Litter-bugs
Guides
Ceratocombidae
minute litter bugs
Ceratocombidae is a family of minute litter bugs in the order Hemiptera, classified within the infraorder Dipsocoromorpha and superfamily Dipsocoroidea. The family comprises at least three genera—Astemma, Ceratocombus, and Leptonannus—with approximately 20 described species. Members are small, cryptic insects associated with decomposing organic matter in forest habitats. Their diversity is greatest in the Indo-Pacific region, though species occur across North America, Europe, Madagascar, and the Oriental region.
Schizoptera
minute litter bugs
Schizoptera is the largest genus of minute litter bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Dipsocoromorpha), comprising approximately 90 described extant species plus two fossil species. The genus is divided into four subgenera: Schizoptera (Cantharocoris), Schizoptera (Odontorhagus), Schizoptera (Schizoptera), and Schizoptera (Zygophleps). Species are abundant in New World bulk and residue samples, with extensive undescribed diversity indicated by recent collecting efforts. Male genitalia are intricate and asymmetrical, providing excellent diagnostic features for species identification.