Europe
Guides
Ochlerotatus fitchii
Ochlerotatus fitchii is a mosquito species first described in 1904, originally placed in genus Culex before reclassification to Ochlerotatus. The species is present in both North America and Europe/Northern Asia. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits typical floodwater mosquito biology with eggs deposited in dry areas that hatch upon flooding.
Ochlerotatus punctor
Ochlerotatus punctor is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, originally described from Europe but now recognized as having a broader distribution including North America. The species has been the subject of taxonomic study, with a notable record of a bilateral gynandromorph specimen from Germany. Like other members of the genus, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with aquatic larval stages.
Octotemnus glabriculus
Octotemnus glabriculus is a minute tree-fungus beetle in the family Ciidae. It is a specialist fungivore that feeds on the bracket fungus Coriolus versicolor. Its feeding activity significantly reduces the host fungus's reproductive fitness by damaging the spore-producing hymenium. The species occurs across Europe and Northern Asia, including Kazakhstan.
Ocypus aeneocephalus
Ocypus aeneocephalus is a species of large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to western North America, including British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, USA. The species is part of the hyperdiverse rove beetle genus Ocypus, which contains numerous species with varied ecological roles.
Ocypus nitens
Ocypus nitens is a large, adventive rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Staphylininae, native to Central Europe and now established in eastern North America. First reported from the Americas in 1944, it remained restricted to New England for decades before rapidly expanding its range after 2000. The species was first detected in Canada in 2016 through citizen science contributions to BugGuide, representing the first Canadian record. It is among the largest and most conspicuous rove beetles in its introduced range, making it relatively easy to detect.
Oecobius amboseli
Oecobius amboseli is a species of wall spider in the family Oecobiidae, first described in 1974. Native to East Africa and Egypt, it has established introduced populations in northwestern Europe including Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. As a member of the Oecobiidae, it belongs to a family known for constructing flat, circular webs on vertical surfaces.
Oegoconia deauratella
Scarce Obscure Moth
Oegoconia deauratella, commonly known as the Scarce Obscure Moth, is a small gelechioid moth in the family Autostichidae. It has a wingspan of 11–15 mm and is known from most of Europe and parts of North America including Québec, Ontario, and Michigan. The species was first described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1854.
Oeneis jutta ascerta
Oeneis jutta ascerta is a subspecies of Arctic butterfly in the genus Oeneis, described by Masters and Sorensen in 1968. Like other members of the genus Oeneis, it is associated with high mountain and alpine habitats. The subspecies is part of a group of butterflies commonly known as "Arctics" that occur across western North America, Canada, and Alaska. Oeneis jutta ascerta has been documented in both North America and parts of Europe, including Belarus.
Oligomerus
death-watch beetles
Oligomerus is a genus of death-watch beetles in the family Ptinidae, containing approximately 18 described species. These wood-boring beetles are known for their association with timber and wooden structures, where their larvae create distinctive exit holes. The genus was established by Redtenbacher in 1849. Species in this genus are primarily distributed in Europe, with records from Norway and Sweden documented in biodiversity databases.
Omalus glomeratus
Omalus glomeratus is a species of cuckoo wasp (family Chrysididae) known for its kleptoparasitic lifestyle. Like other members of the genus Omalus, females oviposit directly into aphids, exploiting the hunting behavior of aphid wasps in the family Crabronidae (such as Pemphredon and Passaloecus). When a crabronid wasp captures and carries the parasitized aphid to its nest, the Omalus larva hatches and consumes the food provisions intended for the host larva. This indirect parasitic strategy avoids the risks of direct nest entry. The species has been observed in Europe and represents part of a broader behavioral pattern documented across Omalus, Pseudomalus, and Holopyga.
Omphaloscelis lunosa
Omphaloscelis lunosa is a noctuid moth described by Haworth in 1809, originally placed in Noctua and later transferred to Omphaloscelis. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Anchoscelis lunosa (or Agrochola lunosa in some treatments). Records indicate presence in Denmark and Norway.
Ophiomyia maura
Ophiomyia maura is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species creates distinctive linear white mines on the upper leaf surfaces of host plants in the genus Aster. Larvae feed selectively on palisade parenchyma tissues, exhibiting complex mining patterns that serve defensive functions against parasitoids. The species has been documented from Japan, Alaska, and Manitoba, with European records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Opilio parietinus
Opilio parietinus is a harvestman species native to Europe that has been introduced to North America. It was historically common on house walls in Central Europe but has been largely displaced by the invasive congener Opilio canestrinii. The species can be distinguished from O. canestrinii by dark spots on its coxae and a generally grayish-green coloration.
Opomyza germinationis
Opomyza germinationis is a univoltine fly species in the family Opomyzidae. The larva is a stem-boring pest of cereals and grasses, feeding on the central shoot and causing 'dead-heart' symptoms in young plants. Adults emerge in mid-summer and persist until early autumn, with oviposition occurring in September-November. The species has been documented as an agricultural pest in Britain and is present in Scandinavia.
Opsius stactogalus
tamarix leafhopper
Opsius stactogalus, commonly known as the tamarix leafhopper, is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae. It is strongly associated with Tamarix plants and serves as a host for the parasitoid fly Tomosvaryella frontata (Diptera: Pipunculidae). The species occurs in Europe, Africa, and the Azores.
Orchopeas howardi
Grey Squirrel Flea, squirrel flea
Orchopeas howardi is a flea species in the family Ceratophyllidae, commonly known as the grey squirrel flea. It is primarily associated with squirrels (family Sciuridae) as its typical hosts. The species has been documented in North America and Europe, with records from Great Britain, Ireland, France, and Belgium. A documented case from Illinois, USA, recorded this flea on wood ducklings (Aix sponsa), representing an accidental host association rather than typical host use.
Orconectes limosus
spiny-cheek crayfish
Orconectes limosus, commonly known as the spiny-cheek crayfish, is a freshwater crayfish native to North America that has become a widespread invasive species in Europe. First recorded in Belarus in 1997, it has demonstrated rapid upstream dispersal, spreading 177 km along the Neman River over 14 years. The species is now established in at least 8 river systems across the Neman, Narew and Western Bug basins. Surveys indicate potential competitive displacement of native crayfish species, as no native crayfish have been found co-occurring with O. limosus in invaded areas. The species exhibits notable social behaviors including mother-offspring recognition and kin-preferential interactions.
Orthostigma
A genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Alysiinae, established by Ratzeburg in 1844. The genus has been subdivided into multiple subgenera including Whartonstigma and Patrisaspilota, with species described from Europe, Papua New Guinea, and broader Australasia. Taxonomic revisions indicate substantial morphological diversity within the genus, though biological data remain limited.
Orthotaenia
Orthotaenia is a genus of tortricid moths in the subfamily Olethreutinae, established by Stephens in 1829. The genus includes at least two recognized species: Orthotaenia undulana (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Orthotaenia secunda Falkovitsh, 1962. Records indicate presence across northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and North America (Vermont, USA). The genus belongs to the diverse tortricid moth family, whose larvae typically develop within plant tissues.
Orthotylus flavosparsus
Orthotylus flavosparsus is a small plant-feeding mirid bug native to Europe, where it occurs widely except in Albania and Iceland. The species has been introduced to North America and has established populations there. Adults are approximately 4 mm in length and green in coloration. It is associated with oraches (Atriplex) and chenopods (Chenopodium), which serve as its primary host plants.
Orygma
Orygma is a monotypic European genus of flies in the family Sepsidae, established by Meigen in 1830. The sole species, Orygma luctuosum, is associated with coastal wrack zones where its larvae develop in decaying seaweed and marine debris. The genus is classified in the subfamily Orygmatinae, reflecting its distinct ecological specialization within the Sepsidae.
Osmoderma
Typical Hermit Beetles, Hermit Beetles
Osmoderma is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as hermit beetles. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with species found across Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. Several European species, particularly O. eremita and O. barnabita, are of significant conservation concern due to habitat loss and are protected under the EU Habitats Directive. The genus is characterized by its dependence on tree hollows for larval development, making it highly vulnerable to forest management practices that remove dead wood and veteran trees.
saproxylicconservationHabitats-Directivetree-hollowsveteran-treesindicator-speciesumbrella-specieswood-mouldCetoniinaeScarabaeidaeHolarcticEuropeNorth-Americathreatened-speciesdead-woodforest-managementcitizen-sciencedetection-dogsex-situ-breedingpollardingtraditional-agricultural-landscapesmetapopulationhabitat-fragmentationold-growth-forestbroad-leaved-treesoaklimewillowbeechorchardshedgerowsurban-parkspheromone-monitoringradio-trackingphoretic-mitesScopoli-1763Le-Peletier-&-Serville-1828O.-eremitaO.-barnabitaO.-eremicolahermit-beetleOxylaemus
Oxylaemus is a genus of small beetles in the family Teredidae, established by Erichson in 1845. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in North America and Europe. Members of this genus are associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Pacifastacus leniusculus
Signal Crayfish
The signal crayfish is a large North American freshwater crayfish introduced to Europe in the 1960s to replace declining native fisheries. It has become one of the most ecologically impactful invasive decapods in Europe, outcompeting native crayfish and serving as a carrier of crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci). The species establishes self-sustaining populations rapidly, with six age cohorts documented within a few years of introduction. It shows sex- and size-specific coloration patterns, with males displaying more saturated and brighter ventral claw surfaces than females, suggesting a role in intraspecific communication.
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spiny-headed burrowing mayflies
Palingeniidae is a family of large mayflies commonly known as spiny-headed burrowing mayflies. Adults are characterized by having more than four longitudinal cross-veins on their wings, with males possessing short, wide pronota and well-developed legs in both sexes. Female cerci are shorter than the body. Nymphs are burrowers in muddy substrates of large rivers. The family includes notable species such as Palingenia longicauda, the largest European mayfly at up to 12 cm in length.
Palloptera
flutter flies
Palloptera is a genus of flutter flies (Diptera: Pallopteridae) containing approximately 30–33 described species. Adults are characterized by rapid, trembling wing movements. Larval feeding modes vary: most species are saprophagous, feeding on biofilms on plant surfaces, while at least one species (P. scutellata) is phytophagous, developing inside rush stems. The genus occurs primarily in Europe, though adult detection is challenging and distributions are likely underestimated.
Panaphis juglandis
Walnut Aphid, Large Walnut Aphid
Panaphis juglandis, the large walnut aphid, is a phloem-feeding pest of walnut trees (Juglans regia). It colonizes exclusively the upper (adaxial) surface of walnut compound leaves, forming dense colonies along the main vascular veins of the outer leaflets. Native to the Old World (Central Asia and southeastern Europe), it has spread across Europe and was introduced to California in the early 20th century. The species reduces tree vigor, nut yield, and quality, and excretes honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. It forms mutualistic relationships with ant species that tend and protect colonies from predators.
Paracharactus
Paracharactus is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Blennocampinae. The genus contains at least two described species: P. gracilicornis and P. hyalinus. It is recorded from northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of the subfamily Blennocampinae, it belongs to a group of sawflies often associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Paralimnus phragmitis
A leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The specific epithet 'phragmitis' references its association with Phragmites (common reed). Records indicate presence in Europe and parts of Asia, with observations from England, Apulia (Italy), Karelia (Russia), Chuvash Republic (Russia), and Khuzestan (Iran). The species is part of the tribe Paralimnini, which contains leafhoppers typically associated with wetland or grassland habitats.
Paramesius
Paramesius is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Diapriidae (order Hymenoptera). These insects are part of the diverse assemblage of proctotrupoid wasps that develop as parasitoids of other insects. The genus has been documented in northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Members of Diapriidae are generally associated with decaying organic matter where their hosts occur.
Paraphaenocladius
non-biting midges
Paraphaenocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. Originally described from Europe, the genus has since been documented in the Neotropical region, with records from Costa Rica, Brazil, and other Central and South American localities. Species in this genus are associated with aquatic and semi-terrestrial habitats, particularly springs and mossy margins.
Parasyrphus relictus
Parasyrphus relictus is a hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. The genus Parasyrphus comprises predatory hoverflies whose larvae feed on aphids. This species has been recorded in northern Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. As with other members of its genus, it likely occupies temperate woodland and wetland habitats where aphid prey are abundant.
Parasyrphus tarsatus
Holarctic Bristleside
Parasyrphus tarsatus is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. It is native to Europe, with confirmed records from Norway and Sweden. The species is part of the diverse genus Parasyrphus, which comprises predatory syrphid flies whose larvae feed on aphids. Adults are likely active during the warmer months, though specific phenological details remain poorly documented.
Parochthiphila
Parochthiphila is a genus of small flies in the family Chamaemyiidae, established by Czerny in 1904. Species occur in Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean region, with records extending to Oman. The genus includes at least two subgenera: Parochthiphila and Euestelia. Taxonomic revisions remain ongoing, with new species described as recently as 2008.
Paroligolophus agrestis
harvestman, harvester
Paroligolophus agrestis is a small harvestman species native to Europe, including the United Kingdom. It has been introduced to North America, where established populations occur in the Pacific Northwest and Nova Scotia. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism in body size and possesses distinctive morphological features useful for identification.
Patania
mother of pearl moth
Patania is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, established by Frederic Moore in 1888. The genus was long treated as a junior synonym of Syllepte but was reinstated as valid in 2007, rendering Pleuroptya a junior subjective synonym. The genus contains multiple species across Asia and Europe, with some species recently transferred to the reinstated genus Nagiella.
Pediacus depressus
flat bark beetle
Pediacus depressus is a species of flat bark beetle in the family Cucujidae. It is distributed across Europe and Northern Asia, excluding China. The species was first described by Herbst in 1797 (or 1794 in some sources) under the name Colydium depressum. As a member of the flat bark beetles, it is adapted to living under bark and in similar concealed habitats.
Pegomya winthemi
Pegomya winthemi is a small fly species in the family Anthomyiidae, measuring 4.25–5 mm in length. First described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1829 as Anthomyia winthemi, it occurs in North America and parts of Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The species exhibits distinctive morphological features including yellowish-red coloration on the anterior lateral angles of the thorax and scutellum.
Pentastiridius
Pentastiridius is a genus of planthoppers in the family Cixiidae with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes at least three described species, with P. leporinus emerging as a significant agricultural pest in central Europe. This species vectors two bacterial pathogens causing syndrome "basses richesses" in sugar beet and related diseases in potato and carrot. Originally associated with reed grass (Phragmites australis), P. leporinus has undergone rapid host range expansion to become polyphagous on crops.
Periphyllus testudinaceus
Common Maple Aphid
Periphyllus testudinaceus, known as the Common Maple Aphid, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aphididae. It is associated with maple trees (Acer species) and has been documented across parts of Europe. The species exhibits typical aphid morphology with soft bodies and piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for extracting plant fluids.
Phaenopsectra punctipes
Phaenopsectra punctipes is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Christian Rudolph Wilhelm Wiedemann in 1817. It belongs to the subfamily Chironominae and tribe Chironomini. The species is recorded from Europe, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden based on distribution records.
Phaneroptera nr-nana
Phaneroptera nr-nana is a bush-cricket species within the genus Phaneroptera, a group of katydids found across Europe and Asia. The "nr" designation indicates this taxon is near Phaneroptera nana but has not been formally described or confirmed as that species. Members of this genus are typically florivorous, feeding on flowers rather than leaves.
Philanthus
beewolves, bee-hunters, bee-killer wasps
Philanthus is a genus of solitary predatory wasps commonly known as beewolves. Adult females excavate underground burrows in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. Males are highly territorial, marking vegetation with pheromones to defend mating territories. The genus contains approximately 136 species worldwide, with about 30 species occurring in North America. These wasps are important pollinators as adults and serve as population regulators of bee communities.
Philoscia muscorum
Common Striped Woodlouse, Fast Woodlouse
Philoscia muscorum is a common European woodlouse notable for its rapid movement and distinctive appearance. It exhibits a unique life history strategy called year class splitting, where individuals from the same reproductive cohort diverge into two developmental pathways: faster-growing individuals mature and reproduce in their first year, while slower-growing individuals delay maturation until their second year. This species has successfully established introduced populations in eastern North America, including New England, the mid-Atlantic states, and the Pacific Northwest.
Phloeocharinae
Phloeocharinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) characterized by distinctive abdominal tergal combs and procoxal morphology. The group contains five genera and six species in North America, with the genus Phloeocharis dominating the European fauna. Members are primarily saproxylic, inhabiting damp forest environments under bark and in leaf litter. The biology of most species remains poorly known.
Phortica
Phortica is a genus of small flies in the family Drosophilidae, subfamily Steganinae. Several species are medically significant as biological vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda, which causes ocular infections in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. The genus includes at least five species in Europe and the Middle East, with P. variegata and P. okadai being the best-documented vectors. These flies exhibit unusual zoophilic feeding behaviors, including lachryphagy (tear-feeding) in adult males of some species. The genus has gained increasing attention due to climate-driven range shifts and expanding transmission of thelaziosis.
Phyllobius oblongus
Brown Leaf Weevil
Phyllobius oblongus is a European weevil species in the family Curculionidae that has been introduced to North America, with records dating to 1969. It inhabits northern hardwood forests and has been documented in association with sugar maple reproduction in Michigan. The species has a broad native distribution across Europe and western Russia.
Phytobius leucogaster
Phytobius leucogaster is a European weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Gyllenhal in 1836. The specific epithet "leucogaster" (Greek: white belly) suggests a pale ventral coloration that distinguishes this species from congeners. As a member of Phytobius, it belongs to a genus associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Phytocoris tiliae
lime plant bug
Phytocoris tiliae is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the lime plant bug. It is associated with deciduous trees across Europe and parts of North America. The species is notable among plant bugs for its predatory habits, feeding on mites and other small insects rather than plant sap alone. Adults are active during summer months and are attracted to light.
Phytomyza crassiseta
Phytomyza crassiseta is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Phytomyza contains numerous species whose larvae feed internally within leaves, creating distinctive serpentine mines. Specific biological details for P. crassiseta are limited in available sources. Many Phytomyza species are host-specific to particular plant genera or families.