Palearctic
Guides
Margarinotus obscurus
clown beetle
Margarinotus obscurus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents, with native records across Europe, Northern Asia, Southern Asia, and Africa, and introduced populations in North America. The species was first described by Kugelann in 1792. Like other members of Histeridae, it is associated with decaying organic matter and carrion habitats.
Maso sundevalli
Maso sundevalli is a species of sheet-web weaving spider in the family Linyphiidae, first described by Westring in 1851. Originally placed in the genus Erigone, it was later transferred to Maso. The species has a broad distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Like other linyphiids, it constructs flat sheet webs with a retreat and captures small flying insects.
Medon
Medon is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. Species are small, typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats, with some taxa occurring in intertidal zones along coastlines. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic region, with significant diversity in Turkey (23+ species) and East Asia. Several species have been described in recent decades, indicating ongoing taxonomic refinement.
Medon fusculus
Medon fusculus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) originally described from Europe and now known from a broad Palearctic distribution extending from Western Europe through Turkey to the Caucasus, Middle East, and Iran. It has been introduced to eastern Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec). The species belongs to the diverse genus Medon, which contains numerous small, ground-dwelling species that are often poorly distinguished morphologically. Available records are sparse, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Megalepthyphantes
Megalepthyphantes is a genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) established by J. Wunderlich in 1994. The genus comprises seventeen described species distributed across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Its type species is Megalepthyphantes nebulosus (Sundevall, 1830), originally described under a different genus. The genus shows a notable concentration of species in the Mediterranean region and Central Asia.
Megalepthyphantes nebulosus
Megalepthyphantes nebulosus is a species of sheetweb spider in the family Linyphiidae. It is one of the more widely distributed linyphiid species, occurring across North America and Eurasia. The species was first described by Sundevall in 1830. Like other members of its family, it constructs sheet webs for prey capture. The specific epithet 'nebulosus' refers to the cloudy or nebulous appearance, likely describing coloration or pattern.
Megalocoleus
Megalocoleus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae. The genus contains approximately 18 described species. Members are true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus was established by Reuter in 1890.
Megaselia rufipes
coffin fly
Megaselia rufipes, commonly known as the coffin fly, is a phorid scuttle fly species first described by Meigen in 1804. It has been recorded as a facultative parasitoid of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and as a pest of oil palm seeds. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Palearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from Europe, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and the Azores. Its common name derives from its documented presence in cemetery crypts, where it has been collected using carrion-baited traps.
Megasternum
Megasternum is a genus of small water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, tribe Megasternini. These beetles are associated with decomposing organic matter in moist or aquatic environments. The genus was established by Mulsant in 1844 and occurs primarily in the Palearctic region.
Megatoma
Megatoma is a genus of dermestid beetles (family Dermestidae) distributed across the Palearctic, Near East, and Nearctic regions. The genus contains approximately 23 described species, including the well-studied Megatoma undata (Linnaeus, 1758). Species within this genus are associated with stored products and natural habitats where they feed on dried organic matter. Larval stages have been documented in detail for some species, showing characteristic dermestid morphology with specialized setae.
Melanophilini
Melanophilini is a tribe of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) containing at least 4 genera and approximately 20 described species. The tribe is characterized by its placement within the Chrysobothrioid lineage and is distinguished from related tribes by morphological features of the adults. The genus Phaenops, one of the more diverse genera in the tribe, includes species associated with coniferous trees.
Melasinae
false click beetles
Melasinae is a subfamily of false click beetles in the family Eucnemidae, containing approximately 15 genera and at least 30 described species. The subfamily includes several tribes: Calyptocerini, Ceballosmelasini, Dirhagini, Epiphanini, Hylocharini, Melasini, Neocharini, and Xylobiini. Genera within Melasinae include Melasis, Hylis, Epiphanis, Xylophilus, and Isorhipis. Some species, such as Hylis olexai, have established adventive populations in the Nearctic region after originating from Western and Central Europe.
Mesoleuca
white-ribboned carpets
Mesoleuca is a genus of geometer moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Larentiinae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus name derives from Greek 'mesos' (middle) and 'leucos' (white), referring to the characteristic white median area on the forewing. Species are commonly known as white-ribboned or beautiful carpets. The genus includes at least three recognized species: M. albicillata (beautiful carpet), M. gratulata (western white-ribboned carpet moth), and M. ruficillata (white-ribboned carpet moth).
Metretopus borealis
Metretopus borealis is a mayfly species in the family Metretopodidae, originally described as Heptagenia borealis by Eaton in 1871. It is distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with confirmed presence in North America. The species belongs to a small family of mayflies whose members are typically associated with cool, flowing waters.
Micaria rossica
Micaria rossica is a ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae, first described by Thorell in 1875. It belongs to the infraorder Araneomorphae, the 'true spiders' characterized by modern respiratory and silk-producing systems. The species has a notably broad distribution spanning the Holarctic and extending into Central Asia.
Micrargus
dwarf spiders
Micrargus is a genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) described by Friedrich Dahl in 1886. The genus contains seventeen recognized species distributed across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. Several species form a distinct species group centered on M. herbigradus, characterized by specific male palpal and female epigynal structures. The genus exhibits considerable habitat flexibility, with species ranging from lowland forests to alpine meadows and caves.
Micrisotoma achromata
Micrisotoma achromata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by P.F. Bellinger in 1952. It belongs to a genus characterized by small body size and reduced pigmentation. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including North America, Eurasia, and Malaysia, suggesting either a broad natural distribution or potential cryptic species complexity. Like other isotomids, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Microdrosophila
vinegar flies
Microdrosophila is a genus of small flies in the family Drosophilidae, commonly known as vinegar flies. The genus was established by Malloch in 1921 and contains at least 70 described species. These flies are part of a diverse family that includes the well-known model organism Drosophila melanogaster, though Microdrosophila species are generally less studied. The genus appears to have a primarily Palearctic distribution based on available occurrence records.
Minettia fasciata
Minettia fasciata is a species of fly in the family Lauxaniidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as lauxaniid flies. The species was originally described as Lauxania fasciata by Fallén in 1820. It belongs to a genus that has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some sources treating it as a species complex. Distribution records indicate presence in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as on São Miguel Island in the Azores (Portugal).
Miota
Miota is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Diapriidae. These insects are part of the diverse Hymenoptera fauna associated with decomposition and nutrient cycling. The genus was described by Förster in 1856. Species in this genus are poorly known, with limited published biological information available.
Mocuellus caprilla
Mocuellus caprilla is a species of leafhopper in the family Cicadellidae, tribe Mocini. It is a small, plant-feeding insect with distribution in the Palearctic region. The species is associated with grassy and herbaceous habitats. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a phloem-feeder on monocotyledonous plants, though specific host records are limited.
Mocyta
Mocyta is a genus of small rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Athetini. The genus comprises 26 known Palearctic species, with five confirmed in Ukraine and additional species documented across Europe and North America. Species identification is complicated by significant individual variability in size, coloration, and spermatheca morphology. The genus has been used in ecological monitoring and biogeographic studies, particularly in forest ecosystems.
Monardia
wood midges
Monardia is a genus of wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Kieffer in 1895. The genus contains approximately 40–53 described species organized into three subgenera. These small flies are part of the diverse gall midge family, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented. The genus has been recorded from northern European countries including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Monochroa
Monochroa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, first described by Heinemann in 1870. The genus contains multiple species distributed across the Palearctic region, with records from Europe, Siberia, and Japan. Several species have been described from Central European type localities including Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. Taxonomic revisions have moved some species to other genera, and new species continue to be described from underexplored regions such as the southern Ural Mountains and the south-western Alps.
Mycodrosophila
mushroom flies
Mycodrosophila is a genus of small vinegar flies comprising approximately 120-130 described species. Members are obligately mycophagous, meaning they depend on fungi throughout their entire life cycle. The genus belongs to the monophyletic Zygothrica genus group alongside Hirtodrosophila, Paramycodrosophila, and Zygothrica. Species are distributed across the Neotropical and Palearctic regions, with some showing transcontinental ranges.
Mycomya dichaeta
Mycomya dichaeta is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae, described by Fisher in 1937. It belongs to the subfamily Mycomyinae. The species epithet "dichaeta" refers to the characteristic two-bristled condition of certain body parts. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Myllaena
Myllaena is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, and tribe Myllaenini. The genus contains more than 60 described species distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. A taxonomic revision of Nearctic species recognized 20 species arranged into four species groups: Cuneata, Insomnis, Potawatomi, and Seminole.
Nalassus
A genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising more than 70 species distributed across the Palearctic and North America. Species occupy diverse habitats from coniferous forests to alpine zones and steppe landscapes. The genus exhibits pronounced ecological specialization, with distinct species groups adapted to forest, alpine, or steppe environments and corresponding trophic niches.
Nascia
Nascia is a genus of grass moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Pyraustinae. The genus was established by John Curtis in 1835 and contains three recognized species distributed across parts of Europe and North America. These are small to medium-sized moths associated with grassland habitats.
Nebria
Gazelle Beetles
Nebria is a large genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising over 500 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Near East, and North Africa. Members are commonly known as Gazelle Beetles. The genus exhibits notable diversity in alpine and montane habitats, with many species showing flightlessness and narrow endemic ranges. Species-level taxonomy relies heavily on male genitalia morphology and geometric morphometrics of external features such as the pronotum.
Nebrioporus
Nebrioporus is a genus of diving beetles (Dytiscidae) established by Régimbart in 1906. The genus has been divided into eight species-groups based on morphological character analysis, replacing historical subgeneric divisions. It contains numerous species distributed across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with the N. depressus-group being the most speciose.
Neoascia tenur
Black-kneed Fen Fly
Neoascia tenur is a small Palearctic hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-kneed Fen Fly. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats across northern and central Europe, extending into Siberia. Adults are active from spring through early autumn and visit flowers of wetland plants. The larvae develop sub-aquatically within the stem sheaths of emergent aquatic vegetation such as cattails (Typha).
Neoephemera
large squaregill mayflies
Neoephemera is a genus of large squaregill mayflies in the family Neoephemeridae, established by McDunnough in 1925. The genus contains approximately six extant species distributed across North America and Asia, plus one extinct species from the Eocene of Washington State. Species range from moderate to large size within the family, with body lengths varying considerably. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with at least one species (N. projecta) transferred to a new genus Pulchephemera based on phylogenetic analysis of plesiomorphic characters.
Neon reticulatus
Neon reticulatus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It has a wide distribution spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, including Turkey, the Caucasus, Russia (from European to Far East regions), Kazakhstan, Korea, and Japan. The species was first described by Blackwall in 1853. As a member of Salticidae, it possesses the characteristic large anterior median eyes and jumping locomotion typical of this family.
Neossos
Neossos is a genus of acalyptrate flies in the family Heleomyzidae. The genus is rarely collected and contains at least six described species distributed across the Nearctic region and western Europe. Most specimens have been collected from or reared in association with bird nests, where larvae develop as saprophages in nest material. The genus represents a specialized ecological association with avian nesting habitats.
Neottiura bimaculata
Neottiura bimaculata is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It has a broad distribution spanning North America, Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, Russia (Siberia), Central Asia, China, and Japan. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1767 under the name Aranea bimaculata. Two subspecies are recognized: N. b. bimaculata and N. b. pellucida.
Neotypus nobilitator
Neotypus nobilitator is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps whose members are primarily associated with spider hosts. The species has been recorded across northern Europe and North America. Like other ichneumonids, it likely develops as a koinobiont endoparasitoid, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Nitidula carnaria
Nitidula carnaria is a species of sap beetle in the family Nitidulidae, originally described by Schaller in 1783 under the name Silpha carnaria. It belongs to the genus Nitidula, a group of beetles commonly associated with fermenting or decaying organic matter. The species has been recorded from several islands of the Azores archipelago.
Nothodelphax eburneocarinatus
Nothodelphax eburneocarinatus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, described by Anufriev in 1979. It belongs to a genus of small delphacid planthoppers characterized by reduced wing venation and simplified body structures. The species epithet 'eburneocarinatus' refers to ivory-colored carinae (ridges), likely describing a distinctive morphological feature of the head or thorax. As with other Nothodelphax species, it is presumed to inhabit moist grassland or marsh environments and feed on monocotyledonous plants.
Notocelia cynosbatella
Yellow-faced Bell
Notocelia cynosbatella is a small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 16–22 mm. It has a broad distribution across the Palearctic, ranging from Europe through eastern Russia and extending into Asia Minor, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia. Adults are active in late spring, with flight activity recorded in May and June. The species is commonly known as the Yellow-faced Bell.
Notocelia rosaecolana
Doubleday's Notocelia Moth
A small tortricid moth with a wingspan of 15–20 mm, distributed across the Palearctic from Europe through Central Asia to East Asia. Adults fly from late May to August in western Europe. Larvae feed on various Rosa species. The species closely resembles congeners Notocelia trimaculana and Notocelia roborana, requiring careful examination for identification.
Notodonta torva
Large Dark Prominent, Northern Finned Prominent
Notodonta torva is a moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1803. It is widespread across Europe and extends eastward through Asia to China, Korea, and Japan, with rare occurrences as an immigrant to Great Britain. The species is bivoltine in western Europe, producing two generations per year. Larvae feed primarily on poplar and willow species.
Nycthia
Nycthia is a genus of tortricid moths established by Pogue in 1990. It is currently treated as a synonym of Cochylimorpha, a larger genus within the tribe Cochylini. The genus was erected based on morphological distinctions that subsequent taxonomic revision has determined do not warrant separate generic status. Species formerly placed in Nycthia are now classified under Cochylimorpha.
Obtusicauda
Obtusicauda is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini, established by Soliman in 1927. Species in this genus are small, soft-bodied sap-feeding insects. As members of the Macrosiphini, they possess long antennae and cornicles (siphunculi) on the abdomen. The genus includes species associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Ochthephilum fracticorne
Ochthephilum fracticorne is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) first described by Paykull in 1800. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae and is characterized by the abbreviated elytra typical of the family. The species has a broad native distribution across the Palearctic and has been introduced to North America.
Ocnerostoma strobivorum
Ocnerostoma strobivorum is a species of ermine moth in the family Yponomeutidae, described by Freeman in 1961. The specific epithet 'strobivorum' indicates an association with conifer cones (strobili), suggesting larval feeding habits. As a member of the genus Ocnerostoma, it belongs to a group of small moths whose larvae often feed on coniferous plants. The species is poorly documented in public literature, with limited biological information available beyond taxonomic records.
Oedothorax trilobatus
Tricorn Dwarf Weaver
Oedothorax trilobatus is a species of dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, subfamily Erigoninae. It is a tiny spider, measuring approximately 2 mm in total body length. The species is notable for the distinctive cephalic swellings present in mature males, which give the species its name. It has been recorded from the United States, Canada, and Russia.
Olisthopus
Olisthopus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Platyninae. The genus is native to the Palearctic region, with records from Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. Additional distribution records include Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and North America (Vermont, USA). As a member of Platyninae, species in this genus are likely associated with ground-dwelling habits in various terrestrial habitats.
Omalus aeneus
Cuckoo Wasp
Omalus aeneus is a small, metallic cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Females reach 4.5–5.4 mm in body length, males 4.4–5 mm. The species exhibits striking metallic coloration ranging from blue, green, and purple to nearly black or golden, with greenish-blue abdomen and legs. This cleptoparasitic wasp has two or more generations annually in southern Europe and exploits a remarkable indirect parasitism strategy: females oviposit into living aphids, which are subsequently captured by aphid-hunting crabronid wasps and transported to their nests, where the cuckoo wasp larva develops.
Omiini
Omiini is a tribe of broad-nosed weevils within the subfamily Entiminae (Curculionidae). The tribe contains approximately 18 recognized genera, including Omias, Amicromias, and Rhinomias. Species in this tribe are primarily distributed across the Palearctic region, with notable diversity in the Mediterranean basin, including Greece and surrounding areas. The group has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with new species descriptions continuing to expand known diversity.