Genome-sequenced
Guides
Abrostola
spectacle moths
Abrostola is a genus of noctuid moths in the tribe Abrostolini, characterized by distinctive thoracic markings resembling spectacles or goggles. The genus includes at least two well-studied European species: A. tripartita (the spectacle) and A. triplasia (the dark spectacle). Both species are associated with nettle as a primary larval host plant. The genus has been the subject of recent genomic research, with chromosomally complete genome assemblies available for both A. tripartita and A. triplasia.
Acrobasis suavella
Thicket Knot-horn, Blackthorn Knot-horn
Acrobasis suavella is a small pyralid moth native to Europe, with an established introduced population in southwestern Canada. Adults fly nocturnally during summer months and are readily attracted to light. The larva is a concealed feeder, constructing a silken gallery within which it feeds on host plant material over an extended autumn-to-spring period. The species has been the subject of genome sequencing as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Actenicerus
Marsh Click Beetles
Actenicerus is a genus of click beetles (Elateridae: Dendrometrinae) comprising approximately 37 species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere, with exceptional diversity in Japan where 26 species are endemic. The genus includes the well-documented Marsh Click-beetle (A. siaelandicus), a Palaearctic wetland specialist. Members exhibit the family's characteristic escape mechanism—producing an audible click to right themselves when overturned.
Adelges cooleyi
Cooley spruce gall adelgid, Douglas fir adelgid, gall adelgid
Adelges cooleyi is a gall-forming adelgid native to western North America, specifically the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains. It is a host-alternating species with a complex life cycle involving two primary hosts: spruce (Picea) species as primary hosts and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) as the secondary host. On spruce, the adelgid induces the formation of distinctive pineapple-shaped galls at branch terminals. On Douglas fir, it produces white, cottony wax masses containing eggs but causes less conspicuous injury. The species has two generations per year and exhibits morphological dimorphism: progredientes migrate to current-year needles while sistentes settle on older needles.
Aethes
Conch moths
Aethes is a genus of small tortricid moths (family Tortricidae, subfamily Tortricinae, tribe Cochylini) comprising approximately 70-75 described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. Species are characterized by small size (wingspans typically 8-23 mm), narrow forewings, and often subtle coloration in yellow, brown, or grey tones with variable fasciation patterns. Larvae are generally associated with Asteraceae, feeding in stems, roots, and seed heads of host plants. The genus includes several well-known species such as Aethes cnicana (Thistle Conch) and Aethes hartmanniana that have been subject to intensive ecological study.
Agriphila
grass-veneer moths
Agriphila is a genus of small crambid moths comprising approximately 40 species distributed across temperate Eurasia and adjacent regions. Species were historically classified under the related genus Crambus until the mid-20th century, when Agriphila gained wider taxonomic recognition. Several species are economically significant as pests of cereal crops, particularly wheat. The genus has become a subject of genomic research, with published genome sequences for A. straminella and A. tristella.
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.
Agrochola
Agrochola is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. Species are primarily autumn-flying (late August to November) with overwintering eggs. The genus includes species of conservation concern; Agrochola litura has declined substantially in Britain (73% abundance decrease 1970–2016). Long-term monitoring data from Prague showed Agrochola lychnidis exhibited significant population decrease over 29 years. Some authorities treat Sunira as a subgenus of Agrochola.
Aleiodes
mummy-wasps, Common Mummy Wasps
Aleiodes is a large cosmopolitan genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, commonly known as mummy-wasps. The genus was established by Constantin Wesmael in 1838 and contains thousands of described species, with exceptional diversity in the Western Hemisphere. Females are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids that attack caterpillars, laying eggs inside living hosts. The developing wasp larvae consume the host from within, eventually killing it and causing the remains to harden into a distinctive 'mummy' from which the adult emerges.
Alucita
many-plumed moths
Alucita is the largest and type genus of many-plumed moths (family Alucitidae), containing approximately 180 species with new species continuing to be described. The genus occurs almost worldwide, though individual species have more restricted ranges. Members are distinguished by their unique wing morphology, with each wing divided into multiple feather-like plumes. The genus was established by Linnaeus in 1758 and has historically been subject to taxonomic revision, with several junior synonyms proposed by subsequent authors.
Amphipyra tragopoginis
Mouse Moth
Amphipyra tragopoginis, the Mouse Moth, is a widespread noctuid moth with a Holarctic distribution. The species has undergone significant population decline in the UK, dropping over 80% between 1970 and 2016. Its genome has been sequenced, revealing an 806 Mb assembly with 13,359 protein-coding genes. The species is notable for its unusual flight behavior and attraction to sugary baits rather than light.
Anerastia
snout moths
Anerastia is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and contains approximately 12 described species. The best-known member is Anerastia lotella, the Sandhill Knot-horn moth, which has been the subject of genomic research. Species occur across parts of Europe, Africa, and North America.
Anerastia lotella
Sandhill Knot-horn, Sandhill Knot-horn moth
Anerastia lotella, commonly known as the Sandhill Knot-horn moth, is a small pyralid moth with a chromosome-level genome assembly available. Adults are active in July and are single-brooded. The species shows phenotypic variation between coastal and inland populations, with coastal individuals typically larger and paler.
Anthemurgus
passionflower bee
Anthemurgus is a subgenus within Protandrena (family Andrenidae) containing at least one confirmed species, P. (Anthemurgus) passiflorae, commonly called the passionflower bee. This bee is notable for extreme host-plant specialization (monolecty) on Passiflora lutea, the yellow passionflower. The subgenus has undergone repeated taxonomic revision, having been treated as a monotypic genus, a subgenus of Pseudopanurgus, and currently as a subgenus of Protandrena. A chromosome-level genome assembly has been completed for the sole species.
Archips xylosteana
variegated golden tortrix, brown oak tortrix
Archips xylosteana is a medium-sized tortricid moth native to the Palearctic region, with a wingspan of 14–23 mm. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in size, with females typically larger than males. Forewings are broad and roughly rectangular, displaying variable coloration from yellow-brown to pinkish brown with dark reddish-brown markings. This univoltine species is a polyphagous leafroller, with larvae feeding on numerous deciduous trees and shrubs.
Arctia caja
Garden Tiger, Great Tiger Moth
Large, conspicuously colored moth with a wingspan up to 65 mm. Forewings are cryptic brown with irregular cream-colored bands; hindwings are orange (rarely yellow) with large rounded bluish spots. This aposematic species sequesters toxic alkaloids for defense. The species has undergone significant decline in the U.K. over the past 30 years, accompanied by phenotypic changes including longer, narrower wings and reduced genetic diversity.
Athrips
Athrips is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae containing approximately 60 described species distributed across the Palaearctic and Afrotropical regions. Species are organized into species-groups based on morphological and presumably phylogenetic relationships, with the largest diversity centered in arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia. The genus was revised taxonomically in 2005 for the Palaearctic region, with subsequent revisions for China (2009) and Africa (2010). One species, A. mouffetella, has been genome-sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Aulacorthum solani
Foxglove aphid, Glasshouse-potato aphid
Aulacorthum solani is a globally distributed agricultural pest aphid with one of the broadest host ranges of any aphid species, feeding on both dicots and monocots. It is a phloem-feeding hemipteran that causes direct feeding damage including stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and deformation, and serves as a vector for plant viruses. The species exhibits temperature-dependent development and reproduction, with optimal performance between 12.5–20°C and survival possible from 5–27.5°C. Both winged and wingless morphs occur, with parthenogenesis used for colony maintenance in laboratory settings.
Bombus flavifrons
yellow-fronted bumble bee, yellowhead bumblebee
Bombus flavifrons is a robust bumble bee native to North America, distributed across much of Canada, Alaska, and the western contiguous United States. The species exhibits intraspecific color pattern variation across its range due to Müllerian mimicry. It inhabits high-altitude and high-latitude environments including tundra, taiga, and mountain forests and meadows. The species is host to the parasitic cuckoo bumble bee Bombus insularis.
Bombus pensylvanicus
American bumblebee, Sonoran bumblebee
Bombus pensylvanicus is a threatened bumble bee species historically widespread across eastern North America. Populations have declined approximately 90% since the early 2000s, with range contractions particularly severe in northern and eastern portions of its former distribution. The species is a long-tongued pollinator favoring open grassland and agricultural habitats. It maintains a typical bumble bee colony cycle with queens initiating nests in early spring and colonies persisting until late autumn. The species is of significant conservation concern and has been proposed for Endangered Species Act protection.
Bombus vancouverensis
Vancouver Bumble Bee, Vancouver Island Bumblebee
Bombus vancouverensis is a eusocial bumblebee of subgenus Pyrobombus, widespread across mountainous regions of western North America. The species was long treated as synonymous with Bombus bifarius, with most historical literature on bifarius actually referring to vancouverensis. Genetic studies completed in 2020 confirmed their distinct status, with true B. bifarius being exclusively red-tailed and geographically restricted, while B. vancouverensis is polymorphic and broadly distributed. It is one of only two bumblebee species known to use pheromones for kin recognition.
Brachylomia
Minor Shoulder-knot (B. viminalis)
Brachylomia is a genus of small noctuid moths in the tribe Xylenini, containing approximately 17 described species. The genus occurs across the Holarctic region, with species distributed in North America, Europe, and Asia. Brachylomia viminalis, the Minor Shoulder-knot, is the best-known species and serves as the primary reference for understanding the genus. Most species are associated with damp habitats and willow-dominated vegetation.
Buathra laborator
Buathra laborator is a large, conspicuous ichneumonid wasp (Darwin wasp) in the subfamily Cryptinae, common and widespread across Britain. Both sexes are predominantly black with red legs; females possess a long ovipositor, while males display distinctive white facial markings and white hind tarsus. The species is frequently observed in open areas on flowers during its April–August flight period. Despite its abundance and visibility, it has never been successfully reared in Europe, and its host associations remain poorly documented.
Cantharis rufa
soldier beetle
Cantharis rufa is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) measuring 8–11 mm in length. It is widely distributed across the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to North America, where it is expanding its range. The species has an annual life cycle with two 'prolarval' and six larval instars. Adults are active from mid-May to mid-July.
Caradrina
rustics, mottled willows
Caradrina is a genus of noctuid moths erected by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816, currently comprising approximately 189 described species divided into eight subgenera. The genus includes species commonly known as rustics or mottled willows, with some subgenera (notably Paradrina and Platyperigea) treated as separate genera by certain authorities. Species within this genus exhibit bivoltine life cycles in temperate regions and show varying degrees of migratory behavior.
Caradrina clavipalpis
Pale Mottled Willow
Caradrina clavipalpis, the pale mottled willow, is a small noctuid moth native to the Palearctic region and introduced to North America since 1993. Adults are attracted to light and sugar, and feed at flowers. The species has two generations per year in temperate regions, with adults flying from April to October depending on location. Larvae feed on cereal grains and plantains, and pupate underground in robust cocoons.
Carcina
oak long-horned flat-body moths
Carcina is a small genus of micromoths in the family Peleopodidae, containing four species distributed across Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. The genus is notable for its members' distinctive appearance: pastel pink or purple wings with yellow markings and exceptionally long antennae relative to body size. The most widespread species, C. quercana, serves as host for the specialized parasitoid wasp Venanides carcinae. A recently described species, C. ingridmariae, was discovered in 2025 after being misidentified as C. quercana for over a century, representing a rare case of overlooked colorful European moth diversity.
Carcina quercana
oak lantern, long-horned flat-body, oak-skeletonizer moth
Carcina quercana is a small moth in the family Peleopodidae (Depressariidae), native to Europe and recently introduced to western North America. It is distinguished by its pastel purple and yellow wing patterning and notably long antennae. The species is moderately polyphagous on deciduous trees, particularly favoring Fagaceae. Adults fly from May to October, with peak activity in July.
Carpatolechia fugitivella
elm groundling
Carpatolechia fugitivella, commonly known as the elm groundling, is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 11–15 mm. The species is widespread across Europe, extending into Asia and North America. Adults are active from June to September and are attracted to light.
Cauchas
Cauchas is a genus of fairy longhorn moths (Adelidae) in the subfamily Adelinae, established by Zeller in 1839 and elevated to genus status in 1980. It contains approximately 17 described species distributed across Europe and Asia. The genus is characterized by small size, reduced sexual dimorphism in antennae length, and specific host plant associations with Veronica species.
Chalcis
Chalcis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Chalcididae, characterized by greatly enlarged hind femora with ventral teeth and curved hind tibiae. Members of this genus are parasitoids of stratiomyid flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), ovipositing into host egg masses laid on emergent vegetation near water. The genus includes Chalcis sispes, the first chalcidid wasp to have its genome fully sequenced.
Cheilosia grossa
Large Bulb Fly, Foxy Bulb Fly
A large, robust hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, widespread across Europe. Adults are active in early spring, visiting willow catkins and other early-flowering plants. The species is notable for its phytophagous larvae that tunnel within thistle stems and roots, causing characteristic plant damage. Males exhibit distinctive hovering behavior at head height, occasionally forming loose swarms.
Choneiulus palmatus
Palm Millipede
A small julid millipede native to the Atlantic zone of northwest Europe, now widely distributed through synanthropic spread and human introduction. Adults reach 12–15 mm with up to 58 body rings. The species shows strong association with human-modified environments in parts of its range, particularly in northern Britain, while retaining woodland populations elsewhere. A genome assembly of 626.52 Mb has been published from an Oxfordshire specimen.
Copidosoma
copidosoma wasp
Copidosoma is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, comprising over 200 species of polyembryonic parasitoids. These wasps deposit one or two eggs into host Lepidoptera eggs, which then proliferate into thousands of genetically identical embryos. A unique caste system produces two larval morphs: sterile soldiers that defend the host from competitors and reproductive larvae that consume the host and emerge as adults. The genus has been extensively studied for its extreme clonal reproduction and is widely used in biological control programs against agricultural pests.
Cosmia
pinion moths
Cosmia is a genus of noctuid moths comprising approximately 35 described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. The genus includes notable species such as the dun-bar (C. trapezina), lunar-spotted pinion (C. pyralina), and white-spotted pinion (C. diffinis). Several species are associated with elm trees, and at least one species (C. pyralina) has experienced population decline in Britain linked to Dutch elm disease affecting its host plants. The genome of C. pyralina has been sequenced, revealing a 803.3 Mb assembly with 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
Crioceris
asparagus beetle
Crioceris is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) commonly known as asparagus beetles. The genus includes both widespread agricultural pests and rare species restricted to specialized habitats. Several species are associated with Asparagus host plants, with C. asparagi and C. duodecimpunctata being notable invasive pests. Other species such as C. quinquepunctata and C. quatuordecimpunctata are rare and occupy steppe-like habitats in Eurasia. The genus has been subject to molecular barcoding studies to distinguish closely related species.
Culex quinquefasciatus
Southern House Mosquito
Culex quinquefasciatus, the southern house mosquito, is a medium-sized brown mosquito distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a significant disease vector, transmitting pathogens including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti), and potentially Zika virus. The species is taxonomically part of the Culex pipiens species complex and is one of the most abundant peridomestic mosquitoes globally. Its genome was sequenced in 2010, revealing 18,883 protein-coding genes.
Cylindroiulus
Cylindroiulus is a genus of cylindrical millipedes in the family Julidae, established by Verhoeff in 1894. Species in this genus are characterized by their smooth, rounded bodies and are primarily distributed across Europe. The genus includes notable species such as Cylindroiulus punctatus, which has been sequenced for genomic studies, and Cylindroiulus nitidus, which has been studied for its life-history dynamics in woodland habitats. Members are typically found in forest floor environments, including decaying wood and soil.
Dasysyrphus
Dasysyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is relatively straightforward to identify, though species-level differentiation requires careful examination and should not rely solely on images. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive morphological features including hairy eyes and microtrichose wings. Larvae are primarily arboreal, feeding nocturnally on aphids and other small Hemiptera.
Dicyrtomina
globular springtails
Dicyrtomina is a genus of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by a rounded, compact body form distinct from elongate springtail lineages. Members exhibit latch-mediated spring-actuated (LaMSA) jumping powered by the furca, a modified fourth abdominal segment. The genus includes species such as D. minuta, which has been extensively studied for its extraordinary jumping kinematics, and D. saundersi, which displays neustonic (surface-floating) behavior. Species occur primarily in moist leaf litter habitats across Europe, North America, and other regions, with some populations adapted to aquatic surface microlayer environments.
Ditula
Ditula is a genus of tortricid moths in the tribe Archipini, established by Stephens in 1829. The genus contains two recognized species: Ditula angustiorana (Red-barred Tortrix or Leaf roller) and Ditula saturana. D. angustiorana has been the subject of behavioral and genomic studies, revealing atypical diel periodicity in female calling behavior.
Dromius
Dromius is a genus of small arboreal ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 108 species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, Near East, and North Africa. Members of this genus are characterized by their tree-dwelling habits, inhabiting trunks and bark of deciduous and coniferous trees rather than ground-level environments. The genus includes the well-studied species Dromius quadrimaculatus, known as the Great Four-spot Treerunner, which has served as a model for understanding canopy-dwelling carabid ecology.
Ephialtes
Ephialtes is a genus of ichneumonid wasps (family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Pimplinae, tribe Ephialtini) established by Gravenhorst in 1829. The genus includes species that are ectoparasitoids of solitary aculeate Hymenoptera, with females possessing notably long ovipositors adapted for accessing host nests. Ephialtes manifestator, the type species and best-documented member, has been subject to genome sequencing and ecological study. The genus is distributed across Europe and has been recorded in North America.
Epinotia nisella
Grey Poplar Bell, Yellow-headed Aspen Leaftier
Epinotia nisella is a small tortricid moth with a Holarctic distribution across northern Eurasia and northern North America. First described by Clerck in 1759, it is highly polymorphic in forewing coloration, showing extensive variation in grey, black, and brown patterns. The species is closely related to E. cinereana, from which it was recently reinstated as distinct based on DNA barcodes and genital morphology. Larvae feed on catkins and leaves of Populus and Salix species.
Epirrhoe
Epirrhoe is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, containing approximately 17 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. Species within this genus are generally small to medium-sized geometrid moths, many with characteristic wing patterns featuring contrasting dark and light markings. The Small Argent and Sable (Epirrhoe tristata) is among the better-known species, with a published chromosomally complete genome assembly.
Eudasyphora
Eudasyphora is a genus of muscid flies established by Townsend in 1911. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed primarily across Europe and North America. Eudasyphora cyanicolor, the best-studied species, has been the subject of genome sequencing research. Members of this genus are synanthropic and frequently associated with human dwellings.
Eulithis
grapevine loopers, spinach moths, chevron moths
Eulithis is a Holarctic genus of geometrid moths in the tribe Cidariini, established by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Several species are notable for their distinctive wing patterns, including chevron markings, and some have acquired common names reflecting their larval host plants or wing patterns, such as the grapevine loopers and spinach moths.
Eulithis testata
Chevron, Chevron Moth
A medium-sized geometrid moth with a Holarctic distribution, found across northern Eurasia and North America. Adults are active from July to mid-September, with two generations per year in some regions and one in others. The species has experienced significant population declines in the UK since 1970.
Eutomostethus luteiventris
Yellow-bellied Rush-cutter
A small sawfly measuring 5–7 mm, characterized by a black head and thorax contrasting with an orange-yellow abdomen marked with black dorsal patterns. The species is notable for its parthenogenetic reproduction in Britain and Ireland, where only females have been recorded. It completes a single generation per year in the UK, with adult activity restricted to spring. The genome has been sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, revealing a haploid assembly of 272.06 Mb.
Euwallacea similis
ambrosia beetle
Euwallacea similis is a small ambrosia beetle (2.2–2.7 mm) native to South and Southeast Asia and Australia, now globally distributed through human trade in timber and wood commodities. It colonizes stressed, cut, or recently dead host trees rather than healthy living trees, distinguishing it from related invasive species like E. fornicatus. The species exhibits haplodiploid sex determination and inbreeding polygyny, with females farming symbiotic Fusarium fungi in wood galleries. First recorded in the Iberian Peninsula in 2025, it is considered a high-risk quarantine pest due to its polyphagous habits and potential to vector pathogenic fungi.
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