Invasive-species
Guides
Megachile lanata
Woolly Wall Bee
Megachile lanata is a solitary leafcutter bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Fabricius in 1775. It is considered an invasive species in Pakistan and has been introduced to regions including Colombia and Florida. The species is an important pollinator of horticultural, ornamental, aromatic, and agricultural crops. Studies have documented its nesting behavior in pre-existing cavities and its foraging activity across diverse landscapes.
Megachile policaris
Texas leafcutter bee, policaris leafcutter bee
Megachile policaris is a large, solitary leafcutter bee native to North America that has established invasive populations in Hawaiʻi. First detected on Oʻahu in 2017, it is now present on multiple Hawaiian islands including Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island. It is among the largest Megachile species in North America, with females reaching 18–22 mm. The species constructs nests in pre-existing cavities and uses cut leaf pieces to line brood cells.
Megachile sculpturalis
giant resin bee, sculptured resin bee
Megachile sculpturalis is a large solitary leafcutting bee native to Japan, China, and South Korea. First detected in North Carolina in 1994, it has become established across much of eastern North America and has spread rapidly through Europe since its first detection near Marseille, France in 2008. Females are notably larger than males and use their powerful mandibles to collect plant resin for sealing brood cells. Unlike carpenter bees, M. sculpturalis cannot excavate wood and relies entirely on pre-existing cavities, particularly abandoned galleries of carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) in wooden structures.
Megachilini
leaf-cutter bees, resin bees, leaf-cutter and resin bees
Megachilini is the most species-rich tribe within the bee family Megachilidae, comprising four genera: Megachile, Coelioxys, Noteriades, and Radoszkowskiana. The tribe is notable for the leaf-cutting behavior exhibited by many Megachile species, wherein females cut and process fresh leaves for nest construction using specialized interdental laminae—razor-like structures between the mandibular teeth. This morphological innovation may have triggered subsequent diversification within the group. The tribe also includes cleptoparasitic genera (Coelioxys and Radoszkowskiana) that exploit Megachile nests. Phylogenetic relationships within and among genera remain poorly resolved despite the group's high diversity and global distribution.
Megacopta
Megacopta is a genus of true bugs in the family Plataspidae, containing at least 25 described species distributed across Asia. The genus is best known for Megacopta cribraria, the kudzu bug, which became an invasive pest in North America after its accidental introduction to Georgia in 2009. Members of this genus are phytophagous, with many species associated with leguminous plants. Several Megacopta species possess obligate bacterial gut symbionts that are essential for normal development and are transmitted via symbiont capsules deposited on egg masses.
Megacopta cribraria
kudzu bug, bean plataspid, globular stink bug, lablab bug
Megacopta cribraria is a plataspid shield bug native to South and East Asia that has become a significant invasive pest in the southeastern United States since its discovery in Georgia in 2009. The species exhibits a specialized symbiotic relationship with gut bacteria, particularly Candidatus Ishikawella capsulata, which enables it to feed on leguminous plants. North American populations descend from Japanese lineages and possess microbiomes that facilitate soybean infestation, distinguishing them from some Asian populations. The bug is notable for its strong aggregation behavior, attraction to white surfaces, and defensive secretion that causes odor, skin irritation, and staining.
Megalurothrips
bean flower thrips, oriental bean thrips, Asian bean thrips
Megalurothrips is a genus of thrips in family Thripidae, established by Bagnall in 1915. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across the Old World and Australia. The most economically significant species, Megalurothrips usitatus, is a major pest of leguminous crops, particularly cowpea, soybean, and common bean, causing damage to flowers and developing pods. Several species have been introduced beyond their native ranges, with M. usitatus recently detected in the Americas.
Megastigmus spermotrophus
Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp, Douglas-fir Seed Chalcid
Megastigmus spermotrophus is a seed-parasitic chalcid wasp native to western North America that has become invasive in Europe and other regions. It specializes in attacking seeds of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), causing significant economic losses in seed orchards and natural forests. The species exhibits complex life history traits including facultative larval diapause lasting up to three years, which enables population persistence despite fluctuating cone crops. Females oviposit through cone scales into developing seeds, and the species shows preferences for larger cones with strongly arched exteriors and cone tips. Genetic polymorphism in diapause expression allows adaptation to varying environmental conditions.
Megastigmus transvaalensis
Peppertree Seed Chalcid
Megastigmus transvaalensis is a minute chalcid wasp native to South Africa that has become invasive in Mexico, Brazil, and Chile. Adults are yellowish-brown with pronounced sexual dimorphism in size. The species is a seed parasite that targets drupes of Rhus species in its native range and has shifted to Schinus species in South America, with significant implications for biological control and native plant conservation.
Melormenis basalis
West Indian Flatid Planthopper
Melormenis basalis is a species of flatid planthopper in the family Flatidae, commonly known as the West Indian Flatid Planthopper. It belongs to the order Hemiptera, the true bugs, and is characterized by the flattened, often leaf-like body form typical of the family Flatidae. The species has been recorded from several Caribbean islands and has established populations in Florida and Hawaii, indicating potential for human-mediated dispersal. Like other planthoppers, it feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Mermessus
Decorated-fanged Linyphiids
Mermessus is a genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) comprising approximately 82 species as of 2025. The genus is notable for including Mermessus trilobatus, one of Europe's most invasive spider species, which has spread across the continent from North America since the late 1970s. Research on Mermessus fradeorum has established it as an emerging model system for studying heritable bacterial symbiont communities, as individuals can host up to five simultaneous symbionts including Rickettsiella, Wolbachia, and Tisiphia. Some species exhibit low habitat specificity, contributing to their invasion success in agricultural and semi-natural ecosystems.
Mermessus trilobatus
Trilobate Dwarf Weaver
Mermessus trilobatus is a dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, native to North America and introduced to Europe and the Azores since the late 1970s. It has become the most invasive spider in Europe, expanding across multiple countries within fifty years. Unlike most invasive spiders in Europe, it occurs primarily in agricultural and semi-natural open habitats rather than buildings. First described by James Henry Emerton in 1882.
Merodontini
Merodontini is a tribe of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) within the subfamily Eristalinae. The tribe includes genera such as Merodon, Eumerus, and Psilota. Larvae of Merodon and Eumerus tunnel into plant bulbs, while Psilota larvae have been found in sap runs. Some species, particularly Eumerus strigatus, are phytophagous and pose potential risks to agricultural crops such as onion (Allium cepa). The tribe has been recorded across multiple continents including the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Neotropical regions, with new species and distribution records continuing to be documented.
Metamasius callizona
Mexican bromeliad weevil
Metamasius callizona is an invasive weevil native to southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama that was first documented in Florida in 1989. Adult females chew slits in bromeliad leaves near feeding sites and deposit single eggs within these wounds. Larvae mine meristematic tissue and flower stalks, typically killing host plants, while adult leaf feeding is generally non-fatal. Florida populations have grown dramatically larger than native-range densities and now threaten multiple native and endangered bromeliad species.
invasive-speciespestbiological-controlbromeliad-specialistFloridaMexicoGuatemalaPanamaTillandsiaAnanasLixadmontia-frankiholometabolousmultivoltineepiphyteconservation-concernendangered-species-threatgardening-industry-vectorparasitoid-introductionBeauveria-bassiana-(native-range-pathogen-not-present-in-Florida)Metamasius hemipterus
Silky Cane Weevil, West Indian Sugarcane Weevil, moleque-da-bananeira, broca-rajada
Metamasius hemipterus is a weevil species in the family Dryophthoridae, commonly known as the silky cane weevil or West Indian sugarcane weevil. It is a significant agricultural pest of sugarcane, banana, coconut, and ornamental palms. The species has been introduced to multiple regions beyond its native range and is now established across the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Larvae bore into plant stalks and stems, causing direct and indirect damage that reduces crop productivity. The species is known to use aggregation pheromones and is associated with the endosymbiont "Candidatus Nardonella dryophthoridicola".
Metcalfa pruinosa
Citrus Flatid Planthopper
Metcalfa pruinosa is a polyphagous planthopper native to North America that has become a significant invasive pest across Europe, Asia, and other regions. Adults measure 5.5–8 mm in length and are covered in a distinctive bluish-white waxy coating. The species produces one generation per year, with eggs overwintering in bark crevices. It feeds gregariously on plant sap, excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth and causes direct damage to crops and ornamentals. First described by Thomas Say in 1830, it has spread to over 20 countries and is known to attack more than 300 plant species.
Metrioptera roeselii
Roesel's Bush-cricket
Metrioptera roeselii, commonly known as Roesel's Bush-cricket, is a medium-sized bush-cricket native to continental Europe that has undergone significant range expansion in northern Europe since the 1980s. The species is characterized by a distinctive yellow-green coloration with a prominent yellow stripe along the lateral margin of the pronotum. It exhibits wing dimorphism, with both short-winged (brachypterous) and long-winged (macropterous) forms occurring in populations; the long-winged form is associated with range expansion. The species has been introduced to Britain and Scandinavia, with genetic evidence indicating human-mediated dispersal in some isolated populations.
Micropholcus
cellar spiders
Micropholcus is a genus of cellar spiders (Pholcidae) characterized by long legs and relatively fragile bodies. It is one of only two pholcid genera with both Old and New World distributions, though morphological and ecological differences exist between geographic groups. The genus currently contains at least 29 species, with major taxonomic revisions in 2014 (transfers from Leptopholcus) and 2024 (description of twelve new Old World species). The type species M. fauroti has a pantropical distribution and has been introduced globally.
Microterys
Microterys is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), with its center of distribution in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Species are important natural enemies of various scale insects (Coccoidea), including soft scales (Coccidae), wax scales (Ceroplastes), and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly for managing pest scale insects on citrus and other crops. Several species have been introduced to new regions as biocontrol agents, including Microterys flavus in California.
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slug moths, cup moths
Monema is a genus of medium-sized yellowish moths in the family Limacodidae, commonly known as slug moths or cup moths. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across East and Southeast Asia. Members are notable for their larval morphology: caterpillars are flattened, legless in appearance, and move using suckers and liquefied silk lubricant in a wave-like motion resembling slugs. The genus includes significant forestry pests, particularly Monema flavescens, which has been introduced to North America.
Monodontomerus
Monodontomerus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Torymidae, distributed globally with greatest diversity in the Holarctic Region. Species in this genus are parasitoids of various insect orders, with documented associations including pollinators such as megachilid bees and other hymenopterans. Some species have economic importance as biological control agents or pests of beneficial insects. The genus includes at least 25 described species in the New World, with ongoing taxonomic revisions revealing additional diversity.
Monolexis fuscicornis
Monolexis fuscicornis is a parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Doryctinae. It has been documented as a larva-pupa parasitoid of the wood-boring beetle Trogoxylon impressum, a pest of fig plants in Turkey. The species represents a potentially significant biological control agent for managing bostrichid beetle infestations in agricultural settings.
Monomorium
Trailing, Pharaoh, and Timid Ants
Monomorium is a large and morphologically diverse genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, containing approximately 396 species as of 2013. The genus exhibits remarkable variation in worker size, eye development, and caste polymorphism, with species ranging from minute to relatively large. It includes several significant pest species, notably the pharaoh ant (M. pharaonis) and the flower ant (M. floricola), which have achieved global distribution through human commerce. The genus is considered taxonomically problematic, lacking distinct morphological synapomorphies and currently recognized as paraphyletic, with several subgroups recently elevated to separate genera based on molecular evidence.
Monomorium floricola
Bicolored Trailing Ant, Flower Ant
Monomorium floricola is a small myrmicine ant native to tropical regions that has become a widespread global invader. Commonly known as the bicolored trailing ant or flower ant, it is frequently transported through human commerce and has established populations across multiple continents. The species is characterized by its diminutive size, polygynous colony structure, and association with human-disturbed habitats. It is recognized as a significant invasive species with potential ecological impacts in tropical biodiversity hotspots.
Monomorium pharaonis
Pharaoh Ant
Monomorium pharaonis, commonly known as the pharaoh ant, is a small (approximately 2 mm) yellow to light brown invasive ant species of unknown origin that has become one of the most widespread and problematic indoor pest ants globally. It is a highly polygynous, unicolonial species with colonies containing multiple queens, workers, males, and brood. The species exhibits pronounced caste polyphenism with distinct morphologies and behaviors across queens, workers, and males. Pharaoh ants are notorious for infesting hospitals, food service facilities, and residential structures, where they pose significant public health risks as mechanical vectors of pathogens. Their complex social structure, involving multiple reproductives and decentralized nest sites, makes them exceptionally difficult to control using conventional insecticide treatments.
Monophlebidae
giant scales, monophlebids
Monophlebidae is a family of scale insects commonly known as giant scales or monophlebids. The family was first recognized as separate from Margarodidae by Maskell in 1880 based on morphological differences. Members are characterized by large body size among scale insects, with some species reaching 35 mm in length. The family is morphologically diverse but appears to be monophyletic. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of woody plants including citrus.
Monoxia
Monoxia is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae. The genus contains approximately 16-18 described species distributed in North America and the Neotropics. At least one species, Monoxia obesula, has become invasive in Europe and North Africa. Members of this genus are associated with host plants in the family Amaranthaceae, particularly Atriplex and Chenopodium species.
Murgantia
Murgantia is a genus of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae, tribe Pentatomini) comprising approximately six described species. The genus is best known for Murgantia histrionica, commonly called the harlequin bug, a significant agricultural pest of cruciferous crops in North America. Species in this genus exhibit bright aposematic coloration—typically combinations of orange, black, and yellow—and possess chemical defense mechanisms derived from host plant compounds. Research on M. histrionica has established it as a laboratory model for studying developmental plasticity, thermal melanism, and gene expression patterns in hemimetabolous insects.
Myllocerus
oriental broad-nosed weevils, ash weevils, grey weevils, Sri Lankan weevils
Myllocerus is a large genus of oriental broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, comprising at least 330 described species. Species within this genus are predominantly distributed across the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests. Notable pest species include Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Sri Lankan weevil), M. maculosus (cotton grey weevil), and M. viridanus (ash weevil), which attack diverse crop plants including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruit trees. The genus exhibits typical weevil morphology with broad rostrums and root-feeding larval stages combined with foliage-feeding adults.
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus
Sri Lankan weevil
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus, the Sri Lankan weevil, is a polyphagous curculionid pest native to Sri Lanka that has spread to India, Pakistan, and the United States. It was first identified in Florida in 2000 on Citrus species and has since established populations in the state. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism with females typically larger than males. Research has documented its cold tolerance limitations, mating behavior involving female abdominal rocking and prolonged copulatory guarding, and susceptibility to certain biopesticides.
Myrmarachne
ant-mimic spiders, ant-mimicking jumping spiders
Myrmarachne is a large genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders (Salticidae) first described by MacLeay in 1839. With approximately 188 described species, it is the most diverse genus of jumping spider in Southeast Asia. These spiders exhibit remarkable morphological and behavioral convergence with ants, including elongated cephalothoraxes with constricted waists, coloration matching local ant species, and foreleg waving to simulate antennae. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several genera split off in recent years including Helicius (2016) and the revalidation of Emertonius (2018).
Myrmarachne formicaria
Ant-mimicking jumping spider
Myrmarachne formicaria is an ant-mimicking jumping spider (Salticidae) native to the Palearctic region and introduced to North America. It is one of few Myrmarachne species found outside the tropics. The species exhibits sophisticated locomotor mimicry, walking with all eight legs while adopting ant-like postures and movement patterns. It was first recorded in the United States in Ohio in 2001 and has since spread to multiple states.
Myrmica rubra
European fire ant, common red ant
Myrmica rubra is a widespread Palaearctic ant species native to Europe, now invasive in parts of North America and Asia. Workers are reddish-brown with darker heads, 3.5–5.5 mm in length. The species exhibits complex social structure with both macrogynes and microgynes, and colonies are polygyne and polydomous. It serves as a host for several myrmecophilous butterflies and has been documented transmitting viruses through scavenging behavior.
Myzocallis walshii
Black-bordered oak aphid
Myzocallis walshii is a North American aphid species that has established in Europe as an invasive pest of American red oak (Quercus rubra). Native parasitoids in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula have adapted to this introduced aphid. The species has been recorded across much of North America and has spread to at least 15 European countries.
Myzus lythri
loosestrife aphid
Myzus lythri is a specialized aphid species that feeds exclusively on purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). It has been used as an indicator species to track the distribution and spread of this invasive weed in North America. Suction trap surveys in Idaho demonstrated that aphid collection patterns successfully predicted undocumented purple loosestrife populations, representing a novel application of insect survey data for weed documentation.
Myzus persicae
green peach aphid, greenfly, peach-potato aphid
Myzus persicae is a globally distributed aphid pest with a life cycle alternating between primary woody hosts (Prunus spp., especially peach) and secondary herbaceous hosts across 40 plant families. The species exhibits cyclical parthenogenesis in most populations, with sexual reproduction and egg-laying restricted to autumn on primary hosts. It is the most economically important aphid vector of plant viruses, capable of transmitting over 100 different viruses to crops including potato, tobacco, and brassicas. Some genotypes have lost sexual reproduction entirely, becoming obligate parthenogens that persist year-round on secondary hosts.
Nathrius brevipennis
Nathrius brevipennis is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) native to the Palearctic region that has become cosmopolitan through human-mediated transport in timber and wood packaging. Adults measure 4–7 mm in length. The species is polyphagous on dead twigs of broadleaved trees, with documented hosts spanning at least 15 genera including Alnus, Rosa, Fraxinus, Corylus, Ficus, Castanea, Salix, Juglans, Quercus, Morus, Cornus, Ceratonia, Pistacia, Ziziphus, Robinia, and Ostrya. Its invasive spread has led to first records in Australia and other regions outside its native range.
Nauphoeta
speckled cockroach, lobster cockroach, cinereous cockroach
Nauphoeta is a monotypic genus of cockroaches in the family Blaberidae, containing the single species Nauphoeta cinerea. The genus is notable for its well-studied social behavior, including male territoriality and dominance hierarchies. Nauphoeta cinerea has become a widely used laboratory model organism for behavioral, physiological, and toxicological research, and has achieved a circumtropical distribution through human-mediated dispersal.
Nebria brevicollis
European Gazelle Beetle, Short-collared Gazelle Beetle
Nebria brevicollis is a ground beetle native to Europe and the Near East that has been introduced to western North America. It is a nocturnal, opportunistic predator with a flexible life history involving photoperiod-controlled reproductive diapause. The species exhibits remarkable habitat breadth, from sea level to alpine zones, and shows phenotypic plasticity in flight muscle development based on larval nutrition. Its rapid expansion in the Pacific Northwest has raised questions about potential ecological impacts on native carabid communities.
Nematus
Willow Sawflies
Nematus is a genus of sawflies (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) commonly known as willow sawflies. Species within this genus are phytophagous, with larvae feeding on leaves of various host plants including willows, poplars, birches, and rhododendrons. Several species are recognized as significant economic pests of fruit bushes, trees, and ornamental plants. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America.
Neoclytus acuminatus
Red-headed Ash Borer, Red-necked Ash Borer
Neoclytus acuminatus, commonly known as the red-headed ash borer, is a North American longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. Adults measure 12–16 mm in length and exhibit striking wasp-mimic coloration with reddish-brown bodies marked by four contrasting yellow bands. The species develops in dead or dying hardwood trees, particularly ash, hickory, and oak, where larvae feed on sapwood. Multiple generations may occur annually in warmer regions. Adults emerge in early spring and are frequently attracted to ethanol-based baits. The species has expanded beyond its native range through human-mediated transport of wood materials and is now established in parts of Europe.
Neocrepidodera
Neocrepidodera is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) containing approximately 100 described species distributed worldwide. Species occur primarily in the Western Palearctic, with many restricted to medium and high elevation mountain ecosystems. Adults are typically small, often exhibiting metallic or rusty coloration, and possess the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping. Several species have become established outside their native ranges, including N. ferruginea in North America.
Neoscapteriscus borellii
Southern Mole Cricket
Neoscapteriscus borellii, commonly known as the southern mole cricket, is a fossorial orthopteran native to South America that has become an established invasive pest in the southeastern United States since its introduction around 1900. Unlike its herbivorous relatives, this species is primarily predatory, feeding on insects and earthworms. Its extensive tunneling in sandy soils damages lawns, pastures, golf courses, and cultivated plants by loosening soil, uprooting vegetation, and promoting desiccation.
Nepticulidae
Pygmy Eye-capped Moths, pigmy moths, midget moths
Nepticulidae is a family of extremely small moths distributed worldwide except Antarctica. Adults are characterized by distinctive eyecaps covering the eyes and narrow, lanceolate wings with simplified venation. Wingspans range from 3 mm to 10 mm, making them among the smallest living moths. Larvae are predominantly leaf miners, though some species mine seeds or bark. The family contains over 1,000 described species with significant undescribed diversity, particularly in tropical regions. Two subfamilies are recognized: Pectinivalvinae, endemic to Australia, and Nepticulinae, distributed globally.
Nezara
Green Vegetable Bugs
Nezara is a genus of plant-feeding stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, established by Amyot and Serville in 1843. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The most economically significant species is Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the southern green stink bug or green vegetable bug, which is a major agricultural pest of legumes, cotton, and numerous other crops. Several species have been documented as pests of soybean and other economically important crops in South America, with N. viridula being particularly problematic due to its cosmopolitan distribution and polyphagous feeding habits.
Nezara viridula
Southern Green Stink Bug, Southern Green Shield Bug, Green Vegetable Bug
Nezara viridula is a cosmopolitan, shield-shaped stink bug and major agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly soybeans, beans, and peas. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it has spread worldwide through human trade and strong flight capability. The species exhibits complex behaviors including aggregation, maternal guarding of egg masses, and vibrational communication for mate location. In temperate zones, adults enter winter diapause with a reversible color change from green to brown or russet.
Nipponaclerda
roseau cane scale, Phragmites scale insect
Nipponaclerda is a genus of flat grass scales in the family Aclerdidae, containing species that are specialist sap-feeders on grasses in the genus Phragmites. The genus is native to East Asia and has become invasive in North America. The best-known species, N. biwakoensis, has caused extensive dieback of Phragmites australis in Louisiana's Mississippi River Delta since 2016, threatening critical wetland ecosystem services.
Nipponaclerda biwakoensis
Roseau Cane Mealybug, Phragmites Scale Insect
Nipponaclerda biwakoensis is a scale insect in the family Aclerdidae, native to East Asia (Japan, China, Korea) and first described from Japan in 1907. It is a specialist herbivore on Phragmites australis (common reed), feeding on phloem sap. The species was detected as an invasive pest in Louisiana's Mississippi River Delta in 2016, where it has caused extensive dieback of roseau cane—the dominant coastal wetland plant critical for shoreline stabilization. In its invasive range, densities can exceed 150 individuals per meter of stem and damage over 80% of reeds in affected areas. The species has since spread to Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. In its native range, population dynamics are influenced by five species of hymenopteran parasitoids and predation by wintering birds.
Nitidula flavomaculata
Yellow-spotted Nitidula, Yellow-spotted Sap Beetle
Nitidula flavomaculata is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. Native to the Mediterranean Region, it has become naturalized in North America. The species is strongly associated with later stages of decay in mammalian corpses, making it valuable for forensic investigations. Its presence on carrion distinguishes it from many other sap beetles that feed primarily on plant exudates, pollen, or fungi.
Nitidulidae
sap beetles, sap-feeding beetles, picnic beetles
Nitidulidae is a family of small beetles commonly known as sap beetles or picnic beetles, with approximately 4,500 described species worldwide and 173 species in North America. Members exhibit highly variable feeding habits, ranging from sap-feeding to scavenging on carrion, fermenting fruits, fungi, and stored products. Several species are economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly in tree nut crops and honey bee colonies. The family has gained recent attention as vectors of the oak wilt pathogen (Bretziella fagacearum), with beetles transmitting fungal spores from infected to healthy oak trees. Some species have been successfully deployed in bioconversion systems to recycle agricultural waste.