Introduced-species
Guides
Lepidocnemeplatia sericea
Lepidocnemeplatia sericea is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The species has been recorded from Mexico and Hawaii, with iNaturalist documenting 32 observations. As a member of the Tenebrionidae, it belongs to a large family of beetles commonly known as darkling beetles, which are predominantly detritivores and are particularly diverse in arid and semi-arid environments.
Leptacinus intermedius
Intermediate Rove Beetle
Leptacinus intermedius is a European rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horace Donisthorpe in 1936. The species has been introduced to North America, where it is now established in Canada and the United States. Like other staphylinids, adults and larvae are predatory on other insects.
Leptofreya ambigua
Leptofreya ambigua is a species of jumping spider (family Salticidae) first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1846. Native to the Amazon basin of South America, it has been introduced to the United States, with established populations in Florida and Texas. The species is characterized by the typical salticid body plan with enlarged anterior median eyes and jumping locomotion.
Leucoptera laburnella
Laburnum Leafminer, laburnum leaf miner
Leucoptera laburnella is a small moth in the family Lyonetiidae, commonly known as the laburnum leaf miner. The larvae are leaf miners that feed internally on leaves of various Fabaceae species, particularly Laburnum. Adults have distinctive white forewings marked with yellow and dark fuscous patterns. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America.
Ligia oceanica
sea slater, common sea slater, sea roach
Ligia oceanica is a large intertidal isopod reaching up to 35 mm in length, making it the largest species in the suborder Oniscidea. Native to rocky Atlantic coasts of Europe, it has been introduced to eastern North America and Atlantic islands. This semelparous species inhabits the supralittoral zone, hiding in rock crevices by day and emerging nocturnally to feed. Molecular phylogenetics suggests closer affinity to marine isopod suborders Valvifera and Sphaeromatidea than to terrestrial woodlice, challenging traditional classification.
Linyphia triangularis
Common sheetweb spider
Linyphia triangularis is a European sheet-web spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by Carl Alexander Clerck in 1758. It is abundant throughout Europe and has been introduced to Maine, USA, where it is now established in coastal areas. The species constructs horizontal sheet-webs with 'barrage lines' above to intercept flying prey. Adults are active in late summer and autumn.
Lioptilodes albistriolatus
Mousy Plume Moth
Lioptilodes albistriolatus is a small plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, commonly known as the Mousy Plume Moth. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from Argentina to the southwestern United States, and has been introduced to Hawaii. The species is notable for its larvae that feed internally on the flower heads of Asteraceae plants.
Listroderes
vegetable weevils
Listroderes is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Cyclominae. The genus includes at least 170 described species, though some sources suggest a smaller core group. Several species, particularly Listroderes costirostris (vegetable weevil), are significant agricultural pests with broad host ranges. The genus is characterized by distinctive body vestiture of subcircular to suboval scales. Species are native to southern South America, with some introduced widely through human activity.
Listroderes costirostris
vegetable weevil
Listroderes costirostris, commonly known as the vegetable weevil, is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae. It is native to southern South America but has been introduced to multiple continents. The species is recognized as a significant agricultural pest with a broad host range that includes vegetables and weeds. It has established populations in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Lithobius
stone centipedes, common centipedes, brown centipedes, typical stone centipedes
Lithobius is a large genus of centipedes in the family Lithobiidae, containing over 500 species and numerous subspecies. Adults possess 18 body segments and 15 pairs of legs, with body lengths ranging from approximately 2–5 cm. The genus was erected by William Elford Leach in 1814 and serves as the type genus for the family Lithobiidae. These centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators found in soil, leaf litter, and beneath stones or bark across temperate regions worldwide.
Lithobius forficatus
brown centipede, garden centipede, stone centipede
Lithobius forficatus is a common stone centipede in the family Lithobiidae, native to Europe but introduced to North America, the Hawaiian Islands, and Colombia. Adults reach 18–30 mm in length with 15 pairs of legs. The species is freeze-tolerant in winter, nocturnal, and an active predator of small invertebrates. It is frequently found in gardens and woodland habitats under stones and decaying wood.
Lithocharis nigriceps
Lithocharis nigriceps is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning multiple continents. It has been introduced to North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand from its native range in Asia. The species is documented from diverse habitats including islands in the Azores and Pacific regions.
Liturgusa maya
Mayan Lichen Mantis
Liturgusa maya is a Neotropical bark mantis species first described in 1894. It inhabits tree trunks and branches in tropical forests, exhibiting exceptional speed and flattened body morphology adapted for crypsis among bark, moss, and lichen. The species has demonstrated notable geographic expansion through human-mediated introduction, with established non-native populations in Florida (USA) and the Galápagos Islands. In its native range, it has been documented as a frequent inhabitant of cacao agroecosystems in Peru. The species is parthenogenetic in at least some introduced populations.
Loewia
Loewia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising parasitoid species that attack centipedes. The genus includes Loewia foeda, a European species established in North America that parasitizes centipedes in the genus Lithobius. Tachinid flies in this genus are internal parasitoids of myriapods.
Loewia foeda
Loewia foeda is a tachinid fly native to Europe that was first recorded in North America in 1972 from two localities in New York State, where it has become established. The species is a parasitoid of centipedes in the genus Lithobius. Adults have been redescribed and figured based on specimens from the introduced North American population.
Longitarsus luridus
Flea beetle
Longitarsus luridus is a flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) native to Europe, where it occurs throughout the continent except Portugal. The species has been introduced to North America and is established there. As a member of the Alticini tribe, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. Adults feed on foliage of host plants.
Loricera pilicornis
Hairy-horned Springtail-hunter
Loricera pilicornis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, notable for its highly specialized antennal setal trap used to capture Collembola (springtails). The species possesses modified setae on the proximal antennal segments that form a mechanical trap capable of retaining most springtail prey. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America and parts of Asia.
Lorita scarificata
chrysanthemum flower borer
Lorita scarificata, commonly known as the chrysanthemum flower borer, is a small tortricid moth native to North America and introduced to Hawaii. The species was described by Meyrick in 1917 and is notable for its association with cultivated and wild flowering plants. Adults are diminutive with a wingspan of only 10–12 mm. The species has gained minor notoriety as a pest of ornamental chrysanthemums and agricultural crops.
Luridiblatta trivittata
Three-lined Cockroach, Tiny Cockroach
Luridiblatta trivittata is a small cockroach species native to the Mediterranean region, belonging to the family Ectobiidae. It is one of ten species in the genus Luridiblatta, which has an almost circum-Mediterranean distribution. The species is part of the trivittata species-group along with L. habbachii. It has been introduced to California, where it is recognized as one of eight exotic cockroach species present in the state. Unlike major indoor pest cockroaches, this species is primarily an outdoor inhabitant that occasionally enters buildings but does not normally reproduce indoors.
Lygus hesperus
Western Tarnished Plant Bug
Lygus hesperus is a significant agricultural pest in western North America, causing extensive damage to cotton, strawberries, alfalfa seed, and other crops. In California alone, annual losses exceed $30 million in cotton and $40 million in strawberries. Adults overwinter in reproductive diapause triggered by short day lengths, resuming activity when conditions improve. The species has been the subject of extensive research on sampling methods, biological control, and insecticide resistance.
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-dividepolitical-divideeconomic-dividereligious-dividephilosophical-dividescientific-dividetechnological-divideartistic-divideliterary-dividemusical-dividevisual-divideperforming-dividecinematic-dividephotographic-dividearchitectural-dividefashion-divideculinary-dividegastronomic-divideolfactory-dividegustatory-dividetactile-dividekinesthetic-divideproprioceptive-dividevestibular-divideauditory-dividesomatosensory-divideinteroceptive-divideexteroceptive-dividemultisensory-dividecrossmodal-dividesynesthetic-divideanesthetic-divideesthetic-divideaesthetic-dividepoetic-dividerhetorical-dividelogical-dividemathematical-dividestatistical-dividecomputational-dividealgorithmic-divideheuristic-dividesystematic-dividemethodical-divideempirical-dividetheoretical-divideconceptual-divideabstract-divideconcrete-dividepractical-divideapplied-dividepure-dividefundamental-dividebasic-dividestrategic-dividetactical-divideoperational-divideadministrative-dividemanagerial-divideexecutive-divideleadership-dividefollowership-dividemembership-dividepartnership-divideownership-dividestewardship-divideguardianship-dividetrusteeship-dividecustodianship-dividewardship-dividetutelage-dividementorship-dividesponsorship-dividechampionship-dividefriendship-dividerelationship-dividekinship-dividecompanionship-dividefellowship-dividescholarship-divideapprenticeship-divideinternship-divideresidency-divideassistantship-divideassociateship-divideauthorship-divideeditorship-dividecuratorship-dividedirectorship-dividegovernorship-dividepresidency-dividechancellorship-dividedeanship-divideheadship-dividechairmanship-divideMalachius aeneus
Scarlet Malachite Beetle
Malachius aeneus, commonly known as the scarlet malachite beetle, is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It was introduced to North America in 1852 and has since become widespread across the continent. The species is notable for its larvae being predators of the pollen beetle Brassicogethes aeneus in Great Britain.
Mantidae
mantids, mantid mantises
Mantidae is the largest family in the order Mantodea, historically encompassing all mantises before modern classifications split the group into multiple families. Most genera are tropical or subtropical in distribution. The family contains ten recognized subfamilies including Choeradodinae, Hierodulinae, Mantinae, and Stagmomantinae. The term "mantid" technically refers only to members of this family, though it is commonly used more broadly for any mantis.
Mantis religiosa
European mantis, praying mantis
Mantis religiosa, the European mantis, is a large hemimetabolic insect native to Europe that has established widespread populations in North America since its introduction in 1899. It is distinguished by a diagnostic black spot with white center on the inner surface of each foreleg. The species exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, appearing in shades of green, brown, and bluish-green. Females deposit brown, Styrofoam-like egg cases (oothecae) containing over 100 eggs that overwinter and hatch in spring. Sexual cannibalism occurs, with females sometimes consuming males during or after mating.
Mantura chrysanthemi
Mantura chrysanthemi is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Koch in 1803. It is widely distributed across the Palearctic region, including Western Europe, Turkey, and North Africa. The species has also been introduced to North America.
Margarinotus merdarius
clown beetle
Margarinotus merdarius is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) originally described from Europe. It has been introduced to North America, where it is now established in Canada and the United States. The species belongs to a genus known for association with dung and decaying organic matter.
Margarinotus obscurus
clown beetle
Margarinotus obscurus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents, with native records across Europe, Northern Asia, Southern Asia, and Africa, and introduced populations in North America. The species was first described by Kugelann in 1792. Like other members of Histeridae, it is associated with decaying organic matter and carrion habitats.
Marinarozelotes barbatus
A ground-dwelling spider species in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by L. Koch in 1866. The first cytogenetic analysis of this species was conducted on specimens from Turkey, revealing a diploid chromosome number of 2n♂=22 with an X1X20 sex chromosome system. All chromosomes are telocentric, with X1 being the largest and X2 the smallest chromosome in the karyotype. Sex chromosomes exhibit positive heteropycnosis during prophase I of meiosis. The species has a broad native distribution across the Mediterranean to Caucasus region and has been introduced to the USA.
Mecinus pascuorum
plantain weevil
Mecinus pascuorum is a true weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the plantain weevil. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has been introduced to New Zealand where it has become a regular post-harvest contaminant of kiwifruit. The species is associated with narrow leaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) as its primary host plant. In New Zealand, it completes one generation per year with a brief immature stage and a long-lived adult stage of approximately 11 months.
Mecinus pyraster
Stem Miner Weevil
Mecinus pyraster is a small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, native to the Palaearctic region and introduced to North America. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with three junior synonyms synonymized under it. As a member of the genus Mecinus, it likely exhibits the stem-mining larval habit characteristic of this group, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Medon fusculus
Medon fusculus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) originally described from Europe and now known from a broad Palearctic distribution extending from Western Europe through Turkey to the Caucasus, Middle East, and Iran. It has been introduced to eastern Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec). The species belongs to the diverse genus Medon, which contains numerous small, ground-dwelling species that are often poorly distinguished morphologically. Available records are sparse, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Megachile rotundata
Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee, Alfalfa Leaf-Cutter Bee, Leafcutter Bee
Megachile rotundata is a solitary leafcutting bee native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, now widely established as a managed pollinator across North America and other continents. It is the second most important commercial pollinator globally after the honey bee, specifically renowned for its efficiency in alfalfa pollination. Females construct individual nests in pre-existing cavities, lining cells with precisely cut circular leaf pieces. The species is non-aggressive, does not produce honey, and has been introduced deliberately and accidentally to multiple regions for agricultural pollination services.
Megalocoleus molliculus
A plant bug in the family Miridae that feeds primarily on yarrow and related Asteraceae. Adults are active in mid to late summer. The species has a wide distribution across the Palearctic and has been introduced to North America.
Megalonotus sabulicola
Introduced Dirt-colored Seed Bug
Megalonotus sabulicola is a seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, native to Europe and northern Asia. It has been introduced to North America, where it is established and frequently recorded. The species is associated with sandy habitats, as indicated by its specific epithet 'sabulicola' (sand-dwelling). It is one of the more commonly observed dirt-colored seed bugs in its introduced range.
Megarhyssa nortoni
Norton's giant ichneumonid wasp, western giant ichneumonid wasp
Megarhyssa nortoni is a large ichneumonid wasp native to North America, with two recognized subspecies occupying western and eastern ranges. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor reaching 51–76 mm, used to parasitize horntail wasp larvae deep within wood. Despite their formidable appearance, they are harmless to humans and do not sting. The species has been introduced to several countries as a biological control agent for forest pest horntails.
Melikaiella tumifica
Melikaiella tumifica is a cynipid gall wasp native to eastern North America. The species induces galls on oaks and exhibits a complex life cycle with alternating sexual and asexual generations. It has been introduced to Europe, where it was first documented in Germany on introduced red oak. Molecular studies have confirmed the connection between sexual and asexual generations through DNA sequencing.
Menemerus semilimbatus
Half-edged Wall Jumping Spider
Menemerus semilimbatus is a medium-sized jumping spider in the family Salticidae, commonly known as the Half-edged Wall Jumping Spider. It is characterized by its dorso-ventrally flattened body, grayish-white coloration with distinctive V-shaped markings on the abdomen, and preference for vertical surfaces. The species is native to the Mediterranean region but has been introduced to parts of the Americas including Argentina, Chile, and the United States.
Meotipa pulcherrima
Meotipa pulcherrima is a cobweb spider (family Theridiidae) native to Tropical Africa that has established populations across multiple continents through human-mediated introduction. The species occupies savanna and thicket biomes at moderate elevations and constructs tangled webs in vegetation. It is listed as Least Concern in South Africa due to its broad distribution.
Meriola
Meriola is a genus of araneomorph spiders in the family Trachelidae, established by Nathan Banks in 1895. The genus contains approximately 24 species distributed primarily in South America, with some species extending into North America. Several species have been introduced to the United States, notably Meriola arcifera in California and Hawaii. The genus is taxonomically distinct from a homonymous genus of crabs in the family Xanthidae.
Meriola arcifera
Meriola arcifera is a species of true spider in the family Trachelidae, first described by Simon in 1886. It is native to South America, with confirmed records from Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. The species has been introduced to several regions outside its native range, including the United States (California and Hawaii) and Chilean offshore islands (Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island). Its establishment in these areas suggests human-mediated dispersal, though specific introduction pathways remain undocumented.
Mermessus bryantae
dwarf spider
Mermessus bryantae is a species of dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by Ivie & Barrows in 1935. Originally described as Eperigone bryantae, this species has a broad native distribution across North America, Cuba, and Venezuela, and has been introduced to the Azores archipelago. As a member of the Linyphiidae, it belongs to one of the most species-rich spider families, commonly known as sheet-web weavers or money spiders. The genus Mermessus is part of an emerging research system for studying heritable bacterial symbionts in spiders.
Mermessus fradeorum
Mermessus fradeorum is a small sheet-weaving spider (family Linyphiidae) originally described from North America and subsequently introduced to multiple regions worldwide. The species has gained scientific attention as an emerging model organism for studying heritable bacterial symbiont communities. Individual spiders can simultaneously host up to five distinct maternally transmitted bacteria, including Rickettsiella, Wolbachia, and Tisiphia, making this species valuable for research on multi-symbiont interactions and temperature effects on symbiont community dynamics.
Mesoleius tenthredinis
larch sawfly parasite
Mesoleius tenthredinis is a parasitoid ichneumonid wasp introduced from Europe to North America as a biological control agent against the larch sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii). Its embryonic development has been studied in detail, revealing characteristics of primitive endoparasitoids. The species exhibits a notable host-parasite interaction involving encapsulation immunity in some host populations. A putative baculovirus has been detected in ovarian tissues of females.
Mesopsocus immunis
woodland barklouse
Mesopsocus immunis is a barklouse species in the family Mesopsocidae, commonly known as the woodland barklouse. It occurs across Western Europe and Hungary, inhabiting woodland environments where it feeds on lichens, algae, and other organic material on tree bark. The species has been introduced to North America, with records from Canada.
Metadelphax propinqua
delphacid planthopper
Metadelphax propinqua is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae with a remarkably broad global distribution spanning six continents. It has been introduced to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Laboratory studies on a Turkish population maintained at 22°C documented an egg stage of 12 days, nymphal development of 19 days through five instars, and adult female longevity of 51 days, with fecundity averaging 1112 eggs per female. Adults exhibit wing dimorphism, occurring as macropters, brachypters, or intermediary forms.
Metaltella
Metaltella is a genus of South American spiders in the family Desidae (formerly Amphinectidae), first described by Cândido Firmino de Mello-Leitão in 1931. The genus contains six species distributed across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. One species, Metaltella simoni, has been introduced to North America and is now established in the southeastern United States and Canada. Members of this genus are hacklemesh weavers that construct webs with retreats. The genus is notable for its intertidal ecology in its native range and its successful establishment as an introduced species in North America.
Metaltella simoni
South American Toothed Hacklemesh Weaver
Metaltella simoni is a small hacklemesh weaver spider native to South America (Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil), introduced to North America through human commerce. First recorded in Louisiana in 1944, it has become established in the southeastern United States and coastal southern California, with subsequent records in Canada. The species builds sheet webs with a retreat and exhibits distinctive behaviors including leaving the retreat when threatened, which increases vulnerability to predation.
Metellina
Autumn Spider
Metellina is a genus of orb-weaving spiders in the family Tetragnathidae, distributed primarily across Eurasia with two species in North America. The genus includes sixteen species as of 2025, with M. segmentata being the most abundant orb-weaving spider in Germany and introduced to Canada. Metellina spiders construct webs low in vegetation and are commonly known as Autumn Spiders. Some researchers have proposed placing this genus in a distinct family, Metidae.
Metzneria lappella
Burdock Seedhead Moth, Burdock Seed Moth
A small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 13–19 mm, native to the Palaearctic region and introduced to North America. It is univoltine, with adults active in late spring and summer. The species is tightly associated with burdock plants (Arctium), where larvae feed on developing seeds.
Microdipoena guttata
Microdipoena guttata is a species of minute true spider in the family Mysmenidae, first described by Banks in 1895. It possesses a broad native distribution spanning from the United States through Central America to Paraguay. The species has been introduced to several African localities including Ivory Coast, DR Congo, and the Comoros. As a member of the Mysmenidae, it belongs to one of the smallest families of spiders, whose members are typically found in leaf litter, moss, and other humid microhabitats.
Micropholcus fauroti
cellar spider
Micropholcus fauroti is a cellar spider (family Pholcidae) with a pantropical distribution. The species has been introduced to Europe, with established records in Belgium and Germany. Approximately 87% of global records fall between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. It is a small-bodied spider associated with human-modified environments in its introduced range.