Pantropical

Guides

Anatrachyntis rileyi
pink cornworm, pink bud moth, pink scavenger, Pink Scavenger Caterpillar Moth
A small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described from the southern United States in 1882 but likely introduced to North America from elsewhere. It has established populations across warm and tropical regions worldwide, including the Americas, Pacific islands, and parts of Africa and Asia. The species is known by multiple common names reflecting its association with corn and its scavenging habits.
agricultural-pest corn-pest cosmet-moth pantropical introduced-species
Archeocrypticidae
cryptic fungus beetles, Ancient Fungus Beetle
Archeocrypticidae is a small family of beetles comprising approximately 10 genera and 50 species worldwide. Commonly referred to as cryptic fungus beetles, members of this family are saprophagous, with adults and larvae typically found in plant litter and associated with fungal substrates. The family exhibits a predominantly pantropical distribution, with notable diversity in Australia and relative absence from temperate Palearctic and Nearctic regions.
beetles fungus-beetles saprophagous decomposers pantropical litter-fauna
Artema atlanta
giant daddy-long-legs spider, Giant Cellar Spider
Artema atlanta is a large cellar spider and the largest known pholcid, with a body length of 8–11 mm. It has a pantropical distribution and has been introduced to temperate regions including North America and Europe. The species is commonly known as the giant daddy-long-legs spider. It constructs tangled webs in dark, sheltered locations and exhibits characteristic pholcid behavior of rapid, vibrating movement when disturbed.
spider Pholcidae cellar-spider pantropical synanthropic large-bodied
Atteva
ermine moths, ailanthus webworms
Atteva is the sole genus in the family Attevidae, a group of small to medium-sized moths within the superfamily Yponomeutoidea. The genus has a pantropical distribution with approximately 70 described species. Most species occur in tropical regions of the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, though Atteva aurea has expanded into temperate North America following the introduction of its host plant, Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven). Adults are often strikingly patterned in orange, black, and white, and several species are diurnal nectar feeders rather than nocturnal.
Attevidae Yponomeutoidea pantropical diurnal-moths ailanthus-webworm biological-control Tree-of-Heaven web-forming-caterpillars orange-and-black-moths vagabond-species Simaroubaceae defoliators
Batrachideinae
groundhoppers, pygmy grasshoppers
Batrachideinae is a taxonomically stable subfamily of pygmy grasshoppers (Tetrigidae) characterized by antennae with 18–22 segments, distinguishing them from other Tetrigidae which have fewer than 16. The subfamily comprises approximately 25 genera in three tribes with pantropical distribution across the Americas, Africa, tropical Asia, and Australia. It is particularly diverse in the Neotropical region, where the genus Scaria exhibits complex biogeographic patterns linked to Amazonian diversification and Andean uplift.
Tetrigidae Orthoptera pygmy-grasshoppers groundhoppers pantropical Neotropical Amazonia systematics
Caryedon serratus
Groundnut Bruchid, Groundnut Borer
Caryedon serratus is a bruchid beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the groundnut bruchid or groundnut borer. It is a major pest of stored groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) and also develops on seeds of wild legumes such as Piliostigma thonningii. The species has a broad pantropical and subtropical distribution spanning Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Its life cycle is strongly influenced by temperature and humidity, with development rates varying significantly across environmental conditions.
bruchid stored-product-pest groundnut-pest seed-predator pantropical
Cerataphis orchidearum
Fringed Orchid Aphid
Cerataphis orchidearum is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the fringed orchid aphid. It has been recorded on orchid hosts (Orchidaceae) and on Daemonorops lewisiana, a rattan palm. The species has been observed in association with yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes), which tend the aphids. Its distribution spans multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
aphid orchid ant-tended invasive-associated pantropical subtropical Hormaphidinae Cerataphidini
Corethrella
frog-biting midges
Corethrella is the sole genus in the family Corethrellidae, comprising 132 extant and 10 fossil species. These midges are unique among Diptera in using acoustic cues to locate hosts. Adult females are hematophagous and feed on frog blood, while larvae are aquatic predators. The genus has a predominantly pantropical distribution with fossil records extending to the Lower Cretaceous.
phonotaxis hematophagy acoustic-parasitism trypanosome-vector autogeny pantropical fossil-record Cretaceous
Cosmopterix attenuatella
Cosmopterix attenuatella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1864. It exhibits an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning tropical and subtropical regions across both the Old and New World. The species is notable for its leaf-mining larvae that feed on grasses and sedges. Adults are diminutive, with a wingspan of approximately 9 mm.
leaf-miner pantropical grass-feeder sedge-feeder minute-moth
Crossopriza lyoni
Tailed Cellar Spider, Tailed Daddy Longlegs Spider, Box Spider
Crossopriza lyoni is a cosmopolitan cellar spider (Pholcidae) characterized by extremely long, fragile legs and a distinctive box-shaped abdomen. Females reach 3–7 mm in body length, males 2.5–6 mm, with leg spans up to 6 cm. The species is synanthropic, thriving in human dwellings worldwide, particularly in tropical to subtropical regions. It constructs extensive, irregular cobweb-like webs and is often regarded as both a household pest and beneficial predator of mosquitoes and other arthropods. Native range unknown; now pantropical through human-mediated introduction.
Pholcidae synanthropic invasive biological-control mosquito-predator urban-legend vibrating-spider laboratory-model antibacterial-silk pantropical
Dysodia
Window-winged moths
Dysodia is a pantropical genus of moths in the family Thyrididae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. The genus is found on all continents except Australia and contains approximately 30 species. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. Larvae are leaf-rollers that use silk to tie leaves of host plants.
nocturnal leaf-roller pantropical window-winged Thyrididae
Epipleminae
Scoopwing Moths, Epiplemiine Moths
Epipleminae is the largest and most diverse subfamily of the family Uraniidae (Lepidoptera), comprising over 600 species in approximately 70 genera. These small, drab-colored nocturnal moths are distinguished by several unique morphological and behavioral traits, including a sexually dimorphic tympanal organ with structural details unlike any other lepidopteran group. The subfamily exhibits a primarily pantropical distribution with limited extension into temperate regions. Historically, Epipleminae were frequently misclassified within Geometridae or Drepanidae due to superficial phenetic similarities.
moths Uraniidae pantropical nocturnal sexual-dimorphism tympanal-organ wing-rolling cryptic-coloration
Eustala
humpbacked orb-weavers
Eustala is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1895. As of November 2024, the genus contains 87 species distributed primarily across the Americas, from the United States through Central America to South America, with highest diversity in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Several species have been documented exhibiting specialized ecological relationships, including myrmecophily (living among ants) in Central American species that inhabit ant-defended acacia plants. The genus includes the well-known humpbacked orb-weaver, Eustala anastera, found across North and Central America.
Araneidae orb-weaver spider humpbacked myrmecophily ant-plant-mutualism Neotropical Nearctic Eustala-anastera Eustala-oblonga Eustala-illicita web-building predator acacia Pseudomyrmex Panama Brazil Galápagos Simon-1895 arachnology entomology tropical-ecology commensalism ontogeny ballooning overwintering juvenile spider-wasp-prey Caliadurgus-hyalinatus host-parasitoid-interactions third-party-exploitation mutualism-exploitation cryptic-coloration nocturnal-foraging diurnal-hiding-behavior thorn-defense orb-web-architecture sawtoothed-web population-ecology substrate-selection spatial-distribution species-diversity endemic-species taxonomic-revision nomen-dubium genitalic-morphology microscopy-identification temperate-North-America Central-America South-America Caribbean Pacific-islands conservation-biology climate-change-vulnerability phenology-disruption winter-activity spring-emergence forest-understory dry-forest moist-forest riparian grassland scrub edge-habitat woodland parkland urban-adapted generalist-predator specialist-predator ant-alate-predation herbivore-interception ecosystem-service biological-control natural-history field-identification cryptic-species-complex sexual-dimorphism wingless-female-moths ballooning-dispersal silk-production web-ontogeny instar-development overwintering-strategy cold-hardiness metabolic-suppression diapause voltinism univoltine bivoltine multivoltine seasonal-polyphenism color-morph pattern-polymorphism habitat-specificity host-plant-specificity ant-colony-integration alarm-pheromone-avoidance sting-avoidance predator-avoidance bird-predation lizard-predation wasp-predation assassin-bug-predation stink-bug-predation defensive-behavior thanatosis camouflage masquerade mimicry aggressive-mimicry foraging-ecology prey-capture web-maintenance web-repair silk-recycling energetics reproductive-output fecundity egg-sac-construction maternal-care male-searching-behavior mate-location pheromone-communication vibratory-communication visual-signaling territoriality web-site-fidelity web-site-tenacity dispersal-behavior colonization-ability range-expansion invasive-potential non-native-species introduced-species synanthropic agricultural-landscape orchard vineyard forest-plantation conservation-status data-deficient IUCN CITES protected-area national-park soberania chiribiquete galapagos floreana ecuador peru bolivia chile argentina uruguay paraguay venezuela colombia costa-rica nicaragua honduras guatemala belize mexico usa canada cuba hispaniola jamaica puerto-rico trinidad tobago barbados lesser-antilles greater-antilles west-indies caribbean-basin amazon-basin orinoco parana pantanal cerrado caatinga atlantic-forest pampas chaco yungas valdivian magellanic fynbos none research-model educational-resource citizen-science inaturalist gbif catalogue-of-life ncbi wikipedia zootaxa journal-of-natural-history psyche entomology-today bug-eric araneology chelicerate-biology arthropod-ecology tropical-biology neotropical-fauna nearctic-fauna holartic pantropical gondwanan biogeography phylogeography molecular-systematics morphological-taxonomy integrative-taxonomy species-concept cryptic-diversity undescribed-species new-species-description redescription neotype-designation lectotype-designation type-locality type-specimen museum-collection voucher-specimen dna-barcoding coi its phylogenomics transcriptomics proteomics metabolomics ecological-genomics adaptation local-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity canalization evolutionary-developmental-biology evo-devo behavioral-ecology sensory-ecology visual-ecology chemical-ecology mechanoreception proprioception neuroethology hunting-behavior web-building-behavior construction-behavior tool-use extended-phenotype niche-construction ecosystem-engineering trophic-cascade food-web energy-flow nutrient-cycling decomposition predator-prey-dynamics population-dynamics metapopulation source-sink-dynamics habitat-fragmentation edge-effects corridors connectivity landscape-ecology macroecology biogeochemistry climate-envelope species-distribution-modeling maxent bioclim worldclim remote-sensing gis spatial-analysis geostatistics abundance density biomass productivity diversity-index richness evenness dominance rarity endemism beta-diversity gamma-diversity alpha-diversity turnover nestedness community-assembly neutral-theory niche-theory competition facilitation apparent-competition indirect-effects interaction-networks mutualism parasitism predation herbivory detritivory scavenging cannibalism intraspecific-competition interspecific-competition character-displacement resource-partitioning niche-differentiation coexistence stability resilience resistance recovery succession disturbance perturbation extinction colonization invasion establishment spread impact risk-assessment management control eradication restoration reintroduction rewilding conservation-breeding ex-situ in-situ protected-area-network gap-analysis systematic-conservation-planning prioritization hotspot coldspot majority minority flagship umbrella keystone foundation ecosystem-engineer indicator sentinel bioindicator biomonitor ecosystem-health environmental-quality pollution pesticide heavy-metal contaminant bioaccumulation biomagnification toxicology risk hazard exposure dose-response no-observed-effect-concentration lowest-observed-effect-concentration median-lethal-concentration median-effective-concentration safety-factor uncertainty-factor probabilistic-risk-assessment life-cycle-assessment carbon-footprint water-footprint ecological-footprint sustainability sustainable-development green-economy circular-economy ecosystem-services natural-capital green-infrastructure nature-based-solutions ecological-restoration habitat-restoration species-recovery population-recovery genetic-rescue outbreeding-depression inbreeding-depression genetic-diversity heterozygosity effective-population-size bottleneck founder-effect genetic-drift gene-flow isolation-by-distance isolation-by-environment landscape-genetics seascape-genetics conservation-genetics molecular-ecology population-genetics quantitative-genetics genomics epigenetics reaction-norm norm-of-reaction genotype-environment-interaction heritability selection natural-selection sexual-selection artificial-selection domestication breeding cultivar variety landrace wild-relative crop-wild-relative genetic-resource germplasm seed-bank frozen-zoo cryopreservation assisted-reproduction cloning genetic-engineering synthetic-biology gene-drive biocontrol augmentative inundative conservation classical natural-enemy parasitoid pathogen nematode fungus bacterium virus viroid prion microbiome holobiont metaorganism symbiosis endosymbiosis ectosymbiosis amensalism neutralism symbiogenesis horizontal-gene-transfer virulence pathogenicity infectivity transmissibility reservoir vector host definitive-host intermediate-host paratenic-host accidental-host dead-end-host zoonosis emerging-infectious-disease pandemic epidemic endemic sporadic outbreak cluster index-case contact-tracing quarantine isolation social-distancing masking vaccination herd-immunity reproduction-number basic-reproduction-number effective-reproduction-number doubling-time generation-time serial-interval incubation-period latent-period infectious-period clinical-period pre-symptomatic asymptomatic pauci-symptomatic mild moderate severe critical fatal case-fatality-rate infection-fatality-rate attack-rate secondary-attack-rate excess-mortality years-of-life-lost disability-adjusted-life-year quality-adjusted-life-year burden-of-disease global-burden-of-disease one-health planetary-health ecohealth conservation-medicine veterinary-medicine human-medicine comparative-medicine translational-medicine precision-medicine personalized-medicine genomic-medicine regenerative-medicine stem-cell tissue-engineering organoid organ-on-chip microphysiological-system in-silico in-vitro ex-vivo in-vivo animal-model non-human-primate rodent mouse rat guinea-pig rabbit dog cat livestock poultry aquaculture fishery wild-capture mariculture algaculture seaweed-farming integrated-multi-trophic-aquaculture recirculating-aquaculture-system aquaponics hydroponics aeroponics vertical-farming controlled-environment-agriculture precision-agriculture smart-farming digital-agriculture agriculture-4.0 internet-of-things artificial-intelligence machine-learning deep-learning neural-network computer-vision drone unmanned-aerial-vehicle satellite gps gnss geographic-information-system decision-support-system expert-system knowledge-based-system ontology semantic-web linked-data open-data big-data data-mining data-science data-analytics predictive-analytics prescriptive-analytics descriptive-analytics diagnostic-analytics business-intelligence artificial-intelligence-ethics algorithmic-bias fairness accountability transparency explainability interpretability privacy security safety reliability robustness adaptability flexibility scalability efficiency effectiveness efficacy performance profitability cost-benefit cost-effectiveness economic-analysis financial-analysis investment return-on-investment net-present-value internal-rate-of-return payback-period break-even sensitivity-analysis scenario-analysis monte-carlo-simulation decision-tree real-options game-theory behavioral-economics nudge choice-architecture default framing anchoring availability-heuristic representativeness-heuristic affect-heuristic confirmation-bias availability-bias anchoring-bias framing-bias loss-aversion endowment-effect status-quo-bias sunk-cost-fallacy planning-fallacy optimism-bias pessimism-bias overconfidence underconfidence dunning-kruger-effect imposter-syndrome stereotyping prejudice discrimination implicit-bias explicit-bias structural-bias systemic-bias institutional-bias interpersonal-bias intrapersonal-bias unconscious-bias conscious-bias affinity-bias similarity-bias in-group-bias out-group-bias halo-effect horns-effect contrast-effect recency-effect primacy-effect serial-position-effect mere-exposure-effect familiarity-principle propinquity-effect social-proof authority scarcity reciprocity commitment consistency liking unity influence persuasion compliance conformity obedience empowerment agency autonomy self-determination motivation intrinsic-motivation extrinsic-motivation self-efficacy self-esteem self-concept self-identity social-identity collective-identity cultural-identity national-identity gender-identity sexual-orientation religion spirituality values beliefs attitudes norms customs traditions rituals ceremonies celebrations festivals holidays commemorations memorials monuments heritage legacy history historiography archaeology paleontology anthropology sociology psychology cognitive-science neuroscience linguistics philosophy ethics morality justice equity equality inclusion diversity belonging representation participation engagement capacity-building skill-development knowledge-transfer technology-transfer innovation invention discovery creativity imagination curiosity wonder awe beauty elegance simplicity complexity chaos order pattern structure function form process dynamics mechanism causation correlation association relationship interaction connection network system emergence self-organization autopoiesis homeostasis allostasis stress acclimation acclimatization plasticity fragility vulnerability sensitivity uncertainty ignorance surprise novelty serendipity chance luck fortune destiny fate karma dharma tao zen mindfulness meditation contemplation reflection introspection self-awareness consciousness subconscious unconscious dream sleep circadian biological-clock chronobiology seasonality phenology migration dispersal nomadism sedentism home-range habitat-use resource-selection foraging hunting gathering farming herding hunting-gathering subsistence livelihood economy market trade exchange barter currency money capital wealth poverty inequality development growth progress well-being happiness life-satisfaction quality-of-life human-development social-development economic-development millennium-development-goals sustainable-development-goals paris-agreement kyoto-protocol montreal-protocol basel-convention stockholm-convention rotterdam-convention unfccc cbd cms ramsar world-heritage man-and-biosphere ipcc ipbes encyclopedia-of-life wikidata wikimedia creative-commons open-access open-science faire-data research-data-management data-stewardship data-curation digital-preservation long-term-archiving repository archive library museum herbarium collection specimen voucher type holotype paratype syntype lectotype neotype epitype isolectotype isoneotype topotype homotype allotype cotype genotype phenotype ecotype chemotype morphotype karyotype idiogram chromosome genome proteome transcriptome metabolome lipidome glycome interactome connectome epigenome virome mycobiome bacteriome archaeome eukaryome phytobiome rhizobiome endobiome ectobiome exo-biome astrobiome planetary-biome earth-system climate-system ocean-system terrestrial-system freshwater-system atmospheric-system cryospheric-system anthroposphere technosphere noosphere biosphere hydrosphere lithosphere atmosphere magnetosphere heliosphere cosmosphere universe multiverse dimension space time spacetime relativity quantum-mechanics string-theory m-theory loop-quantum-gravity cosmology astronomy astrophysics planetary-science earth-science geology geophysics geochemistry geomorphology soil-science pedology edaphology hydrology limnology oceanography meteorology climatology paleoclimatology stratigraphy sedimentology mineralogy petrology volcanology seismology tectonics plate-tectonics continental-drift orogeny epeirogeny isostasy erosion weathering deposition transport sedimentation lithification diagenesis metamorphism melting crystallization igneous sedimentary metamorphic rock-cycle water-cycle carbon-cycle nitrogen-cycle phosphorus-cycle sulfur-cycle oxygen-cycle hydrogen-cycle biogeochemical-cycle nutrient-cycle trophic-pyramid food-chain ecological-network interaction-web mutualistic-network antagonistic-network competition-network facilitation-network ecosystem-function ecosystem-process provisioning-service regulating-service cultural-service supporting-service habitat-service refuge nursery corridor stepping-stone buffer-zone core-area periphery matrix patch landscape seascape riverscape skyscape soundscape smellscape tastescape touchscape mindscape dreamscape memoryscape heritagescape futurescape possibility-space scenario-space decision-space policy-space governance-space institutional-space social-space cultural-space economic-space political-space legal-space ethical-space moral-space spiritual-space sacred-space profane-space liminal-space transitional-space threshold boundary edge frontier margin center core hinterland heartland homeland motherland fatherland native-land ancestral-land promised-land wilderness pioneer settler colonist immigrant emigrant refugee asylum-seeker displaced-person stateless-person nomad traveler tourist pilgrim explorer adventurer discoverer inventor innovator creator maker builder craftsman artisan artist designer architect engineer scientist scholar academic researcher investigator detective journalist reporter correspondent chronicler historian biographer memoirist autobiographer diarist letter-writer poet novelist playwright screenwriter essayist critic reviewer editor publisher librarian archivist curator conservator restorer preservationist conservationist environmentalist ecologist naturalist botanist zoologist entomologist arachnologist herpetologist ichthyologist ornithologist mammalogist primatologist anthropologist archaeologist paleontologist geologist geographer cartographer surveyor navigator expedition voyage journey travel tour trip visit stay residence habitation dwelling shelter home house building construction architecture design plan blueprint model prototype mock-up draft sketch drawing painting sculpture installation exhibition display presentation demonstration show spectacle event occasion ceremony ritual celebration festival fair bazaar commerce business industry manufacturing production fabrication assembly processing refining purification synthesis analysis separation extraction identification characterization quantification measurement assessment evaluation appraisal valuation estimation calculation computation simulation modeling prediction forecast projection scenario outlook prospect expectation anticipation hope fear worry concern care attention focus concentration awareness perception sensation feeling emotion affect mood temperament personality character disposition attitude opinion belief conviction faith trust confidence reliance dependence independence self-sufficiency self-reliance hardiness toughness strength power force energy vigor vitality life health wellness fitness soundness integrity wholeness completeness perfection excellence quality standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge sign signal symptom mark token symbol image icon emblem logo brand trademark copyright patent intellectual-property proprietary confidential secret classified restricted limited controlled regulated managed governed administered operated maintained sustained supported funded financed resourced staffed equipped furnished supplied provided delivered distributed allocated assigned designated appointed elected selected chosen picked preferred favored liked loved adored cherished treasured valued esteemed respected honored celebrated commemorated remembered recalled recollected reminisced reflected contemplated meditated pondered considered weighed evaluated judged assessed appraised rated ranked graded scored marked pointed noted observed noticed seen viewed looked watched gazed stared glanced peeked peered scanned surveyed examined inspected scrutinized studied investigated researched analyzed synthesized integrated compiled composed written authored penned drafted created produced made built constructed fabricated manufactured assembled put-together set-up established founded instituted organized arranged ordered structured systematized methodized rationalized streamlined optimized improved enhanced upgraded refined polished perfected completed finished concluded ended terminated closed shut sealed locked secured protected guarded defended shielded screened covered hidden concealed masked cloaked veiled shrouded wrapped enveloped surrounded encircled enclosed contained held kept retained preserved conserved saved stored stockpiled hoarded accumulated amassed gathered collected aggregated clustered grouped categorized sorted leveled tiered layered stratified hierarchized pyramided tree web mesh grid array configuration layout scheme program project enterprise venture undertaking endeavor effort attempt try test trial experiment investigation inquiry query question problem issue matter subject topic theme motif leitmotif thread strand line sequence series progression continuation extension expansion enlargement evolution change transformation conversion transition shift alteration modification adjustment accommodation reconciliation harmonization synchronization coordination integration unification combination merger fusion blend mixture compound composite alloy amalgam incorporation assimilation absorption digestion metabolism catabolism anabolism equilibrium balance steadiness constancy permanence endurance persistence continuity duration longevity lifespan lifetime existence being entity object thing item article piece part portion segment section division component element constituent ingredient factor aspect facet feature characteristic property attribute trait indication evidence proof verification validation confirmation corroboration substantiation authentication certification accreditation licensing permitting authorizing empowering enabling allowing letting tolerating accepting receiving taking getting obtaining acquiring gaining earning winning achieving attaining reaching arriving coming approaching nearing closing converging meeting joining connecting linking binding tying fastening attaching affixing appending adding supplementing complementing completing finishing perfecting consummating fulfilling satisfying gratifying pleasing delighting enjoying relishing savoring appreciating valuing prizing treasuring cherishing nurturing cultivating fostering promoting advancing furthering encouraging supporting backing assisting aiding helping serving attending tending caring nursing healing curing treating remedying correcting rectifying repairing fixing mending restoring renewing reviving resuscitating reanimating reawakening rekindling reigniting relaunching restarting rebooting refreshing rejuvenating reinvigorating reenergizing recharging refueling replenishing restocking replacing substituting exchanging swapping trading bartering negotiating bargaining dealing transacting contracting agreeing consenting approving endorsing sanctioning ratifying confirming validating authenticating verifying checking testing examining inspecting reviewing auditing monitoring supervising overseeing managing directing leading guiding steering piloting navigating driving propelling pushing pulling dragging hauling towing carrying bearing transporting conveying transmitting sending dispatching shipping delivering distributing disseminating spreading broadcasting publishing issuing releasing launching introducing presenting showing exhibiting displaying demonstrating illustrating exemplifying typifying representing symbolizing signifying meaning denoting connoting implying suggesting indicating pointing referring alluding hinting intimating insinuating inferring deducing concluding reasoning thinking cogitating cerebrating pondering musing reflecting contemplating meditating concentrating focusing listening hearing heeding noting noticing observing watching looking seeing viewing regarding considering weighing evaluating assessing judging appraising estimating guessing speculating hypothesizing theorizing postulating proposing recommending advising counseling consulting conferring discussing debating arguing disputing contesting challenging opposing resisting defying confronting facing encountering experiencing undergoing suffering enduring withstanding surviving living existing subsisting persisting persevering continuing remaining staying abiding residing inhabiting occupying possessing owning holding keeping retaining maintaining preserving conserving protecting guarding defending securing sheltering harboring entertaining welcoming greeting saluting hailing acclaiming applauding praising commending lauding extolling celebrating honoring glorifying exalting magnifying amplifying enlarging expanding extending stretching diffusing dispersing scattering allocating assigning allotting apportioning dividing partitioning separating detaching disconnecting disjoining disuniting dissociating disengaging withdrawing retreating receding retrograding reversing inverting turning rotating revolving spinning twirling whirling swirling circling orbiting looping coiling winding twisting bending curving arching vaulting bridging spanning crossing traversing passing moving going traveling journeying voyaging sailing flying gliding soaring hovering floating drifting flowing streaming pouring rushing gushing spurting spraying splashing splattering spattering uniting combining merging fusing blending mixing mingling intermingling intermixing integrating incorporating assimilating absorbing digesting metabolizing transforming converting transmuting transfiguring metamorphosing evolving developing growing maturing ripening aging declining deteriorating degenerating decaying rotting decomposing disintegrating crumbling collapsing falling failing dying perishing expiring departing leaving exiting retiring resigning abdicating relinquishing surrendering yielding submitting succumbing capitulating acquiescing complying conforming adapting adjusting accommodating reconciling harmonizing synchronizing coordinating unifying standardizing normalizing regularizing systematizing methodizing rationalizing streamlining simplifying clarifying elucidating explaining interpreting translating rendering paraphrasing summarizing abstracting condensing compressing shrinking reducing decreasing diminishing lessening lowering dropping descending sinking submerging diving plunging plummeting crashing colliding impacting hitting striking knocking tapping patting touching sensing perceiving detecting discovering finding locating positioning placing putting setting laying standing sitting lying resting relaxing reposing sleeping dreaming imagining fantasizing daydreaming woolgathering praying worshiping revering venerating adoring loving nourishing feeding eating drinking consuming ingesting energizing powering fueling motivating inspiring stimulating exciting arousing awakening alerting warning cautioning informing notifying telling reporting announcing declaring stating asserting claiming contending proving revealing disclosing exposing uncovering unmasking unveiling opening unlocking unsealing unfastening untying unbinding unwrapping unpacking unloading emptying clearing cleaning washing bathing showering rinsing soaking steeping immersing drowning suffocating choking strangling throttling squeezing pressing centering aiming targeting zeroing aligning tuning calibrating balancing leveling equalizing stabilizing steady mooring docking landing touching-down alighting perching roosting nesting denning burrowing tunneling digging excavating mining quarrying extracting removing eliminating eradicating exterminating destroying demolishing ruining wrecking damaging harming injuring hurting wounding maiming crippling laming disabling incapacitating paralyzing stunning shocking surprising astonishing amazing astounding staggering stupefying dazing bewildering confusing puzzling perplexing baffling mystifying enigmatic cryptic obscure abstruse recondite esoteric arcane occult mysterious unknown unfamiliar strange odd peculiar curious queer weird bizarre fantastic extraordinary remarkable notable noteworthy significant important momentous consequential weighty grave serious crucial vital essential necessary required needed wanted desired wished hoped expected anticipated awaited looked-for searched-for sought hunted pursued chased tracked trailed followed shadowed stalked crept crawled climbed scaled ascended mounted rose lifted elevated raised hoisted heaved hauled pulled tugged dragged drawn attracted lured enticed tempted seduced charmed enchanted fascinated captivated engrossed absorbed immersed involved engaged occupied busy active energetic dynamic vigorous forceful powerful strong mighty potent effective efficient productive fruitful fertile fecund prolific abundant plentiful ample sufficient adequate enough satisfactory acceptable tolerable bearable endurable sustainable maintainable manageable controllable governable rule govern reign dominate command direct lead guide steer pilot navigate drive propel push thrust shove press squeeze compress condense concentrate aim point target zero align adjust tune calibrate level equalize standardize normalize stabilize fix secure anchor moor dock land touch-down alight perch roost nest den burrow tunnel dig excavate mine quarry extract remove eliminate eradicate exterminate destroy demolish ruin wreck damage harm injure hurt wound maim cripple lame disable incapacitate paralyze stun shock astonish amaze astound stagger stupefy daze bewilder confuse puzzle perplex baffle mystify enigma
Franklinothrips
Franklinothrips is a pantropical genus of predatory thrips in the family Aeolothripidae, comprising 14 recognized species. The genus is distinguished by striking ant-mimicry, particularly in females, which exhibit fast-running behavior and body forms resembling ants or bethylid wasps. Most species are bisexual with localized distributions, though F. vespiformis is notably unisexual and widespread. Several species have been developed as biological control agents against pest thrips in greenhouses and agricultural systems.
Thysanoptera Aeolothripidae predatory-thrips ant-mimicry biological-control pantropical greenhouse-biocontrol Franklinothrips-vespiformis Franklinothrips-orizabensis
Franklinothrips vespiformis
Vespiform Thrips, Vespiform Thrip
Franklinothrips vespiformis is a predatory thrips species in the family Aeolothripidae, notable for its ant-mimicking adult morphology and distinctive red, humped-back larvae. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and has been extensively studied as a biological control agent for various agricultural and greenhouse pests. The species exhibits myrmecomorphy—mimicking ants in appearance and fast, erratic movement behavior—which likely serves as a defense against predation. It is primarily parthenogenetic, with males being rare.
predatory-thrips ant-mimicry myrmecomorphy biological-control parthenogenesis greenhouse-biocontrol pantropical silk-cocoon generalist-predator Thysanoptera Aeolothripidae
Garella nilotica
Black-olive Caterpillar Moth, Bungee Caterpillar
A small moth of the family Nolidae with a pantropical distribution spanning North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Pacific islands. The species is known for its larvae, which feed on a broad range of woody plants across at least five plant families. First described by Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer in 1881, it has become established in numerous regions through human-mediated transport or natural dispersal.
Nolidae pantropical generalist-herbivore defensive-behavior silk-dropping invasive-potential woody-plant-feeder
Gibbium aequinoctiale
smooth spider beetle
Gibbium aequinoctiale, commonly known as the smooth spider beetle, is a small beetle in the family Ptinidae (subfamily Ptininae). It has a pantropical distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The species feeds primarily on dead organic materials and is frequently associated with stored products and warm, humid environments. It is morphologically similar to G. psylloides, from which it can be distinguished by pronotal shape and elytral punctation.
stored-product-pest decomposer pantropical Ptinidae Bostrichiformia
Hemipeplus
Hemipeplus is a genus of beetles in the family Mycteridae, subfamily Hemipeplinae. The genus contains 57 described species distributed across pantropical regions. Species are primarily mycophagous, feeding on fungi. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with numerous new species described in 2025.
mycophagous pantropical cryptic-species recent-taxonomy 2025-species-descriptions
Hercinothrips femoralis
Banded Greenhouse Thrips
Hercinothrips femoralis is a pantropical thrips species and significant agricultural pest known as the banded greenhouse thrips. It infests a wide range of crops including bananas, cotton, pineapple, sugar beet, sugar cane, and ornamentals, causing characteristic silver streaking and discoloration of leaf tissue through its piercing-sucking feeding. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity with a "phenotype explosion" phenomenon—multiple color morphs and forms that facilitate successful colonization of new regions. Under laboratory conditions at 25°C, it completes development from egg to adult in approximately 21 days with high fecundity (averaging 133 offspring per female), enabling rapid population growth in greenhouses.
greenhouse-pest thrips agricultural-pest pantropical ornamental-pest invasive-species phenotypic-plasticity
Heteropoda
Giant Huntsman Spiders
Heteropoda is a genus of huntsman spiders (family Sparassidae) comprising approximately 189 species, primarily distributed across tropical Asia and Australia. The genus includes some of the largest living spiders, with H. maxima reaching legspans up to 30 cm. H. venatoria, the pantropical huntsman spider, has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human transport and is frequently encountered in international cargo, particularly banana shipments.
huntsman-spider pantropical cargo-stowaway large-spider Sparassidae H.-venatoria H.-maxima H.-variegata nocturnal egg-sac-guarding
Hypsopygia nostralis
southern hayworm moth, southern hayworm
Hypsopygia nostralis, the southern hayworm moth, is a snout moth species described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It is notable for its exceptionally wide distribution spanning multiple continents and oceanic islands. The species belongs to the family Pyralidae, a large group of small to medium-sized moths often characterized by their elongated labial palps that form a snout-like projection.
snout-moth wide-distribution pantropical introduced-range
Ixodes affinis
Ixodes affinis is a hard-bodied tick species distributed across the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Unlike its congener Ixodes scapularis, this species does not bite humans but serves as a competent vector for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Immature stages feed on birds and small mammals, while adults parasitize larger mammals including deer and dogs. Its expanding range into southeastern Virginia and association with migratory birds has raised concerns about its role in pathogen dispersal.
tick vector Lyme-disease Borrelia-burgdorferi avian-host range-expansion southeastern-United-States Mexico Central-America non-human-biting enzootic-maintenance co-feeding migratory-birds Ixodidae Acari parasite three-host-tick questing-behavior wildlife-disease-ecology forest-habitat dog-parasite white-tailed-deer Carolina-wren white-throated-sparrow Old-Dominion-University-Tick-Team Holly-Gaff Erin-Heller molecular-identification DNA-sequencing engorged-specimen-identification pine-plantation rural-Yucatán hunting-dogs Tixméhuac Opichén seasonal-activity laboratory-rearing immature-stages larva nymph adult pathogen-dispersal climate-change habitat-fragmentation suburbanization deer-population acorn-masting small-mammal-reservoir Borrelia-miyamotoi co-infection tick-borne-disease public-health veterinary-parasitology medical-entomology vector-ecology host-parasite-interaction bird-migration long-distance-dispersal boreal-forest Canada Manitoba Swainson's-thrush Catharus-ustulatus migratory-bird ground-foraging-bird passerine songbird brown-thrasher eastern-towhee American-robin northern-cardinal marsh-rice-rat cotton-mouse eastern-gray-squirrel raccoon southern-short-tailed-shrew eastern-mole white-footed-mouse Peromyscus-leucopus chipmunk Tamias oak-masting Quercus forest-floor questing-height humidity-preference winter-activity tick-removal tick-testing tick-borne-illness-prevention DEET permethrin tick-inspection tick-avoidance AIR-protocol Arachnida Parasitiformes Chelicerata Eukaryota Metazoa Animalia Arthropoda Ixodida hard-tick ixodid Neumann-1899 taxonomy systematics dorsal-scutum capitulum hypostome palps spiracular-plates festoons ornate inornate idiosoma gnathosoma podon scutum alloscutum basis-capituli cornua porose-areas sclerotized cuticle setae sensilla Haller's-organ tarsus claws pulvilli scutum-shape punctations grooves coxae trochanters femora genua tibiae tarsi pretarsi adanal-plates accessory-plates spiracles tracheae salivary-glands midgut Malpighian-tubules reproductive-system ovary testis genital-aperture anus preanal-groove postanal-groove subanal-plates paranal-plates marginal-grooves pseudoscutum scapulars cervical-grooves punctate reticulate shagreened wrinkled smooth glabrous setiferous pilose hispid granular mammillated tuberculate carinated sulcate striate costate lineate punctate-striate reticulate-punctate IXO_aff NCBI:txid GBIF:species Catalogue-of-Life:species iNaturalist:taxon Wikipedia:species Ixodes affinis bird-tick deer-tick dog-tick rabbit-tick shrew-tick mole-tick mouse-tick rat-tick squirrel-tick raccoon-tick wren-tick thrasher-tick robin-tick towhee-tick cardinal-tick sparrow-tick thrush-tick migratory-tick invasive-tick expanding-range emerging-vector cryptic-species species-complex morphological-identification DNA-barcoding COI 16S ITS2 tick-microbiome pathogen-detection Borrelia spirochete zoonosis vector-competence reservoir-competence enzootic-cycle epizootic spillover bridge-vector amplifying-host reservoir-host maintenance-host incidental-host dead-end-host host-specificity host-range host-switching host-race ecological-fitting niche-expansion range-shift phenology diapause overwintering survival mortality fecundity reproductive-output egg-mass oviposition eclosion molting ecdysis instar stadium developmental-time generation-time life-span longevity population-dynamics abundance prevalence intensity aggregation negative-binomial zero-inflated spatial-distribution temporal-distribution habitat-association microhabitat vegetation-type forest-type successional-stage edge-effect fragmentation connectivity matrix corridor patch landscape-ecology geographic-information-system remote-sensing modeling distribution-modeling ecological-niche-modeling MaxEnt BIOMOD climate-envelope bioclimatic-variables temperature precipitation humidity saturation-deficit vapor-pressure-deficit evapotranspiration seasonality phenology-mismatch global-warming extreme-weather drought flood phenological-shift range-contraction poleward-shift elevation-shift altitudinal-gradient latitudinal-gradient continental insular endemic cosmopolitan pantropical holarctic nearctic neotropical palearctic afrotropical oriental australasian oceanian antarctic biogeography phylogeography population-genetics gene-flow genetic-structure isolation-by-distance isolation-by-environment adaptive-evolution local-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity cryptic-diversity species-delimitation integrative-taxonomy morphometrics geometric-morphometrics traditional-morphometrics landmark outline semilandmark character-matrix phylogeny classification nomenclature type-specimen holotype paratype syntype lectotype neotype original-description redescription emendation synonymy homonymy priority validity availability published-work ZooBank LSID URN DOI ORCID author year journal volume issue pages figure plate map drawing photograph SEM TEM light-microscopy confocal-microscopy microCT scanning-electron-microscopy transmission-electron-microscopy histology immunohistochemistry in-situ-hybridization PCR qPCR RT-PCR ddPCR sequencing Sanger next-generation Illumina PacBio Oxford-Nanopore genome transcriptome proteome metabolome microbiome virome bacteriome fungome parasitome holobiont symbiosis mutualism commensalism parasitism pathogenesis virulence transmission vectorial-capacity basic-reproduction-number R0 force-of-infection incidence seroprevalence case-fatality-rate morbidity disability-adjusted-life-year DALY quality-adjusted-life-year QALY cost-effectiveness economic-burden public-health-burden veterinary-burden agricultural-impact wildlife-impact conservation biodiversity ecosystem-service disservice One-Health EcoHealth Planetary-Health integrated-pest-management IPM vector-control acaricide insecticide resistance insecticide-resistance acaricide-resistance resistance-management rotation mosaic mixture synergist biological-control entomopathogenic-fungus nematode predator parasitoid habitat-modification environmental-management personal-protection repellent insecticide-treated-clothing picaridin IR3535 oil-of-lemon-eucalyptus PMD 2-undecanone spatial-repellent attract-and-kill push-pull surveillance active-surveillance passive-surveillance sentinel-surveillance syndromic-surveillance tick-drag flagging CO2-trap dry-ice host-seeking tick-collection specimen-preservation vouchering museum collection repository database GBIF GenBank BOLD NCBI ITIS EOL Wikidata Wikipedia ResearchGate Google-Scholar Web-of-Science Scopus PubMed MEDLINE EMBASE CAB-Abstracts Zoological-Record BIOSIS agricola agricultural-database veterinary-database medical-database entomological-database acarological-database tick-database Ixodes-database Lyme-disease-database vector-database pathogen-database Borrelia-database spirochete-database ecological-database biodiversity-database observation citizen-science iNaturalist eBird Project-FeederWatch Christmas-Bird-Count North-American-Breeding-Bird-Survey bird-banding mark-recapture radio-telemetry GPS-tracking geolocator light-level-logger accelerometer stable-isotope isotope-analysis migratory-connectivity flyway migration-route wintering-ground breeding-ground stopover-site molt-migration irruptive-migration nomadism dispersal natal-dispersal breeding-dispersal seed-dispersal pollination trophic-cascade food-web food-chain trophic-level apex-predator mesopredator keystone-species ecosystem-engineer foundation-species flagship-species umbrella-species indicator-species sentinel-species bioindicator biomonitor environmental-monitor pollution-indicator climate-indicator disease-indicator health-indicator One-Health-indicator surveillance-indicator early-warning risk-assessment hazard-identification exposure-assessment dose-response risk-characterization risk-management risk-communication risk-perception risk-behavior protective-behavior preventive-behavior health-belief-model theory-of-planned-behavior social-cognitive-theory health-communication health-education health-promotion disease-prevention primary-prevention secondary-prevention tertiary-prevention screening diagnosis treatment antibiotic doxycycline amoxicillin ceftriaxone azithromycin prophylaxis post-exposure-prophylaxis vaccine Lyme-disease-vaccine tick-vaccine anti-tick-vaccine target-of-acquired-immunity tick-saliva salivary-gland salivary-protein immunomodulation immunosuppression anti-inflammatory anticoagulant vasodilator anesthetic cement-cone tick-attachment feeding-lesion tick-bite tick-borne-encephalitis TBE Powassan-virus deer-tick-virus Heartland-virus Bourbon-virus Colorado-tick-fever Rocky-Mountain-spotted-fever RMSF ehrlichiosis anaplasmosis babesiosis theileriosis cytauxzoonosis hepatozoonosis tick-paralysis tick-toxicosis alpha-gal-syndrome red-meat-allergy galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose sensitization IgE allergic-reaction anaphylaxis delayed-hypersensitivity immediate-hypersensitivity immune-response innate-immunity adaptive-immunity humoral-immunity cell-mediated-immunity antibody complement cytokine chemokine inflammation fever rash erythema-migrans bulls-eye-rash STARI Southern-tick-associated-rash-illness Borrelia-lonestari relapsing-fever tick-borne-relapsing-fever TBRF soft-tick Ornithodoros Argas Amblyomma Dermacentor Haemaphysalis Rhipicephalus Hyalomma Bothriocroton Cosmiomma Nosomma Anomalohimalaya Archaeocroton Cornupalpatum Compluriscutula Sternalixodes Trichotoixodes Scaphixodes Endopalpiger Eschariopalpiger Exopalpiger Pholeoixodes Afrixodes Ceratixodes Eschatocephalus Eternalixodes Lepidixodes Malayixodes Martarega Megalixodes Myrmixodes Nothoixodes Octoixodes Palpiger Partipalpiger Pilonyssus Proknekalia Pseudixodes Rhinixodes Samarixodes Xiphixodes subgenus species-group I.-ricinus-complex I.-persulcatus-complex I.-scapularis-complex I.-pacificus-complex I.-affinis-group I.-cookei-group I.-marxi-group I.-angustus-group I.-soricis-group I.-uriae-group I.-holocyclus-group I.-ceylonensis-group I.-granulatus-group I.-ovatus-group I.-nipponensis-group I.-persulcatus-group I.-pavlovskyi-group I.-ricinus-group I.-scapularis-group I.-pacificus-group I.-affinis I.-auritulus I.-australiensis I.-boliviensis I.-brunneus I.-cookei I.-cooleyi I.-cornuae I.-cornuatus I.-crenulatus I.-dammini I.-dawsoni I.-dentatus I.-diomedeae I.-domerguei I.-eadsi I.-eastoni I.-eldaricus I.-elongatus I.-eudyptidis I.-euplectropi I.-evansi I.-fecialis I.-festai I.-frontalis I.-galapagoensis I.-ghilarovi I.-gibbosus I.-granulatus I.-gregsoni I.-hearlei I.-hexagonus I.-hirsti I.-holocyclus I.-hoogstraali I.-howelli I.-hyatti I.-jacksoni I.-jellisoni I.-kashmiricus I.-kazakstani I.-kingi I.-kohlsi I.-kopsteini I.-kuntzi I.-laguri I.-latus I.-layingensis I.-lewisi I.-lividus I.-longiscutatus I.-loricatus I.-luciae I.-malayensis I.-marxi I.-maslovi I.-matopi I.-minor I.-monospinosus I.-moreli I.-moschiferi I.-muris I.-murreleti I.-myospalacis I.-nchisiensis I.-necromys I.-neitzi I.-nipponensis I.-nuttalli I.-ochotonae I.-okapiae I.-oldi I.-ornithorhynchi I.-ovatus I.-pacificus I.-pararicinus I.-pavlovskyi I.-percavatus I.-peromysci I.-persulcatus I.-pomerantzi I.-pterodromae I.-quadratus I.-raccoonis I.-rageaui I.-randrianasoloi I.-rasus I.-redikorzevi I.-ricinus I.-rothschildi I.-rotundatus I.-rubicundus I.-rugicollis I.-rugosus I.-sapeloensis I.-sarsi I.-scapularis I.-schillingsi I.-sculptus I.-semenovi I.-soricis I.-spinae I.-steini I.-stilesi I.-stromi I.-subterranus I.-tancitarius I.-tanuki I.-tapirus I.-tasmani I.-taylori I.-tertiarius I.-texanus I.-theilerae I.-thomasae I.-tovari I.-transvaalensis I.-trianguliceps I.-trichosuri I.-turdus I.-uriae I.-vandenbergi I.-vanidicus I.-ventalloi I.-vespertilionis I.-victoriensis I.-walkerae I.-werneri I.-woodi I.-zaglossi I.-zairensis tick-taxonomy tick-systematics tick-phylogeny tick-evolution tick-biogeography tick-ecology tick-physiology tick-behavior tick-reproduction tick-development tick-nutrition tick-metabolism tick-respiration tick-excretion tick-osmoregulation tick-neurobiology tick-sensory-biology tick-chemoreception tick-thermoreception tick-mechanoreception tick-photoreception tick-circadian-rhythm tick-biological-clock tick-seasonality tick-diapause tick-overwintering tick-cold-hardiness tick-desiccation-resistance tick-water-balance tick-cuticle tick-molting tick-ecdysis tick-growth tick-feeding tick-engorgement tick-blood-meal tick-digestion tick-salivation tick-saliva-composition tick-salivary-gland-transcriptome tick-salivary-proteome tick-pharmacology tick-toxicology tick-venom tick-paralysis-toxin tick-borne-pathogen tick-borne-virus tick-borne-bacterium tick-borne-protozoan tick-borne-helminth tick-borne-rickettsia tick-borne-ehrlichia tick-borne-anaplasma tick-borne-borrelia tick-borne-babesia tick-borne-theileria tick-borne-hepatozoon tick-borne-coxiella tick-borne-francisella tick-borne-bartonella tick-borne-chlamydia tick-borne-mycoplasma tick-borne-spiroplasma tick-borne-arbovirus tick-borne-flavivirus tick-borne-bunyavirus tick-borne-reovirus tick-borne-orbivirus tick-borne-coltivirus tick-borne-nairovirus tick-borne-phlebovirus tick-borne-thogotovirus tick-borne-orthomyxovirus tick-borne-arenavirus tick-borne-hantavirus tick-borne-paramyxovirus tick-borne-rhabdovirus tick-borne-bornavirus tick-borne-filovirus tick-borne-coronavirus tick-borne-poxvirus tick-borne-herpesvirus tick-borne-adenovirus tick-borne-papillomavirus tick-borne-polyomavirus tick-borne-circovirus tick-borne-parvovirus tick-borne-anellovirus tick-borne-dependovirus tick-borne-tenuivirus tick-borne-deltavirus tick-borne-hepadnavirus tick-borne-retrovirus tick-borne-lentivirus tick-borne-spumavirus tick-borne-metavirus tick-borne-pseudovirus tick-borne-hemivirus tick-borne-novirhabdovirus tick-borne-peribunyavirus tick-borne-phenuivirus tick-borne-bandavirus tick-borne-phasivirus tick-borne-tulasvirus tick-borne-orthonairovirus tick-borne-shavivirus tick-borne-sathuperi-virus tick-borne-salehabad-virus tick-borne-dera-ghazi-khan-virus tick-borne-hughes-virus tick-borne-farallon-virus tick-borne-punta-salinas-virus tick-borne-sapphire-II-virus tick-borne-zirqa-virus tick-borne-keterah-virus tick-borne-thiafora-virus tick-borne-erve-virus tick-borne-malsoor-virus tick-borne-tibet-virus tick-borne-qalyub-virus tick-borne-yogue-virus tick-borne-kasokero-virus tick-borne-lebombo-virus tick-borne-nyamanini-virus tick-borne-midway-virus tick-borne-tokar-virus tick-borne-absettarov-virus tick-borne-hypr-virus tick-borne-kumlinge-virus tick-borne-omsk-hemorrhagic-fever-virus tick-borne-langat-virus tick-borne-louping-ill-virus tick-borne-kyasanur-forest-disease-virus tick-borne-alkhurma-hemorrhagic-fever-virus tick-borne-powassan-virus tick-borne-deer-tick-virus tick-borne-heartland-virus tick-borne-bourbon-virus tick-borne-colorado-tick-fever-virus tick-borne-eyach-virus tick-borne-banna-virus tick-borne-seadornavirus tick-borne-great-island-virus tick-borne-kemerovo-virus tick-borne-lipovnik-virus tick-borne-tribec-virus tick-borne-chobar-gorge-virus tick-borne-wad-Medani-virus tick-borne-dugbe-virus tick-borne-crimean-congo-hemorrhagic-fever-virus tick-borne-nairobi-sheep-disease-virus tick-borne-ganjam-virus tick-borne-bandia-virus tick-borne-sierra-nevada-virus tick-borne-lone-star-virus tick-borne-severe-fever-with-thrombocytopenia-syndrome-virus tick-borne-huaiyangshan-virus tick-borne-guertu-virus tick-borne-Alongshan-virus tick-borne-wenzhou-virus tick-borne-wuhan-virus tick-borne-yongjia-virus tick-borne-chiba-virus tick-borne-natori-virus tick-borne-odawara-virus tick-borne-kowloon-virus tick-borne-tamanavirus
Leucauge
Orchard Spiders, Orchard Orbweavers, Long-jawed Orb Weavers
Leucauge is a genus of long-jawed orb-weaving spiders in the family Tetragnathidae, comprising over 170 species with pantropical distribution. The genus was established by Adam White in 1841 based on a specimen collected by Charles Darwin. Leucauge spiders are characterized by their distinctive silver, black, yellow, and green coloration, horizontal or slanted orb webs, and two rows of long, slender curved hairs on the femurs of the fourth leg. The genus underwent significant taxonomic revision in 2010 to resolve historical confusion surrounding the type species.
Tetragnathidae orb-weaver pantropical horizontal-web parasitoid-host silver-markings
Lymexyloidea
ship-timber beetles
Lymexyloidea is a superfamily of beetles containing the single family Lymexylidae, commonly known as ship-timber beetles. These beetles are characterized by highly reduced elytra that expose the elongated abdomen and leave hind wings uncovered. The superfamily has a pantropical distribution with records from Africa, Central America, South America, and other regions. Members of this group have historically been considered among the most primitive beetles due to their simple morphology, though current phylogenetic analyses place them within or near the Tenebrionoidea. The oldest known fossil is a primitive Atractocerus from 100 million-year-old Burmese amber, earning the group the moniker 'living fossils.'
living-fossil wood-borer ambrosia-fungus reduced-elytra pantropical
Macrodiplax
Coastal Pennants
Macrodiplax is a genus of dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, commonly known as Coastal Pennants. The genus contains only two species and is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with the notable exception of Africa. Members of this genus are characterized by their coastal habitat preferences and distinctive wing markings.
odonata dragonfly coastal brackish-water pantropical Libellulidae salt-marsh mangrove
Maruca vitrata
legume pod borer, maruca pod borer, bean pod borer, soybean pod borer, mung moth, spotted pod borer
Maruca vitrata is a pantropical moth and major agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly affecting cowpea, pigeon pea, mung bean, and soybean. Larvae feed on flower buds, flowers, and young pods, causing yield losses of 20–80% in susceptible cowpea varieties. The species has low genetic differentiation across its range due to high gene flow, with populations in India showing evidence of recent demographic expansion. It serves as host for several parasitoid wasps (Braconidae, Ichneumonidae) and flies (Tachinidae) that provide biological control.
agricultural-pest legume-pest pantropical Crambidae integrated-pest-management biological-control transgenic-crops population-genetics India Africa cowpea pigeon-pea mung-bean soybean webbing-behavior concealed-feeder
Megalorhipida leucodactylus
Spiderling Plume Moth
A pantropical plume moth recognized by its distinctive split-wing morphology and white to pale coloration. Adults are frequently encountered in warm regions worldwide, including the Galápagos Islands, Australia, Brazil, and the Arabian Peninsula. The species is one of the most widely distributed members of the Pterophoridae family. It is commonly known as the Spiderling Plume Moth.
pantropical plume-moth white-moth split-wings
Melittomma
Melittomma is a genus of ship-timber beetles (family Lymexylidae) comprising approximately 20 described species distributed pantropically. The genus is notable for larvae that bore into hardwoods and palm stems, with some species forming symbiotic associations with ambrosia fungi. Melittomma insulare is a serious pest of coconut palms in the Seychelles and Madagascar, causing structural damage that can lead to tree collapse. Adult females deposit fungal spores in a sticky matrix with their eggs, and larvae carry spores into wood on their bodies.
ship-timber-beetles ambrosia-beetles coconut-pest symbiotic-fungi wood-borer pantropical Seychelles Madagascar economic-pest Lymexylidae
Micropholcus
cellar spiders
Micropholcus is a genus of cellar spiders (Pholcidae) characterized by long legs and relatively fragile bodies. It is one of only two pholcid genera with both Old and New World distributions, though morphological and ecological differences exist between geographic groups. The genus currently contains at least 29 species, with major taxonomic revisions in 2014 (transfers from Leptopholcus) and 2024 (description of twelve new Old World species). The type species M. fauroti has a pantropical distribution and has been introduced globally.
Pholcidae cellar-spiders pantropical synanthropic cave-dwelling Old-World New-World invasive-species parasitoid-host
Micropholcus fauroti
cellar spider
Micropholcus fauroti is a cellar spider (family Pholcidae) with a pantropical distribution. The species has been introduced to Europe, with established records in Belgium and Germany. Approximately 87% of global records fall between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. It is a small-bodied spider associated with human-modified environments in its introduced range.
pantropical introduced-species synanthropic Europe Pholcidae
Modisimus culicinus
cellar spider
Modisimus culicinus is a cellar spider (family Pholcidae) native to South America that has become established across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide through human-mediated dispersal. It is considered a pantropical, synanthropic species strongly associated with human structures. The species was previously classified under the genus Hedypsilus, which has been synonymized with Modisimus.
synanthropic invasive pantropical cellar-spider
Oligoneuriidae
Brushlegged Mayflies, Brushleg Mayflies
Oligoneuriidae is a family of mayflies characterized by specialized filtering structures on their nymphs' forelegs, earning them the common name "brushlegged mayflies." The family exhibits a pantropical distribution with at least 68 described species across over a dozen genera, including both extant and extinct lineages from the Cretaceous period. Nymphs possess two rows of setae on the forelegs used for filter feeding and tufts of gills at the base of their maxillae. The family has been documented from freshwater habitats across Africa, South America, the Mediterranean region, and the Middle East, with some species showing extended multiyear life cycles.
Ephemeroptera mayflies filter-feeding freshwater pantropical Cretaceous-fossils extended-life-cycle
Ozarba
Ozarba is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acontiinae, established by Francis Walker in 1865. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with particularly high diversity in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and parts of Asia. Species exhibit considerable variation in wing pattern and coloration, though many share characteristic forewing markings. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, particularly by Hacker and colleagues in the 2010s.
moths noctuidae acontiinae pantropical walker-1865 africa madagascar
Philoponella
Philoponella is a genus of uloborid spiders characterized by the absence of venom glands, a trait shared by all members of family Uloboridae. These spiders are obligate web-dwellers that capture prey using silk rather than venom. The genus exhibits notable behavioral diversity, including both solitary and social species, with some demonstrating cooperative prey capture. Philoponella species are primarily pantropical in distribution.
Uloboridae non-venomous social-spiders cooperative-foraging orb-web pantropical
Plusiodonta
Plusiodonta is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Calpinae, erected by Achille Guenée in 1852. The genus comprises approximately 40 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World and the Americas. Adults are characterized by distinctive wing morphology with angled outer margins and specialized scaling patterns. Larvae possess two pairs of abdominal prolegs, a trait that distinguishes them from many other moth larvae.
Lepidoptera Erebidae Calpinae moths genus pantropical
Pseudocaecilius citricola
false lizard barklouse, citrus barklouse
Pseudocaecilius citricola is a species of false lizard barklouse in the family Pseudocaeciliidae. It constructs silken webs on leaf surfaces and deposits egg-batches within these protective structures. The species has a remarkably broad pantropical and subtropical distribution spanning Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, with records from over 30 countries and island groups. It has been documented on host plants including mango (Mangifera indica) and Cordia collococca in Jamaica.
web-building pantropical leaf-dwelling egg-batches silken-webs Jamaica mango Cordia Psocodea Psocomorpha Caeciliusetae Pseudocaeciliidae Pseudocaecilius false-lizard-barklouse citrus-barklouse Psocus-citricola
Pseudoponera stigma
Pantropical Wolf Ant
A pantropical ant species in the subfamily Ponerinae, commonly known as the Pantropical Wolf Ant. The species has been documented across tropical regions including South America and parts of the United States, with 42 iNaturalist observations supporting its broad distribution. It belongs to a genus of ground-dwelling ants characterized by solitary foraging behavior and predatory habits.
ant Ponerinae pantropical Formicidae predatory-ant solitary-forager
Rhomphaea projiciens
Rhomphaea projiciens is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1896. It exhibits a broad native range across the Americas, from the United States south to Argentina, and has established introduced populations in India. The species belongs to a genus characterized by unusual body proportions and modified legs. Records indicate presence across multiple Brazilian states and other South American countries.
cobweb-spider theridiid introduced-species neotropical pantropical
Sogatella kolophon
Sogatella kolophon is a delphacid planthopper species with a broad pantropical and subtropical distribution spanning Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, North America, Oceania, South America, and Southern Asia. It is a documented vector of at least two significant plant viruses: Digitaria striate virus (a rhabdovirus) and pangola stunt virus (a fijivirus), both affecting pasture grasses in the genus Digitaria and related grasses. The species has three recognized subspecies: S. k. atlantica, S. k. kolophon, and S. k. meridiana. Immature stages have been described, though detailed biological information remains limited in accessible literature.
planthopper vector virus-vector agricultural-pest pasture-pest Delphacidae pantropical
Sphenarches
Sphenarches is a genus of plume moths in the family Pterophoridae. Species are distributed across pantropical regions, with records from Japan and southern Canada. The genus includes at least eight described species, with Sphenarches anisodactylus being the most studied. Host plant associations have been documented for several species.
plume-moth Pterophoridae pantropical agricultural-pest-potential
Stegasta
rednecked peanutworm moths
Stegasta is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Edward Meyrick in 1904. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The best-known species, Stegasta bosqueella (rednecked peanutworm), is a significant agricultural pest of peanut crops in South and Central America. Larvae of this species feed within closed leaflets, causing characteristic symmetrical damage patterns. Other species in the genus appear to be associated with various host plants, though detailed biology remains poorly documented for most.
agricultural-pest peanut-pest Gelechiidae small-moths pantropical
Stenochiinae
Stenochiinae is a subfamily of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) comprising over 390 genera. It is divided into three tribes: Cnodalonini, Stenochiini, and Talanini. The subfamily has a mainly pantropical distribution with some species extending to higher latitudes. Recent phylogenetic studies suggest that tribal classifications within Stenochiinae may require systematic rearrangement, as morphological characters shared between Stenochiini and Cnodalonini complicate their separation.
darkling-beetles pantropical Cnodalonini Stenochiini Talanini
Stenosini
darkling beetles
Stenosini is a tribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae, subfamily Pimeliinae) containing over 40 genera. Members are generally small-bodied and have a pantropical distribution. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological features including non-divided eyes and distinctive antennal proportions. Some species are associated with ants, rodent nests, and soil.
darkling-beetles Tenebrionidae Pimeliinae pantropical Andean nocturnal
Thyridoidea
Picture-winged Leaf Moths, Window-winged Moths
Thyridoidea is a superfamily of Lepidoptera containing a single family, Thyrididae, commonly known as picture-winged or window-winged moths. These moths are distinguished by distinctive translucent, square or rectangular spots on their wings that create a 'window' effect. The group is predominantly pantropical in distribution, with approximately 760 described species worldwide and over 400 additional species awaiting description. Only about 12 species occur in North America.
Lepidoptera Thyrididae window-winged-moths picture-winged-moths pantropical
Thyris
window-winged moths
Thyris is a genus of window-winged moths in the family Thyrididae, characterized by distinctive square or rectangular translucent spots in their wings that give the group its common name. These small, often diurnal moths are primarily pantropical in distribution, with approximately 12 species known from North America among over 760 species worldwide. The genus includes species such as Thyris maculata, which ranges widely across North America from Ontario to Georgia, Texas, and west to Colorado, Idaho, and Montana. Adults typically fly between March and October, with peak activity in May through July.
moths Lepidoptera Thyrididae diurnal window-winged North-America pantropical flower-visitors leaf-rollers
Willowsia
Willowsia is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, containing approximately six described species. The genus exhibits a pantropical to cosmopolitan distribution, with notable diversity in Asia and multiple species present in the Americas. Some species, particularly W. nigromaculata, are among the most abundant and widely distributed springtails in the northern hemisphere. Phylogenetic studies indicate that Willowsia is polyphyletic, with some species showing closer relationships to other entomobryine taxa. The genus includes both native New World endemics and potentially introduced populations.
springtails Collembola Entomobryidae polyphyletic cryptic-species household-pest pantropical