Introduced-species
Guides
Devia prospera
Devia prospera is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) described by Erichson in 1839. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring naturally across northern Eurasia from Europe through Russia to Japan, and has been introduced to North America where it is now established across Canada and the northern United States. As a member of the diverse rove beetle family, it inhabits various terrestrial environments where these beetles are typically found.
Diaphania costata
Orange-shouldered Sherbet Moth, White Palpita Moth
Diaphania costata is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794. It is notable for its translucent white wings with a distinctive gold line along the leading edge of the forewing. The species has an exceptionally wide distribution, occurring naturally across the Indomalayan realm and Europe, with introduced populations established in Mexico and Texas. Adults are active and can be found year-round in suitable climates, with wingspans under 20 mm.
Dictis striatipes
Striped Spitting Spider
Dictis striatipes is a spitting spider in the family Scytodidae, known for the common name "Striped Spitting Spider." The species has been introduced to regions outside its native range, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Yemen. As a member of Scytodidae, it possesses the characteristic spitting ability that defines this family—immobilizing prey by ejecting a mixture of silk, venom, and adhesive from the chelicerae. It is a synanthropic species often found in human-modified environments.
Dienerella ruficollis
Red-necked plaster beetle
A small beetle in the family Latridiidae, commonly known as the red-necked plaster beetle. This species is associated with damp, moldy environments and has been introduced to North America from Europe. It is frequently found in buildings and other human-modified habitats where fungal growth occurs.
Dinaraea angustula
Rove beetle
Dinaraea angustula is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) first described by Gyllenhal in 1810. Originally placed in Aleochara, it was later transferred to Dinaraea. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring naturally across Europe and northern Asia, with introduced populations established in North America. It is one of many aleocharine rove beetles characterized by reduced elytra and a compact body form.
Dinumma
Dinumma is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed across South and Southeast Asia, with one species introduced to North America. Adults exhibit characteristic wing venation and palp structure typical of the subfamily Calpinae. Larvae of at least one species demonstrate unusual aquatic locomotion behavior.
Dioctria hyalipennis
Stripe-legged Robber Fly
Dioctria hyalipennis is a small Holarctic robber fly (10–14 mm) in the family Asilidae, characterized by distinctive black-and-yellow leg patterning and hyaline wings. Adults are active predators that feed primarily on small wasps, bees, and other insects. The species occupies meadows, hedgerows, and forest edges with shrubs or conifers, and has been introduced to eastern North America from Europe.
Diplolepis nervosa
Spiked Pea Gall Wasp
Diplolepis nervosa is a gall wasp in the family Diplolepididae that induces distinctive spiked pea galls on wild roses (Rosa species). Like other members of its genus, it exhibits an alternation of generations with both sexual and parthenogenetic phases. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America, where it has become established. The galls it produces are among the most recognizable of rose galls due to their characteristic spiny, pea-like appearance.
Diplolepis rosae
Mossy Rose Gall Wasp, Rose Bedeguar Gall Wasp, Robin's Pincushion Gall Wasp
A gall-inducing wasp in the family Diplolepididae that forms distinctive mossy, pincushion-like galls on wild roses, primarily Rosa canina and Rosa arvensis. The species is notable for its predominantly parthenogenetic reproduction, with fewer than 5% males in most populations. Females lay up to 60 eggs in developing rose buds, inducing chemically-driven plant tissue distortion that creates the characteristic bedeguar gall. The wasp has been introduced to North America alongside cultivated roses.
Disclisioprocta stellata
somber carpet, bougainvillea looper
Disclisioprocta stellata is a small geometrid moth with a broad intercontinental distribution spanning sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Ocean islands, and the Americas from Canada to South America. The species was introduced to Hawaii in 1993 and has established there. Adults are active year-round in southern regions and during late summer and fall in northern areas. The larvae feed on a variety of plants including bougainvillea, giving rise to one of its common names.
Dolerus nitens
Shining Griever
Dolerus nitens is a Palearctic sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the Shining Griever. The species has been introduced to North America and is now established in Canada, with confirmed records from British Columbia, Newfoundland, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island. Like other members of the genus Dolerus, this species is a herbivorous sawfly whose larvae feed on grasses and sedges.
Drepanosiphum platanoidis
sycamore aphid, maple aphid
Drepanosiphum platanoidis is a small aphid species specialized on maple and sycamore trees (Acer species). It is one of the most abundant aphids on sycamore in Europe and has been introduced to other regions including New Zealand. The species is notable for its distinctive winged morphs and its role in temperate forest ecosystems. It reproduces parthenogenetically through most of the year, with sexual forms appearing in autumn.
Druon quercuslanigerum
Druon quercuslanigerum is a cynipid gall wasp that alternates between sexual and asexual generations on live oaks. The sexual generation forms small galls on catkins in spring, while the asexual generation produces distinctive woolly galls on leaf undersides. It is one of only two species in the genus Druon with documented alternating generations.
Drymaplaneta
Shining Cockroaches
Drymaplaneta is an Australian genus of cockroaches in the family Blattidae, comprising six endemic species. Two species, D. heydeniana and D. semivitta, have been introduced to New Zealand. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced, lobiform tegmina and the absence of hind wings, distinguishing them from other Methanini. They are primarily outdoor-dwelling insects that feed on decaying organic matter.
Dryoxylon onoharaense
Dryoxylon onoharaense is a small ambrosia beetle (Scolytinae) in the weevil family Curculionidae. Originally described from Japan, it has been introduced to North America and has established populations in the conterminous United States. Like other members of the tribe Xyleborini, it is presumed to cultivate ambrosia fungi in wood galleries for larval nutrition.
Dysdera
woodlouse hunter, sowbug killer, slater-eating spider, woodlouse spider, pillbug hunter
Dysdera is a genus of spiders in the family Dysderidae, first described by Pierre André Latreille in 1804. The genus originated from Central Asia to Central Europe and has since spread globally through human commerce. Members are specialized predators of woodlice (terrestrial isopods), using enlarged chelicerae and long fangs to pierce their armored prey. The genus exhibits remarkable adaptive radiation, particularly on oceanic islands—most notably the Canary Islands, where 48 endemic species occur. Dysdera crocata, the cosmopolitan woodlouse hunter, is the only widespread species outside its native range and the sole representative in North America.
Dysdera crocata
Woodlouse Spider, Woodlouse Hunter, Sowbug Hunter, Sowbug Killer, Pillbug Hunter, Slater Spider
Dysdera crocata is a specialized spider predator native to the Mediterranean region of Europe that has become established worldwide through human commerce. It is the only representative of the family Dysderidae in North America. Despite its formidable appearance—featuring disproportionately large chelicerae and long fangs—it poses no significant danger to humans. The species has been the subject of recurring internet hoaxes falsely claiming it is a new, deadly spider. It is primarily nocturnal and strongly associated with human-modified environments, particularly where its woodlouse prey abounds.
Dysderidae
woodlouse hunters, sowbug-eating spiders, cell spiders, woodlouse hunter spiders
Dysderidae is a family of araneomorph spiders commonly known as woodlouse hunters or sowbug-eating spiders. The family is found primarily in Eurasia and North Africa, with one species, Dysdera crocata, introduced worldwide. Members are characterized by six eyes arranged in a semicircle, enlarged chelicerae with long fangs, and haplogyne genitalia lacking a sclerotized epigyne in females. The two largest genera, Dysdera and Harpactea, comprise most of the family's approximately 665 species.
Ectobius lapponicus
Dusky Cockroach
Ectobius lapponicus, commonly known as the dusky cockroach, is a small, non-pest cockroach species native to Europe and northern Asia. It was introduced to North America, with first recorded sightings in 1984 in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species has a documented life cycle involving specific overwintering stages, including a diapause in the egg and one of the nymphal instars. Unlike many cockroach species associated with human structures, E. lapponicus is primarily an outdoor species.
Ectobius pallidus
Tawny Cockroach
Ectobius pallidus, commonly known as the tawny cockroach, is a non-cosmopolitan species in the family Ectobiidae. Unlike many cockroach species associated with human dwellings, this species is native to western Europe and North Africa. It has been introduced to North America, representing a reintroduction after a 49-million-year absence of the genus from the continent. The species is not considered a significant household pest.
Egius platycephalus
Yellow-crested Aegis
Egius platycephalus is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, representing the sole member of the genus Egius. The species is known from both native and introduced ranges, with established populations in Hawaii and the continental United States. It is commonly referred to as the Yellow-crested Aegis.
Elaphria nucicolora
Sugarcane Midget
Elaphria nucicolora, commonly known as the Sugarcane Midget, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 21 mm. The species has a broad geographic range spanning the southeastern United States, Caribbean islands, tropical South America, and Hawaii. Adults are active from late spring through autumn in temperate regions, with year-round activity in tropical and subtropical areas. The larval stage feeds on a variety of herbaceous plants including sugarcane, watermelon, and several weedy species.
Elymana
Elymana is a genus of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) established by DeLong in 1936. Species occur in Europe and North America, with at least one European species (E. sulphurella) introduced to North America. The genus includes grass-feeding species with documented host plant associations in Poaceae. Taxonomic revisions have synonymized several previously described species.
Elymana sulphurella
Elymana sulphurella is a leafhopper species native to Europe, introduced to North America. It is a phloem-feeding specialist on grasses (Poaceae), with documented suitability for multiple host species including Agrostis, Elymus, Festuca, and Phleum. The species exhibits egg diapause requiring cold treatment to reduce incubation time. Development from egg to adult averages 24.9 days for females and 23.5 days for males. Mated females show significantly greater longevity than males.
Embiidina
webspinners, footspinners
Embiidina is a small order of cryptic, soft-bodied insects known as webspinners or footspinners, characterized by their unique ability to produce silk from specialized glands located in their swollen foretarsi. They construct extensive silk galleries or tunnels under bark, in leaf litter, or within soil crevices, which serve as protective shelters and foraging sites. The order exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are wingless and neotenic, remaining in galleries throughout their lives, while males of most species develop wings and disperse to locate mates. Webspinners are primarily tropical in distribution and display facultatively communal behavior with maternal care of eggs and young.
Empyreuma
spotted oleander caterpillar moth
Empyreuma is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, containing three species. The genus name derives from the Greek ἐμπύρευμα, meaning "a live coal covered with ashes." Adults exhibit striking aposematic coloration with orange and black patterns that mimic stinging wasps. Larvae feed exclusively on oleander (Nerium oleander), a toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides that the caterpillars sequester for their own defense. The genus is notable for its acoustic courtship behavior, with males producing sounds detected by female tympanic organs.
Empyreuma pugione
Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth, Spotted Oleander Moth
Empyreuma pugione, the spotted oleander caterpillar moth, is a day-flying tiger moth native to the Caribbean region that was introduced to Florida in 1978. The adult moth exhibits striking orange and black aposematic coloration and wasp-like appearance, while the larvae feed on oleander (Nerium oleander) and other Apocynaceae. Both life stages sequester cardiac glycosides from their host plants, making them unpalatable to predators. The species is considered less destructive than its congener Syntomeida epilais due to solitary feeding habits and lower population densities.
Enicmus brevicornis
plaster beetle, lathridid beetle
Enicmus brevicornis is a minute beetle in the family Latridiidae, commonly known as plaster beetles or lathridids. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to other regions including North America. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with moist, moldy environments where it feeds on fungal growth. The species is distinguished from congeners by its relatively short antennae, as indicated by the specific epithet "brevicornis" (short-horned).
Enoplognatha latimana
Scarce candy-striped spider
Enoplognatha latimana is a cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, described by Hippa & Oksala in 1982. It belongs to a genus noted for polymorphic coloration, though specific appearance details for this species are not well documented. The species has been recorded across a broad Palearctic range and has been introduced to Canada. A 2024 study documented the first known Wolbachia infection in this species, representing supergroup A bacteria in a specimen from north-western Poland.
Enoplognatha ovata
candy-striped spider, common candy-striped spider, polymorphic spider
Enoplognatha ovata is a small theridiid spider native to Europe and introduced to North America. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, with three main morphs varying in abdominal pigmentation from plain to striped patterns. Despite its diminutive size (4-7 mm), it is an effective predator capable of capturing prey substantially larger than itself. Females construct tangled webs on the undersides of leaves and demonstrate maternal care by guarding egg sacs and provisioning spiderlings.
Entelecara acuminata
dwarf spider
Entelecara acuminata is a dwarf spider species in the family Linyphiidae, a group commonly known as sheet-web weavers or money spiders. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. It has been introduced to North America from its native Eurasian range.
Entomobrya clitellaria
Entomobrya clitellaria is a slender-bodied springtail species described by J.E. Guthrie in 1903. Native to North America, it has established introduced populations in Australia. The species is readily recognizable by its yellowish body with contrasting black banding and darkly pigmented antennae. It shows a strong association with urban and human-modified environments across its range.
Epinotia nanana
European spruce needleminer, green spruce leaf miner, green spruce needle miner
Epinotia nanana is a small tortricid moth whose larvae are specialized needle miners of spruce trees. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been introduced to North America where it has become a pest of ornamental and forest spruce. The species has a univoltine life cycle with larvae overwintering in mined needles and completing development the following spring. Larval feeding creates distinctive silken webbing that secures mined needles to twigs.
Epitrix cucumeris
potato flea beetle
Epitrix cucumeris is a small flea beetle native to North America and a major agricultural pest of potatoes. Adults measure 1.5–2 mm and feed on foliage, while larvae may damage tubers. The species has been introduced to Europe, including Portugal, Spain, and the Azores. Identification requires detailed examination due to similarity to congeners.
Eratigena agrestis
Hobo Spider
Eratigena agrestis, commonly known as the hobo spider, is a funnel-web spider native to Europe that was introduced to the Pacific Northwest of North America in the early 20th century. It constructs characteristic funnel-shaped webs and lies in wait at the narrow end to capture prey. The medical significance of its bite remains poorly understood and debated. Spiderlings emerge in spring, contrasting with the fall emergence of the closely related E. atrica.
Eratigena atrica
Giant House Spider
Eratigena atrica is a large funnel-weaving spider native to continental Europe and introduced to North America. It is among the largest spiders of Central and Northern Europe, with mature females reaching 11–16 mm body length and males 10–14 mm. The species is closely related to E. duellica and E. saeva, forming a morphologically similar species group distinguishable only by palp and epigyne features. E. atrica shows no evidence of hybridization with these relatives.
Eratigena duellica
Giant House Spider
Eratigena duellica, commonly known as the giant house spider, is a funnel weaver spider in the family Agelenidae. Originally described from Europe, it has been introduced to western North America, where it is established in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The species was transferred from the genus Tegenaria to Eratigena in 2013, and was restored as a distinct species separate from E. atrica in 2018 after being considered conspecific. It is one of the largest house-dwelling spiders in its range and constructs characteristic funnel-shaped webs.
Erigone aletris
Miller Dwarf Weaver
Erigone aletris is a small spider species in the family Linyphiidae, commonly known as the Miller Dwarf Weaver. Native to North America, it has been introduced to parts of Europe including Britain and Italy. The species belongs to a large genus of sheet-web weaving spiders.
Erigone dentosa
Hook-toothed Money Spider
Erigone dentosa is a dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, commonly known as money spiders. The species is native to North and Central America, with a documented range from the United States through Mexico to Guatemala. It has been introduced to Europe, with established populations recorded in Belgium. The specific epithet 'dentosa' refers to toothed structures, likely describing features of the genitalia used in species identification.
Eriocampa
woolly sawflies
Eriocampa is a small Holarctic genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae comprising approximately five to ten described extant species. The genus is characterized by larvae that produce conspicuous white waxy secretions, giving them a woolly appearance that likely serves as a defense against predators and parasitoids. Several species are economically significant as defoliators of woody plants, including Eriocampa juglandis (butternut woollyworm) on walnut and hickory, and Eriocampa ovata (woolly alder sawfly) on alder. The genus has a debated taxonomic history, with various classifications placing it in different subfamilies within Tenthredinidae.
Eriocampa ovata
alder sawfly, woolly alder sawfly
Eriocampa ovata is a sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America. Females reproduce primarily by parthenogenesis; males are unknown in North America and rare in Europe. The species is notable for its distinctive woolly larvae that feed on alder leaves.
Eristalis arbustorum
Eurasian Drone Fly, European Drone Fly
Eristalis arbustorum is a sexually dimorphic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Females closely mimic small, dark mining bees (Andrenidae), while males exhibit less specific mimicry of wasps and other yellow-black Hymenoptera. The species is abundant across the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced to North America. Adults are important pollinators that visit diverse flowering plants, while larvae are aquatic filter-feeders known as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their elongated posterior breathing siphon. The species is known to be migratory in Europe, with populations overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
Ernobius mollis
pine knot borer, pine bark anobiid, waney edge borer, bark borer
Ernobius mollis is a small wood-boring beetle in the family Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae), commonly known as the pine knot borer. Native to northern Europe, it has been introduced to North America and is also recorded from the Azores. The species develops in dead pine wood, particularly in bark and knots, and is frequently associated with processed timber. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate E. m. mollis and E. m. espanoli from the Iberian region.
Etainia sericopeza
Norway Maple Pigmy Moth, Norway maple seedminer
Etainia sericopeza is a minute moth in the family Nepticulidae, commonly known as the Norway Maple Pigmy Moth or Norway maple seedminer. The species is native to Europe, ranging from Fennoscandinavia to the Mediterranean, and has been introduced to eastern North America. Larvae develop as seed miners within the samaras of Norway maple (Acer platanoides). The moth was transferred from the genus Ectoedemia to Etainia based on morphological and molecular studies.
Euaresta bullans
Spiny Cocklebur Fruit Fly
Euaresta bullans is a fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, commonly known as the Spiny Cocklebur Fruit Fly. The species is native to South America and has been introduced to multiple regions including western North America, southern Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, and Australia. It is associated with plants in the genera Ambrosia, Xanthium, and Dicoria, where it feeds on flowers and seeds.
Euborellia cincticollis
African earwig
Euborellia cincticollis is a species of earwig in the family Anisolabididae, commonly known as the African earwig. It has been introduced to California, where its biology has been studied. The species belongs to a genus containing several widespread earwig species, some of which are notable predators in agricultural systems.
Euceraphis punctipennis
downy birch aphid, European birch aphid
Euceraphis punctipennis is a small green aphid species that feeds exclusively on downy birch (Betula pubescens). Adults are pale green with bluish wax particles, membranous wings, and long legs. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, with all adults being female. Population dynamics correlate with seasonal changes in host tree sap nutritional quality.
Eulecanium kunoense
kuno scale
Eulecanium kunoense, commonly known as kuno scale, is a soft scale insect in the family Coccidae. It is native to East Asia and has been introduced to North America, where it has become established in the United States. The species is known to infest various woody plants and has been documented as a pest of agricultural and ornamental significance.
Euplectus karstenii
Euplectus karstenii is a minute rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, characterized by its compact body form and reduced elytra typical of ant-loving beetles. The species has a broad native distribution across the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America, Australia, and potentially South America through human activity. As a member of the myrmecophilous Pselaphinae, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented.
Eupteryx melissae
sage leafhopper, banded sage hopper
Eupteryx melissae is a small leafhopper in the subfamily Typhlocybinae, commonly found on sage plants (Salvia spp.). It is native to Europe and has been introduced to other regions including North America. The species is a phloem-feeding insect that uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant sap.