Saproxylic
Guides
Salebriaria equivoca
Salebriaria equivoca is a species of death-watch beetle in the family Anobiidae. It belongs to a genus of small, wood-boring beetles found in North America. Like other anobiids, larvae develop in dead or decaying wood, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The species is part of the subfamily Ernobiinae, which includes beetles associated with hardwood substrates.
Salpingidae
Narrow-waisted Bark Beetles
Salpingidae is a family of small beetles in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea, commonly known as narrow-waisted bark beetles. The family comprises approximately 45 genera and 300 species distributed globally, with greatest diversity in temperate regions of both hemispheres. Species range from 1.5 to 7 mm in length and are primarily associated with dead or dying wood, where they feed on fungi, organic matter, and occasionally other insects.
Salpinginae
narrow-waisted bark beetles
Salpinginae is a subfamily of beetles within the family Salpingidae, commonly referred to as narrow-waisted bark beetles. The group contains at least 11 recognized genera distributed across multiple continents. Members are associated with dead or decaying wood, where they occur under bark. The subfamily was established by Leach in 1815 and remains taxonomically accepted.
Schizotus
fire-colored beetles
Schizotus is a genus of fire-colored beetles in the family Pyrochroidae, established by Newman in 1838. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. Adults are small beetles, 7–9 mm in length, with distinctive pectinate (comb-like) antennae. Members are associated with dead and decaying wood, where larvae develop beneath loose bark.
Sciaroidea
Fungus Gnats and Gall Midges
Sciaroidea is a superfamily of nematoceran flies in the infraorder Bibionomorpha, comprising approximately 16 families and over 15,000 described species. The group includes fungus gnats, gall midges, and related families, with larvae predominantly associated with fungi, dead wood, and soil. Fennoscandia represents a major biodiversity hotspot for this group, harboring roughly 1,000 species—about 83% of Europe's total. Despite substantial DNA barcoding efforts yielding over 56,000 barcode index numbers (BINs), only 5% currently have scientific names assigned, indicating vast undescribed diversity.
Scirtoidea
Scirtoidea is a superfamily of small beetles within the suborder Polyphaga, traditionally comprising four families: Clambidae, Decliniidae, Eucinetidae, and Scirtidae. Molecular phylogenetics has challenged this circumscription, suggesting Clambidae and Eucinetidae belong to a separate superfamily Clamboidea. Scirtoidea and Clamboidea represent the two earliest diverging lineages of extant polyphagan beetles. The superfamily includes two extinct families known from Mesozoic deposits: †Mesocinetidae (Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous, Asia) and †Elodophthalmidae (Lebanese amber, Barremian).
Scotochroa basalis
Basal False Darkling Beetle
Scotochroa basalis is a species of false darkling beetle in the family Melandryidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1874. It is known from western and central Canada, with confirmed records in Alberta, British Columbia, and Newfoundland. The species is rarely encountered, with only five observations documented on iNaturalist as of the available data. Like other members of Melandryidae, it likely inhabits forested environments where it develops in decaying wood.
Scraptiini
Scraptiini is a tribe of small beetles within the family Scraptiidae, commonly known as false flower beetles. Members are characterized by their compact body form and association with decaying plant material. The tribe was established by Gistel in 1848 and contains multiple genera distributed across temperate regions. These beetles are part of the superfamily Tenebrionoidea and are often encountered in moist, decaying wood or fungal habitats.
Siagonium stacesmithi
Siagonium stacesmithi is a rove beetle in the subfamily Piestinae, described by Hatch in 1957. The species is known from scattered records across northern North America, including western Canada, the Yukon, and parts of the western and northeastern United States. Like other members of Siagonium, it is a small, elongate beetle associated with forest floor habitats. It remains poorly known biologically, with only a handful of documented observations.
Silvanoprus angusticollis
Silvanoprus angusticollis is a silvanid flat bark beetle (family Silvanidae) first described by Reitter in 1876. The species occurs in North America, including the Canadian province of Québec. Like other members of Silvanidae, it inhabits environments associated with dead or decaying wood and stored plant products. The genus Silvanoprus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the antennae and pronotum.
Sinodendron
Sinodendron is a genus of stag beetles in the family Lucanidae. The genus comprises three recognized species: S. cylindricum, S. persicum, and S. rugosum. Species are distributed across Europe, Western Asia, and North America. Members are saproxylic wood-boring beetles associated with decaying wood.
Sinodendron rugosum
Rugose Stag Beetle
Sinodendron rugosum, the rugose stag beetle, is a small stag beetle and the only member of its genus in western North America. Adults are black, 11–18 mm in length, with a distinctively pitted, rough-textured exoskeleton. Males possess a short median horn on the head, while females lack this structure or have only a small tubercle. The species develops in decaying wood of broadleaf trees and is active as an adult from spring through early summer.
Solva
wood soldier flies
Solva is a genus of soldier flies in the family Xylomyidae, commonly known as wood soldier flies. These Diptera are characterized by their association with decaying wood habitats. The genus is distributed across northern Europe and North America, with documented records from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the northeastern United States including Vermont. Solva species are part of the understudied but ecologically significant group of xylophagous insects that contribute to wood decomposition processes.
Solva pallipes
Solva pallipes is a species of soldier fly in the family Xylomyidae, distributed across most of North America. Adults are associated with wooded habitats and are attracted to light. Larvae develop under the bark of various deciduous trees, where they feed on decaying wood and associated microorganisms.
Sphegina lobulifera
Black-lobed Pufftail
Sphegina lobulifera is a rare syrphid fly known from eastern North America. Adults are flower-visiting insects that obtain nectar and pollen from floral resources. The species belongs to the pufftail group, characterized by distinctive abdominal morphology. Larvae develop in decaying sap accumulations under bark in moist woodland habitats.
Stephanopachys
horned powder-post beetles
Stephanopachys is a genus of horned powder-post beetles (family Bostrichidae) comprising more than 20 described species. The genus was established by Waterhouse in 1888. Members are saproxylic beetles associated with wood decomposition, with at least one species (S. linearis) exhibiting pyrophilous behavior and conservation concern in Europe.
Stethon
Stethon is a genus of beetles in the family Eucnemidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. Members of this genus are classified within the false click beetles, a group characterized by their inability to produce the clicking sound typical of true click beetles (Elateridae). The genus is part of the diverse beetle fauna of North America.
Stictoleptura
Stictoleptura is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with species in Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus includes medium-sized beetles typically associated with broadleaved woodland habitats. The first genome sequence for the genus was published for Stictoleptura scutellata, a scarce species in Britain associated with ancient woodland and wood pasture.
Taphroscelidia
Taphroscelidia is a genus of small beetles in the family Passandridae, first described by Crotch in 1873. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are classified as flat bark beetles, a group associated with woody substrates. The genus has been documented through 192 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate but widespread recording effort.
Temnoscheila omolopha
Temnoscheila omolopha is a species of bark-gnawing beetle in the family Trogossitidae. It belongs to a genus of beetles associated with dead and decaying wood, particularly on conifers. The species is rarely encountered in the field, with only six observations documented on iNaturalist, suggesting either genuine rarity or highly specialized habitat requirements that limit detection.
Temnostoma
Falsehorn Flies
Temnostoma is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) renowned for their sophisticated Batesian mimicry of wasps. Adults possess overall morphological resemblance to hymenopterans, including darkened wing margins that mimic the folded wings of vespid wasps at rest. A distinctive behavioral adaptation involves waving the forelegs in front of the head to simulate wasp antennae. The genus comprises approximately 25 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with larvae that are saproxylic—developing in wet, decaying wood where they feed on microorganisms.
Temnostoma trifasciatum
Three-lined Falsehorn
Temnostoma trifasciatum is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern and central North America. Adults are strong mimics of solitary mason wasps (Eumeninae), exhibiting sophisticated behavioral and morphological mimicry. The species is associated with woodland habitats where larvae develop in moist decayed wood. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Tenebroides rugosipennis
Tenebroides rugosipennis is a species of bark-gnawing beetle in the family Trogossitidae. Members of this genus are generally associated with dead or decaying wood and fungal habitats. This species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information available regarding its biology and ecology. It belongs to a family containing both predatory and mycophagous species.
Tetratoma
Tetratoma is a genus of polypore fungus beetles comprising approximately 25 described species. These small beetles are associated with wood-decaying fungi and are members of the family Tetratomidae within the superfamily Tenebrionoidea. The genus was established by Fabricius in 1790 and is primarily distributed across northern and temperate regions of the Palearctic.
Thanerocleridae
Thanerocleridae is a small family of predaceous cleroid beetles comprising 36 extant species in 10 genera. Formerly classified as a subfamily of Cleridae, it was elevated to family rank based on molecular data. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions, with one relictual temperate genus (Zenodosus) in North America. Species occupy habitats associated with wood-decaying fungi and tree bark, where they prey on small beetles.
Thymalidae
Thymalidae is a family of beetles in the superfamily Cleroidea, recently elevated from subfamily status within Trogossitidae based on molecular phylogenetic studies. The family comprises two subfamilies with markedly different distributions and ecologies: Decamerinae, found in Central and South America and associated with flowers, and Thymalinae, containing only the genus Thymalus, which has a Holarctic and Oriental distribution and is associated with tree bark and deadwood. In Europe, Thymalus limbatus is the sole representative, restricted to natural forests with large deadwood accumulations.
Tipulomorpha
crane flies, crane flies and allies
Tipulomorpha is an infraorder of Nematocera containing crane flies and allied families, representing one of the largest and most diverse groups of true flies. The infraorder comprises five extant families: Tipulidae (large crane flies), Limoniidae (limoniid crane flies), Pediciidae (hairy-eyed crane flies), Cylindrotomidae (long-bodied crane flies), and Trichoceridae (winter crane flies). With approximately 15,000 described species in the family Tipulidae alone, this group exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, particularly in larval forms. Adults are characterized by elongated bodies, extremely long legs, and single pair of membranous wings. Larval habitats range from aquatic environments to terrestrial soils, decaying wood, and even snow-covered surfaces in specialized groups.
Tragosoma
Tragosoma is a genus of large saproxylic longhorn beetles in the subfamily Prioninae, distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus includes approximately six described species, with Tragosoma depsarium being the most widely studied and the type species. These beetles are obligate deadwood specialists whose larvae develop in the sapwood of conifers, particularly pines. Adults are notable for their robust, somewhat flattened bodies and relatively short antennae compared to other cerambycids. Several species are of conservation concern due to their dependence on specific deadwood microhabitats threatened by modern forestry practices.
Tragosoma harrisii
Hairy Pine Borer
Tragosoma harrisii is a large longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Prioninae. It is one of the few North American cerambycids with a Holarctic distribution, also occurring in Europe and Asia. The species is associated with coniferous forests and has been documented in boreal and montane regions across its range. Adults are active during summer months and have been collected using sweet red wine-baited traps.
Tragosoma spiculum
Tragosoma spiculum is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Prioninae. The species is found in North America, with records from western Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba) and the western United States. Like other members of the genus Tragosoma, it is a wood-boring beetle associated with coniferous forests. The species is attracted to sweet red wine-baited jug traps, suggesting adult feeding on fermenting sap or other sugar sources.
Tremecinae
woodwasps, horntails
Tremecinae is a subfamily of woodwasps (Siricidae) distinguished from Siricinae by its association with the white-rot fungus Cerrena unicolor rather than Amylostereum. Unlike Siricinae, which carry symbiotic fungi in specialized mycangia, at least some Tremecinae species lack these structures and do not internally transport fungal symbionts. Females locate host wood already infected with sapwood-decaying fungi using volatile compounds. The subfamily includes forest pests that interact with fungal communities in decaying wood.
Trichiini
Bee Beetles and Flower Scarabs
Trichiini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Cetoniinae (Scarabaeidae), historically treated as a subfamily (Trichiinae). Members range from 6 to 65 mm and include the conspicuous European bee beetles (genus Trichius). The tribe comprises five subtribes: Cryptodontina, Incaina, Osmodermatina, Platygeniina, and Trichiina. Adults are primarily flower-associated, feeding on sugar-rich plant secretions, while most larvae develop in rotten wood or decaying organic matter.
Trichochrous ferrugineus
Trichochrous ferrugineus is a species of false click beetle in the family Eucnemidae, a group of saproxylic beetles associated with decaying wood. The genus Trichochrous comprises small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their elongated bodies and reduced or non-functional clicking mechanism compared to true click beetles (Elateridae). Species in this genus are typically found in forested habitats where they develop in dead or dying hardwoods.
Trimitomerus riversii
Trimitomerus riversii is a species of dead-log beetle in the family Pythidae, first described by Horn in 1888. It is endemic to North America. The genus Trimitomerus comprises elongate beetles associated with decaying wood habitats. Like other Pythidae, this species is thought to develop in rotting wood, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented. The family Pythidae is a small group of beetles historically allied with Bostrichidae and Anobiidae, now recognized as a distinct lineage within Bostrichiformia.
Uloma
Uloma is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae comprising more than 200 species and subspecies worldwide. The genus is particularly diverse in China, with at least 37 recorded species. Immature stages have been described for few species, revealing oligopod larvae and exarate pupae with sexual dimorphism in some species. Members are primarily associated with decaying wood in forest habitats.
Uloma mentalis
Uloma mentalis is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1870. It belongs to the genus Uloma, a group of small to medium-sized beetles associated with decaying wood and forest floor habitats. The species is known from limited observations in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. As with many tenebrionid beetles, its biology is poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Vanhornia
Vanhornia is a genus of small parasitoid wasps comprising four described species. It is the sole genus in the family Vanhorniidae, a group formerly placed in Proctotrupoidea but now classified in Diaprioidea. Species are known from North America, the Palearctic, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. All members are parasitoids of beetle larvae in the family Eucnemidae.
Vanhorniidae
Vanhorniidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Proctotrupoidea, containing the single genus Vanhornia with six recognized species worldwide. The family is characterized by highly specialized morphology including exodont mandibles, low antennal insertion, and an exceptionally long ovipositor that projects anteriorly from its base and is housed in a ventral groove. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of wood-boring beetle larvae in the family Eucnemidae (false click beetles). The North American species Vanhornia eucnemidarum was long considered rare due to limited collection records, but recent data integration revealed a much broader distribution than previously recognized.
Vincenzellus elongatus
Vincenzellus elongatus is a species of narrow-waisted bark beetle in the family Salpingidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1852. It is known from North America, with records from Alaska and the contiguous United States. The species belongs to a small family of beetles commonly associated with dead or decaying wood. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Xiphydria canadensis
Canadian Wood Wasp
Xiphydria canadensis is a species of wood wasp in the family Xiphydriidae, native to North America. Wood wasps in this family are characterized by their elongated bodies and long ovipositors used to drill into wood to deposit eggs. The species is known to be a host for parasitic ichneumonid wasps, specifically Rhyssella nitida, which uses its long ovipositor to reach the wood wasp larvae inside logs and dead trees. Adults are active during spring and early summer.
Xiphydria polia
Xiphydria polia is a species of wood-wasp in the family Xiphydriidae, a group of sawfly-relatives within Hymenoptera. Like other xiphydriids, it is a wood-boring insect whose larvae develop inside dead or dying hardwood trees. The family is characterized by a distinctive cornus—a spine-like projection at the tip of the abdomen present in both sexes. Very little specific information is documented for X. polia compared to better-known relatives such as Xiphydria maculata or the pigeon tremex (Tremex columba).
Xylitini
Xylitini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the family Melandryidae, established by C.G. Thomson in 1864. Members of this tribe are primarily associated with dead and decaying wood, where they develop as larvae. The tribe includes several genera of small to medium-sized beetles that are part of the broader saproxylic beetle community.
Xylobiini
Xylobiini is a tribe of false click beetles within the family Eucnemidae, subfamily Melasinae. Members of this tribe are associated with decaying wood habitats and are part of the diverse elateriform beetle fauna. The tribe was established by Reitter in 1911 and includes genera characterized by particular morphological features of the prosternal process and antennae. Xylobiini represents one of several tribes within the predominantly saproxylic subfamily Melasinae.
Xylomya aterrima
Xylomya aterrima is a species of wood soldier fly in the family Xylomyidae. It belongs to a small family of flies whose larvae develop in decaying wood and under bark. The species was described by Johnson in 1903. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with forested habitats where dead and decaying wood is present. The family Xylomyidae is closely related to Stratiomyidae and shares ecological similarities in larval development.
Xylomyidae
Wood Soldier Flies
Xylomyidae is a family of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as wood soldier flies. The family comprises approximately 138 described species across four extant genera. Members are strongly associated with dead or dying wood, where they carry out their development. The family has a fossil record extending to the Cretaceous period, with several extinct genera known from Burmese and Lebanese amber.
Xylophilus cylindriformis
Xylophilus cylindriformis is a species of false click beetle (family Eucnemidae) in the order Coleoptera. The species is known from a single observation record, indicating extreme rarity or limited detection in the field. Members of the genus Xylophilus are typically associated with dead or decaying wood, where larvae develop as saproxylic feeders. Adults are generally small to medium-sized beetles with elongated, cylindrical body forms.
Xylota bicolor
Eastern Orange-tailed Leafwalker
Xylota bicolor is a rare species of syrphid fly found across the eastern half of North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies with distinctive black bodies and orange abdomens. Unlike many flower flies, adults rarely visit flowers, instead feeding on pollen from leaf surfaces. The larvae develop under bark in sap runs of deciduous trees.
Zelia vertebrata
Zelia vertebrata is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, characterized by a long body, strong abdominal bristles, and a distinctive abdominal pattern resembling vertebrae. It is a generalist parasitoid targeting beetle larvae in multiple families. The species has a widespread North American distribution and is most active during the day.
Zygomyia
Zygomyia is a genus of fungus gnats (family Mycetophilidae) established by Winnertz in 1863. The genus comprises at least 80 described species. Members are small, delicate flies associated with fungal habitats.