Saproxylic
Guides
Magdalis aenescens
Magdalis cf-aenescens is a small weevil in the tribe Magdalini, recognized by its metallic bronze or coppery coloration. The genus Magdalis comprises bark- and wood-associated weevils with elongated snouts and compact bodies. This species is part of a taxonomically challenging complex where identification often requires examination of genitalia or host associations. Records indicate association with woody plants, though specific host relationships for this species remain incompletely documented.
Malandryinae
Malandryinae is a subfamily of false darkling beetles within the family Malandryidae. Members are primarily associated with decaying wood and forest habitats. The subfamily contains numerous genera distributed across the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in temperate forests. Adults and larvae are generally saproxylic, contributing to wood decomposition processes.
Medetera apicalis
Medetera apicalis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It occurs in Europe and North America, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The species is associated with old-growth forest habitats, where adults have been observed beneath bark and on fruiting bodies of wood-decaying fungi such as Fomitopsis pinicola. As a member of the genus Medetera, it shares the characteristic behavior of perching on tree trunks in a distinctive tiptoe posture.
Megapenthes megalops
Megapenthes megalops is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, tribe Megapenthini. The genus Megapenthes is characterized by enlarged eyes, a trait reflected in the species epithet 'megalops' (large-eyed). Members of this genus are typically associated with forested habitats and are active as adults during warmer months. The larvae develop in decaying wood and are predatory on other saproxylic invertebrates.
Megasoma vogti
Texas elephant beetle, Texas megasoma
Megasoma vogti is a large rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the Texas elephant beetle. It belongs to a genus renowned for containing some of the heaviest-bodied beetles in the world. The species is native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, where adults are attracted to lights at night. Like other members of the genus, males possess prominent horns used in combat with rival males.
Melalgus
horned powder-post beetles
Melalgus is a genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae, commonly referred to as horned powder-post beetles. The genus was established by Dejean in 1833 and contains more than 20 described species. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles that contribute to the degradation of dead wood in forest ecosystems. The common name "horned" refers to a distinctive cephalic projection present in many species.
Melandrya striata
Striated False Darkling Beetle
Melandrya striata is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is distributed across much of Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The species is part of a family of beetles commonly associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. As a member of the genus Melandrya, it shares the general ecology of this group, which is adapted to moist, decomposing substrates in forested environments.
Melandryidae
False Darkling Beetles
Melandryidae, or false darkling beetles, is a family of beetles in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea containing approximately 420 species in 60 genera. Members are found worldwide and are primarily associated with rotting wood and wood-decomposing fungi in both larval and adult stages. The family has a fossil record extending back to at least the mid-Cretaceous (Albian-Cenomanian) with specimens in Burmese amber, and the tribe Hypulini is documented from late Eocene Baltic amber. Many species are saproxylic, inhabiting dead and decaying wood in forest ecosystems.
Melasini
Melasini is a tribe of false click beetles within the family Eucnemidae, established by Fleming in 1821. Members of this tribe are classified under the subfamily Melasinae, a group characterized by their inability to produce the clicking sound typical of true click beetles (Elateridae). The tribe encompasses multiple genera of small to medium-sized beetles found primarily in forested habitats.
Mezira froeschneri
Mezira froeschneri is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described in 1996 from North American specimens. Like other aradids, it has a highly flattened body adapted for living in tight spaces under bark. The species is known from only a handful of observations, reflecting the cryptic habits and difficulty of sampling this group.
Mezira vanduzeei
Mezira vanduzeei is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, described by Usinger in 1936. The species belongs to a family of true bugs known for their extremely flattened bodies, an adaptation for living in narrow spaces under bark and in decaying wood. Like other aradids, this species likely feeds on fungal hyphae in its concealed microhabitats. Records indicate presence in North America, though detailed biological information remains sparse.
Microscapha
Microscapha is a genus of small beetles in the family Melandryidae, commonly known as false darkling beetles. These beetles are characterized by their compact body form and association with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The genus is relatively obscure with few documented observations, reflecting either genuine rarity or under-sampling of their specialized microhabitats. Microscapha species are part of the diverse stenostirate beetle fauna that inhabits forest ecosystems.
Milesiini
Xylotini
Milesiini is a large, diverse tribe of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. Adults frequently exhibit mimicry of wasps or hornets. The tribe encompasses numerous genera including Milesia, Xylota, Syritta, Chalcosyrphus, Blera, and Criorhina. Many species are saproxylic, with larvae developing in decaying wood or under bark.
Monochamus scutellatus
white-spotted sawyer, spruce sawyer, spruce bug, hair-eater
Monochamus scutellatus is a large cerambycid beetle native to North America, commonly known as the white-spotted sawyer. Adults are notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in antennae length, with male antennae reaching up to twice body length. The species colonizes stressed, dying, or recently dead conifers, showing strong preference for burned forest habitats. Larvae develop as wood-borers, creating galleries in phloem, cambium, and sapwood. Adults emerge mid-June to mid-August and feed on conifer bark and foliage before mating.
Mordellidae
tumbling flower beetles, pintail beetles
Mordellidae is a family of beetles in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea, comprising approximately 1500 species worldwide. Adults are commonly found on flowers and are known for their distinctive escape behavior involving rapid, irregular tumbling movements. The family contains two extant subfamilies (Mordellinae and Ctenidiinae) and one fossil subfamily (Praemordellinae). Larval development occurs in diverse substrates including plant stems, wood, and fungi, with some species exhibiting predaceous or inquiline habits.
Mordellochroa
Mordellochroa is a genus of tumbling flower beetles in the family Mordellidae, containing approximately eight described species distributed across Europe, North America, temperate Asia, and Australia. Species within this genus are saproxylic, with larval development occurring in dead wood. The genus includes both widespread and regionally restricted species, with some demonstrating specific habitat requirements such as preserved natural forests with large amounts of coarse woody debris.
Morionini
Morionini is a tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae) in the subfamily Pterostichinae, established by Brullé in 1837. The tribe is represented in the Western Hemisphere by at least two genera, including the Neotropical genus Moriosomus. Members of this tribe are primarily associated with forest habitats, particularly under bark and in decaying wood. The tribe's classification and generic composition have been subject to taxonomic revision, with ongoing work to clarify species boundaries and geographic distributions.
Murmidiidae
Murmidiidae is a family of small beetles in the superfamily Coccinelloidea, containing approximately 34 described species across four genera. The family was historically classified within Cerylonidae but has been recognized as distinct based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. Members are primarily associated with decaying wood habitats and are considered mycophagous. The cosmopolitan species Murmidius ovalis has been documented as a pest of stored food products.
Mycetaulus polypori
Mycetaalus polypori is a small fly in the family Piophilidae, described by Melander in 1924. The species epithet suggests an association with polypore fungi (bracket fungi), though specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented. Like other piophilids, it likely inhabits decomposing organic matter. Published biological studies on this species are scarce.
Mycetophagus fulvicollis
Mycetophagus fulvicollis is a species of hairy fungus beetle in the family Mycetophagidae, first described by Fabricius in 1792. This small beetle is associated with fungal decay in wood and is part of the diverse community of insects that colonize dead and decaying timber. The species has a broad distribution across Europe and extends into parts of Asia.
Mychocerus
minute bark beetles
Mychocerus is a genus of minute bark beetles in the family Cerylonidae, established by Erichson in 1845. The genus contains at least two described species: M. discretus (Casey, 1890) and M. striatus (Sen Gupta & Crowson, 1973). These beetles are small, inconspicuous insects associated with dead or decaying wood.
Mycteridae
Palm and Flower Beetles
Mycteridae is a small family of tenebrionoid beetles comprising approximately 30 genera and 160 species distributed worldwide. The family includes three subfamilies—Mycterinae, Hemipeplinae, and Eurypinae (= Lacconotinae)—which exhibit extreme morphological diversity that complicates family-level diagnosis of adults. Species occur across temperate and tropical regions of both hemispheres, with about 20 species in Australia and representatives of three genera (*Mycterus*, *Hemipeplus*, *Lacconotus*) in North America. The family has been recently referred to as "palm and flower beetles" by some authors.
Myolepta nigra
Black Pegleg
Myolepta nigra, commonly known as the Black Pegleg, is a syrphid fly species found in the eastern and central United States and eastern Canada. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in rot holes of deciduous trees, making this species dependent on mature forest habitats with suitable tree cavities. It is considered uncommon throughout its range.
Myoplatypus
Myoplatypus is a rare genus of pinhole borer beetles in the subfamily Platypodinae, comprising nine tropical and one temperate American species. The genus was described by Wood in 1993 and remained known only from North and Central America until the first South American records from Peru were documented. Most species are represented by very few specimens, suggesting either narrow geographic ranges or specialized ecological requirements.
Namunaria
Namunaria is a genus of cylindrical bark beetles in the family Zopheridae, established by Edmund Reitter in 1882. The genus contains at least two confirmed species in North America (N. guttulata and N. pacifica), with additional species reported from Australia, Asia, and other regions. These beetles are characterized by their cylindrical body form, an adaptation for living under bark. The genus belongs to the diverse group of bark beetles within Zopheridae, though specific biological details remain poorly documented for most species.
Nanosellini
Nanosellini is a tribe of feather-winged beetles within the family Ptiliidae, first described by Barber in 1924. Members of this tribe are among the smallest known beetles, with most species measuring less than 1 millimeter in length. They belong to the subfamily Ptiliinae, which contains approximately 80% of described feather-winged beetle genera. The tribe is characterized by extreme miniaturization and associated morphological adaptations.
Narthecius
Narthecius is a genus of small beetles in the family Laemophloeidae, established by J.L. LeConte in 1861. The genus contains nine described species distributed in North America and Europe. Species in this genus are characterized by their flattened body form, typical of the family Laemophloeidae, which are commonly known as lined flat bark beetles. These beetles are primarily associated with dead or decaying wood habitats.
Negastrius ornatus
Negastrius ornatus is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, subfamily Negastriinae. The genus Negastrius comprises small to medium-sized elaterid beetles, with species typically characterized by distinctive color patterns and morphological features. As with other members of the subfamily Negastriinae, adults are generally found in association with decaying wood and forest floor habitats.
Nematodes collaris
Nematodes collaris is a species of beetle in the family Eucnemidae, commonly known as false click beetles. The genus Nematodes is part of the diverse beetle fauna, with species typically characterized by their elongated bodies and association with decaying wood. This species is known from very limited observations, with only two documented records on iNaturalist. Members of Eucnemidae are often found in forested habitats where their larvae develop in dead or decaying wood, contributing to nutrient cycling processes.
Neophyllomyza
A genus of small flies in the family Milichiidae, commonly known as freeloader flies. The Nearctic fauna comprises two species: N. quadricornis and N. gaulti. Both species are saproxylic, with larvae developing in decaying wood of hardwood trees. Adults are associated with decaying logs and show distinct temporal and ecological partitioning despite sympatric distributions.
Neoproxius
Neoproxius is a genus of flat bugs (Hemiptera: Aradidae) established by Usinger and Matsuda in 1959. The genus belongs to the family Aradidae, a group of true bugs characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened bodies adapted for living in confined spaces such as under bark or in decaying wood. As of current records, the genus contains multiple species distributed in specific regional contexts, though detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Neoproxius schwarzii
Neoproxius schwarzii is a species of narrow-waisted bark beetle in the family Salpingidae. Members of this genus are small, elongate beetles associated with dead or decaying wood. The species was described by American entomologist Ernst A. Schwarz, after whom it is named. Like other salpingids, it likely inhabits forested environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Neuroctenus elongatus
flat bug
Neuroctenus elongatus is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, first described by Osborn in 1903. The species is characterized by its elongated body form, which distinguishes it from other members of the genus. It is distributed across North America. Flat bugs in this family are typically associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Nicagus obscurus
Nicagus obscurus is a small stag beetle in the family Lucanidae. Adults are found under bark of dead hardwoods, particularly oak. Larvae develop in rotten wood of hardwood logs and stumps, and have been specifically recorded from grooves of aspen driftwood. Adults emerge in August. The species occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States.
Nudobius cephalus
Kephalos Rove-hunter Beetle
A rove beetle in the tribe Xantholinini, distributed across much of North America. The species has been recorded from 23 iNaturalist observations. Members of genus Nudobius are predatory rove beetles associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Odinia
Odinia is a genus of flies in the family Odiniidae, comprising more than 20 described species. Members of this genus are associated with dead wood habitats, where they interact with xylophilous insects. Larvae are carnivorous and may exhibit parasitic behavior toward wood-inhabiting beetles and flies. The genus was established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830.
Odinia conspicua
Odinia conspicua is a small fly species in the family Odiniidae, a group of acalyptrate flies. The species was described by Curtis Sabrosky in 1959. Members of Odiniidae are associated with decaying wood and bark beetles, though specific details for this species remain limited. It is one of approximately 60 described species in the genus Odinia.
Odontotaenius disjunctus
patent-leather beetle, horned passalus, betsy beetle, Jerusalem beetle
Odontotaenius disjunctus is a large, flight-capable but predominantly walking beetle that inhabits decaying hardwood logs in temperate North American forests. Adults exhibit subsocial behavior, including cooperative brood care and acoustic communication via stridulation. The species plays a significant role in wood decomposition through specialized gut microbiomes that digest lignocellulose.
Oeme rigida
Rigid Oeme
Oeme rigida is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Thomas Say in 1826. The species is native to western North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: O. r. rigida (nominate) and O. r. deserta Casey, 1924. Adults have been collected from dead pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) branches, suggesting larval development in coniferous wood.
Olisthaerus substriatus
Striped Bark Rove Beetle
Olisthaerus substriatus is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Olisthaerinae, one of the few rove beetle lineages adapted to life under bark. It has a Holarctic distribution spanning northern North America and Eurasia. The species is associated with dead and decaying wood, where it inhabits the space beneath bark on standing or fallen trees. Its common name refers to the longitudinal striations on the elytra.
Orthosoma brunneum
Brown Prionid
Orthosoma brunneum is a large, brown longhorned beetle in the subfamily Prioninae, commonly known as the brown prionid. It is the sole species in its genus and is widely distributed across eastern North America. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to ultraviolet lights. Larvae develop in decaying logs and have been shown to tolerate and behaviorally respond to high carbon dioxide concentrations typical of their wood-boring habitat.
Osmoderma
Typical Hermit Beetles, Hermit Beetles
Osmoderma is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as hermit beetles. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with species found across Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. Several European species, particularly O. eremita and O. barnabita, are of significant conservation concern due to habitat loss and are protected under the EU Habitats Directive. The genus is characterized by its dependence on tree hollows for larval development, making it highly vulnerable to forest management practices that remove dead wood and veteran trees.
saproxylicconservationHabitats-Directivetree-hollowsveteran-treesindicator-speciesumbrella-specieswood-mouldCetoniinaeScarabaeidaeHolarcticEuropeNorth-Americathreatened-speciesdead-woodforest-managementcitizen-sciencedetection-dogsex-situ-breedingpollardingtraditional-agricultural-landscapesmetapopulationhabitat-fragmentationold-growth-forestbroad-leaved-treesoaklimewillowbeechorchardshedgerowsurban-parkspheromone-monitoringradio-trackingphoretic-mitesScopoli-1763Le-Peletier-&-Serville-1828O.-eremitaO.-barnabitaO.-eremicolahermit-beetleOsmoderma 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.
Osmoderma scabra
Osmoderma scabra is a saproxylic scarab beetle species native to eastern North America. It belongs to the same genus as the European hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive and has been extensively studied for conservation monitoring. Unlike its European congener, O. scabra has received limited research attention and is not listed under major conservation frameworks. The species develops in decaying wood and hollow trees, where larvae feed on wood mould for multiple years before emerging as short-lived adults.
Osmodermatini
Hermit Beetles
Osmodermatini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as hermit beetles. The group includes the genus Osmoderma and related taxa, characterized by their association with decaying wood in mature forests. These beetles are of conservation concern in many regions due to habitat loss.
Oxyporus major
Oxyporus major is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxyporinae. It is found across eastern North America, from Canada to the southeastern United States. As a member of the Oxyporinae, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly polypore bracket fungi.
Oxyporus rufipennis
Oxyporus rufipennis is a rove beetle in the subfamily Oxyporinae, characterized by relatively large size within the family and distinctive reddish wing covers. The species occurs across northeastern North America, with records spanning Canada and the eastern United States. Like other members of Oxyporus, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly polypore bracket fungi on decaying wood.
Ozognathus cornutus
Acorn Anobiid
Ozognathus cornutus is a small spider beetle native to North America that has established populations across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, New Zealand, and South America. Adults are dark brown to black, measuring 1.5–2.8 mm. The species is saproxylophagous, feeding primarily on decaying wood tissues within galls formed by other insects, as well as dried fruits, vegetables, wood shavings, and insect excrements. It acts as a secondary occupant (successor) in galls of various gall-forming insects, with documented associations on at least 41 host-plant species. Despite potential to damage stored food products, the species shows strong preference for woody galls, which may limit economic impact.
Pachyneuridae
Pachyneuridae is a small family of flies in the infraorder Bibionomorpha, containing at least 8 described species across 7 genera. The family is poorly studied, with limited information on adult morphology and behavior. Larvae are known to inhabit rotting wood. The family has a scattered distribution with records from northern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Parallelostethus
Parallelostethus is a genus of click beetles (Elateridae) established by Schwarz in 1907. One species, P. attenuatus, has been studied in detail: males are strongly attracted to 1,8-octanediol di-hexanoate, a compound that may constitute the species' complete sex pheromone. The clicking mechanism's hinge morphology has been examined scientifically. In Indiana, P. attenuatus inhabits rotten logs where it consumes decaying moist wood tissue.