Palearctic
Guides
Eulithis mellinata
The Spinach
Eulithis mellinata, commonly known as The Spinach, is a moth in the family Geometridae. Its distribution across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions is patchy and locally restricted due to dependence on a specialized larval food plant. The species is fairly common in England and Wales but rare in Scotland and Ireland. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Eupithecia intricata
Freyer's Pug Moth
Eupithecia intricata, commonly known as Freyer's Pug Moth, is a species of geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. The species occurs across a broad geographic range spanning Europe, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and North America. As a member of the genus Eupithecia, it is characterized by the narrow wings and distinctive resting posture typical of "pug" moths. The species was first described by Zetterstedt in 1839 under the basionym Larentia intricata.
Eupleurus subterraneus
Eupleurus subterraneus is a scarab beetle species originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. Formerly classified in the genus Aphodius, it was reassigned to Eupleurus based on taxonomic revision. The species has been recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America, with two recognized subspecies: the nominate E. s. subterraneus and E. s. krasnojarskicus described from Russia in 1986. As a member of the dung beetle subfamily Aphodiinae, it likely participates in nutrient cycling through association with decomposing organic matter.
Eupteryx atropunctata
Eupteryx atropunctata is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It is a small, plant-feeding insect that uses piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract nutrients from host plants. Like other members of the genus Eupteryx, it is associated with herbaceous and woody plants. The species was described by Goeze in 1778 and is currently accepted as valid, though it was previously listed as a synonym in some sources. It occurs in parts of Europe and Asia, with distribution records from Russia and Ukraine.
Eupteryx vittata
Eupteryx vittata is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. It is a small sap-feeding insect found in the Palearctic region. Like other members of the genus Eupteryx, it is associated with herbaceous vegetation and has been recorded from various locations across Russia and Ukraine.
Eurygastrinae
Eurygastrinae is a subfamily of shield-backed bugs within the family Scutelleridae. Members are characterized by a greatly enlarged scutellum that forms a continuous shield covering the abdomen and wings. The subfamily is predominantly distributed in the Palearctic region, with notable genera including Eurygaster. Many species are associated with grasses and cereal crops, with some considered agricultural pests.
Euscelis
Euscelis is a genus of leafhoppers in the subfamily Deltocephalinae, characterized by pronounced phenotypic plasticity driven by photoperiodic cues. Species exhibit seasonal wing polymorphism, producing long-winged (macropterous) dispersal forms under long-day conditions and short-winged (brachypterous) reproductive forms under short-day conditions. Males communicate through substrate-borne vibrational signals produced by abdominal tymbal organs, with species-specific songs functioning in mate recognition and reproductive isolation. The genus occurs primarily in the Palearctic region and includes agricultural pests such as Euscelis lineolata, which damages Medicago crops.
Euthycera
Euthycera is a genus of marsh flies in the family Sciomyzidae, commonly known as snail-killing flies. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Members of this genus are predators or parasitoids of freshwater snails and slugs, making them significant biological control agents. The genus was established by Latreille in 1829 and is classified within the tribe Tetanocerini.
Euxoa nomas
Euxoa nomas is a noctuid moth species described by Nikolay Grigoryevich Erschoff in 1874. The species has a disjunct distribution spanning western Asia (Iran and Turkestan) and northwestern North America (Alaska and Canada). Between 1987 and 2010, populations were treated as two separate subspecies—E. n. nomas in Asia and E. n. incognita in North America—though these subspecific designations have since been revised. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Euxoa, commonly known as darts, which includes numerous agricultural pest species.
Fannia fuscula
Fannia fuscula is a species of lesser house fly in the family Fanniidae. It is a small, grayish fly distributed across northern Europe and parts of North America. The species belongs to a genus commonly associated with decaying organic matter and synanthropic environments. Like other Fannia species, it is often found in and around human structures.
Fannia sociella
Fannia sociella is a small, slender fly in the family Fanniidae, closely resembling the lesser house fly (Fannia canicularis). It is native to the Palearctic region and is notably smaller and more slender than the common house fly (Musca domestica). The species is documented from scattered localities including parts of Scandinavia and the Azores.
Fenusella
Fenusella is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, subfamily Feninae. Species in this genus are known as leaf-miners, with larvae feeding internally on poplar leaves (Populus species). The genus occurs in the Palearctic region, with records from Europe, Scandinavia, and extending into Iran.
Fenusella nana
Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer
Fenusella nana is a Palearctic sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae. It occurs throughout the British Isles and has been recorded across continental Europe including Belgium. The species is commonly known as the Early Birch Leaf Edgeminer, indicating its association with birch foliage. As a member of the subfamily Fenusinae, it exhibits the typical sawfly characteristic of a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen, lacking the narrow 'wasp waist' of Apocrita.
Fomoria septembrella
Hypericum Pigmy
Fomoria septembrella is a minute moth in the family Nepticulidae, commonly known as the Hypericum Pigmy. The species was originally described as Ectoedemia septembrella by Stainton in 1849 and later transferred to the genus Fomoria by Beirne in 1945. It is a leaf-mining species associated with Hypericum (St. John's wort) host plants. The moth is widely distributed across Europe and extends into the eastern Palearctic and Near East.
Formicoxenus
Guest Ants
Formicoxenus is a genus of myrmicine ants comprising seven described species. All members are obligate xenobionts (guest ants) that live within nests of host ant species, primarily in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. The genus is notable for repeated evolution of social parasitism and is closely related to Leptothorax and Harpagoxenus within the Formicoxenus genus-group. Species exhibit specialized behavioral and chemical adaptations for integration into host colonies.
Freraea
Freraea is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. It belongs to the tribe Freraeini within the subfamily Dexiinae. The genus contains at least two described species: Freraea gagatea and Freraea montana. Tachinid flies in this group are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Freraea species remain poorly documented.
Gabrius appendiculatus
Gabrius appendiculatus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Sharp in 1910. It is native to Europe and Russia, with introduced populations established in eastern Canada. As a member of the tribe Staphylinini, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory rove beetles commonly found in decaying organic matter.
Gabrius astutoides
Gabrius astutoides is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Staphylininae. Originally described from Europe in 1946, it has established populations in eastern North America through human introduction. The species belongs to the diverse genus Gabrius, which contains numerous similar-looking species requiring careful examination for identification.
Gandaritis
Gandaritis is a genus of geometrid moths comprising approximately 22 species, with 16 species recorded from China. The genus was established by Frederic Moore in 1868. Species within this genus are primarily distributed across the Palearctic region, with notable diversity in montane areas of western China. The Barred Straw (G. pyraliata) is the best-studied species, having been sequenced for genomic analysis.
Gargara
Gargara is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Centrotinae, tribe Gargarini. The genus was established by Amyot and Audinet-Serville in 1843. Species in this genus are distributed across the Palearctic region, with documented occurrences in Russia, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Denmark, and Norway. The Gargara genistae species group contains cryptic species that are morphologically nearly identical but distinguished by male calling signal patterns.
Gastrallus
Gastrallus is a genus of beetles in the family Ptinidae containing nearly 100 described species. The genus has a nearly worldwide distribution, with the Palearctic realm harboring the greatest diversity. Several species are significant pests of cultural heritage materials, particularly in library and archive environments.
Gauropterus fulgidus
Cold Rove Beetle
Gauropterus fulgidus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to parts of North America, including Ontario, Canada and the United States. The species has a notably broad distribution across the Palearctic region, extending from Europe through Asia to Japan, Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia. It has also been recorded from North Africa and the Middle East.
Genistogethes carinulatus
Genistogethes carinulatus is a small beetle in the family Nitidulidae, the sap beetles. The genus Genistogethes is associated with leguminous plants, particularly brooms (Genista and related genera). This species was described by Forster in 1849 and has been recorded from Europe and western North America. The specific epithet 'carinulatus' refers to small keel-like structures, likely describing surface sculpturing on the body.
Geostiba
Geostiba is a genus of rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Geostibini. The genus contains over 250 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. Many species are placed in subgenera including Sibiota, Tropogastrosipalia, Sipalotricha, and Typhlusida. Species are predominantly found in temperate regions, with significant diversity in the Caucasus, Mediterranean, and Appalachian Mountains. Several species have been documented as predators of tick nymphs in soil ecosystems.
Glomeridae
pill millipedes
Glomeridae is a family of pill millipedes in the order Glomerida, comprising over 300 species distributed among approximately 30 genera. Members are characterized by their ability to conglobate (roll into a complete sphere) as a defensive mechanism. The family has a primarily Palearctic distribution with significant diversity in Southeast Asia, and includes both surface-dwelling and cavernicolous species. Many species remain undescribed, particularly in tropical regions.
Gonatium
Gonatium is a genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) comprising twenty species as of 2025. The genus was established by Anton Menge in 1868 and exhibits a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Species within this genus occupy diverse habitats from Mediterranean regions to boreal and montane environments.
Gossyparia
Gossyparia is a genus of scale insects in the family Eriococcidae, established by Signoret in 1875. The genus contains species associated with woody plants, including Gossyparia spuria, which has been studied for its parasitoid complex in Turkey. Taxonomic status of the genus is currently marked as doubtful in some databases, reflecting ongoing classification uncertainty within the Eriococcidae.
Graphocraerus
Graphocraerus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, established by Thomson in 1869. The genus contains at least two described species: Graphocraerus ventralis (described 1806) and Graphocraerus montanus (described 1994). It belongs to the subfamily Deltocephalinae and tribe Athysanini. Members of this genus are found in northern Europe.
Gymnochiromyia flavella
Gymnochiromyia flavella is a small yellow fly in the family Chyromyidae, measuring 1.5–2 mm in length. It is characterized by distinctive head and thoracic setation patterns that aid in identification. The species is distributed across the Palearctic region, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Habrosyne
Habrosyne is a genus of moths in the family Drepanidae (subfamily Thyatirinae), first described by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Some species, such as Habrosyne derasa, have been studied as potential biological control agents for invasive brambles.
Hadena
Hadena is a genus of noctuid moths comprising approximately 143–149 species, with the majority distributed across the Palearctic realm and about fifteen species native to North America. The genus was erected by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802. Members are characterized by hairy eyes, upturned palpi with long hairs, and short broad wings. Larvae typically feed on seeds of Caryophyllaceae, and adults of some species function as pollinators of Silene.
Hadromorphus
Hadromorphus is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) established by Motschulsky in 1859. The genus belongs to the diverse elaterid fauna, characterized by the family-defining prosternal process that enables the clicking mechanism for righting when overturned. Species within this genus are documented primarily from the Palearctic region, with records from Europe and Asia. The genus contains multiple described species, though comprehensive taxonomic revision and ecological study remain limited in the published literature.
Halidamia affinis
Bedstraw Sawfly
Halidamia affinis is a Palearctic sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the Bedstraw Sawfly. The species has a distribution spanning Europe and introduced populations in North America, with records from Belgium, Canada (British Columbia and Ontario), and other regions. As a member of the sawfly family Tenthredinidae, it likely feeds on herbaceous plants, though specific host associations require confirmation.
Haplodrassus signifer
Ensign Ground Hunter
Haplodrassus signifer is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It has a broad distribution spanning North America, Europe, North Africa, Turkey, Israel, the Caucasus, Russia, Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. The species is part of a large genus of active hunting spiders that do not build webs to capture prey.
Hebecnema nigra
Hebecnema nigra is a species of muscid fly described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. It belongs to the subfamily Mydaeinae within the family Muscidae, a group commonly known as house flies and their relatives. The species is documented from the Palearctic region, with confirmed records from several northwestern European countries.
Hecamede
Hecamede is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, first described by Haliday in 1837. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic region, with records from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Japan. Species in this genus are associated with saline or alkaline wetland habitats. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, specifically a figure in Homer's Iliad.
Hedya nubiferana
marbled orchard tortrix, green budworm moth
Hedya nubiferana is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 15–21 mm, characterized by distinctive forewing markings including a square basal black spot and a prominent white cross-band at the wing tip. The species occurs across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. Adults are active from May to August in western Europe, with timing varying across the range. Larvae develop on hawthorn (Crataegus) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).
Heleomyza serrata
Heleomyza serrata is a small fly in the family Heleomyzidae, measuring 3–7 mm in body length. The species is distinguished by specific chaetotaxy: setae present on the propleura, multiple pairs of setae on the prothorax, and at most one hair on the mesopleura. Males possess distinctive genitalia with rudimentary aedeagus, unexpanded epandrium base, and surstyles that are much longer than the epandrium and evenly curved throughout their length.
Heliophanus
Sun Jumping Spiders
Heliophanus is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) comprising approximately 90–170 described species, with significant taxonomic revision in 2024 when many African species were transferred to other genera. The genus has a Palearctic and Afrotropical distribution, with core diversity in Europe extending into Asia and Africa. Several species are agrobionts in Central European cereal systems, where they function as dominant predators. At least one species, Heliophanus dampfi, is a bog specialist with highly restricted distribution.
Hellinsia pectodactylus
Eurasian Straw-colored Plume Moth
Hellinsia pectodactylus is a plume moth species with a remarkably wide distribution spanning Eurasia and North America. The species has a wingspan of 19–20 mm. Larvae feed on specific host plants in the Asteraceae family, including goldenrods and related species.
Helochares punctatus
Helochares punctatus is a water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, subfamily Acidocerinae. The species is native to the western Palearctic, with records from western Europe (Spain to Denmark), Morocco, and Iran. In the 2020s, it was documented as introduced and established in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, representing a notable range expansion.
Helophilus bottnicus
Gray-banded Marsh Fly
Helophilus bottnicus is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Gray-banded Marsh Fly. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are aquatic, developing in decaying organic matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and often exhibit yellowjacket mimicry with characteristic thoracic striping. The species was described by Wahlberg in 1844 and is recorded from Norway and Sweden.
Helophilus hybridus
hoverfly
Helophilus hybridus is a Palearctic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive yellow and black abdominal patterning. The species is associated with wetland habitats across northern and central Europe, extending eastward through Russia to the Pacific coast. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with organic matter.
Helophora insignis
Helophora insignis is a sheetweb spider in the family Linyphiidae. It has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning North America, Europe, the Caucasus, Russia (from European regions to the Far East), Kyrgyzstan, and China. The species belongs to a genus characterized by the construction of horizontal sheet webs, a trait that distinguishes Linyphiidae from other spider families.
Helophorus grandis
Helophorus grandis is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Helophoridae. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species has been introduced to parts of Canada and the United States. It is an aquatic beetle inhabiting standing water habitats.
Hemipenthes
Hemipenthes is a large genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising numerous described species distributed across the Holarctic and Palearctic regions. Adults are small to large robust flies measuring 5–14 mm in body length. The genus is distinguished from similar bee fly genera by characteristic wing venation patterns. A significant taxonomic revision occurred in 2020, when several species were transferred to the new genus Ins.
Heterarthrus nemoratus
Late Birch Leaf Edgeminer Sawfly
Heterarthrus nemoratus is a Palearctic sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are specialized leaf-miners that feed on birch leaves (Betula species), creating distinctive mines along leaf edges. Adults are active during late spring and summer. The species has been introduced to North America, where established populations occur in Canada.
Holcocranum
Holcocranum is a genus of true bugs in the family Artheneidae, established by Fieber in 1860. The genus contains at least two described species: Holcocranum diminutum and Holcocranum saturejae. These small lygaeoid bugs are part of the diverse seed bug assemblage within the Pentatomomorpha infraorder. The genus has been documented through 155 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate but growing recognition among naturalists.
Holopogon
Holopogon is a genus of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) in the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. These predatory insects are characterized by their compact, often small to medium body size and distinctive wing venation patterns. The genus was established by Komaroff and Nevski in 1935 and is distinguished from related genera by specific structural features of the male genitalia and wing morphology.
Homolobus truncator
A braconid wasp originally described from North America, with records extending to Europe and Asia including northern Iran. Collected in Iran using Malaise traps during spring through autumn months. As a member of subfamily Homolobinae, it likely functions as a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented in available sources.