Detritivore
Guides
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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-speciesaggressive-behaviorchemical-communicationfreshwater-crayfishsecond-order-conditioningecosystem-impactrange-expansionbehavioral-ecologyspecies-displacementpredator-learningagonistic-behaviorthermal-ecologydetritivorebenthic-invertebratedecapod-crustaceanGreat-Lakes-invasivebait-introductionurine-communicationself-assessmentspatial-memoryOrtholasma
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.