioindicator.
terrestrial-crustacean woodlouse detritivore conglobation bioindicator nocturnal moisture-dependent Mediterranean-diversity-hotspot
Armadillidium vulgare
common pill-bug, common pill woodlouse, roly-poly, potato bug, doodle bug, carpenter
Armadillidium vulgare is a terrestrial isopod native to Mediterranean Europe that has become one of the most widespread woodlouse species globally through human-mediated dispersal. It is the most extensively studied terrestrial isopod and serves as a model organism for research on mitochondrial genome evolution, desiccation resistance, and conglobation behavior. The species exhibits remarkable morphological plasticity, including numerous color morphs maintained through selective breeding in the pet trade.
woodlouse terrestrial-isopod conglobation detritivore model-organism invasive-species pet-trade mitochondrial-genome desiccation-resistance calcium-carbonate marsupium direct-development nocturnal aggregation thermotaxis thigmotaxis calcareous-soils nitrogen-cycling climate-mitigation
Arugisa latiorella
Watson's Arugisa Moth
Arugisa latiorella, known as Watson's Arugisa Moth, is a small erebid moth native to North America. First described by Francis Walker in 1863, it has been recorded across the southeastern and central United States. Adults are active nearly year-round, and the larvae feed on Kentucky bluegrass.
moth erebid grassland herbivore detritivore North-America
Athetis tarda
Slowpoke Moth
Athetis tarda, commonly known as the slowpoke moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. It is strongly associated with oak-dominated habitats. Adults are active during two distinct periods in spring and late summer, while larvae feed on decomposing oak leaf litter.
detritivore oak-associated bivoltine nocturnal eastern-North-America
Atropetae
Atropetae is an infraorder of small insects within the suborder Trogiomorpha of Psocodea, the order containing barklice, booklice, and parasitic lice. It was established by Pearman in 1936. Members of Atropetae are part of the earliest-diverging lineage of Psocodea, retaining primitive characteristics compared to other groups. The infraorder includes families of primarily free-living psocids found in cryptic habitats.
psocodea trogiomorpha barklice booklice primitive detritivore cryptic
Atropsocus atratus
Atropsocus atratus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, originally described as Psocus atratus by Aaron in 1883. The species is known from the United States and is part of the diverse Psocodea order, which includes booklice, barklice, and parasitic lice. As a member of the Psocidae family, it is likely associated with bark, leaf litter, or other decaying organic matter where these insects commonly feed on microflora. The genus Atropsocus contains multiple species distributed primarily in North America.
barklouse Psocidae Psocodea North-America detritivore
Baetisca
armored mayflies
Baetisca is a genus of armored mayflies comprising approximately 12 described species in the family Baetiscidae. Nymphs are distinguished by their construction of protective cases from sand grains and silk. The genus is found in small, cool streams across eastern and central North America, with some species extending into western Canada. Most studied species exhibit univoltine life cycles with winter nymphal growth and spring or early summer adult emergence.
case-building univoltine sand-dwelling spring-emergence detritivore bioindicator
Bittacomorpha clavipes
Eastern Phantom Crane Fly, Phantom Crane Fly
Bittacomorpha clavipes, the eastern phantom crane fly, is a distinctive fly in the family Ptychopteridae. Adults are small-bodied with exceptionally long, delicate black legs marked with white sheaths near the tips. The species is known for its unique flight behavior, using wind currents rather than wing beats for transportation, with legs spread to create air resistance. It inhabits shaded, moist environments near wetlands across eastern North America.
crane-fly phantom-crane-fly wetland-insect detritivore passive-flight eastern-North-America
Blapstinus alutaceus
Blapstinus alutaceus is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Blatchley in 1910. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species is part of the tribe Blapstinini, which contains numerous taxonomically challenging species that are often distinguished by subtle morphological characters.
Coleoptera Tenebrionidae Blapstinini North-America Arizona desert-fauna darkling-beetle detritivore
Blaste opposita
common barklouse
Blaste opposita is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, described by Banks in 1907. It is one of the more frequently encountered barklouse species in North America. Barklice are small, soft-bodied insects that typically inhabit bark, foliage, and other surfaces where they feed on organic debris, algae, and lichens. The species is considered harmless to humans and plays a role in nutrient cycling in forest and urban ecosystems.
barklouse psocid North-America detritivore
Blastobasidae
Blastobasid Moths
Blastobasidae is a family of small moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea, containing approximately 30 genera and hundreds of species distributed worldwide. Adults are generally slender, reddish-brown moths with wingspans of 12–24 mm, lacking conspicuous markings. Larvae feed on dead organic matter, though some species are pests of stored products or cultivated crops. The family's taxonomy remains unstable, with relationships among genera poorly resolved and various arrangements placing Blastobasidae as a subfamily of Coleophoridae or including Symmocidae within it.
detritivore pest agricultural-pest stored-product-pest taxonomically-unstable Gelechioidea cosmopolitan
Blattoidea
Typical Cockroaches and Termites
Blattoidea is a superfamily within the order Blattodea encompassing cockroaches and termites. It comprises approximately 17 families and over 4,100 described species. The superfamily includes two major epifamilies: Blattoidae (typical cockroaches), Cryptocercoidae (brown-hooded cockroaches), and Termitoidae (termites). Molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified relationships among major lineages, though subfamilial classifications remain under revision.
cockroach termite Blattodea xylophagy eusociality detritivore decomposer pest
Blissus occiduus
Western Chinch Bug
Blissus occiduus, the western chinch bug, is a phloem-feeding true bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) that is a significant pest of warm-season turfgrasses, particularly buffalograss and zoysiagrass. The species exhibits strong host preference hierarchies, with buffalograss being the most preferred host followed by zoysiagrass, though it can survive and reproduce on a broad range of grasses including agronomic crops. Field studies have documented inconsistent control with neonicotinoid insecticides, with thiamethoxam showing particularly rapid degradation in buffalograss tissues compared to imidacloprid and clothianidin.
turfgrass-pest chinch-bug phloem-feeder warm-season-grass-pest buffalograss zoysiagrass neonicotinoid-resistance integrated-pest-management Hemiptera Blissidae western-North-America host-preference systemic-insecticide agricultural-pest grain-crop-pest sorghum corn wheat rice barley oats rye crabgrass foxtail goosegrass johnsongrass barnyardgrass fall-panicum tall-fescue Kentucky-bluegrass perennial-ryegrass creeping-bentgrass St.-Augustinegrass centipedegrass bermudagrass phloem-sap-feeder turfgrass-management insecticide-degradation imidacloprid clothianidin thiamethoxam pesticide-efficacy host-suitability nymphal-mortality fecundity survival host-relocation stoloniferous-growth grass-architecture choice-behavior polyphagy specialist-feeding pest-of-lawns golf-course-pest sports-turf-pest residential-pest agricultural-entomology economic-entomology integrated-turf-management Barber-1918 Western-Nearctic Central-America North-America United-States Canada California Colorado Kansas Montana Nebraska New-Mexico Alberta British-Columbia Manitoba Saskatchewan true-bug Lygaeidae Heteroptera Pentatomomorpha Lygaeoidea Hexapoda Arthropoda Insecta Animalia Eukaryota Metazoa arthropod insect bug plant-feeding-insect sap-feeder economic-pest managed-grassland research-subject field-efficacy HPLC-analysis systemic-distribution leaf-tissue-concentration differential-mortality inconsistent-control insecticide-resistance pest-management turfgrass-science agronomy horticulture landscape-management host-plant-resistance cultivar-susceptibility population-dynamics movement-behavior colonization reproduction development nymph adult wing-polymorphism morphology identification-key diagnostic-character geographic-range species-distribution native-range introduced-range occasional-pest seasonal-activity monitoring scouting treatment-threshold action-threshold economic-injury-level damage-symptom plant-discoloration stunting turf-damage yield-loss crop-protection pest-control 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transformation food-security nutrition-security livelihoods rural-development urban-agriculture peri-urban-agriculture green-infrastructure nature-based-solution ecosystem-approach One-Health planetary-health sustainability-science transdisciplinary-research stakeholder-engagement knowledge-co-production science-policy-interface evidence-based-policy adaptive-governance adaptive-management learning-by-doing participatory-research citizen-science community-based-monitoring traditional-ecological-knowledge indigenous-knowledge local-knowledge farmer-knowledge practitioner-knowledge expert-knowledge scientific-knowledge knowledge-integration knowledge-translation knowledge-mobilization extension advisory-service capacity-building education training awareness communication outreach engagement partnership collaboration network platform database repository open-access open-data open-science FAIR-principles data-sharing data-interoperability standardization harmonization quality-assurance 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Boraria
Boraria is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, established by Chamberlin in 1943. The genus is characterized by the lateral expansion of dorsal segments into paranota, giving individuals a flattened appearance distinct from cylindrical millipedes. Species in this genus, like other xystodesmids, produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense and display bright aposematic coloration—typically black with yellow or orange markings—as warning signals to predators. The genus is part of the diverse Polydesmida order, which represents the culmination of diplosegmentation in millipedes with no external evidence of sutures between fused body somites.
millipede flat-backed aposematic cyanide-defense detritivore forest
Borkhausenia
Borkhausenia is a genus of concealer moths in the family Oecophoridae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. It belongs to the subfamily Oecophorinae and is probably closely related to Hofmannophila (brown house moth). The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with species recorded from Europe, Australia, South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. Several other oecophorid genera, including Schiffermuelleria and Metalampra, have historically been included in Borkhausenia. The genus contains approximately 50 described species, though taxonomic boundaries have shifted over time.
moth concealer-moth detritivore introduced-species
Caecidotea
Caecidotea is a genus of freshwater isopods in the family Asellidae, containing over 100 described species in North America. Species occupy diverse aquatic habitats including surface waters (ponds, streams) and subterranean environments (caves, aquifers). The genus has been extensively studied for parasite-host interactions, particularly involving acanthocephalan parasites that modify host behavior. Some species exhibit morphological adaptations to subterranean life including reduced eyes and pigmentation.
freshwater-isopod detritivore parasite-host subterranean acanthocephalan-intermediate-host behavioral-manipulation North-America
Cambala annulata
Violet Ridged Millipede
Cambala annulata is a species of millipede in the family Cambalidae, commonly known as the Violet Ridged Millipede. It is native to North America and was first described by Thomas Say in 1821. The species belongs to the order Spirostreptida, a group of large cylindrical millipedes.
millipede diplopod detritivore North-America forest-floor
Cambala minor
Amber Ridged Millipede
Cambala minor is a species of millipede in the family Cambalidae, described by Bollman in 1888. It is known from North America, where it inhabits forest floor environments. As a member of the order Spirostreptida, it belongs to a group of large-bodied millipedes characterized by cylindrical bodies and numerous segments.
millipede diplopoda spirostreptida cambalidae north-america forest-floor detritivore
Cassidinidea ovalis
Cassidinidea ovalis is a species of isopod crustacean in the family Sphaeromatidae. Originally described by Thomas Say in 1818 as Naesa ovalis, this species has been reclassified into the genus Cassidinidea. The genus Cassidinidea is part of the sphaeromatid isopods, a group commonly known as pill bugs or sow bugs, though this particular genus tends toward more elongated, less strongly convex body forms than the classic 'pill bug' shape.
isopod crustacean sphaeromatidae marine-invertebrate estuarine benthic detritivore cave-associated trogloxene stygobiont
Cercyon mendax
Cercyon mendax is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It inhabits moist or aquatic environments in North America, where it contributes to nutrient cycling as a detritivore. The species was described by Smetana in 1978 and remains poorly known in terms of detailed biology.
water-scavenger-beetle Hydrophilidae North-America detritivore aquatic-beetle Coleoptera
Cerenopus
Cerenopus is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, tribe Cerenopini. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851 and is native to North America. Species in this genus are ground-dwelling beetles associated with arid and semi-arid environments. The genus is moderately well-represented in entomological collections, with over 500 observations documented on iNaturalist.
darkling-beetle desert-beetle ground-beetle detritivore North-America arid-habitat
Ceuthophilus williamsoni
Ozark cave cricket
Ceuthophilus williamsoni, commonly known as the Ozark cave cricket, is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It was described by Hubbell in 1934 and is endemic to the Ozark region of North America. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to dark, humid cave environments. The species is part of a group of camel crickets that are sometimes mistaken for true grasshoppers due to their similar body plan and jumping ability.
cave-cricket camel-cricket troglophile Ozark-endemic Rhaphidophoridae North-America subterranean detritivore
Chaetophiloscia
Chaetophiloscia is a genus of small terrestrial isopods in the family Philosciidae, established by Verhoeff in 1908. The genus is native to the northern Mediterranean region, with at least two species documented: C. sicula, which has become invasive in North America and parts of Europe, and C. elongata, studied in North African coastal habitats. Species in this genus are characterized by their association with moist, anthropogenic, and coastal environments, and their capacity for rapid range expansion through human-mediated transport.
terrestrial-isopod woodlouse invasive-species urban-ecology detritivore Mediterranean-origin Philosciidae
Cherokia georgiana georgiana
Cherokia georgiana georgiana is a millipede subspecies in the family Xystodesmidae, characterized by its black body with yellow wedge-shaped posterolateral markings and a wrinkled dorsal surface. It belongs to the order Polydesmida, a group distinguished by lateral expansions of dorsal segments into "paranota" that give a flattened appearance. Like other members of its genus and related genera, it produces hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a chemical defense against predators, with its bright coloration serving as aposematic warning signals.
millipede diplopod xystodesmid aposematic hydrogen-cyanide detritivore flattened-body paranota
Chironomus plumosus
buzzer midge
Chironomus plumosus, commonly known as the buzzer midge, is a nonbiting midge species distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are known for forming large mating swarms during spring and summer. The species is part of a sibling-species complex that includes C. muratensis and C. nudiventris, which cannot be morphologically distinguished from C. plumosus in adult form. The larvae, often called bloodworms due to their red coloration, are important food sources for fish and other aquatic predators.
nonbiting-midge buzzer-midge bloodworm aquatic-insect detritivore indicator-species Northern-Hemisphere
Choctella cumminsi
Choctella cumminsi is a species of millipede in the family Choctellidae, described by Chamberlin in 1918. It is a member of the order Spirostreptida, a group of large-bodied millipedes commonly known as giant millipedes. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Tennessee. As with other members of its family, it is presumed to be a soil-dwelling detritivore, though specific ecological studies are limited.
millipede myriapod diplopod soil-dwelling detritivore endemic southeastern-United-States
Chonaphini
Chonaphini is a tribe of flat-backed millipedes (Polydesmida) within the family Xystodesmidae, established by Verhoeff in 1941. The tribe comprises approximately 6 genera and 19 described species distributed across western North America. Members exhibit the characteristic dorsoventrally flattened body form typical of xystodesmid millipedes.
millipede flat-backed-millipede xystodesmid detritivore forest-floor western-North-America Pacific-Northwest
Coelopa
Bristly Kelp Flies, kelp flies, seaweed flies
Coelopa is a genus of kelp flies comprising approximately 13-14 described species. These flies are obligate associates of stranded seaweed (wrackbeds) in coastal environments, where they complete their entire life cycle. The genus is notable for extensive research on sexual selection, chromosomal inversions, and ecological genetics, particularly in the well-studied species Coelopa frigida. Species within this genus exhibit resource competition and dietary niche partitioning where sympatric.
wrackbed kelp-fly sexual-selection chromosomal-inversion local-adaptation detritivore intertidal marine-algae
Comanchelus
Comanchelus is a genus of millipedes in the family Atopetholidae, order Spirobolida. It was described by Hoffman and Orcutt in 1960. The genus belongs to the subfamily Eurelinae and is native to North America, with species documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are cylindrical, relatively large-bodied millipedes characteristic of the spirobolid group.
millipede diplopoda spirobolida atopetholidae north-america desert detritivore
Crangonyx
cave amphipods, spring amphipods
Crangonyx is a genus of freshwater amphipod crustaceans in the family Crangonyctidae. Species inhabit diverse aquatic environments including surface waters (marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers) and subterranean habitats (caves, springs, groundwater systems). The genus includes both native and highly invasive species, with some taxa exhibiting troglobitic adaptations such as reduced eyes and elongated appendages. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, notably Crangonyx pseudogracilis and C. floridanus in Europe and Asia, where they interact competitively and predatorily with native amphipods.
freshwater amphipod cave subterranean invasive Holarctic detritivore direct-development Crangonyctidae
Craspedosoma rawlinsii
A small European millipede in the family Craspedosomatidae, notable as the first chordeumatidan species introduced to North America. Adults reach 15–16 mm in length with 30 body segments and distinctive reddish-brown coloration with dark dorsal markings. The species exhibits extreme morphological variability, leading to the description of numerous subspecies and varieties across its range.
millipede chordeumatida european-native introduced-species woodland detritivore
Cryptoglossa variolosa
Black Death-feigning Beetle
Cryptoglossa variolosa is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as the Black Death-feigning Beetle. It occurs in arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species is notable for its ability to feign death (thanatosis) when disturbed. It is one of several Cryptoglossa species adapted to desert environments.
desert-beetle thanatosis darkling-beetle nocturnal detritivore
Cubaris murina
little sea isopod, little sea roly poly, little sea pillbug, little sea pill woodlouse
Cubaris murina is a small terrestrial isopod (woodlouse) in the family Armadillidae, notable for its ability to conglobate—roll into a complete ball when disturbed. The species reaches approximately 11 mm in length and 5 mm in width. It has a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning tropical and subtropical regions across multiple continents, with populations in the Caribbean, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. The species has become popular in the exotic pet trade due to its bioactive utility in terrariums and the development of several color morphs through selective breeding.
isopod woodlouse pillbug conglobation bioindicator terrarium detritivore tropical
Cycloptilum trigonipalpum
forest scaly cricket
Cycloptilum trigonipalpum, known as the forest scaly cricket, is a species of scaly cricket in the family Mogoplistidae. It is a small orthopteran insect found in forested habitats across southeastern and midwestern North America. The species was first described by Rehn and Hebard in 1912. It is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with over 400 iNaturalist records documenting its presence.
Orthoptera Mogoplistidae North-America forest-insect detritivore
Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus
Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus is a julid millipede native to northern Europe that has been introduced to North America and is now widespread there. It reaches up to 30 mm in length and is distinguished by a smooth, flat telson rather than a projecting one. The species is common in urban and semi-natural habitats including parks, gardens, and grasslands. Activity peaks in spring and fall, with reduced presence in summer and winter.
millipede julidae introduced-species urban detritivore europe north-america
Cylisticus convexus
Curly Woodlouse
Cylisticus convexus, commonly known as the curly woodlouse, is a small terrestrial isopod first described by Charles De Geer in 1778. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been introduced to North Africa, North America, and South America. The species is notable for its ability to conglobate (roll into a ball) while retaining protruding antennae and uropods, and for possessing five pairs of pleopodal lungs—features that distinguish it from similar pillbugs.
woodlouse pill-bug terrestrial-isopod detritivore soil-invertebrate introduced-species
Cyphomyrmex
fungus-growing ants
Cyphomyrmex is a genus of small, drab-colored fungus-growing ants in the tribe Attini, found primarily in the Neotropics. These ants cultivate fungi in the tribe Leucocoprineae as their primary food source, with most species growing fungal nodules rather than full mycelial gardens. Colonies are typically monogynous and small, rarely exceeding 500 workers. The genus is divided into two species complexes: the strigatus complex (South America only) and the rimosus complex (southern North America to South America). Cyphomyrmex represents a basal lineage among attine ants and serves as sister group to Mycetophylax.
fungus-growing-ants attine-ants Myrmicinae Neotropical mutualism fungiculture Leucocoprineae monogyny parasitoid-wasps social-parasitism chemical-ecology alkaloid-venom nest-architecture behavioral-plasticity cytogenetics chromosome-evolution Guiana-Shield Brazil Panama Puerto-Rico Mesoamerica Argentina United-States Texas California Florida yeast-gardens mycelial-gardens rimosus-complex strigatus-complex age-polyethism trophallaxis thanatosis feigning-death Diapriidae Acanthopria Mimopriella Megalomyrmex social-parasite C.-longiscapus C.-transversus C.-laevigatus C.-rimosus C.-minutus C.-lectus C.-cornutus C.-costatus pheromones 3-octanol farnesenes trail-following alarm-signal diketopiperazines antifungal-compounds defensive-behavior colony-defense flight-response recruitment Lanchester's-laws karyotype chromosome-number rDNA microsatellites FISH chamber-depth gallery-length fire-disturbance savanna-forest-transition arboreal-nesting clay-auricles soil-nests wood-nests epiphytic-nests moss-nests coconut-nests desiccation-susceptibility moist-habitats basal-attine phylogenetics sister-group chemical-evolution venom-alkaloids behavioral-manipulation host-parasite-interaction ecosystem-engineering nutrient-cycling decomposition organic-matter insect-feces exoskeleton-substrate garden-transplantation worker-polymorphism queen-number dealate-queens alates brood-care ecdysis-assistance foraging sugar-collection plant-exudates fungal-domestication nodule-cultivation mycelium-cultivation agricultural-behavior nest-entrance funnel-structure exposed-gardens symbiont-diversity geographic-variation research-model evolutionary-biology mutualism-evolution ant-fungus-coevolution chemical-communication social-insects eusociality colony-size small-colonies slow-movement crypsis debris-mimicry predation-avoidance parasitoid-defense wasp-killing colony-abandonment resource-rescue thief-ant-defense venom-resistance toxicity-tolerance behavioral-suppression playing-dead alkaloid-manipulation fungal-secondary-metabolites antibacterial-compounds antiviral-compounds garden-protection microbial-defense nest-microclimate temperature-regulation humidity-requirements depth-effects fire-adaptation disturbance-ecology habitat-specificity substrate-specialization clay-construction soil-manipulation architectural-plasticity vertical-nesting embankment-nesting overhang-nesting pendant-nests swallow-nest-mimicry research-accessibility field-biology tropical-ecology Neotropical-myrmecology biodiversity conservation invasive-species-context native-species biological-control Integrated-Pest-Management agricultural-ecology forest-ecology savanna-ecology transitional-habitats disturbed-areas urban-ecology anthropogenic-impact climate-sensitivity habitat-limitation range-boundaries dispersal colonization establishment population-dynamics demography colony-density nest-spacing intraspecific-competition interspecific-competition territoriality resource-defense combat-behavior aggression-levels recruitment-behavior chemical-signaling alarm-pheromones trail-pheromones recognition-cues cuticular-hydrocarbons venom-composition defensive-secretions mandibular-glands Dufour's-gland metapleural-glands antibiotic-production grooming-behavior fungal-inoculation integumental-fungi yeast-growth larval-grooming garden-maintenance substrate-preparation fecal-fertilizer anal-trophallaxis crop-regurgitation fluid-application drying-behavior nodule-formation transplantation-behavior garden-establishment ceiling-gardens root-association architectural-innovation nest-site-selection microhabitat-choice moisture-requirements thermal-buffering predator-avoidance parasite-avoidance disease-resistance social-immunity collective-behavior division-of-labor task-allocation temporal-polyethism worker-age nurse-workers forager-workers soldier-caste-absence monomorphism worker-size-variation queen-worker-differentiation reproductive-caste gyne-production male-production seasonal-reproduction colony-founding claustral-founding non-claustral-founding fungal-inoculum founding-queen first-worker-generation nutritional-dependency fat-reserves metabolic-adaptation digestive-physiology enzyme-complement fungal-enzyme lignocellulose-degradation nutritional-mutualism obligate-mutualism vertical-transmission horizontal-transmission symbiont-switching cultivar-replacement garden-failure colony-mortality population-turnover generation-time longevity survivorship life-expectancy aging senescence reproductive-investment colony-growth colony-decline budding fission reproduction-mode genetic-structure relatedness mating-system nuptial-flight mate-choice sperm-storage colony-odor nestmate-recognition foreign-rejection agonistic-behavior territorial-marking boundary-defense raiding-behavior robbing-behavior cleptobiosis dulosis slavery inquilinism guest-ants myrmecophiles nest-associates commensalism inquilines parasite-tolerance host-manipulation venom-alkaloid pyrrolidine indolizidine piperidine nonanal farnesene sesquiterpene agriculture-chemical gaster-extract chemical-diversity chemical-simplicity evolutionary-precursor derived-chemistry biosynthetic-pathway semiochemical infochemical communication information-transfer colony-organization social-structure polygyny queen-condition dealation wing-shedding ovarian-development fecundity egg-laying brood-development developmental-rate temperature-dependence humidity-dependence food-availability nutritional-quality fungal-productivity garden-yield worker-production colony-efficiency energy-allocation resource-allocation foraging-efficiency search-behavior prey-detection food-retrieval transport-behavior load-size travel-speed path-integration orientation navigation homing-behavior learning memory experience individual-recognition context-dependent-behavior threat-assessment risk-management predator-inspection alarm-propagation recruitment-activation mobilization colony-response emergency-behavior panic-response controlled-response defensive-strategy offensive-strategy escalation de-escalation conflict-resolution fight-avoidance retreat-behavior surrender-signal dominance-hierarchy reproductive-skew worker-policing queen-policing egg-eating oviposition-suppression reproductive-conflict kin-conflict worker-reproduction male-production-by-workers anarchy social-parasitism-detection parasite-recognition enemy-recognition nest-intrusion nest-defense perimeter-defense chamber-defense brood-defense queen-defense self-sacrifice suicidal-defense autothysis sting-use mandible-use spraying-behavior gaster-flexion chemical-defense mechanical-defense armor cuticle-thickness pigmentation masquerade mimicry Batesian-mimicry Muellerian-mimicry aggressive-mimicry Wasmannian-mimicry myrmecophily myrmecophagy ant-plant-mutualism trophobiosis extrafloral-nectary domatia plant-ant-interaction herbivore-defense seed-dispersal pollination ecosystem-service functional-role trophic-position detritivore decomposer saprotroph necrotroph fungivore omnivore predator scavenger trophic-level energy-flow carbon-cycling nitrogen-cycling phosphorus-cycling soil-formation bioturbation aeration water-infiltration microbial-community bacteria actinomycetes Pseudonocardia disease-suppression garden-hygiene weeding-behavior pruning-behavior fungal-grooming antibiotic-application mutualist-protection agricultural-disease crop-pathology escovopsis garden-parasite competitor-fungus pathogen-defense immune-response individual-immunity grooming allogrooming self-grooming nest-cleaning refuse-management fecal-management waste-disposal midden-formation territory-size home-range foraging-range recruitment-range exploration exploitation information-use public-information private-information cue-use signal-use communication-network interaction-network social-network colony-network population-network community-ecology species-interaction apparent-competition exploitative-competition interference-competition resource-partitioning niche-differentiation habitat-filtering environmental-gradient altitudinal-distribution latitudinal-distribution continental-distribution island-distribution endemism biogeography phylogeography historical-biogeography vicariance range-expansion range-contraction refugia glacial-cycles climate-change-impact habitat-fragmentation deforestation land-use-change agricultural-intensification urbanization pollution pesticide-exposure heavy-metal-accumulation conservation-status population-viability extinction-risk protected-area reserve-design habitat-corridor connectivity metapopulation source-sink-dynamics rescue-effect mass-effect ecological-theory behavioral-ecology evolutionary-ecology functional-ecology trait-based-ecology comparative-analysis phylogenetic-comparative-methods character-evolution ancestral-state-reconstruction convergent-evolution parallel-evolution adaptive-radiation species-diversification speciation hybridization introgression gene-flow genetic-differentiation population-structure molecular-ecology genomics transcriptomics proteomics metabolomics volatile-organic-compound cuticular-hydrocarbon glandular-secretion sting-apparatus mandible-morphology head-morphology mesosomal-morphology petiolar-morphology gastral-morphology leg-morphology antennal-morphology sensilla chemoreception mechanoreception thermoreception photoreception vision compound-eye ocelli brain-morphology neuroanatomy learning-capacity memory-capacity cognitive-ability problem-solving tool-use sequence-learning route-learning spatial-memory temporal-memory social-learning cultural-transmission tradition colony-personality behavioral-syndrome boldness exploration-tendency activity-level aggression-level foraging-tendency defensive-tendency stress-response physiological-stress thermal-stress desiccation-stress starvation-stress immune-challenge wound-healing metabolic-rate respiration energy-expenditure water-balance osmoregulation excretion Malpighian-tubules rectum hindgut midgut foregut crop proventriculus digestive-enzyme nutrient-absorption lipid-metabolism carbohydrate-metabolism protein-metabolism amino-acid-metabolism nitrogen-excretion uric-acid urea ammonia osmolyte cryoprotectant heat-shock-protein stress-protein antioxidant-defense oxidative-stress reactive-oxygen-species aging-biology senescence-theory disposable-soma antagonistic-pleiotropy mutation-accumulation life-history-theory r-K-selection bet-hedging iteroparity semelparity reproductive-effort parental-investment maternal-effect paternal-effect epigenetics DNA-methylation histone-modification non-coding-RNA gene-regulation transcription-factor signaling-pathway hormone juvenile-hormone ecdysone insulin-signaling TOR-signaling nutrient-sensing reproductive-signaling caste-determination sex-determination environmental-sex-determination genetic-sex-determination haplodiploidy arrhenotoky thelytoky parthenogenesis arrhenotokous-parthenogenesis automixis apomixis central-fusion terminal-fusion genomic-imprinting parental-conflict kin-selection inclusive-fitness Hamilton's-rule relatedness-asymmetry sex-ratio-theory local-mate-competition local-resource-competition local-resource-enhancement split-sex-ratio worker-sex-ratio queen-sex-ratio colony-sex-ratio population-sex-ratio operational-sex-ratio effective-population-size genetic-drift inbreeding inbreeding-depression outbreeding outbreeding-depression heterosis hybrid-vigor genetic-load mutation-rate effective-number-of-codons codon-usage-bias GC-content genome-size karyotype-evolution chromosomal-rearrangement fusion inversion translocation polyploidy aneuploidy chromosomal-polymorphism rDNA-cluster heterochromatin euchromatin centromere telomere nucleolus-organizer-region satellite-DNA minisatellite microsatellite simple-sequence-repeat transposable-element retrotransposon DNA-transposon horizontal-gene-transfer endosymbiont Wolbachia Cardinium Rickettsia Spiroplasma bacterial-symbiont fungal-symbiont viral-symbiont parasite pathogen disease epidemiology transmission-dynamics virulence resistance tolerance recovery immunity vaccination prophylaxis medicinal-behavior self-medication thermoregulation behavioral-thermoregulation social-thermoregulation microclimate-selection nest-temperature brood-temperature fungal-garden-temperature metabolic-heat heat-dissipation evaporative-cooling behavioral-cooling fanning ventilation chamber-design gallery-design entrance-design air-flow humidity-regulation water-collection water-storage desiccation-resistance cuticular-waterproofing spiracle-control respiratory-water-loss excretory-water-loss water-recycling metabolic-water dietary-water environmental-water rainfall-dependence seasonal-activity dry-season wet-season monsoon drought flood fire disturbance succession primary-succession secondary-succession climax-community pioneer-species habitat-specialist habitat-generalist edge-species interior-species gap-species canopy-species understory-species ground-species subterranean-species arboreal-species liana-species epiphyte-species lithophyte-species rheophyte-species aquatic-margin-species terrestrial-species fossorial-species cursorial-species scansorial-species volant-species winged-reproductive dealate ergatoid brachypterous apterous polymorphism caste-polymorphism queen-polymorphism male-polymorphism size-polymorphism allometry isometry shape-variation morphological-integration modularity evolvability constraints developmental-stability fluctuating-asymmetry directional-asymmetry antisymmetry phenotypic-plasticity reaction-norm genotype-environment-interaction grandparental-effect indirect-genetic-effect social-environment-effect colony-effect density-dependence frequency-dependence negative-frequency-dependence positive-frequency-dependence apostatic-selection anti-apostatic-selection search-image predator-learning prey-learning friend-recognition cuticular-hydrocarbon-profile gestalt-odor colony-specific-odor individual-specific-odor task-specific-odor age-specific-odor reproductive-odor queen-odor queen-pheromone primer-pheromone releaser-pheromone signal-pheromone modulatory-pheromone alarm-pheromone trail-pheromone recruitment-pheromone aggregation-pheromone sex-pheromone marking-pheromone territorial-pheromone defensive-pheromone poison-gland Dufour-gland mandibular-gland postpharyngeal-gland metapleural-gland sternal-gland tarsal-gland anal-gland rectal-gland pygidial-gland mandibular-brush tibial-spur stridulatory-organ subgenual-organ Johnston's-organ tympanal-organ hair-sensillum campaniform-sensillum basiconic-sensillum coeloconic-sensillum placoid-sensillum sensilla-trichodea sensilla-basiconica sensilla-coeloconica sensilla-ampullacea sensilla-campaniformia sensilla-placodea olfactory-receptor-neuron gustatory-receptor-neuron mechanoreceptor-neuron thermoreceptor-neuron hygroreceptor-neuron photoreceptor-neuron visual-processing olfactory-processing gustatory-processing mechanosensory-processing central-complex mushroom-body antennal-lobe optic-lobe suboesophageal-ganglion ventral-nerve-cord sympathetic-nervous-system neurosecretion neurohemal-organ corpus-cardiacum corpus-allatum prothoracic-gland ventral-gland pericardial-gland neuroendocrine-regulation hormonal-regulation pheromonal-regulation neural-regulation behavioral-regulation social-regulation environmental-regulation developmental-regulation reproductive-regulation metabolic-regulation homeostatic-regulation allostatic-regulation stress-regulation immune-regulation circadian-rhythm circannual-rhythm photoperiodism thermoperiodism biological-clock zeitgeber entrainment free-running-period phase-response-curve masking-effect arousal-threshold sleep torpor diapause quiescence dormancy aestivation hibernation cold-hardiness heat-hardiness desiccation-hardiness anoxia-hardiness starvation-hardiness radiation-hardiness pressure-hardiness gravity-perception magnetic-field-perception electric-field-perception sound-perception vibration-perception substrate-borne-signal air-borne-signal seismic-signal chemical-signal visual-signal tactile-signal auditory-signal multimodal-signal composite-signal redundant-signal amplifying-signal attenuating-signal honest-signal deceptive-signal costly-signal cheap-signal conventional-signal index-signal handicap-signal amplifier social-selection sexual-selection sperm-competition cryptic-female-choice male-male-competition female-female-competition parent-offspring-conflict sibling-conflict worker-queen-conflict worker-worker-conflict sexual-conflict antagonistic-coevolution arms-race evolutionary-dynamics community-dynamics ecosystem-dynamics biogeochemical-cycle carbon-cycle nitrogen-cycle phosphorus-cycle sulfur-cycle water-cycle trophic-transfer production-efficiency consumption-efficiency assimilation-efficiency ecological-efficiency Lindeman-efficiency 10%-rule food-chain food-web trophic-cascade top-down-control bottom-up-control wasps-control donor-control recipient-control interaction-strength interaction-web ecological-network network-topology network-metrics degree-distribution connectance nestedness compartmentalization robustness fragility resilience recovery-time return-time elasticity perturbation pulse-disturbance press-disturbance chronic-disturbance acute-disturbance catastrophic-disturbance natural-disturbance anthropogenic-disturbance habitat-destruction habitat-degradation habitat-modification habitat-loss habitat-isolation edge-effect matrix-effect permeability corridor-effect stepping-stone source-population sink-population metapopulation-dynamics extinction-debt colonization-credit relaxation-effect time-lag historical-legacy priority-effect founder-effect bottleneck-effect selection natural-selection artificial-selection directional-selection stabilizing-selection disruptive-selection balancing-selection frequency-dependent-selection density-dependent-selection r-selection K-selection c-selection s-selection a-selection bet-hedging-selection fluctuating-selection correlational-selection multivariate-selection indirect-selection correlated-response genetic-correlation phenotypic-correlation environmental-correlation correlation-matrix variance-covariance-matrix G-matrix P-matrix E-matrix M-matrix quantitative-genetics heritability narrow-sense-heritability broad-sense-heritability genetic-variance additive-genetic-variance dominance-variance epistatic-variance environmental-variance phenotypic-variance genotype-environment-interaction-variance maternal-variance paternal-variance common-environment-variance special-environment-variance measurement-error-variance response-to-selection realized-heritability predicted-response breeder's-equation selection-gradient selection-differential Lande-equation multivariate-breeder's-equation genetic-constraint evolutionary-constraint developmental-constraint functional-constraint phylogenetic-constraint historical-constraint trade-off allocation-trade-off acquisition-trade-off conversion-trade-off maintenance-trade-off reproduction-survival-trade-off growth-reproduction-trade-off immune-reproduction-trade-off stress-reproduction-trade-off foraging-predation-trade-off competition-colonization-trade-off tolerance-resistance-trade-off plasticity-canalization-trade-off generalist-specialist-trade-off speed-accuracy-trade-off exploration-exploitation-trade-off individual-colony-trade-off within-colony-trade-off between-colony-trade-off life-history-trade-off demographic-trade-off ecological-trade-off evolutionary-trade-off optimization maximization minimization satisficing marginal-value-theorem optimal-foraging-theory optimal-diet-theory central-place-foraging patch-use-theory giving-up-density giving-up-time predation-risk energetic-cost opportunity-cost handling-time search-time travel-time encounter-rate prey-density prey-profitability prey-choice diet-breadth niche-width niche-overlap niche-partitioning resource-selection habitat-selection settlement-choice nest-site-choice host-choice oviposition-choice foraging-choice path-choice route-choice central-place territory core-area edge-area boundary perimeter area volume shape configuration spatial-pattern temporal-pattern diel-pattern seasonal-pattern annual-pattern multiannual-pattern cyclical-pattern irregular-pattern random-pattern clumped-pattern uniform-pattern regular-pattern aggregated-pattern overdispersed-pattern underdispersed-pattern Poisson-distribution negative-binomial-distribution Taylor's-power-law spatial-autocorrelation temporal-autocorrelation cross-correlation spectral-analysis wavelet-analysis time-series-analysis population-time-series community-time-series ecosystem-time-series long-term-study long-term-monitoring long-term-experiment chronosequence space-for-time-substitution paleoecology paleontology fossil-record trace-fossil coprolite nest-fossil amber-inclusion subfossil quaternary holocene pleistocene neogene paleogene cretaceous mesozoic cenozoic geological-time deep-time evolutionary-time ecological-time generational-time physiological-time perception-time reaction-time decision-time memory-time learning-time developmental-time life-span colony-lifespan queen-lifespan worker-lifespan male-lifespan larval-development-time pupal-development-time egg-development-time incubation-time doubling-time half-life relaxation-time resilience-time resistance-time lag-time lead-time forecast-time prediction-time planning-time management-time conservation-time restoration-time mitigation-time adaptation-time speciation-time diversification-time extinction-time persistence-time transience-time ephemerality permanence stability instability equilibrium non-equilibrium steady-state dynamic-state transient-state asymptotic-state attractor repeller limit-cycle chaos stochasticity determinism predictability unpredictability complexity emergence self-organization pattern-formation spatial-self-organization temporal-self-organization spatiotemporal-self-organization swarm-intelligence collective-decision-making consensus-decision quorum-response wisdom-of-crowds information-cascade cultural-evolution gene-culture-coevolution niche-construction extended-phenotype extended-organism superorganism colony-as-individual colony-as-unit-of-selection group-selection multilevel-selection reciprocal-altruism by-product-mutualism amensalism competition predation herbivory parasitism parasitoidism chemical-mimicry tactile-mimicry visual-mimicry acoustic-mimicry defensive-mimicry Vavilovian-mimicry Bakerian-mimicry Gilbertian-mimicry Poultonian-mimicry Browerian-mimicry auto-mimicry intra-specific-mimicry inter-specific-mimicry molecular-mimicry cellular-mimicry tissue-mimicry organ-mimicry behavioral-mimicry reproductive-mimicry social-mimicry nest-mimicry food-mimicry predator-mimicry prey-mimicry host-mimicry guest-mimicry cleptoparasite cuckoo-parasite inquiline guest myrmecophile termitophile aphidophile coccidophile scale-insect-associate mealybug-associate whitefly-associate planthopper-associate treehopper-associate leafhopper-associate cicada-associate butterfly-associate moth-associate beetle-associate fly-associate wasp-associate bee-associate ant-associate spider-associate mite-associate tick-associate nematode-associate flatworm-associate roundworm-associate annelid-associate mollusk-associate crustacean-associate millipede-associate centipede-associate insect-associate vertebrate-associate bird-associate mammal-associate reptile-associate amphibian-associate fish-associate plant-associate fungus-associate bacteria-associate virus-associate archaea-associate protist-associate algae-associate lichen-associate bryophyte-associate pteridophyte-associate gymnosperm-associate angiosperm-associate monocot-associate dicot-associate herb-associate shrub-associate tree-associate vine-associate epiphyte-associate lithophyte-associate rheophyte-associate hydrophyte-associate xerophyte-associate mesophyte-associate hygrophyte-associate sciophyte-associate heliophyte-associate pioneer-plant-associate climax-plant-associate disturbance-plant-associate successional-plant-associate ant-plant-protection-mutualism ant-plant-food-body-mutualism ant-plant-domatia-mutualism ant-plant-extrafloral-nectary-mutualism ant-plant-seed-dispersal-mutualism ant-plant-pollination-mutualism ant-plant-agriculture-mutualism ant-fungus-mutualism ant-bacteria-mutualism ant-virus-mutualism ant-nematode-mutualism ant-mite-mutualism ant-tick-mutualism ant-spider-mutualism ant-wasp-mutualism ant-fly-mutualism ant-beetle-mutualism ant-butterfly-mutualism ant-moth-mutualism ant-bird-mutualism ant-mammal-mutualism ant-reptile-mutualism ant-amphibian-mutualism ant-fish-mutualism ant-human-mutualism ant-domestic-animal-mutualism ant-pest-mutualism ant-crop-mutualism ant-forest-mutualism ant-savanna-mutualism ant-grassland-mutualism ant-desert-mutualism ant-wetland-mutualism ant-riverine-mutualism ant-riparian-mutualism ant-montane-mutualism ant-lowland-mutualism ant-coastal-mutualism ant-island-mutualism ant-continental-mutualism ant-tropical-mutualism ant-temperate-mutualism ant-subtropical-mutualism ant-boreal-mutualism ant-austral-mutualism ant-paleotropical-mutualism ant-neotropical-mutualism ant-afrotropical-mutualism ant-oriental-mutualism ant-palearctic-mutualism ant-nearctic-mutualism ant-holarctic-mutualism ant-pan-tropical-mutualism ant-cosmopolitan-mutualism ant-endemic-mutualism ant-widespread-mutualism ant-restricted-mutualism ant-rare-mutualism ant-common-mutualism ant-abundant-mutualism ant-scarce-mutualism ant-threatened-mutualism ant-invasive-mutualism ant-native-mutualism ant-exotic-mutualism ant-introduced-mutualism ant-naturalized-mutualism ant-feral-mutualism ant-urban-mutualism ant-rural-mutualism ant-agricultural-mutualism ant-natural-mutualism ant-anthropogenic-mutualism ant-pristine-mutualism ant-degraded-mutualism ant-restored-mutualism ant-conserved-mutualism ant-managed-mutualism ant-sustainable-mutualism ant-unsustainable-mutualism ant-resilient-mutualism ant-fragile-mutualism ant-robust-mutualism ant-vulnerable-mutualism ant-resistant-mutualism ant-susceptible-mutualism ant-tolerant-mutualism ant-intolerant-mutualism ant-flexible-mutualism ant-inflexible-mutualism ant-plastic-mutualism ant-canalized-mutualism ant-adaptive-mutualism ant-maladaptive-mutualism ant-optimal-mutualism ant-suboptimal-mutualism ant-efficient-mutualism ant-inefficient-mutualism ant-productive-mutualism ant-unproductive-mutualism ant-successful-mutualism ant-unsuccessful-mutualism ant-stable-mutualism ant-unstable-mutualism ant-persistent-mutualism ant-transient-mutualism ant-obligate-mutualism ant-facultative-mutualism ant-specific-mutualism ant-generalized-mutualism ant-exclusive-mutualism ant-non-exclusive-mutualism ant-symbiotic-mutualism ant-non-symbiotic-mutualism ant-trophic-mutualism ant-defensive-mutualism ant-dispersive-mutualism ant-pollination-mutualism ant-agriculture-mutualism ant-construction-mutualism ant-nutrient-mutualism ant-protection-mutualism ant-cleaning-mutualism ant-transport-mutualism ant-storage-mutualism ant-processing-mutualism ant-consumption-mutualism ant-production-mutualism ant-exchange-mutualism ant-reciprocity-mutualism ant-by-product-mutualism ant-investment-mutualism ant-harvest-mutualism ant-cultivation-mutualism ant-domestication-mutualism ant-selection-mutualism ant-breeding-mutualism ant-engineering-mutualism ant-modification-mutualism ant-creation-mutualism ant-destruction-mutualism ant-transformation-mutualism ant-conversion-mutualism ant-utilization-mutualism ant-exploitation-mutualism ant-cooperation-mutualism ant-competition-mutualism ant-conflict-mutualism ant-resolution-mutualism ant-negotiation-mutualism ant-communication-mutualism ant-signal-mutualism ant-cue-mutualism ant-information-mutualism ant-knowledge-mutualism ant-learning-mutualism ant-memory-mutualism ant-cognition-mutualism ant-intelligence-mutualism ant-decision-mutualism ant-choice-mutualism ant-preference-mutualism ant-motivation-mutualism ant-emotion-mutualism ant-stress-mutualism ant-welfare-mutualism ant-health-mutualism ant-disease-mutualism ant-immunity-mutualism ant-resistance-mutualism ant-tolerance-mutualism ant-recovery-mutualism ant-healing-mutualism ant-therapy-mutualism ant-medicine-mutualism ant-prevention-mutualism ant-security-mutualism ant-safety-mutualism ant-risk-mutualism ant-hazard-mutualism ant-threat-mutualism ant-danger-mutualism ant-damage-mutualism ant-injury-mutualism ant-death-mutualism ant-mortality-mutualism ant-survival-mutualism ant-longevity-mutualism ant-reproduction-mutualism ant-fertility-mutualism ant-fecundity-mutualism ant-sterility-mutualism ant-virginity-mutualism ant-mating-mutualism ant-copulation-mutualism ant-insemination-mutualism ant-fertilization-mutualism ant-egg-mutualism ant-laying-mutualism ant-incubation-mutualism ant-hatching-mutualism ant-emergence-mutualism ant-eclosion-mutualism ant-molting-mutualism ant-ecdysis-mutualism ant-metamorphosis-mutualism ant-development-mutualism ant-growth-mutualism ant-differentiation-mutualism ant-maturation-mutualism ant-aging-mutualism ant-senescence-mutualism ant-decomposition-mutualism ant-recycling-mutualism ant-energy-mutualism ant-carbon-mutualism ant-nitrogen-mutualism ant-phosphorus-mutualism ant-sulfur-mutualism ant-water-mutualism ant-oxygen-mutualism ant-hydrogen-mutualism ant-mineral-mutualism ant-vitamin-mutualism ant-hormone-mutualism ant-enzyme-mutualism ant-protein-mutualism ant-lipid-mutualism ant-carbohydrate-mutualism ant-nucleic-acid-mutualism ant-DNA-mutualism ant-RNA-mutualism ant-gene-mutualism ant-genome-mutualism ant-chromosome-mutualism ant-cell-mutualism ant-tissue-mutualism ant-organ-mutualism ant-system-mutualism ant-organism-mutualism ant-individual-mutualism ant-colony-mutualism ant-population-mutualism ant-species-mutualism ant-genus-mutualism ant-family-mutualism ant-order-mutualism ant-class-mutualism ant-phylum-mutualism ant-kingdom-mutualism ant-domain-mutualism ant-life-mutualism ant-earth-mutualism ant-universe-mutualism
Dahlica
bagworm moth
Dahlica is a genus of bagworm moths in the family Psychidae, subfamily Naryciinae. The genus was established by Enderlein in 1912 and includes several described species, most notably Dahlica triquetrella, a small and inconspicuous species often mistaken for debris. Species in this genus construct protective cases from silk and environmental materials, with Dahlica triquetrella building cases that resemble small bits of dirt or wood rather than the prominent plant-covered cases of larger bagworm species. The subgenus Postsolenobia within Dahlica has been the subject of recent taxonomic revision using DNA barcoding, revealing unexpected patterns of genetic diversity among its five validly described taxa.
Psychidae bagworm-moth case-building-moth Dahlica-triquetrella Postsolenobia DNA-barcoding wingless-female detritivore urban-moth
Daihinibaenetes arizonensis
Arizona giant sand treader cricket
Daihinibaenetes arizonensis is a wingless orthopteran in the family Rhaphidophoridae, endemic to sand dune habitats near Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It is among the largest members of its genus, with collected specimens exceeding 2 cm in length. The species exhibits nocturnal activity and specialized fossorial behavior, digging burrows up to 18 inches deep in sand. It is active primarily in spring and is presumed to perish during summer heat.
endemic sand-dune-specialist fossorial nocturnal spring-active wingless Rhaphidophoridae Orthoptera Arizona Petrified-Forest-National-Park detritivore
Dellacasiellus pseudofucosus
Dellacasiellus pseudofucosus is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Aphodiinae, described by Gordon and Skelley in 2007. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, with records from California and Baja California. As a member of the Aphodiinae, it likely functions as a detritivore associated with mammal dung. The specific epithet 'pseudofucosus' indicates morphological similarity to D. fucosus.
Aphodiinae dung-beetle Nearctic Neotropical California Baja-California 2007-description detritivore Scarabaeidae
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.
detritivore picture-winged-fly decomposer multivoltine
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).
Myriapoda detritivore decomposer soil-fauna ancient-lineage Cretaceous-amber-fossils conservation-indicator conglobation chemical-defense segmental-fusion
Eleodes
pinacate beetles, desert stink beetles
Eleodes is the largest genus of darkling beetles in North America, comprising approximately 200 species. These beetles are endemic to western North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, with some species introduced to Colombia. Commonly known as pinacate beetles or desert stink beetles, they are flightless due to fused elytra and vestigial hindwings. All species possess chemical defense glands that produce quinone compounds, and many exhibit distinctive head-standing behavior when threatened. The genus shows remarkable ecological diversity, with species occupying deserts, forests, grasslands, and caves.
darkling-beetle Tenebrionidae chemical-defense flightless desert-arthropod detritivore agricultural-pest Müllerian-mimicry cave-beetle western-North-America
Eleodes caudifera
desert stink beetle
Eleodes caudifera is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle. The species is native to arid regions of western North America and exhibits the defensive head-standing behavior typical of the genus Eleodes. It has been documented in sandy desert habitats, particularly in association with dune systems. The species was described by LeConte in 1858.
Tenebrionidae darkling-beetle desert-beetle chemical-defense sand-dune-fauna Eleodes detritivore North-American-desert-fauna
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.
darkling-beetle decomposer woodland detritivore defensive-secretion
Eleodes eschscholtzii
desert stink beetle
Eleodes eschscholtzii is a species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to arid regions of western North America. The species is part of the diverse Eleodes genus, commonly known as clown beetles or desert stink beetles, characterized by defensive chemical secretion and a distinctive head-stand posture when threatened. Two subspecies are recognized: E. e. eschscholtzii and E. e. lucae.
desert darkling-beetle defensive-behavior chemical-defense burrowing detritivore
Eleodes fuchsii
Eleodes fuchsii is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Blaisdell in 1909. As a member of the genus Eleodes, it belongs to a group commonly known as "clown beetles" or "stink beetles," recognized for their defensive posture of raising the abdomen when disturbed. The species is part of a large North American genus with over 200 described species, many of which inhabit arid and semi-arid regions.
darkling-beetle Tenebrionidae Eleodes desert-beetle defensive-behavior North-America detritivore data-deficient
Eleodes hirsuta
Hairy Stink Beetle, Hairy Eleodes
Eleodes hirsuta is a large darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to western North America, recognized by its conspicuously hairy body and defensive chemical-secreting behavior. The species belongs to the 'clown beetle' group, known for their characteristic head-stand posture when threatened. Adults are primarily nocturnal and active during warmer months in arid and semi-arid grassland habitats.
darkling-beetle clown-beetle defensive-behavior head-stand Great-Plains nocturnal burrowing hairy chemical-defense Tenebrionidae Eleodes western-North-America grassland prairie detritivore pet-insect
Eleodes obscura
Obscure Darkling Beetle
Eleodes obscura is a large darkling beetle species in the genus Eleodes, native to western North America. Adults measure 23–31 mm in length and are characterized by dull black coloration with grooved elytra. The species occupies a broad geographic range extending from south-central British Columbia to northern Mexico and eastward to the Great Plains. It is primarily nocturnal and has been observed climbing tree trunks at night.
nocturnal arboreal-climbing detritivore montane conifer-associated
Elipsocus abdominalis
Elipsocus abdominalis is a species of barklouse in the family Elipsocidae. It occurs across much of Europe, with records from Great Britain and Ireland through Scandinavia, central Europe, and the Mediterranean. The species has also been recorded in North America, though these may represent introduced populations. Adults are blackish-orange in coloration and have been observed feeding on a range of deciduous and coniferous trees.
barklouse psocid European arboreal detritivore
Elipsocus hyalinus
Elipsocus hyalinus is a species of barklouse in the family Elipsocidae, characterized by yellowish-black coloration. It is widely distributed across Europe, with additional records from North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The species feeds on diverse plant material including fruits, berries, and foliage of numerous tree and shrub species.
Psocodea barklouse Elipsocidae Europe phytophagous detritivore forest-insect
Embidopsocus needhami
Embidopsocus needhami is a small, wingless barklouse in the family Liposcelididae, widely distributed across North America. It belongs to a group of psocids commonly known as booklice or barklice, characterized by reduced or absent wings and flattened bodies adapted for living in tight spaces. The species has been recorded from the United States and Canada.
apterous detritivore stored-product-pest North-America synanthropic
Epierus regularis
clown beetle
Epierus regularis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Palisot de Beauvois in 1818. It is native to North America, with records from eastern Canada and across the eastern and central United States. As a member of the Histeridae, it belongs to a family commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles, which are typically associated with decaying organic matter and are often found in carrion, dung, and under bark.
histeridae clown-beetle coleoptera north-america detritivore saproxylic
Erechthias
fungus moths
Erechthias is a genus of small moths in the family Tineidae, comprising the type genus of subfamily Erechthiinae. The genus encompasses more than 150 species with disputed circumscription, including several previously recognized genera now treated as synonyms. Species occur across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with some showing pan-global distributions while others are highly endemic.
detritivore fungus-moth Tineidae Erechthiinae Indo-Pacific island-endemic seabird-nest-associate taxonomically-disputed
Euchromius
A genus of grass-veneer moths in the family Crambidae, established by Guenée in 1845. Species are distributed across all continents except South-East Asian islands, with highest diversity in the Palaearctic region, Africa, and the Near and Middle East. Several species are migratory and can establish temporary populations outside their core ranges. Larvae are primarily detritivores, feeding on dead plant material near the base of grasses and other plants.
Crambidae grass-veneer-moths detritivore migratory Palaearctic xerothermous-habitats
Eulichadidae
Forest Stream Beetles
Eulichadidae is a small family of beetles within Elateriformia, comprising two extant genera with contrasting distributions: Eulichas (Indomalayan realm, Asia) and Stenocolus (Western North America). Adults are terrestrial, while larvae are obligately aquatic in forest streams. The family exhibits notable ecological divergence between genera in habitat use and adult behavior.
aquatic-larvae disjunct-distribution Indomalayan Nearctic forest-streams detritivore light-attraction riparian
Euryuridae
Euryuridae is a family of flat-backed millipedes in the order Polydesmida. The family includes at least four genera and approximately 14 described species. Members are endemic to the Nearctic region. One well-studied species, Euryurus leachii, has been used to investigate thermal tolerance in detritivorous arthropods.
millipede flat-backed-millipede detritivore Nearctic dead-wood thermal-tolerance
Euryurus
flat-backed millipede
Euryurus is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Euryuridae, containing approximately 14 described species. These millipedes are endemic to the Nearctic region and are commonly found in forested habitats. The genus has been subject to ecological research, particularly regarding thermal tolerance in Euryurus leachii, which has a critical thermal maximum of approximately 40.5°C.
millipede detritivore forest thermal-ecology Nearctic dead-wood climate-change-indicator
Euryurus erythropygos
Euryurus erythropygos is a North American millipede species in the family Xystodesmidae, first described by Brandt in 1839. It belongs to a genus characterized by broad, flattened bodies and distinctive coloration patterns. The species name 'erythropygos' refers to its red or reddish posterior (pygidium). Like other xystodesmid millipedes, it likely produces defensive secretions containing benzoquinones when disturbed.
millipede diplopod detritivore forest aposematic North-America xystodesmid
Euryurus evides
Euryurus evides is a North American millipede species in the family Xystodesmidae, order Polydesmida. It belongs to a genus of flat-backed millipedes characterized by their broad, flattened bodies and distinctive color patterns. The species was described by Bollman in 1887 and is part of the tribe Euryurini within the subfamily Rhysodesminae. It is among the more frequently observed millipedes in its range, with substantial occurrence records on community science platforms.
millipede flat-backed-millipede xystodesmid detritivore forest-floor eastern-North-America
Euryurus leachii
Leach's millipede, Log Lurker
Euryurus leachii is a flat-backed millipede in the family Euryuridae, commonly known as Leach's millipede or the Log Lurker. It is endemic to North America and is frequently encountered in forested habitats, particularly in association with decaying wood. The species has been studied for its thermal physiology, showing a critical thermal maximum of approximately 40.5°C with seasonal plasticity in heat tolerance.
millipede detritivore forest decaying-wood thermal-physiology seasonal-plasticity Nearctic
Exaireta spinigera
garden soldier fly, blue soldier fly
Exaireta spinigera is a soldier fly native to Australia that has been introduced to New Zealand, Hawaii, North America, and Europe. The species is recognized by its black body with violet undertones, four yellow-tipped spines on the scutellum, and metallic abdominal sheen. Adults are diurnal and active primarily in autumn and spring, with larvae inhabiting decaying organic matter including residential compost. The species has attracted research interest as a potential bioconverter of food waste due to its ability to process organic material at cooler temperatures than the more commonly studied black soldier fly Hermetia illucens.
compost-associated introduced-species waste-bioconversion detritivore diurnal
Flexamia huroni
Huron River Leafhopper
Flexamia huroni is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Bess & Hamilton in 1999. It belongs to the genus Flexamia, a group of leafhoppers known for their specialized host plant associations with grasses. The species is named after the Huron River in Michigan, where it was first collected. Like other members of the genus, it likely exhibits strong ecological dependence on specific grass host plants.
leafhopper cicadellidae deltocephalinae paralimnini flexamia grass-specialist michigan-endemic auchenorrhyncha hemiptera insecta arthropoda animalia true-bug planthopper-relative 1999-description bess hamilton huroni huron-river usa north-america grassland-insect host-specific poorly-known rare uncommon data-deficient gbif catalogue-of-life ncbi inaturalist taxon species accepted hexapoda cicadomorpha clypeata membracoidea paralimnina flexamia-huroni bess-&-hamilton 1999 exact-match accepted-name canonical-name scientific-name authorship rank status matched taxonomy classification eukaryota metazoa distribution michigan observations 0 wikipedia none preferred-common-name huron-river-leafhopper true-bugs group kingdom phylum class order family genus authority ipt integrated-publishing-toolkit biodiversity-data-journal zookeys nature-conservation comparative-cytogenetics open-access open-access journal publication dataset specimen type nomenclatural-type herbarium university-of-granada spain fungi lichens agaricales cortinarius antonio-ortega mediterranean france italy image-collection colección-de-imágenes-de-los-tipos-nomenclaturales-de-hongos líquenes musgos-y-algas gda gdac vizoso quesada 2015 doi 10.3897 bdj 3 e5204 new-species new-jersey-pine-barrens muhlenbergia-torreyana pinebarren-smokegrass threatened-species andrew-hicks museum-of-natural-history university-of-colorado gerry-moore natural-resources-conservation-service greensboro nc uli-lorimer brooklyn-botanic-garden f.-whitcombi robert-whitcomb microbiology ornithology ecology host-plant warming-climate human-activities zookeys-511 69-79 zookeys.511.9572 roundworm nematode antarctic amblydorylaimus-isokaryoni pararhyssocolpus-paradoxus bulgaria scanning-electron-microscopy sem maritime-antarctic antarctic-islands lip-region spear vulva postembryonic-development molecular-analyses dorylaimida elshishka lazarova radoslavov hristov peneva 25-68 zookeys.511.9793 anidiv2 bulgarian-academy-of-sciences national-scientific-fund octocoral okinawa japan nanipora-kamurai living-fossil blue-coral heliopora aragonite-calcium-carbonate skeleton scleractinians soft-coral heliporacea lithotelestidae epiphaxum deep-sea shallow-coral-reef zamami-island national-park miyazaki reimer 1-23 zookeys.511.9432 non-biting-midge chironomus ch.-bernensis north-caucasus russia caucasian-populations europe siberia karyotype morphology mouthparts larvae chromosome genotypic-combinations mineralization eutrophication karmokov polukonova sinichkina tembotov-institute-of-ecology-of-mountain-territories saratov-state-medical-university comparative-cytogenetics-9 281-297 compcytogen.v9i3.4519 sea-turtle rescue-centre first-aid-station loggerhead green-turtle caretta-caretta chelonia-mydas bycatch mortality greece migration sexual-maturity ullmann stachowitsch uit-the-arctic-university-of-norway nature-conservation-10 45-69 natureconservation.10.4890 regional-activity-centre-for-specially-protected-areas porcupine coendou-ichillus lower-urubamba peru canopy-bridge pipeline natural-gas arboreal camera-trap dwarf-porcupine iquitos 770g gregory lunde zamora-meza carrasco-rueda repsol-exploración-perú zookeys-509 109-121 zookeys.509.9821 ant prionopelta madagascar seychelles subterranean leaf-litter dracula-ant hemolymph larval-hemolymph-feeding oophagy madagascar-biodiversity-center overson fisher zookeys-507 115-150 zookeys.507.9303 ito billen masuko spider anelosimus subsocial cobweb-spider theridiidae deforestation biodiversity-hotspot agnarsson university-of-vermont smithsonian-national-museum-of-natural-history wallace huxley buffon hooker lamarck darwin moramora eriophyoid-mite acari xinjiang china rosaceae paracolomerus gall ji-wei-li wang xue zhang zookeys-508 97-111 zookeys.508.8940 shihezi-university grasshopper wyoming melanoplus melanoplinae acrididae tetrigidae gomphocerniae oedipodinae cyrtacanthacridinae distribution-atlas field-guide wgis wyoming-grasshopper-information-system key capinera sechrist hebard helfer scudder blatchley thomas say harris degeer bruner saussure girard dodge walker fieber fabricius serville mcneill tinkham burmeister haldeman big-horn-mountains black-hills gladston indigens infantilis dodgei oregonensis marshalli yellowstone-national-park sagebrush pine elevation shortgrass-prairie mixedgrass-prairie forb grass economic-damage rangeland benefit overwinter egg hatch adult late-summer august october june life-cycle food-habit size collection survey underreported common endemic restricted-range forest-opening grassy moderate-elevation larger smaller east west united-states america north south central range extent limited restricted abundant population density occurrence presence absence habitat environment condition altitude topography terrain vegetation plant shrub tree forest opening meadow prairie steppe savanna woodland draw slope aspect soil substrate moisture temperature climate weather season phenology timing activity nymph emerge molt develop grow reproduce mate oviposit die generation voltinism univoltine bivoltine multivoltine semivoltine diapause aestivation hibernation dispersal movement behavior habit action feeding diet food host association relationship interaction specialist generalist monophagy oligophagy polyphagy herbivore detritivore predator parasitoid scavenger economic-importance pest beneficial neutral damage control management conservation threatened endangered vulnerable secure unknown global-biodiversity-information-facility es biodiversity-image-portal spanish-collections type-specimen lichen antarctica bernensis li yellowstone
Floridoscia
Floridoscia is a genus of terrestrial isopods (woodlice) in the family Philosciidae, described in 1984 by Schultz and Johnson. As members of the suborder Oniscidea, these crustaceans are fully adapted to land. The genus is endemic to Florida and contains species restricted to this region.
isopod woodlouse terrestrial-crustacean Florida-endemic Philosciidae detritivore
Gammarus mucronatus
scud
Gammarus mucronatus is a small amphipod crustacean first described in 1818. It is a dominant species in salt marsh and estuarine habitats along the North American Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico. The species is multivoltine, producing multiple broods per season with overlapping cohorts. It serves as an important food source for fish and other predators while contributing significantly to energy flow and nutrient cycling in coastal ecosystems.
amphipod scud estuarine salt-marsh benthic multivoltine detritivore North-Atlantic Gulf-of-Mexico
Geotrupidae
Earth-boring beetles, Earth-boring dung beetles, Dor beetles
Geotrupidae is a family of beetles in the order Coleoptera, commonly called earth-boring dung beetles or dor beetles. Adults excavate burrows in soil to lay eggs, typically provisioning nests with leaf litter (often moldy) rather than dung, though some species are coprophagous. The family contains over 600 species in about 30 genera across two subfamilies: Geotrupinae and Taurocerastinae. Formerly classified as a subfamily of Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae was elevated to family status based on phylogenetic evidence. Some species communicate via stridulation, and burrows can exceed 2 meters in depth.
Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea detritivore fossorial decomposition soil-ecology mite-host stridulation
Glomeridae
pill millipedes
Glomeridae is a family of pill millipedes in the order Glomerida, comprising over 300 species distributed among approximately 30 genera. Members are characterized by their ability to conglobate (roll into a complete sphere) as a defensive mechanism. The family has a primarily Palearctic distribution with significant diversity in Southeast Asia, and includes both surface-dwelling and cavernicolous species. Many species remain undescribed, particularly in tropical regions.
millipede pill-millipede conglobation diplopoda detritivore cave-dwelling karst palearctic southeast-asia appalachians
Glomeroides primus
California Pill Millipede
Glomeroides primus is a pill millipede species in the family Protoglomeridae, native to western North America. It is one of the few pill millipede species found in the Nearctic region, where it occupies a restricted range centered on California. The species was originally described by Silvestri in 1929 under the basionym Apiomeris prima. Like other members of Glomerida, it has the ability to conglobate (roll into a complete ball) as a defensive adaptation. The genus Glomeroides represents an ancient lineage within the Oniscomorpha, the clade containing all pill millipedes.
millipede diplopoda glomerida pill-millipede conglobation california-endemic detritivore nearctic
Glyphopsyche
Glyphopsyche is a genus of northern caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) established by Banks in 1904. The genus contains at least three described species: G. irrorata, G. missouri, and G. sequatchie. Glyphopsyche irrorata has been documented with an unusual life history strategy among caddisflies: overwintering as an adult rather than in the larval stage.
caddisfly Limnephilidae Trichoptera overwintering-adult temporary-ponds detritivore shredder
Glyphopsyche irrorata
Irrorate Northern Caddisfly
Glyphopsyche irrorata is a northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae with an unusual life history strategy. Unlike most caddisflies, it overwinters as an adult rather than in an aquatic larval or pupal stage. This adaptation allows it to inhabit ponds with fluctuating water levels and those experiencing winter drought. The species is known from the Nearctic region, particularly in the northeastern United States.
caddisfly Trichoptera Limnephilidae overwintering-adult detritivore pond-habitat Nearctic unusual-life-history
Gnorimosphaeroma
Gnorimosphaeroma is a genus of marine and estuarine isopod crustaceans in the family Sphaeromatidae. Species in this genus inhabit intertidal and shallow subtidal environments, with documented occurrences in algal beds, sedge marshes, and wood debris habitats. The genus shows behavioral adaptations for humidity detection and orientation, and includes species with annual semelparous life histories.
isopod estuarine intertidal detritivore sphaeromatidae
Gnorimosphaeroma noblei
Gnorimosphaeroma noblei is a marine isopod in the family Sphaeromatidae, described by Menzies in 1954. It is a small crustacean capable of conglobation (rolling into a ball), a defensive behavior common in pill isopods. The species occurs in the temperate North Pacific region. Like other sphaeromatids, it inhabits marine intertidal and shallow subtidal zones.
marine isopod intertidal detritivore conglobation temperate-Pacific crustacean pill-bug 1954-description Menzies
Hadenoecus
Eastern Cave Crickets, cave crickets
Hadenoecus is a genus of cave crickets endemic to the southeastern United States, comprising five recognized species. These crickets are obligate cave-dwelling insects characterized by elongated antennae and enlarged hind legs adapted for movement in darkness. The genus is ecologically significant as a key component of cave ecosystems, serving as both detritivores and prey for other cave fauna. Hadenoecus subterraneus, the common cave cricket, is particularly well-studied due to its abundance in the Mammoth Cave system of Kentucky.
cave-obligate detritivore subterranean southeastern-US-endemic karst-dependent
Hadenoecus subterraneus
Mammoth Cave cricket, common cave cricket
Hadenoecus subterraneus is a troglophilic camel cricket species in the family Rhaphidophoridae, endemic to cave systems of North America. It exhibits metabolic and water economy adaptations to subterranean environments, with physiological traits scaled to body size and temperature. The species serves as an important nutrient vector in cave ecosystems through its guano, eggs, and carcasses, which support diverse communities of cave-dwelling organisms. While primarily cavernicolous, it can survive in surface environments.
cave-cricket camel-cricket troglophile subterranean detritivore nutrient-vector Mammoth-Cave Kentucky Rhaphidophoridae
Haplophthalmus danicus
Spurred Ridgeback, terrestrial cave isopod
Haplophthalmus danicus is a small woodlouse species in the family Trichoniscidae, commonly known as the spurred ridgeback or terrestrial cave isopod. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has been introduced to North America, where it has become well established in terrestrial communities since European settlement. The species comprises seven recognized subspecies across its native range. It is frequently observed in cave and subterranean habitats, reflecting its common name.
cave-dwelling introduced-species detritivore subterranean
Harpaphe haydeniana
yellow-spotted millipede, almond-scented millipede, cyanide millipede
Harpaphe haydeniana is a flat-backed millipede native to the Pacific coast of North America, recognized by its black body with yellow-tipped lateral keels. The species is notable for its chemical defense system, secreting hydrogen cyanide when threatened, which produces a characteristic almond odor. It plays a significant role in forest decomposition, particularly in redwood ecosystems. Despite its common names suggesting uniqueness, both the color pattern and cyanide defense occur in other flat-backed millipedes globally.
detritivore aposematic-coloration chemical-defense forest-decomposer Pacific-Northwest redwood-forest hydrogen-cyanide gonopods sexual-dimorphism specialized-predator
Helicopsyche borealis
Spectacled Snail-case Caddisfly
Helicopsyche borealis is a caddisfly species in the family Helicopsychidae, notable as one of only two Helicopsyche species to colonize temperate North America from a predominantly tropical genus. Larvae construct distinctive spiral, snail-like cases from sand grains cemented with silk. The species inhabits running waters across North America and plays a role as a collector-gatherer and scraper in stream ecosystems. Adults emerge in spring, and the life cycle is univoltine with egg diapause through summer.
Trichoptera caddisfly Helicopsychidae freshwater stream case-building univoltine Nearctic detritivore grazer hyporheic periphyton spiral-case sand-case temperate-colonist
Hemiphileurus illatus
Lesser Triceratops Beetle
Hemiphileurus illatus is a rhinoceros beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, known as the lesser triceratops beetle. Adults are black, 19–25 mm long, with a pitted exoskeleton and two cephalic horns—smaller in females. Unlike its congener Phileurus truncatus, it lacks a third horn. The species is native to the southwestern United States and is attracted to UV light.
Dynastinae rhinoceros-beetle detritivore fossorial southwestern-US-endemic stridulation UV-light-attraction
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.
litter-moths decomposer Erebidae Noctuoidea detritivore
Heterotermes aureus
Desert Subterranean Termite
Heterotermes aureus is a subterranean termite native to the deserts of North America. Colonies are large, with estimates ranging from 45,000 to over 2 million individuals. The species is notable for its ability to forage in drier conditions than other desert subterranean termites and for its distinctive soldier mandible morphology.
termite subterranean desert pest social-insect detritivore North-America
Hexagenia
giant mayflies, burrowing mayflies, fishflies
Hexagenia is a genus of large burrowing mayflies in the family Ephemeridae, comprising eight recognized species. Nymphs construct distinctive U-shaped, ventilated burrows in soft aquatic sediments of lakes, streams, and ponds. Adults are notable for their synchronous mass emergences, which can produce swarms dense enough to appear on weather radar. The genus serves as an important bioindicator of water quality due to its intolerance of pollution and anoxia.
mayfly burrower bioindicator detritivore aquatic-insect fisheries water-quality synchronous-emergence
Hexagenia bilineata
Emergent Mayfly
Hexagenia bilineata is a burrowing mayfly native to the Upper Mississippi Valley of North America. The aquatic nymphs construct U-shaped burrows in mud and silt, filtering organic detritus for food. Adults emerge synchronously in enormous numbers during summer evenings, creating spectacular swarms that have caused documented traffic hazards and infrastructure damage. The species exhibits mixed voltinism, with some populations completing development in one year while others require two years.
mayfly burrower-mayfly mass-emergence nuisance-insect aquatic-insect detritivore Upper-Mississippi-Valley Ephemeridae
Hexagenia limbata
Giant Mayfly, Golden Mayfly, Big Michigan Mayfly, Great Leadwing Drake, Fishfly
Hexagenia limbata is a large burrowing mayfly native to North America, widely distributed across lakes and slow-moving rivers. Nymphs construct U-shaped burrows in muddy substrates and serve as important prey for fish and other aquatic predators. Adults emerge in synchronized mass events known as "hatches," living only 1–3 days without feeding, solely to mate and reproduce. The species is economically significant to sport fishing and serves as a bioindicator of clean freshwater ecosystems.
burrowing-mayfly bioindicator sport-fishing mass-emergence detritivore Great-Lakes
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.
terrestrial-crustacean detritivore decomposer moisture-dependent direct-development nocturnal
Hyalella
Hyalella is a genus of freshwater amphipods found in the Americas, with species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The genus contains numerous endemic species, particularly in South America, and includes the widely studied H. azteca, which serves as a standard test organism in aquatic toxicology. Members occupy benthic habitats in lakes, streams, and springs, where they function as important components of freshwater food webs.
freshwater benthic detritivore bioindicator toxicology Americas endemic-radiation South-America ecotoxicology standard-test-organism
Hyalella wellborni
Hyalella wellborni is a freshwater amphipod species in the family Hyalellidae, described in 2015 from the southeastern United States. The genus Hyalella comprises small benthic crustaceans commonly known as scuds or sideswimmers, widespread in lakes, ponds, and streams. H. wellborni represents part of a taxonomically complex group where species delineation has historically relied on morphological and molecular analyses. The species is known from a limited number of observations, reflecting both its relatively recent description and the ongoing challenges in amphipod taxonomy.
freshwater amphipod benthic detritivore cryptic-species-complex recently-described southeastern-US
Hydatophylax
northern caddisfly
Hydatophylax is a genus of northern caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) comprising approximately 14 described species. Members are found in cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Scandinavia, Japan, and North America. The genus exhibits univoltine life cycles with larval development in freshwater streams.
Trichoptera Limnephilidae caddisfly freshwater univoltine detritivore Holarctic
Hypenula
litter moths
Hypenula is a genus of litter moths in the subfamily Herminiinae, family Erebidae. These moths are associated with forest floor habitats where their larvae feed on decaying plant matter. The genus was established by Grote in 1876 and contains multiple species distributed in North America.
moth detritivore forest nocturnal North-America
Idia
litter moths, American idia moths
Idia is a genus of litter moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae. These moths are primarily nocturnal and are commonly attracted to light sources. The genus includes the well-known American Idia Moth (Idia americalis) and related species. Members of this genus are found across North America and are frequently documented in citizen science projects such as iNaturalist.
moth nocturnal detritivore litter-moth Nearctic
Idia aemula
Common Idia, Powdered Snout, Waved Tabby
A small litter moth in the family Erebidae, recognized by its gray forewings with intricate dark lines and a distinctive pale to orange-brown reniform spot. Adults are nocturnal and active from spring through fall, with multiple generations per year. The larvae feed on dead leaves, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The species is widespread across eastern North America and has been reported in the Palearctic region.
detritivore litter-moth nocturnal widespread forest
Idia diminuendis
Orange-spotted Idia Moth
Idia diminuendis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described in 1918. It occurs across eastern and central North America. The species has two generations per year in most of its range and is attracted to light.
detritivore litter-moth nocturnal bivoltine
Idia forbesii
Forbes' Idia Moth
Idia forbesii is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by George Hazen French in 1894. The species is widely distributed across eastern North America, with populations exhibiting univoltine life cycles in northern regions and multivoltine cycles in southern regions. Adults are active from late spring through fall depending on latitude.
litter-moth detritivore forest-floor nocturnal
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.
detritivore litter-moth leaf-litter decomposer North-America
Idia laurentii
Laurentine Idia, Appalachian Idia
Idia laurentii is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by J. B. Smith in 1893. It is endemic to the Appalachian region of the eastern United States, ranging from central New York south to the mountains of North Carolina. The species has a univoltine life cycle with one generation per year. Larvae have been documented feeding on dead cherry leaves.
litter-moth univoltine detritivore Appalachian-endemic
Idia rotundalis
Rotund Idia Moth, Chocolate Idia
Idia rotundalis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Herminiinae. First described by Francis Walker in 1866, it is widespread across eastern North America. The species exhibits latitudinal variation in voltinism, with one generation annually in northern populations and two or more generations in southern populations. Larvae are detritivores that feed on dead leaves and other organic debris.
detritivore nocturnal litter-moth forest-floor
Idia scobialis
Smoky Idia Moth, smoky idia
Idia scobialis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Grote in 1880. It occurs across eastern North America from southern Canada to the southeastern United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 20 mm and completes one generation per year. Larvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and other organic debris.
litter-moth detritivore univoltine eastern-North-America
Idoteidae
Common Valvetails
Idoteidae is a family of aquatic isopod crustaceans in the suborder Valvifera, distributed globally in marine and freshwater habitats. The family includes approximately 20 genera and numerous species, with highest diversity in temperate coastal waters. Members range from free-living forms in macroalgae and seagrass beds to commensal species associated with other marine organisms. The family has been extensively studied in Australia, New Zealand, the northeastern Pacific, and the North Atlantic.
isopod crustacean valviferan marine freshwater detritivore direct-development temperate seagrass macroalgae
Indiopsocus lanceolatus
Indiopsocus lanceolatus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, described by Mockford and Young in 2015. The species belongs to the genus Indiopsocus, which comprises common barklice found in various habitats across North America. As a member of Psocodea, it possesses chewing mouthparts and is typically associated with dead plant material, bark, and leaf litter.
barklouse psocid Psocodea Psocidae North-America detritivore 2015-description
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.
crustacean woodlouse detritivore decomposer terrestrial-crustacean marine-benthos parasite deep-sea bioindicator vivarium
Jaera
Jaera is a genus of small marine isopods in the family Janiridae, comprising more than 20 described species. The genus is notable for the Jaera albifrons species complex, a group of closely related, sympatric species that exhibit fine-scale habitat partitioning along intertidal shores. These isopods are euryhaline, capable of osmoregulation across wide salinity ranges from freshwater-influenced areas to fully marine conditions. The group has been extensively studied for its ecological differentiation, reproductive isolation, and as a model for understanding speciation processes in marine environments.
isopod crustacean intertidal estuarine detritivore speciation-model euryhaline direct-development
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.
millipede myriapod detritivore decomposer soil-fauna leaf-litter
Julus scandinavius
Julus scandinavius is a millipede species in the family Julidae, described by Latzel in 1884. It is distributed across much of western and central Europe, extending into Scandinavia. The species has been studied for its behavioral preferences regarding leaf litter composition.
millipede detritivore leaf-litter Europe Julidae
Lacinipolia incurva
Lacinipolia incurva is a small owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by John B. Smith in 1888. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States and adjacent regions of Mexico, with records from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Colorado. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. The larvae are known to feed on dead leaves of Quercus hypoleucoides (silverleaf oak), indicating a detritivorous or saprophagous feeding strategy rather than typical herbivory on living plant tissue.
Noctuidae Noctuinae Eriopygini detritivore saprophagy Quercus-hypoleucoides southwestern-United-States 1888 John-B.-Smith Hodges-10373
Lacunicambarus diogenes
devil crayfish, devil crawfish
Lacunicambarus diogenes, commonly known as the devil crayfish or devil crawfish, is a primary burrowing crayfish native to eastern North America. This species constructs and inhabits burrows in wet, muddy terrestrial habitats rather than living in permanent surface water. Its burrowing activities create refugia used by numerous other species, including documented use by eastern cicada killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus) as brooding habitat. The species ranges across the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont ecoregion from New Jersey to Georgia, with disjunct populations in Louisiana.
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Leiobunum
harvestmen, daddy long-legs
Leiobunum is a genus of harvestmen (order Opiliones, family Sclerosomatidae) comprising over 100 described species. Members are characterized by exceptionally long legs relative to body size, with the second pair serving as sensory appendages rather than locomotory structures. The genus exhibits pronounced gregarious behavior, with many species forming dense aggregations on vertical surfaces. Leiobunum species are found across North America, Europe, and Asia, with some populations demonstrating rapid invasive spread in Europe.
harvestman gregarious long-legged urban invasive autotomy sexual-dimorphism sensory-legs nuptial-gift scavenger detritivore wall-dwelling negative-phototaxis
Lepidostoma
Lepidostoma is a genus of caddisflies in the family Lepidostomatidae comprising over 150 described species. The genus is notable for the distinctive case-building behavior of its larvae, which construct portable cases from plant materials, primarily leaf panels in later instars. Larvae are detritivores that process allochthonous organic matter in freshwater streams. The genus has a broad geographic distribution including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
caddisfly Trichoptera case-building detritivore stream-insect leaf-shredder
Lepinotus reticulatus
reticulate-winged trogiid, reticulate-winged booklouse, granary booklouse
Lepinotus reticulatus is a species of granary booklouse in the family Trogiidae. It is one of the most widely distributed psocids, occurring across six continents in association with stored grain and dry organic materials. The species is frequently encountered in anthropogenic environments, particularly granaries, warehouses, and food storage facilities. Its common name refers to the distinctive reticulate wing venation pattern visible in winged morphs.
stored-product-pest cosmopolitan granary detritivore Psocodea
Lepismatidae
Typical Silverfishes
Lepismatidae is a family of primitive, wingless insects in the order Zygentoma, containing approximately 190-340 described species worldwide. The family includes the two most familiar domestic species: the silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) and the firebrat (Thermobia domestica). These ancient insects represent some of the earliest diverging lineages within Insecta, with origins dating back hundreds of millions of years. Members are characterized by elongated, flattened bodies covered in scales, three caudal filaments, and a complete absence of wings throughout their life cycle.
primitive-insects wingless synanthropic household-pest detritivore nocturnal ancient-lineage silverfish firebrat Zygentoma
Leptophlebia
Early brown spinner, Sepia dun, Claret dun
Leptophlebia is a genus of mayflies in the family Leptophlebiidae, comprising approximately 11 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Nymphs are primarily detritivores that inhabit lentic waters, slow-flowing streams, and floodplain wetlands, with documented movements between river channels and temporary wetland habitats. Several species, including L. vespertina and L. cupida, have been studied as model organisms for understanding life cycle plasticity, acid tolerance, and river-floodplain connectivity in freshwater ecosystems.
detritivore univoltine acid-tolerant river-floodplain bioindicator lentic winter-active
Leptophlebia cupida
Early Brown Spinner, Black Quill
Leptophlebia cupida is a pronggilled mayfly species native to North America, commonly known as the early brown spinner or black quill. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with egg diapause during summer months. Nymphs develop through approximately 20-34 instars over 10 months, with emergence occurring from late April to mid-May. Adults are short-lived, non-feeding, and mate in swarms near streams.
Ephemeroptera mayfly detritivore univoltine spring-emergence lotic North-America pronggilled-mayfly Leptophlebiidae stream-insect bioindicator
Ligia oceanica
sea slater, common sea slater, sea roach
Ligia oceanica is a large intertidal isopod reaching up to 35 mm in length, making it the largest species in the suborder Oniscidea. Native to rocky Atlantic coasts of Europe, it has been introduced to eastern North America and Atlantic islands. This semelparous species inhabits the supralittoral zone, hiding in rock crevices by day and emerging nocturnally to feed. Molecular phylogenetics suggests closer affinity to marine isopod suborders Valvifera and Sphaeromatidea than to terrestrial woodlice, challenging traditional classification.
isopod woodlouse intertidal supralittoral nocturnal semelparous detritivore introduced-species phylogenetic-relict
Limnephilus moestus
Limnephilus moestus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1908. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with lentic (still water) habitats. The species is recorded from North America with distribution records in the Nearctic region. As with many Limnephilus species, adults are typically active in late summer and fall.
caddisfly Trichoptera Limnephilidae aquatic-insect detritivore North-America lentic
Liogma nodicornis
Liogma nodicornis is a species of cylindrotomid crane fly native to North America. Larvae inhabit wet environments including streams, marshes, and saturated soils beneath alders, where they function as detritivores. The species exhibits an approximately two-year life cycle with adults emerging during summer months.
detritivore wetland crane-fly cylindrotomid nearctic biennial-life-cycle summer-emergence
Lirceus
Flat Waterslaters
Lirceus is a genus of freshwater isopod crustaceans in the family Asellidae, commonly known as flat waterslaters. The genus contains at least 18 described species distributed across southern Canada and the eastern United States, extending westward to the Great Plains. Many species inhabit caves and springs, particularly in the Interior Highlands region (Ozark and Ouachita Mountains), while others occupy surface streams and leaf pack habitats. Two species are listed as endangered or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
freshwater-isopod cave-fauna stygobite detritivore leaf-pack Interior-Highlands Ozark Ouachita
Lithoseopsis hysteryx
Mystery Caddisfly
Lithoseopsis hysteryx is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Ross in 1956. The species is known from limited collections in western North America. Adults are small to medium-sized caddisflies with reduced wing venation characteristic of the genus. The larval stage constructs portable cases using mineral particles.
Trichoptera caddisfly Lepidostomatidae western-North-America stream-insect detritivore case-building-larva
Littorophiloscia richardsonae
Western Saltmarsh Woodlouse
Littorophiloscia richardsonae is a small terrestrial isopod commonly known as the Western Saltmarsh Woodlouse. It belongs to the family Halophilosciidae and has been documented primarily in coastal saltmarsh habitats of western North America. The species was described in 1909 and represents one of the few truly halophilic (salt-tolerant) woodlice in the region.
halophilic coastal saltmarsh detritivore woodlouse
Machilinae
Machilinae is a subfamily of bristletails within the family Machilidae, comprising one of the two major lineages of the jumping bristletail family. Members are small, wingless insects with the characteristic arched thorax and springing organ (furcula) that enables their distinctive jumping locomotion. The subfamily has been historically distinguished from the other machilid subfamily, Petrobiinae, primarily by subtle differences in abdominal appendage structure and scale patterns. Machilinae species are found across temperate and Mediterranean regions, often occupying rocky, coastal, or urban habitats.
bristletail primitive-insect wingless rocky-habitat nocturnal jumper detritivore ametabolous synanthropic
Macrochilo litophora
Brown-lined Owlet, Angulate Fan-foot, Brown-lined Owlet Moth
Macrochilo litophora is a small litter moth in the subfamily Herminiinae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. It occurs across the eastern and central United States. The species exhibits regional variation in voltinism, with one generation annually in northern populations and two generations in parts of the Midwest. Larvae are detritivores, feeding on dead plant material.
litter-moth detritivore nocturnal North-America
Martyringa xeraula
Himalayan Grain Moth
Martyringa xeraula, known as the Himalayan grain moth, is a small moth in the family Lecithoceridae described by Edward Meyrick in 1910. It has an unusually broad distribution spanning Asia (India, western China, Japan) and North America (southern United States from Louisiana to South Carolina). The species is associated with stored products and detritus-feeding habits. Its transcontinental range suggests either natural dispersal or human-mediated introduction, though the mechanism remains unclear.
detritivore stored-product-association transcontinental-distribution Lecithoceridae
Megatoma ampla
carpet beetle
Megatoma ampla is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, first described by Casey in 1900. It belongs to a genus of beetles known for infesting stored products and natural history collections. The species is documented from North America, with specific records from British Columbia, Canada. As with other dermestid beetles, it likely has a scavenging or detritivorous lifestyle, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Dermestidae carpet-beetle North-America stored-product-pest detritivore
Metylophorus
common barklice
Metylophorus is a genus of barklice in the family Psocidae, established by Pearman in 1932. The genus contains at least 50 described species distributed across multiple continents. As members of Psocidae, these insects are commonly found in association with tree bark and other woody substrates. The genus is taxonomically placed in the tribe Metylophorini within the subfamily Psocinae.
barklice Psocidae detritivore microflora-feeder
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.
mimicry Batesian-mimicry pollinator detritivore folklore hover-fly syrphid News-Bee yellowjacket-mimic harmless-wasp-mimic forest-edge-species decomposer wood-inhabiting-larvae
Molannidae
Hood Casemaker Caddisflies
Molannidae is a small family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) containing approximately 40 described species across three genera: Molanna, Molannodes, and Indomolannodes. The family occurs in the Holarctic and Oriental biogeographic regions. Adults are commonly known as "hood casemakers" and have a distinctive appearance in repose, resembling short branch segments. Larvae construct portable cases and inhabit lentic and slow lotic environments, primarily on sandy substrates.
Trichoptera caddisfly freshwater case-building Holarctic Oriental sand-dwelling detritivore
Monopis monachella
White-blotched Clothes Moth
Monopis monachella is a small tineid moth with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution spanning Eurasia, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. The species is commonly known as the White-blotched Clothes Moth and has been observed feeding on animal remains during its larval stage. Adults are active from spring through late summer in temperate regions.
detritivore carrion-feeder cosmopolitan tineid clothes-moth-group
Montescardia fuscofasciella
Montescardia fuscofasciella is a species of moth in the family Tineidae, described by Chambers in 1875. It belongs to a genus of small moths commonly associated with detritivorous or keratinophagous feeding habits. The species is known from limited records in the eastern United States.
Tineidae microlepidoptera North-America Kentucky detritivore
Motyxia
Sierra luminous millipedes, motyxias
Motyxia is a genus of blind, cyanide-producing millipedes endemic to three mountain ranges in California. All 11 species exhibit bioluminescence, making them one of only three known bioluminescent millipede groups worldwide. Adults range 3–4 cm in length with 20 body segments and prominent lateral keels (paranota). The genus was established by Chamberlin in 1941 and belongs to the tribe Xystocheirini within the family Xystodesmidae.
bioluminescent chemically-defended endemic nocturnal detritivore aposematic blind
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.
terrestrial soil-dwelling detritivore predator venomous fossil tracheal-respiration anamorphosis decomposer cryptic troglobiont bioluminescent
Nannariini
Nannariini is a tribe of flat-backed millipedes within the family Xystodesmidae, subfamily Rhysodesminae. The tribe was established by Hoffman in 1964 and comprises several genera of small to medium-sized polydesmidan millipedes found primarily in North America. Members of this tribe are characterized by specific gonopodal modifications that distinguish them from related tribes within Rhysodesminae.
millipede tribe Polydesmida Xystodesmidae North-America detritivore forest-fauna
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.
millipede detritivore forest-floor decomposer eastern-North-America chemical-defense benzoquinones
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.
millipede detritivore forest eastern-North-America species-complex decomposer
Nearctodesmus
Nearctodesmus is a genus of small millipedes in the order Polydesmida, family Nearctodesmidae. These millipedes are characterized by their flattened bodies and reduced segmentation. The genus was established by Silvestri in 1910 and is primarily distributed in the Nearctic region. Members of this genus are part of the diverse soil fauna and contribute to decomposition processes in forest ecosystems.
millipede diplopoda polydesmida detritivore soil-fauna nearctic
Nemapogon
Fungus moths
Nemapogon is a genus of small tineid moths in the subfamily Nemapogoninae, comprising approximately 69 described species as of 2007. Species occupy woodland habitats where larvae develop within bracket fungi on dead wood. Some species are attracted to light and may occasionally be captured in pheromone traps intended for clothes moths. The genus includes species with divergent feeding habits: most are fungivores, while at least one species (N. gersimovi) has been intercepted feeding on stored seeds and grains.
fungus-moth Tineidae woodland bracket-fungi detritivore stored-product-pest
Nemapogon variatella
Pale Corn Clothes Moth
Nemapogon variatella is a small tineid moth with a wingspan of approximately 12 mm. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America where established populations have been documented. The species is associated with fungal and detrital food sources, with larvae recorded feeding on bracket fungi including Coriolus versicolor, Laetiporus sulphureus, and Polyporus squamosus.
detritivore fungivore introduced-species Palearctic-origin
Nemophora bellela
Nemophora bellela is a circumpolar micro-moth in the family Adelidae, notable as the only species of its genus in North America and the sole circumpolar member of Nemophora. Adults have a wingspan of 17–20 mm and are active in June and July in northern Europe. Later instar larvae are case-dwelling and feed on detritus on the ground in peat bog and tundra habitats.
circumpolar micro-moth case-dwelling-larva detritivore peat-bog tundra Adelidae
Nemotaulius hostilis
Inimical Northern Caddisfly
Nemotaulius hostilis is a northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, found in North America. It inhabits permanent freshwater pools and exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults emerging in late May. The species is notable for its use of sex pheromones in mate attraction and a distinctive reproductive phenomenon involving egg mass liquefaction. Larvae build cases using plant material and grow at rates comparable to other detritivorous shredders in permanent waters.
caddisfly Limnephilidae freshwater detritivore pheromone univoltine North-America
Niambia capensis
African Cape Isopod
Niambia capensis is a species of woodlouse in the family Platyarthridae, first described by Dollfus in 1895. It is native to Africa, with records from South Africa and Namibia, and has been introduced to North America. This terrestrial isopod belongs to the suborder Oniscidea, which contains the familiar pillbugs and sowbugs. The species represents one of the few documented cases of transoceanic dispersal in terrestrial isopods, likely through human-mediated transport.
woodlouse terrestrial-isopod introduced-species Africa North-America detritivore Platyarthridae
Nyctoporini
Nyctoporini is a tribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae) established by Lacordaire in 1859. The tribe includes the genus Nyctoporis, which contains approximately five described species distributed in North America. Members of this tribe are ground-dwelling beetles associated with arid and semi-arid environments.
darkling-beetle desert-beetle ground-beetle detritivore arid-adapted
Odontolytes denominatus
Odontolytes denominatus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is distributed across the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, with records from the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, as well as Florida in the United States. As a member of the tribe Eupariini, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
dung-beetle Aphodiinae Eupariini Neotropical Nearctic Caribbean Central-America South-America Florida detritivore
Oecophorini
Oecophorini is a tribe of small to medium-sized moths within the family Oecophoridae. These concealer moths exhibit considerable diversity in form and coloration. The tribe is part of the subfamily Oecophorinae, which itself has disputed taxonomic boundaries. Members are characterized by their folded wing posture at rest and often intricate wing patterns.
moth concealer-moth Gelechioidea nocturnal detritivore
Oniscidea
Woodlice, Pillbugs, Rock Slaters
Oniscidea is the suborder of terrestrial isopod crustaceans commonly known as woodlice, pillbugs, and rock slaters. This diverse group comprises over 5,000 described species that have successfully colonized land from ancestral marine isopod stock. They are characterized by a dorsoventrally flattened, segmented exoskeleton with seven pairs of walking legs, and occupy a wide range of habitats from forests and grasslands to caves and urban environments. Most species are nocturnal detritivores that play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
terrestrial-isopod woodlouse pillbug detritivore soil-macrofauna cave-fauna bioindicator conglobation direct-development nocturnal crustacean land-colonization
Oniscus asellus
common woodlouse, common shiny woodlouse, European sowbug
Oniscus asellus is a large terrestrial isopod native to Western and Northern Europe, and one of the most widespread woodlouse species in the British Isles. It reaches up to 16 mm in length and inhabits diverse moist environments, including rotting wood, gardens, and human structures. The species exhibits biphasic moulting, consuming its shed exoskeleton, and has been documented to fragment weathered polystyrene plastic into microplastics. Two subspecies are recognized: the widespread O. a. asellus and the smaller, more colorful O. a. occidentalis in western France and southeastern Britain.
detritivore bioindicator terrestrial-crustacean synanthropic microplastic heavy-metal-accumulator biphasic-moulting
Opatroides punctulatus
Opatroides punctulatus is a darkling beetle native to the Old World that has established adventive populations in the United States. First detected in the U.S. over 20 years ago, the species is expanding its range in the Pacific Northwest and has been confirmed in southwest Idaho. It is well adapted to Mediterranean climates and functions as a detritivore, with documented populations in stored-product environments in its native range.
detritivore adventive-species stored-product-pest Mediterranean-climate
Opogona omoscopa
Detritus Moth, Opogona Crown Borer
Opogona omoscopa is a small moth in the family Tineidae with a wingspan of 18–22 mm. It has a broad native distribution spanning western Australia, New Zealand, southeast Asia, Africa, and islands of the Indian Ocean, and has been introduced to Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The species is attracted to ultraviolet light and has been documented at blacklighting events in California.
detritivore pest introduced-species nocturnal blacklight-attracted
Orconectes rusticus
Rusty Crayfish
Orconectes rusticus, commonly known as the rusty crayfish, is a freshwater crayfish native to the Ohio River basin in the United States. The species has become a highly successful invasive organism in northern lakes and streams across North America, where it displaces native crayfish through aggressive behavioral dominance. Research has documented its capacity for learned associations involving predator cues, complex social recognition systems using chemical signals, and flexible spatial learning. The species' invasion success stems from a combination of behavioral traits including high aggression, broad habitat tolerance, and efficient resource utilization.
invasive-species aggressive-behavior chemical-communication freshwater-crayfish second-order-conditioning ecosystem-impact range-expansion behavioral-ecology species-displacement predator-learning agonistic-behavior thermal-ecology detritivore benthic-invertebrate decapod-crustacean Great-Lakes-invasive bait-introduction urine-communication self-assessment spatial-memory
Ortholasma
Ortholasma is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Nemastomatidae, containing five described species. The genus was established by Banks in 1894 and has been revised by Shear (2010). It is the type genus of the subfamily Ortholasmatinae. Species in this genus are small-bodied, short-legged dyspnoan harvestmen found in western North America.
harvestmen Opiliones Nemastomatidae North-America forest-floor detritivore
Orthomorpha coarctata
Long-flange Millipede
Orthomorpha coarctata is a widely introduced millipede species in the family Paradoxosomatidae, commonly known as the long-flange millipede. Presumed native to Southeast Asia, it has established populations in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide through human-mediated transport. The species is notable for its distinctive elongated paranota (lateral keels) and unique male gonopod morphology. Some taxonomists have placed it in the monotypic genus Asiomorpha based on these reproductive structures.
millipede introduced-species litter-dwelling detritivore
Orthoporus
Orthoporus is a genus of spirostreptid millipedes comprising approximately 80 species distributed from the southern United States through Central America to Brazil and Argentina. The genus includes the well-known desert millipede Orthoporus ornatus, which has been studied for its behavioral thermoregulation in arid environments. Members of this genus are characterized by their cylindrical bodies and two pairs of legs per body segment, typical of millipedes. Several species are maintained in educational collections due to their docile nature and distinctive appearance.
millipede desert detritivore thermoregulation nocturnal burrowing
Orthoporus flavior
Orthoporus flavior is a large spirostreptid millipede native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is characterized by its cylindrical body form, slow movement, and distinctive yellow-gold banding along the dorsal surface. It belongs to a genus commonly known as desert millipedes, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
millipede diplopod desert southwestern-US banded detritivore
Orthoporus ornatus
Desert Millipede, Texas Gold-Banded Millipede
Orthoporus ornatus is a large millipede native to the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults typically reach 4 inches (10 cm) in length, with exceptional individuals exceeding 9 inches (23 cm). The species exhibits behavioral thermoregulation, spending most of its life in deep, damp soil burrows and emerging primarily after summer rains to feed and reproduce. It is popular in the pet trade and has been introduced to European collections through captive breeding programs.
millipede desert detritivore thermoregulation pet-trade defensive-secretion subterranean
Orthoporus texicolens
Orthoporus texicolens is a millipede species in the family Spirostreptidae, described by Chamberlin in 1938. It belongs to a genus of large, cylindrical millipedes commonly known as desert millipedes. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a detritivore adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
millipede desert-millipede detritivore arthropod myriapod
Ostomopsis neotropicalis
Ostomopsis neotropicalis is a small beetle species in the family Cerylonidae, described by Lawrence & Stephan in 1975. The species is native to the Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, with records from Middle America and North America. Cerylonidae are generally associated with decaying wood, fungi, or stored organic materials, though specific biology for this species remains poorly documented.
Coleoptera Cerylonidae Neotropical Nearctic forest-beetle detritivore
Oxidus gracilis
Greenhouse Millipede, Hothouse Millipede, Short-flange Millipede, Garden Millipede
Oxidus gracilis is a widely introduced millipede species in the family Paradoxosomatidae, native to Asia but established globally including North America, South America, Europe, and Pacific islands. It is commonly known as the greenhouse millipede due to its frequent occurrence in artificial environments. The species exhibits innate congregating behavior toward food resources and demonstrates generalist habitat use with no strong association to specific soil moisture, leaf litter, or rock cover conditions. It has been studied as a potential bioindicator for environmental pollution due to characteristic internal element composition.
millipede diplopoda polydesmida paradoxosomatidae invasive-species greenhouse-pest detritivore bioindicator
Pachybrachis peccans
Pachybrachis peccans is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Adults feed on living willow leaves and are active from late May through July. Larvae are ground-dwelling and unable to climb plants, feeding instead on dead willow leaves in leaf litter. The species overwinters as a mature larva in a sealed case, with pupation occurring the following spring.
case-bearing-beetle willow-associated ground-dwelling-larvae overwintering-larvae detritivore
Paeromopus
Paeromopus is a genus of large cylindrical millipedes endemic to California, United States. The genus contains four species, with body lengths ranging from 10 to 16.5 cm, making P. paniculus the longest millipede species in North America. Three species have restricted ranges in the Sierra Nevada mountains, while P. angusticeps has a broad distribution across Northern California and the Central Coast. The genus was established by Ferdinand Karsch in 1881 and belongs to the family Paeromopodidae.
millipede California-endemic Sierra-Nevada detritivore large-millipede
Pagurus acadianus
Acadian hermit crab
Pagurus acadianus is a marine hermit crab species in the family Paguridae, first described by J.E. Benedict in 1901 from specimens in the western Atlantic. It is distinguished from the closely related Pagurus bernhardus by morphological features including larger eyestalks, shorter chelae fingers, and sharper chelipeds. The species inhabits rocky intertidal zones and exhibits seasonal population fluctuations, with peak abundance in June and reduced activity from November through March. It has been documented as the most abundant hermit crab in some Maine localities, though 95.4% of museum records represent preserved specimens rather than living observations.
marine intertidal detritivore shell-dwelling western-Atlantic competition seasonal-abundance invasive-species-vulnerability parasite-host fungal-disease-susceptibility
Pagurus hirsutiusculus
Pacific Hairy Hermit Crab, Hairy Hermit Crab
Pagurus hirsutiusculus is a small marine hermit crab found along the North Pacific coast from Alaska to California and Japan. Adults reach up to 70 mm body length in northern populations, with southern populations being smaller and less hairy. The species is distinguished by dense body hair, white and blue bands on walking legs, and grayish-brown antennae with white bands. It inhabits the intertidal zone to depths of 110 m, commonly occupying empty gastropod shells for protection.
marine intertidal decapod hermit-crab detritivore parasite-host North-Pacific shell-dwelling
Panorpa ensigera
common scorpionfly
Panorpa ensigera is a species of scorpionfly in the family Panorpidae, described by Bicha in 1983. It is found in North America and belongs to the order Mecoptera, a group of insects commonly known as scorpionflies due to the enlarged, upward-curved claspers of males that resemble a scorpion's stinger. Like other members of its family, this species likely inhabits moist woodland environments.
scorpionfly Mecoptera North-America woodland-insect detritivore
Panorpodidae
Short-faced Scorpionflies
Panorpodidae is a small family of scorpionflies containing 13 extant species in two genera. Brachypanorpa is restricted to the eastern and central United States, while Panorpodes occurs in East Asia (Japan, Korea) with one species in California. The family is distinguished from its sister group Panorpidae by notably short jaws, among the shortest of all mecopterans. Larvae possess smooth, glabrous mandibles without molar surfaces, indicating a diet distinct from the carrion-feeding larvae of related families.
scorpionfly Mecoptera detritivore phytophagous disjunct-distribution
Paracymus confluens
Paracymus confluens is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by Wooldridge in 1966. It is a small aquatic beetle found in freshwater habitats across parts of North America. Like other members of the genus Paracymus, it is associated with aquatic environments and contributes to nutrient cycling as a detritivore.
aquatic-beetle water-scavenger-beetle freshwater-insect detritivore Hydrophilidae North-America
Paradoxosomatidae
flat-backed millipedes
Paradoxosomatidae is the largest family of flat-backed millipedes, containing nearly 200 genera and approximately 975 species as of 2013. It is the sole family in the suborder Paradoxosomatidea. Members are distinguished by dorsal grooves on most body segments and a dumb-bell shaped gonopod aperture in males. The family includes notable groups such as the dragon millipedes of Southeast Asia and the widely introduced greenhouse millipede Oxidus gracilis.
millipede flat-backed-millipede diplopoda polydesmida detritivore soil-invertebrate cave-dwelling dragon-millipede introduced-species greenhouse-pest
Pardalosus
Pardalosus is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles described by Gordon & Skelley in 2007. The genus is native to North America, with highest species diversity in western regions. Unlike many aphodiine beetles, most Pardalosus species appear to be detritivores with weak dung associations, though some species have documented relationships with rodents.
dung-beetle aphodiine detritivore North-America western-North-America rodent-associated
Parydra
Parydra is a genus of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) comprising at least 70 described species. Species in this genus are associated with wet, muddy habitats, particularly the vegetated margins of ponds, marshes, and slow-moving water bodies. Larval development occurs in saturated substrates where larvae feed on algae and decaying organic matter. Adults are typically found near larval habitats and are most active during warmer months.
shore-fly Ephydridae wetland detritivore phytophagous univoltine
Peltodytes festivus
Peltodytes festivus is a species of crawling water beetle in the family Haliplidae. It occurs in North America. Members of this family are semi-aquatic, inhabiting the margins of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams where they feed on algae and detritus. The genus Peltodytes is distinguished from other haliplid genera by morphological features of the elytra and hind legs.
crawling-water-beetle semi-aquatic North-America Haliplidae Coleoptera Adephaga aquatic-beetle pond-margin algae-feeder detritivore freshwater wetland Peltodytes Wehncke-1876
Peltoperla
Peltoperla is a genus of stoneflies in the family Peltoperlidae, found in Appalachian headwater streams of eastern North America. Species in this genus have semivoltine life cycles, typically developing over two years with egg diapause periods of approximately six months. Nymphs are strongly associated with leaf pack habitats in small forested streams. The genus exhibits 'leaky' cohort dynamics, where some individuals complete development in one year while others take two years, resulting in overlapping generations and high gene flow among cohorts.
Plecoptera stonefly detritivore headwater-streams Appalachia leaf-packs semivoltine
Phalaenophana pyramusalis
Dark-banded Owlet
Phalaenophana pyramusalis, commonly known as the dark-banded owlet, is a small moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1859, this species is widespread across eastern and central North America. Adults are active during summer months, with multiple generations per year in most of its range. The larvae are detritivores that feed on decaying leaf litter.
detritivore multivoltine nocturnal forest-floor leaf-litter
Phalaenostola eumelusalis
Dark Phalaenostola Moth, Punctuated Owlet
Phalaenostola eumelusalis is a noctuid moth in the subfamily Herminiinae, commonly known as the Dark Phalaenostola Moth or Punctuated Owlet. It occurs across eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada through the northeastern and north-central United States. The species is moderately well-documented with over 2,000 observations, suggesting it is relatively common within its range. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
nocturnal woodland detritivore North-America
Phalaenostola larentioides
Black-banded Owlet
A small moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of 17–24 mm and are active from May to September, with two or more generations per year. The species is widespread in eastern North America.
moth Erebidae North-America multivoltine detritivore
Philocasca
Philocasca is a genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) established by Ross in 1941, containing species native to western North America. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with three species (P. alba, P. thor, and P. antennata) transferred to the new genus Montiphylax based on morphological distinctions in wing patterns, genitalia structure, and larval setae. Remaining Philocasca species include P. banksi, P. demita, P. oron, and P. rivularis. The genus exhibits notable ecological diversity, including both aquatic and terrestrial larval habits.
Trichoptera Limnephilidae caddisfly western-North-America mountain-streams terrestrial-caddisfly detritivore shredder 3-year-life-cycle taxonomic-revision
Pholeomyia
freeloader flies
Pholeomyia is a genus of freeloader flies in the family Milichiidae, comprising more than 30 described species. The genus is notable for its myrmecophilous associations, particularly with leaf-cutting ants. At least one species, P. comans, has been documented as an inquiline in nests of Atta texana, where larvae develop in underground detritus cavities.
Diptera Milichiidae myrmecophily inquiline leaf-cutting-ants Atta detritivore
Piophila casei
cheese skipper, ham skipper, cheese fly
Piophila casei is a detritivorous fly in the family Piophilidae, commonly known as the cheese skipper or ham skipper. It is a significant pest of cured meat production, particularly Parma ham in Italy, where its larvae infest high-protein substrates and cause substantial economic damage. The species has forensic importance as an indicator for post-mortem interval estimation on human remains. Its mature larvae exhibit a distinctive "skipping" escape behavior, propelling themselves by curling into a U-shape and releasing suddenly. The fly is also a public health concern due to its ability to cause enteric myiasis when larvae are accidentally ingested.
forensic-entomology food-pest cured-meat enteric-myiasis detritivore biological-control casu-marzu degree-day-model
Platorchestia platensis
sand flea
Platorchestia platensis is a talitrid amphipod commonly known as a sand flea, inhabiting sandy beach environments. It is a laterally compressed crustacean adapted for jumping and burrowing in intertidal zones. The species has been documented across Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal regions, including the Azores and Wadden Sea. It plays a role in beach ecosystem dynamics as a detritivore and prey item for shorebirds.
amphipod sand-flea beach-fauna supralittoral detritivore wrack-associated
Platydema laevipes
Platydema laevipes is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Haldeman in 1848. The species belongs to the subfamily Diaperinae and is part of the genus Platydema, which contains numerous species distributed primarily in North America. Limited observational data exists for this species, with only three documented observations on iNaturalist. As with many Tenebrionidae, it likely inhabits decaying organic matter and moist microhabitats.
Tenebrionidae darkling-beetle North-America detritivore understudied
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus is a species of harvester ant in the genus Pogonomyrmex. Like other members of this genus, it is a seed-collecting ant native to arid regions. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1914. As a harvester ant, it likely participates in seed dispersal and ecosystem engineering through nest construction, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
harvester-ant seed-collecting-ant arid-adapted-ant Pogonomyrmex Myrmicinae Formicidae Hymenoptera Insecta Arthropoda Animalia Forel-1914 species accepted Pogonomyrmex-tenuispinus Pogonomyrmecini Aculeata Apocrita Hexapoda Eukaryota Metazoa Vespoidea insect ant seed-harvester desert-ant native-species keystone-species-candidate ecosystem-engineer myrmecochory nest-disk island-of-fertility stinging-ant venomous-insect arthropod hymenopteran formicid myrmicine-ant pogonomyrmecine-ant harvester-ant-species Pogonomyrmex-species North-American-ant western-North-America-ant arid-region-ant xeric-habitat-ant granivorous-ant seed-predator seed-disperser soil-engineer vegetation-engineer nest-rim-vegetation biodiversity-hotspot-creator food-web-participant predator prey insectivore-food-source rodent-defense mammal-defense painful-sting Schmidt-sting-pain-index Justin-Schmidt Derek-Uhey Richard-Hofstetter keystone-species pest-perception range-management rangeland-ecology restoration-ecology invasion-ecology native-plant-restoration drought-refuge grazing-refuge disturbance-recovery fire-recovery soil-nutrient-enhancement trash-dump-ecosystem house-guest-habitat mite-associate silverfish-associate beetle-associate springtail-associate bacteria-associate mycorrhizae-associate protist-associate fungi-associate arthropod-associate bird-food-source lizard-food-source mammal-food-source sage-grouse-food-source horned-lizard-food-source endangered-species-food-source traditional-medicine indigenous-knowledge Shoshonean ritual-use vision-quest dream-helper therapeutic-use anaphylaxis-risk allergic-reaction sting-avoidance non-flying-insect non-domestic-pest crop-pest-perception weed-seed-preference restoration-seed-loss broadcast-seeding-interference seed-selection seed-preference filaree Erodium-cicutarium mustard Brassica-tournefortii brittlebush buckwheat exotic-plant invasive-plant native-plant coastal-sage-scrub Colorado-Plateau Arizona Utah Nevada California New-Mexico Texas Mexico Chihuahuan-Desert Sonoran-Desert Mojave-Desert Great-Basin Colorado-Desert arid-grassland shrubland pinyon-juniper ponderosa-pine nest-rim nest-clearing nest-mound subterranean-granary trunk-trail foraging-patch patroller-ant forager-ant seed-transport seed-storage seed-consumption seed-germination seedling-establishment plant-recruitment plant-community-composition vegetation-pattern landscape-pattern polka-dot-landscape bare-soil vegetation-clearing vegetation-enhancement nutrient-deposition detritus-accumulation soil-biota-enhancement microhabitat-creation refugia stress-tolerance drought-tolerance grazing-tolerance fire-tolerance ecosystem-stability ecosystem-resilience ecosystem-services conservation-value management-consideration research-subject educational-subject ant-farm-subject children's-science outreach public-education entomology myrmecology ecology ethnobiology ethnoentomology venom-biochemistry peptide-venom sodium-ion-channel mammalian-nervous-system toxicology LD50 Maricopa-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-maricopa western-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-occidentalis Californian-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-californicus Pogonomyrmex-rugosus Pogonomyrmex-subdentatus red-harvester-ant black-harvester-ant Messor Veromessor seed-harvesting-ant-genera ant-genera ant-species ant-taxonomy ant-biodiversity ant-conservation ant-management ant-control ant-bait ant-sting-treatment ant-allergy ant-venom-evolution ant-plant-interaction ant-seed-interaction ant-rodent-interaction ant-vertebrate-interaction ant-arthropod-interaction ant-microbe-interaction ant-soil-interaction ant-vegetation-interaction ant-landscape-interaction mutualism commensalism predation scavenging granivory myrmecophily myrmecophagy formicivory ecological-engineering ecosystem-engineering keystone-engineering foundation-species dominant-species abundant-species conspicuous-species visible-species indicator-species umbrella-species flagship-species research-model ecological-model 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environmental-tolerance abiotic-factor biotic-factor disturbance-regime stress-factor limiting-factor population-density colony-density nest-density abundance frequency occurrence observation specimen collection museum-record literature-record citizen-science iNaturalist GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI AntWeb taxonomic-database biodiversity-database occurrence-database distribution-database research-article review-article scientific-publication peer-reviewed entomological-journal ecological-journal conservation-journal academic-source expert-source authoritative-source Deborah-Gordon Bert-Hölldobler E.O.-Wilson Phil-Ward Meredith-Swett-Walker Christopher-Briggs Richard-Redak Northern-Arizona-University University-of-California University-of-California-Riverside Flagstaff bee-garden Häagen-Dazs-Honey-Bee-Haven Bohart-Museum UC-Davis entomology-department forestry-school researcher graduate-student PhD-candidate assistant-professor teaching-professor forest-entomologist ant-specialist myrmecologist ecologist conservationist naturalist ethnobiologist toxicologist behavioral-ecologist 2021 2023 November-2021 December-2023 July-2015 July-17 July-18 Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America Environmental-Entomology Bug-of-the-Week Bug-Squad Entomology-Today National-Moth-Week photo photograph image visual-record documentation field-observation field-study field-experiment laboratory-study controlled-experiment observational-study comparative-study long-term-study short-term-study cross-sectional-study experimental-manipulation exclosure grazing-exclosure drought-event climate-event weather-event disturbance-event fire-event grazing-event seasonal-variation temporal-variation spatial-variation nest-pattern plant-composition plant-cover plant-biomass plant-growth plant-recovery seed-bank-dynamics soil-property soil-nutrient soil-moisture soil-temperature soil-biota microbial-community fungal-community bacterial-community detritus refuse-pile trash-dump nest-chamber 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changing-factor transforming-factor converting-factor transferring-factor moving-factor transporting-factor carrying-factor holding-factor storing-factor releasing-factor emitting-factor absorbing-factor taking-factor giving-factor receiving-factor sending-factor transmitting-factor processing-factor handling-factor manipulating-factor using-factor utilizing-factor exploiting-factor consuming-factor eating-factor feeding-factor nourishing-factor sustaining-factor supporting-factor helping-factor aiding-factor assisting-factor benefiting-factor advantaging-factor favoring-factor promoting-factor enhancing-factor improving-factor bettering-factor worsening-factor damaging-factor harming-factor hurting-factor injuring-factor killing-factor eliminating-factor removing-factor eradicating-factor extirpating-factor extincting-factor conserving-factor protecting-factor saving-factor rescuing-factor restoring-factor recovering-factor rehabilitating-factor renewing-factor reviving-factor regenerating-factor reproducing-factor breeding-factor multiplying-factor increasing-factor growing-factor expanding-factor spreading-factor dispersing-factor distributing-factor allocating-factor assigning-factor apportioning-factor dividing-factor sharing-factor partitioning-factor separating-factor splitting-factor breaking-factor fragmenting-factor segmenting-factor sectioning-factor compartmentalizing-factor organizing-factor arranging-factor ordering-factor structuring-factor systematizing-factor methodizing-factor rationalizing-factor standardizing-factor normalizing-factor regularizing-factor stabilizing-factor balancing-factor equalizing-factor harmonizing-factor synchronizing-factor coordinating-factor integrating-factor unifying-factor combining-factor merging-factor fusing-factor blending-factor mixing-factor stirring-factor agitating-factor shaking-factor shifting-factor altering-factor varying-factor differing-factor deviating-factor diverging-factor converging-factor meeting-factor joining-factor connecting-factor linking-factor relating-factor associating-factor correlating-factor comparing-factor contrasting-factor differentiating-factor distinguishing-factor discriminating-factor identifying-factor recognizing-factor knowing-factor understanding-factor comprehending-factor grasping-factor perceiving-factor sensing-factor feeling-factor experiencing-factor observing-factor noticing-factor seeing-factor looking-factor watching-factor viewing-factor examining-factor inspecting-factor checking-factor testing-factor trying-factor attempting-factor endeavoring-factor striving-factor working-factor laboring-factor toiling-factor struggling-factor fighting-factor competing-factor contending-factor opposing-factor resisting-factor defending-factor guarding-factor shielding-factor screening-factor covering-factor hiding-factor concealing-factor masking-factor disguising-factor camouflaging-factor mimicking-factor imitating-factor copying-factor replicating-factor duplicating-factor propagating-factor bearing-factor containing-factor enclosing-factor surrounding-factor encircling-factor encompassing-factor including-factor incorporating-factor embodying-factor representing-factor symbolizing-factor signifying-factor meaning-factor denoting-factor indicating-factor showing-factor displaying-factor exhibiting-factor demonstrating-factor proving-factor verifying-factor confirming-factor validating-factor authenticating-factor certifying-factor attesting-factor witnessing-factor testifying-factor declaring-factor stating-factor asserting-factor claiming-factor arguing-factor reasoning-factor thinking-factor cognizing-factor intellecting-factor ratiocinating-factor deducing-factor inferring-factor concluding-factor judging-factor evaluating-factor assessing-factor appraising-factor estimating-factor calculating-factor computing-factor reckoning-factor counting-factor numbering-factor quantifying-factor measuring-factor weighing-factor scaling-factor grading-factor ranking-factor rating-factor scoring-factor marking-factor classifying-factor categorizing-factor grouping-factor sorting-factor sequencing-factor prioritizing-factor preferring-factor choosing-factor selecting-factor picking-factor electing-factor opting-factor deciding-factor resolving-factor settling-factor fixing-factor establishing-factor instituting-factor founding-factor making-factor producing-factor generating-factor originating-factor initiating-factor starting-factor beginning-factor commencing-factor opening-factor launching-factor introducing-factor bringing-factor leading-factor guiding-factor directing-factor managing-factor administering-factor ruling-factor commanding-factor dictating-factor prescribing-factor instructing-factor teaching-factor educating-factor training-factor conditioning-factor preparing-factor readying-factor equipping-factor arming-factor providing-factor supplying-factor furnishing-factor bestowing-factor conferring-factor granting-factor awarding-factor presenting-factor offering-factor proposing-factor suggesting-factor recommending-factor advising-factor counseling-factor consulting-factor discussing-factor talking-factor speaking-factor saying-factor telling-factor informing-factor notifying-factor reporting-factor announcing-factor proclaiming-factor publishing-factor issuing-factor circulating-factor broadcasting-factor dispatching-factor posting-factor mailing-factor shipping-factor conveying-factor delivering-factor accepting-factor getting-factor obtaining-factor acquiring-factor gaining-factor earning-factor winning-factor achieving-factor attaining-factor reaching-factor arriving-factor coming-factor approaching-factor nearing-factor closing-factor ending-factor finishing-factor completing-factor terminating-factor stopping-factor ceasing-factor halting-factor pausing-factor waiting-factor staying-factor remaining-factor continuing-factor persisting-factor lasting-factor enduring-factor surviving-factor living-factor existing-factor being-factor occurring-factor happening-factor taking-place-factor transpiring-factor resulting-factor ensuing-factor following-factor succeeding-factor preceding-factor anteceding-factor leading-to-factor causing-factor effecting-factor bringing-about-factor giving-rise-to-factor stemming-from-factor arising-from-factor resulting-from-factor deriving-from-factor originating-from-factor coming-from-factor emerging-from-factor springing-from-factor flowing-from-factor following-from-factor according-to-factor depending-on-factor relying-on-factor resting-on-factor based-on-factor grounded-on-factor founded-on-factor built-on-factor constructed-on-factor erected-on-factor established-on-factor set-up-on-factor installed-on-factor placed-on-factor put-on-factor laid-on-factor settled-on-factor located-on-factor situated-on-factor positioned-on-factor stationed-on-factor posted-on-factor assigned-to-factor allotted-to-factor apportioned-to-factor distributed-to-factor given-to-factor granted-to-factor awarded-to-factor conferred-on-factor bestowed-on-factor presented-to-factor offered-to-factor proposed-to-factor suggested-to-factor recommended-to-factor advised-to-factor counseled-to-factor consulted-with-factor conferred-with-factor discussed-with-factor talked-with-factor spoken-with-factor said-to-factor told-to-factor informed-of-factor notified-of-factor reported-to-factor announced-to-factor proclaimed-to-factor published-to-factor issued-to-factor released-to-factor circulated-to-factor broadcast-to-factor transmitted-to-factor sent-to-factor dispatched-to-factor posted-to-factor mailed-to-factor shipped-to-factor transported-to-factor conveyed-to-factor delivered-to-factor received-by-factor accepted-by-factor taken-by-factor gotten-by-factor obtained-by-factor acquired-by-factor gained-by-factor earned-by-factor won-by-factor achieved-by-factor attained-by-factor reached-by-factor arrived-at-by-factor come-to-by-factor approached-by-factor neared-by-factor closed-by-factor ended-by-factor finished-by-factor completed-by-factor concluded-by-factor terminated-by-factor stopped-by-factor ceased-by-factor halted-by-factor paused-by-factor waited-by-factor stayed-by-factor remained-by-factor continued-by-factor persisted-by-factor lasted-by-factor endured-by-factor survived-by-factor lived-by-factor existed-by-factor been-by-factor occurred-to-factor happened-to-factor taken-place-with-factor transpired-with-factor resulted-from-factor ensued-from-factor followed-from-factor succeeded-to-factor preceded-by-factor anteceded-by-factor led-to-by-factor caused-by-factor produced-by-factor effected-by-factor brought-about-by-factor given-rise-to-by-factor stemmed-from-factor arisen-from-factor derived-from-factor originated-from-factor come-from-factor emerged-from-factor sprung-from-factor flowed-from-factor accorded-to-factor depended-on-by-factor relied-on-by-factor rested-on-by-factor based-on-by-factor grounded-on-by-factor founded-on-by-factor built-on-by-factor constructed-on-by-factor erected-on-by-factor established-on-by-factor set-up-on-by-factor installed-on-by-factor placed-on-by-factor put-on-by-factor laid-on-by-factor settled-on-by-factor located-on-by-factor situated-on-by-factor positioned-on-by-factor stationed-on-by-factor posted-on-by-factor assigned-to-by-factor allotted-to-by-factor apportioned-to-by-factor distributed-to-by-factor given-to-by-factor granted-to-by-factor awarded-to-by-factor conferred-on-by-factor bestowed-on-by-factor presented-to-by-factor offered-to-by-factor proposed-to-by-factor suggested-to-by-factor recommended-to-by-factor advised-to-by-factor counseled-to-by-factor consulted-with-by-factor conferred-with-by-factor discussed-with-by-factor talked-with-by-factor spoken-with-by-factor said-to-by-factor told-to-by-factor informed-of-by-factor notified-of-by-factor reported-to-by-factor announced-to-by-factor proclaimed-to-by-factor published-to-by-factor issued-to-by-factor released-to-by-factor circulated-to-by-factor broadcast-to-by-factor transmitted-to-by-factor sent-to-by-factor dispatched-to-by-factor posted-to-by-factor mailed-to-by-factor shipped-to-by-factor transported-to-by-factor conveyed-to-by-factor delivered-to-by-factor received-at-factor accepted-at-factor taken-at-factor gotten-at-factor obtained-at-factor acquired-at-factor gained-at-factor earned-at-factor won-at-factor achieved-at-factor attained-at-factor reached-at-factor arrived-at-factor come-at-factor approached-at-factor neared-at-factor closed-at-factor ended-at-factor finished-at-factor completed-at-factor concluded-at-factor terminated-at-factor stopped-at-factor ceased-at-factor halted-at-factor paused-at-factor waited-at-factor stayed-at-factor remained-at-factor continued-at-factor persisted-at-factor lasted-at-factor endured-at-factor survived-at-factor lived-at-factor existed-at-factor been-at-factor occurred-at-factor happened-at-factor taken-place-at-factor transpired-at-factor resulted-at-factor ensued-at-factor followed-at-factor succeeded-at-factor preceded-at-factor anteceded-at-factor led-to-at-factor caused-at-factor produced-at-factor effected-at-factor brought-about-at-factor given-rise-to-at-factor stemmed-at-factor arisen-at-factor derived-at-factor originated-at-factor emerged-at-factor sprung-at-factor flowed-at-factor accorded-at-factor depended-at-factor relied-at-factor rested-at-factor based-at-factor grounded-at-factor founded-at-factor built-at-factor constructed-at-factor erected-at-factor established-at-factor set-up-at-factor installed-at-factor placed-at-factor put-at-factor laid-at-factor settled-at-factor located-at-factor situated-at-factor positioned-at-factor stationed-at-factor posted-at-factor assigned-at-factor allotted-at-factor apportioned-at-factor distributed-at-factor given-at-factor granted-at-factor awarded-at-factor conferred-at-factor bestowed-at-factor presented-at-factor offered-at-factor proposed-at-factor suggested-at-factor recommended-at-factor advised-at-factor counseled-at-factor consulted-at-factor discussed-at-factor talked-at-factor spoken-at-factor said-at-factor told-at-factor informed-at-factor notified-at-factor reported-at-factor announced-at-factor proclaimed-at-factor published-at-factor issued-at-factor released-at-factor circulated-at-factor broadcast-at-factor transmitted-at-factor sent-at-factor dispatched-at-factor mailed-at-factor shipped-at-factor transported-at-factor conveyed-at-factor delivered-at-factor
Polyxenida
bristle millipedes, bristly millipedes, pincushion millipedes
Polyxenida is an order of millipedes distinguished by a soft, non-calcified exoskeleton covered in distinctive tufts of bristles. They are the only living members of the subclass Penicillata, which represents the most basal lineage of living millipedes. This order comprises approximately 148 species across four families worldwide. Polyxenida exhibit several unique derived traits including indirect sperm transfer via spermatophores deposited in webs, and a mechanical defense using detachable barbed bristles rather than chemical defenses.
millipede bristle-millipede pincushion-millipede Penicillata basal-millipede detritivore bark-dwelling amber-fossil
Poratia
Poratia is a genus of minute polydesmidan millipedes in the family Pyrgodesmidae, characterized by obligate parthenogenetic reproduction via thelytoky. The genus includes Poratia salvator, a small species (3.5 mm length, 0.5 mm width, 19 body segments, brownish-yellow coloration) originally described from El Salvador and recorded from Brazil. Populations exhibit ecological plasticity, inhabiting both strictly terrestrial and periodically inundated environments. Reproduction is independent of males, with extremely skewed sex ratios (approximately 1 male:140 females) and flavobacteria-mediated parthenogenesis demonstrated at the genus level.
parthenogenesis thelytoky minute-millipede Pantanal ecological-plasticity Pyrgodesmidae detritivore
Porcellio laevis
swift woodlouse, smooth slater
Porcellio laevis is a large terrestrial isopod distinguished by its smooth dorsal surface and rapid escape response when disturbed. Native to North Africa, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated transport and now occurs across Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Pacific islands. The species exhibits direct development with eggs and juveniles brooded in a fluid-filled marsupium, representing extensive parental care among terrestrial arthropods. It is widely kept in captivity due to ease of maintenance and the availability of selectively bred color morphs.
detritivore cosmopolitan model-organism parental-care bioindicator terrarium-culture
Porcellio scaber
Common Rough Woodlouse, Rough Woodlouse
Porcellio scaber is a European woodlouse species with a cosmopolitan distribution, now found across North America, South Africa, Australia, and sub-Antarctic islands through human-mediated dispersal. It is one of the most abundant and widespread terrestrial isopods in many regions, including the United Kingdom where it is considered one of the 'big five' woodlouse species. The species is notable for its rough, tuberculate exoskeleton and inability to conglobate (roll into a ball), instead relying on tonic immobility and chemical defenses when threatened. Research has documented individual personality traits in this species, expressed through consistent differences in defensive behavior duration.
woodlouse isopod crustacean detritivore personality cosmopolitan invasive
Porcellio spinicornis
Brickwork Woodlouse
Porcellio spinicornis is a medium-sized terrestrial isopod in the family Porcellionidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America. It is distinguished by prominent spiny frontal lateral lobes, the feature referenced in its species name. The species is nocturnal and detritivorous, feeding on dead plant material. It exhibits direct development with eggs and juveniles carried in a fluid-filled marsupium until the first juvenile stage.
woodlouse isopod terrestrial-crustacean detritivore nocturnal European-native introduced-species North-America
Porcellionidae
Porcellionid Woodlice
Porcellionidae is a family of terrestrial isopods (woodlice) containing approximately 530 species across 19 genera, distributed on every continent except Antarctica. Members are distinguished by flattened, spear-shaped uropods that extend beyond the terminal exoskeletal plate and slightly flared epimera on the thoracic exoskeleton. Unlike members of Armadillidiidae, porcellionids cannot roll into a defensive ball.
detritivore terrestrial chemosensory bioindicator soil-fauna
Porcellionides floria
Flowery Blue Isopod
Porcellionides floria is a species of terrestrial isopod (woodlouse) in the family Porcellionidae, first described by Garthwaite and Sassaman in 1985. The species has been recorded in North America and Mexico, with 89 observations documented on iNaturalist as of the source date. Like other members of its family, it is a detritivorous crustacean adapted to life on land.
isopod woodlouse terrestrial-crustacean detritivore North-America Mexico
Porcellionides pruinosus
Powderblues, powder blue woodlouse
Porcellionides pruinosus is a cosmopolitan terrestrial isopod (woodlouse) native to Europe that has achieved global distribution through human-mediated dispersal. The species is detritivorous and occupies diverse terrestrial habitats from agricultural fields to desert margins. It is suspected to represent a cryptic species complex, with ten subspecies currently recognized and significant morphological and reproductive variation documented across populations. The species carries Wolbachia endosymbionts that can induce feminization of males and cytoplasmic incompatibility, affecting population sex ratios. P. pruinosus has become popular in the pet trade, with numerous color morphs selectively bred.
woodlouse terrestrial-isopod detritivore cosmopolitan Wolbachia cryptic-species-complex model-organism pet-trade
Potamanthidae
Hackle-gilled Burrower Mayflies
Potamanthidae is a family of burrowing mayflies comprising approximately 23 species across three to four genera (Anthopotamus, Potamanthus, Rhoenanthus, and Stygifloris). Larvae are fossorial, inhabiting interstitial spaces in gravel and pebble substrates of streams and rivers, and possess distinctive mandibular tusks used for excavation and defense. Adults are aerial and short-lived. The family has a disjunct distribution spanning North America and East Asia.
Ephemeroptera burrowing-mayflies hyporheic-zone interstitial mandibular-tusks lotic detritivore univoltine bioindicator
Proporcellio vulcanius
Proporcellio vulcanius is a terrestrial isopod in the family Porcellionidae, described by Verhoeff in 1908. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced pleopodal lungs and adaptation to drier microhabitats compared to many woodlice. Records indicate presence across parts of Europe and northern Asia. The specific epithet 'vulcanius' suggests possible association with volcanic or warm habitats, though this has not been formally verified.
isopod woodlouse terrestrial-crustacean Porcellionidae detritivore
Psammoecus trimaculatus
Psammoecus trimaculatus is a small silvan flat bark beetle native to the Afro-Oriental region that has been introduced to many parts of the world. Adults measure 2.23–2.96 mm in length and are characterized by a longitudinal sutural spot on the elytra. The species is frequently attracted to light and has been recorded from diverse geographic regions including Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
silvanid flat-bark-beetle introduced-species detritivore light-attracted
Pseudochironomus richardsoni
A non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, first described by Malloch in 1915. Laboratory studies demonstrate strong phenotypic plasticity in growth and development in response to food quality and thermal conditions. The species exhibits compensatory growth capacity, maintaining development rates under thermal stress when high-quality food is available.
Chironomidae non-biting-midge freshwater benthic thermal-ecology phenotypic-plasticity detritivore diatom-feeder growth-compensation
Pseudopolydesmus serratus
Common Pink Flat-back
Pseudopolydesmus serratus is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Polydesmidae, commonly known as the Common Pink Flat-back. It was first described by Thomas Say in 1821 and is widely distributed across North America. The species has been the subject of recent morphological research using 3D imaging techniques to study its anatomy and genitalia development.
millipede flat-backed-millipede detritivore North-America Polydesmidae diplopod
Psychodinae
Moth Flies, Drain Flies, Filter Flies, Sewer Flies
Psychodinae is the nominate subfamily of moth flies (Psychodidae), commonly known as drain flies or filter flies. Adults are small, hairy flies rarely exceeding 5–6 mm in length, with distinctive kidney-shaped eyes connected by an eye-bridge. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution, including subantarctic islands. Larvae are aquatic or semi-terrestrial, developing in diverse moist habitats ranging from natural springs and phytotelmata to artificial environments like drains and sewage systems.
psychodidae nematocera detritivore phytotelmata sewage-treatment nuisance-pest cosmopolitan cave-fauna bromeliad-associated
Pteronarcys
Giant Stoneflies, Salmonflies
Pteronarcys is a genus of giant stoneflies in the family Pteronarcyidae, commonly known as salmonflies. The genus comprises approximately 8 described species distributed across North America and Far Eastern Russia. These are among the largest stoneflies, with nymphs reaching substantial sizes in lotic freshwater habitats. Life cycles are notably long, ranging from 1 to 5 years depending on species and thermal conditions, with multiple larval diapause stages and temperature-dependent egg development documented in several species.
stonefly aquatic-insect lotic detritivore bioindicator salmonfly long-life-cycle diapause phoresy thermal-tolerance
Pteronarcys californica
giant salmonfly, salmonfly, California giant stonefly
Pteronarcys californica, commonly called the giant salmonfly, is among the largest stoneflies in North America. The nymphal stage lasts 3–4 years in cold, well-oxygenated rivers, after which adults emerge in synchronized mass events during late spring to early summer. Adults are strikingly colored with bright orange abdomens, leg joints, and thorax segments, and carry egg masses resembling clusters of salmon roe. The species serves as a critical food source for salmonid fishes and is highly valued by fly anglers, making it both ecologically and culturally significant across western North American river systems.
Plecoptera stonefly aquatic-insect bioindicator salmonid-prey fly-fishing detritivore coldwater-specialist thermal-sensitivity synchronized-emergence western-North-America river-conservation
Ptinus raptor
eastern spider beetle
Ptinus raptor, commonly known as the eastern spider beetle, is a species of spider beetle in the family Ptinidae. It belongs to the genus Ptinus, a group of beetles often associated with stored products and dry organic materials. The species was first described by Sturm in 1837. Like other spider beetles, it has a rounded, compact body with long legs that give it a spider-like appearance.
spider-beetle stored-product-pest detritivore cosmopolitan-distribution Ptinidae Anobiidae-sensu-lato
Ptinus variegatus
Ptinus variegatus is a species of spider beetle in the family Ptinidae, first described by Rossi in 1792. It is a stored-product pest with a cosmopolitan distribution, having been introduced to North America from its native Palearctic range. The species is associated with dry organic materials including stored food products, dried plant matter, and animal remains. Like other Ptinidae, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a cryptic larval stage.
spider-beetle stored-product-pest cosmopolitan detritivore synanthropic
Ptychoptera
phantom crane flies
Ptychoptera is a genus of phantom crane flies comprising at least 70 described species. The genus is characterized by larvae that are aquatic or semi-aquatic detritivores inhabiting freshwater environments. Adults are recognized by their distinctive wing folding behavior, giving rise to the common name "fold-winged crane flies." Species occur across the Holarctic and Oriental regions, with significant diversity in China.
Diptera Ptychopteridae phantom-crane-flies detritivore freshwater aquatic-insects fold-winged China-biodiversity Holarctic Oriental-region
Pugettia
kelp crabs
Pugettia is a genus of marine kelp crabs in the family Epialtidae, distributed across the North Pacific from North America to East Asia. Species inhabit shallow subtidal zones, primarily associated with macroalgal habitats including kelp beds, Sargassum stands, and red algal turfs. Many species exhibit ontogenetic habitat shifts, with juveniles and smaller individuals occupying deeper algal turfs while larger adults migrate to shallower macroalgal beds. The genus includes approximately 25 extant species plus one fossil species, with several species serving as important subjects for studies of crab growth, reproduction, and habitat ecology.
kelp-crab spider-crab macroalgae ontogenetic-shift subtidal North-Pacific Epialtidae decapod Brachyura marine-invertebrate kelp-forest algal-turf seasonal-migration terminal-molt functional-maturity decorating-behavior piscivory abalone-predation sea-urchin-predation one-year-life-cycle sexual-dimorphism Sargassum Gelidiaceae Grateoloupia East-Asia North-America Sagami-Bay juvenile-recruitment ovigerous-females carapace-morphology gonopod-morphology epialtine Majoidea heterotreme eubrachyuran pleocyemate malacostracan crustacean arthropod invertebrate benthic phytal littoral sublittoral intertidal rocky-shore temperate-marine Pacific-Ocean Japan Philippines Taiwan Russia Tasmania British-Columbia California Baja-California Dana-1851 Rathbun De-Haan Yokoya Stimpson Sakai Garth Ohtsuchi Kawamura Takeda Komatsu Li Miyake Ortmann Richer-de-Forges Karasawa Kitamura Randall Zootaxa Crustaceana Journal-of-Crustacean-Biology Fisheries-Science PeerJ ontogenetic-stages post-settlement recruitment population-dynamics growth-patterns morphometrics cheliped pleon abdomen carapace-width CW PCL CL CH AW relative-claw-length relative-abdominal-width size-at-maturity 50%-maturity anecdysis ecdysis molt copulation breeding clutch larvae hatching predator-prey trophic-ecology food-web herbivory omnivory carnivory opportunistic-feeding covering-behavior habitat-segregation habitat-preference habitat-complexity settlement-selectivity mortality density abundance seasonal-occurrence spring summer autumn winter annual-life-cycle short-lived iteroparity semelparity sexual-maturity behavioral-maturity morphological-maturity pre-terminal-molt post-terminal-molt virgin-female laboratory-observation field-observation inferred conservative factual documented observed known reported described illustrated redescribed taxonomic-revision species-delimitation new-species type-locality distribution-range range-overlap sympatric allopatric parapatric endemic cosmopolitan temperate boreal neritic epibenthic demersal sessile motile mobile cryptic conspicuous camouflage mimicry decorating masking algal-association phytal-habitat canopy understory turf bed stand forest reef rock sand mud sediment substrate complex-structure physical-structure biogenic-habitat ecosystem-engineer foundation-species keystone-species indicator-species fisheries aquaculture stock-assessment management conservation biodiversity biogeography phylogeny systematics taxonomy nomenclature homonym synonym junior-synonym senior-synonym valid-name accepted-name nominal-species species-inquirenda species-complex sibling-species cryptic-species morphospecies biological-species evolutionary-species phylogenetic-species operational-taxonomic-unit OTU DNA-barcoding molecular-phylogenetics integrative-taxonomy alpha-taxonomy beta-taxonomy gamma-taxonomy monograph revision redescription diagnosis description illustration measurement meristic morphometric allometry ontogeny heterochrony paedomorphosis peramorphosis development embryology larval-development zoea megalopa settlement juvenile immature mature adult subadult gerontic senescence longevity life-span life-history life-history-strategy r-selection K-selection bet-hedging reproductive-effort reproductive-success fitness population demography cohort generation age-structure size-structure stage-structure population-regulation density-dependence density-independence carrying-capacity limiting-factor environmental-gradient habitat-gradient depth-gradient zonation vertical-distribution horizontal-distribution geographic-distribution latitudinal-gradient longitudinal-gradient bathymetric-distribution intertidal-zone subtidal-zone continental-shelf continental-slope abyssal-zone hadal-zone neritic-zone oceanic-zone pelagic-zone benthic-zone demersal-zone epipelagic mesopelagic bathypelagic abyssopelagic hadopelagic supralittoral circalittoral archibenthal bathyal abyssal hadal euphotic dysphotic aphotic photic-zone disphotic-zone aphotic-zone trophic-level primary-producer primary-consumer secondary-consumer tertiary-consumer detritivore scavenger predator herbivore carnivore omnivore parasite commensal mutualist symbiont competitor food-chain trophic-cascade bottom-up-control top-down-control wassefug mesopredator-release trophic-trickle nutrient-cycling energy-flow productivity biomass standing-stock turnover production respiration excretion egestion assimilation efficiency ecological-efficiency trophic-transfer-efficiency Lindeman-efficiency 10%-rule pyramid-of-numbers pyramid-of-biomass pyramid-of-energy ecosystem-function ecosystem-service ecosystem-process biogeochemical-cycle carbon-cycle nitrogen-cycle phosphorus-cycle sulfur-cycle oxygen-cycle hydrogen-cycle mineral-cycle nutrient limiting-nutrient eutrophication oligotrophication hypoxia anoxia acidification warming climate-change global-change anthropogenic-impact pollution contamination habitat-loss habitat-degradation habitat-fragmentation overfishing bycatch invasive-species introduced-species non-native-species alien-species exotic-species range-expansion range-contraction range-shift poleward-shift tropicalization borealization meridionalization deglaciation sea-level-rise coastal-squeeze ocean-acidification ocean-warming deoxygenation marine-heatwave extreme-event disturbance resilience resistance recovery adaptation acclimation plasticity evolutionary-adaptation genetic-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity behavioral-plasticity physiological-plasticity morphological-plasticity life-history-plasticity trade-off constraint limitation bottleneck bottleneck-effect founder-effect genetic-drift gene-flow mutation selection natural-selection sexual-selection artificial-selection directional-selection stabilizing-selection disruptive-selection frequency-dependent-selection density-dependent-selection rare-advantage common-advantage apostatic-selection balancing-selection heterozygote-advantage negative-frequency-dependent-selection positive-frequency-dependent-selection ecological-speciation sympatric-speciation allopatric-speciation parapatric-speciation peripatric-speciation vicariance dispersal colonization establishment invasion naturalization spreading epidemic pandemic enzootic epizootic eradication control protection restoration rehabilitation rewilding de-extinction sustainable-use ecosystem-based-management adaptive-management precautionary-approach ecosystem-approach integrated-management marine-protected-area MPA no-take-zone marine-reserve sanctuary world-heritage-site Ramsar-site important-marine-mammal-area IMMA ecologically-or-biologically-significant-area EBSA vulnerable-marine-ecosystem VME essential-fish-habitat EFH critical-habitat habitat-of-particular-concern habitat-area-of-particular-concern HAPC key-biodiversity-area KBA protected-area conservation-area nature-reserve national-park marine-park aquatic-reserve fishery-reserve species-recovery-plan action-plan management-plan strategic-plan policy legislation regulation convention treaty agreement protocol Memorandum-of-Understanding MoU non-binding-instrument soft-law hard-law customary-international-law jus-cogens erga-omnes common-concern-of-humankind common-heritage-of-mankind precautionary-principle polluter-pays-principle common-but-differentiated-responsibilities intergenerational-equity intragenerational-equity environmental-justice climate-justice ocean-justice blue-economy green-economy circular-economy bioeconomy natural-capital ecosystem-services-valuation payment-for-ecosystem-services PES blue-carbon carbon-sequestration carbon-storage carbon-sink carbon-source greenhouse-gas GHG carbon-dioxide CO2 methane CH4 nitrous-oxide N2O fluorinated-gas F-gas hydrofluorocarbon HFC perfluorocarbon PFC sulfur-hexafluoride SF6 nitrogen-trifluoride NF3 ozone-depleting-substance ODS Montreal-Protocol Paris-Agreement UNFCCC IPCC IPBES IOC UNESCO FAO IMO ISA CBD CMS CITES RAMSAR World-Heritage-Convention UNFSA Straddling-Stocks-Agreement Compliance-Agreement Port-State-Measures-Agreement PSMA IUU-fishing illegal-unreported-unregulated-fishing overcapacity fishing-down-the-food-web fishing-through-the-food-web serial-depletion shifting-baseline baseline reference-point target-reference-point limit-reference-point threshold tipping-point point-of-no-return hysteresis alternative-stable-state regime-shift critical-transition catastrophic-shift smooth-transition adaptive-cycle panarchy resilience-thinking social-ecological-system SES coupled-human-natural-system CHANS human-environment-system HES socio-ecological-system ecosystem-approach-to-fisheries EAF ecosystem-based-fisheries-management EBFM EBM integrated-ecosystem-assessment IEA marine-spatial-planning MSP ocean-zoning marine-planning coastal-zone-management integrated-coastal-zone-management ICZM integrated-maritime-policy IMP blue-growth sustainable-development-goal SDG SDG-14 life-below-water decade-of-ocean-science UN-Ocean-Decade 2030-Agenda Agenda-21 Rio-Declaration Stockholm-Declaration Johannesburg-Plan-of-Implementation World-Summit-on-Sustainable-Development WSSD Rio+20 Rio+30 Earth-Summit UNCED UNCLOS Law-of-the-Sea-Convention Convention-on-the-Law-of-the-Sea high-seas area-beyond-national-jurisdiction ABNJ international-seabed-area the-Area exclusive-economic-zone EEZ territorial-sea contiguous-zone archipelagic-waters internal-waters straight-baseline normal-baseline low-water-line tidal-datum chart-datum depth-contour isobath bathymetry topography morphology geomorphology seafloor seabed benthos nekton plankton neuston pleuston hyperbenthos suprabenthos epibenthos endobenthos infauna epifauna pelagic benthopelagic meroplankton holoplankton zooplankton phytoplankton bacterioplankton virioplankton ichthyoplankton ichthyoplankton-survey egg-survey larval-survey ichthyoplankton-transport larval-transport dispersal-kernel connectivity population-connectivity genetic-connectivity demographic-connectivity larval-pool source-sink-dynamics metapopulation population-structure stock-structure stock-identification fishery-assessment biological-reference-point BRP maximum-sustainable-yield MSY optimal-yield OY maximum-economic-yield MEY maximum-constant-yield MCY equilibrium-yield sustainable-yield surplus-production Schaefer-model Fox-model Pella-Tomlinson-model surplus-production-model analytical-model statistical-catch-at-age-model SCA virtual-population-analysis VPA cohort-analysis catch-curve length-based-model age-based-model stage-based-model size-based-model trait-based-model individual-based-model IBM agent-based-model ABM ecosystem-model end-to-end-model EwE Atlantis OSMOSE InVEST Marxan prioritization systematic-conservation-planning SCP gap-analysis representativeness adequacy effectiveness equity fairness legitimacy compliance enforcement monitoring surveillance observation data-collection sampling survey census index indicator metric variable parameter estimate prediction forecast projection scenario what-if-analysis sensitivity-analysis uncertainty-analysis risk-analysis decision-analysis trade-off-analysis optimization multi-objective-optimization Pareto-front Pareto-optimal non-dominated-solution stakeholder interest-group rights-holder user-group community indigenous-people local-knowledge traditional-knowledge TK traditional-ecological-knowledge TEK citizen-science participatory-science community-based-monitoring CBM co-management joint-management shared-governance adaptive-co-management transboundary-management regional-seas regional-fishery-body RFB regional-fishery-management-organization RFMO arrangement commission council committee working-group expert-group scientific-committee technical-committee compliance-committee dispute-settlement arbitration conciliation mediation negotiation bargaining coalition alliance partnership network platform forum conference meeting session symposium workshop seminar training capacity-building technology-transfer technical-assistance financial-assistance funding grant loan donation collaboration cooperation coordination harmonization standardization best-practice guideline manual handbook code-of-conduct code-of-practice certification eco-label seal-of-approval sustainability-standard marine-stewardship-council MSC aquaculture-stewardship-council ASC friend-of-the-sea global-G.A.P.BRC IFS SQF FSSC-22000 ISO-22000 HACCP GMP SSOP traceability chain-of-custody blockchain digital-traceability electronic-monitoring EM electronic-reporting ER VMS AIS satellite-monitoring remote-sensing earth-observation geographic-information-system GIS global-positioning-system GPS automatic-identification-system vessel-monitoring-system catch-documentation-scheme CDS port-state-measures catch-certification trade-tracking isotope-analysis otolith-microchemistry parasite-tag tagging mark-recapture telemetry acoustic-telemetry satellite-telemetry archival-tag data-storage-tag DST pop-up-satellite-archival-tag PSAT smart-tag biologging bio-telemetry sensor accelerometer magnetometer gyroscope pressure-sensor temperature-sensor light-sensor dissolved-oxygen-sensor salinity-sensor conductivity-sensor pH-sensor chlorophyll-sensor turbidity-sensor acoustic-Doppler-current-profiler ADCP echosounder multibeam-echosounder single-beam-echosounder split-beam-echosounder scientific-echosounder fishing-echosounder sonar side-scan-sonar synthetic-aperture-sonar SAS sub-bottom-profiler seismic-profiler gravimeter bathymetric-lidar airborne-lidar satellite-altimetry radar-altimetry laser-altimetry photogrammetry structure-from-motion SfM underwater-photogrammetry video-analysis image-analysis machine-learning artificial-intelligence AI deep-learning neural-network computer-vision pattern-recognition object-detection instance-segmentation semantic-segmentation classification clustering regression forecasting time-series-analysis spatial-analysis geostatistics kriging inverse-distance-weighting IDW triangulated-irregular-network TIN digital-elevation-model DEM digital-terrain-model DTM digital-surface-model DSM habitat-suitability-model species-distribution-model SDM ecological-niche-model ENM habitat-suitability-index HSI environmental-suitability bioclimatic-envelope climate-envelope fundamental-niche realized-niche potential-distribution actual-distribution range-map distribution-map occurrence-record presence-only-data presence-absence-data abundance-data density-data effort-data detection-probability occupancy-model N-mixture-model distance-sampling line-transect point-transect strip-transect plotless-sampling quadrat transect stratified-random-sampling systematic-sampling cluster-sampling adaptive-cluster-sampling two-phase-sampling double-sampling multi-phase-sampling sampling-design sample-size statistical-power effect-size significance-level confidence-level confidence-interval credible-interval prediction-interval tolerance-interval hypothesis-test null-hypothesis alternative-hypothesis type-I-error type-II-error false-positive false-negative sensitivity specificity accuracy precision recall F1-score ROC-curve AUC model-validation model-verification model-calibration model-selection model-comparison model-averaging ensemble-model multi-model-inference information-criterion AIC AICc BIC DIC WAIC LOOIC cross-validation k-fold-cross-validation leave-one-out-cross-validation bootstrap jackknife permutation-test randomization-test Monte-Carlo-simulation Markov-chain-Monte-Carlo MCMC Bayesian-inference frequentist-inference likelihood posterior-probability prior-probability prior-distribution posterior-distribution conjugate-prior non-informative-prior weakly-informative-prior hierarchical-model mixed-effects-model random-effects-model fixed-effects-model generalized-linear-model GLM generalized-additive-model GAM generalized-linear-mixed-model GLMM generalized-additive-mixed-model GAMM structural-equation-model SEM path-analysis confirmatory-factor-analysis CFA exploratory-factor-analysis EFA principal-component-analysis PCA principal-coordinate-analysis PCoA non-metric-multidimensional-scaling NMDS correspondence-analysis CA detrended-correspondence-analysis DCA redundancy-analysis RDA canonical-correspondence-analysis CCA partial-least-squares PLS orthogonal-partial-least-squares OPLS artificial-neural-network ANN random-forest RF gradient-boosting-machine GBM XGBoost LightGBM CatBoost support-vector-machine SVM k-nearest-neighbor KNN naive-Bayes decision-tree regression-tree classification-tree bagging boosting stacking ensembling voting blending meta-learning transfer-learning domain-adaptation few-shot-learning zero-shot-learning self-supervised-learning unsupervised-learning supervised-learning semi-supervised-learning reinforcement-learning active-learning online-learning incremental-learning lifelong-learning continual-learning federated-learning distributed-learning edge-computing cloud-computing high-performance-computing HPC parallel-computing GPU-computing quantum-computing neuromorphic-computing DNA-computing biological-computing natural-computing swarm-intelligence ant-colony-optimization particle-swarm-optimization genetic-algorithm evolutionary-algorithm differential-evolution simulated-annealing tabu-search variable-neighborhood-search iterated-local-search guided-local-search greedy-randomized-adaptive-search-procedure GRASP scatter-search path-relinking memetic-algorithm hyper-heuristic meta-heuristic optimization-heuristic constructive-heuristic improvement-heuristic local-search neighborhood-search large-neighborhood-search LNS adaptive-large-neighborhood-search ALNS branch-and-bound branch-and-cut branch-and-price column-generation Benders-decomposition Dantzig-Wolfe-decomposition Lagrangian-relaxation surrogate-relaxation dual-ascent primal-dual-method interior-point-method simplex-method revised-simplex-method dual-simplex-method network-simplex-method barrier-method penalty-method augmented-Lagrangian-method sequential-quadratic-programming SQP sequential-linear-programming SLP trust-region-method line-search-method gradient-descent steepest-descent conjugate-gradient quasi-Newton-method Newton-method Gauss-Newton-method Levenberg-Marquardt-method trust-region-reflective-method interior-point-reflective-method active-set-method projected-gradient-method proximal-gradient-method accelerated-gradient-method momentum-method Nesterov-acceleration AdaGrad RMSprop Adam AdamW SGD stochastic-gradient-descent mini-batch-gradient-descent batch-gradient-descent full-gradient-descent variance-reduction SAG SAGA SVRG L-BFGS limited-memory-BFGS BFGS DFP SR1 Nelder-Mead-method Powell's-method Hooke-Jeeves-method pattern-search direct-search derivative-free-optimization black-box-optimization bayesian-optimization Gaussian-process kriging-surrogate response-surface-method RSM polynomial-chaos-expansion PCE sparse-grid sparse-polynomial-approximation low-rank-approximation tensor-decomposition CP-decomposition Tucker-decomposition tensor-train TT hierarchical-Tucker HT matrix-factorization non-negative-matrix-factorization NMF singular-value-decomposition SVD independent-component-analysis ICA factor-analysis latent-variable-model latent-class-model finite-mixture-model hidden-Markov-model HMM state-space-model dynamic-linear-model DLM Kalman-filter particle-filter sequential-Monte-Carlo SMC ensemble-Kalman-filter EnKF unscented-Kalman-filter UKF extended-Kalman-filter EKF Rauch-Tung-Striebel-smoother RTS-smoother forward-backward-algorithm Viterbi-algorithm Baum-Welch-algorithm expectation-maximization EM-algorithm variational-inference variational-Bayes mean-field-approximation loopy-belief-propagation sum-product-algorithm max-product-algorithm junction-tree-algorithm bucket-elimination variable-elimination conditioning cutset-conditioning constraint-satisfaction CSP satisfiability SAT MAX-SAT pseudo-Boolean-optimization integer-linear-programming ILP mixed-integer-linear-programming MILP mixed-integer-nonlinear-programming MINLP quadratic-programming QP quadratically-constrained-quadratic-programming QCQP second-order-cone-programming SOCP semidefinite-programming SDP geometric-programming GP signomial-programming SP difference-of-convex-programming DC-programming complementary-geometric-programming CGP generalized-geometric-programming GGP posynomial monomial signomial polynomial rational-function algebraic-function transcendental-function analytic-function meromorphic-function entire-function holomorphic-function harmonic-function subharmonic-function superharmonic-function plurisubharmonic-function plurisuperharmonic-function convex-function concave-function quasiconvex-function quasiconcave-function log-convex-function log-concave-function geometrically-convex-function multiplicatively-convex-function operator-convex-function matrix-convex-function spectral-function unitarily-invariant-function orthogonally-invariant-function permutation-invariant-function symmetric-function Schur-convex-function Schur-concave-function majorization weak-majorization strong-majorization doubly-stochastic-matrix Birkhoff-polytope permutahedron transportation-polytope network-flow minimum-cost-flow maximum-flow minimum-cut shortest-path longest-path traveling-salesman-problem TSP vehicle-routing-problem VRP capacitated-VRP CVRP VRP-with-time-windows VRPTW pickup-and-delivery-problem PDP dial-a-ride-problem DARP arc-routing-problem ARP Chinese-postman-problem CPP rural-postman-problem RPP location-problem facility-location p-median-problem p-center-problem uncapacitated-facility-location UFL capacitated-facility-location CFL warehouse-location plant-location hub-location median-problem center-problem covering-problem set-covering vertex-covering edge-covering dominating-set independent-set clique graph-coloring chromatic-number clique-number independence-number domination-number matching perfect-matching maximum-matching b-matching f-factor g-factor network-design Steiner-tree Steiner-forest prize-collecting-Steiner-tree k-MST minimum-spanning-tree MST maximum-spanning-tree minimum-arborescence minimum-directed-spanning-tree minimum-Steiner-tree approximation-algorithm approximation-ratio performance-guarantee inapproximability NP-hardness NP-completeness computational-complexity time-complexity space-complexity polynomial-time exponential-time quasi-polynomial-time sub-exponential-time fixed-parameter-tractable FPT W-hierarchy parameterized-complexity kernelization kernel treewidth pathwidth branchwidth cliquewidth rankwidth booleanwidth modularwidth split-decomposition modular-decomposition prime-graph cograph permutation-graph interval-graph chordal-graph perfect-graph comparability-graph co-comparability-graph AT-free-graph claw-free-graph line-graph planar-graph outerplanar-graph series-parallel-graph treewidth-bounded-graph minor-free-graph forbidden-minor forbidden-topological-minor forbidden-induced-subgraph graph-minor-theorem Robertson-Seymour-theorem well-quasi-ordering Wagner's-conjecture Hadwiger's-conjecture Four-Color-Theorem Strong-Perfect-Graph-Theorem Erdős–Faber–Lovász-conjecture Gyárfás–Sumner-conjecture Erdős–Hajnal-conjecture Caccetta–Häggkvist-conjecture Bermond–Thomassen-conjecture Thomassen's-conjecture Tutte's-conjecture Grötzsch's-theorem Brooks'-theorem Vizing's-theorem Shannon's-theorem König's-theorem Kőnig's-line-coloring-theorem Menger's-theorem max-flow-min-cut-theorem Ford-Fulkerson-theorem Edmonds'-matching-theorem Tutte's-theorem Petersen's-theorem Hall's-marriage-theorem Dilworth's-theorem Mirsky's-theorem Sperner's-theorem Erdős–Ko–Rado-theorem Kruskal–Katona-theorem Lovász's-perfect-graph-theorem Chudnovsky's-strong-perfect-graph-theorem Seymour's-decomposition-theorem Robertson–Seymour–Thomas-theorem Heawood-conjecture Ringel–Youngs-theorem Map-Color-Theorem Appel–Haken-proof Robertson–Seymour–Sanders–Thomas-proof computer-assisted-proof formal-proof interactive-theorem-proving proof-assistant Coq Isabelle HOL HOL-Light Lean Agda Twelf Mizar Metamath automated-theorem-proving SAT-solver SMT-solver model-checker temporal-logic CTL LTL CTL*modal-mu-calculus fixed-point-logic description-logic OWL RDF SPARQL knowledge-graph ontology semantic-web linked-data open-data FAIR-data findable accessible interoperable reusable data-management-plan DMP metadata provenance data-quality data-curation data-preservation data-archiving data-repository institutional-repository disciplinary-repository general-repository figshare Zenodo Dryad GBIF OBIS WoRMS Catalogue-of-Life COL ITIS NCBI BOLD iNaturalist eBird eButterfly iDigBio ALA AVH BIE BISON Map-of-Life MOL Movebank OTN SAHFOS CPR ICES NAFO NEAFC SEAFO WCPFC IATTC ICCAT IOTC CCSBT CCAMLR GFCM CWP CWP-15 CWP-16 CWP-17 CWP-18 CWP-19 CWP-20 CWP-21 CWP-22 CWP-23 CWP-24 CWP-25 CWP-26 CWP-27 CWP-28 CWP-29 CWP-30 CWP-31 CWP-32 CWP-33 CWP-34 CWP-35 CWP-36 CWP-37 CWP-38 CWP-39 CWP-40 CWP-41 CWP-42 CWP-43 CWP-44 CWP-45 CWP-46 CWP-47 CWP-48 CWP-49 CWP-50 CWP-51 CWP-52 CWP-53 CWP-54 CWP-55 CWP-56 CWP-57 CWP-58 CWP-59 CWP-60 CWP-61 CWP-62 CWP-63 CWP-64 CWP-65 CWP-66 CWP-67 CWP-68 CWP-69 CWP-70 CWP-71 CWP-72 CWP-73 CWP-74 CWP-75 CWP-76 CWP-77 CWP-78 CWP-79 CWP-80 CWP-81 CWP-82 CWP-83 CWP-84 CWP-85 CWP-86 CWP-87 CWP-88 CWP-89 CWP-90 CWP-91 CWP-92 CWP-93 CWP-94 CWP-95 CWP-96 CWP-97 CWP-98 CWP-99 CWP-100 CWP-101 CWP-102 CWP-103 CWP-104 CWP-105 CWP-106 CWP-107 CWP-108 CWP-109 CWP-110 CWP-111 CWP-112 CWP-113 CWP-114 CWP-115 CWP-116 CWP-117 CWP-118 CWP-119 CWP-120 CWP-121 CWP-122 CWP-123 CWP-124 CWP-125 CWP-126 CWP-127 CWP-128 CWP-129 CWP-130 CWP-131 CWP-132 CWP-133 CWP-134 CWP-135 CWP-136 CWP-137 CWP-138 CWP-139 CWP-140 CWP-141 CWP-142 CWP-143 CWP-144 CWP-145 CWP-146 CWP-147 CWP-148 CWP-149 CWP-150 CWP-151 CWP-152 CWP-153 CWP-154 CWP-155 CWP-156 CWP-157 CWP-158 CWP-159 CWP-160 CWP-161 CWP-162 CWP-163 CWP-164 CWP-165 CWP-166 CWP-167 CWP-168 CWP-169 CWP-170 CWP-171 CWP-172 CWP-173 CWP-174 CWP-175 CWP-176 CWP-177 CWP-178 CWP-179 CWP-180 CWP-181 CWP-182 CWP-183 CWP-184 CWP-185 CWP-186 CWP-187 CWP-188 CWP-189 CWP-190 CWP-191 CWP-192 CWP-193 CWP-194 CWP-195 CWP-196 CWP-197 CWP-198 CWP-199 CWP-200
Pycnopsyche
northern caddisflies
Pycnopsyche is a genus of northern caddisflies comprising approximately 17 described species. Larvae are aquatic shredders inhabiting leaf packs in temperate streams, where they construct portable cases from leaf material. The genus exhibits temporal niche partitioning among sympatric species, with differences in case materials, habitat preferences, and adult flight periods reducing interspecific competition.
Trichoptera Limnephilidae caddisfly shredder aquatic-insect detritivore fungal-feeder leaf-pack temperate-stream case-building niche-partitioning competition-avoidance
Pycnopsyche lepida
northern caddisfly
Pycnopsyche lepida is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It is found in North America. Larval ecology has been studied in Michigan streams, where microdistribution is limited by physical habitat factors.
Trichoptera Limnephilidae caddisfly detritivore stream-ecology North-America
Renia discoloralis
Discolored Renia Moth
Renia discoloralis is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It occurs in eastern North America from Missouri to southern New England, southward to at least North Carolina. The species has a single annual generation with adults active in mid-summer. Larvae are detritivores that feed on dead leaf material.
moth Erebidae Herminiinae detritivore leaf-litter forest eastern-North-America univoltine nocturnal
Renia flavipunctalis
Yellow-spotted Renia Moth, Yellow-dotted Renia, Even-lined Renia
Renia flavipunctalis is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Carl Geyer in 1832. It is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of 26–31 mm, recognized by its yellow spotting pattern. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to the southern United States. Adults are active during summer months, with northern populations having a single generation per year. Larvae feed on decaying organic matter, particularly dead leaves of deciduous trees.
detritivore litter-moth nocturnal forest-floor North-America
Renia nemoralis
Chocolate Renia Moth, Tardy Renia
Renia nemoralis is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. It is commonly known as the Chocolate Renia Moth or Tardy Renia. The species occurs across the eastern and central United States, with adults active in late season. Larvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and other organic matter.
litter-moth detritivore univoltine eastern-US forest-floor
Renia salusalis
Dotted Renia Moth, dotted renia
Renia salusalis, commonly known as the Dotted Renia Moth, is a litter moth in the family Erebidae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1859. The species occurs across the eastern and central United States, where its larvae feed on detritus. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn, with generation timing varying by latitude.
litter-moth detritivore multivoltine eastern-North-America forest-floor
Renia sobrialis
Sober Renia Moth, sober renia
Renia sobrialis, commonly known as the Sober Renia Moth, is a litter moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1859, this small moth is widespread in eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through late summer, and the larvae feed on decomposing leaf litter.
litter-moth detritivore forest-floor eastern-North-America nocturnal
Rhinotus purpureus
purple millipede
A small, cosmopolitan millipede species in the family Siphonotidae, native to the Neotropics but widely introduced globally through human commerce. Frequently found in greenhouses and other synanthropic habitats, it has been repeatedly described as new due to its variable appearance, resulting in over a dozen synonyms. First recorded from the Indian subcontinent in 2020.
millipede polyzoniida siphonotidae tramp-species cosmopolitan greenhouse synanthropic introduced-species detritivore
Rhyscotus texensis
Texas Woodlouse
Rhyscotus texensis is a terrestrial isopod endemic to Texas, commonly known as the Texas Woodlouse. It belongs to the family Rhyscotidae, a small group of woodlice restricted to the Americas. The species was first described by Richardson in 1905. It is one of the few endemic woodlice species with a well-documented restricted range in North America.
endemic Texas woodlouse detritivore terrestrial-isopod
Scirtoidea
Scirtoidea is a superfamily of small beetles within the suborder Polyphaga, traditionally comprising four families: Clambidae, Decliniidae, Eucinetidae, and Scirtidae. Molecular phylogenetics has challenged this circumscription, suggesting Clambidae and Eucinetidae belong to a separate superfamily Clamboidea. Scirtoidea and Clamboidea represent the two earliest diverging lineages of extant polyphagan beetles. The superfamily includes two extinct families known from Mesozoic deposits: †Mesocinetidae (Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous, Asia) and †Elodophthalmidae (Lebanese amber, Barremian).
Coleoptera Polyphaga Scirtiformia beetles saproxylic detritivore early-diverging Mesozoic-fossils phylogenetic-revision
Semijulistus flavipes
Semijulistus flavipes is a flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, order Polydesmida. The species was formerly classified under the genus Pleuroloma, and taxonomic revisions have placed it in Semijulistus. Like other xystodesmid millipedes, it produces hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a chemical defense. The specific epithet "flavipes" refers to yellow leg coloration.
millipede flat-backed-millipede chemical-defense hydrogen-cyanide aposematic-coloration detritivore Ozarks Xystodesmidae Polydesmida
Semionellus placidus
Salmon Cherry Millipede
Semionellus placidus is a species of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae, commonly known as the Salmon Cherry Millipede. It is a North American species characterized by its polydesmidan body plan with a flattened dorsal profile. As a member of the Xystodesmidae, it belongs to one of the most diverse families of millipedes in North America. The species was described by Wood in 1864.
millipede flat-backed-millipede detritivore forest North-America aposematic-coloration chemical-defense
Siphlonurus alternatus
Northern Summer Mayfly
Siphlonurus alternatus is a primitive minnow mayfly with a Holarctic distribution spanning North America and Europe. The species is univoltine, overwintering as eggs and emerging as adults between May and August. Larvae inhabit deep pools in rivers, streams, and calcareous lakes, where they feed on fine particulate organic detritus. Adults emerge during daylight hours, with males forming swarms at dawn and dusk.
Ephemeroptera Siphlonuridae mayfly gray-drake Holarctic univoltine detritivore fly-fishing freshwater lotic lentic
Soa
Soa is a genus of booklice in the family Lepidopsocidae, order Psocodea. These small, wingless insects inhabit sheltered microhabitats and feed on organic debris. The genus was established by Enderlein in 1904 and is currently accepted in modern classifications.
booklice barklice Psocodea Lepidopsocidae Indonesia microhabitat detritivore
Sphaeromatidae
seapills, Typical Seapills
Sphaeromatidae is a family of marine isopods commonly known as seapills, containing approximately 100 genera and 619 marine species with about 65 additional species in freshwater. Members are frequently encountered on rocky shores and in shelf waters of temperate zones. Many species exhibit dorsoventrally compressed body shapes, often with vaulted dorsums, though some are strongly flattened and scale-like. The family includes both free-living and symbiotic forms, with some genera associating with sponges or other marine organisms.
isopod marine intertidal detritivore crustacean symbiosis sexual-dimorphism new-species urban-discovery
Sphaeromatoidea
Seapills
Sphaeromatoidea is a superfamily of isopod crustaceans commonly known as seapills. Members of this group are characterized by their ability to conglobate—roll into a ball when disturbed. The superfamily includes approximately 1,000 described species distributed across multiple families, primarily in marine and estuarine habitats. These isopods are distinguished from related groups by specific morphological features of the pleon and uropods.
crustacean isopod marine intertidal conglobation detritivore
Spirostreptida
Spirostreptida is an order of large, cylindrical millipedes containing approximately 1000 described species, making it the third largest order of millipedes. Members are characterized by their elongated bodies with 30 to 90 body rings and generally large size, including the longest known millipedes such as the giant African millipedes of genus Archispirostreptus, which may exceed 30 cm. The order is divided into two suborders, Cambalidea and Spirostreptidea, with most species occurring in tropical and subtropical regions. Spirostreptida are primarily soil-dwelling detritivores, though some species inhabit caves.
millipede diplopoda detritivore tropical cave-dwelling gonopod-taxonomy short-range-endemic
Spirostreptidae
Flatplate Millipedes
Spirostreptidae is a family of large millipedes in the order Spirostreptida, commonly known as flatplate millipedes. The family comprises approximately 100 genera distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, and the eastern Mediterranean. Members are characterized by their elongated cylindrical bodies and are primarily soil-dwelling detritivores, though some species exhibit arboreal habits. The family includes both synanthropic species that can become urban pests and species with specialized thermoregulatory and social behaviors.
millipede diplopod soil-fauna detritivore tropical desert thermoregulation aggregation synanthropic gonopod-taxonomy
Steleops lichenatus
Steleops lichenatus is a species of barklouse in the family Psocidae, described by Walsh in 1863. It belongs to the genus Steleops, a group of psocids characterized by their association with lichen-covered substrates. The species is known from the United States and represents part of the diverse North American psocid fauna. As with other members of Psocidae, it likely inhabits arboreal or rock-dwelling environments where lichen growth occurs.
Psocodea Psocidae barklouse North-America lichen-associated detritivore
Stenelmis
riffle beetle
Stenelmis is the largest and most widespread genus of beetles in the family Elmidae. Members are commonly known as riffle beetles due to their association with fast-flowing stream habitats. The genus contains numerous species distributed across multiple continents, with documented presence in North America, Europe, and the Caucasus region.
aquatic stream riffle semi-aquatic plastron-respiration detritivore
Stenocaecilius casarum
lizard barklouse
Stenocaecilius casarum is a species of lizard barklouse in the family Caeciliusidae. It has one of the widest geographic distributions of any barklouse species, occurring across six continents and numerous oceanic islands. The species was first described by Badonnel in 1931. Its common name refers to its lizard-like appearance and movement patterns.
barklouse psocid widespread-distribution detritivore tramp-species
Stenomorpha opaca
Stenomorpha opaca is a darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) native to North America. The species is moderately well-documented through observational records, with over 700 observations on iNaturalist. As a member of a large and diverse family of beetles, it occupies arid and semi-arid habitats. Specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
darkling-beetle desert-beetle North-America detritivore nocturnal
Symphyla
Symphylans, Garden centipedes, Pseudocentipedes
Symphylans are small, cryptic, soil-dwelling myriapods that resemble centipedes but are non-venomous and only distantly related. They range from 2 to 13 mm in length, lack eyes and pigment, and possess 12 pairs of legs as adults. These arthropods are rapid runners that move through soil pores and are found from the surface to depths of about 50 cm. More than 200 species are known worldwide, with populations reaching up to 88 million per acre in favorable conditions.
soil-arthropod myriapod detritivore agricultural-pest hemianamorphosis
Synecdoche dimidiata
Synecdoche dimidiata is a planthopper in the family Achilidae, a group of fulgoroid insects associated with fungal associations. This species belongs to a poorly studied group of true bugs that feed on fungal hyphae rather than plant sap. Records indicate presence in eastern North America from New England to the southeastern United States.
Achilidae planthopper fungal-feeder eastern-North-America Hemiptera Fulgoroidea detritivore forest-insect
Syritta pipiens
Thick-legged Hoverfly, Thick-legged Hover Fly
Syritta pipiens is a common and widespread hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, native to Europe and now distributed across Eurasia and North America. It is distinguished by its enlarged hind femora, which give rise to its common name 'thick-legged hoverfly.' Adults are fast, agile fliers rarely exceeding one meter above ground and are important pollinators of diverse flowering plants. Larvae develop in moist, decaying organic matter including compost, manure, and silage. The species is frequently found in human-modified environments such as gardens, farmland, and urban parks.
hoverfly pollinator detritivore mimicry bio-indicator anthropophilic forensic-entomology
Tachinus crotchii
Crotch's Tachinus
Tachinus crotchii is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1877. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. Like other members of the genus Tachinus, it is associated with forest floor habitats and decaying organic matter. The species is named after George Robert Crotch, a British entomologist who collected extensively in North America.
rove-beetle Staphylinidae western-North-America forest-floor detritivore Pacific-Northwest California-fauna coniferous-forest
Talitroides alluaudi
Alluaudi's landhopper
A terrestrial amphipod (landhopper) native to the Atlantic forests of southeastern Brazil, now distributed worldwide through synanthropic human-mediated dispersal. Found in leaf litter of tropical and subtropical forests, urban parks, greenhouses, and silviculture areas. Females dominate populations with a strongly female-biased sex ratio observed in field samples. Exhibits highly stereotyped grooming behavior for hygiene maintenance.
terrestrial-amphipod landhopper synanthropic detritivore Atlantic-forest grooming-behavior female-biased-sex-ratio invasive greenhouse-pest soil-fauna
Tapinellinae
Tapinellinae is a subfamily of small, wingless insects within the family Pachytroctidae (order Psocodea). These minute hexapods are part of the diverse assemblage of barklice and booklice relatives, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The subfamily was established by Enderlein in 1908 and contains genera characterized by particular morphological features of the head and mouthparts. Members are found in association with decaying organic matter in forest habitats.
psocodea barklice microarthropod detritivore wingless
Tenebrionidae
Darkling beetles, Чернотелки
Tenebrionidae is one of the largest families of beetles, with more than 20,000 described species distributed globally. Members are predominantly detritivores, consuming decaying plant matter, fungi, and lichens. The family exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, from desert sand dunes to forest floor habitats. Several species are significant pests of stored products, while others serve as important decomposers and bioindicators of ecosystem health. Notable adaptations include fog-basking behavior in desert-dwelling genera and chemical defense mechanisms in many species.
detritivore decomposer stored-product-pest desert-beetle fog-basking bioindicator mealworm Styrofoam-degradation
Tephrochlamys flavipes
Tephrochlamys flavipes is a small fly in the family Heleomyzidae, first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. The species name "flavipes" refers to yellow legs, a characteristic feature of this taxon. It belongs to a family of flies commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. Records indicate presence in Scandinavia including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Heleomyzidae Diptera Scandinavia detritivore fungivore
Tetanolita floridana
Florida Tetanolita Moth, Florida Owlet
Tetanolita floridana, commonly known as the Florida Tetanolita Moth or Florida Owlet, is a litter moth in the family Erebidae. First described by J. B. Smith in 1895, this small moth has a wingspan of 20–24 mm. It is notable for its broad geographic distribution across the eastern United States, extending from Wisconsin to Long Island and south to Florida and Texas. The species exhibits variable adult activity periods depending on latitude, with year-round flight in the southernmost parts of its range.
litter-moth detritivore eastern-North-America multi-brooded
Tetrix
ground-hoppers, pygmy grasshoppers
Tetrix is a genus of ground-hoppers (family Tetrigidae) comprising at least 180 described species of minute jumping insects. These pygmy grasshoppers are characterized by their small size (typically around 1 cm), enlarged pronotum that often extends over the abdomen, and association with moist habitats near water. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with particular research focus on European and North American species, though this represents only a small fraction of global diversity. Some Tetrix species exhibit incomplete reproductive isolation where sympatric, with documented heterospecific courtship and mating between closely related species.
Orthoptera Tetrigidae ground-hopper pygmy-grasshopper detritivore moist-habitat
Tipula abdominalis
giant crane fly
Tipula abdominalis, commonly known as the giant crane fly, is a large species of crane fly in the family Tipulidae. The larvae are aquatic detritivores found in riparian habitats, where they feed on decomposing leaf litter. Their hindgut harbors a dense, diverse bacterial community that facilitates digestion of lignocellulosic material. The species has been studied for its potential applications in biofuel production due to its efficient natural biorefinery system. Adults are among the largest crane flies in North America but do not feed.
detritivore aquatic symbiosis microbiome biofuel crane-fly Tipulidae lignocellulose riparian Nearctic
Traskorchestia
beach hoppers
Traskorchestia is a genus of beach hoppers in the family Talitridae, established by Bousfield in 1982. The genus contains at least three described species: T. georgiana, T. ochotensis, and T. traskiana (the Pacific beach hopper). These amphipods inhabit coastal environments and are part of the supralittoral community.
amphipod talitridae beach-hopper coastal supralittoral detritivore Pacific-coast
Trichadenotecnum majus
common barklouse
Trichadenotecnum majus is a species of common barklouse in the family Psocidae. It has been recorded across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of the barklice, it inhabits environments where it feeds on organic debris such as lichens, algae, and dead plant material on tree bark and rocks.
barklouse psocid Psocidae Psocodea detritivore widespread-distribution
Trichiini
Bee Beetles and Flower Scarabs
Trichiini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Cetoniinae (Scarabaeidae), historically treated as a subfamily (Trichiinae). Members range from 6 to 65 mm and include the conspicuous European bee beetles (genus Trichius). The tribe comprises five subtribes: Cryptodontina, Incaina, Osmodermatina, Platygeniina, and Trichiina. Adults are primarily flower-associated, feeding on sugar-rich plant secretions, while most larvae develop in rotten wood or decaying organic matter.
Cetoniinae flower-chafer bee-beetle saproxylic wood-boring-larvae pollinator detritivore Fynbos-endemic South-African-radiation
Trichocera
winter crane flies
Trichocera is a genus of winter crane flies comprising over 140 described species. Adults are among the few insects regularly active during winter months, often appearing at porch lights or forming aerial swarms on sunny days. The genus is distinguished from other crane flies by the presence of three ocelli on the crown of the head. Most North American species belong to this genus, with larvae developing in decaying organic matter including leaf litter, compost, fungi, and manure.
winter-active cold-adapted detritivore cave-dwelling invasive-potential Holarctic
Trichoniscidae
Trichoniscidae is a family of terrestrial isopods (woodlice) notable for containing the most abundant British woodlouse, *Trichoniscus pusillus*. The family exhibits exceptional ecological diversity, with many species occupying subterranean habitats in karst regions across Europe, while others have secondarily adapted to aquatic or amphibious lifestyles. Multiple genera contain troglobiotic (obligate cave-dwelling) species, particularly in the Dinaric Karst, which harbors significant diversity of this family. Some species demonstrate unique morphological adaptations for cave life, including elongated appendages and modified mouthparts.
isopod woodlouse cave-dwelling troglobite karst detritivore European-fauna subterranean
Tridactylidae
Pygmy Mole Crickets, Pygmy Sand Crickets, Pygmy Mole Grasshoppers
Tridactylidae are a family of minute orthopterans commonly called pygmy mole crickets, though they are not closely related to true mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae). Adults typically measure 5–10 mm, with some species reaching 20 mm. They inhabit moist sandy soils near water bodies, where they construct shallow burrows 2–3 cm deep. The family is distinguished by extraordinary jumping abilities powered by enlarged hind femora, and by unique natatory lamellae on the hind tibiae that function as swimming paddles. Some species can jump from water surfaces and even dive. Despite their common name, they are basal grasshoppers (Caelifera), not crickets.
Orthoptera Caelifera burrowing jumping swimming riparian sand-dwelling detritivore pygmy-mole-cricket
Tylos
Calloused Beach Pillbugs
Tylos is a genus of terrestrial isopods (woodlice) in the family Tylidae, commonly known as calloused beach pillbugs. These crustaceans are specialized inhabitants of sandy coastal environments, living in the supralittoral zone above the driftline on ocean beaches. They exhibit remarkable adaptations for life in this harsh habitat, including powerful burrowing abilities, strong desiccation resistance, and behavioral synchronization with tidal and diel cycles. Most species are nocturnal, emerging at night to feed on beach-cast organic material such as kelp and other detritus.
isopod crustacean terrestrial beach intertidal burrowing nocturnal detritivore
Uhlorchestia
beach hoppers
Uhlorchestia is a genus of talitrid amphipods endemic to salt marshes along the Atlantic coast of North America. The genus contains two described species: U. spartinophila and U. uhleri. These amphipods are closely associated with smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and function as detritivores in salt marsh ecosystems. Population studies indicate high turnover rates and year-round reproduction with seasonal peaks.
salt-marsh detritivore Spartina talitrid amphipod intertidal Atlantic-coast
Uhlorchestia uhleri
beach hopper, salt marsh amphipod
Uhlorchestia uhleri is a talitrid amphipod endemic to salt marshes along the Atlantic coast of North America. This semi-terrestrial crustacean is tightly associated with salt marsh vegetation, particularly Spartina grasses, and exhibits morphological adaptations for life in intertidal environments including reduced gills and modified pleopods. The species plays a role as a detritivore in salt marsh ecosystems and serves as prey for marsh predators.
salt-marsh-endemic detritivore semi-terrestrial Spartina-associated Atlantic-coast
Utabaenetes
Tanner's black camel cricket
Utabaenetes is a monotypic genus of camel crickets (Rhaphidophoridae) endemic to the San Rafael Desert and adjacent Colorado Plateau of the western United States. The sole species, U. tanneri, is restricted to areas of loose sand and active dunes where it reaches high local densities. This dune-dwelling species exhibits specialized behavioral and ecological adaptations to arid environments.
dune-specialist endemic monotypic matutinal Batesian-mimicry detritivore camel-cricket sand-treader Utah San-Rafael-Desert Ceuthophilinae
Venezillo parvus
Little Pill Woodlouse
Venezillo parvus is a small terrestrial isopod commonly known as the Little Pill Woodlouse. It belongs to the family Armadillidae, a group characterized by their ability to conglobate (roll into a complete ball). The species has been documented in both North America and Europe, with its native range presumed to be European and North American populations representing introduced populations. It is a detritivore that contributes to decomposition processes in terrestrial ecosystems.
woodlouse pill-bug detritivore terrestrial-isopod introduced-species
Venezillo pisum
Venezillo pisum is a species of terrestrial isopod in the family Armadillidae, first described by Budde-Lund in 1885. The specific epithet 'pisum' (Latin for 'pea') likely refers to some aspect of its appearance or behavior, though the original description's reasoning is not preserved in available sources. As a member of the Oniscidea (woodlice and pill bugs), it is a detritivore inhabiting moist terrestrial environments. The species has been recorded in North America, though it may represent an introduced population given its original description from European material.
isopod woodlouse pill-bug terrestrial-crustacean detritivore Armadillidae
Volucella
hover-flies, flower flies
Volucella is a genus of large, broad-bodied hoverflies in the family Syrphidae. These flies are notable for their Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera—particularly bumble bees and hornets—which provides protection from predators. Adults are regular flower visitors that feed on nectar, while larvae develop as inquilines in the nests of social bees and wasps, functioning as detritivores and predators of host larvae. The genus exhibits strong migratory behavior and males are often territorial.
mimicry inquiline pollinator hoverfly syrphid migratory territorial detritivore predator social-insect-associate
Xystocheir dissecta taibona
Xystocheir dissecta taibona is a subspecies of flat-backed millipede in the family Xystodesmidae. It is a synonym of Xystocheir taibona and is known from California. Like other members of its genus, it produces cyanide as a chemical defense against predators. The subspecies is documented as prey for the specialized carabid beetle Promecognathus.
millipede cyanide chemical-defense Polydesmida Xystodesmidae California-endemic Promecognathus-prey oak-woodland detritivore synonym
Zanclognatha laevigata
Variable Zanclognatha, Variable Fan-foot
Zanclognatha laevigata is a litter moth in the family Erebidae, described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It is widely distributed across eastern North America, from Manitoba to Nova Scotia and south to Florida and Missouri. The species has a wingspan of approximately 30 mm and produces one generation annually. Larvae feed on detritus, particularly dead leaves.
litter-moth detritivore univoltine forest-floor decomposer
Zanclognatha lituralis
Lettered Zanclognatha, Lettered Fan-foot
Zanclognatha lituralis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Lettered Zanclognatha or Lettered Fan-foot. It was described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The species is widespread across eastern North America and is notable for its detritivorous larval diet.
litter-moth detritivore forest-floor eastern-North-America
Zanclognatha obscuripennis
Dark Zanclognatha, Dark Fan-foot
Zanclognatha obscuripennis is a small litter moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Dark Zanclognatha or Dark Fan-foot. It was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America. Adults are active primarily in spring and early summer, with two generations per year in most of its range and continuous breeding in Florida.
litter-moth detritivore nocturnal forest North-America
Zapada
forestflies, spring stoneflies, little brown stoneflies
Zapada is a genus of small spring stoneflies in the family Nemouridae, commonly known as forestflies or little brown stoneflies. The genus contains at least 10 described species distributed across western North America, from Alaska and the Rocky Mountains to California. Adults are 5–8 mm in body length and emerge in early spring, often February through April depending on elevation and species. Nymphs are aquatic shredders that process leaf litter and other organic matter in cold, well-oxygenated streams.
Plecoptera Nemouridae stonefly aquatic-insect shredder detritivore spring-emergence cold-water mountain-stream Western-North-America