Palearctic
Guides
Piezodorus lituratus
gorse shield bug
Piezodorus lituratus, commonly known as the gorse shield bug, is a shield bug species in the family Pentatomidae. Adults reach 10–13 mm in length and exhibit seasonal color polymorphism: bright green in spring after emergence from hibernation, developing purplish-red markings on the pronotum and corium in late summer, and becoming paler before hibernation. The species is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly broom and dyer's greenweed, and is found across Europe, Africa, Northern Asia, and North America.
Pima
Pima is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae, and tribe Phycitini. It was described by George Duryea Hulst in 1888. The genus is part of the diverse snout moth fauna, with approximately 550 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Members of this genus are found in northern Europe, with confirmed distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Piratula canadensis
Piratula canadensis is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, originally described from Canada. The species occurs in boreal and montane regions of North America and has also been recorded from the Russian Far East including Kamchatka. As a member of the genus Piratula, it is associated with moist habitats near water bodies.
Plagiognathus arbustorum
Common Nettle Flower Bug
Plagiognathus arbustorum is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the Common Nettle Flower Bug. It is a widespread species found across the Nearctic and Palearctic realms, including most of Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, and parts of North America. Adults are active from July to October and are polyphagous, feeding primarily on herbaceous plants across multiple families.
Plagodis pulveraria
Barred Umber
Plagodis pulveraria, commonly known as the barred umber, is a geometrid moth first described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is widely distributed across the Palearctic realm from Ireland to Japan, with additional populations in Canada. The species exhibits considerable color variation, ranging from reddish-brown to violaceous grey, with diagnostic straight antemedian and incurved postmedian lines on the forewings. Adults are active in two generations from mid-spring through summer.
Planaphrodes bifasciatus
Planaphrodes bifasciatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. It belongs to the large and diverse group of true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is placed in the genus Planaphrodes, which is part of the leafhopper radiation within the suborder Auchenorrhyncha. As with many Cicadellidae, it is likely associated with vascular plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Platyptilia tesseradactyla
Irish Plume Moth
Platyptilia tesseradactyla is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, distributed across northern and central Europe, Russia, and North America. It has been recorded as far north as 70° latitude in Norway and also occurs in Iran. The species was originally described by Linnaeus in 1761 under the name Alucita tesseradactyla. As a member of the plume moth family, it possesses the characteristic deeply divided wings that give these moths their common name.
Plutella porrectella
Dame's Rocket Moth
Plutella porrectella is a small plutellid moth closely related to the diamondback moth (P. xylostella). Unlike its cosmopolitan relative, this species has a restricted Palearctic distribution and specialized life history tied to dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis). It completes two generations annually and overwinters as a first-instar larva concealed within host plant apical buds. The species appears to offer limited value as an alternative host for biological control agents targeting the diamondback moth.
Polyommatus
blue butterflies
Polyommatus is a genus of blue butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, distributed across the Palearctic realm. Recent molecular studies have redefined its boundaries, with former subgenera Cyaniris, Lysandra, and Neolysandra now recognized as separate genera. Some authors continue to recognize additional subgenera including Agrodiaetus, Bryna, Meleageria, and Plebicula. The genus contains species of conservation concern, including critically endangered and vulnerable taxa with specific habitat requirements.
Povolnya
Povolnya is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Kuznetzov in 1979. The genus belongs to the tribe Gracillariini within the subfamily Gracillariinae. Species in this genus are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally on plant tissues. The genus has been recorded from northern Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Praestigia kulczynskii
Kulczynski's Dwarf Weaver
Praestigia kulczynskii is a dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, described by Eskov in 1979. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning the Palearctic and Nearctic regions, with records from Russia, Japan, and Canada. As a member of the sheet-web weavers, it belongs to one of the most species-rich spider families, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Prasocuris phellandrii
Prasocuris phellandrii is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. It occurs across the Palearctic region, with documented presence in Europe, northern Asia, and North America. The species has been studied in Moravia, Czech Republic, indicating ongoing faunistic research interest.
Prodiplosis violicola
Prodiplosis violicola is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. As a member of the genus Prodiplosis, it belongs to a group of cecidomyiids known for inducing galls on host plants. The species epithet 'violicola' suggests an association with Viola species (violets), though specific host relationships require verification.
Protaphorura
Protaphorura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Absolon in 1901. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Palearctic region, with particular diversity in southern Siberia and the Far East of Russia. Several species are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobionts), exhibiting specialized adaptations to subterranean environments. The genus is taxonomically well-studied, with identification keys available for over 85 Palearctic species based on morphological characters including pseudocellar formulae, postantennal organ structure, and chaetotaxy.
Protodeltote
marbled white spot (P. pygarga)
Protodeltote is a genus of noctuid moths erected by Kyoichiro Ueda in 1984. The genus contains six described species distributed across the Palearctic region, with P. pygarga (marbled white spot) serving as the type species and best-documented member. Species in this genus are small noctuids associated with open grassy habitats.
Psallus
Psallus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae, comprising over 160 described species. The genus is predominantly Palearctic in distribution, with some species demonstrating Holarctic ranges and several having been introduced to the Nearctic region. Species are generally small, often measuring under 4 mm, with many exhibiting reddish or orange coloration. Host plant associations have been documented for several species, primarily with woody plants including oaks (Quercus), willows (Salix), and birch (Betula).
Psylla betulaenanae
Psylla betulaenanae is a species of psyllid (jumping plant louse) in the family Psyllidae, described by Ossiannilsson in 1970. It belongs to a genus of phloem-feeding insects associated with woody plants. Like other psyllids, it has piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant sap. The species epithet suggests an association with birch (Betula), though specific host plant relationships require confirmation from original taxonomic descriptions.
Pterocomma rufipes
Rufous Willow Bark Aphid
Pterocomma rufipes is a species of bark-feeding aphid in the family Aphididae, originally described from Europe by Hartig in 1841. The species is associated with willow (Salix) hosts and is characterized by its reddish leg coloration, referenced in its specific epithet. As a member of the genus Pterocomma, it exhibits the typical morphology of bark-dwelling aphids with reduced cornicles and a flattened body form adapted to living in crevices.
Quedius molochinus
Quedius molochinus is a large, robust rove beetle in the subgenus Quedius sensu stricto. It is one of the most widespread species in its genus across the Palearctic region. The species has been introduced to eastern Canada, likely through historical ship ballast transport. Recent molecular studies have revealed unexpected cryptic diversity within this morphologically uniform species.
Rainieria
A genus of stilt-legged flies (Diptera: Micropezidae) containing at least 20 described species. Members are characterized by their elongated legs and slender bodies typical of the family. The genus has a Palearctic distribution with records from Europe and Asia, including recent discoveries in South Korea. Some species, such as Rainieria calceata, are considered rare and endangered with limited dispersal capabilities.
Recurvaria nanella
Lesser Bud Moth
Recurvaria nanella is a small gelechiid moth with a wingspan of 10–12 mm. It is native to the Palearctic region, with a wide distribution across Europe, Turkey, the Near East, North Africa, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, and south-eastern Siberia. Populations in North America are considered introduced. Adults are active during summer months.
Renocera striata
Renocera striata is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, a group commonly known as snail-killing flies due to the predatory or parasitic larval associations with molluscs. The species was described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1830, originally placed in the genus Sciomyza. It is recorded from parts of northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other members of Sciomyzidae, its biology is likely tied to aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats where gastropod hosts occur, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Rhabdomiris striatellus
Striped Oak Bug
Rhabdomiris striatellus is a mirid bug distributed across the Palearctic region, from Europe through Asia Minor to the Caucasus. The species is strongly associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.). Adults measure 7–9 mm and display variable coloration from yellow to reddish-brown with distinctive wing patterning. The species exhibits life stage-dependent feeding habits: nymphs feed on plant material while adults are predatory.
Rhagio lineola
Small Fleck-winged Snipefly
Rhagio lineola is a small snipefly in the family Rhagionidae, native to the Palearctic region and introduced to eastern North America. Adults are 5.5–8 mm in length with distinctive yellow and black coloration. The species has a two-year life cycle with adults active from late May through September. Both adults and larvae are predatory, contributing to biological control of small insects in woodland ecosystems.
Rhaphium
Rhaphium is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, comprising over 200 described species. It is the largest genus within the subfamily Rhaphiinae. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic and Afrotropical regions, with 71 species recorded from Russia and 18 from the Afrotropical region. The generic name derives from Greek ῥάφιον (rháphion, "small needle"), referring to the needle-like shape of the antennae. Some species are considered rare and have been subject to conservation interest.
Rheumaptera subhastata
white-banded black moth
Rheumaptera subhastata is a geometrid moth occurring across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms, with a broad distribution in western North America. Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with a single annual generation. The species is one of two Rheumaptera in North America, closely related to and often confused with R. hastata.
Rheumaptera undulata
scallop shell
Rheumaptera undulata, commonly known as the scallop shell, is a geometrid moth with a wingspan of 25–30 mm. The species is characterized by pale forewings with numerous darker, wavy, evenly spaced crosslines and a scalloped fringe on the outer margin. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and occurs across the Palearctic realm and North America. Adults are active from late May to August in Europe, with one generation per year. The larvae feed on a diverse range of woody plants including birch, willow, Vaccinium species, aspen, and others.
Rhizotrogini
Rhizotrogini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Melolonthinae, established by Burmeister in 1855. The tribe contains genera distributed across the Palearctic region, including Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Several genera within Rhizotrogini contain species of agronomic importance, particularly in India where members are considered June beetles. The tribe has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with species reclassified between genera and new species described from biogeographically significant regions such as Sardinia and Iran.
Rhopobota naevana
holly tortrix moth, holly leaf tier, blackheaded fireworm
Rhopobota naevana is a small tortricid moth with a broad Palearctic distribution extending to North America. Adults fly in mid-summer and are characterized by grey forewings with complex dark markings and a metallic-edged ocellus. The species is economically significant as a pest of Vaccinium crops, particularly cranberries and blueberries, where larvae feed on foliage and fruit.
Rilaena
Rilaena is a genus of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Phalangiidae, established by Šilhavý in 1965. The genus includes approximately 13 described species distributed across Europe and western Asia. The most common and widespread species is Rilaena triangularis, which has been subject to taxonomic debate regarding its placement in the genus Paraplatybunus. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of the subfamily Phalangiinae.
Rondaniella
Rondaniella is a genus of fungus gnats (family Mycetophilidae) established by Johannsen in 1909. It contains approximately nine described species distributed across Europe and Asia. The genus belongs to the subfamily Leiinae and tribe Rondaniellini. Most species have been described from East Asia, particularly China, within the last two decades.
Rosenus
Rosenus is a genus of leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae) established by Oman in 1949. It belongs to the tribe Paralimnini, a group of small to medium-sized leafhoppers often associated with grassland and wetland habitats. The genus is poorly documented in public literature, with no species-level entries in major biodiversity databases and no observations recorded on iNaturalist. Distribution records from GBIF indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.
Saperda populnea
small poplar borer
Saperda populnea is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) that forms distinctive woody galls on twigs of poplars and willows. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758 and has a broad distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. Females create characteristic horseshoe-shaped cuts on host twigs where eggs are deposited, leading to gall formation. The beetle is of economic concern in hybrid aspen plantations due to damage to young trees.
Sarcophaga pleskei
flesh fly
Sarcophaga pleskei is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Rohdendorf in 1937. The genus Sarcophaga is characterized by larviparous reproduction (depositing live larvae rather than eggs) and association with decomposing organic matter. Species in this genus are morphologically similar and often require examination of male genitalia for definitive identification. Distribution records indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.
Sarcophaga sinuata
Sarcophaga sinuata is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Meigen in 1826. It is found in the Palearctic region. As a member of the genus Sarcophaga, it belongs to a group of flies commonly known as flesh flies, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented. Species-level identification within Sarcophaga typically requires examination of male genitalia.
Saropogon
robber flies, assassin flies
Saropogon is a genus of predatory robber flies (Asilidae) comprising at least 128 described species globally. The genus is distinguished by a stout, often twisted spur at the antero-ventral apex of the fore tibiae, open cell m3 on the wing, and an antennal stylus with a single element. Nearctic species north of Mexico include 19 recognized species, with many exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration and wing patterns. Adults are venomous aerial predators that immobilize prey through extra-oral digestion initiated by injected venom.
Scaritinae
Pedunculate Ground Beetles
Scaritinae is a large, cosmopolitan subfamily of ground beetles (Carabidae) containing over 2,400 species in more than 140 genera. Members exhibit considerable ecological diversity, with many species adapted to specialized habitats including caves, riverbanks, and deep soil layers. The subfamily includes tribes such as Scaritini, Clivinini, and Salcediini. Several genera show disjunct distributions that have contributed to biogeographic understanding of continental drift and faunal exchange.
Scathophaga furcata
Furcate Dung Fly
Scathophaga furcata is a dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, distributed across the Palearctic region. Larvae develop in dung, where they feed and complete their development. The species has been documented as a significant prey item for nestling snow buntings.
Scatopse notata
Black Compost Fly
Scatopse notata is a minute dipteran in the family Scatopsidae, commonly known as the Black Compost Fly. The species occurs across the Palearctic region and has been recorded from isolated subantarctic islands including South Georgia and Amsterdam Island. Larvae develop in decomposing organic matter and serve as hosts for the microsporidian parasite Plistophora scatopsi, which infects the mid-gut epithelium across all life stages.
Scellus
long-legged flies
Scellus is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Males possess distinctive flag-like abdominal appendages called signa, connected by a U-shaped cingulum, which likely function in courtship signaling. The genus is closely related to Hydatostega, which shares a reduced form of this structure.
Schendyla nemorensis
Common Schendyla
Schendyla nemorensis is a small geophilomorph centipede in the family Schendylidae, first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1836. It is one of the most frequently observed centipedes in its range, with over 800 iNaturalist records. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism in leg count, with males possessing fewer leg pairs than females. It has been introduced from its native Palearctic range to Tasmania.
Sciapus platypterus
Sciapus platypterus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1805 under the basionym Dolichopus platypterus. It occurs across the Palearctic region with confirmed records from Belgium. As a member of Dolichopodidae, it belongs to a family known for predatory habits and distinctive elongated legs.
Sclerocona
streaked orange moth
Sclerocona is a monotypic genus of crambid moths in the subfamily Pyraustinae, containing only the species Sclerocona acutella. The genus was established by Meyrick in 1890, though it is treated as a synonym of Calamochrous in some taxonomic databases. The sole species, commonly known as the streaked orange moth, has a broad Palearctic distribution and has been introduced to eastern North America.
Scrobipalpa
Scrobipalpa is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Janse in 1951. The genus contains over 100 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and introduced populations in North America and Australasia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of sugar beet, quinoa, tobacco, and eggplant. The genus was historically split with Euscrobipalpa treated as a subgenus or separate genus, but this distinction is no longer recognized as valid.
Scrobipalpa acuminatella
pointed groundling
A small gelechiid moth with distinctive pointed forewings, found across Europe, Asia, and recently established in Canada. The species is notable for its association with thistles and related Asteraceae plants. Adults fly from spring through summer, with larvae mining or feeding on host foliage.
Scymnus suturalis
Pine Dusky Lady Beetle
Scymnus suturalis is a tiny ladybird beetle (2.0–2.5 mm) native to the Palearctic, now introduced to North America. It inhabits coniferous and mixed forests, where it feeds primarily on scale insects (Coccoidea), particularly Chionaspis salicis, and adelgids on pine. The species has been found under bark flakes, in moss on tree trunks, and in conifer litter. Its small size and hairy elytra distinguish it from larger, more familiar ladybird species.
Semioscopis
Semioscopis is a genus of small moths in the family Depressariidae, comprising approximately 14 valid species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. The genus was established by Hübner in 1825 and is currently classified in the subfamily Depressariinae. Species are distinguished primarily by genitalia morphology and grouped into seven species-level clades based on phylogenetic analysis of COI gene sequences. A new species, S. sinicella, was described in 2025 from montane habitat in central China.
Sepedophilus marshami
A small rove beetle in the subfamily Tachyporinae. Native to the Palearctic region, with documented introduction to eastern North America. First recorded in the Nearctic region from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) and the United States (New Hampshire).
Siederia
Siederia is a genus of small bagworm moths in the family Psychidae, established by Meier in 1953. The genus was erected to accommodate species previously placed in the large, polyphyletic 'wastebin genus' Solenobia, which is now recognized as a junior synonym of Taleporia. Siederia species are classified in the subfamily Naryciinae, though some authorities place them in Taleporiinae if Naryciinae is not considered sufficiently distinct. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed primarily in the Palearctic region.
Silba fumosa
Silba fumosa is a small lance fly in the family Lonchaeidae, reaching approximately 4 millimeters in body length. The species exhibits metallic dark blue coloration with sexual dimorphism in mesonotum sheen: males have a dull mesonotum while females display a shiny midline. It is native to the Palearctic region and has been documented in mature woodland habitats. The species is distinct from the congeneric black fig fly (Silba adipata), a major agricultural pest.