Forest-insects
Guides
Acontiinae
bird dropping moths
Acontiinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Noctuidae, commonly known as bird dropping moths. The subfamily contains over 50 genera and approximately 430 described species distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical climates. Many species exhibit remarkable bird-dropping mimicry as adults, with cryptic coloration and patterning that renders them nearly invisible against lichen-covered bark or actual bird droppings.
Aulacigaster mcalpinei
Aulacigaster mcalpinei is a small fly species in the family Aulacigastridae, described by Mathis and Freidberg in 1994. The genus Aulacigaster comprises flies associated with sap flows and wounded trees. Aulacigastridae is a small family of acalyptrate Diptera with limited documented natural history.
Bertkauia
Bertkauia is a genus of barklice in the family Epipsocidae, established by Kolbe in 1882. The genus contains at least three described species, including the type species Bertkauia lucifuga (Rambur, 1842) and two species described by Chapman in 1930. Members of this genus are small, winged insects belonging to the order Psocodea, which includes booklice and barklice. The genus has been recorded across parts of Europe and North America.
Bombycoidea
Hawk, Sphinx, Silk, Emperor, and Allied Moths
Bombycoidea is a superfamily of large-bodied moths comprising 10 families, including the silk moths (Bombycidae), giant silk moths (Saturniidae), sphinx or hawk moths (Sphingidae), and emperor moths (Saturniidae). Members are among the largest moths in the world, with adults typically possessing robust bodies and broad wings. Larvae frequently exhibit distinctive morphological features such as thoracic horns or tubercles. The superfamily is distinguished from close relatives in Lasiocampoidea by a combination of adult and larval characteristics.
Bostrichinae
horned powder-post beetles
Bostrichinae is a subfamily of powderpost beetles in the family Bostrichidae, commonly referred to as horned powder-post beetles. The subfamily contains more than 60 genera and over 500 described species. Members are primarily wood-boring beetles, with some species serving as hosts for parasitoid wasps. The group has been documented across multiple continents including records from Panama and Turkey.
Brachysomida
Brachysomida is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae, tribe Rhagiini. It contains five described species distributed in North America, including B. atra, B. bivittata, B. californica, B. rugicollis, and B. vittigera. The genus was established by Casey in 1913. Species in this genus are associated with forested habitats and are part of the flower-visiting longhorn beetle fauna.
Brevicornu
Brevicornu is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Marshall in 1896. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with confirmed records from Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As members of Mycetophilidae, adults are small, delicate flies associated with fungal habitats. The genus includes at least three described species: Brevicornu affinis, B. amplum, and B. foliatum.
Buprestidae
Jewel Beetles, Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles
Buprestidae is a large family of beetles comprising approximately 15,000 described species in 775 genera, commonly known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles. Adults are renowned for their brilliant iridescent coloration produced by structural coloration rather than pigments. Larvae, called flatheaded borers, develop in wood and plant tissues, with many species associated with dying or dead trees. Some species are serious forest pests, notably the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), while others are attracted to burned forests and can detect infrared radiation and smoke from distances up to 50 miles.
Calaphidinae
Calaphidinae is the second-largest subfamily in the family Aphididae, comprising more than 60 genera and over 360 described species. The subfamily includes aphids primarily associated with woody host plants, particularly birches (Betula), oaks (Quercus), and related tree species in the families Fagaceae and Betulaceae. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have substantially revised the classification of Calaphidinae, establishing eight tribal divisions and revealing that the group is paraphyletic with respect to the former 'Saltusaphidinae'. The subfamily shows complex evolutionary patterns involving host plant shifts and geographic expansion from an Eastern Palaearctic origin.
Caripeta
brown pine looper, grey spruce looper, northern pine looper
Caripeta is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Francis Walker in 1863. The genus includes approximately 13 described species, several of which are known as loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion. Some species are economically significant forest pests, particularly those associated with coniferous trees.
Catocha
wood midges
Catocha is a genus of wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established in 1833 by Irish entomologist Alexander Henry Haliday. The genus contains eleven described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe and Asia. Species within this genus are associated with forested habitats, particularly decaying wood environments. Recent taxonomic work has expanded the known diversity, with several species described since 2000.
Cerambycidae
Longhorn beetles, Long-horned beetles, Longicorn beetles
Cerambycidae is a large family of beetles comprising approximately 35,000 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding body length, which gives rise to their common name. The family exhibits diverse ecological strategies, with larvae predominantly developing in woody tissues and adults showing varied feeding habits including pollen, nectar, and foliage consumption. Many species are important ecological decomposers of dead and dying wood, while some are significant forest pests.
Chalcosyrphus
Leafwalkers
Chalcosyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, commonly known as leafwalkers. Species are notable for mimicking sawflies and other hymenopterans, often displaying bright or metallic coloration. Adults are structurally and behaviorally similar to the related genus Xylota but differ in larval morphology. The genus occurs across Europe, Asia, and North America, with larvae being saproxylic feeders in rotten wood.
Cholevini
small carrion beetles
Cholevini is a tribe of small carrion beetles in the family Leiodidae, comprising over 20 genera and 200 described species. In North America, the tribe is represented by four genera: Catops (17 species), Sciodrepoides (3 species), and monotypic Prionochaeta and Catoptrichus. Species are primarily associated with decomposing organic matter, with most inhabiting forest environments. Some species occupy specialized habitats including tundra, caves, and rodent burrows. The tribe has a Holarctic distribution with some species restricted to North America extending south to Mexico.
Cibdelis
Cibdelis is a genus of darkling beetles in the subfamily Stenochiinae, distributed in the Nearctic region. The genus includes at least one well-documented species, Cibdelis blaschkei, which inhabits forested regions of California. Larvae and pupae develop in soft, rotten, dry wood of dead branches on living trees or recently fallen sections. Both life stages possess antipredator defense structures, including urogomphi (pinching organs) on the terminal abdominal segments.
Coleotechnites
needle miners
Coleotechnites is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae containing approximately 60 described species. The genus was established by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1880. Many species are needle miners, with larvae that feed inside conifer needles. The lodgepole needle miner (C. milleri) is the best-known species, recognized as a significant forest pest in North America.
Corthylina
Corthylina is a subtribe of small bark beetles within the tribe Corthylini (subfamily Scolytinae). Members are characterized by compact bodies and are primarily associated with woody plants. The subtribe includes economically significant species that tunnel in the phloem of trees and shrubs. Many species exhibit host-specific relationships with particular tree genera.
Corthylini
Corthylini is a tribe of weevils within the family Curculionidae. Members are small beetles associated with coniferous trees, where they develop in bark and wood tissues. The tribe includes several economically significant species that damage timber and ornamental conifers. Adults are characterized by a compact body form and clubbed antennae typical of the family.
Cossidae
carpenter millers, cossid millers, goat moths, carpenter moths
Cossidae, commonly known as carpenter millers or goat moths, is a family of large moths in the order Lepidoptera. The family contains over 110 genera with nearly 700 described species, with many more awaiting description. Members are found worldwide and are predominantly nocturnal, with the exception of the Southeast Asian subfamily Ratardinae. The family includes some of the largest moths by mass, such as Endoxyla cinereus, which can weigh up to 30 grams with a wingspan reaching 23 centimeters. Many species are economically significant as wood-boring pests, while others have cultural importance as food sources.
Dendrobiella
horned powder-post beetles
Dendrobiella is a genus of horned powder-post beetles in the family Bostrichidae, established by Casey in 1898. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed primarily in North and Central America. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles associated with dead or dying woody vegetation.
Dicranurinae
Dicranurinae is a subfamily of prominent moths within the family Notodontidae, order Lepidoptera. The subfamily was established by Duponchel in 1845. Members are characterized by distinctive larval morphology, including modified head structures and often prominent anal processes. The group is primarily distributed in the Palearctic and Oriental regions, with some representation in other biogeographic realms.
Disteniinae
disteniid longhorn beetles
Disteniinae is a subfamily of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising approximately 400 described species, primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Adults are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, long filiform antennae that often exceed body length, and frequently metallic coloration. The group has undergone significant taxonomic revision, having been treated historically as a tribe within Lepturinae or Cerambycinae, as a separate subfamily, and even as a distinct family (Disteniidae) before current consensus places it as a subfamily within Cerambycidae. The North American fauna is depauperate, with Elytrimitatrix undata being the sole representative in the United States.
Ditomyiidae
Ditomyiidae is a small family of fungus-feeding flies (Diptera: Nematocera) comprising approximately 90 described species. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution excluding the Afrotropical Region, with highest diversity in the Australasian and Neotropical realms. European representation is limited to two genera: Ditomyia in Central Europe and Symmerus in Northern Europe. The family was historically treated as part of Mycetophilidae sensu lato but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence.
Dynastes
Hercules beetles
Dynastes is a genus of large scarab beetles in the subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as Hercules beetles. Males are distinguished by prominent cephalic and pronotal horns used in combat, while females lack horns. The genus exhibits remarkable hygrochromic color change, with elytra shifting between black and yellow-green depending on humidity levels. Eight species are currently recognized, distributed from the United States through Central America to South America. Larvae develop in rotting wood, with some species reaching exceptional sizes.
Elytrimitatrix
Elytrimitatrix is a genus of disteniid beetles established by Santos-Silva & Hovore in 2007, previously treated as part of the genus Distenia. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with one species, E. undata, occurring broadly across eastern and central North America. The group has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many species described since 2007. Adults are attracted to fermenting baits and ultraviolet light, and larvae develop in dead wood of various hardwoods and pine.
Endomychidae
Handsome Fungus Beetles
Endomychidae, commonly known as handsome fungus beetles, is a moderately diverse family of mycetophagous beetles comprising approximately 90 genera and 1600 species. The family is distributed across all biogeographic realms with highest diversity in tropical regions. Members are obligate fungus-feeders, typically associated with fruiting bodies of mushrooms and other fungi. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with former subfamilies Anamorphinae, Mycetaeinae, and Eupsilobiinae elevated to separate families based on molecular phylogenetic studies.
Epidapus
fungus gnats
Epidapus is a genus of fungus gnats within the family Sciaridae, established by Haliday in 1851. The genus comprises approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across Europe, with records from Scandinavia and other regions. Species inhabit diverse environments including forest litter, decaying wood, and fungal substrates. Larval stages are typically associated with decomposing organic matter and mycelial networks.
Epipsocus
Epipsocus is a genus of barklice in the family Epipsocidae, characterized by broad, rounded wings with distinctive venation patterns. Members of this genus are small, soft-bodied insects found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The genus was established by Hermann Hagen in 1866 and remains taxonomically stable.
Epuraea
sap beetles
Epuraea is a genus of small sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, first described by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains at least 40 described species distributed across northern temperate regions. Epuraea species are primarily associated with fermenting plant materials, fungal sporulation structures, and decaying organic matter. Several species have documented relationships with specific fungal pathogens of trees, including western gall rust and oak wilt fungus. The genus exhibits considerable ecological diversity, with some species occurring in bumblebee nests and others developing on agricultural crops.
Exechiini
Exechiini is a tribe of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 13 genera and at least 130 described species. Members are small, delicate flies associated with fungal habitats. The tribe represents a moderately diverse lineage within the broader fungus gnat radiation, though many species remain poorly documented.
Exechiopsis
fungus gnats
Exechiopsis is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, established by Tuomikoski in 1966. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with particular diversity in Europe and Asia. Several species were formerly placed in the genus Xenexechia, which is now treated as a synonym. Species identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology.
Exenterus canadensis
Exenterus canadensis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Provancher in 1883. The genus Exenterus comprises parasitoid wasps, and members of this genus are known to attack sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta). As with many ichneumonid wasps, the biology of this specific species remains poorly documented in published literature.
Graphisurus
Graphisurus is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) containing five North American species. Members are medium-sized beetles with distinctive elytral patterning. The genus exhibits notable host plant fidelity, with individual species specializing on particular tree genera: G. triangulifer primarily on Celtis (hackberry), G. despectus on Carya (hickory), and G. fasciatus on Quercus (oak). Adults are typically nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Keroplatidae
Predatory Fungus Gnats, Fungus Gnats
Keroplatidae is a family of small, delicate flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as predatory fungus gnats. The family comprises approximately 950 described species, though true diversity is estimated to be substantially higher. Members are predominantly forest-dwelling insects associated with damp microhabitats where fungi occur. The family is notable for containing three genera—Arachnocampa, Orfelia, and Keroplatus—with bioluminescent larvae, commonly called "glowworms." Larval ecology varies: some feed on fungi, others are predatory, and many combine both strategies. The fossil record extends to the Cretaceous period.
Lasiocampini
Lasiocampini is a tribe of lappet moths within the family Lasiocampidae. Members are characterized by densely hairy bodies and larvae with fleshy, lobe-like projections (lappets) along the body sides. The tribe includes several genera of medium to large-sized moths found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are generally nocturnal and possess reduced mouthparts, with larvae feeding on various woody plants.
Leia
Leia is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1818. These small, delicate flies are classified within the subfamily Leiinae and tribe Leiini. The genus comprises numerous species distributed across various regions, with larvae typically developing in decaying organic matter and fungi. Adults are generally found in moist, shaded habitats where their larval food sources occur.
Lygistorrhina
long-beaked fungus gnats
Lygistorrhina is a genus of fungus gnats characterized by elongated mouthparts. The genus was established by Skuse in 1890 and contains at least 20 described species. Members are classified in the family Keroplatidae (sometimes treated as Lygistorrhinidae). These insects are part of the diverse Diptera fauna associated with fungal habitats.
Lygistorrhinidae
Long-beaked Fungus Gnats
Lygistorrhinidae is a small family of flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as long-beaked fungus gnats. The family contains approximately 7 genera and at least 30 described species. These insects are distinguished by their elongated mouthparts and association with fungal habitats. They are relatively poorly studied compared to other fungus gnat families, with limited biological and ecological documentation.
Medeterinae
Medeterinae is a subfamily of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) comprising approximately 40 genera arranged in four tribes: Medeterini, Systenini, Thrypticini, and Udzungwomyiini. The group includes both extant and fossil genera, with several described from amber deposits. The subfamily is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, with particular richness in the Afrotropical and Oriental realms.
Meroscelisini
Meroscelisini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Prioninae of the family Cerambycidae. These beetles are characterized by their robust bodies and relatively large size compared to other cerambycids. The tribe includes several genera distributed across multiple continents, with species often associated with woody vegetation.
Mezira
flat bugs
Mezira is a genus of flat bugs in the family Aradidae containing over 70 described species. Members are characterized by dorsoventrally flattened bodies adapted for living in confined spaces under bark and in leaf litter. The genus exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for mycetophagy, including elongated stylets and modified mouthpart sensilla for feeding on fungal mycelia and fruiting bodies.
Mycetophilini
fungus gnats
Mycetophilini is a tribe of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae, comprising approximately 8 genera and at least 220 described species. Members are small to medium-sized flies associated with fungal habitats. The tribe is distinguished from related groups primarily by genitalic characters and wing venation patterns. Adults are generally found in moist, shaded environments where their larval food sources occur.
Nogodinidae
Nogodinid Planthoppers
Nogodinidae is a family of planthoppers within the superfamily Fulgoroidea. Members are distinguished by membranous wings with reticulate venation, a frons longer than wide, and antennae arising well below the eye with a clubbed base and unsegmented flagellum. The family contains four extant subfamilies (Bladininae, Gastriniinae, Colpopterinae, Nogodininae) and one fossil subfamily (†Ambitaktoinae). Taxonomic placement has been historically unstable, with some authors treating Nogodinidae as a subfamily of Issidae. Most species are forest-dwelling and less than 2 cm in length.
Panorpidae
scorpionflies, common scorpionflies
Panorpidae is the largest family of scorpionflies (order Mecoptera), comprising more than 480 species across approximately 70% of the order's diversity. Adults range 9–25 mm in length and possess four membranous wings, threadlike antennae, and elongated faces with chewing mouthparts. The family is characterized by males having enlarged genital claspers that curve upward like a scorpion's tail, giving the group its common name. The fossil record extends to the Eocene, with the extinct genus Baltipanorpa known from Baltic amber.
Penthetria
March flies
Penthetria is a genus of March flies (family Bibionidae) established by Meigen in 1803. Species in this genus have been documented in forest ecosystems, with at least one species, Penthetria holosericea, studied for its role in litter decomposition. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records from Europe and North America. Males of some species exhibit brachypterous (shortened) wings.
Platypeza
flat-footed flies
Platypeza is a genus of flat-footed flies in the family Platypezidae, established by Meigen in 1803. The genus contains at least 30 described species. Members are small to medium-sized flies characterized by their distinctive flattened hind tarsi, a trait that gives the family its common name. These flies are part of the diverse Diptera fauna found primarily in forested environments of the Northern Hemisphere.
Platysoma
clown beetles
Platysoma is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising over 80 described species. Members are small, compact beetles that inhabit subcortical environments beneath tree bark. They are predatory throughout their life cycle, specializing in bark beetle prey. The genus is notable among Histeridae for exhibiting facultative egg predation behavior in adults.
Psocodea
bark lice, book lice, parasitic lice, barklice, booklice
Psocodea is an order of insects comprising approximately 11,000 species across three extant suborders: Trogiomorpha, Troctomorpha, and Psocomorpha. The group includes free-living barklice and booklice, as well as the parasitic lice (formerly Phthiraptera). Molecular and morphological evidence demonstrates that parasitic lice evolved from within the barklice lineage, rendering the former order 'Psocoptera' paraphyletic. Members range from 1–10 mm in length and occupy diverse habitats from forest canopies to stored products.
Rondaniella
Rondaniella is a genus of fungus gnats (family Mycetophilidae) established by Johannsen in 1909. It contains approximately nine described species distributed across Europe and Asia. The genus belongs to the subfamily Leiinae and tribe Rondaniellini. Most species have been described from East Asia, particularly China, within the last two decades.
Sciaroidea
Fungus Gnats and Gall Midges
Sciaroidea is a superfamily of nematoceran flies in the infraorder Bibionomorpha, comprising approximately 16 families and over 15,000 described species. The group includes fungus gnats, gall midges, and related families, with larvae predominantly associated with fungi, dead wood, and soil. Fennoscandia represents a major biodiversity hotspot for this group, harboring roughly 1,000 species—about 83% of Europe's total. Despite substantial DNA barcoding efforts yielding over 56,000 barcode index numbers (BINs), only 5% currently have scientific names assigned, indicating vast undescribed diversity.
Solenopterini
Solenopterini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Prioninae. Members are characterized by robust, often large-bodied forms adapted to wood-boring life histories. The tribe includes several genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some representation in the Nearctic. Solenopterini species are associated with dead or decaying hardwoods and are of occasional economic significance as timber pests.
Sosylus
Sosylus is a genus of dry bark beetles in the family Bothrideridae, containing approximately eight described species. These beetles are significant natural predators and parasites of ambrosia beetles (family Platypodidae). The genus has been documented in New Guinea and other regions, with species exhibiting distinctive triungulin-type first-instar larvae—a mobile larval form rare among beetles.
Steganinae
Steganinae is the smaller of two subfamilies in the fruit fly family Drosophilidae, established by Hendel in 1917. The subfamily is monophyletic but lacks a single diagnostic morphological character distinguishing it from the larger Drosophilinae. Members display diverse feeding behaviors, with some species exhibiting zoophilic habits unusual for drosophilid flies. The subfamily includes approximately 350 described species across multiple tribes and subtribes, though phylogenetic relationships remain partially unresolved.
Temnostoma
Falsehorn Flies
Temnostoma is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) renowned for their sophisticated Batesian mimicry of wasps. Adults possess overall morphological resemblance to hymenopterans, including darkened wing margins that mimic the folded wings of vespid wasps at rest. A distinctive behavioral adaptation involves waving the forelegs in front of the head to simulate wasp antennae. The genus comprises approximately 25 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with larvae that are saproxylic—developing in wet, decaying wood where they feed on microorganisms.
Tetratomidae
polypore fungus beetles
Tetratomidae is a small family of beetles in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea, commonly known as polypore fungus beetles. The family was historically classified within Melandryidae but is now recognized as distinct based on larval and adult morphological characters. Members are found worldwide and are specialized consumers of fungal fruiting bodies. The family includes several extant genera as well as fossil genera from Cretaceous amber deposits.
Valenzuela
lizard barklice
Valenzuela is a large genus of barklice in the family Caeciliusidae, commonly known as lizard barklice. The genus contains at least 300 described species, making it one of the most diverse genera within Psocodea. Some species are known from Eocene fossils in Poland and Russia, indicating a long evolutionary history. Members of this genus are small, winged or wingless insects that inhabit bark and leaf litter environments.
Wroughtonia necydalidis
Wroughtonia necydalidis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Helconinae. It belongs to a genus of braconid wasps known for attacking wood-boring beetle larvae. The species epithet references its association with the longhorn beetle genus Necydalis. Like other members of Helconini, it likely functions as a koinobiont endoparasitoid of cerambycid beetle larvae.
Xiphydriidae
wood wasps, swordtail sawflies
Xiphydriidae is a family of approximately 150 species of wood wasps distributed worldwide across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and other regions. Adults are distinguished by their globose (dome-shaped) heads borne on long, slender necks, with body lengths ranging from 6–21 mm. Larvae are wood borers in dead or dying trees and branches, where they feed on symbiotic fungi rather than wood directly. The family has a fossil record extending to the mid-Cretaceous, with the oldest known fossils from this period.
Xylitini
Xylitini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the family Melandryidae, established by C.G. Thomson in 1864. Members of this tribe are primarily associated with dead and decaying wood, where they develop as larvae. The tribe includes several genera of small to medium-sized beetles that are part of the broader saproxylic beetle community.
Zygomyia
Zygomyia is a genus of fungus gnats (family Mycetophilidae) established by Winnertz in 1863. The genus comprises at least 80 described species. Members are small, delicate flies associated with fungal habitats.