High-diversity
Guides
Cerambycinae
Round-necked Longhorn Beetles
Cerambycinae is a large subfamily of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising over 715 genera and approximately 3,900 species. It represents one of the two most diverse subfamilies within Cerambycidae, rivaled only by Lamiinae. The subfamily exhibits worldwide distribution with particular diversity in the Americas, where 430 species in 130 genera occur in the neotropical realm. Members are characterized by morphological features including a rounded pronotum and specific maxillary palp structure.
Erythroneurini
Erythroneurini is a diverse tribe of leafhoppers in the subfamily Typhlocybinae, comprising over 180 genera. The tribe has been extensively studied in the New World and southwestern China, with major taxonomic revisions published for genera including Erythroneura, Erasmoneura, Zyginama, Eratoneura, and Erythridula. Species within this tribe exhibit complex synonymies and are associated with woody deciduous vegetation.
Gelechiidae
twirler moths, gelechiid moths
Gelechiidae is a large family of small moths, commonly known as twirler moths, that serves as the namesake family for the superfamily Gelechioidea. The family contains over 4,500 described species across more than 900 genera, with particularly high diversity in North America. Members are characterized by their small size, narrow fringed wings, and larvae that typically feed internally on host plant tissues. Many species are significant agricultural pests, while others have been employed for biological control of invasive plants.
Hydroptilidae
Microcaddisflies, Purse-case Caddisflies
Hydroptilidae is the largest family of caddisflies (Trichoptera), comprising over 2,600 species in 76 genera and six subfamilies. Adults are minute, rarely exceeding 5 mm in length, making them the smallest caddisflies. They are characterized by simple hypermetamorphosis in larvae: early instars (I–IV) are caseless and free-living, while the final instar (V) constructs a distinctive purse-shaped portable case and develops a greatly enlarged (physogastric) abdomen as the primary feeding and growing stage. The family has a worldwide distribution, with subfamilies showing distinct regional patterns. Adults are strongly attracted to ultraviolet lights and may congregate in large numbers.
Orthocentrinae
Orthocentrinae is a subfamily of parasitoid wasps within Ichneumonidae. The group is among the least-studied ichneumonid subfamilies despite representing a major component of tropical faunas. At least 29 genera are recognized, with substantial undescribed diversity in the Neotropics. Recent surveys in Brazil and Mexico have revealed species richness far exceeding previous estimates.
Othius
A genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Othiini, characterized by elongate bodies and reduced elytra typical of the family. The genus currently includes approximately 136 species and subspecies distributed across the Palaearctic region. Taxonomic revisions have revealed distinct Western and Eastern Palaearctic species groups, separated by the Caspian Sea, with high species diversity in the Himalayas, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Taiwan.
Oxyethira
Oxyethira is a genus of microcaddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) comprising over 200 described species worldwide. The genus exhibits high species diversity with new species continuing to be described, particularly from under-sampled regions. Larvae are aquatic and construct distinctive silk cases in their final instar.
Psychodidae
Moth flies, Drain flies, Sink flies, Filter flies, Sewer gnats, Sand flies
Psychodidae is a large family of true flies comprising over 2,600 described species worldwide, with highest diversity in humid tropical regions. Members exhibit distinctive short, hairy bodies and wings that create a moth-like appearance. The family encompasses two ecologically divergent groups: non-biting moth flies that inhabit moist, decaying organic matter and plumbing systems, and blood-feeding sand flies (subfamily Phlebotominae) that serve as disease vectors.