Genome-sequenced
Guides
Gandaritis
Gandaritis is a genus of geometrid moths comprising approximately 22 species, with 16 species recorded from China. The genus was established by Frederic Moore in 1868. Species within this genus are primarily distributed across the Palearctic region, with notable diversity in montane areas of western China. The Barred Straw (G. pyraliata) is the best-studied species, having been sequenced for genomic analysis.
Gerris buenoi
water strider
Gerris buenoi is a small water strider species native to North America, first described in 1911. Adults measure 8-10 mm in length and possess elongated mid-legs adapted for locomotion on water surfaces. The species exhibits wing polymorphism, with multiple wing forms corresponding to different seasons and environmental conditions. It has been extensively studied as a model organism for sexual conflict research and was the first water strider to have its genome sequenced.
Globia
arches
Globia is a genus of noctuid moths commonly called "arches", containing approximately seven described species. The genus was established in 2010 to replace the preoccupied name Capsula, which itself had replaced Archanara. Species in this genus are distributed across the Holarctic region. Several species have undergone notable range expansions in recent decades, particularly in Britain.
Gryllus longicercus
Long-cercus Field Cricket
Gryllus longicercus is a field cricket species described in 2019, notable for possessing the longest known cerci in the genus Gryllus. It represents the first New World cricket to have its genome fully assembled and annotated, with a 1.85 Gb genome containing 19,715 transcripts from 14,789 gene models. The species inhabits rocky desert landscapes and exhibits characteristic acoustic communication typical of field crickets.
Gymnocheta
Gymnocheta is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 12 described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. The genus is distinguished by metallic green coloration in some species, a trait shared with only one other European tachinid genus. Members are parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with larvae developing inside host caterpillars. The genome of G. viridis was sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Hecatera dysodea
Small Ranunculus
Hecatera dysodea, the Small Ranunculus, is a noctuid moth native to Central and Southern Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. It has been introduced to North America, where it was first detected in Utah in 1998 and Oregon in 2005. The species has experienced local extinction and recolonisation in Britain, where it disappeared by the 1930s and was rediscovered in Kent in 1997. Adults are attracted to light and visit flowers, particularly of lettuce species.
Hemithea aestivaria
Common Emerald
Hemithea aestivaria, the Common Emerald, is a geometrid moth native to Eurasia and accidentally introduced to North America. Its blue-green wing coloration derives from the pigment geoverdin, which is light-sensitive and fades in both living individuals and dried specimens. The species has been sequenced with a 501.7 Mb genome assembly containing 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules and 18,477 protein-coding genes. In its native range it is univoltine, while introduced populations in Japan have been observed to be bivoltine.
Horisme
Horisme is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus contains multiple species distributed across Europe and North America. One species, Horisme tersata (Fern moth), has been subject to genome sequencing, revealing a chromosome-level assembly of approximately 558 Mb. Species within this genus are associated with specific host plants and exhibit characteristic wing patterning useful for identification.
Hybos
dance flies
Hybos is a genus of small predatory dance flies in the family Hybotidae, comprising approximately 242 described species globally. The genus is distinguished by morphological features including short vein Rs, long cell cup, separated eyes in most species, a spine-like proboscis, and notably thickened hind femora bearing ventral bristles. Species occur across the Palaearctic and Oriental realms, with highest diversity in Asia. Adults are active predators of small flying insects, while larvae are soil-dwelling and predate on invertebrates.
Hydraecia micacea
Rosy Rustic, Potato Stem Borer
Hydraecia micacea, known as the rosy rustic or potato stem borer, is a noctuid moth native to the Palearctic realm and introduced to eastern North America. The species exhibits significant agricultural pest status, particularly affecting hop cultivation and potato crops through subterranean larval feeding on roots and crowns. Adults are active from July to November in temperate regions. The species is univoltine with a single generation per year.
Hyles lineata
white-lined sphinx, hummingbird moth
Hyles lineata is a large, abundant sphinx moth native to North and Central America, recognized for its distinctive hovering flight and striking wing pattern. Adults display a 2–3 inch wingspan with dark brown forewings marked by white longitudinal lines and black hindwings bearing a broad pink median band. The species exhibits unusual flexibility in activity patterns, flying at dusk, dawn, and occasionally during daylight hours to feed on nectar. Caterpillars show extreme color polymorphism, ranging from black with orange spots to lime green with black markings, and possess a characteristic posterior horn. This generalist feeder has been documented on over a dozen plant families and serves as a significant pollinator and occasional agricultural pest.
Hypsopygia costalis
Gold Triangle, Clover Hayworm Moth, Clover Hay Moth
A small pyralid moth native to Europe, now established in eastern North America. Adults display a distinctive golden triangular marking on the forewings. The species is notable as a pest of stored hay and dried vegetation, with larvae feeding on clover and alfalfa hay. Adults are nocturnal, active from July through November in the British Isles, with earlier emergence (May–July) reported elsewhere. The genome has been sequenced, revealing 818 Mb across 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
Ischnus inquisitorius
Ischnus inquisitorius is a small ichneumonid wasp of the subfamily Cryptinae, approximately 7 mm in length, with distinctive sexually dimorphic coloration. The species was formerly known as I. migrator due to a misidentification of Fabricius's types, but the valid name was re-established by Horstmann in 2001. It is a widespread parasitoid of tortricid moth pupae across the Holarctic region.
Labia minor
lesser earwig, small earwig
Labia minor is a small earwig species, 4–7 mm in length including pincers, distinguished by its dull yellow-brown to chocolate brown coloration and less shiny appearance compared to the common earwig. It is notable as the first Dermapteran species to have its genome sequenced by the Darwin Tree of Life project. The species exhibits exceptional maternal care behavior, with females guarding eggs and feeding offspring for 1–2 weeks after hatching—a rarity among insects. Unlike many earwigs, it flies frequently and possesses visible hind wings.
Leucoma salicis
White Satin Moth, Satin Moth
Leucoma salicis is a medium-sized moth native to the Palearctic, introduced to North America in the 1920s where it became an invasive pest. Adults are distinguished by pure white wings with a silky sheen, held tent-like over the body, contrasting with striking black-and-white banded legs. Larvae feed on Salix and Populus species and can cause severe defoliation damage. The species is univoltine in most of its range, with adults active in June through August.
Leucophora
satellite flies, root-maggot flies
Leucophora is a genus of kleptoparasitic flies in the family Anthomyiidae, comprising approximately 60 described species with worldwide distribution except Oceania. Species are commonly known as 'satellite flies' due to their habit of hovering near host nests. The genus is associated with bees and solitary wasps, with females shadowing hosts to locate nest entrances for oviposition. Larvae are parasitic on host brood. Several species are notoriously difficult to distinguish based on external morphology alone.
Linnaemya
Linnaemya is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 130 described species distributed across three recognized subgenera: Homoeonychia, Linnaemya (sensu stricto), and Ophina. Species are predominantly parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, particularly Noctuidae (owlet moths), with some records from other host groups. The genus exhibits a broad geographic range spanning the Palaearctic, Oriental, Afrotropical, and Nearctic regions. Several species have been subjects of genomic sequencing due to their ecological significance as biological control agents.
Listronotus oregonensis
carrot weevil
Listronotus oregonensis, the carrot weevil, is a significant agricultural pest of Apiaceae crops in North America. It was first recognized as a pest in 1902 and primarily attacks cultivated carrot, parsley, celery, and dill. Larval feeding on roots causes direct damage that can reduce yields by up to 50%. The species has low dispersal capacity, moving mainly by walking despite being winged, which makes crop rotation an effective management strategy.
Lithophane
shoulder-knot moths
Lithophane is a genus of noctuid moths commonly known as shoulder-knots. Species are characterized by their autumn to winter flight periods and cryptic forewing patterning that provides bark-mimicking camouflage. The genus includes both univoltine species that overwinter as eggs and those with prolonged adult winter diapause. Several species have expanded their ranges in recent decades, facilitated by horticultural planting of introduced conifers.
Lomographa
Lomographa is a genus of geometrid moths in the tribe Baptini, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Palearctic region, with some extending into North America. The best-studied species is Lomographa bimaculata (White-pinion Spotted), which has served as a model for genomic studies. Adult moths are generally small with white or pale wings and distinctive dark markings.
Macaria notata
peacock moth
Macaria notata, the peacock moth, is a Holarctic geometrid moth with a distinctive wing pattern featuring a black spot resembling a paw print on the forewing. The species is distributed across northern Eurasia and North America, where it inhabits deciduous forests and meadows. Adults are active primarily from May to June, with two generations in central Europe. The caterpillars feed on leaves of deciduous trees including birch, oak, alder, poplar, and blackthorn.
Macrophya
Macrophya is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus contains numerous species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America, with particularly high diversity in China. Several species have been documented as pests of woody plants, including Macrophya satoi, which damages Japanese ash (Fraxinus japonica). The larvae of many species feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Some species have had their genomes sequenced, including M. alboannulata and M. annulata.
Manduca
hornworms, hawkmoths, sphinx moths
Manduca is a genus of hawkmoths (Sphingidae) established by Jacob Hübner in 1807. The genus contains approximately 70 species distributed primarily in the Americas. Several species, notably Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) and M. quinquemaculata (tomato hornworm), are extensively studied as model organisms in biological research due to their large size and ease of laboratory rearing. The larvae, commonly called hornworms, are significant agricultural pests of solanaceous crops.
Manduca sexta
Carolina sphinx moth, tobacco hawk moth, tobacco hornworm, Goliath worm
Manduca sexta is a large sphinx moth native to the Americas, widely recognized as both a significant agricultural pest and a premier model organism in biological research. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism in adults and undergoes complete metamorphosis through five larval instars. Larvae are notable for their ability to sequester and metabolize nicotine from tobacco plants, using it as a chemical defense against predators. The species has been extensively studied in neurobiology, developmental biology, and immunology due to its large size, short life cycle, and accessible nervous system.
Meconema thalassinum
Oak Bush-cricket, Drumming Katydid
Meconema thalassinum is a small, pale green arboreal bush-cricket in the family Tettigoniidae. Native to Europe, it is the only native arboreal Orthopteran species in the UK and has been introduced to North America within the last 75 years. Males attract females through a unique non-stridulatory method: drumming their hind limbs against leaves to produce vibrations. Unlike most bush-crickets, this species is carnivorous, feeding on invertebrate prey.
Meganola
Meganola is a genus of moths in the family Nolidae, subfamily Nolinae, erected by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1898. The genus is distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Palearctic (Europe, Korea), Afrotropical (Ivory Coast, Zambia, Uganda), and Nearctic (Vermont, USA). It contains at least 35 species in West Africa alone, with taxonomic revisions ongoing. Some authorities consider Meganola a synonym of Roeselia.
Melieria
picture-winged fly
Melieria is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, characterized by distinctive wing patterning with dark spots or blotches on a lighter background. The genus contains multiple species across Europe and the Palaearctic region, with adults typically active from May to August. Species vary in size from small (4–5 mm) to medium (6 mm or longer) to relatively large (8–10 mm). Several species have been the focus of genomic sequencing as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Nasonia vitripennis
Blowfly Chalcid Wasp
Nasonia vitripennis is a small parasitoid wasp and the best-studied member of the genus Nasonia. It parasitizes pupae of carrion flies, particularly blowflies (Calliphora spp.) and flesh flies. The species exhibits haplodiploid sex determination, with diploid females developing from fertilized eggs and haploid males from unfertilized eggs. It has become a major model organism for studies of genetics, development, behavior, and Wolbachia-mediated cytoplasmic incompatibility. The genome was fully sequenced in 2010, facilitating research on venom proteins, sex pheromones, and epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation.
Nemotelus
soldier flies
Nemotelus is a genus of small soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) containing approximately 30 described species distributed across the Nearctic, Afrotropical, and Palaearctic regions. Adults range from 4.0 to 8.0 mm in body length and are among the smallest members of the family. The genus is characterized by distinctive facial morphology with a pointed snout bearing antennae on the dorsal side, and pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration. Most species display black bodies with variable white markings, with males typically showing more extensive pale patterning than females.
Neoitamus
Bentbristles
Neoitamus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising at least 60 described species. The genus has a worldwide distribution with notable presence in Europe, Asia, and North America. Species within this genus are predatory insects that hunt other insects. The common awl robberfly, Neoitamus cyanurus, has been subject to genome sequencing, revealing a 365.5 Mb chromosome-level assembly.
Neomusotima conspurcatalis
Lygodium Defoliator Moth
A small crambid moth native to South and Southeast Asia, introduced to Florida as a biological control agent for the invasive Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). Larvae are specialist feeders on Lygodium ferns, with young larvae skeletonizing leaves and older larvae consuming entire foliage. The species has been extensively studied for its host specificity and is subject to parasitism by multiple native parasitoid species in its introduced range.
Neotoxoptera
Neotoxoptera is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising at least seven described species. The genus is best known for N. formosana, the onion aphid, a significant agricultural pest of Allium crops. Species in this genus are oligophagous, specializing on plants in the Allium genus, and are distributed across Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Oceania, and Africa.
Neotoxoptera formosana
Onion Aphid
Neotoxoptera formosana is an oligophagous aphid pest specialized on Allium crops, originally described from Taiwan in 1921 and now distributed globally. It causes severe economic losses to Allium agriculture, particularly Allium tuberosum in China, through direct feeding damage and as a vector for plant viruses including garlic latent potyvirus and alstroemeria mosaic potyvirus. The species exhibits temperature-sensitive population dynamics with optimal reproduction at 20°C, and employs specific olfactory cues—particularly sulfur compounds like diallyl disulphide and dipropyl trisulphide—to locate host plants.
Noctua comes
Lesser Yellow Underwing
Noctua comes, the Lesser Yellow Underwing, is a common noctuid moth characterized by brown forewings and bright yellow hindwings with a black terminal band. Adults fly in a single generation from June to October. Larvae are cutworms that feed nocturnally close to the ground, damaging plant stems. The species is native to Britain and Ireland but has been introduced to North America where it can become a crop pest. Its genome of 540.7 Mb has been sequenced and assembled into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules.
Nothochrysa
black lacewings
Nothochrysa is a genus of green lacewings (family Chrysopidae) comprising approximately 10 described species. Members are commonly known as black lacewings due to their brown coloration, distinguishing them from the typically green Chrysopidae. The genus includes both extant and extinct species, with fossil representatives known from the Cenozoic. Nothochrysa capitata serves as the primary reference species for genomic studies within the genus.
Notodonta
prominent moths
Notodonta is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, established by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1810. Species within this genus are distributed across the Palearctic region, with multiple species occurring in Europe and Asia. Several species have been subjects of genomic research through the Darwin Tree of Life Project, including the iron prominent (N. dromedarius) and pebble prominent (N. ziczac). The genus exhibits variation in brood number across latitudes, with double-brooded populations in southern regions and single-brooded populations in northern areas.
Novius
Novius is a genus of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) and the sole member of the tribe Noviini. The genus contains over 70 species, most formerly placed in the genera Rodolia and Anovia, which are now considered junior synonyms. Species of Novius are specialist predators of scale insects, particularly cotton cushion scales in the genus Icerya, and have been widely used in classical biological control programs. The best-known species, Novius cardinalis (the vedalia beetle), was introduced from Australia to California in the 1880s and achieved historic success in controlling Icerya purchasi.
Odiellus
harvestmen
Odiellus is a genus of harvestmen in the family Phalangiidae, containing approximately 17 described species distributed across Europe and introduced regions. The genus includes Odiellus spinosus, a well-studied species with a sequenced genome and documented life history. Members of this genus are characterized by relatively short legs compared to many other harvestmen and often possess distinctive body ornamentation including spines or granulations.
Oeneis
Arctics, graylings
Oeneis is a genus of butterflies in the subfamily Satyrinae, commonly known as the Arctics or graylings. Members of this genus are remarkable for their adaptation to extreme cold environments, with most species restricted to Arctic, sub-Arctic, or high-altitude alpine habitats. The genus exhibits a disjunct distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, with species found in Europe, Arctic Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, Arctic North America, and the Rocky Mountains. Many species have biennial life cycles, with development typically spanning two years. The genus comprises approximately 32 recognized species arranged into several species groups based on phylogenetic relationships.
Oeneis chryxus
Chryxus Arctic, brown Arctic
Oeneis chryxus is a subalpine and alpine butterfly species distributed across northern and western North America. The species exhibits a distinctive semivoltine life cycle, with larvae developing over two years and adults emerging in biennial flight patterns. Populations show striking geographic variation in wing coloration, ranging from cream to orange-brown, which functions as camouflage against rocky substrates. The Ivallda Arctic subspecies (O. c. ivallda) occupies the highest elevation butterfly habitat in North America at over 4,400 meters on Mount Whitney.
Oligia
Oligia is a genus of noctuid moths comprising over 60 described species distributed across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Species are small to medium-sized moths typically associated with grassland habitats. Several species are economically significant as pests of forage grasses, while others have served as models for studying melanism evolution. Species-level identification often requires genitalia examination due to morphological similarity among closely related taxa.
Oligia strigilis
Marbled Minor
Oligia strigilis, the Marbled Minor, is a noctuid moth distributed across Britain, Europe, and Central Asia, with accidental introduction and rapid spread in northeastern North America. It is one of three similar Oligia species in the UK that require genitalia examination for reliable identification. The species has declined by 76% in Britain since the 1970s despite potential range expansion. Melanic forms occur frequently and have been of significant evolutionary interest.
Perizoma
Rivulets, Carpets
Perizoma is a genus of geometer moths comprising over 150 species, with a predominantly Northern Hemisphere distribution. It serves as the type genus of the tribe Perizomini within the subfamily Larentiinae. Species are commonly known as rivulets or carpets. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with some related genera (Gagitodes, Martania, Mesotype) now included by some authorities. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, including P. alchemillata in Newfoundland.
Pheosia
Pheosia is a Palearctic genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae. The genus includes several species, with Pheosia gnoma (Lesser Swallow Prominent) and Pheosia tremula (Swallow Prominent) being the most well-documented. Species within this genus are distinguished by characteristic wing patterns and larval host plant associations with woody plants.
Philonthus
Philonthus is a large genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing over 380 described species. These beetles are generally robust predators found in diverse habitats including decomposing organic matter, carrion, dung, and fungal substrates. The genus has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution with particular diversity in the Palaearctic region. Several species have been documented as rapidly colonizing new habitats and competing with native species.
Philonthus cognatus
Philonthus cognatus is a relatively large rove beetle (8–11 mm) in the family Staphylinidae. Native to the western Palearctic, it has been introduced to North America where it is now established in the USA and Canada. Adults are primarily black with metallic bronze or greenish elytra and a distinctive yellow underside to the first antennal segment. The species is an important predator of agricultural pests, particularly aphids.
Photedes
Photedes is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, established by Lederer in 1857. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region, with some representation in North America. At least one species, Photedes minima (Small Dotted Buff), has been subject to genomic study, revealing a chromosome count of 31 (30 autosomes plus Z chromosome). Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized moths associated with moist habitats.
Phragmatobia fuliginosa
Ruby Tiger, Ruby Tiger Moth
Phragmatobia fuliginosa, the Ruby Tiger, is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae of family Erebidae. It has a wingspan of 35–45 mm and is distinguished by dark reddish-brown forewings with a blackish comma-shaped spot and bright carmine to rose-red hindwings. The species is widely distributed across the Palearctic and into northern North America, with multiple recognized subspecies including the North American P. f. rubricosa. It exhibits geographic variation in generation time: univoltine in northern regions with adults flying in June, and bivoltine in southern Britain with adults appearing April–June and again August–September.
Plagodis
Plagodis is a genus of geometrid moths established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus includes approximately 30 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with notable diversity in both Europe and North America. Several species are recognized for their distinctive wing patterns and resting postures. The genus name derives from Greek, referring to the oblique or slanted wing posture characteristic of many species at rest.
Pollenia angustigena
Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly
Pollenia angustigena is a medium-sized cluster fly in the family Polleniidae, measuring 4.5–9.5 mm. Formerly classified in Calliphoridae, this species is now placed in Polleniidae based on morphological and molecular evidence. Adults display variable coloration with chequered abdominal dusting and distinctive golden crinkly thoracic hairs. The species is widely distributed in Britain and parts of continental Europe, with records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal (Madeira). Adults are active from March to October, though they may be recorded year-round indoors during winter. Like other Pollenia species, adults feed on flower nectar and may contribute to pollination, while larvae are parasitoids or predators of earthworms.