Europe
Guides
Abdera
Abdera is a genus of false darkling beetles (family Melandryidae) established by Stephens in 1832. The genus is found in northern Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of the family Melandryidae, Abdera species are associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The genus contains multiple species, though specific taxonomic boundaries and species counts require further verification.
Acanalonia bivittata
Two-striped Planthopper
Acanalonia bivittata, commonly known as the two-striped planthopper, is a Nearctic species in the family Acanaloniidae. It is the most common and widespread member of the genus Acanalonia. Adults are typically green, occasionally pink, with a distinctive reddish stripe on the inner edge of the wing. The species has been introduced to Europe, with first records from northern Italy.
Acleris pulverosana
Acleris pulverosana is a synonym of Acleris hastiana, a species of tortricid moth in the family Tortricidae. The name was described by Francis Walker in 1863 but is not currently accepted as a valid species. Records exist from Belgium, suggesting it has been historically documented in western Europe. As a synonym, biological information attributed to this name should be verified against current taxonomy under Acleris hastiana.
Acyrthosiphon lactucae
Prickly Lettuce Aphid
Acyrthosiphon lactucae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Prickly Lettuce Aphid. It belongs to the genus Acyrthosiphon, which includes several economically significant agricultural pests. The species was first described by Passerini in 1860. Unlike its congener Acyrthosiphon pisum (the pea aphid), which has been extensively studied, relatively little specific research has been published on A. lactucae. Available records indicate presence in parts of Europe including Norway, Sweden, and the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira.
Aglais io
European peacock butterfly, peacock butterfly
A colorful nymphalid butterfly found across Europe and temperate Asia to Japan. Adults overwinter and emerge in spring to reproduce. Recent studies in Belgium demonstrate a shift from univoltine to bivoltine life history, with three flight peaks now observed: spring (overwintering adults), early summer (first generation), and autumn (second generation). The species is known for prominent eyespots on its wings that function in anti-predator defense.
Agrilus planipennis
Emerald Ash Borer, EAB
Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash borer, is a highly destructive invasive beetle native to northeastern Asia. First detected in North America in 2002 (Michigan) and European Russia in 2003, it has since spread to 36 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, and across Eastern Europe. The species has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees, causing severe ecological and economic damage. In its native range, it occurs at low densities without significant tree mortality; in invaded regions, it typically kills over 90% of ash trees within 2–4 years of establishment.
Agrilus sinuatus
sinuate peartree borer, hawthorn jewel beetle
Agrilus sinuatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) with introduced or established populations in North America. The species has emerged as a significant pest of rosaceous trees in European orchards and nurseries, particularly pear, quince, and hawthorn. It was historically an occasional pest in the 19th century, became rare during the broad-spectrum insecticide era, then resurged dramatically from 1992–1997 in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with a major population explosion recorded in Hungary in 2019 causing 40–50% tree mortality in a quince orchard. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle with thermophilic tendencies, showing increased population growth following hot summers.
Agriotes obscurus
dusky wireworm, obscure click beetle
Agriotes obscurus is a click beetle native to Europe and northern Asia that has become an established invasive pest in western North America since its accidental introduction around 1900. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests that feed on tubers, seeds, and roots of numerous crops including potatoes, cereals, and vegetables. Adults are dark brown to black beetles 7–10 mm long, distinguishable from related species by their pronotum morphology and elytral ridges. The species has a prolonged life cycle of 2–4 years depending on temperature, with larvae passing through 8–13 instars before pupation.
Agriotes sputator
Spitting Click Beetle, Common Click Beetle
Agriotes sputator is a click beetle native to Europe, with established populations in parts of western Asia, North Africa, and an introduced range in eastern Canada. Adults are small (6–9 mm), dark brown to black with reddish-brown antennae and legs. The larvae, known as wireworms, are soil-dwelling agricultural pests that feed on roots and germinating seeds. The species completes its life cycle in up to five years, with larvae developing through multiple growth stages before pupation. It is considered a serious pest of cereals, potatoes, and other crops, and is monitored using pheromone traps baited with geranyl butanoate.
Agriphila straminella
Pearl Veneer, Straw Grass-veneer moth
Agriphila straminella is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 16–20 mm, found across Europe and the Palearctic region. Adults are active from June to September, with flight timing varying by location. The species is attracted to light traps. Larvae feed on grasses including sheep's fescue, smooth meadowgrass, and wheat.
Alberada
Alberada is a genus of snout moths described by C. Heinrich in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Phycitinae within the family Pyralidae. The taxonomic status of this genus is disputed: some authorities treat it as a synonym of Zophodia, while others recognize it as a valid genus. The genus includes five described species, four of which were described by Neunzig in 1997.
Allopiophila
Allopiophila is a genus of small flies in the family Piophilidae, established by Hendel in 1917. The genus comprises approximately 20 described species distributed primarily across northern and central Europe. Species are distinguished by morphological features including variations in leg coloration, thoracic setation, and abdominal ornamentation.
Amara aenea
Common Sun Beetle
Amara aenea, commonly known as the common sun beetle, is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae. It occurs across almost all of Europe and Northern Asia, with its range extending into parts of Northern Africa. Adults are predatory, feeding on insects including agricultural pests such as apple maggot and soybean aphid. The species has been studied for potential use in integrated pest management programs.
Amara familiaris
Social Sun Beetle
Amara familiaris is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, native to Europe with introduced populations in North America. It is commonly known as the Social Sun Beetle. The species belongs to the large genus Amara, which contains numerous similar-looking ground beetles. Its distribution spans multiple continents due to human-mediated dispersal.
Amara fulva
Amara fulva is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae native to Europe. A detailed life history study in the southwest forest zone of the East European Plain found that adults are active from June through October, with peak activity in August. The species has a facultatively-biennial life cycle lasting 254-328 days including the winter period. Larvae and adults exhibit spatial segregation in overwintering sites within floodplain habitats.
Amara ovata
Broad-dimpled Sunshiner
Amara ovata is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America. The species is commonly known as the Broad-dimpled Sunshiner. Records indicate it occurs in Canada, the United States, and several European countries including Albania and Algeria.
Amaurobius ferox
black lace-weaver, black lace weaver
Amaurobius ferox is a nocturnal spider known for its distinctive cribellate web with woolly, lace-like silk. The species exhibits a unique subsocial organization among spiderlings, including synchronized molting, cooperative prey capture, and matriphagy—where offspring consume their mother after hatching. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America and is commonly found near human structures in dark, moist environments.
Amblyseius andersoni
Amblyseius andersoni is a generalist predatory mite in the family Phytoseiidae, widely distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. It is commercially available and employed as a biological control agent against spider mites, eriophyid mites, and other small arthropod pests in orchards, greenhouses, and open-field crops. The species exhibits broad dietary flexibility, feeding on plant-feeding mites, thrips, whiteflies, and various pollens. Laboratory studies demonstrate that it can be mass-reared on alternative diets such as cattail pollen and the stored product mite Carpoglyphus lactis without loss of predatory efficiency on natural prey.
predatory-mitebiological-controlgeneralist-predatorintegrated-pest-managementspider-mite-controleriophyid-mite-controlorchard-pest-managementgreenhouse-biocontrolmass-rearingpollen-feedingalternative-diettemperature-dependent-developmentPhytoseiidaeAcariEuropeNorth-AmericaChinaapplecitrusconiferous-plantsAmbrosiophilus atratus
Black Bark Weevil
Ambrosiophilus atratus is a non-native ambrosia beetle in the weevil family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. First recorded in Europe in Slovenia in 2017 during monitoring surveys for invasive ambrosia beetles. The species is distinguished by pronounced asperities covering the entire pronotum surface. Native to North America and Southern Asia, it has established populations in Europe through human-mediated introduction.
Amphigerontia contaminata
Amphigerontia contaminata is a barklouse species in the family Psocidae, found across Europe and parts of Asia and North America. Adults are small, soft-bodied insects with either light black or brown coloration. The species has been recorded from numerous tree hosts and shows a broad geographic distribution, though it is uncommon to scarce in parts of its British and Irish range.
Anacaena limbata
Anacaena limbata is a water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is native to Europe and parts of Northern Asia, and has been introduced to North America. As a member of the genus Anacaena, it inhabits aquatic and semi-aquatic environments.
Analeptura lineola
Lined Longhorn Beetle, lined longhorn
Analeptura lineola is a small longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as the lined longhorn beetle. Adults are anthophilous, feeding on flower nectar. Larvae develop in decaying wood, boring into the bases of various hardwood species. The species occurs in eastern North America and parts of Europe.
Anapistula
Anapistula is a genus of minute araneomorph spiders in the family Symphytognathidae, established by Gertsch in 1941. The genus comprises 28 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Europe. Members exhibit diverse habitat preferences: approximately 18 species occur in leaf litter, soil, and mosses, while seven are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobites) and one inhabits cave entrances. The genus includes some of the smallest spiders known, with A. ataecina from Portugal representing both the first European record of the family and one of the smallest described spider species.
Anarsia lineatella
Peach twig borer, Almond fruit moth
Anarsia lineatella, commonly known as the peach twig borer, is a gelechiid moth native to Europe that was introduced to California in the 1880s and has since spread to other regions. It is a significant agricultural pest of stone fruits, particularly peach, almond, plum, and apricot. The species exhibits multivoltine life cycles with two to three generations per year in most regions, with development rates varying by climate. Adults are small moths with a wingspan of 11–14 mm. The species overwinters as second or third instar larvae within buds and bark cracks, with diapause termination synchronized by winter chilling.
Ancistrocerus gazella
European potter wasp, European tube wasp
Ancistrocerus gazella is a solitary potter wasp native to Europe, known for constructing mud nests in pre-existing cavities. Females provision single-celled nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae, sealing nests with mud. Adults feed on nectar and aphid honeydew. The species has been introduced to New Zealand, where it is now established. Males cannot sting, and female stings are not painful to humans.
Ancistrocerus parietum
Wall Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus parietum is a solitary mason wasp native to Europe that was introduced to North America, first recorded from Ithaca, New York in 1916. It has since gradually extended its range across the northeastern United States and into Canada. The species is associated with dead deciduous wood for nesting and has shown population decline in parts of its native range, possibly due to habitat loss. Populations in southern Finland may produce two generations per year.
Anergates atratulus
Anergates atratulus is an extreme workerless social parasite (inquiline) ant that lives exclusively within colonies of Tetramorium host species. It is one of the most specialized ant parasites known, lacking a worker caste entirely and producing only sexual forms (males and queens). The species is IUCN Red-Listed and considered rare across its European range.
Anisandrus dispar
European Shothole Borer
Anisandrus dispar is an ambrosia beetle in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the European Shothole Borer. It is an economically significant pest in fruit orchards, particularly apple cultivation. The species exhibits a distinct seasonal flight pattern, with females conducting most flight activity from February through May. It maintains an obligate symbiotic relationship with the fungus Ambrosiella hartigii, which it cultivates in gallery systems within host wood.
Anomognathus cuspidatus
Anomognathus cuspidatus is a small rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, with introduced populations established in eastern North America including Canada and the northeastern United States. The species belongs to the tribe Homalotini, a group of aleocharine rove beetles often associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Anoscopus
Anoscopus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Carl Ludwig Kirschbaum in 1858. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across Europe and North America. These insects are part of the subfamily Aphrodinae and tribe Aphrodini.
Anotylus insecatus
Anotylus insecatus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America, with established populations in Canada and the United States. The species was first described by Gravenhorst in 1806 under the basionym Oxytelus insecatus. It belongs to the subfamily Oxytelinae, a group of small to medium-sized rove beetles often associated with decaying organic matter.
Anthocoris musculus
minute pirate bug
Anthocoris musculus is a species of minute pirate bug in the family Anthocoridae, found across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. At 3.4–4.0 millimeters, it is notably larger than many congeners. The species is associated with cottonwood, willow, and other deciduous trees and shrubs, and has been documented as a predator of red mites and eye-spotted bud moth in orchard settings.
Anthocoris nemorum
Common Flowerbug
Anthocoris nemorum is a predatory anthocorid bug native to Europe, commonly known as the common flowerbug. It is an important biological control agent in orchards and agricultural systems, preying on aphids, psyllids, mites, and other small arthropods. The species exhibits distinct oviposition preferences, laying eggs primarily on apple leaves near leaf margins, and shows preference for damaged leaves over healthy ones. Multiple generations occur annually, with adults overwintering and reproducing in spring.
Anthonomus rubi
strawberry blossom weevil, strawberry-blossom weevil
Anthonomus rubi is a small weevil native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa that has become established in North America (first detected in British Columbia, Canada in 2019, then Washington State, USA in 2021). It is a major agricultural pest of strawberry and raspberry, with females laying single eggs in unopened flower buds before severing the stalk, causing bud death and yield losses up to 80% in severe cases. The species has been observed to exhibit prolonged adult activity year-round in protected cultivation systems, with recent documentation of direct fruit feeding behavior in addition to traditional bud damage.
Anthrenus fuscus
Mill Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus fuscus is a small carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, commonly known as the Mill Carpet Beetle. It occurs in North America and Europe, with populations in southern Britain showing peak abundance near agricultural areas. Adults are found on flowers during summer months, while larvae feed on dead insects in natural habitats such as spiders' webs and under tree bark. The species exhibits sharply defined habitat separation from the closely related A. verbasci.
Aphidecta
larch ladybird, larch ladybug
Aphidecta is a genus of Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) containing at least one well-documented species, A. obliterata, commonly known as the larch ladybird. Members are specialized predators of conifer-infesting adelgids and aphids. The genus has been the subject of biological control research, particularly for management of balsam woolly aphid.
Aphis craccae
Tufted Vetch Aphid
Aphis craccae, commonly known as the Tufted Vetch Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly vetch species (Vicia spp.). The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758. Observations indicate it occurs in parts of Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.
Aphis farinosa
Small Willow Aphid
Aphis farinosa is a species of aphid commonly known as the Small Willow Aphid. It is a member of the family Aphididae and is associated with willow host plants. The species has been documented in parts of Europe, including Belgium and the Azores islands of Portugal.
Aphis intybi
Aphis intybi is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Koch in 1855. It belongs to the large genus Aphis, which contains numerous economically important plant-feeding species. Distribution records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The species epithet 'intybi' suggests an association with Cichorium intybus (chicory), though specific host plant relationships have not been well documented in available literature.
Aphis urticata
dark green nettle aphid
Aphis urticata, commonly known as the dark green nettle aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is associated with nettle plants (Urtica species), as suggested by its specific epithet. The species has been recorded in parts of Europe including Belgium and the Azores (São Miguel). Like other aphids, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap.
Aphis verbasci
Mullein Aphid
Aphis verbasci, commonly known as the mullein aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. First described by Schrank in 1801, this species has been documented in several European countries including Poland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden. Sexual morphs of this species include an oviparous female and a wingless male, which were described in detail for the first time in a 2014 study. The species is associated with Verbascum (mullein) as its host plant.
Aphodius pedellus
Aphodius pedellus is a small dung beetle native to Europe that has been introduced to North America, where it is now widespread and common in cattle pastures. It was long confused with Aphodius fimetarius as part of a species complex, but morphological and DNA barcoding studies have confirmed them as distinct species. In Canada, only A. pedellus is present; A. fimetarius is absent. North American populations show reduced genetic diversity consistent with introduction during European settlement.
Aphrophora alni
European alder spittle bug, alder spittlebug
Aphrophora alni is a froghopper in the family Aphrophoridae, commonly known as the European alder spittlebug. It is the most common and widespread of the four Aphrophora species in the UK and one of the larger froghoppers in its range. Adults are distinguished by a pale median keel on the head and pronotum, dark brown coloration, and two pale patches along the costal margin of the forewings. The species is polyphagous, feeding on deciduous trees as adults and herbaceous plants as larvae. Nymphs produce characteristic foam nests ('cuckoo spit') with adhesive properties of biotechnological interest. It has been recorded as a pest on alder and is a potential vector of the bacterial plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa.
Aproaerema
Aproaerema is a genus of gelechiid moths in the subfamily Anacampsinae. The genus contains at least 11 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Aproaerema modicella (groundnut leaf miner), which causes severe yield losses in groundnut and soybean crops across South and Southeast Asia and has recently invaded Africa. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with molecular and behavioral evidence suggesting relationships among A. modicella, A. simplexella, and related taxa require re-examination.
Apteromyia claviventris
Apteromyia claviventris is a small fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, commonly known as lesser dung flies. The genus Apteromyia is characterized by reduced wing venation and small body size. This species has been documented in northern Europe and North America. Like other members of its family, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Arctogeophilus
Arctogeophilus is a genus of soil centipedes in the family Geophilidae, comprising fourteen species distributed across subarctic and temperate regions of Asia, North America, and western Europe. First described as a subgenus by Carl Attems in 1909 and elevated to genus rank by Henri Ribaut in 1910, its name references the northern distribution toward Ursa Major. Species range from 11 mm to 50 mm in length and possess 35 to 69 pairs of legs.
centipedesoil-dwellingsubarctictemperateGeophilidaeGeophilomorphaChilopodaMyriapodaArthropodanorthern-distributionelongate-headforcipule-denticlesvariable-leg-number14-speciesAttems-1909Ribaut-1910AsiaNorth-AmericaEuropephylogenetic-sister-to-AlloschizotaeniaPachymeriumSchendyloidescarpophagus-absentultimate-legs-longer-than-penultimatescattered-pores-on-ultimate-legs11-50-mm-length35-69-leg-pairsA.-sachalinus-smallA.-wolfi-smallA.-melanonotus-largeA.-macrocephalus-fewest-legsA.-atopus-most-legsA.-glacialis-phylogenetic-representativeArctogeophilus-atopusArctogeophilus-attemsiArctogeophilus-corvallisArctogeophilus-fulvusArctogeophilus-glacialisArctogeophilus-inopinatusArctogeophilus-insularisArctogeophilus-macrocephalusArctogeophilus-melanonotusArctogeophilus-quadratusArctogeophilus-sachalinusArctogeophilus-shelfordiArctogeophilus-umbraticusArctogeophilus-wolfiArgyresthia goedartella
bronze alder moth
Argyresthia goedartella, commonly known as the bronze alder moth, is a small moth species in the family Argyresthiidae. It is widely distributed across Europe and North America. The species is recognized by its distinctive coppery-golden Y-shaped wing marking and its association with birch and alder host plants. Adults are active from spring through autumn and have been observed feeding on nectar.
Armadillidium nasatum
Nosy Pill Woodlouse
Armadillidium nasatum is a large woodlouse species native to Western Europe, particularly Britain, that has been introduced to North America and other regions. It reaches up to 21 mm in length and is distinguished from congeners by a rectangular protrusion ("nose") at the apex of the head and a rounded tail tip with incurved sides. Unlike some relatives, it does not form a complete ball when enrolled. The species exhibits synanthropic tendencies and prefers drier habitats than most woodlice.
Arthrolips fasciata
Arthrolips fasciata is a minute beetle species in the family Corylophidae, originally described by Erichson in 1842. Records indicate presence in Belgium with some uncertainty, and the species has been observed 18 times on iNaturalist. Like other members of this family, it is among the smallest beetles, typically associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. The genus Arthrolips is part of the diverse microbeetle fauna that remains understudied due to its diminutive size.
Arthropleidae
flatheaded mayflies
Arthropleidae is a family of mayflies in the order Ephemeroptera, characterized by flattened heads. The family contains at least two genera: the extant Arthroplea and the extinct Electrogenia. Members are aquatic insects with life cycles involving aquatic nymphal stages and short-lived winged adults.