Phoretic-host
Guides
Amphotis
sap-feeding beetles
Amphotis is a genus of sap-feeding beetles in the family Nitidulidae, established by Erichson in 1843. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed across Europe and North America. At least one species, A. marginata, has been documented as a phoretic host for mites in European Russia.
Cartodere constricta
Plaster Beetle
Cartodere constricta, commonly known as the plaster beetle, is a minute lathridiid beetle measuring 1.3–2.0 mm in length. Native to the Palearctic region, it has become established in the Nearctic through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a mold feeder associated with stored products, buildings, and organic debris in dry environments. It serves as a documented phoretic host for the mite Tarsonemus ascitus, which attaches specifically to the lateral and underside surfaces of the beetle's prothorax.
Diaperis
Diaperis is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, established by Geoffroy in 1762. Species occur across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The genus includes mycophagous species such as D. boleti, which feeds on wood-decomposing fungi. Some species were formerly classified under the genus Allophasia.
Hylobius
pine weevil, large pine weevil
Hylobius is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing approximately 15 described species. Several species, particularly Hylobius abietis and H. pales, are significant forestry pests that damage coniferous trees through root and collar feeding. The genus is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with species occurring in North America, Europe, and Asia. Adults are mobile and capable of flight, while larvae are relatively immobile and develop in soil near host roots.
Nigronia serricornis
Serrate Dark Fishfly, Saw-combed Fishfly, Hellgrammite
Nigronia serricornis is a large aquatic insect in the family Corydalidae, commonly known as the serrate dark fishfly or saw-combed fishfly. The aquatic larvae, often called hellgrammites, are sit-and-wait ambush predators and frequently the largest insect predators in small woodland streams. Adults are short-lived, weak fliers that do not disperse far from their emergence sites. The species has a broad distribution across eastern North America with documented genetic structure shaped by the Appalachian Mountains.
Osmoderma eremicola
Hermit Flower Beetle, Hermit Beetle
Osmoderma eremicola is a large scarab beetle native to eastern North America. Adults are nocturnal and associated with mature woodland habitats, particularly near tree trunks. The species is notable for producing a distinctive leathery odor and serves as a phoretic host for multiple mite species. Larvae develop in decaying wood and wood mould within hollow trees over a multi-year period.
Sericoda quadripunctata
Four-spotted Sericoda
Sericoda quadripunctata is a pyrophilous ground beetle strongly associated with recently burned forests in boreal regions. Its abundance peaks in the first year after wildfire and declines sharply by the third post-fire year. The species serves as a phoretic host for specialized mites (Antennoseius perseus and A. pyrophilus) that inhabit the space beneath its elytra. It occurs across the Holarctic region, including Europe, Northern Asia, and North America.