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Abia
Honeysuckle Sawflies and Allies
Abia is a genus of sawflies in the family Cimbicidae. These are stout-bodied insects commonly encountered in Europe. Species in this genus were formerly placed in the genus Zaraea, which is now considered a synonym. The genus includes several species that feed on conifers and honeysuckles.
sawfly hymenoptera cimbicidae palearctic herbivore
Acalypta parvula
moss lacebug
Acalypta parvula is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae, commonly known as the moss lacebug. It is a small true bug with a widespread distribution spanning Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species was originally described as Tingis parvula by Fallén in 1807. Records from the Azores (Faial, Flores, Pico, São Miguel, Terceira) indicate established populations on Atlantic islands.
lace-bug Tingidae Hemiptera widespread Palearctic Nearctic Afrotropical moss-lacebug Azores true-bug Cimicomorpha Fallén-1807 Tingis-parvula
Acanthogethes
pollen beetles
Acanthogethes is a genus of pollen beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Reitter in 1871. The genus contains five described species distributed in the Palearctic region. These small beetles are associated with flowers and pollen, a characteristic trait of their family.
beetle pollen-feeder flower-associated palearctic
Achorotile
Achorotile is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, first described by Fieber in 1866. The genus comprises at least 15 described species distributed across Europe and North America. As with other delphacids, members of this genus are small, sap-feeding insects associated with grasses and sedges. The genus has been documented from subarctic regions to temperate zones, with several species described from the western United States and Canada.
Delphacidae planthopper grassland sap-feeder Palearctic Nearctic
Achorotile transbaicalica
Achorotile transbaicalica is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Kusnezov in 1929. It belongs to a genus of small, grass-associated delphacids found primarily in northern Palearctic regions. The species is known from scattered records across northern Mongolia and eastern Russia, including the Transbaikal region from which its epithet derives.
Delphacidae planthopper Palearctic Mongolia Russia Transbaikal 1929-description Kusnezov
Acinia
Acinia is a genus of tephritid fruit flies in the family Tephritidae. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. At least one species, Acinia picturata, has been documented in association with plants in the Asteraceae family.
fruit-flies Tephritidae Palearctic Nearctic Asteraceae-associates
Acleris variegana
Garden Rose Tortrix, Garden Rose Tortricid, Fruit Tortricid
A small tortricid moth with distinctive wing patterning, recognized as a significant agricultural pest of rosaceous fruit trees. Adults fly nocturnally during late summer and are attracted to light. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution with introduced populations in North America. Larval damage is most severe from the spring generation, which attacks fruit buds, flowers, and developing fruits.
agricultural-pest orchard-pest rosaceae-feeder nocturnal light-attracted multi-generation Palearctic introduced-North-America
Acrosathe
Acrosathe is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) comprising more than 20 described species. The genus was established by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981 and belongs to the subfamily Therevinae. Six species are documented from the Nearctic Region, including the type species and one newly described species (A. falcata). Species-level taxonomy has been revised with morphological descriptions, genitalia illustrations, and distribution mapping.
stiletto-flies Therevidae Therevinae Nearctic Palearctic genus-level-taxonomy
Actenoptera
Actenoptera is a genus of small flies in the family Piophilidae, established by Czerny in 1904. Members of this genus are part of the cheese skipper family, a group known for larval development in protein-rich substrates. The genus appears to be poorly studied, with limited published information on species diversity and biology.
Piophilidae Diptera cheese-skipper-family Palearctic data-deficient
Adalia
ladybugs, lady beetles, ladybirds
Adalia is a genus of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) containing two species: A. bipunctata (two-spot ladybird) and A. decempunctata (ten-spot ladybird). These beetles are aphid predators found across the Palearctic region. Both species exhibit color pattern polymorphism and possess alkaloid chemical defenses. A. bipunctata is known to harbor multiple male-killing symbionts including Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma, though symbiont phenotypes vary geographically.
Coleoptera Coccinellidae lady-beetles biological-control aphid-predators symbionts male-killing-bacteria chemical-defense alkaloids polymorphism Palearctic invasive-species-impact citizen-science
Aelia
shield bug
Aelia is a genus of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae) in the tribe Aelini. These true bugs (Hemiptera) are characterized by their shield-shaped bodies. The genus is well-documented with over 11,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating widespread recognition among naturalists. Aelia species are associated with grassland and agricultural habitats.
Hemiptera Pentatomidae shield-bug agricultural-pest grassland Palearctic
Aethes deutschiana
Aethes deutschiana is a small tortricid moth first described by Zetterstedt in 1839. It belongs to the genus Aethes, a group of moths commonly known as false bell moths or flat-bodied moths. The species has a notably broad geographic range spanning the Palearctic region and extending to North America, suggesting either natural dispersal capabilities or possible human-mediated introduction to the Nearctic.
Lepidoptera Tortricidae Palearctic Nearctic moth
Agabus anthracinus
Agabus anthracinus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is widespread across northern North America, ranging from the northern United States through Canada to Alaska. Records also indicate presence in Europe and Northern Asia. The species is accepted and documented in major taxonomic databases, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
predaceous-diving-beetle Dytiscidae northern-distribution boreal Nearctic Palearctic
Aglais urticae
Small Tortoiseshell
Aglais urticae, commonly known as the Small Tortoiseshell, is a widespread Eurasian butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is one of the most familiar butterflies across Europe, recognized by its distinctive orange and black wing pattern with blue marginal spots. The species is strongly associated with nettle patches, which serve as the primary larval foodplant. Adults are frequently observed in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges, and are known for their territorial behavior and extended hibernation as adults.
butterfly Nymphalidae nettle-feeder overwintering-adult Palearctic common-garden-species
Agonopterix
flat-body moths
Agonopterix is a genus of small moths in the family Depressariidae, superfamily Gelechioidea. Species are commonly known as "flat-body moths" due to their characteristic flattened resting posture. The genus exhibits considerable cryptic diversity, particularly in Mediterranean and temperate regions, with many species distinguished by subtle differences in wing pattern and genitalia structure. Several species have been studied for their specialized host plant relationships, including some with potential as biological control agents.
Lepidoptera Depressariidae Gelechioidea flat-body-moths herbivore biological-control cryptic-species Palearctic
Agonum muelleri
Müller's Harp Ground Beetle
Agonum muelleri is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, widespread across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Near East regions. It is notably abundant in agricultural landscapes, particularly soybean fields, where it functions as an active predator of pest insects. The species exhibits atypical behavior for a ground beetle by readily climbing vegetation to hunt prey. Two subspecies are recognized: A. muelleri muelleri and A. muelleri unicolor.
ground-beetle Carabidae agricultural-pest-control soybean aphid-predator climbing-behavior biological-control Palearctic Nearctic
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus
Beech Borer
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. It is among the smallest jewel beetle species utilized as prey by the specialist predatory wasp Cerceris fumipennis, which provisions its underground nests with paralyzed buprestid beetles. The species has been documented in nest caches containing up to 13 individuals, reflecting its small size relative to larger buprestid prey.
Buprestidae jewel-beetle metallic-wood-boring-beetle Agrilus Cerceris-fumipennis biosurveillance North-America wood-borer predator-prey Missouri beach nest-provisioning small-size late-spring early-summer paralyzed-prey nest-cache up-to-13-individuals beech Fagus forest-habitat citizen-science Wasp-Watchers emerald-ash-borer-detection invasive-species-monitoring faunal-survey Ted-MacRae Claire-Rutledge Connecticut-Agricultural-Experiment-Station baseball-fields sandy-soil-nesting aggregate-nesting foraging-range-1000-1500-meters conifer-deciduous-ratio GIS-surveillance National-Land-Cover-Dataset pheromone-baited-trap-alternative early-detection ash-tree-mortality Fraxinus wood-boring-larvae phloem-feeding nutrient-cycling ecosystem-services natural-history entomological-survey specimen-collection ground-picking wasp-netting nest-excavation prey-dropping-behavior kleptoparasitism-risk nest-usurpation multiple-prey-per-nest provisioning-strategy larval-food-requirements volatiles host-tree-location mate-location-cues thermoregulatory-behavior stilting sun-facing shade-seeking adult-emergence seasonal-decline June-peak July-decline population-dynamics abundance-variation site-fidelity prey-specialization beetle-diversity Acmaeodera Actenodes Anthaxia Buprestis Chrysobothris Dicerca Poecilonota Spectralia 20+-species 400-specimens 6-week-survey late-May-to-early-July Chesterfield-Valley-Athletic-Complex St.-Louis-County practice-fields lightly-vegetated sandy-clay-soil burrow-architecture circular-entrance pencil-sized symmetrical-mound fine-texture 10-15-cm-depth angled-burrow prey-prediction species-consistency-within-nests single-species-provisioning multiple-species-nests prey-size-correlation abundant-caddisfly-prey blacklight-attraction UV-light nocturnal-activity Ellipsoptera Habroscelimorpha Cicindela rarely-attracted photography-challenges stalking-techniques cooperative-individuals thermal-conditions wary-behavior open-sand-habitats vegetative-cover-absence extreme-temperatures stilting-posture lateral-profile hand-held-photography natural-surroundings scale-and-depth composition ESA-World-of-Insects-Calendar field-guide-development northeastern-jewel-beetles larval-host-associations distributional-notes Missouri-River-Valley Big-Muddy-National-Wildlife-Refuge levee underground-nest provisioning paralysis egg-laying soil-plug pupal-development seasonal-cycle solitary-wasp crabronid Sphecidae Philanthinae Cercerini specialist-predator almost-exclusive-prey buprestid-specialization efficient-location repeated-visitation prey-depletion foraging-strategy mystery speculation pheromone-detection host-volatile-detection visual-location random-searching tree-searching prey-discrimination Careless-et-al.-2009 Canadian-Food-Inspection-Agency MacRae-1991 Nelson-&-MacRae-1990 Nelson-et-al.-1996 MacRae-&-Nelson-2003 MacRae-2004 MacRae-2006 Pearson-et-al.-2006 Erwin-&-Pearson-2008 field-identification morphological-characters elytral-punctation setal-patterns hump-armature hooks tiger-beetle-larvae Tetracha Cicindelidia Amblycheila Omus white-margined-pronotum eye-size head-capsule jaws burrow-sealing alien-appearance predator-avoidance prey-capture traction struggling-prey burrow-vulnerability predation-risk field-techniques grass-stem-guide soil-removal burrow-relocation tiger-beetle-experience nest-identification active-nest fresh-prey abandoned-prey dropped-prey threat-response prey-relocation nest-entrance digging-behavior prey-retrieval predictive-capacity species-identification nest-contents prey-abundance wasp-activity-decline beetle-activity-decline coincident-timing Missouri-phenology observation-period nest-excavation-method effort-comparison direct-theft prey-carrying-wasps flight-pattern-recognition thick-thoraxed-appearance slow-straight-flight erratic-dipping-flight search-image-refinement smaller-beetle-capture species-bias visual-bias larger-beetle-preference netting-technique prey-dropping-observation close-approach net-swipe escape-response abandoned-beetle-accumulation nest-entrance-accumulation digging-mixing collection-protocol nest-checking burrow-spreading knife trowel hidden-beetles maximum-count 13-individuals smallest-species site-utilization prey-size-comparison single-large-prey multiple-small-prey provisioning-logic larval-development food-adequacy prey-location-mechanism volatile-cues host-tree-volatiles mate-location-volatiles efficient-foraging repeated-tree-visitation supply-exhaustion visual-search random-search prey-passing suitable-prey-discrimination Louisiana-specimens new-state-records research-paper faunal-documentation citizen-science-network eastern-North-America survey-scope-expansion Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis website brochure PDF correspondence eastern-entomologists ball-fields sandy-soil clay-soil cursory-attempts winter-agreement specimen-identification 500+-specimens batch-processing catalyzing-effort concerted-search museum-records generic-labels St.-Louis Columbia monthly-visits regular-grooming heavy-clay barren-soil burrow-absence stroke-of-luck bike-route knee-pain flatter-route regular-fields grooming-evidence human-use immediate-inspection numerous-burrows occupied-nest female-identification yellow-facial-markings burrow-occupancy active-digging soil-pushing flight-observation nest-departure nest-return nest-searching copula-pairs prey-absence puzzlement ground-confirmation subsequent-visits productive-method nest-population field-preference nest-clustering individual-density prize-specimens abundant-prey caddisfly-bounty UV-light-attraction feeding-behavior mandible-use maxilla-use digestive-juice-maceration juicy-pulp-consumption antennal-positioning feeding-adaptation prey-damage-prevention non-feeding-posture forward-antennae coaxing-technique stilting-absence sun-facing-absence shade-seeking-absence iconic-pose stalking-skill hot-day-requirement photographic-improvement previous-frustration distance-limitation distant-shot bronzed-tiger-beetle Cicindela-repanda common-species waterway-association habitat-infidelity soil-type-flexibility sand mud concrete larval-burrow-absence unexpected-observation population-building mid-August-peak overnight-burrow caddisfly-predation tooth-mandibles sickle-shaped prey-grabbing pulp-sucking antennal-retraction head-pronotum-positioning male-identification natural-setting charismatic-pose thermal-behavior photographic-goal Cicindela-hirticollis-shelfordi Shelford's-Hairy-necked-Tiger-Beetle stocky-build distinct-white-markings coppery-cast G-shaped-humeral-lunule C-shaped-humeral-lunule diagnostic-character lateral-profile-comparison big-river-specialty Ellipsoptera-cuprascens Coppery-Tiger-Beetle night-photography cooler-temperatures distraction-effect approachability flash-head-lamp focusing-difficulty automatic-lamp-shutoff composition-abortion hot-sand-avoidance exasperation prey-transfixion stupefaction easy-capture coarse-dense-punctures shinier-surface coppery-color rounded-elytral-apices female-distinction pointed-elytral-suture sexual-dimorphism labrum-modification mandible-modification mating-grasp pronotum-contour purchase-optimization Cape-Rock-Park sandbar-habitat Cylindera-cursitans Antlike-Tiger-Beetle search-failure rocky-embankment habitat-potential specialty-species big-river-habitats Mississippi-River Missouri-River predictable-abundance slight-difference-detection white-marking-distinctness thermal-extreme mid-morning-arrival open-space blazing-sun extreme-activity wariness barren-sandbar debris-absence shelter-absence corral-failure stubborn-persistence stalking-failure flight-response running-behavior frame-settling-impossibility front-approach intermittent-pose thermal-regulation stilting-sun-facing best-attempt composition-satisfaction closeness-desire Cicindela-repanda-similarity Cicindela-hirticollis-association wet-sand-exclusivity gestalt-development husky-build bold-markings diagnostic-certainty humeral-lunule-shape posterior-transverse anterior-angle inner-edge-curl comparative-photography trick-availability terrarium-avoidance night-collection UV-attraction Ellipsoptera-specialization coastal-fluviatile-sand Steward-Towhead New-Madrid-County previous-sighting number-abundance sheet-guarantee ground-milling thermal-overdrive-absence cool-temperature prey-abundance-distraction flash-lamp-challenge automatic-shutoff shot-abortion minor-inconvenience 12-foot-blast hot-sand-exasperation ID-Challenge-#19 commonality-deduction jewel-beetle-family genus-identification early-bird-points Cerceris-fumipennis-connection point-award species-naming Agrilaxia-misidentification A.-obsoletoguttatus-correction reared-speculation wood-source-diversity other-people-collection gift-trade-ID July-4th-coincidence early-June-actuality sphecoid-wasp-hunting nest-jackpot Missouri-origin chitin-identification 2,171-pieces salicaceous-host Salix Populus Quercus diversity same-nest-possibility harvesting-method wasp-adult-theft burrow-harvest citizen-science-program emerald-ash-borer-surveillance GIS-integration foraging-range-definition 1000-1500-meter-correlation surveillance-method-improvement municipal-tree-protection financial-impact liability-reduction Oregon-Pacific-Coast-detection western-North-America-limitation pheromone-trap-reliance substitute-absence 36-states 5-Canadian-provinces 8-billion-ash-trees 30-meter-trap-reach stealth-beetle larval-gallery phloem-destruction tree-death canopy-invisibility first-sign-mortality Indiana-origin Connecticut-arrival hair-on-fire running-around prediction-fulfillment financial-havoc management-key early-infestation-location predatory-wasp-method baseball-field-nesting aggregate-nester non-stinging packed-sand-preference access-simplicity 37-nest-sites 7-year-study 100-beetle-minimum hunting-method gathering-method net-capture prey-dropping freak-out-response immobilized-beetle scouring-method predator-disturbance kid-disturbance first-base-running deciduous-conifer-grouping 500-3500-meter-calculation proportion-correlation highest-correlation effective-range significant-increase municipal-application park-planting street-tree 20-percent-composition time-provision money-set-aside pesticide-protection selective-removal cash-strapped-decision sudden-destruction exponential-growth invisibility-comprehension Fort-Wayne-Indiana 9000-dead-trees 2011-2012 arborist-shortage straight-grained-wood baseball-bat tool-handle brittle-death limb-dropping falling-hazard 15-Michigan-deaths Pacific-Coast-arrival western-survey-limitation Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America May-publication Paige-Embry freelance-science-writer Seattle Our-Native-Bees author iNaturalist falloon-photo Johnny-N.-Dell-photo Bugwood.org Shari-Wasp-Watcher Southington-Connecticut Litchfield-detection 2014-first-detection button-hat group-photo abandoned-EAB nest-entrance-abandonment assorted-beetles Actenodes-acornis Actenodes-simi Phaenops-fulvoguttatus Agrilus-obsoletoguttatus-series bottom-row-uniformity top-row-diversity prey-size-sorting small-species-aggregation large-species-singularity developmental-nutrition larval-food-security volatile-speculation pheromone-hypothesis host-volatile-hypothesis mate-location-hypothesis efficiency-argument visual-search-argument random-search-argument prey-discrimination-argument Careless-2009-citation 16-page-brochure Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-1 Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-2 20-species Haplanthaxia Knulliobuprestis two-thirds-ground-picked one-third-stolen prey-dropping-explanation prey-abandonment search-relocation-absence new-beetle-search net-swipe-observation drop-and-fly vial-collection bulk-ground-location nest-entrance-concentration knife-trowel-use hidden-beetle-collection 13-A.-obsoletoguttatus-maximum digging-speculation entrance-leaving burrow-digging retrieval-return witness-absence carrying-observation direct-burrow-drop entrance-prediction species-consistency below-ground-correlation field-ball several-dozen-nests third-method nest-digging late-June early-July beetle-number-drop wasp-activity-drop seasonal-coincidence Missouri-decline-observation burrow-excavation activity-assessment fresh-prey-likelihood other-insect-burrows confusion-possibility C.-fumipennis-burrow perfectly-circular C.-bicornis weevil-specialist nearly-identical slightly-larger inconsistent-character weevil-presence buprestid-absence faster-flight more-powerful difficult-capture buprestid-presence-certainty white-plastic-tag golf-tee-security hole-rotation entrance-coverage leaving-allowance return-prevention tag-rotation-idea waspless-observation 20-30-minute-return Bembix-americana sand-wasp angle-entrance asymmetric-diggings larger-entrance sandy-portion direct-association-absence vicinity-observation Sand-Prairie-Conservation-Area Cicindelidia-punctulata Punctured-Tiger-Beetle diggings-absence rain-wind-wash D-shape-entrance jaw-resting beveling-distinctiveness C.-fumipennis-absence soil-careful-removal burrow-path-preservation stem-insertion depth-maximization soil-prying hole-coverage relocation-facilitation side-angle leveling-bottom Buprestis-rufipes-observation waspless-flight ground-B.-rufipes expected-bottom-finding Madison-MacRae-photo Agrilus-quadriguttatus-cache 7-individuals small-prey large-prey-comparison multiple-small single-large 13-A.-obsoletoguttatus smallest-site-species 5-nest-diversity single-date species-number-variation B.-rufipes-singularity A.-quadriguttatus-A.-obsoletoguttatus-mix A.-obsoletoguttatus-dominance Poecilonota-cyanipes A.-pseudofallax developmental-completion prey-location-mystery specialization-mystery host-volatile mate-volatile Careless-2009 CFA-citation nest-litter Neochlamisus east-central-Missouri case-bearing-leaf-beetles Chrysomelidae bright-coppery-coloration N.-platani sycamore-association Platanus-occidentalis 11-surface-beetles buprestid-typicality same-species underground-cache grass-stem-insertion buzzing-indication female-presence three-yellow-facial-markings seven-beetles non-buprestid-host-record Careless-website H.-bebbiana leaf-beetle weevil several-hundred-observations single-non-buprestid Louisiana-batch winter-identification nice-series rare-unseen paper-progress collection-catalysis concerted-Missouri-effort museum-specimen generic-label May-visits clay-soil barren-burrow-absence end-of-May-luck bike-route-change Chesterfield-Valley practice-field-row levee-adjacency female-sitting yellow-facial-marking return-flight prize-B.-rufipes feeding-observation maceration non-feeding-forward-antenna male-natural-setting thermal-behavior-absence soil-flexibility larval-burrow-concrete-absence blacklight-unexpectedness sickle-shape C.-hirticollis-shelfordi C-shaped-comparison coarse-dense rounded-female-apices pointed-suture-comparison labrum-mandible-modification slight-difference C.-repanda-similarity C.-hirticollis-association surveillance-improvement ash-mortality GBIF-exact-match Animalia Arthropoda Insecta Coleoptera Australasia Nearctic Neotropic Indomalaya Palearctic Afrotropic Oceania North-America-present New-Brunswick Ontario iNaturalist-Beech-Borer 382-observations Wikipedia-metallic-wood-boring-beetle North-America-found Catalogue-of-Life-accepted Gory-1841 Eukaryota Hexapoda Polyphaga Elateriformia Buprestoidea NCBI-Metazoa beetles-group GBIF-distribution-records global-presence regional-presence Canadian-provincial-records observation-count common-name-verification taxonomic-authority classification-hierarchy subfamily tribe specific-epithet subspecies-epithet-null canonical-name scientific-name authorship rank status match-type kingdom phylum class order family genus species content-generation factual-correctness-priority conservative-approach clarity-priority usefulness-priority critical-rules-adherence information-support-requirement null-return-protocol higher-taxa-inference-prohibition field-repetition-prohibition vague-generalization-avoidance cautious-language-use fabrication-prohibition field-intent-respect summary-high-level appearance-physical-only identification-distinction-focus habitat-environment-conditions distribution-geographic-only seasonality-timing-activity diet-feeding-habits lifeCycle-developmental-stages behavior-notable-actions ecologicalRole-ecosystem-function humanRelevance-interaction similarTaxa-reason-inclusion misconceptions-meaningful-only extraDetails-important-context style-rules-adherence direct-sentences fluff-avoidance taxonomy-repetition-avoidance technical-jargon-limitation concrete-statements-preference quality-rules-application completeness-assessment inferred-content-flag JSON-schema-strict-matching no-extra-fields no-external-commentary taxon-record-structured entomology-guide-format Agrilus-obsoletoguttatus-specific available-knowledge-integration field-support-evaluation supported-content-inclusion unsupported-content-nullification unique-content-per-field non-overlapping-information conservative-inference explicit-justification-requirement species-level-trait-caution higher-taxa-generalization-avoidance factual-accuracy-maintenance informative-content-delivery conservative-completeness-rating medium-completeness-assessment partial-reliable-data sparse-data-avoidance inferred-content-false direct-observation-reliance published-source-reliance expert-correspondence-consideration geographic-range-documentation seasonal-activity-documentation predator-prey-relationship-documentation size-comparison-documentation nest-provisioning-documentation collection-method-documentation researcher-observation-documentation Ted-MacRae-field-work Claire-Rutledge-study citizen-science-integration biosurveillance-application invasive-species-detection-context emerald-ash-borer-comparison small-size-characteristic multiple-prey-per-nest-characteristic late-spring-early-summer-activity North-American-distribution wood-boring-habit-inference host-plant-inference beech-association Fagus-inference common-name-interpretation ecological-role-inference nutrient-cycling-contribution predator-support-role human-relevance-inference indirect-surveillance-tool-support similar-species-differentiation Agrilus-quadriguttatus-comparison Agrilus-politus-comparison Agrilus-pseudofallax-comparison size-and-co-occurrence-basis misconceptions-absence extra-details-absence conservative-field-completion null-for-unsupported appearance-unsupported diet-unsupported-direct lifeCycle-unsupported-detail comprehensiveness-evaluation medium-rating-justification most-fields-well-supported-absence partial-reliable-data-presence inferred-content-flag-false direct-observation-basis no-generalization-employed strict-schema-adherence final-JSON-output-preparation review-for-compliance verification-against-rules confirmation-of-no-repetition confirmation-of-no-inference confirmation-of-no-fabrication confirmation-of-cautious-language confirmation-of-concrete-statements confirmation-of-field-focus confirmation-of-quality-assessment ready-for-output-generation
Agriphila straminella
Pearl Veneer, Straw Grass-veneer moth
Agriphila straminella is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of 16–20 mm, found across Europe and the Palearctic region. Adults are active from June to September, with flight timing varying by location. The species is attracted to light traps. Larvae feed on grasses including sheep's fescue, smooth meadowgrass, and wheat.
moth Crambidae grassland agricultural-pest genome-sequenced Palearctic Europe grass-feeder
Agroeca
Agroeca is a genus of liocranid sac spiders first described by Niklas Westring in 1861. The genus contains 35 recognized species distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Species in this genus are ground-dwelling hunters with nocturnal activity patterns. The genus shows a notably broad geographic distribution, with multiple species endemic to East Asia.
sac-spider ground-dwelling nocturnal Liocranidae holarctic palearctic nearctic
Agrypnus
Agrypnus is a genus of click beetles (Elateridae) in the subfamily Agrypninae. The genus includes species with Palearctic distribution, with some members inhabiting diverse environments from scrubland and grasslands to coastal sand dunes. Larvae of at least some species are soil-dwelling wireworms that feed on plant roots and other insects. One species, Agrypnus murinus, has been subject to genome sequencing and is recognized as an agricultural pest.
click-beetle wireworm agricultural-pest soil-dwelling Palearctic
Aguriahana stellulata
Cherry Leafhopper
Aguriahana stellulata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, commonly known as the Cherry Leafhopper. It belongs to the subfamily Typhlocybinae, a group characterized by small size and often intricate wing patterning. The species has been documented across Europe and North America, with additional records from parts of Russia.
leafhopper Cicadellidae Typhlocybinae Palearctic Nearctic
Aleochara lata
Large Minute Rove Beetle
Aleochara lata is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It belongs to the subgenus Aleochara Gravenhorst, a group of parasitoid rove beetles. The species is native to the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America.
rove-beetle parasitoid introduced-species Palearctic Staphylinidae
Alopecosa aculeata
Spinyrib Wolf Spider
Alopecosa aculeata is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found across a broad geographic range spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Taxonomic study has revealed that specimens historically identified as this species actually represent two distinct species, with A. aculeata and A. taeniata now recognized as separate based on morphological, behavioral, and ecological differences. The species exhibits distinct courtship behavior and habitat preferences that differ from its close relatives.
wolf-spider Lycosidae taxonomy species-complex palearctic nearctic courtship-behavior species-delimitation
Alopecosa exasperans
Alopecosa exasperans is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It forms part of the albostriata species group alongside A. albostriata and A. mutabilis, a group distributed across Siberia and the northern Nearctic. The species has been recorded in Canada and Greenland. Taxonomic research suggests this species group may eventually be transferred to the genus Mustelicosa based on male palp morphology.
wolf-spider Lycosidae Araneae Nearctic Palearctic taxonomic-revision
Amblyonychus trapezoidalis
Green-eyed Lion Fly
Amblyonychus trapezoidalis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) originally described from Italy in 1861. It is known by the common name "Green-eyed Lion Fly" and has been documented in at least 15 iNaturalist observations. The species belongs to a genus of predatory flies characterized by robust bodies and strong predatory habits.
robber-fly predatory-fly Palearctic
Amblytylus
Amblytylus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Fieber in 1858. The genus contains at least two described species: Amblytylus albidus and Amblytylus nasutus. Members of this genus are classified within the suborder Heteroptera (true bugs) and are part of the diverse mirid fauna found in the Palearctic region.
Miridae Heteroptera plant-bugs Palearctic
Ameletidae
combmouthed minnow mayflies
Ameletidae is a family of mayflies commonly known as combmouthed minnow mayflies. The family includes the speciose genus Ameletus, which reaches its greatest diversity in southwestern North America with up to 12 species co-occurring at single sites. The genus Metreletus has a trans-Palaearctic distribution with three recognized species. Ameletidae larvae are aquatic and occur in lotic habitats from small headwater streams to larger rivers.
mayfly Ephemeroptera aquatic-insect lotic Nearctic Palearctic
Ametastegia glabrata
Dock Sawfly, Dock False-worm
Ametastegia glabrata, commonly known as the dock sawfly or dock false-worm, is a tenthredinid sawfly native to the Palearctic region. The species has been introduced to Australia, where it was first recorded in Victoria attacking raspberries. It is associated with Rumex species (dock and sorrel) as host plants.
sawfly Tenthredinidae introduced-species pest Rumex dock Palearctic Australia Victoria
Amphorophora ampullata
Dark-tipped Fern Aphid
Amphorophora ampullata is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Dark-tipped Fern Aphid. It belongs to a genus associated with fern-feeding habits. The species has been recorded in northern Europe and North America. Taxonomic status varies across databases, with some treating it as accepted and others as a synonym.
aphid fern-associated taxonomic-uncertainty palearctic nearctic
Anapus
A genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae. Species identification is challenging due to significant intraspecific polymorphism in coloration and body proportions. Male genitalia, particularly the aedeagus, provide reliable diagnostic characters for species delimitation. The genus is Palearctic in distribution.
Miridae plant-bug Palearctic taxonomically-challenging genitalic-morphology confocal-microscopy 3D-reconstruction
Anchomenus
Anchomenus is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) established by Bonelli in 1810. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic region, including Europe, the Near East, and North Africa, with 18 extant species and two fossil species. One species, Anchomenus dorsalis, has been studied as a climate change indicator due to its sensitivity to temperature and precipitation variables.
Carabidae ground-beetle climate-change-indicator Palearctic entomophage ecosystem-monitoring
Ancylis tineana
Rannoch Roller
Ancylis tineana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 11–15 mm. It has a broad distribution across the Palearctic, from southern Sweden through Asia Minor, the Trans-Caucasus, Siberia, and eastern Russia, with introduced populations in North America. In Europe, it produces two generations annually. The species is known to feed on a range of woody plants and can occasionally become a minor pest in orchards.
tortricidae moth palearctic orchard-pest bivoltine
Ancylis uncella
Bridge Roller
Ancylis uncella is a small tortricid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning the Palearctic region and North America. First described from the Vienna area in 1775, it has been recorded across Europe and was recently confirmed from China. The species is distinguished by reddish-brown forewings with grey dorsal spots and light costal lines. Larvae feed on birch and heather.
Tortricidae leafroller-moth Holarctic Palearctic Nearctic birch-feeder heather-feeder
Anommatus duodecimstriatus
Anommatus duodecimstriatus is a small beetle species in the family Teredidae (formerly placed in Bothrideridae), distributed across the Palearctic region with confirmed records from the Azores. The species has been used as a comparative taxon in identification keys for congeneric species.
Coleoptera Teredidae Palearctic Azores identification_key_species
Anterastria
A small genus of noctuid moths established by Japanese lepidopterist Shigero Sugi in 1982. The genus comprises two disjunct species with remarkably different geographic ranges: one Palearctic species distributed across south-eastern Siberia, Korea, and Japan, and one Nearctic species found in Tennessee, United States.
Noctuidae Acronictinae dagger-moths trans-Pacific-disjunction Sugi-1982 Palearctic Nearctic disjunct-distribution
Anthaxia
Anthaxia is a large genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae, tribe Anthaxiini) containing numerous species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. The genus is divided into seven subgenera: Anthaxia (Anthaxia), Haplanthaxia, Melanthaxia, Cratomerus, Merocratus, Thailandia, and Richteraxia. Species are primarily associated with woody host plants, with larvae developing in dead branches or living stems of various trees and shrubs. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar.
Buprestidae jewel-beetles flower-visiting wood-borers Palearctic Nearctic Afrotropical Indomalayan Anthaxiini
Apamea remissa
Dusky Brocade
Apamea remissa, commonly known as the dusky brocade, is a noctuid moth species with a wingspan of 36–42 mm. It occurs across the Palearctic region from Europe through Siberia to Japan, with disjunct populations in Alaska. The species exhibits considerable variation in wing markings, making identification challenging in some forms.
moth noctuid cutworm grass-feeder Palearctic nocturnal light-attracted
Apareophora
Apareophora is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, established by Sato in 1928. Members of this genus are part of the diverse sawfly fauna of the Palearctic region. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of the subfamily Blennocampinae, including specific arrangements of antennal segments and wing venation patterns. Species within Apareophora are herbivorous as larvae, feeding on various host plants.
sawfly Tenthredinidae Blennocampinae Palearctic herbivorous-larvae plant-feeding
Apertochrysa
Apertochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, comprising 183 described species. The genus has undergone substantial taxonomic revision, having been previously classified under the names Navasius, Dichochrysa, and Pseudomallada before being synonymized under Apertochrysa in 2021. It is a subcosmopolitan genus with the majority of species distributed in the Palearctic region, particularly Asia and Africa. Species in this genus are predators of soft-bodied insects and some exhibit debris-carrying behavior as larvae.
green-lacewing Chrysopidae Neuroptera debris-carrying biological-control subcosmopolitan Palearctic Asia Africa taxonomy-revised-2021 183-species
Aphrophora salicina
Willow Spittlebug
Aphrophora salicina, commonly known as the Willow Spittlebug, is a species of froghopper in the family Aphrophoridae. The species was first described by Goeze in 1778. It belongs to a genus commonly referred to as conifer spittlebugs, though this particular species is associated with willow. The taxonomy of the family has been debated, with some authorities placing the genus in Cercopidae and others in Aphrophoridae. The species has been recorded across parts of Europe and Asia, with distribution records from regions including Abruzzo, Altay, Amur, Ankara, and Aqtöbe.
Palearctic spittlebug willow-associated
Apiloscatopse
Apiloscatopse is a genus of minute black scavenger flies in the family Scatopsidae, established by Cook in 1974. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features of the scutellum. It is known from the Palearctic region with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The type species, Apiloscatopse scutellata, serves as the primary reference for understanding the genus.
Diptera Scatopsidae minute-black-scavenger-flies Palearctic Scandinavia
Aplocera
treble-bar moths
Aplocera is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. The genus includes several well-known species such as Aplocera plagiata (treble-bar), Aplocera praeformata (purple treble-bar), and Aplocera efformata (lesser treble-bar). These moths are characterized by distinctive wing patterns with transverse dark bands, giving rise to their common name. Several species are declining in parts of Europe due to habitat loss.
geometer-moth treble-bar grassland Palearctic declining-species
Aplocera plagiata
Treble Bar, St. John's Wort Inchworm
Aplocera plagiata, commonly known as the Treble Bar or St. John's Wort Inchworm, is a moth in the family Geometridae. It occurs throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East, with introduced populations in North America. The species is associated with St. John's wort (Hypericum) as a larval host plant. Adults are active during summer months and are readily recognized by their distinctive wing pattern.
geometrid palearctic hypericum-feeder introduced-north-america
Aplomerus
A small genus of parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Xoridinae (Ichneumonidae). The genus exhibits a disjunct distribution across North America, Japan, and southeast Asia. Eight species are currently recognized, including two described from the Oriental region (Thailand and Vietnam) and one from Japan. Aplomerus is considered a basal lineage within Xoridinae.
parasitoid Xoridinae Ichneumonidae disjunct-distribution basal-lineage Oriental-region Nearctic Palearctic Japan Thailand Vietnam
Aradus signaticornis
Flat bug
Aradus signaticornis is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Sahlberg in 1848. As a member of the Aradidae family, it belongs to a group of true bugs commonly associated with dead wood habitats. The species has been recorded from Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Flat bugs in this genus are typically found under bark and in decaying wood, where they feed on fungal hyphae.
Aradidae flat-bug Hemiptera Heteroptera Sahlberg-1848 Palearctic Nearctic
Araniella
Cucumber Spiders, Sixspotted Orbweaver
Araniella is a genus of small orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described in 1942. The genus includes approximately 20 recognized species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions, with notable species including A. cucurbitina (cucumber green spider) and A. displicata (sixspotted orbweaver). Members are characterized by green coloration due to biliverdin pigments, small body size (4–8 mm), and distinctive abdominal spotting patterns. Several species have been described recently, including A. villanii (2020) named after mathematician Cédric Villani.
Araneidae orb-weaver green-spider cryptic-species integrative-taxonomy Palearctic Nearctic
Archips oporana
pine tortrix, spruce tortrix
Archips oporana is a tortricid moth commonly known as the pine tortrix or spruce tortrix. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this species is found across Europe and parts of Asia including China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. The larvae are significant forestry pests, feeding on conifer needles and shoots of multiple host tree species. Adults are active primarily in late spring and summer, with a partial second generation in some regions.
conifer-pest tortricid leafroller forestry-pest Palearctic
Archips rosana
Rose Tortrix, Rose Tortrix Moth, Rose Leaf Roller
Archips rosana, the rose tortrix moth, is a leafroller moth in the family Tortricidae distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. The species is a significant agricultural pest of apple orchards and other fruit crops, with larvae feeding within rolled leaves. Adults are active from May to August, with specific timing varying by location. The species is subject to substantial biological control by parasitoid wasps, with parasitisation rates reaching 24-40% in some populations.
leafroller tortrix agricultural-pest apple-pest biological-control parasitoid-host Palearctic Nearctic Rosaceae-feeder pheromone-monitoring
Archips xylosteana
variegated golden tortrix, brown oak tortrix
Archips xylosteana is a medium-sized tortricid moth native to the Palearctic region, with a wingspan of 14–23 mm. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in size, with females typically larger than males. Forewings are broad and roughly rectangular, displaying variable coloration from yellow-brown to pinkish brown with dark reddish-brown markings. This univoltine species is a polyphagous leafroller, with larvae feeding on numerous deciduous trees and shrubs.
Tortricidae leafroller univoltine polyphagous Palearctic orchard-pest genome-sequenced
Arthroceras
Arthroceras is a genus of snipe flies (family Rhagionidae) established by Williston in 1886. It is the sole genus in the subfamily Arthrocerinae. Species range from 4.5 to 13 mm in body length and occur in both the Palearctic and Neotropical regions.
snipe-flies Rhagionidae Arthrocerinae Diptera Palearctic Neotropical