Holarctic
Guides
Lampronia
currant moths, shoot borers
Lampronia is a genus of small moths in the family Prodoxidae with a Holarctic distribution. The genus contains approximately 25 described species, with additional undescribed species in North America, Japan, and Iran. Several species are economically significant pests of cultivated currants (Ribes spp.), particularly in northern Europe. Most species are diurnal in habit.
Lampropteryx suffumata
Water Carpet, Water Carpet Moth
A small to medium-sized geometrid moth with a wingspan of 25–32 mm, characterized by brownish forewings with distinctive whitish lateral bands and a serrated dark midfield. The species has a remarkably broad distribution spanning the entire Holarctic, from Ireland across Eurasia to Alaska and western Canada. Adults are active in spring, with larvae feeding exclusively on Galium species. The species overwinters as a pupa in a silken cocoon spun among the host plant.
Lampyrini
glowing fireflies, continuous-light fireflies
Lampyrini is a tribe of fireflies (subfamily Lampyrinae) containing the typical 'glowing' or 'continuous-light' fireflies of the Holarctic region. The tribe includes the type genus Lampyris and formerly recognized Pleotomini, which molecular evidence indicates is a specialized offshoot nested within Lampyrini. Some derived genera, including Paraphausis and Pyrocoelia, have secondarily lost bioluminescent organs and communicate using pheromones instead. The tribe occurs across the Holarctic and includes Andean-endemic lineages such as Pseudolychnuris and Alychnus.
Lasioglossum leucozonium
White-banded Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum leucozonium is a solitary, ground-nesting sweat bee in the family Halictidae. Native to the Palearctic, it has been introduced to North America where genetic evidence indicates establishment from a single founder female. The species is now widespread across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America. It produces one generation per year and is a generalist pollinator frequently associated with yellow-flowered Asteraceae.
Lasionycta leucocycla
Lasionycta leucocycla is a noctuid moth with a broad Holarctic distribution spanning Scandinavia, Siberia, and northern North America. Adults are active from June to July and have been observed feeding on nectar from specific flowering plants. The species exhibits notable subspecific variation across its range, with multiple described subspecies, some of which may represent distinct species.
Lasionycta secedens
Lasionycta secedens is a Holarctic moth species in the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Walker in 1858 under the name Plusia secedens. The species occurs across northern North America and northern Eurasia, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form in eastern Canada and northern British Columbia, and subspecies bohemani in northern Eurasia, Alaska, and Yukon. A taxonomic revision published in ZooKeys in 2009 treated this species among 43 Lasionycta species in North America.
Latridius
Latridius is a genus of minute brown scavenger beetles in the family Latridiidae, established by Herbst in 1793. The genus contains at least 16 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe, North America, and Asia. Species within this genus are small, cryptic beetles associated with decaying plant matter and fungal growth. The genus is part of the superfamily Coccinelloidea, though its members bear little resemblance to the more familiar lady beetles.
Lebertioidea
Lebertioidea is a superfamily of water mites (Hydrachnidia) within the order Trombidiformes. Members are aquatic arachnids found primarily in freshwater habitats across the Holarctic region. The superfamily comprises approximately 13 genera distributed among several families including Sperchontidae, Anisitsiellidae, Oxidae, and Torrenticolidae. Larval stages are parasitic on various aquatic insects, while post-larval instars are free-living predators.
Leiodes
round fungus beetles
Leiodes is a genus of small, rounded beetles in the family Leiodidae, comprising at least 110 described species with a primarily Holarctic distribution. Most species are subterranean mycophages, with several species acting as economically significant pests of truffle orchards. The genus exhibits specialized morphological and behavioral adaptations for life in ephemeral and solid fungi, including unique larval structures such as pseudomycangia.
Leiodes puncticollis
Leiodes puncticollis is a small round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae. The species was originally described by Thomson in 1862 under the basionym Anisotoma puncticollis. It has a broad Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, northern Asia, and North America. As a member of the Leiodidae, it is associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Lemophagus curtus
Lemophagus curtus is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Townes in 1965. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The species is recorded from Norway, Sweden, and the conterminous United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Lepidophorus lineaticollis
Lepidophorus lineaticollis is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is distributed across high-latitude regions of North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, British Columbia, and the Chukotka region of Russia. The species was described by William Kirby in 1837. It belongs to the subfamily Entiminae, a diverse group of root-feeding weevils.
Leptodoridae
Leptodoridae is a monotypic family of large predatory water fleas containing the single genus Leptodora. Members are among the largest cladocerans, reaching up to 18 mm in length. They are transparent, pelagic predators found in temperate lakes. The family is distinguished by its unique body plan and reduced carapace, representing a distinct lineage within the order Diplostraca.
Leptopeza
Leptopeza is a genus of small predatory flies in the family Hybotidae, subfamily Ocydromiinae. The genus was established by Macquart in 1828 and contains approximately 13 described species distributed across multiple continents. Hybotid flies, including Leptopeza, are generally characterized by their habit of running on vegetation rather than flying when hunting prey. The genus shows a Holarctic and Oriental distribution pattern based on described species.
Leptothorax
Thin Ants
Small ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae with primarily Holarctic distributions. The genus is distinguished by widespread social parasitism, with many species dependent on host workers during part or all of their life cycles. Some species exhibit complex social behaviors including dominance hierarchies and queen usurpation.
Leptothorax acervorum
acorn ant
Leptothorax acervorum is a small myrmicine ant first described by Fabricius in 1793. It exhibits a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, northern Asia, and North America. The species is notable for its facultatively polygynous social structure, where colonies may contain one or multiple queens. Workers display a distinctive two-toned coloration with darker head and metasoma contrasting with a lighter mesosoma. Body size increases with latitude following Bergmann's rule, with boreal populations producing workers approximately 10% larger than those from central Europe.
Leptura
flower longhorn beetles, leptura longhorn beetles
Leptura is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae. Species in this genus are predominantly found in the Holarctic region and are recognized as important pollination beetles in Eurasia and North America. Members typically have filiform antennae and visit flowers for feeding. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species historically placed in Leptura now assigned to related genera such as Stictoleptura and others.
Lepyrus palustris
Marsh Weevil
Lepyrus palustris is a true weevil in the family Curculionidae, characterized by the distinctive elongated snout typical of weevils. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning the Holarctic region, with records from both North America and Europe. As a member of the large and diverse genus Lepyrus, it inhabits marshy environments as suggested by its specific epithet 'palustris'.
Lestes dryas
emerald spreadwing, scarce emerald damselfly, robust spreadwing, turlough spreadwing
Lestes dryas is a Holarctic damselfly species in the family Lestidae, commonly known as the emerald spreadwing or scarce emerald damselfly. It is notable for being the only Lestes species that occurs in both Europe and North America. The species can tolerate extreme environmental conditions, including slightly brackish water, that few other odonates survive. It has experienced significant population declines in parts of its range, particularly in Britain and Ireland, where it was believed extinct before its rediscovery in 1983. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining ditch systems and shallow water habitats that support its aquatic life stages.
Leuctridae
rolled-winged stoneflies, needleflies
Leuctridae is a family of stoneflies (Plecoptera) containing at least 390 species. Adults are small, typically 5–13 mm in length, with slender cylindrical wings that wrap around the body at rest, giving the family its common name. The family has a primarily Holarctic distribution with significant diversity in China, Europe, and North America. Larvae develop in freshwater habitats, with some species exhibiting unusual life cycles involving brackish water or coastal areas.
Libellula quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Skimmer, Four-spotted Chaser
Libellula quadrimaculata, known as the four-spotted skimmer in North America and four-spotted chaser in Europe, is a holarctic dragonfly species found across Europe, Asia, and North America. This species exhibits notable behavioral plasticity in males, who adopt either territorial or satellite mating strategies depending on competitive conditions. It is also recognized for its gregarious migratory behavior, with historical records of immense swarms in Europe and documented migration flights in North America.
Limnephilus
caddisfly
Limnephilus is the most diverse genus in the family Limnephilidae, containing over 180 described species with broad ecological tolerances and a primarily Holarctic distribution. Species inhabit diverse freshwater habitats including lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, and high-altitude streams, with some extending to salt marshes and desert environments. Several species are of conservation concern in North America. The genus has been extensively studied as a bioindicator for aquatic pollution and as a model for understanding predator-prey interactions and case-building behavior.
Limnophyes
Limnophyes is a genus of non-biting midges (Chironomidae) in the subfamily Orthocladiinae. Species occupy diverse aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats including springs, wetlands, and leaf mines. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with some species showing global ranges, and contains approximately 40 described species. Several species exhibit specialized ecological associations, including crenophily (spring-dwelling) and commensal leaf-mining behavior.
Limnoporus
pondskaters
Limnoporus is a Holarctic genus of water striders (family Gerridae) comprising six extant species and one extinct species known from fossils. Species occur across northern North America and Eurasia, with notable hybridization between sympatric species in western Canada. The genus exhibits variation in body size, wing polymorphism, and habitat preferences that have been studied in phylogenetic and evolutionary contexts.
Limnoporus dissortis
Kayak Pond Skater
Limnoporus dissortis is a water strider species in the family Gerridae, distributed across western North America. It belongs to the L. dissortis species group, characterized by smaller body size relative to congeners. The species hybridizes extensively with L. notabilis in zones of sympatry across western Canada, producing complex spatial and temporal patterns of introgressive hybridization. Its eggs serve as hosts for the parasitoid wasp Tiphodytes gerriphagus.
Limonia liberta
Limonia liberta is a species of limoniid crane fly originally described by Osten Sacken in 1859. The species is currently classified as a synonym of Dicranomyia liberta. It belongs to the family Limoniidae, a large group of crane flies distinguished from the more familiar Tipulidae by their reduced wing venation and other morphological features. The species has been recorded across a broad transcontinental range spanning North America and Eurasia.
Limonia nubeculosa
short-palped cranefly, Sixspot Cranefly
Limonia nubeculosa is a small crane fly species in the family Limoniidae, commonly known as the short-palped cranefly or Sixspot Cranefly. Adults measure 9–11 mm in body length and are recognized by their distinctive wing patterning and banded legs. The species is widespread across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions, with documented populations from Europe through Asia to North America. It is primarily associated with forest habitats and exhibits an extended flight period from spring through late autumn.
Limothrips denticornis
barley thrips
Limothrips denticornis is a grass-dwelling thrips species with a Holarctic distribution. It is primarily associated with cereal crops, particularly spring barley, where females deposit eggs within leaf sheaths during inflorescence emergence. The species has been documented as an incidental nest parasite of birds and mammals, entering nests passively on grass nest materials. It has been recorded in museum environments as a secondary pest associated with damaged artworks.
Linotaeniidae
Linotaeniidae is a family of soil centipedes in the order Geophilomorpha. Species in this family are characterized by a body that tapers toward the anterior tip, mandibles with a single pectinate lamella, and a short forcipular segment with a remarkably wide tergite. The number of leg pairs varies widely within and among species, ranging from 31 to 83 pairs. The family includes the genera Agathothus, Chileana, Diplochora, and Strigamia.
Liocranidae
sac spiders
Liocranidae is a family of araneomorph spiders first described by Eugène Simon in 1897. They are commonly referred to as 'sac spiders' due to their habit of constructing silk retreats. The family contains 35 genera and approximately 357 species as of January 2026. The holarctic genus Agroeca is the best-known member, while many other genera remain poorly studied and lack formal diagnoses. Recent taxonomic work has significantly expanded the family, including the description of numerous new species from China, Vietnam, and other regions.
Liogma
Liogma is a genus of crane flies in the family Cylindrotomidae, established by Osten Sacken in 1869. The genus contains seven recognized species distributed across the Holarctic and East Asia. Larvae are specialized feeders on mosses, while adults inhabit damp wooded environments.
Liriomyza galiivora
Liriomyza galiivora is a species of leafminer fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1969. As a member of the genus Liriomyza, it shares the characteristic larval behavior of mining within leaf tissue between the upper and lower epidermis. The specific epithet "galiivora" suggests an association with Galium (bedstraw) as a host plant, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The species has been recorded in Sweden and Vermont, USA, indicating a Holarctic distribution pattern.
Lispe tentaculata
A muscid fly with Holarctic distribution, widespread across the Palearctic from the Iberian Peninsula to Kamchatka. Males exhibit distinctive modified fore tarsi with brush-like setulae and a finger-like yellow process on tarsomere 1. The species inhabits riparian environments including river banks, pond margins, and forest streams. Taxonomic identification relies on male genitalic structures and specific leg chaetotaxy patterns.
Lithocharis
Lithocharis is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae, tribe Lathrobiini. The genus was established by Dejean in 1833. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized predatory beetles characterized by the typical rove beetle body plan: short elytra exposing most of the flexible abdomen. The genus is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region, with documented occurrences in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Lithostege
Lithostege is a species-rich genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, containing approximately 53 described species worldwide. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825 and exhibits a predominantly Palaearctic distribution, with species recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America. African occurrences are limited to northern Palaearctic regions. The genus is taxonomically well-studied, with recent revisions adding new species from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and China.
Litus camptopterus
Litus camptopterus is a species of fairyfly wasp in the family Mymaridae, described by Novicky in 1953. It belongs to a genus characterized by reduced wing venation and small body size typical of this chalcidoid family. The species has been recorded from multiple regions including western North America and the Russian Far East. Like other mymarids, it is presumed to be an egg parasitoid, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Loensia
barklice
Loensia is a genus of barklice in the family Psocidae, established by Enderlein in 1924. The genus contains more than 30 described species distributed across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Members are small, soft-bodied insects commonly found on tree bark and in leaf litter.
Lonchoptera bifurcata
Small Grass Fly, spear-winged fly, pointed-winged fly
Lonchoptera bifurcata is a small dipteran in the family Lonchopteridae, commonly known as the Small Grass Fly or spear-winged fly. It has a Holarctic distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America. The species exhibits parthenogenesis in most of its range, with males rarely observed. Adults inhabit damp environments while larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Loricera
Loricera is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising approximately 17 described species. It is the sole genus of the subfamily Loricerinae. Members of this genus are distinguished by a remarkable morphological specialization: modified antennal setae that form a prey-capture apparatus for hunting Collembola (springtails). The genus has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions.
Loricerinae
Loricerinae is a subfamily of ground beetles in Carabidae, established by Bonelli in 1810. It is monogeneric, containing only the genus Loricera. These beetles are recognized for their distinctive flattened, shield-like body form and association with moist habitats. The subfamily is relatively small in species diversity but has a broad geographic distribution.
Loxostege ephippialis
Loxostege ephippialis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Johan Wilhelm Zetterstedt in 1839. It exhibits a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Europe and North America. The species is known to be a significant host for the mason wasp Euodynerus annulatus, which provisions its nests with paralyzed caterpillars of this moth. Adults are active during early summer in both European and North American populations.
Lucilia silvarum
common toad fly, Marsh Greenbottle Fly
Lucilia silvarum is a blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1826. Adults are 4.5–10 mm with metallic green coloration and plumose aristae, making them difficult to distinguish from related green bottle flies. The species has a Holarctic distribution across North America and Europe. Recent research has clarified its ecological role: it is primarily saprophagous on carrion and was identified as a primary colonizer of domestic cats in experimental studies, contradicting earlier assumptions that it was strictly associated with amphibian myiasis.
Lycaena phlaeas
small copper, American copper, common copper
Lycaena phlaeas is a holarctic butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the small copper or American copper. It is widespread across Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. The species is notable for its bright orange forewings with dark borders and black spots. It has been identified as a generalist species that shows resilience to habitat degradation, with populations in Germany demonstrating a positive trend in the Grassland Butterfly Index despite overall declines in grassland butterfly populations.
Lycoperdina
handsome fungus beetles
Lycoperdina is a genus of handsome fungus beetles (family Endomychidae) containing approximately 13–16 described species. Members of this genus are associated with fungal substrates, particularly puffballs (Lycoperdon and related genera), from which the genus derives its name. The genus is distributed across the Holarctic region, with records from Europe and North America. As part of the subfamily Lycoperdininae, these beetles represent a specialized lineage within the broader Endomychidae, a family characterized by mycophagous habits.
Lydina
Lydina is a genus of tachinid flies established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus contains six recognized species distributed across the Holarctic region, including Europe, North America, and East Asia. Members of this genus are parasitoid flies, a characteristic trait of the family Tachinidae.
Lygocoris pabulinus
Common Green Capsid
Lygocoris pabulinus is a Holarctic plant bug in the family Miridae, widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a polyphagous herbivore that feeds on numerous herbaceous and woody plants, with documented associations including potato, nettle, apple, and various fruit crops. The species exhibits complex sexual communication involving female-produced pheromones and male vibrational signals. It is recognized as an agricultural pest in orchards and vegetable crops, causing characteristic damage to leaves, buds, and fruits through its piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Lyonetiidae
Lyonetiidae is a family of small moths comprising approximately 200 described species. Adults are characterized by their diminutive size, with wingspans rarely exceeding 1 cm, and distinctive narrow forewings with pointed, often up- or down-turned apices. The family is notable for its larval biology: all known larvae are leaf miners, feeding internally within leaf tissue. The family has been subject to taxonomic revision, with Bucculatricidae and Bedelliidae sometimes treated as subfamilies rather than distinct families.
Macaria loricaria
False Bruce spanworm, Eversmann's peacock
Macaria loricaria is a geometrid moth with pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are fully winged with a wingspan of 25–29 mm, while females are wingless. The species has a broad transcontinental distribution spanning northern Eurasia from Fennoscandia to Sakhalin, and North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to Colorado. Adults are active in mid-summer, with timing varying by region. The larvae feed on willow, birch, and aspen species.
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.
Macrodiplosis
Macrodiplosis is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) comprising approximately 19 described species. Species in this genus induce galls primarily on oak (Quercus) leaves. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records from Europe, Asia, and North America.