Near-east
Guides
Dichrorampha acuminatana
Sharp-winged Drill
Dichrorampha acuminatana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 10–15 mm, found across Europe and the Near East. The species exhibits distinctive wing patterns with dark fuscous ground color, purplish tints, and ochreous irroration. Adults are active from May to September, with larvae feeding on Leucanthemum vulgare (oxeye daisy) and Tanacetum vulgare (tansy). The species has been well-documented in Belgium and the Netherlands, with over 2,000 iNaturalist observations.
Dysstroma truncata
Marbled Carpet Moth, Common Marbled Carpet
Dysstroma truncata is a widely distributed moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the marbled carpet moth or common marbled carpet. It is very common throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East. The species has been recorded in North America as well. It is sometimes placed in the genus Chloroclysta due to taxonomic uncertainty, though Dysstroma is the currently accepted genus. With over 8,600 observations on iNaturalist, it is among the more frequently documented geometrid moths.
Mesentotoma near-dollfusi
Mesentotoma near-dollfusi is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae. It belongs to a genus of small, soft-bodied hexapods characterized by a compact, rounded body form. Records indicate this species occurs in the Near East region, with documented presence in Iran. The specific epithet "near-dollfusi" suggests morphological similarity to M. dollfusi, a related species described from the Mediterranean region.
Orphilus
Orphilus is a genus of dermestid beetles in the subfamily Orphilinae, established by Erichson in 1846. The genus contains seven described species distributed across the Palearctic region, the Near East, and North America. It is the type genus of its subfamily and has been included in recent comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of Dermestidae.
Platystoma seminationis
Dancing Kiss Fly
Platystoma seminationis is a small signal fly (family Platystomatidae) distributed across Europe and the Near East, with introduced populations in North America. Adults are active from May to October and are known for their distinctive courtship ritual, in which males and females touch proboscises for 5–15 seconds after a dance of rapprochement. The species feeds primarily on nectar and pollen of Euphorbia species, as well as feces, while larvae develop in decaying vegetable matter and fungi.
Thera juniperata
Juniper Carpet
Thera juniperata, commonly known as the Juniper Carpet, is a moth species in the family Geometridae. It occurs throughout Europe and the Near East, with records also from North America. The species is considered uncommon and locally distributed, primarily due to its specialized larval dependence on juniper as a food source. Adults are active in late autumn, with the species exhibiting a single generation per year.