Europe
Guides
Rugilus rufipes
red-legged rove beetle
Rugilus rufipes is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) measuring 5–7 mm, distinguished by its dark brown to black body with contrasting red legs and antennae. The species is native to Europe and western Asia, with introduced populations in eastern North America. It inhabits moist terrestrial environments with abundant organic matter and is predatory on small invertebrates.
Sargus bipunctatus
twin-spot centurion, Twin-Spot Centurion Fly
Sargus bipunctatus, commonly known as the twin-spot centurion, is a European soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. Adults range from 10–14 mm in body length and display sexual dimorphism in coloration. The species is associated with decaying organic matter, where females oviposit and larvae develop. It has been observed in both open and wooded habitats from July through November.
Scaptomyza pallida
Scaptomyza pallida is a small fruit fly species in the family Drosophilidae. It is found in Europe, with distribution records from the Azores islands including Faial, Flores, Pico, São Jorge, and São Miguel. The genus Scaptomyza includes both herbivorous and non-herbivorous species, though the specific biology of S. pallida remains poorly documented. It belongs to a lineage nested within the Drosophilidae that has undergone evolutionary transitions to herbivory.
Scathophaga spurca
Scathophaga spurca is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, order Diptera. The genus Scathophaga includes species commonly known as dung flies, with the well-known Scathophaga stercoraria (golden dung fly) being a familiar example. S. spurca was described by Meigen in 1826 and is currently accepted as a valid species. Distribution records indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.
Scellus
long-legged flies
Scellus is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Males possess distinctive flag-like abdominal appendages called signa, connected by a U-shaped cingulum, which likely function in courtship signaling. The genus is closely related to Hydatostega, which shares a reduced form of this structure.
Sceptonia
Sceptonia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Winnertz in 1863. Species in this genus are small, delicate flies associated with forest habitats. The genus occurs across northern Europe and has been documented in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As with other Mycetophilidae, larvae are presumed to develop in fungal substrates, though specific life history details for most Sceptonia species remain poorly documented.
Schroederella iners
Schroederella iners is a small fly species in the family Heleomyzidae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1830. The species is documented from northern Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other members of Heleomyzidae, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Scotophaeus blackwalli
Mouse Spider
Scotophaeus blackwalli, commonly called the mouse spider, is a ground-dwelling spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It is native to Europe, the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran, and has been introduced to North America, Peru, and Hawaii. The species is nocturnal and does not build webs for prey capture, instead hunting actively or scavenging opportunistically. It is frequently found in and around human dwellings, particularly in Britain during autumn.
Scraptiidae
False Flower Beetles
Scraptiidae is a small family of beetles in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea, commonly known as false flower beetles. The family was established by Gistel in 1848. These beetles are frequently mistaken for members of the related family Mordellidae due to their similar appearance. The family has a broad distribution with records from Europe and North America, and is represented by over 10,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating they are commonly encountered despite their modest taxonomic diversity.
Scrobipalpa artemisiella
thyme moth
Scrobipalpa artemisiella, commonly known as the thyme moth, is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 10–12 mm. The species is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and has unconfirmed records from North America. Adults are active in summer, and larvae are specialized feeders on thyme and related aromatic herbs.
Scrobipalpopsis
Scrobipalpopsis is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Povolný in 1967. The genus contains six described species distributed primarily in North America and Europe. These moths belong to the tribe Gnorimoschemini, a group known for larvae that often feed internally on plant tissues. Species within this genus are poorly known biologically, with limited documentation of their life histories and host associations.
Scytonotus
Scytonotus is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Polydesmidae, containing approximately 17 described species. The genus was established by C.L. Koch in 1847. Members of this genus are part of the diverse order Polydesmida, which includes millipedes with flattened bodies and lateral extensions of their dorsal plates (paranota). Species in this genus are poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited ecological and behavioral data available.
Sepedophilus testaceus
Sepedophilus testaceus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Tachyporinae) originally described from Europe and now established in North America as an introduced species. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with several previously described North American species (imbricatus, limuloides, elongatus) synonymized under this name. Larvae possess specialized morphological adaptations on the posterior abdomen that facilitate prey capture. Adults are associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Sepsis punctum
Sepsis punctum is a European species of black scavenger fly in the family Sepsidae. It is a small, dark-colored fly that has been recorded from Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. The species belongs to a genus commonly associated with dung and decaying organic matter.
Siphona
Siphona is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Meigen in 1803. The genus contains numerous species distributed across Europe, North America, and other regions. Taxonomic relationships within Siphona remain complex, with subgenera such as Aphantorhaphopsis and Ceranthia sometimes treated as distinct genera by European workers. Species within Siphona are parasitoids, with documented associations including Siphona geniculata as a parasite of crane fly larvae (Tipula paludosa).
Sitobion luteum
orchid aphid
Sitobion luteum, commonly known as the orchid aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. The species is found in Europe and has been recorded in additional regions including Brazil (Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo), Belgium, Germany, and France. It belongs to the genus Sitobion, which includes several economically significant cereal aphids. The specific epithet 'luteum' (meaning yellow or golden) likely refers to its coloration.
Sitona lepidus
clover root weevil
Sitona lepidus, commonly known as the clover root weevil, is a root-feeding weevil native to Europe that has become an invasive pest in New Zealand and North America. Adults feed on clover foliage while larvae feed on root nodules, reducing nitrogen fixation and pasture quality. The species is particularly damaging in New Zealand due to the absence of natural competitors and established biological control programs using the parasitoid wasp Microctonus aethiopoides are underway.
Sparganothis praecana
Sparganothis praecana is a tortricid moth with a transcontinental distribution spanning northern Europe and western North America. Adults are active during summer months in northern Europe. The species has been documented feeding on birch, blueberry, and rhododendron as larvae. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and S. p. habeleri restricted to the Austrian Alps.
Spelobia
lesser dung flies
Spelobia is a genus of small flies in the family Sphaeroceridae (lesser dung flies), established by Spuler in 1924. Species in this genus are terricolous, inhabiting the leaf-litter stratum of forest ecosystems. Some species, such as Spelobia polymorpha from Madeira, exhibit poor flying ability and have become island endemics. The genus is distributed across Europe including Scandinavia and has been introduced to other regions.
Sphaerocera curvipes
lesser dung fly
Sphaerocera curvipes is a species of small dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, commonly known as lesser dung flies. The species was described by Latreille in 1805 and is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus, with over 260 documented observations on iNaturalist. It belongs to a family specialized in exploiting decaying organic matter, particularly dung.
Sphaeroderma testaceum
artichoke beetle
Sphaeroderma testaceum, commonly known as the artichoke beetle, is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Israel, and has been introduced to Atlantic Canada. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn and feed on leaves of thistles and related plants. The species is notable as a pest of artichokes and other cultivated thistles.
Sphaerophoria philanthus
Black-footed Globetail
Sphaerophoria philanthus is a species of syrphid fly, commonly known as the Black-footed Globetail. It belongs to the family Syrphidae, a diverse group of flower-visiting flies often called hoverflies due to their ability to remain stationary in flight. The species is documented from Europe, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources. Like other members of the genus Sphaerophoria, it likely exhibits sexual dimorphism in abdominal patterning, a characteristic feature of this group.
Sphenophorus venatus
hunting billbug
Sphenophorus venatus, commonly known as the hunting billbug, is a weevil species in the family Dryophthoridae. It is native to North and Central America, with established populations in parts of Europe including Spain and Corsica. The species is a documented pest of turfgrasses and forage crops, with different subspecies showing host preferences: S. v. vestitus affects zoysiagrass, while S. v. confluens has been recorded as a pest of orchardgrass. Adults and larvae feed on grasses, with larvae causing damage by boring into stems and roots. The species uses volatile organic compounds from host plants and conspecifics for dispersal and host-finding, with males attracted to Cynodon dactylon and females attracted to male conspecifics.
billbugweevilturfgrass-pestDryophthoridaeSphenophorushunting-billbuggrass-pestpheromonevolatile-organic-compoundscuticular-hydrocarbonsintegrated-pest-managementsubspecies-vestitussubspecies-confluenszoysiagrassorchardgrassbermudagrassNorth-Americaintroduced-speciesEuropemolecular-identificationCOIITS2Stenichneumon culpator cincticornis
Stenichneumon culpator cincticornis is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp described by Cresson in 1864. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The subspecies is currently accepted as valid and has been documented in parts of Europe, including Belgium and Austria.
Stenichnus scutellaris
Stenichnus scutellaris is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to Europe and parts of western Asia. The species has been introduced to North America, with established populations recorded in Ontario, Canada. As a member of the genus Stenichnus, it belongs to a group of minute beetles typically found in leaf litter and other decaying organic matter.
Stenocranus
delphacid planthoppers
Stenocranus is a genus of delphacid planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, containing more than 70 described species. Species within this genus exhibit wing polymorphism, with macropterous (long-winged) and sub-macropterous forms occurring in at least some species. Several species are documented crop pests, particularly of corn, rice, and sugarcane. The genus has a broad distribution with records from Europe, North America, and Asia, though individual species vary in their geographic ranges. Some species have shown invasive potential, with range expansions into new regions documented in recent decades.
Stephanopachys
horned powder-post beetles
Stephanopachys is a genus of horned powder-post beetles (family Bostrichidae) comprising more than 20 described species. The genus was established by Waterhouse in 1888. Members are saproxylic beetles associated with wood decomposition, with at least one species (S. linearis) exhibiting pyrophilous behavior and conservation concern in Europe.
Stethorus pusillus
Dot Ladybird
Stethorus pusillus is the smallest European ladybird beetle, belonging to the family Coccinellidae and subfamily Scymninae. This species has been documented as a host for the ectoparasitic fungus Hesperomyces coccinelloides, with the first Polish records representing the northernmost and easternmost occurrence of this fungus. The species has been collected from roadside willow trees and floodplain forests in Poland, and is known from various European localities including Spain and Belgium, as well as from the Azores islands.
Strophosoma
Strophosoma is a genus of weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) established by Billberg in 1820. The genus includes both bisexual and parthenogenetic species, with documented variation in reproductive mode between species such as S. capitatum (bisexual) and S. melanogrammum (parthenogenetic). These weevils are known to occur in forest habitats, where some species have been reported as pests in young forest stands. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with subgenera Leucostrophus and Morphostrophus distinguished by morphological characters.
Strophosoma melanogrammum
Nut Leaf Weevil
Strophosoma melanogrammum is a parthenogenetic weevil species native to Europe and introduced to North America. It is one of the most common Strophosoma species in Europe and has been studied extensively for its reproductive biology and association with Wolbachia endosymbionts. The species reproduces through parthenogenesis, with all-female populations, and is known as a pest in young forest stands.
Superodontella
Superodontella is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Odontellidae, established by Stach in 1949. The genus has been documented across multiple continents including Europe, where recent studies have expanded its known range into Italy and Ukraine. Species-level identification relies on detailed chaetotaxy, particularly antennal sensilla patterns and specific arrangements of chaetae on body segments.
Swammerdamia pyrella
Little Ermel, Rufous-tipped Swammerdamia Moth
A small ermine moth (Yponomeutidae) with a wingspan of 10–13 mm, distributed across Europe, North America, and Japan. Adults fly in two generations from late April to August. Larvae feed on Rosaceae fruit trees, initially mining leaves then feeding externally while tying leaf edges with silk to form protective 'boats'. The species serves as host to a diverse parasitoid community and is subject to significant natural biological control.
Syarinus
Syarinus is a genus of pseudoscorpions in the family Syarinidae, established by J. C. Chamberlin in 1925. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed across North America and Europe. Members of this genus are small arachnids belonging to the suborder Iocheirata, characterized by their venomous pedipalps used to capture prey.
Sylvicola punctatus
Sylvicola punctatus is a species of wood gnat in the family Anisopodidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies characterized by their distinctive wing venation. The species is distributed across the Palearctic region, with documented records from northern Europe including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other members of the genus Sylvicola, adults are typically found in wooded or forested habitats where their larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Sympycnus
Sympycnus is a genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) established by Loew in 1857. Species occur across Europe and the East Palaearctic, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Taxonomic revision has resolved substantial confusion in European species, particularly consolidating multiple synonyms under S. pulicarius and describing S. septentrionalis as a distinct northern species.
Synthesiomyia
Synthesiomyia is a small genus of muscid flies in the family Muscidae. The genus contains at least one well-documented species, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, which has gained forensic importance as a carrion-associated fly in tropical, subtropical, and recently colonized Palearctic regions. Species in this genus exhibit facultative predatory behavior and are used in postmortem interval estimation.
Syntomium
Syntomium is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxytelinae. The genus was established by Curtis in 1828 and contains at least two described species: Syntomium aeneum and Syntomium caucasicum. Members of this genus are found in Europe and North America, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Syrphus vitripennis
Black-thighed Flower Fly
Syrphus vitripennis is a common Holarctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) with distinctive yellow and black wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are medium-sized (8–11 mm body length, wing length 7.25–10.25 mm) and frequent flowers from March to October, peaking in July–August. Larvae are aphid predators, making this species economically significant for biological control. The species is highly migratory, with documented seasonal movements between latitudes. It is one of five Syrphus species in Britain and can be difficult to distinguish from congeners, particularly S. rectus in males.
Tachyerges salicis
Tachyerges salicis is a European weevil in the family Curculionidae. The species is associated with willow (Salix) hosts, as indicated by its specific epithet. It is a moderately well-documented species with over 350 observations on iNaturalist.
Tachyporus atriceps
Tachyporus atriceps is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Tachyporinae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, with introduced populations in eastern Canada. The species belongs to a genus of predatory beetles commonly found in vegetation and leaf litter. Specific ecological details for this species are sparse in available sources.
Tanypeza longimana
Tanypeza longimana is a species of true fly in the family Tanypezidae, a small family of acalyptrate flies. The species was described by Fallén in 1820 and occurs in Europe. Members of this family are characterized by elongated bodies and long legs. The specific epithet "longimana" refers to the long forelegs typical of this species.
Tanypus punctipennis
Tanypus punctipennis is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. It has been documented in European freshwater habitats, particularly Lake Balaton in Hungary, where research indicates a trivoltine life cycle with overlapping generations and extended emergence periods. The species is part of the diverse Tanypus genus, which are predatory midges found in aquatic environments.
Tanysphyrus lemnae
Duckweed Weevil
Tanysphyrus lemnae is a small weevil species native to Europe with established populations in North America. The larvae are leaf-miners that develop within duckweed plants of the genus Lemna. The species is commonly known as the Duckweed Weevil due to this specialized host relationship.
Tapinesthis
Ivy parchment spider
Tapinesthis is a monotypic genus of goblin spiders (family Oonopidae) containing only Tapinesthis inermis, commonly known as the ivy parchment spider. The genus is characterized by its spineless legs, steeply sloping carapace with a dark net-like pattern, and soft body structure. Originally native to Europe, the species has been introduced to North America and shows synanthropic tendencies, frequently inhabiting human dwellings alongside natural habitats. The genus name reflects its distinctive morphological features within the diverse goblin spider family.
Tasgius ater
Large rove beetle
Tasgius ater is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to Europe and now introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is among the larger species in this diverse beetle family and exhibits typical rove beetle morphology with shortened elytra exposing most of the abdomen. The species has expanded its range significantly in North America since first detected in the 1930s.
Tasgius winkleri
Tasgius winkleri is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) native to Europe that has become established in North America. First reported in New York in 1938, it has since spread to both coasts and westward to Illinois and Colorado. This synanthropic species thrives in human-disturbed habitats and is seldom found far from human activity. Males can be distinguished by their dilated front tarsi (expanded 'feet'). The species was previously confused with T. melanarius under the name Tasgius globulifer until taxonomic revision in 1987.
Tautoneura polymitusa
Tautoneura polymitusa is a small leafhopper (2.4–2.7 mm) in the family Cicadellidae, first described from South Korea in 2016. It represents the first European record of both the species and the genus Tautoneura, having been detected in Hungary in 2012 and subsequently found in Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Ukraine, Russia, and Moldova. The species is associated with Ulmaceae (elm family) and has established stable, locally abundant populations in parts of Europe. It hibernates as adults and is attracted to light traps.
Telomerina flavipes
lesser dung fly
Telomerina flavipes is a species of lesser dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, a group of small Diptera commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species was first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1830 under the name Borborus flavipes. It is currently known from scattered records in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of Sphaeroceridae, it likely inhabits environments rich in decaying plant or animal material, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Tephritis angustipennis
narrow-winged fruit fly
Tephritis angustipennis is a tephritid fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) first described by Loew in 1844. It is a phytophagous seed predator specializing on Asteraceae plants, particularly Aster species. The species is notable for its narrow wings with reduced pattern elements compared to congeners. It has been recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America, with recent studies documenting significant populations in the Three Rivers Source Region of China where it impacts native Aster seed production. T. angustipennis was recently synonymized with T. ptarmicae Hering, 1935.
Tessellana
Tessellana is a genus of bush crickets (katydids) established by Zeuner in 1941. It belongs to the tribe Platycleidini within the subfamily Tettigoniinae. The genus contains six recognized species distributed across mainland Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The type species is Tessellana tessellata (Charpentier, 1825), originally described as Locusta tessellata.