Microhabitat-specialists
Guides
Dactylosternum
Dactylosternum is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, containing more than 20 described species. Species occupy diverse microhabitats including fungal hyphae on fallen wood, decaying wood associated with termites, and living plant tissues such as banana trees. The genus exhibits morphological variation correlated with lifestyle: species living inside plant tissues possess a compact antennal club and parallel-sided body form, while free-living species have a loose antennal club and rounded body form.
Demodecidae
Mammalian Follicle Mites
Demodecidae is a family of highly host-specific mites that inhabit the skin and associated structures of mammals. Species within this family typically exhibit strict specificity to a single host species, though individual mammals may harbor multiple demodecid species simultaneously. These mites occupy discrete microhabitats including hair follicles, sebaceous glands, Meibomian glands of the eye, ear canals, and other specialized skin regions. The family was formerly known as Demodicidae. Members range from among the smallest known animals (70–80 μm) to larger species exceeding 190 μm in length.
Limosininae
Limosininae is a subfamily of lesser dung flies (Sphaeroceridae) within the order Diptera. The subfamily comprises numerous genera distributed across the New World and Pacific regions, with many species associated with decaying organic matter and specialized microhabitats. Several genera have been described or revised in recent taxonomic work, including Aptilotella, Phthitia, Albistyla, Helicosina, Stipulosina, and Bregmosina. Species within this subfamily exhibit diverse morphological adaptations, with some showing strong associations with specific plant substrates such as bamboo stipules, furled Heliconia leaves, and treefall habitats rich in green leaf litter.
Mysmenidae
dwarf cobweb weavers
Mysmenidae is a family of minute spiders comprising approximately 135-188 described species across 13-17 genera. Members are among the smallest known spiders, ranging from 0.75 to 3 mm in body length. The family is one of the least studied groups of orb-weaving spiders due to their diminutive size and cryptic habits. Many species exhibit kleptoparasitic behavior, inhabiting the webs of other spiders to steal prey.