Palearctic
Guides
Cephennium
Cephennium is a genus of minute rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Scydmaeninae, first described by Müller and Kunze in 1822. The genus is predominantly western European in distribution but has been recorded across Europe, Northern America, the Middle East, and as far east as Kyrgyzstan. Recent taxonomic work has revealed substantial undescribed diversity, particularly in Turkey where 25 named species are now recognized. The genus has been introduced to North America via port cities, with C. gallicum documented from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Cephimallota
Cephimallota is a genus of small moths in the family Tineidae, established by Bruand in 1851. The genus contains five described species distributed across the Palearctic region. These moths are classified within the clothes moth family Tineidae, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cercyon impressus
Cercyon impressus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. It belongs to a genus of small beetles commonly associated with moist or aquatic environments.
Cetema elongatum
Cetema elongatum is a small fly species in the family Chloropidae, commonly known as grass flies. It occurs across the Palearctic region, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The larval stage has been documented feeding on grasses in the family Poaceae.
Ceutorhynchini
Ceutorhynchini is a tribe of true weevils within the subfamily Baridinae of the family Curculionidae. Members of this tribe are small to medium-sized weevils with characteristic rostrate heads. The tribe contains numerous genera distributed across multiple continents, with documented diversity in North America, the Palearctic region, tropical Africa, and Asia. Several subtribes have been recognized within Ceutorhynchini, including Oxyonychina.
Chaetocnema hortensis
Chaetocnema hortensis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Alticinae. The species measures 1.5 to 2.3 mm in length and exhibits metallic coloration ranging from bronze or coppery to sometimes green. It is widespread across the Palearctic region, including Europe and eastward to the Amur region. The species has been recorded as a pest of crops.
Chaetostomella
Chaetostomella is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Hendel in 1927. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. At least one species, Chaetostomella cylindrica, exhibits host race formation on different thistle species, with documented genetic, morphological, and behavioral divergence between populations associated with Notobasis syriaca and Onopordum illyricum.
Chalcoscirtus
Chalcoscirtus is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) established by Philipp Bertkau in 1880. The name derives from Ancient Greek 'chalc-' (copper) and 'scirt-' (leap), referring to the metallic coloration and characteristic jumping behavior. The genus comprises approximately 45 species distributed primarily across Eurasia, with limited representation in North America. Species occupy diverse habitats from lowland steppes to high alpine zones.
Chalcosyrphus nemorum
Dusky-banded Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus nemorum is a common species of syrphid fly with a Palearctic and Nearctic distribution. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies with distinctive enlarged, swollen hind femora bearing ventral spines and curved hind tibiae—adaptations associated with their association with dead wood. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males having holoptic (contiguous) eyes. Larvae develop under the bark of conifers (Larix, Pinus) and various hardwoods, where they function as saprophages in decaying wood. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from diverse plant species including white umbellifers, Caltha, Anemone nemorosa, and Ranunculus.
Chamaesphecia
Chamaesphecia is a genus of clearwing moths (Sesiidae) established by Spuler in 1910, containing over 80 species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Species are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and specialized larval associations with host plants, particularly in the families Euphorbiaceae and Lamiaceae. Several species have been investigated for biological control of invasive weeds, including leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) and horehound (Marrubium vulgare). The genus is divided into two subgenera: Chamaesphecia and Scopulosphecia.
Chariessa
checkered beetles
Chariessa is a genus of checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, containing approximately six to seven described species. These beetles are carnivorous predators typically associated with oak trees (Quercus), where they likely prey on wood-boring insects. The genus has a broad distribution spanning North, Central, and South America, with some species also occurring in the Palearctic region. Species such as Chariessa pilosa demonstrate this wide range, occurring across both North America and Eurasia.
Cheilosia albitarsis
Cheilosia albitarsis is a large, abundant European hoverfly with a flight period from April to June, extending into July at higher elevations. Adults are strongly associated with buttercup flowers (Ranunculus), which also serve as the larval host plant. The species occupies diverse habitats including woodland clearings, agricultural land, and montane pastures. It is widely distributed throughout the Palearctic region.
Cheilotrichia
Cheilotrichia is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, subfamily Chioneinae. The genus was established by Rossi in 1848 and contains two recognized subgenera: Cheilotrichia and Empeda. Species within this genus have been documented across the Palearctic region, with some extending into the Nearctic. One species, C. (E.) umiat, was originally described from Alaska and has recently been recorded from the Putorana Plateau in northern East Siberia, representing a significant range extension.
Chersotis
Chersotis is a genus of noctuid moths in the subfamily Noctuinae, established by Boisduval in 1840. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Species are predominantly found in mountainous and northern European habitats. Many species were described during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with several taxa originally placed in other genera before reassignment.
Chetostoma
Chetostoma is a genus of true flies (Diptera) in the family Tephritidae, first described by Camillo Rondani in 1856. The genus comprises approximately 15 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and East Asia. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized fruit flies, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented. The genus is classified within the subfamily Trypetinae and tribe Trypetini.
Chilostigmodes
Chilostigmodes is a genus of caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, tribe Chilostigmini. It was established by Martynov in 1914. The genus is poorly documented, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist as of 2024. It belongs to the diverse Limnephiloidea superfamily, whose members are primarily associated with freshwater habitats.
Chirosia betuleti
Knotting Gall
Chirosia betuleti is a gall-forming fly in the family Anthomyiidae that induces characteristic knotting galls on fern fronds. The species is best known through the distinctive damage it causes rather than adult morphology. It has been recorded across much of Europe, with extensive documentation in the United Kingdom. The gall structure and larval mining behavior are well-studied, though adult fly biology remains less documented.
Choristoneura albaniana
Choristoneura albaniana is a tortricid moth first described by Francis Walker in 1863. The species occurs across boreal and montane regions of North America and the northern Palearctic. Larvae feed on Prunus pennsylvanica (pin cherry) and Larix species (larches), making it a conifer and hardwood specialist within its genus.
Chrysosyrphus versipellis
Chrysosyrphus versipellis is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Callicerini. Members of this genus are known for their metallic coloration and distinctive facial ornamentation. The species is associated with forested habitats and has been recorded in the Palearctic region.
Cicadulini
Cicadulini is a tribe of leafhoppers within the subfamily Deltocephalinae, comprising 15 genera and over 120 described species. The tribe is characterized by acoustic communication through male calling signals, as documented in genera such as Taurotettix. Species within Cicadulini occur across diverse regions including Central Asia, Siberia, the Russian Far East, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and parts of Europe. The group has been studied for morphological variation and geographical variability in both form and sound production.
Cixius nervosus
common lacehopper
A widespread planthopper species in the tribe Cixiini, occurring across Europe, the East Palearctic, and Nearctic realms. Adults are active from May to October and inhabit deciduous trees, hedgerows, meadows, and scrublands. Sexual dimorphism is present in body size, with females larger than males.
CixiidaeplanthopperwidespreadEuropeNearcticPalearcticdeciduous-forestmeadowscrublandsexual-dimorphismtransparent-wingsbanded-wingsMay-to-Octobercommon-speciesLinnaeus-1758CixiinilacehopperHemipteraAuchenorrhynchaFulgoromorphakeeled-scutellumcostal-spotssubspecies-presenttaxonomic-revision-historyiNaturalist:1386-observationsCladius pectinicornis
bristly rose sawfly
Cladius pectinicornis is a Palearctic sawfly whose larvae are known as bristly rose slugs, significant pests of cultivated roses. The small wasp-like adults exhibit striking sexual dimorphism in antennae structure, with males bearing pectinate (comb-like) antennae. Larvae skeletonize rose leaves by feeding on tissue between vascular bundles, and can cause severe defoliation when abundant. The species has been introduced to North America, where it occurs on both coasts and ranges from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.
Cleonini
Cleonini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Lixinae, comprising approximately 96 extant genus-group taxa distributed globally. All extant members are hypothesized to be flightless despite frequently possessing fully developed wings (macropterous), a unique condition among Lixinae. The tribe exhibits widespread adult morphological homoplasy that obscures phylogenetic relationships, with many genera radiating from a common ancestor with weakly resolved internal branching. Cleonini are primarily associated with arid and semi-arid habitats, including deserts and steppe environments across North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and western North America.
Clepsis danilevskyi
Clepsis danilevskyi is a small tortricid moth described by Kostyuk in 1973. The species is known from a restricted distribution spanning northern European Russia, the Mongun-Taiga region of Siberia, and Alaska. Adults are active in July and possess a wingspan of 18–23 mm. The specific epithet honors Professor Alexsandr Sergeevich Danilevskii.
Closterotomus
Closterotomus is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) in the subfamily Mirinae, established by Fieber in 1858. The genus contains at least 34 species distributed across the Palearctic and North America. Several species are agricultural pests, notably C. trivialis on olive and citrus in Mediterranean regions and C. norvegicus (potato capsid) on lucerne, clover, and potato. Members are phytophagous, feeding primarily on flowers, buds, and unripe fruit.
Clubiona norvegica
Clubiona norvegica is a sac spider in the family Clubionidae, first described by Embrik Strand in 1900. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning North America, Europe, and European Russia. Like other members of its genus, it constructs silken retreats rather than prey-capture webs and hunts actively for small arthropods.
Coboldia
minute black scavenger flies
Coboldia is a genus of minute black scavenger flies in the family Scatopsidae, established by Melander in 1916. The genus is best known from Coboldia fuscipes, a small fly 2–3 mm in body length associated with decomposing organic matter and fungal substrates. Species in this genus occur in the Palearctic region and have been documented in Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and Korea, where C. fuscipes is a recognized pest of oyster mushroom cultivation.
Coboldia fuscipes
minute black scavenger fly, oyster mushroom fly
Coboldia fuscipes is a minute scatopsid fly, 2–3 mm in length, widely distributed across the Palearctic region. The species is commonly associated with decomposing organic matter and has become a significant pest in oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation, particularly in East Asia. Adults are small, dark-colored flies often found on compost heaps and mushroom substrates. Temperature strongly influences its life cycle, with complete development possible in under 19 days at 28°C.
Coccinella hieroglyphica
Hieroglyphic Lady Beetle, Hieroglyphic Ladybird, Hieroglyphic Ladybug
Coccinella hieroglyphica is a Palearctic lady beetle species associated with heath and moorland habitats, particularly on Ericaceae plants. It is distributed across northern Europe, extending beyond the Arctic Circle, through Russia and Siberia to East Asia. The species is aphidophagous, with populations showing considerable annual fluctuation. Adults are active from May through October and overwinter in coarse woody debris beneath pines and birches.
Coccinella undecimpunctata
eleven-spot ladybird, eleven-spotted lady beetle, eleven-spotted ladybird beetle
Coccinella undecimpunctata, commonly known as the eleven-spot ladybird or eleven-spotted lady beetle, is a small predatory beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is endemic to the Palearctic region and has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand as a biological control agent. The species is distinguished by eleven black spots on its red or orange elytra, though one central spot creates the appearance of six spots per elytron. It is an effective predator of aphids and is used in integrated pest management programs.
Coleophora badiipennella
Pale Elm Case-bearer
Coleophora badiipennella is a small case-bearing moth in the family Coleophoridae, first described by Duponchel in 1843. It is widely distributed across Europe and has been introduced to North America. The species is associated with several deciduous tree genera, particularly elms. Adults are active in early summer.
Coleophoridae
case-bearers, casebearing moths, case moths
Coleophoridae is a family of small moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea, comprising over 1,000 described species. Adults are slender with fringed wing margins. Larvae are known as case-bearers: they construct portable silken cases, often incorporating plant material or frass, which they carry and rebuild as they grow. The family is most diverse in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly the Palearctic. Approximately 95% of species are placed in the genus Coleophora, though this classification remains problematic due to unresolved phylogenetic relationships.
Corixinae
water boatman
Corixinae is a subfamily of aquatic true bugs comprising at least 130 described species. Members are commonly known as water boatmen and are found in freshwater habitats worldwide. The subfamily includes the genera Corixa and Sigara, among others. Larvae develop through five instars, with distinct morphometric and chaetotaxy characteristics separating developmental stages.
Craspedorrhynchus
Craspedorrhynchus is a genus of chewing lice in the family Philopteridae (suborder Ischnocera). Species in this genus are ectoparasites of birds of prey, particularly eagles (Accipitriformes). The genus was established by Kéler in 1938. At least one species, C. naevius, has been documented infesting the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) in Türkiye.
Cricotopus bicinctus
Cricotopus bicinctus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Meigen in 1818. The species is distributed across the Palearctic region, with documented records from northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as Madeira Island and Hawaii. It belongs to the genus Cricotopus, a diverse group of chironomid midges commonly found in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. The species is one of many in a genus that includes both aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults.
Crioceris duodecimpunctata
Spotted Asparagus Beetle
A small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, Crioceris duodecimpunctata is a significant invasive pest of asparagus cultivations. Adults feed on tender shoots and leaves, while larvae develop exclusively on asparagus berries. The species is widespread across the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America. Molecular studies confirm its status as a sister taxon to C. quatuordecimpunctata, with both species originating nearly simultaneously from a common ancestor.
Crossocerus elongatulus
Crossocerus elongatulus is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, native to the Palearctic region. It has been introduced to the Azores and North America. The species belongs to a genus of aphid-hunting wasps, though specific prey records for this species are limited. Like other Crossocerus species, females construct nests in pre-existing cavities and provision them with paralyzed prey for their larvae.
Cryphia
Cryphia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Bryophilinae. Established by Jacob Hübner in 1818, the genus contains approximately 40 species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Several species have well-known common names, including the marbled beauty (C. domestica), marbled green (C. muralis), and tree-lichen beauty (C. algae).
Cryptopleurum subtile
Cryptopleurum subtile is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by David Sharp in 1884. The species has a broad native distribution across East Asia and has been introduced to Europe and North America. It belongs to the subfamily Sphaeridiinae, a group characterized by compact body forms and association with moist or aquatic habitats.
Cupido
Tailed-Blues
Cupido is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as Tailed-Blues. The genus is confined to the Palearctic region and includes species characterized by short tail-like projections on the hindwings. Members of this genus are typically associated with grassland and open habitats, with larvae feeding on various leguminous plants. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with the subgenus Everes sometimes included within Cupido.
Cyclodinus
antlike flower beetles
Cyclodinus is a genus of antlike flower beetles in the family Anthicidae, established by Mulsant & Rey in 1866. The genus contains more than 40 described species. Members of this genus exhibit the characteristic ant-mimicking morphology typical of Anthicidae, with narrow, elongate bodies and antennae that contribute to their resemblance to ants. The genus has been documented across parts of Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Cylindrotoma
Cylindrotoma is a genus of crane flies in the family Cylindrotomidae, first described by Macquart in 1834. The genus has a broad distribution across Asia, North America, and Europe, with China containing the highest species diversity. Larvae are associated with flowering plants, while adults inhabit damp wooded environments.
Cymindis
Cymindis is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, established by Latreille in 1805. The genus comprises over 50 described species distributed across the Palearctic region, with particularly high diversity in Central Asia and the Near East. Many species are associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. The genus is divided into numerous subgenera, reflecting substantial morphological and ecological variation among its constituent species.
Dascillus
soft-bodied plant beetles
Dascillus is a genus of soft-bodied beetles in the family Dascillidae, containing approximately 20-24 described species. The genus belongs to the subfamily Dascillinae, which comprises free-living beetles found primarily in forested areas of the Northern Hemisphere and Australia. Species of Dascillus have been described from China, including Hubei and Sichuan provinces, as well as from Europe.
Delomeristini
Delomeristini is a tribe of ichneumonid wasps within the subfamily Pimplinae. The tribe comprises approximately ten species in Europe, including genera such as Atractogaster, Delomerista, and Perithous. These wasps are parasitoids, with females using their elongated ovipositors to access hosts concealed in wood or other substrates.
Derephysia
lace bugs
Derephysia is a genus of lace bugs in the family Tingidae, established by Spinola in 1837. The genus comprises more than 20 described species. Like all lace bugs, members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive reticulated, lace-like pronotum and forewings. The genus is placed in the infraorder Cimicomorpha within the true bugs.
Diadocidia ferruginosa
Diadocidia ferruginosa is a Palearctic fungus gnat species in the family Diadocidiidae. Larvae construct long dry silken tubes beneath bark or within decaying wood. The species has been associated with the fungal genus Peniophora. Adult ecology remains poorly documented.
Dichaeta caudata
Dichaeta caudata is a shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Fallén in 1813. The species develops in decaying organic matter, with larvae feeding on decomposing plant material. Adults are commonly found in moist habitats, particularly pond margins and other humid situations. The species is recorded from the Palearctic region, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Dichagyris
Dichagyris is a genus of owlet moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Noctuinae. The genus was established by Lederer in 1857 and now includes several former genera—Loxagrotis, Pseudorichia, Pseudorthosia, and Mesembragrotis—as subgenera. The name derives from Greek elements meaning 'apart, asunder; double' and 'the finest meal or flour'. Species in this genus are found primarily in the Palearctic region, with some distribution extending into North America.
Dichrorampha petiverella
Common Drill
Dichrorampha petiverella is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 10–13 mm, distributed across the Palearctic realm. Adults are active from April to August in western Europe, with larvae feeding internally on the rhizomes of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and tansy. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758 and remains one of the more frequently recorded members of its genus due to its relatively broad host plant associations.