Introduced-species
Guides
Bruchus
seed beetles, bean beetles, bean weevils
Bruchus is a genus of seed beetles in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, comprising approximately 36 species. The genus is characterized by distinctive male genitalia morphology, including a large, sclerotized, boomerang-shaped ventral plate used in species identification. Members are specialized herbivores feeding almost exclusively on legumes in the tribe Fabeae (Vicieae), including peas, lentils, and vetches. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably B. lentis on lentils, B. pisorum on peas, and B. rufimanus on fava beans. The genus is primarily Palearctic in distribution, with some species introduced to North America, Africa, and Australia.
Brumus quadripustulatus
Cream-spot ladybird, Cream-spot lady beetle
Brumus quadripustulatus is a small ladybird beetle native to Europe and northern Asia, now established in North America. It is recognized by its distinctive cream-colored spots on a dark, nearly black background. The species inhabits various wooded and shrubby environments and has been observed preying on aphids and scale insects.
Brunneria
stick mantis, Brunner's stick mantis
Brunneria is a genus of slender, stick-like praying mantises native to the Americas. The genus contains six recognized species, with B. borealis being particularly notable as the only known obligate parthenogenetic praying mantis—reproducing exclusively asexually with no males ever observed. This species has spread across more than 2,400 km of coastal North America from a hypothesized single female introduction. Other species in the genus, all South American, reproduce facultatively with both sexes present.
Bucculatrix ainsliella
Oak Skeletonizer Moth, Oak Leaf Skeletonizer
Bucculatrix ainsliella is a micromoth in the family Bucculatricidae, described by Mary Murtfeldt in 1905. It is native to North America and has been introduced to Europe, with first records from the Netherlands and Belgium in 2011. The species is notable for its distinctive larval feeding behavior on oak leaves, progressing from internal leaf mining to external skeletonization.
Bucculatrix ivella
groundsel leaf-perforator moth, groundsel leaf-mining moth
Bucculatrix ivella is a small moth in the family Bucculatricidae, first described by August Busck in 1900. Native to North America, it has been introduced to Queensland, Australia. The species is known for its larval feeding behavior on Baccharis species, earning it the common name 'groundsel leaf-perforator moth' or 'groundsel leaf-mining moth'.
Bucculatrix thurberiella
Cotton Leaf Perforator
Bucculatrix thurberiella, commonly known as the cotton leaf perforator, is a minute moth in the family Bucculatricidae. The species was described by August Busck in 1914. Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, it has been introduced to Hawaii. Adults have a wingspan of 7–9 mm. Larvae are leaf miners that feed internally within host plant foliage.
Cacoecimorpha
carnation tortrix moths
Cacoecimorpha is a monotypic moth genus in the family Tortricidae, established by Obraztsov in 1954. The genus contains a single species, Cacoecimorpha pronubana, commonly known as the carnation tortrix. This species is a highly polyphagous pest of horticultural and agricultural significance, native to the Mediterranean region but now widespread across Europe, North Africa, and introduced to North America. The genus is classified within the tribe Archipini of the subfamily Tortricinae.
Cacopsylla mali
apple leaf sucker, apple psylla, apple sucker
Cacopsylla mali is a psyllid species in the family Psyllidae, native to Eurasia and introduced to North America. Commonly known as the apple leaf sucker or apple psylla, it is associated with apple (Malus) host plants. The species belongs to the subfamily Psyllinae and is one of several Cacopsylla species involved in apple-associated insect-plant interactions.
Calamotropha paludella
Bulrush Veneer
Calamotropha paludella is a crambid moth with broad distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and a recent accidental introduction to the eastern United States. It is commonly known as the Bulrush Veneer due to its larval association with Typha plants. The species is notable for its wetland habitat specialization and transcontinental range.
Caliscelis bonellii
Caliscelis bonellii is a planthopper species in the family Caliscelidae, originally described as Fulgora bonellii by Latreille in 1807. It belongs to the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, a group known for their enlarged frons and distinctive head morphology. The species has been recorded across Mediterranean Europe and has been introduced to North America, with observations in California. It is one of the more frequently documented species in its genus, with over 250 iNaturalist observations.
Callicerus obscurus
Callicerus obscurus is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Geostibini) described by Gravenhorst in 1802. The species has a Palearctic distribution centered in Europe, with records from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, France, Great Britain, Georgia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as central European Russia. It has been introduced to Ontario, Canada. The species is known from 27 iNaturalist observations but lacks detailed published biological studies.
Callopistromyia
Peacock flies
Callopistromyia is a genus of small picture-winged flies (family Ulidiidae) known for the distinctive courtship displays of males, which hold their patterned wings perpendicular to the body while sidling along substrates. The genus contains two species: C. annulipes (the peacock fly) and C. strigula. Adults are typically 3.5–5.5 mm in length. C. annulipes has expanded from its native North American range to become an established alien species in Europe since 2007.
Calomycterus
oriental broad-nosed weevils
Calomycterus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Roelofs in 1873. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed across parts of Asia and Africa. Members are classified within the subfamily Entiminae, tribe Cyphicerini, subtribe Acanthotrachelina. One species, Calomycterus setarius, has been introduced to North America where it is known as the imported long-horned weevil.
Calomycterus setarius
Imported Long-horned Weevil
Calomycterus setarius, commonly known as the imported long-horned weevil, is a broad-nosed weevil native to Japan that has become established in eastern North America. The species belongs to the family Curculionidae and is classified within the subfamily Entiminae. It is frequently encountered in the northeastern and midwestern United States, with confirmed records from states including Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
Calophya schini
Peppertree Psyllid
Calophya schini is a small psyllid in the family Calophyidae, specialized on Schinus molle (Peruvian peppertree). Adults are approximately 2 mm in length with orange to pale yellow or green coloration and hyaline wings. The species is endemic to Central America but has been introduced widely through human cultivation of its host plant, now occurring in the United States, New Zealand, and other regions. Nymphs cause distinctive dimples on leaves and can produce severe leaf malformations when abundant.
Caloptilia azaleella
Azalea Leafminer Moth, azalea leaf miner
Caloptilia azaleella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the azalea leaf miner. Native to Japan, it has been introduced globally through the horticultural trade of azalea plants and is now established in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae mine and roll leaves of Rhododendron species. It is frequently encountered in gardens, greenhouses, and sheltered urban plantings.
Caloptilia suberinella
Caloptilia suberinella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Tengström in 1848. The species has a Palearctic distribution across northern and central Europe, extending eastward through Russia to China, with a recent confirmed record from British Columbia in North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely has leaf-mining larvae, though specific host plant associations for this species remain undocumented. Adults are nocturnal and have been observed at ultraviolet light sources.
Camillina pulchra
Camillina pulchra is a ground spider species in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Keyserling in 1891. It is native to South America, with confirmed records from Brazil and Argentina. The species has been introduced to the United States, where it occurs as a non-native population. As a member of Gnaphosidae, it is a wandering hunter that does not build webs for prey capture.
Cantharis livida
pale soldier beetle
Cantharis livida, commonly known as the pale soldier beetle, is a soft-bodied beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults measure 10–15 mm and display variable coloration, with bright red or orange head, thorax, and abdomen contrasting with yellow to reddish-brown elytra. Both adults and larvae are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates. The species is widespread across Europe and the eastern Palearctic, and has been introduced to eastern North America.
Cantharis rufa
soldier beetle
Cantharis rufa is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) measuring 8–11 mm in length. It is widely distributed across the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to North America, where it is expanding its range. The species has an annual life cycle with two 'prolarval' and six larval instars. Adults are active from mid-May to mid-July.
Capsus ater
black plant bug
Capsus ater is a plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the black plant bug. It is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and northern Asia, with evidence suggesting North American origin followed by introduction to other regions. The species inhabits dry to moderately moist open habitats and feeds on various grasses without apparent preference for particular species or genera.
Carabus auratus
Golden Ground Beetle
Carabus auratus, commonly known as the golden ground beetle, is a flightless predatory beetle in the family Carabidae. Native to central and western Europe, it has been introduced to North America. Adults are diurnal hunters that prey on insects, snails, and worms using digestive secretions to subdue prey. The species is considered beneficial in agricultural settings due to its predation on pest species such as the Colorado potato beetle.
Carabus granulatus
Granulated Ground Beetle
Carabus granulatus is a small, winged ground beetle native to the Palearctic, ranging from Ireland to the Russian Far East, with introduced populations in North America. Adults measure 14–20 mm and exhibit metallic greenish-bronze, green, or occasionally black coloration with distinctive granulated elytra. Unlike most Carabus species, it has retained functional flight ability, though it primarily remains ground-dwelling. The species occupies diverse habitats including forests, fields, prairies, taiga, river margins, fens, lakeshores, and upland peat, occasionally occurring in gardens.
Carabus nemoralis
Bronze Ground Beetle, Bronze Carabid
Carabus nemoralis is a large ground beetle native to central and northern Europe, Iceland, and parts of Asia. It has been introduced to North America and New Zealand, where it is actively expanding its range. Adults measure 20–25 mm and are active year-round. The species is recognized as a beneficial predator in agricultural systems, with documented effectiveness against slugs and other pests.
Caradrina clavipalpis
Pale Mottled Willow
Caradrina clavipalpis, the pale mottled willow, is a small noctuid moth native to the Palearctic region and introduced to North America since 1993. Adults are attracted to light and sugar, and feed at flowers. The species has two generations per year in temperate regions, with adults flying from April to October depending on location. Larvae feed on cereal grains and plantains, and pupate underground in robust cocoons.
Carausius morosus
Indian Walking Stick, Common Stick Insect, Laboratory Stick Insect
Carausius morosus is a parthenogenetic phasmid native to Tamil Nadu, India, widely distributed globally through accidental introductions and captive culture. Females reproduce without males; no wild males have been reported, though gynandromorphs occasionally occur in captivity. The species is nocturnal, feeding at night and remaining motionless during daylight hours. It has become established outside its native range in locations including Great Britain, Portugal, South Africa, and the United States, where it occasionally damages ornamental plants.
Carcina quercana
oak lantern, long-horned flat-body, oak-skeletonizer moth
Carcina quercana is a small moth in the family Peleopodidae (Depressariidae), native to Europe and recently introduced to western North America. It is distinguished by its pastel purple and yellow wing patterning and notably long antennae. The species is moderately polyphagous on deciduous trees, particularly favoring Fagaceae. Adults fly from May to October, with peak activity in July.
Cardiocondyla emeryi
Cardiocondyla emeryi is a small ant species in the subfamily Myrmicinae with a wide introduced distribution across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The species is known from two recognized subspecies: the nominate C. e. emeryi and C. e. fezzanensis from Algeria. Its extensive range includes native populations in Africa and the Middle East, with numerous introduced populations in the Americas, Caribbean, Pacific islands, and parts of Europe and Asia. The species has been documented in over 40 countries and island groups, indicating significant human-mediated dispersal.
Cardiocondyla minutior
Cardiocondyla minutior is a small ant species in the subfamily Myrmicinae, described by Auguste Forel in 1899. It has a remarkably wide distribution spanning multiple continents, including the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, suggesting either human-mediated dispersal or exceptional ecological adaptability. The species belongs to a genus known for diverse male morphologies and reproductive strategies, though specific details for C. minutior remain limited.
Cardiocondyla venustula
Larger Black Sneaking Ant
Cardiocondyla venustula is a small myrmicine ant native to Africa, with introduced populations in the Caribbean and North America. The species belongs to the C. shuckardi group and exhibits an intermediate reproductive strategy among congeners, with wingless males that attack freshly eclosing rivals but rarely engage in lethal combat with established competitors. Instead, males establish and defend small territories within their natal nests. The species shows considerable genetic diversity across its native range, with multiple mtDNA lineages detected in South Africa, Angola, and Côte d'Ivoire that are morphologically and nuclearly similar, indicating a complex taxonomic history.
Carpelimus gracilis
Carpelimus gracilis is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxytelinae. The species is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America, with established populations in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It has been recorded across a broad Palearctic range extending from Western Europe through Russia and into Central Asia, as well as North Africa and the Middle East.
Caryobruchus
pea and bean weevils
Caryobruchus is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chryselidae, commonly known as 'pea and bean weevils.' The genus contains approximately six described species, including one extinct species, Caryobruchus dominicanus, known from Dominican Republic amber. Members of this genus are specialized seed predators, primarily associated with palms (Arecaceae). The most widely distributed species, Caryobruchus gleditsiae, has been introduced from the New World to the Old World and feeds on seeds from at least 11 genera of palms.
Caryobruchus gleditsiae
Palm Seed Weevil
Caryobruchus gleditsiae is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (formerly Bruchidae), notable as the largest bruchid species in the United States. Adults range from 4 to 11 mm in length, with body size determined by the size of the palm seed in which the larva developed. The species develops exclusively inside palm seeds and has been recorded from at least 11 genera in the Arecaceae family. It is widely distributed across the New World and has been introduced to the Old World.
Cassida rubiginosa
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
Cassida rubiginosa, commonly known as the thistle tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae native to Europe and Asia that has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and other regions as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. The beetle derives its common name from the tortoise-like appearance of adults, whose elytra and pronotum form a shield-like covering over the body. Both adults and larvae feed on thistle foliage, with larvae possessing a distinctive defensive structure—a forked caudal appendage used to carry accumulated feces and exuviae as a mobile 'fecal shield' that deters predators. The species has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing thistle biomass and seed production, though its host range extends beyond the primary target to other Cardueae species.
Centris nitida
Shining Oil-digger Bee
Centris nitida is a centridine bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Shining Oil-digger Bee. The species is native to Central America and has been introduced to Florida in the United States. It belongs to a genus specialized in collecting floral oils rather than nectar, using these oils to provision nests and feed larvae. Two subspecies are recognized: Centris nitida nitida and Centris nitida geminata.
Centromerita bicolor
Centromerita bicolor is a species of sheetweb spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by John Blackwall in 1833. It is a small spider with a trans-Palearctic native distribution and has been introduced to North America. The species is known to occur in a variety of habitats across its range. Like other linyphiids, it constructs sheet webs for prey capture.
Centruroides gracilis
Slender Brown Scorpion, Florida Bark Scorpion, Brown Bark Scorpion, Red Bark Scorpion, Slender Red Scorpion, Alacran Prieto, Alacran Azul
Centruroides gracilis is a medium to large scorpion in the family Buthidae, notable for its wide color variation and extensive introduced range. Females reach up to 10 cm, while males can exceed 15 cm. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity, with individuals in single populations or even litters showing colors ranging from reddish to dark brown with contrasting leg and chelae coloration. It is native to northern Central America but has been introduced to numerous regions including Florida, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and the Canary Islands, often occurring in synanthropic habitats.
Cephennium
Cephennium is a genus of minute rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Scydmaeninae, first described by Müller and Kunze in 1822. The genus is predominantly western European in distribution but has been recorded across Europe, Northern America, the Middle East, and as far east as Kyrgyzstan. Recent taxonomic work has revealed substantial undescribed diversity, particularly in Turkey where 25 named species are now recognized. The genus has been introduced to North America via port cities, with C. gallicum documented from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Cerapteryx
antler moth
Cerapteryx is a genus of noctuid moths established by Curtis in 1833, containing two recognized species: Cerapteryx graminis (the antler moth) and Cerapteryx megala. The genus is best known from the antler moth, which has been introduced to Newfoundland where it established populations in the 1960s and became a minor agricultural pest. The genus is native to Europe and has been recorded from Scandinavia and Denmark.
Cerapteryx graminis
Antler Moth
Cerapteryx graminis, commonly known as the antler moth, is a noctuid moth distinguished by the bold white branched basal streak on its forewings that resembles antlers. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, with females notably larger than males. It is primarily diurnal but also flies at night, and is attracted to both flowers and light. The species is native to Europe and northern Asia, has been introduced to North America, and occurs at elevations up to 2100 meters in the Alps.
Cercyon impressus
Cercyon impressus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. It belongs to a genus of small beetles commonly associated with moist or aquatic environments.
Cercyon laminatus
Cercyon laminatus is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. The species has a broad distribution spanning multiple continents, with native records from Asia and introduced populations established in Europe, Hawaii, Chile, and Australia. It is one of many Cercyon species adapted to moist or aquatic environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Cercyon lateralis
Cercyon lateralis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, and has been introduced to North America where it is now established across much of Canada and the northern United States. The species occupies moist terrestrial and semi-aquatic habitats, typical of the genus Cercyon.
Cercyon littoralis
Cercyon littoralis is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It has a broad distribution across the Holarctic region, occurring in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species has also been introduced to oceanic islands including the Azores and Tristan da Cunha.
Cercyon quisquilius
Cercyon quisquilius is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. Native to the Palearctic region, it has been introduced to multiple continents and is now cosmopolitan in distribution. The species is one of the most widely distributed members of the genus Cercyon, with established populations in the Americas, Australia, Africa, and various oceanic islands. It is frequently recorded in synanthropic habitats and has been used in phylogenetic studies involving DNA barcoding.
Cercyon unipunctatus
Cercyon unipunctatus is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, widespread across the Holarctic region. It is one of the most broadly distributed species in the genus Cercyon, occurring naturally across Europe, Northern Asia, and introduced to North America. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758 and belongs to the C. unipunctatus species group, which contains multiple closely related taxa in Asia. It is primarily associated with moist, decomposing organic matter.
Chaetocnema concinna
brassy flea beetle, hop flea beetle, beet flea beetle, brassy-toothed flea beetle
Chaetocnema concinna is a small flea beetle native to Europe and northern Asia that has been introduced to North America, first documented in Canada in the late 1980s. In Europe, it is the most important pest of sugar beet, though its economic impact in North America remains unquantified. The species exhibits broad host plant associations and can function as either a pest or beneficial organism depending on context.
Cheiracanthium mildei
Northern Yellow Sac Spider, Long-legged Sac Spider
Cheiracanthium mildei is a medium-sized spider native to Europe and North Africa, introduced to North America and parts of South America. Adults measure 7–10 mm in body length with pale green or tan coloration, darker palpi and chelicerae, and characteristically long front legs up to twice the length of others. It constructs silken retreats rather than capture webs, hunting actively at night. The species is frequently encountered in human dwellings, particularly in northern regions of its introduced range, and has been documented to bite humans with generally mild effects.
Chelinidea
cactus bugs, cactus leaffooted bugs
Chelinidea is a genus of leaf-footed bugs (family Coreidae) comprising five described species distributed across Central and North America, with three species introduced to Australia. Members are specialized feeders on cacti in the genus Opuntia, making them significant in both natural ecosystems and agricultural contexts. The genus represents the sole member of the monotypic tribe Chelinideini.
Chilacis typhae
bulrush bug
Chilacis typhae is a small seed-sucking true bug in the family Artheneidae. It is tightly associated with cattails (Typha species), particularly greater reedmace (Typha latifolia) and Typha angustifolia, where it feeds on developing seeds. The species harbors an obligate intracellular bacterial endosymbiont, "Candidatus Rohrkolberia cinguli," housed in a distinctive "mycetocytic belt" in the midgut epithelium. Native to Europe and Northern Asia, it has been introduced to North America.