Microarthropod-predator
Guides
Batrisodes riparius
Batrisodes riparius is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as short-winged mould beetles. It was described by Thomas Say in 1824, making it one of the earlier described species in the genus. Males of this species, like other Batrisodes, possess distinctive facial modifications including horns, spines, or other projections that give the genus its informal nickname "gargoyle beetles." The species occurs across eastern North America in leaf litter habitats.
Batrisodes scabriceps
gargoyle beetle
Batrisodes scabriceps is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as the short-winged mould beetles. Males of this species exhibit pronounced facial modifications including horns, spines, or other projections that give the genus its informal name 'gargoyle beetles.' The species was originally described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1849 and occurs across eastern and central North America. Like other members of Batrisodes, it is presumed to inhabit leaf litter and prey on microarthropods.
Linyphiidae
Sheetweb weavers, Dwarf spiders, Money spiders
Linyphiidae is the second largest family of spiders worldwide, comprising approximately 5,000 described species in around 650 genera. Members are characterized by extremely small body sizes, typically under 5 mm, and the construction of flat, sheet-like webs often suspended in a maze of supporting threads. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in male genital morphology, with many species displaying elaborate cephalic projections and modified pedipalps used in species identification. Ecologically, they function as important predators of small arthropods in diverse habitats ranging from forest canopies to snow surfaces and cave systems.