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Agrotis ipsilon
dark sword-grass, ipsilon dart, black cutworm, greasy cutworm, floodplain cutworm
Agrotis ipsilon is a globally distributed noctuid moth whose larvae, known as black cutworms, are serious agricultural pests. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive black Y-shaped or epsilon-shaped markings on brown forewings. The species exhibits seasonal migration, traveling north in spring and south in fall to avoid temperature extremes. Larvae feed on a wide range of vegetable crops and grains, cutting plants at or below the soil surface and causing significant economic damage.
agricultural-pest cutworm migratory-moth nocturnal global-distribution
Agyneta
dwarf spiders, sheet weavers
Agyneta is a genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) containing over 200 species distributed across multiple continents. First described by J. E. Hull in 1911, these small sheet-weaving spiders are characterized by distinct genital structures used for species identification. The genus has been documented from Europe, South America, and other regions, with new species continuing to be described.
Linyphiidae sheet-web-spiders dwarf-spiders genus global-distribution genital-morphology taxonomy-in-progress
Aphis spiraecola
Spirea aphid, green citrus aphid, apple aphid
Aphis spiraecola is a polyphagous aphid species described by Edith Marion Patch in 1914. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus, apples, and numerous ornamental plants across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. The species exhibits remarkable host flexibility, colonizing over 65 plant genera across more than 20 families. It reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis across most of its range, with holocyclic populations producing sexual morphs on primary hosts Spiraea and Citrus. The species has displaced native Aphis pomi in some regions and is considered invasive in many areas where it has been introduced.
agricultural-pest invasive-species polyphagous parthenogenesis virus-vector citrus-pest apple-pest aphididae global-distribution insecticide-resistance DNA-barcoding-identification
Araneomorphae
Typical Spiders, True Spiders, Labidognatha
Araneomorphae is a suborder of spiders comprising approximately 92% of all living spider species. Members are distinguished by chelicerae (fangs) that oppose each other diagonally forward and cross in a pinching action, contrasting with the parallel, downward-pointing fangs of Mygalomorphae. This diverse group includes orb-weavers, cobweb spiders, jumping spiders, wolf spiders, crab spiders, and huntsman spiders. Most species have at most one pair of book lungs and typically exhibit annual life cycles.
arachnid spider predator terrestrial global-distribution
Billaea
Billaea is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 80 described species. Most larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids and lucanids, with some species attacking lepidopteran hosts in the family Pyralidae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural and forestry pests, including palm weevils and sugarcane borers.
Tachinidae parasitoid biological-control Cerambycidae Dryophthoridae Crambidae viviparous planidia forest-pest agricultural-pest oil-palm sugarcane palm-weevil wood-borer southeast-Asia South-America Europe Bulgaria Brazil Turkey Mexico Peru integrated-pest-management natural-enemy host-searching kairomones superparasitism mass-rearing Galleria-mellonella laboratory-host frass gallery tunnel pupal-parasitoid larval-parasitoid ectoparasitoid endoparasitoid Coleoptera Lepidoptera Diptera Brachycera Dexiinae Dexiini Robineau-Desvoidy-1830 80-species global-distribution forestry agriculture ornamental-palms date-palm coconut Rhynchophorus Diatraea Prionus Xylotrechus climate-matching establishment-potential Mediterranean Middle-East California invasive-species red-palm-weevil American-palm-weevil red-ring-disease vector-control natural-mortality pest-management sustainable-agriculture host-specificity trophic-association new-host-record parasitism-rate field-parasitism laboratory-rearing adult-longevity fecundity sex-ratio pupal-viability pupal-duration planidia-length food-resources pollen honey sucrose flowering-plants spontaneous-flora companion-plants habitat-management conservation-biological-control augmentative-biological-control classical-biological-control quarantine host-range circumstantial-evidence taxonomic-confusion B.-rhynchophorae B.-menezesi B.-adelpha B.-claripalpis B.-rutilans B.-cerambycivora B.-steini B.-fortis B.-irrorata B.-pectinata B.-setosa B.-triangulifera B.-lata B.-intermedia B.-biserialis B.-gigantea B.-rubens B.-maritima B.-marmorata B.-aurifrons B.-verticalis B.-flava B.-chinensis B.-brevicauda B.-kurahashii B.-micronychia B.-papei B.-setigera B.-yintiaoling B.-rufescens B.-triquetrus B.-rubida B.-rufiventris B.-brasiliensis B.-friburgensis B.-giacomeli B.-kosterae B.-plaumanni B.-shannoni B.-africana B.-argentaurea B.-atkinsoni B.-capensis B.-communis B.-decisa B.-edwardsi B.-erecta B.-ficorum B.-grandis B.-impigra B.-interrupta B.-kolomyetzi B.-luteola B.-malayana B.-minor B.-monohammi B.-montana B.-morosa B.-nipigonensis B.-orbitalis B.-ovata B.-quadrinota B.-rhingiaeformis B.-robusta B.-satisfacta B.-sibleyi B.-sjostedti B.-solivaga B.-trivittata B.-trochanterata B.-vanemdeni B.-velutina B.-versicolor B.-villeneuvei B.-vitripennis B.-zimini B.-lateralis B.-lativentris
Ceratina
Small Carpenter Bees
Ceratina is a cosmopolitan genus of small carpenter bees comprising over 300 species in approximately 23 subgenera. These bees nest in dead wood, stems, or pith, excavating linear galleries with partitioned brood cells. Social behavior varies widely within the genus, ranging from solitary to facultatively eusocial, with some species exhibiting cooperative brood care and others demonstrating biparental care. The genus originated in the Afrotropics and has achieved global distribution except Antarctica. Ceratina serves as an important model for studying the evolutionary origins of social behavior in insects.
pollinator carpenter-bee social-insect stem-nesting-bee facultatively-eusocial parthenogenesis global-distribution
Clinocerinae
aquatic dance flies
Clinocerinae is a subfamily of dance flies (Empididae) comprising 16 recognized genera including Clinocera, Wiedemannia, Dolichocephala, Trichoclinocera, and Kowarzia. Members are commonly known as aquatic dance flies due to their strong association with freshwater habitats. The subfamily has a global distribution with particularly diverse faunas in the Palaearctic and Oriental regions. Multiple generic revisions and species-level revisions have been published for Nearctic, Palaearctic, and Oriental faunas.
aquatic lotic dance-flies Empididae freshwater univoltine global-distribution
Condica
Condica is a genus of noctuid moths erected by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed across multiple continents, with documented records from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. Several species are recognized as agricultural pests, particularly of safflower, sunflower, and cotton crops. The genus is classified within the subfamily Condicinae of the family Noctuidae.
noctuidae moth agricultural-pest polyphagous global-distribution safflower-pest sunflower-pest cotton-pest china africa biological-control cotesia condicinae
Crematogaster
Acrobat Ants, Cocktail Ants, Saint Valentine Ants
Crematogaster is a large, ecologically diverse genus of ants with over 520 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is characterized by a distinctive heart-shaped gaster that can be raised forward over the thorax and head when alarmed, a behavior that has earned them the common names "cocktail ants" and "acrobat ants." Most species are arboreal, though some are ground-nesting. They exhibit complex social behaviors including cooperative hunting, trail-based recruitment, and defensive venom spraying.
ants Formicidae myrmecophytism arboreal predatory venomous trail-laying mutualism global-distribution social-insects caste-polymorphism alternative-reproduction acrobat-ants cocktail-ants Saint-Valentine-ants
Crematogastrini
Crematogastrini is a tribe of ants within the subfamily Myrmicinae, comprising approximately 64 extant genera and 8 fossil genera. Members of this tribe are distributed globally and exhibit considerable morphological and ecological diversity. The tribe includes the well-known genus Crematogaster, which is among the most species-rich ant genera worldwide. Crematogastrini ants are primarily arboreal or ground-nesting, with many species establishing mutualistic relationships with plants and other insects.
ants Myrmicinae tribe global-distribution arboreal diverse-morphology
Cydia pomonella
Codling Moth
Cydia pomonella is a tortricid moth and major global pest of apple and pear orchards. The caterpillar, commonly known as the 'worm in the apple,' bores into fruit and prevents normal development, causing premature ripening and crop loss. Adults are attracted to pheromone traps with limited plume reach, requiring multiple traps for reliable monitoring. The species has been detected via environmental DNA in yard waste shipments, highlighting its potential for human-mediated dispersal.
pest agricultural orchard apple pear global-distribution invasive
Diapriidae
Diapriidae is a family of minute parasitoid wasps in the order Hymenoptera. Adults range from 1–8 mm in length, with most species measuring 2–4 mm. The family contains approximately 2,300 described species in around 150–200 genera, though estimates suggest at least 4,500 species exist globally. Members are primarily parasitoids of Diptera larvae and pupae, with some species attacking Coleoptera or associated with ants. The family exhibits considerable morphological diversity, including frequent winglessness and pronounced sexual dimorphism.
parasitoid microscopic Diptera-parasitoid wingless-common sexual-dimorphism biological-control ant-associated moist-habitats global-distribution understudied-diversity
Elaphropus
Elaphropus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing at least 370 described species. These small beetles belong to the tribe Bembidiini and are part of the diverse carabid fauna found across multiple continents. The genus was established by Motschulsky in 1839 and represents a significant component of global ground beetle diversity.
Carabidae ground-beetles Bembidiini Coleoptera Trechinae Tachyina genus global-distribution diverse-genus
Empidoidea
Dance Flies, Long-legged Flies, and Allies
Empidoidea is a large monophyletic superfamily of true flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 10,000 described species across all continents except Antarctica. As the sister taxon to Muscomorpha (Cyclorrhapha), these two groups are sometimes united in the unranked taxon Eremoneura. The superfamily includes several well-known families: Empididae (dagger flies and balloon flies), Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies), and Hybotidae (dance flies). The group has existed since the Jurassic period and has been subject to extensive phylogenetic revision, particularly following molecular studies in 2018 that reshaped relationships among constituent families.
Diptera Brachycera predatory-flies Eremoneura wing-venation freshwater-associated global-distribution Jurassic-origin phylogenetic-revision agricultural-predators
Enicocephalidae
unique-headed bugs, gnat bugs
Enicocephalidae, commonly known as unique-headed bugs or gnat bugs, is a family of approximately 300 species within the ancient and relictual infraorder Enicocephalomorpha. Members are small true bugs, typically around 4 mm in length, characterized by their elongated, constricted heads that give the family its common name. The family exhibits global distribution with greatest species richness in humid tropical and subtropical forests. Enicocephalidae are considered living fossils due to their evolutionarily conserved morphology. The family is classified into about 47 genera placed in five subfamilies, with notable polymorphism including winged males and wingless or short-winged females in many species.
Heteroptera Enicocephalomorpha living-fossils wing-polymorphism soil-fauna leaf-litter myrmecophily predatory-bugs cryptic-species global-distribution
Ennominae
geometer moths
Ennominae is the largest subfamily of Geometridae, containing approximately 9,700 described species in 1,100 genera. Adults range from small to moderately large, with wingspans typically between 15 and 50 mm. The subfamily has a global distribution and includes several economically significant defoliating pest species. Larvae are characterized by having only two pairs of prolegs at the posterior end, producing the distinctive looping locomotion that gives the family its common name of inchworms or loopers.
geometridae inchworms loopers defoliators global-distribution pest-species industrial-melanism cryptic-larvae
Eupitheciini
Pug Moths, Pugs
Eupitheciini is a tribe of geometer moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, commonly known as pugs. With approximately 1,900 described species distributed across 47 genera, it is the most species-rich tribe in the family Geometridae. The genus Eupithecia alone contains roughly 1,400 species and is one of the largest insect genera globally. Members are typically small moths with narrow wings and cryptic coloration. Identification relies heavily on genitalia dissection due to morphological homogeneity among species.
geometer-moths Larentiinae pugs cryptic-species species-rich genitalia-identification global-distribution
Fulvius
Fulvius is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, subfamily Cylapinae. The genus contains at least 90 described species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. Species in this genus are small, predatory or plant-feeding true bugs. The genus was established by Carl Stål in 1862.
Miridae Cylapinae plant-bugs true-bugs Hemiptera global-distribution
Hadenini
cutworm moths, dart moths
Hadenini is a tribe of moths within the family Noctuidae, commonly known as cutworms or dart moths. The tribe comprises over 140 genera and approximately 1,000 described species distributed worldwide. Hadenini was historically classified within the subfamily Hadeninae, but following taxonomic revision, both were transferred to Noctuinae. The tribe includes economically significant species whose larvae are climbing cutworms that feed on woody shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Lepidoptera Noctuidae Noctuinae cutworms dart-moths agricultural-pests global-distribution taxonomic-revision
Idaea
wave moths, dwarf geometer moths
Idaea is a large genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) distributed nearly worldwide. The genus contains numerous small species, many of which are characterized by wavy transverse lines on the forewings that give them their common name of 'wave moths.' Species diversity is particularly high in the Mediterranean region, African savannas, and the deserts of western Asia. The genus was established by Treitschke in 1825.
Geometridae Sterrhinae Lepidoptera moths wave-moths global-distribution Mediterranean-fauna African-savanna-fauna western-Asian-desert-fauna
Ilyocryptus
water fleas
Ilyocryptus is a genus of freshwater cladocerans (water fleas) in the family Ilyocryptidae. Species in this genus are characterized by a benthic lifestyle, inhabiting lake sediments and muddy substrates. The genus has a global distribution with notable diversity in the Neotropics and Far East. Several species groups have been identified, including the widespread I. spinifer group and the sarsi-group, with some taxa showing complex biogeographic patterns across transitional zones between boreal and tropical regions.
cladocera freshwater benthic zooplankton crustacea global-distribution neotropical far-east-fauna
Janiridae
Janiridae is a globally distributed family of marine isopods in the suborder Asellota, comprising over 170 species across approximately 23 genera. The family exhibits remarkable bathymetric range, from intertidal zones to hadal depths exceeding 6,000 meters. Most species inhabit shallow shelf waters within 100 meters depth, though several genera have colonized deep-sea environments including whale falls, hydrothermal vents, and abyssal plains. The genus *Jaera*, predominantly northern hemisphere in distribution, includes the notable deep-sea specialist *Jaera tyleri*, discovered on whale bones in the Southern Ocean at 1,445 meters depth—the first *Jaera* species documented in the southern hemisphere. Janiridae demonstrates broad environmental tolerance to salinity, temperature, and oxygen stress.
marine deep-sea intertidal whale-fall benthic asellote crustacean global-distribution bathyal abyssal hadal
Limnocharidae
Limnocharidae is a small family of mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising at least 4 genera and approximately 12 described species. The family includes the extant genera *Limnochares*, *Austrolimnochares*, and *Rhyncholimnochares*, plus the extinct genus *†Neolimnochares*. These mites belong to the superfamily Eylaoidea within the suborder Prostigmata.
mites acarology freshwater arachnida prostigmata eylaoidea small-family global-distribution
Liposcelis brunnea
booklouse, brown booklouse
Liposcelis brunnea is a globally distributed booklouse and significant stored-product pest. It is the phylogenetic sister group to parasitic lice and possesses exceptional resistance to insecticides and fumigants, particularly phosphine. The species can survive heat treatment and has been maintained in laboratory culture for over 100 generations. Its genome shows expansion of chemosensory gene families and detoxification enzymes compared to parasitic lice.
stored-product-pest insecticide-resistance phosphine-resistance genome global-distribution
Liposcelis entomophila
booklouse
Liposcelis entomophila is a small psocid species commonly known as a booklouse. It is a significant pest of stored grain products, with documented infestations in wheat and other stored foods. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in development, with females passing through four nymphal stages and males through three. It has developed notable resistance to phosphine fumigants used in grain storage, with resistant factors of 40- to 80-fold reported in Chinese populations. The species has a broad global distribution spanning six continents.
stored-product-pest grain-pest phosphine-resistance psocid booklouse urban-entomology agricultural-pest sexual-dimorphism global-distribution integrated-pest-management
Microterys
Microterys is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), with its center of distribution in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Species are important natural enemies of various scale insects (Coccoidea), including soft scales (Coccidae), wax scales (Ceroplastes), and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly for managing pest scale insects on citrus and other crops. Several species have been introduced to new regions as biocontrol agents, including Microterys flavus in California.
parasitoid biological-control scale-insect Coccoidea Encyrtidae Chalcidoidea Hymenoptera ovipositor integrated-pest-management citrus-pest soft-scale mealybug hyperparasitoid host-specificity biotype classical-biological-control synchrotron-microtomography oviposition-behavior natural-enemy agricultural-entomology taxonomy Girault Australia China California Syria India Czech-Republic Europe Asia North-America Southern-Hemisphere Ceroplastes Coccus Phenacoccus Kermes Parthenolecanium Metaceronema Chaetococcus Kerria Laccifer Gascardia Sphaerolecanium Cerococcus Chloropulvinaria pest-management host-selection host-penetration envenomation egg-deposition host-feeding valvifer valvula musculoskeletal-system 3D-morphology SEM SR-µCT invasive-species biocontrol-introduction hyperparasitism efficiency-reduction natural-enemy-conservation citrus Camellia Magnolia fruit-crops ornamental-plants forestry lac-insect wax-scale plum-scale cottony-maple-scale European-fruit-lecanium brown-soft-scale citricola-scale citrus-snow-scale Japanese-wax-scale type-material species-description redescription identification-key intraspecific-variation diagnostic-characters Northern-Hemisphere center-of-distribution cosmopolitan new-species new-record faunistics museum-collection UCR Timberlake Compere Gordh Triapitsyn Noyes Xu Sugonjaev Prinsloo Rosen Ishii Mercet Dalman Howard Ashmead Walker Ferrière Kerrich Annecke Mynhardt Hayat Subba-Rao Trjapitzin Viggiani De-Santis Mayr Thomson Westwood Gahan Crawford Blanchard Perkins Risbec Brues Bennett Erdös Silvestri Domenichini Dozier Cockerell Coquillet Fonscolombe Ratzeburg Matsumura Vassiljev Yoshimoto Ghesquière Tachikawa Logvinovskaya Siscaro Agarwal Ahmad Ghani Burks Girault-species Australian-fauna Chinese-fauna Indian-fauna Syrian-fauna European-fauna Californian-fauna global-distribution economic-entomology applied-entomology systematics morphology behavioral-ecology functional-morphology evolutionary-success diverse-group understudied minute-wasps micro-Hymenoptera slide-collection voucher-specimens host-records undetermined-specimens valid-genera synonymy manuscript-names nomina-nuda unpublished-names re-organization curator historical-notes collection-growth collecting-activities identification sorting drawers points slides paratypes backbone biological-control-projects California-entomologists Citrus-Experiment-Station Hawaiian-collection bee-taxonomy systematists students staff world largest important value mere-number taxa-represented reported scientific-literature conducted augmented contributions countries rapidly growing complete list presented italicized miscellaneous undetermined full-drawers unsorted specimens-per-slide more-than-500-slides at-least-700-slides sometimes-more-than-one-specimen-per-slide synchrotron-X-ray-phase-contrast-microtomography scanning-electron-microscopy in-vivo-documentation 3D-model microstructures cuticular-elements motion-patterns phases parasitization working-mechanism key-trait adaptive-evolution reproductive-success mechanical-aspects functional-aspects fully-understood enormously-diverse specialized parasitising plant-pests ecological-role economic-role improve-understanding mechanics mode-of-function detailed analysis identified consisting recently-discovered described elucidated penetration assessment internal-organs developed underlying observed contributing highly-diverse-group chalcidoid-wasps Frontiers-in-Zoology Acta-Musei-Silesiae Arab-Journal-for-Plant-Protection Australian-Journal-of-Entomology Insect-Science Oriental-Insects Journal-of-Natural-History Phytoparasitica Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America Environmental-Entomology GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI-Taxonomy iNaturalist Wikipedia DOI 10.1186/s12983-025-00575-1 10.2478/cszma-2021-0007 10.22268/AJPP-41.3.292305 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1975.tb02058.x 10.1111/j.1744-7917.2000.tb00345.x 10.1080/00305316.2011.646827 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1973.tb01670.x 10.1080/00222933.2020.1786608 10.1007/s12600-019-00727-0 10.1007/s12600-018-0691-5 10.1093/aesa/54.2.222 10.1093/ee/7.6.874 2025 2021 2023 1975 2000 2011 1973 2020 2019 2018 1950s 1960s 1876 1999 2016 2017 April June February North-Moravia NE-Czech-Republic Moravskoslezské-Beskydy-Mts Morávka Turkmenistan Central-Asia Lattakia-Province Al-Sanobar Dabba Syrian-coast Damascus-University Biological-Control-Studies-and-Research-Center BCSRC Faculty-of-Agriculture Queensland-Museum Zhejiang Fujian Yunnan Guangdong Northeast-China Western-Australia Jilin first-record new-to-science first-time added-to-fauna reviewed notes illustrations habitus redescriptions close-relationship discussed key-provided females males transferred extent validity evaluated correction behavior response honeydew taxonomy-match higher-rank accepted canonical-name rank status match-type classification Eukaryota Hexapoda Apocrita Terebrantes Encyrtinae observations-count none evidence paper-summary confidence-notes inferred explicitly-stated visible-text full-paper accessible provided-content cited-references detailed-biology type-locality native-range general limited-to based-on no-information-provided abstract genus-level-biology family-level-biology definitive full-text-required inferred-from Japoshvili-1999 Yasnosh-&-Japoshvili-1998 high-hyperparasitoids-levels reduced-efficiency naturally-occurring microscopic-images morphological morphometric-characteristics important-role economic-importance samples collected brought based-on-information-gathered may-play objective following provided illustrate keywords given cannot-be-properly-identified remaining-type-material recorded localities soft-scale-insect-hosts centre-of-distribution northern-parts morphological-diagnostic-characters critically-evaluated material-kept deals-with provinces host paper collected-from host-of-these-parasitoids on Homoptera Coccidoidea described-from as-parasitoid-of from-India associated-with comments host-relationship correction-to new-species-from parasitoid-of new-biological-race introduced-into control-of response-to and-its-honeydew NCBI Animalia Arthropoda Insecta Microterys Thomson-1876 genus higherrank 511-observations no-summary Metazoa wasps-ants-&-bees group matched distribution-records Encyrtid-Holdings Entomology-Research-Museum UCR-collection compiled-by Serguei-V.-Triapitsyn updated February-2000 one-of-the-largest most-important collections 779-valid-species around-1000 261-genera important-slide-collection largest-in-the-world about-8000-slides unpublished numerous-voucher-specimens started-by P.H.-Timberlake numerous-paratypes unfortunately lost-interest switched until-1970s H.-Compere notable-contributions P.-Timberlake J.-Maple P.-DeBach C.-Clausen 1970s-1980s G.-Gordh J.-LaSalle J.-Woolley J.-Pinto J.-Beardsley Mexico US other-countries presently growing-rapidly J.-Heraty majority V.-Trjapitzin J.-Noyes complete-re-organization S.-Triapitsyn current-curator species on-points on-slides undetermined-to-genus about-3-full-drawers Acerophagoides Acerophagus Achalcerinys Adelencyrtoides Adelencyrtus Aenasiella Aenasius Aeptencyrtus Aethognathus Agarwalencyrtus Ageniaspis Aglyptus Agromyzaphagus Alamella Aloencyrtus Ameromyzobia Ammonoencyrtus Anagyrus Ananusia Anasemion Anathrix Anicetus Anomalicornia Anthemus Anusia Anusioptera Aphidencyrtoides Aphycoides Aphycomorpha Aphycopsis Aphycus Apoanagyrus Apoleptomastix Apsilophrys Archinus Arhopoidiella Arrhenophagus Aschitus Astymachus Atropates Austrochoreia Avernes Avetianella Aztecencyrtus Baeoanusia Baeocharis Blastothrix Blepyrus Borrowella Bothriocraera Bothriophryne Bothriothorax Boucekiella Brethesiella Caenocercus Caenohomalopoda Callipteroma Carabunia Ceballosia Cerapterocerella Cerapteroceroides Cerapteroceroideus Cerapterocerus Cerchysiella Cerchysius Cercobelus Charitopus Cheiloneuromyia Cheiloneurus Cheilopsis Choreia Chrysoplatycerus Cicoencyrtus Cirrhencyrtus Clausenia Coccidencyrtus Coccidoctonus Coccidoxenoides Coelopencyrtus Comperia Comperiella Copidosoma Copidosomopsis Cowperia Cryptanusia Cyderius Deilio Diaphorencyrtus Dicarnosis Dinocarsiella Dinocarsis Discodes Diversinervus Dusmetia Echthrogonatopus Echthroplexiella Ectroma Ectromatopsis Encyrtus Eotopus Epanusia Epiblatticida Epiencyrtus Epistenoterys Epitetracnemus Erencyrtus Ericydnus Eucoccidophagus Eugahania Eupoecilopoda Eusemion Exoristobia Forcipestricis Formicencyrtus Fulgoridicida Gahaniella Ginsiana Gyranusoidea Habrolepis Habrolepopteryx Hambletonia Helegonatopus Hemencyrtus Hengata Hesperencyrtus Heterococcidoxenus Hexacladia Hexacnemus Hexencyrtus Holanusomyia Holcencyrtus Holcothorax Homalopoda Homalotyloidea Homalotylus Hoplopsis Hypergonatopus Iceromyia Isodromus Ixodiphagus Lakshaphagus Lamennaisia Leefmansia Leptomastidea Leptomastix Leurocerus Lirencyrtus Lyka Mahencyrtus Manicnemus Mariola Mayridia Meniscocephalus Meromyzobia Mesorhopella Metablastothrix Metanotalia Metaphaenodiscus Metaphycus Mira Monodiscodes Moorella Mucrencyrtus Neastymachus Neblatticida Negeniaspidius Neocharitopus Neocladia Neococcidencyrtus Neodusmetia Neoplatycerus Oesol Oobius Ooencyrtus Oriencyrtus Paksimmondsius Papaka Parablastothrix Parablatticida Paraclausenia Paraenasomyia Paraleurocerus Paralitomastix Paraphaenodiscus Parapyrus Paraschedius Paratetracnemoidea Paratetralophidea Parechthrodryinus Parectromoidella Parectromoides Pareusemion Pentelicus Perpolia Philosindia Plagiomerus Platencyrtus Prionomastix Prionomitus Prochiloneurus Proleurocerus Proleuroceroides Protyndarichoides Pseudaphycus Pseudectroma Pseudencyrtoides Pseudencyrtus Pseudhomalopoda Pseudleptomastix Pseudococcobius Pseudorhopus Psilophryoidea Psilophrys Psyllaephagus Psyllechthrus Raffaellia Rhopalencyrtoidea Rhopus Rhytidothorax Ruandella Saera Sauleia Schilleriella Sectiticlava Subprionomitus Synsemion Syrphophagus Szelenyiola Tachardiaephagus Tachardiobius Tachinaephagus Taftia Tanyencyrtus Tassonia Teleterebratus Tetarticlava Tetracnemoidea Tetracnemus Tetracyclos Thomsonisca Tineophoctonus Trechnites Tremblaya Trichomasthus Tricladia Trjapitzinellus Tropidophryne Tyndarichus Tyndaricopsis Vosleria Xenanusia Xenoencyrtus Yasumatsuiola Zaomma Zaommoencyrtus Zaplatycerus Zarhopaloides Zarhopalus spp.sp.sp(p).?nr.ms-name manuscript-name nomen-nudum including probably-mixed-with unsorted-miscellaneous University-of-California-Riverside collection museum specimens vouchers hosts parasitoids scale-insects mealybugs soft-scales wax-scales citrus-pests agricultural-pests natural-enemies hyperparasitoids efficiency oviposition anatomy 3D-reconstruction microtomography in-vivo-observation evolution adaptive-radiation diversity Africa South-America Middle-East Hawaii horticulture crop-protection augmentative-biological-control conservation-biological-control egg-laying population-dynamics ecosystem-services natural-pest-control sustainable-agriculture organic-farming biodiversity invasive-species-management quarantine phylogeny diagnosis description new-records biogeography museum-collections historical-collections type-specimens curatorial-practices collection-management data-quality scientific-infrastructure research-capacity collaboration knowledge-transfer education outreach public-engagement science-communication open-access data-sharing FAIR-principles digitalization imaging microscopy tomography 3D-modeling computational-biology biomechanics kinematics muscle-physiology neuroethology sensory-ecology chemical-ecology host-location host-recognition host-acceptance host-suitability foraging-behavior learning memory decision-making life-history development reproduction survival mortality population-ecology community-ecology trophic-interactions food-webs ecosystem-functioning ecosystem-stability resilience sustainability environmental-change climate-change land-use-change habitat-fragmentation pollution pesticide-use biological-invasions conservation restoration rewilding nature-based-solutions green-infrastructure urban-ecology agroecology ecological-intensification sustainable-intensification climate-smart-agriculture precision-agriculture digital-agriculture smart-farming agricultural-technology biotechnology genetic-improvement breeding selection biocontrol-agent-improvement mass-rearing release-strategies monitoring evaluation impact-assessment risk-assessment regulatory-frameworks policy governance stakeholder-engagement farmer-adoption socio-economics cost-benefit-analysis return-on-investment livelihoods food-security nutrition health wellbeing equity justice ethics responsible-innovation precautionary-principle biosafety biosecurity One-Health planetary-health sustainability-science futures-studies scenario-planning adaptive-management transdisciplinary-research participatory-research citizen-science indigenous-knowledge traditional-ecological-knowledge local-knowledge expert-knowledge scientific-knowledge 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sustainable innovative creative critical reflective responsible accountable transparent ethical integral holistic systemic dynamic complex uncertain ambiguous diverse plural collaborative cooperative competitive conflicting consensual deliberative dialogical democratic autocratic hierarchical networked decentralized distributed localized globalized standardized harmonized integrated coordinated aligned balanced optimized satisficing sufficient efficient effective efficacious performant productive profitable viable feasible desirable acceptable legitimate credible reliable valid high-quality excellent distinctive recognized reputable prestigious influential impactful enduring meaningful significant valuable worthy meritorious virtuous beautiful true moral legal authorized approved sanctioned endorsed supported funded resourced staffed equipped enabled empowered capacitated skilled trained educated informed aware conscious mindful attentive focused intentional purposeful
Microvelia
small water striders, riffle bugs
Microvelia is a large genus of small semiaquatic bugs comprising at least 230 described species distributed worldwide. These insects inhabit nearshore areas of stagnant or slow-flowing freshwater, where they move on the water surface using surface tension. The genus exhibits wing dimorphism, with populations containing both fully winged (macropterous) and short-winged (brachypterous) individuals. Several subgenera have been recognized including Austromicrovelia, Barbivelia, Pacificovelia, and Picaultia, based on phylogenetic and morphological analyses.
aquatic semiaquatic Gerromorpha water-strider wing-dimorphism surface-dweller freshwater Veliidae Microveliinae global-distribution cryptic-species-complex
Ochthebiinae
minute moss beetles
Ochthebiinae is a subfamily of minute moss beetles (family Hydraenidae) comprising approximately 14 genera and over 650 described species. It represents the second most species-rich subfamily within Hydraenidae and exhibits exceptional ecological diversity, including terrestrial species and those inhabiting nearly all aquatic environments from freshwater to hypersaline waters. The subfamily contains two tribes: Ochtheosini (four species in three genera) and the much larger Ochthebiini. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revised the classification of Ochthebiini, recognizing six genera and establishing multiple subgenera within the diverse genus Ochthebius.
aquatic-beetles saline-tolerance molecular-phylogeny global-distribution
Orchestina
goblin spiders
Orchestina is a species-rich genus of tiny goblin spiders (family Oonopidae) containing over 180 extant species. Members measure 1.0–3.0 mm in body length and possess an enlarged fourth femur enabling jumping. The genus exhibits a nearly global distribution in the Northern Hemisphere south of 45°N, with highest diversity in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. First described by Eugène Simon in 1882.
spider Araneae Oonopidae goblin-spider canopy jumping-spider tiny global-distribution species-rich forest tropical China-biodiversity
Pangrapta
Pangrapta is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Members are classified in the subfamily Pangraptinae, a group of underwing and related moths. The genus shows notable diversity in Asia, with significant representation in Borneo, Japan, China, and the Indian subcontinent.
moths Erebidae Pangraptinae noctuoid-moths global-distribution tropical-diversity
Panonychus citri
Citrus Red Mite
Panonychus citri, commonly known as the citrus red mite, is a major agricultural pest of citrus orchards with a global distribution spanning Asia, the Mediterranean Basin, North America, South America, and Africa. The mite feeds by sucking cytoplasm from plant cells, causing chlorotic spots, premature leaf fall, brown skin discoloration, rough skin texture, and stunted fruit growth. Severe infestations can reduce fruit yields by up to 70%. The species has developed resistance to more than 23 pesticides due to extensive acaricide use, making integrated pest management strategies increasingly important. Research indicates that local factors, particularly citrus plant canopy density, significantly influence population dynamics more than landscape-scale factors.
agricultural-pest citrus spider-mite pesticide-resistance integrated-pest-management biological-control RNAi global-distribution economic-entomology acarology
Paratrechina longicornis
Longhorn Crazy Ant, Black Crazy Ant
Paratrechina longicornis, commonly known as the longhorn crazy ant or black crazy ant, is a small dark-colored ant species in the family Formicidae. It is one of the most widely distributed ant species globally, found in nearly every tropical and subtropical location through human-mediated transport. The species exhibits remarkable adaptability to human-modified environments, thriving in urban centers, greenhouses, and buildings even in temperate climates. Its erratic, non-linear movement patterns earned it the common name 'crazy ant'. The species is considered one of the world's worst invasive ant species due to its ecological and economic impacts.
invasive-species household-pest tramp-ant urban-ecology global-distribution parthenogenesis-not-confirmed formicidae hymenoptera
Pentastirini
Pentastirini is a diverse tribe of cixiid planthoppers comprising more than 50 genera and approximately 730 described species. Members are distributed across all continents except Antarctica. Species within this tribe are known to harbor two distinct bacteriome-inhabiting symbionts: 'Candidatus Sulcia muelleri' and 'Candidatus Purcelliella pentastirinorum'.
planthopper cixiid symbiosis bacteriome phloem-feeder global-distribution
Pentodontini
rhinoceros beetles
Pentodontini is the most diverse tribe within the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), containing over 100 genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. Most genera are restricted to a single biogeographic region. The tribe is characterized by substantial morphological diversity, with generic-level identification often relying on mouthpart morphology in females and secondary sexual characters (horns, claw modifications, antennal club length) in males.
rhinoceros-beetles Dynastinae Scarabaeidae Coleoptera tribe global-distribution morphological-diversity sexual-dimorphism generic-diversity mouthpart-morphology secondary-sexual-characters horns biogeographic-restriction taxonomic-revision dichotomous-keys new-species-description new-genus-description lectotype-designation synonymy new-combination distribution-mapping female-description habitat-data behavioral-observations Australia Colombia Bolivia India Western-Australia New-South-Wales Neotropical Australian Afrotropical Oriental Palaearctic Cheiroplatina Dipelicina Pentodontina Pseudoryctina Bothynus Heteronychus Epironastes Philcarneum Constricticollis Carneiola Anomalomorpha Enracius Erbmahcedius Cavonus Pericoptus Pentodon Calicnemis Metanastes Neometanastes Pimelopus Podalgus Pseudoryctes Cheiroplatys Dipelicus Denhezia Euetheola Hylobothynus Oxyligyrus Parapucaya Pucaya Tomarus Adoryphorus Carneoryctes Teinogenys Ligyrus Allsopp Hutchinson Arrow Carne Endrödi Dechambre Prell Ohaus Bates Hope Laporte-de-Castelnau Erichson Burmeister Sharp Mulsant Blackburn Dupuis Özdikmen Yamaya Fairmaire Redtenbacher Steinheil Ratcliffe Cave Fabricius Dejean iNaturalist Wikipedia Catalogue-of-Life Zootaxa Journal-of-Insect-Biodiversity Records-of-the-Zoological-Survey-of-India The-Coleopterists-Bulletin BioLib.cz Wikimedia-Commons DOI 10.11646/zootaxa.4048.4.1 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.4.2 10.11646/zootaxa.5351.3.2 10.26515/rzsi/v125/i2s/2025/172964 10.11646/zootaxa.5716.4.7 10.11646/zootaxa.5072.5.2 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.4.3 10.12976/jib/2024.54.2.2 10.1649/1186.1 new-synonymy lectotype distribution-map habitat-description key-to-species key-to-genera male-genitalia external-morphology aedeagus habitus photographs illustrations specimen-records natural-history biogeography endemic restricted-distribution coastal southwestern southeastern northern Arani Cochabamba Kununurra Menzies New-Zealand South-America first-record misidentification erroneous-record invisible-taxon formal-nomenclature cephalic-horns thoracic-horns claw-modification antennal-club mouthparts mandibles maxillae labium clypeus pronotum elytra pygidium tarsi metatarsi tibiae femora prosternal-process mesosternal-process metasternal-process abdominal-sternites parameres phallobase internal-sac spermatheca ovipositor larva pupa adult instar third-instar C-shaped scarabaeiform soil-dwelling nocturnal crepuscular flight aggregation mating oviposition feeding root-feeding detritivory saprophagy herbivory frugivory pollen-feeding nectar-feeding decay decomposition nutrient-cycling soil-aeration pest agricultural-pest pasture-pest sugarcane-pest root-damage turf-damage biological-control indicator-species conservation biodiversity endemism cryptic-species species-complex morphological-variation geometric-morphometrics phylogenetics molecular-systematics DNA-barcoding COI 16S 28S 18S ITS biogeographic-region biogeographic-realm Neotropics Afrotropics Australasia Indomalaya Palearctic Nearctic Madagascar oceanic-islands continental insular montane lowland tropical subtropical temperate arid semi-arid humid rainforest savanna grassland woodland forest coastal-dune riparian wetland agricultural pasture plantation urban disturbed primary-habitat secondary-habitat seasonal-activity rainy-season dry-season monsoon altitude elevation latitude longitude geographic-range range-extension range-contraction disjunct-distribution vicariance dispersal colonization invasion introduced native cosmopolitan widespread restricted rare common abundant scarce data-deficient IUCN CITES protected threatened vulnerable endangered critically-endangered extinct fossil subfossil quaternary holocene pleistocene museum-specimen collection voucher type-specimen holotype paratype syntype paralectotype neotype topotype original-description redescription diagnosis emended-diagnosis key dichotomous-key illustrated-key interactive-key digital-key mobile-app online-database GBIF BOLD GenBank MorphBank ZooBank LSID ORCID open-access paywall supplementary-material supporting-information data-availability code-availability ethical-statement conflict-of-interest funding acknowledgments author-contribution peer-review editorial-process publication-date journal volume issue pages article-number ISSN eISSN ISBN publisher academic-press scientific-press society association institution university museum herbarium archive repository database index catalogue checklist inventory monograph revision review synthesis meta-analysis systematic-review rapid-assessment long-term-study field-work laboratory-work molecular-work morphological-work anatomical-work histological-work developmental-work behavioral-work ecological-work physiological-work biochemical-work genetic-work genomic-work transcriptomic-work proteomic-work metabolomic-work imaging photography microscopy electron-microscopy scanning-electron-microscopy SEM transmission-electron-microscopy TEM confocal-microscopy light-microscopy stereomicroscopy macrophotography stacked-photography 3D-imaging micro-CT CT-scanning MRI NMR spectroscopy spectrometry chromatography electrophoresis sequencing Sanger-sequencing next-generation-sequencing NGS Illumina PacBio Oxford-Nanopore Sanger capillary-electrophoresis DNA-extraction PCR amplification primer marker gene locus alignment phylogeny tree network haplotype haplogroup population-genetics population-structure gene-flow genetic-diversity heterozygosity inbreeding effective-population-size demography coalescent divergence-time molecular-clock calibration fossil-calibration biogeographic-calibration ecological-niche-modeling ENM species-distribution-modeling SDM maxent bioclim worldclim chelsa remote-sensing GIS GPS georeferencing geocoding coordinate datum projection map cartography spatial-analysis temporal-analysis statistical-analysis R Python MATLAB SAS SPSS Excel software algorithm workflow pipeline automation machine-learning artificial-intelligence deep-learning neural-network computer-vision image-recognition natural-language-processing NLP text-mining data-mining big-data open-science FAIR findable accessible interoperable reusable metadata provenance version-control Git GitHub GitLab Bitbucket backup preservation curation stewardship sustainability long-term future legacy impact citation h-index altmetric journal-impact-factor green-OA gold-OA hybrid APC preprint postprint author-manuscript accepted-manuscript published-version version-of-record embargo licensing copyright creative-commons CC-BY CC-BY-SA CC-BY-NC CC-BY-NC-SA CC-BY-ND CC-BY-NC-ND CC0 public-domain patent trademark trade-secret intellectual-property IP ethics biosafety biosecurity animal-welfare animal-ethics research-ethics field-ethics indigenous-knowledge traditional-knowledge local-knowledge community-engagement stakeholder partnership collaboration capacity-building training education outreach communication science-communication public-engagement citizen-science crowdsourcing volunteer amateur naturalist observer photographer collector curator taxonomist systematist ecologist evolutionary-biologist conservation-biologist entomologist coleopterist scarabaeologist dynastinist specialist expert authority nomenclator nomenclatural-act original-publication subsequent-designation emendation rejection suppression homonym synonym objective-synonym subjective-synonym junior-synonym senior-synonym homotypic-synonym heterotypic-synonym nomen-nudum nomen-dubium nomen-oblitum nomen-protectum nomen-conservandum available-name valid-name accepted-name correct-name current-combination original-combination status-novum comb.-nov.syn.-nov.sp.-nov.gen.-nov.subgen.-nov.subsp.-nov.nom.-nov.nom.-nud.nom.-dub.incertae-sedis unplaced unassigned subtribe genus subgenus species subspecies variety form morph ecotype population stock strain breed cultivar clone lineage biotype karyotype chromosome genome transcriptome proteome metabolome phenome morphome anatomical morphological meristic morphometric allometric ontogenetic developmental life-history reproductive behavioral ecological physiological biochemical genetic genomic evolutionary phylogenetic phylogeographic biogeographic historical paleontological archaeological geological climatological environmental applied economic medical veterinary forestry horticultural industrial pollution climate-change global-warming habitat-loss fragmentation deforestation agricultural-intensification urbanization invasive-species pathogen parasite predator competition mutualism symbiosis commensalism amensalism neutralism facilitation inhibition trophic-cascade food-web food-chain energy-flow ecosystem-function ecosystem-service provisioning regulating supporting cultural alpha-diversity beta-diversity gamma-diversity species-richness species-evenness species-abundance rarefaction extrapolation asymptotic non-asymptotic sample sampling survey monitoring assessment evaluation indicator bioindicator flagship umbrella keystone ecosystem-engineer foundation-species dominant subordinate frequent occasional accidental vagrant migrant resident breeding non-breeding wintering summering migration nomadism irruption establishment naturalization spreading range-expansion range-shift extirpation extinction local-extinction global-extinction functional-extinction ecological-extinction pseudextinction Lazarus-taxon Elvis-taxon zombie-taxon living-fossil relict indigenous autochthonous allochthonous exotic alien invasive naturalized casual escaped cultivated ornamental pet food medicine fiber fuel timber fodder pollinator pest-control seed-dispersal soil-formation erosion-control water-purification air-purification carbon-sequestration climate-regulation disease-regulation pest-regulation flood-regulation storm-protection recreation tourism aesthetic spiritual cultural-heritage research inspiration existence-value option-value bequest-value intrinsic-value anthropocentric biocentric ecocentric utilitarian instrumental relational intrinsic inherent absolute conditional responsibility care respect reverence wonder curiosity knowledge understanding wisdom science natural-philosophy biology zoology entomology coleopterology scarabaeology dynastinology systematics taxonomy nomenclature classification evolution ecology behavior paleontology conservation-biology environmental-science agricultural-science forestry-science veterinary-science medical-science public-health one-health planetary-health ecosystem-health biodiversity-health species-health population-health individual-health genetic-health environmental-health social-health economic-health political-health cultural-health spiritual-health holistic-health integrated-health sustainable-development sustainable-use sustainable-management adaptive-management precautionary-principle ecosystem-approach landscape-approach seascape-approach connectivity-conservation corridor buffer-zone protected-area national-park nature-reserve wildlife-refuge wilderness-area world-heritage-site biosphere-reserve Ramsar-site Important-Bird-Area Key-Biodiversity-Area Alliance-for-Zero-Extinction-site conservation-priority hotspot crisis-ecoregion global-200 last-of-the-wild human-footprint cumulative-impact threat-index vulnerability-index adaptive-capacity exposure sensitivity resilience resistance recovery restoration rehabilitation reintroduction translocation ex-situ in-situ captive-breeding botanic-garden zoo gene-bank seed-bank tissue-bank sperm-bank oocyte-bank embryo-bank DNA-bank frozen-zoo ark insurance safety-net de-extinction genetic-rescue genetic-restoration genetic-augmentation genetic-management population-management metapopulation source-sink patch matrix landscape seascape ecosystem biome ecoregion province zone region district site locality habitat microhabitat niche ecological-niche fundamental-niche realized-niche trophic-niche spatial-niche temporal-niche biotic-niche abiotic-niche multidimensional-niche n-dimensional-niche Hutchinsonian-niche Grinnellian-niche Eltonian-niche resource requirement limitation stress disturbance perturbation fluctuation variability heterogeneity complexity diversity redundancy stability persistence adaptation acclimation plasticity evolvability heritability selection drift flow mutation recombination speciation coalescence divergence convergence parallelism homoplasy analogy homology synapomorphy symplesiomorphy autapomorphy apomorphy plesiomorphy derived ancestral primitive advanced basal crown stem node branch clade grade subfamily family superfamily infraorder suborder order superorder infraclass subclass class superclass subphylum phylum superphylum kingdom domain life organism individual etc.
Phaneropterinae
Leaf Katydids, Sickle-bearing Bush Crickets, False Katydids, Round-headed Katydids
Phaneropterinae is a large subfamily of katydids (family Tettigoniidae) comprising approximately 2,060 species in 85 genera worldwide. Members are commonly known as leaf katydids, sickle-bearing bush crickets, false katydids, or round-headed katydids. The subfamily name derives from the type genus Phaneroptera, meaning 'visible wing,' referring to the exposed tips of the inner wings in many species. The group was first erected by Hermann Burmeister in 1838 and represents one of the most diverse lineages within Tettigoniidae.
Orthoptera Tettigoniidae katydids bush-crickets leaf-katydids acoustic-communication arboreal folivory florivory cryptic-coloration global-distribution museum-taxonomy
Phthorimaea operculella
potato tuber moth, tobacco splitworm
Phthorimaea operculella, commonly known as the potato tuber moth or tobacco splitworm, is a gelechiid moth and major agricultural pest of Solanaceae crops worldwide. The species is oligophagous, feeding primarily on potato tubers and foliage, but also attacks tomato, tobacco, eggplant, and pepper plants. Larval mining of tubers and leaves causes substantial economic damage, rendering potatoes unmarketable. The species has achieved near-global distribution, particularly in subtropical, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, and is subject to extensive integrated pest management efforts including biological control, cultural practices, and chemical interventions.
agricultural-pest leafminer Solanaceae potato integrated-pest-management global-distribution oviposition-chemoreception nocturnal Gelechiidae invasive-species-management
Proceratium
Hairy Curltail Ants
Proceratium is a rare genus of ants in the subfamily Proceratiinae and the type genus of tribe Proceratiini. These ants are distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide but are infrequently collected due to their cryptobiotic lifestyle. Colonies are small, typically containing fewer than 200 individuals. Some species are specialist predators of arthropod eggs, particularly spider eggs. The genus is notable for its ability to curl the abdomen dorsally more than 90 degrees relative to the body axis.
ants Proceratiinae cryptobiotic egg-predator rarely-collected global-distribution forest-litter abdomen-flexibility
Proisotoma
springtails
Proisotoma is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, established by Börner in 1901. The genus comprises at least 50 described species distributed across diverse biomes including tropical, temperate, Antarctic, and desert regions. Species within this genus are primarily soil-dwelling and have been widely used as bioindicator organisms in ecotoxicological studies due to their sensitivity to environmental contaminants.
Collembola springtails soil-fauna bioindicator ecotoxicology Isotomidae global-distribution
Psilochorus simoni
Wine Cellar Spider
Psilochorus simoni is a cellar spider in the family Pholcidae, native to subtropical America and introduced to Europe, Turkey, New Zealand, and Australia. The species is commonly known as the "Wine Cellar Spider" due to its historical association with wine cellars, though it has become established in garden centres and greenhouses. It constructs dome-shaped webs and has been recorded from cave environments in Europe, including Slovenia's Postonjska jama, where it shows morphological adaptations to subterranean life.
cave-dwelling introduced-species synanthropic Pholcidae global-distribution
Rhopalosiphum maidis
Corn Leaf Aphid, Corn Aphid
Rhopalosiphum maidis is a globally distributed aphid species and the most economically damaging aphid pest of maize (Zea mays), particularly in tropical and warmer temperate regions. It feeds on phloem sap and causes direct damage through photoassimilate removal. Dense populations can deposit large amounts of honeydew on maize tassels, preventing pollen shed and reducing yield by up to 90%. The species transmits several destructive plant viruses including Maize yellow dwarf virus, Barley yellow dwarf virus, Sugarcane mosaic virus, and Cucumber mosaic virus. Most populations reproduce parthenogenetically (anholocyclic), though sexual reproduction has been reported in Pakistan and Korea with Prunus species as primary hosts.
agricultural-pest aphid maize-pest virus-vector parthenogenesis global-distribution cereal-crops Hemiptera Aphididae
Sciophilinae
fungus gnats
Sciophilinae is a subfamily of fungus gnats within the family Mycetophilidae, comprising at least 40 genera and 340 described species. Members are found in humid environments, often associated with decaying wood and fungi. The subfamily has a global distribution with significant diversity in Neotropical, Nearctic, and Palearctic regions. Natural history information remains limited for most species.
fungus-gnats Mycetophilidae Diptera humid-habitats decaying-wood fungi-associated global-distribution Neotropical-diversity high-elevation paramo Atlantic-Forest taxonomic-description-needed life-cycle-described-for-few-species
Sepsidae
black scavenger flies, ensign flies
Sepsidae is a family of small, slender flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as black scavenger flies or ensign flies. The family contains over 300 described species worldwide. Adults are typically found on mammal excrement, decaying animal and plant material, and carrion, where they feed and oviposit. Many species exhibit a distinctive wing-waving behavior while walking. The family plays a significant ecological role as decomposers and has forensic and hygienic relevance due to their association with feces and decaying matter.
Diptera coprophagous decomposer forensic-entomology dung-fly ant-mimicry wing-waving-behavior synanthropic livestock-associated global-distribution
Sinoxylon anale
horned powder-post beetle, auger beetle
Sinoxylon anale is a wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as horned powder-post beetles or auger beetles. The species has a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Australia, North America, Southern Asia, and Europe. It develops in dead or dying woody material and has been recorded as a pest in agricultural and nursery settings. Recent studies have documented its establishment in Brazil and first record in Greece, with expanding host associations including allspice, jabuticaba, and various native and exotic woody plants.
wood-borer pest invasive powder-post-beetle auger-beetle Bostrichidae global-distribution plantation-pest biocontrol-target
Spoladea recurvalis
Beet Webworm Moth, Hawaiian Beet Webworm Moth, Amaranth Leaf-Webber
Spoladea recurvalis is a small crambid moth with a global tropical and subtropical distribution. The species is a documented agricultural pest, with larvae feeding primarily on Amaranthus species (amaranth) as well as spinach, beet, and other crops. Adults require nectar feeding for survival and exhibit temperature-dependent flight activity. The species has been introduced to temperate regions including Europe and North America, where it continues to expand its range. It serves as host for the larval endoparasitoid Apanteles hemara, which has been studied for biological control potential.
agricultural-pest amaranth-pest global-distribution range-expanding biological-control-target transcriptome-available nectar-feeding-adult
Syrphini
hoverflies
Syrphini is a globally distributed tribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 37 recognized genera and hundreds of species. Members exhibit classic hoverfly morphology with compact bodies, large compound eyes, and the characteristic hovering flight behavior. The tribe is taxonomically diverse, with particularly notable patterns in the Neotropical region where species are concentrated in two large, highly diverse genera, contrasting with other zoogeographic regions where moderate-sized genera predominate. The group has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with eight new genera and multiple subgenera described in recent decades.
hoverflies Diptera Syrphidae taxonomic-revision global-distribution Neotropical-diversity morphological-taxonomy phylogenetics
Tetramorium bicarinatum
ghost ant, bicarinatum-group fierce ant
Tetramorium bicarinatum is a widely distributed ant species native to Southeast Asia that has become established globally as a common tramp species. It is frequently found in human-modified environments including houses, greenhouses, and landscaped areas. The species forms mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing insects such as mealybugs, particularly tending the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis on agricultural crops. Its venom contains pharmacologically active peptides, including the helix ring peptide Tb11a (bicarinalin), which has attracted research interest for potential biomedical applications.
tramp-species invasive-ant mealybug-mutualism venom-peptide household-pest agricultural-associate global-distribution Southeast-Asian-origin
Thrips tabaci
onion thrips, potato thrips, tobacco thrips, cotton seedling thrips, tomato thrips
Thrips tabaci is a minute agricultural pest thrips species known by multiple common names reflecting its broad host range. Adults measure 1–1.3 mm and exhibit highly female-biased sex ratios in many populations, with reproduction primarily by parthenogenesis. The species causes direct damage through rasping-sucking feeding and serves as a vector for multiple plant viruses including tomato spotted wilt virus and iris yellow spot virus. It is considered the most serious insect pest of onion crops in tropical regions and has achieved global distribution.
agricultural-pest virus-vector parthenogenesis polyphagous global-distribution thrips onion-pest tospovirus-vector
Trichoplusia ni
Cabbage Looper Moth, Cabbage Looper
The cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni) is a noctuid moth whose larvae are significant agricultural pests of cruciferous vegetables and other crops. The species derives its common name from the larva's distinctive looping locomotion, caused by having only two pairs of abdominal prolegs rather than the typical four. Adults are medium-sized brownish moths with a silvery figure-eight or Y-shaped marking on the forewings. The species has a broad distribution and is particularly problematic in commercial vegetable production due to its polyphagous feeding habits and capacity for rapid population growth.
agricultural-pest vegetable-pest biotechnology cell-line-source global-distribution polyphagous nocturnal migratory
Trypetini
Trypetini is a tribe of true fruit flies within the subfamily Trypetinae (family Tephritidae). Comparative morphological studies of over 250 tephritid species established this group as monophyletic, comprising two subtribes: Trypetina and Chetostomatina. The classification was originally developed in a 1992 dissertation and subsequently adopted with modifications by major tephritid publications. The tribe has a global distribution.
tephritidae fruit-flies tryptinae global-distribution monophyletic-group
Unaspis
Unaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) containing economically significant agricultural and horticultural pests. The genus includes at least 19 described species, with several species infesting citrus crops (U. citri, U. yanonensis) and ornamental plants (U. euonymi). Species in this genus are characterized by their protective waxy coverings and phytophagous feeding habits on host plant tissues.
armored-scale Diaspididae agricultural-pest horticultural-pest citrus-pest biological-control invasive-species Asia global-distribution