Saproxylic
Guides
Abraeini
Abraeini is a tribe of minute clown beetles within the family Histeridae, first described by MacLeay in 1819. Members of this tribe are among the smallest histerid beetles and are characterized by reduced elytra that expose several abdominal segments. They are primarily associated with decaying organic matter and have been observed in various microhabitats including dung, carrion, and fungal fruiting bodies. The tribe contains multiple genera, though species-level taxonomy remains incompletely resolved for many groups.
Abraeus
Abraeus is a genus of small hister beetles in the family Histeridae. Species in this genus are saproxylic, associated with dead and decaying wood. The genus contains at least nine described species distributed across Europe. Abraeus beetles are rarely collected due to their specialized habitat requirements and small size.
Absensiugum
Absensiugum is a genus of beetles in the family Eucnemidae, commonly known as false click beetles. Members of this genus are part of a group characterized by larvae that develop in decaying wood. The genus is relatively obscure with limited documented observations.
Acaricoris
flat bugs
Acaricoris is a genus of flat bugs (family Aradidae) established by Harris & Drake in 1944. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed primarily in North America and the Caribbean. Members of this genus are associated with decaying wood habitats. As with other aradids, they are flattened dorsoventrally and are typically found in concealed microhabitats such as under bark.
Acritus exiguus
clown beetle
Acritus exiguus is a small clown beetle (family Histeridae) described by Erichson in 1834. It occurs across much of eastern North America from southern Canada to Mexico, with records from the northeastern United States through the Gulf Coast states and west to Colorado and Texas. Like other members of the genus Acritus, it is minute in size and associated with decaying organic matter. The species is documented from museum collections and limited iNaturalist observations, though detailed ecological studies remain sparse.
Adelothyreus
Adelothyreus is a genus of false click beetles (family Eucnemidae) established by Horn in 1890. The genus is rarely encountered, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist. Members of Eucnemidae are characterized by their inability to produce the clicking sound typical of true click beetles (Elateridae), despite superficial similarities in body form. The genus Adelothyreus appears to be poorly represented in collections and literature.
Alaus patricius
Caribbean Eyed Click Beetle
Alaus patricius, known as the Caribbean Eyed Click Beetle, is a large click beetle in the family Elateridae. Like other members of the genus Alaus, it is characterized by prominent false eyespots on the pronotum that serve as a defensive adaptation against predators. The species exhibits the family's namesake clicking mechanism, using a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch to launch itself into the air when threatened or overturned. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting decaying wood where they hunt other insect larvae.
Alaus zunianus
Zuni Click Beetle, Arizona Eyed Click Beetle
Alaus zunianus, the Zuni Click Beetle or Arizona Eyed Click Beetle, is a large, striking species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. It is characterized by prominent false eyespots on the pronotum, a robust body, and the ability to produce an audible clicking sound by snapping a prosternal spine into a mesosternal groove. This species appears confined to Arizona and is distinguished from related eyed elaters by its rounder eyespots and ivory or beige mottled coloration rather than stark white.
Amedia
Amedia is a genus of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) established by Jaschhof in 1997. It belongs to the subfamily Lestremiinae and tribe Strobliellini. The genus comprises small, delicate flies whose larvae develop in association with fungi, particularly on decaying wood.
Ampedus
click beetles
Ampedus is a large genus of click beetles (Elateridae) comprising approximately 461 recognized species with a cosmopolitan distribution concentrated in the Holarctic region. Adults are characterized by their ability to spring into the air using a click mechanism for predator avoidance. The genus exhibits substantial size variation, with North American species ranging from 3–4 mm to 13–14 mm. Larvae are saproxylic, developing in decaying wood, while adults feed on pollen. Multiple European species are considered endangered due to logging pressures on their forest habitat.
Ampedus melsheimeri
Ampedus melsheimeri is a species of click beetle (family Elateridae) described by Leng in 1918. The species belongs to a genus of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal substrates. Records indicate it occurs in central and eastern Canada, with scattered observations suggesting it may be uncommon or undercollected. As with many Ampedus species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Ampedus nigricollis
Black-collared Click Beetle
Ampedus nigricollis is a click beetle species distinguished by its black pronotal collar contrasting against reddish-orange elytra. It occurs primarily in eastern North America, with substantial observational records from the Canadian Maritimes and Ontario. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae develop in decaying wood, though specific life history details for this species remain incompletely documented.
Ampedus rubricus
Red Click Beetle
Ampedus rubricus, commonly known as the Red Click Beetle, is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1825 and is native to eastern Canada. Adults are characterized by their reddish coloration and possess the family's namesake clicking mechanism for righting themselves when overturned. The species is relatively well-documented on citizen science platforms with over 300 observations recorded.
Anaspis
false flower beetles
Anaspis is a large genus of small beetles in the family Scraptiidae, commonly known as false flower beetles. Adults are frequently found on flowers, particularly blossoms of trees, shrubs, and umbellifers, and exhibit a characteristic tumbling behavior when disturbed. Larvae are saproxylic, developing in decaying wood of various deciduous and coniferous trees. The genus is widespread across the Palaearctic region, with species distributed from Western Europe through Siberia to East Asia.
Andrenosoma
Chiselmouths
Andrenosoma is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Laphriinae, containing at least 70 described species. The genus is distributed across North America, Europe, and the Neotropics, with greatest diversity in the Neotropical region. Species are associated with dead wood habitats, where larvae prey on wood-boring beetle larvae. Adults are predatory and typically perch on sun-exposed surfaces such as tree trunks, logs, and stumps.
Anisopodidae
Wood Gnats, Window-Gnats
Anisopodidae is a small, cosmopolitan family of gnat-like flies comprising 154 described extant species across 15 genera, with additional fossil taxa known from the Jurassic through Cenozoic. Commonly called wood gnats or window-gnats, most species are small to medium-sized (4–12 mm), though genera Olbiogaster and Lobogaster are notably larger (17–18 mm) with distinctive spatulated abdomens. The family's phylogenetic placement remains controversial, with proposals ranging from sister group to Brachycera to recognition as multiple distinct families. Some authors recognize four separate families: Anisopodidae, Mycetobiidae, Olbiogastridae, and Valeseguyidae.
Anisotoma humeralis
round fungus beetle
Anisotoma humeralis is a species of round fungus beetle in the family Leiodidae. It is distributed across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species was first described by A.G. Olivier in 1790. It belongs to a genus of small beetles commonly associated with fungal habitats.
Aradus
flat bugs
Aradus is a genus of flat bugs (family Aradidae) containing approximately 200 or more species distributed worldwide, with highest diversity in the Holarctic region. These insects are strongly associated with forest habitats, particularly dead and decaying wood where they feed on fungi. Several species exhibit pyrophilous behavior, colonizing burned forests to exploit fungi that grow on charred wood. The genus has a documented fossil record extending back to the Eocene, with 14 species described from Baltic amber inclusions.
Aradus aequalis
Aradus aequalis is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1832. It is one of approximately 200 species in the genus Aradus. Like other flat bugs, it has a strongly dorsoventrally flattened body form adapted for living in tight spaces under bark. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States including Vermont.
Aradus approximatus
flat bug
Aradus approximatus is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Parshley in 1921. It belongs to a group of true bugs characterized by their strongly flattened bodies, an adaptation for living in tight spaces under bark. The species is recorded from North America. Like other members of the genus Aradus, it is presumed to inhabit dead wood environments, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Aradus cf. acutus-w-tex
Aradus cf-acutus-w-tex is a flat bug in the family Aradidae, a group of true bugs commonly associated with dead wood and bark habitats. The "cf." designation and "w-tex" suffix indicate this is an informal, provisional designation referring to a western Texas population closely resembling Aradus acutus but not formally described as a distinct species. Flat bugs in this genus are typically small, dorsoventrally flattened insects that live cryptically under bark.
Aradus crenatus
flat bug
Aradus crenatus is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1832. The species has been recorded from Central America and North America, with additional reports from Europe. GBIF indicates its current accepted status is as a synonym of Aradus conspicuus, though this taxonomic treatment may vary across sources. As with other members of the genus Aradus, it belongs to a group of cryptic insects associated with dead wood habitats.
Aradus evermanni
Aradus evermanni is a flat bug species described by Van Duzee in 1920. Members of the family Aradidae are characterized by their extremely flattened bodies, an adaptation for living in tight spaces under bark or in decaying wood. The genus Aradus is one of the largest in the family, with species primarily associated with coniferous and deciduous trees. Specific ecological details for A. evermanni remain poorly documented.
Aradus fuscomaculatus
Aradus fuscomaculatus is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Stål in 1859. As a member of the flat bug family, it exhibits the characteristic dorsoventrally flattened body form typical of this group. The species is known from North America, where it inhabits forest environments associated with dead wood. Like other aradids, it is likely associated with subcortical habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Aradus leachi
Aradus leachi is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Van Duzee in 1929. Flat bugs in this genus are characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and association with dead wood habitats. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Aradus robustus
flat bug
Aradus robustus is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Uhler in 1871. It is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from the United States including Vermont. The species is one of two recognized subspecies within the Aradus robustus complex, with the nominate subspecies A. r. robustus and A. r. insignis described by Parshley in 1921. As a member of the flat bug family, it belongs to a group of true bugs adapted to life under bark and in decaying wood.
Aradus similis
flat bug
Aradus similis is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Thomas Say in 1832. It is native to North America and belongs to a group of insects commonly known as flat bugs due to their strongly dorsoventrally flattened bodies. Members of the genus Aradus are typically associated with dead wood and bark habitats. The species is one of many in a genus with both extant and fossil representatives, including species preserved in Baltic amber dating to the Eocene epoch.
Arhopalus rusticus montanus
Arhopalus rusticus montanus is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, distributed across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The species is associated with coniferous forests and develops under the bark of dead or dying conifers. Adults are active during cooler periods, with some populations exhibiting winter activity patterns. This subspecies is part of a complex with Holarctic distribution, showing variation in host preferences across its range.
Asemum
Asemum is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Spondylinae, described by Eschscholtz in 1830. Species are primarily associated with coniferous forests and share the pyrophilous (fire-loving) trait of seeking out burned or fire-killed trees. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with notable range expansion documented for A. tenuicorne into northern Europe. A. striatum, the type species, is among the most widespread and serves as host for specialized tylenchid nematode parasites.
Atarba picticornis
Atarba picticornis is a limoniid crane fly whose larvae develop in decaying hardwood logs and stumps, where they feed on decomposing wood and associated fungi. The life cycle spans approximately one year, with adults emerging in spring to mate in swarms near larval habitat sites. This species functions as a decomposer in forest ecosystems and has been documented across eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States.
Athetini
Athetini is a large tribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) comprising at least 50 genera and 430 described species. The tribe is taxonomically complex, with ongoing research into its limits and internal relationships; it was not recovered as monophyletic in molecular phylogenetic studies. Multiple independent origins of coastal habitat specialization have been documented within the tribe.
Atholus sedecimstriatus
clown beetle
Atholus sedecimstriatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Thomas Say in 1825. The species is native to North America and has been documented in both the United States and Canada. It belongs to a genus of small histerid beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter. The specific epithet 'sedecimstriatus' (Latin for 'sixteen-striped') likely refers to elytral striation patterns characteristic of the species.
Aulacigaster
Aulacigaster is a genus of small flies in the family Aulacigastridae (order Diptera). Species in this genus are associated with decaying tree sap flows, where their larvae develop. The best-documented species, Aulacigaster leucopeza, has been studied for its complete postembryonic development. The genus has a limited known distribution in northern Europe.
Axylophilus
Axylophilus is a genus of ant-like leaf beetles in the family Aderidae, established by Casey in 1895. Members of this genus are small, inconspicuous beetles associated with decaying wood and leaf litter habitats. The genus is part of a family historically placed within Tenebrionoidea, though Aderidae systematics remain under study. Very few observations or studies document this genus directly.
Bibionomorpha
Gnats and Allies
Bibionomorpha is a diverse infraorder of lower Diptera (Nematocera) containing over 2,000 described species across ten extant families. The group includes economically and ecologically significant families such as Mycetophilidae (fungus gnats), Cecidomyiidae (gall midges), Sciaridae (dark-winged fungus gnats), and Bibionidae (march flies). Larvae are predominantly saprophagous or fungivorous, with the Cecidomyiidae being predominantly gall-formers. The infraorder originated in the Triassic, with major superfamilies diversifying from the late Triassic through the Cretaceous. The Anisopodidae is phylogenetically significant as the presumed sister taxon to the entire suborder Brachycera.
Biphyllidae
False Skin Beetles
Biphyllidae, commonly known as false skin beetles, is a family of small beetles in the superfamily Cleroidea. The family contains approximately 195 described species distributed globally except New Zealand. Members are primarily found in concealed microhabitats including under bark of dead trees and in leaf litter. The family includes 11 extant genera plus one fossil genus from Late Cretaceous Taimyr amber.
Bolitocharina
Bolitocharina is a subtribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) within the tribe Homalotini, subfamily Aleocharinae. It was established by Carl Gustaf Thomson in 1859. The subtribe contains multiple genera of small to minute beetles characterized by compact body forms and reduced elytra typical of the family. Members are found primarily in the Holarctic region, with some representation in other biogeographic zones.
Bolitophagus
Bolitophagus is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) described by Illiger in 1798. The genus occurs across Eurasia and North America. The best-studied species, Bolitophagus reticulatus, is a saproxylic beetle that develops exclusively in fruiting bodies of the wood-decaying fungus Fomes fomentarius.
Boridae
Conifer Bark Beetles
Boridae is a small family of tenebrionoid beetles comprising three genera: Boros (North America and northern Eurasia), Lecontia (endemic to North America), and Synercticus (Australia and New Guinea). These saproxylic beetles are strongly associated with coniferous trees, particularly standing dead pines. The family was previously classified within Salpingidae before being recognized as distinct. Despite their common name, they are not destructive forest pests but rather occupy specialized niches in dead wood decomposition.
Bothriderini
Bothriderini is a tribe of beetles within the family Bothrideridae. Members of this tribe are small, often flattened beetles with compact bodies. The tribe is part of the broader Bothrideridae family, which consists primarily of ectoparasitoids of wood-boring beetles. Bothriderini species are associated with decaying wood habitats where their hosts occur.
Brachyopa
Sapeaters
Brachyopa is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by atypical grey and brown coloration that distinguishes them from the typically bright-colored members of their family. These flies are cryptic and easily overlooked among other dipteran families. Larvae develop under bark of dead wood in association with decaying sap, making the genus saproxylic. Adults have been observed feeding on sap flows from wounded trees.
Brachypalpus
Catkin Flies
Brachypalpus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as catkin flies. Adults are distinguished by their triangular head that projects forward and downward, and males possess a spur on the hind trochanter. The genus comprises approximately 15 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region. Larvae develop in decaying wood and sap flows under tree bark.
Brachypalpus undescribed-b
Brachypalpus undescribed-b is an undescribed species within the hoverfly genus Brachypalpus (family Syrphidae). The genus Brachypalpus comprises medium-sized, often hairy hoverflies with larvae that develop in decaying wood and sap flows. This particular taxon is recognized from specimens that have been collected but not yet formally described in the scientific literature, indicating it represents a distinct morphological entity awaiting taxonomic treatment. As with other members of the genus, it is presumed to be associated with woodland habitats and saproxylic (dead wood-dependent) ecological systems.
Brachyrhynchus
Brachyrhynchus is a genus of true bugs in the family Aradidae (flat bugs). These insects are characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies and are typically found in association with decaying wood and bark habitats. The genus has been documented in 467 iNaturalist observations. Taxonomic placement has been historically confused, with some sources previously associating the name with weevils (Curculionidae), but current consensus places Brachyrhynchus within Hemiptera: Aradidae.
Brachysomida
Brachysomida is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae, tribe Rhagiini. It contains five described species distributed in North America, including B. atra, B. bivittata, B. californica, B. rugicollis, and B. vittigera. The genus was established by Casey in 1913. Species in this genus are associated with forested habitats and are part of the flower-visiting longhorn beetle fauna.
Buprestis confluenta
Yellow-spotted Jewel Beetle
Buprestis confluenta is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle distinguished by its emerald green to coppery-brown coloration with dense, more or less confluent yellow flecks across the elytra. The species is primarily associated with dead cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in central and western North America. Despite the abundance of suitable host trees in some regions, it remains uncommonly encountered and is considered elusive by collectors. Adults are typically found on large, dead, barkless cottonwood trunks.
Calliodis temnostethoides
Calliodis temnostethoides is a minute predatory bug in the family Anthocoridae. Adults are saproxylic, associated with dead wood and found in clusters of dead leaves, particularly following wind disturbances. The species is known from limited collections in North America, with specific documentation from Michigan.
Callirhipidae
Callirhipid Cedar Beetles, Cedar Beetles
Callirhipidae is a family of elateriform beetles containing approximately 175 valid species in 10 genera. The family is distributed throughout low-latitude regions worldwide, with notable absence from tropical Africa and Madagascar. The only North American representative is Zenoa picea, found across the eastern and central United States. Larvae develop in decaying hardwood, particularly oak and hickory, with a two-year life cycle. Adults are generally nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Cardiophorus edwardsi
Cardiophorus edwardsi is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, first described by Horn in 1871. As a member of the subfamily Cardiophorinae, it possesses the characteristic heart-shaped prosternal process that gives the genus its name. The species is documented from western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other click beetles, it is capable of the 'clicking' mechanism that allows it to right itself when flipped onto its back.
Catops davidsoni
Catops davidsoni is a species of small carrion beetle in the family Leiodidae, described by Salgado in 1999. It belongs to the genus Catops, which comprises beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and vertebrate remains. The species is known from scattered localities in eastern North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the eastern United States.