Mediterranean-origin
Guides
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.
Cacoecimorpha pronubana
Carnation Tortrix, Carnation Leaf-roller
Cacoecimorpha pronubana is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth of Mediterranean origin, now widespread across Europe, North Africa, and introduced to North America and South Africa. The sole species in its genus, it is a significant pest of ornamental plants and horticultural crops. Larvae feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits, rolling leaves with silken webbing to create concealed feeding shelters. The species exhibits complex transgenerational responses to host plant changes, with parental diet affecting offspring development and reproduction.
Chaetophiloscia
Chaetophiloscia is a genus of small terrestrial isopods in the family Philosciidae, established by Verhoeff in 1908. The genus is native to the northern Mediterranean region, with at least two species documented: C. sicula, which has become invasive in North America and parts of Europe, and C. elongata, studied in North African coastal habitats. Species in this genus are characterized by their association with moist, anthropogenic, and coastal environments, and their capacity for rapid range expansion through human-mediated transport.
Chaetophiloscia sicula
Chaetophiloscia sicula is a small (~6 mm) terrestrial isopod native to the northern Mediterranean region. First recorded in North America in 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland, it has since spread to at least nine U.S. states and Washington D.C., primarily through human-aided dispersal associated with urban environments. The species exhibits strong habitat preferences for anthropogenic settings such as gardens and urban parks, as well as coastal areas including upper sandy beaches and jetties. Its rapid expansion across North America and Europe is facilitated by affinity to moist, disturbed habitats and potential transport via the pet trade and potted plants.
Eumerus funeralis
Lesser Bulb Fly
Eumerus funeralis, commonly known as the Lesser Bulb Fly, is a small hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Originally described from the Mediterranean basin, it has become cosmopolitan in distribution, particularly widespread in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. The species is notable for its phytophagous larvae, which develop in damaged bulbs and are recognized as a minor pest of ornamental plants including Narcissus, Hyacinthus, and Amaryllis.
Larinus minutus
lesser knapweed flower weevil
Larinus minutus is a small true weevil used as a biological control agent against invasive knapweeds, particularly diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) and spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa). Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, it was first released in the United States in 1991 and is now established throughout the western United States. Adults feed on knapweed foliage and flowers, while larvae develop within flower heads and consume developing seeds, often destroying 100% of seeds in infested heads.
Lasioderma haemorrhoidale
Lasioderma haemorrhoidale is a small beetle in the family Anobiidae (formerly placed in Ptinidae). It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been unintentionally introduced to other areas. The species is known to feed on seed heads of Malta starthistle (Centaurea melitensis), though it has proven ineffective as a biological control agent for this plant. It is one of several stored product pest species in the genus Lasioderma.
Prodidomus rufus
Prodidomus rufus is a species of true spider in the family Prodidomidae. It was described by Hentz in 1847 and has a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species appears to be native to the Mediterranean region and Africa, with confirmed established populations across the Americas, Asia, and Pacific islands suggesting human-mediated dispersal. Its wide range and presence on remote islands indicates significant colonization ability.
Scutigeromorpha
house centipedes, long-legged centipedes
Scutigeromorpha is an order of centipedes commonly known as house centipedes or long-legged centipedes. Adults possess 15 pairs of legs and compound eyes divided into ommatidia with crystalline cones. A unique diagnostic feature is the dorsal placement of spiracles along the midline of the back, distinguishing this order from all other centipedes and placing it in the subclass Notostigmophora. The order includes three families (Pselliodidae, Scutigeridae, Scutigerinidae) with 88 species across 27 genera. The Mediterranean species Scutigera coleoptrata has been introduced globally through human activity.