Ecosystem-engineers
Guides
Aphodius
dung beetles
Aphodius is a genus of dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. The genus was established by Hellwig in 1798, with Scarabaeus fimetarius Linnaeus, 1758 designated as the type species by Latreille in 1810. Species in this genus typically dominate dung beetle communities in north temperate ecosystems and are classified as endocoprids (dwellers), with larvae living and feeding within dung pats. Most species are coprophagous, though some have herbivorous or saprophagous larvae. The genus currently includes 44 recognized species, of which 21 are extinct.
Attina
Fungus-growing Ants
Attina is a subtribe of fungus-growing ants within the subfamily Myrmicinae, comprising all known ant species that participate in obligate ant-fungus mutualism. These ants cultivate fungi as their sole food source, with leafcutter ants (genera Atta and Acromyrmex) being the most well-known members. The subtribe is sister to Dacetina and represents one of only two known groups of organisms (along with humans) that practice agriculture. Attina ants are native to the New World tropics and subtropics, where they play significant roles in nutrient cycling and soil modification.
Cynipini
Oak Gall Wasps
Cynipini is the largest tribe of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, comprising approximately 936 to 1,000 described species. Members are commonly known as oak gall wasps due to their specialized association with oaks (Quercus) and other Fagaceae. The tribe is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region, with significant diversity also in Mexico and Central America. Cynipini species induce structurally diverse galls on various oak tissues including leaves, buds, branches, petioles, catkins, acorns, and roots. Most species exhibit cyclical parthenogenesis, alternating between sexual and asexual generations that often produce different gall morphotypes on the same or different host tissues.
Formica
wood ants, mound ants, field ants
Formica is a large and ecologically significant genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae, commonly known as wood ants, mound ants, or field ants. The genus includes species with diverse life histories, ranging from free-living colony founders to facultative and obligate social parasites. Many species construct conspicuous earthen mounds that can reach several feet in diameter and height, while others nest in dead wood. Formica ants are notable for their complex social structures, including both single-queen (monogynous) and multiple-queen (polygynous) colonies, with social organization sometimes controlled by supergenes. The genus serves as host for specialized slave-making ants in the genus Polyergus and supports diverse communities of myrmecophilous organisms.
Formicoidea
ants
Formicoidea is a superfamily within the order Hymenoptera comprising ants and their extinct relatives. The group originated approximately 120 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous from vespoid wasp ancestors. Formicoidea is defined by the inclusion of the family Formicidae (living and fossil ants) and the extinct family †@@@idae, which includes the mid-Cretaceous genera †Camelomecia and †Camelosphecia. The superfamily is characterized by eusocial behavior, a distinct narrow petiole (waist), and metapleural glands. Ants within Formicoidea represent one of the most ecologically dominant and diverse groups of terrestrial insects, with more than 13,800 described species and estimates of up to 22,000 total species.
Lasius
Citronella Ants, Fuzzy Ants, Moisture Ants, Yellow Ants, Lemon Ants
Lasius is a genus of formicine ants comprising approximately 100 species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, including free-living species, temporary social parasites, and the hyper-social parasite Lasius fuliginosus. Many species are known as "citronella ants" due to their production of citronellal, a lemon-scented defensive compound. Lasius species are significant ecosystem engineers that modify soil properties and engage in mutualistic relationships with root-feeding aphids, herding them for honeydew production.
Polymitarcyidae
Pale Burrowers
Polymitarcyidae is a family of burrowing mayflies comprising approximately 10 genera and more than 90 described species. The family exhibits the shortest adult lifespan among mayflies and unique biological traits including silk production by nymphs. Nymphs construct U-shaped burrows in aquatic sediments, functioning as ecosystem engineers through bioturbation. The family shows highest diversity in the Neotropical region, with Campsurinae representing the most species-rich subfamily. Adults possess atrophied legs except for the anterior legs of males.
Scarabaeinae
true dung beetles, dung beetles
Scarabaeinae is a subfamily of scarab beetles comprising the true dung beetles. Adults typically feed on dung, though some species consume carrion, decaying fruit, or fungi. The subfamily is divided into three functional guilds—rollers (telecoprids), tunnelers (paracoprids), and dwellers (endocoprids)—based on dung processing behavior. Members exhibit modified mouthparts with an expanded clypeus covering the mandibles, and possess a space between the middle legs for dung manipulation. The subfamily originated in the Lower Cretaceous (115–130 million years ago) and is hypothesized to have co-evolved with dinosaurs.
Scarabaeoidea
Scarabs, Stag Beetles, Dung Beetles, Fruit and Flower Chafers
Scarabaeoidea is a superfamily of beetles comprising approximately 35,000 described species, with around 200 new species described annually. It is the sole superfamily within the infraorder Scarabaeiformia. The group includes diverse families such as Scarabaeidae (scarabs, dung beetles, chafers), Lucanidae (stag beetles), Geotrupidae (earth-boring scarabs), and Bolboceratidae. Many species exhibit distinctive circularly polarized light reflection from their cuticles, produced by helicoidal stacks of chitin microfibrils. The superfamily is currently undergoing taxonomic revision at the family level.