Soil-dwelling
Guides
Abaris
ground beetles
Abaris is a genus of ground beetles (Carabidae) occurring exclusively in the Americas. The genus contains species recognized as biological control agents of agricultural pests, particularly in South American agro-ecosystems. Abaris basistriata, the most studied species, has been extensively investigated for its potential in integrated pest management programs. Laboratory studies demonstrate that substrate and diet significantly influence life cycle duration, survival rates, and reproductive output.
Agriotes
click beetles, wireworms (larvae)
Agriotes is a large genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) containing approximately 274 described species distributed across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The genus includes numerous agricultural pest species whose larvae, known as wireworms, feed on crop roots and tubers. Several Palearctic species have become invasive in North America, where they threaten potato and cereal production. Adults are attracted to species-specific sex pheromones, enabling monitoring and mass trapping programs.
Agriotes ferrugineipennis
Rusty Click Beetle
A click beetle (Elateridae) native to western North America. Adults emerge in spring and are active in grassy agricultural habitats. The species was identified in a 2022 study as having 7-methyloctyl 7-methyloctanoate as its major female-produced sex pheromone, to which males show strong attraction. Larvae are soil-dwelling wireworms with potential agricultural pest status.
Agriotes lineatus
lined click beetle, wireworm
Agriotes lineatus, the lined click beetle, is a click beetle species native to Europe and western Asia that has become invasive in North America. Adults are 7.5–11 mm long with brownish-black bodies and distinctive longitudinal stripes on the elytra. The larvae, known as wireworms, are significant agricultural pests that attack roots, tubers, and seeds of crops including potatoes, maize, and strawberries. The species has a life cycle of approximately 3 years with up to 12 larval instars. Management relies on integrated pest management approaches including pheromone monitoring, crop rotation, and biological control.
Agriotes sputator
Spitting Click Beetle, Common Click Beetle
Agriotes sputator is a click beetle native to Europe, with established populations in parts of western Asia, North Africa, and an introduced range in eastern Canada. Adults are small (6–9 mm), dark brown to black with reddish-brown antennae and legs. The larvae, known as wireworms, are soil-dwelling agricultural pests that feed on roots and germinating seeds. The species completes its life cycle in up to five years, with larvae developing through multiple growth stages before pupation. It is considered a serious pest of cereals, potatoes, and other crops, and is monitored using pheromone traps baited with geranyl butanoate.
Agrypnus
Agrypnus is a genus of click beetles (Elateridae) in the subfamily Agrypninae. The genus includes species with Palearctic distribution, with some members inhabiting diverse environments from scrubland and grasslands to coastal sand dunes. Larvae of at least some species are soil-dwelling wireworms that feed on plant roots and other insects. One species, Agrypnus murinus, has been subject to genome sequencing and is recognized as an agricultural pest.
Amblonoxia harfordi
Amblonoxia harfordi is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. It is endemic to California and belongs to a genus of flightless, soil-dwelling beetles. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with most records coming from citizen science observations. It is active during spring and early summer.
Amnestus spinifrons
burrowing bug
Amnestus spinifrons is a species of burrowing bug in the family Cydnidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It belongs to the genus Amnestus, which comprises burrowing bugs that live in soil and are associated with plant roots. The species is known from North America. Burrowing bugs in this family are characterized by fossorial (digging) adaptations and are often found in association with host plants.
Anambodera santarosae
Anambodera santarosae is a species of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Knull in 1960. It belongs to a small genus of western North American buprestids that are morphologically similar to Acmaeodera but distinguished by several structural characters including non-reflexed epistoma, rounded pronotal angles, and visible suture between abdominal sterna. Species in this genus are generally poorly represented in collections due to their cryptic habits.
Anapistula
Anapistula is a genus of minute araneomorph spiders in the family Symphytognathidae, established by Gertsch in 1941. The genus comprises 28 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Europe. Members exhibit diverse habitat preferences: approximately 18 species occur in leaf litter, soil, and mosses, while seven are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobites) and one inhabits cave entrances. The genus includes some of the smallest spiders known, with A. ataecina from Portugal representing both the first European record of the family and one of the smallest described spider species.
Anillinus albrittonorum
Anillinus albrittonorum is a species of minute ground beetle described in 2021. It belongs to the tribe Anillini, a group of tiny, eyeless, wingless beetles adapted to subterranean or soil-dwelling habitats. The species was named in honor of the Albritton family. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to inhabit deep soil and leaf litter layers.
Anillinus chilhowee
Anillinus chilhowee is a small ground beetle (Carabidae) in the tribe Bembidiini, described by Sokolov in 2011. It belongs to the genus Anillinus, a group of minute, eyeless or nearly eyeless beetles adapted to subterranean or deep soil habitats. The species epithet references the Chilhowee region, likely indicating its type locality in the southeastern United States.
Anillinus docwatsoni
A small ground beetle in the tribe Bembidiini, described from the United States in 2004. Members of the genus Anillinus are minute, eyeless or nearly eyeless beetles adapted to subterranean or deep soil habitats. The specific epithet honors the bluegrass musician Doc Watson.
Anillinus fortis
Anillinus fortis is a species of small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, endemic to the Eastern United States. It belongs to the tribe Anillina within the subfamily Trechinae, a group characterized by reduced eyes and adaptations to subterranean or soil-dwelling habits. The species was described by George Henry Horn in 1869. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits forest floor litter and soil microhabitats.
Anillinus moseleyae
Anillinus moseleyae is a small ground beetle described in 2004 from the southeastern United States. It belongs to the genus Anillinus, a group of minute, eyeless or reduced-eye beetles adapted to subterranean and soil-dwelling habitats. The species was named in honor of an individual (Moseley), following standard patronymic conventions. Like other members of the subtribe Anillina, it is presumed to inhabit deep soil, leaf litter, or cave-associated environments, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Anillinus pecki
Anillinus pecki is a species of small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Giachino in 2011. It belongs to the subtribe Anillina, a group of minute carabid beetles often associated with subterranean or soil-dwelling habitats. The genus Anillinus is endemic to North America, with species distributed primarily in the eastern and central United States. Like other anillines, this species is likely eyeless or has highly reduced eyes and exhibits morphological adaptations for life in soil, leaf litter, or cave-like microhabitats.
Anillinus sinuaticollis
Anillinus sinuaticollis is a small ground beetle described by Jeannel in 1963. It belongs to the tribe Anillina within Carabidae, a group characterized by reduced or absent eyes and subterranean habits. The species is known from the United States, consistent with the broader North American distribution of the genus.
Anillinus virginiae
Anillinus virginiae is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Jeannel in 1963. It belongs to the genus Anillinus, a group of small, eyeless or reduced-eye beetles adapted to subterranean or cryptic habitats. The species is known from the United States, with the specific epithet suggesting a type locality in Virginia. Like other members of the subtribe Anillina, it is likely associated with soil and leaf litter environments.
Anoeciinae
Anoeciinae is a subfamily of root-feeding aphids within Aphididae. Members are obligate subterranean insects that live and feed on plant roots. The subfamily contains four genera, including two extinct fossil taxa from Baltic amber. Unlike many aphids, anoeciines do not alternate between hosts and remain underground throughout their life cycle.
Anthracinae
bee flies
Anthracinae is a subfamily of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising more than 80 genera and at least 380 described species. The subfamily includes well-known genera such as Anthrax and Hyperalonia, many of which are parasitoids of other insects. Larval stages are typically endoparasites or ectoparasites of soil-dwelling hosts including tiger beetles, ground-nesting bees, and wasps. Adult flies are often bee-mimics in appearance and are commonly observed hovering or feeding at flowers.
Anurogryllus arboreus
Common Short-tailed Cricket, Arboreal Short-tailed Cricket
Anurogryllus arboreus is a burrowing cricket native to the southern and southeastern United States. Adults are pale brown with vestigial ovipositors and shed their wings shortly after maturation, becoming permanently flightless. Males call from elevated perches at night to attract females. The species was separated from the widespread Anurogryllus muticus in 1973 based on male calling behavior and morphological differences.
Aphaenogaster fulva
Tawny Collared Ant
Aphaenogaster fulva is a species of myrmicine ant in the genus Aphaenogaster, first described by Roger in 1863. It is part of a species complex that has undergone taxonomic revision, with some authorities treating related forms as separate species or subspecies. The species has been studied for its spatial distribution patterns in temperate forests, particularly in relation to environmental gradients such as soil moisture and vegetation cover. Like other Aphaenogaster species, it is a ground-nesting ant with generalist foraging habits.
Aploderus
Aploderus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Oxytelinae. First described by Stephens in 1833, it comprises small beetles with reduced eyes (microphthalmous) in several species. The genus is distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia including Turkey and China. Several species have been described from subterranean or soil-associated habitats.
Aptesis nigrocincta
Aptesis nigrocincta is a bivoltine solitary ectoparasitoid wasp that attacks cocoons of the apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea). Females are nearly wingless and significantly smaller than males, an adaptation for searching soil at 10–25 cm depth. The species is considered the most important mortality factor for apple sawfly cocoons in the studied orchard, achieving parasitism rates of 12.1–39.7% per generation.
Arctogeophilus
Arctogeophilus is a genus of soil centipedes in the family Geophilidae, comprising fourteen species distributed across subarctic and temperate regions of Asia, North America, and western Europe. First described as a subgenus by Carl Attems in 1909 and elevated to genus rank by Henri Ribaut in 1910, its name references the northern distribution toward Ursa Major. Species range from 11 mm to 50 mm in length and possess 35 to 69 pairs of legs.
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Arctogeophilus umbraticus is a soil-dwelling centipede in the family Geophilidae, first described from the United States in 1887. As a member of the order Geophilomorpha, it exhibits the elongated, multi-legged body form characteristic of this group. The species has been recorded in North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited. Its specific epithet 'umbraticus' suggests association with shaded or dark habitats.
Ardistomis schaumii
Ardistomis schaumii is a species of ground beetle first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. It belongs to the tribe Clivinini within the subfamily Scaritinae, a group characterized by fossorial (burrowing) adaptations. The species occurs in both North America and Central America. Published records remain sparse, with only 12 observations documented on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Arenophilus
Arenophilus is a genus of soil-dwelling centipedes in the family Geophilidae, order Geophilomorpha. These elongated, multi-legged arthropods inhabit terrestrial environments. The genus was established by Chamberlin in 1912. Members possess the characteristic features of geophilid centipedes, including numerous leg pairs and a fossorial lifestyle adapted to burrowing in soil and leaf litter.
Arenophilus bipuncticeps
Northern Short-clawed Centipede
Arenophilus bipuncticeps is a species of soil-dwelling centipede in the family Geophilidae, commonly known as the Northern Short-clawed Centipede. It belongs to the order Geophilomorpha, which comprises elongated, multi-legged centipedes adapted to burrowing in soil and leaf litter. The species was described by Wood in 1862 and is native to North America.
Arenophilus iugans
Arenophilus iugans is a species of soil centipede in the family Geophilidae, described by Chamberlin in 1944. Like other members of the genus Arenophilus, it is characterized by adaptations to sandy habitats. The species is known from North America, though detailed ecological and biological information remains limited in the available literature.
Arianops neglecta
Arianops neglecta is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It was described by Barr in 1974. The genus Arianops belongs to the tribe Amauropini within the diverse and species-rich pselaphine lineage. Members of this genus are small, cryptic beetles typically found in leaf litter and soil habitats. The specific epithet 'neglecta' suggests the species may have been overlooked or confused with related taxa prior to its formal description.
Battigrassiella
Battigrassiella is a genus of silverfish in the family Nicoletiidae, described by Paclt in 1963. The genus contains one described species, Battigrassiella wheeleri. Nicoletiidae are eyeless, wingless insects typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The genus has been treated as a synonym of Grassiella in some taxonomic databases, indicating taxonomic uncertainty.
Bibio longipes
Bibio longipes is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae. It is found in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Like other members of the genus Bibio, adults are typically active in spring and are known for forming large mating swarms. The species was described by Loew in 1864.
Bolbelasmus
Bolbelasmus is a genus of earth-borer beetles in the family Bolboceratidae, comprising at least 29 described species and 2 subspecies. It represents the most widely distributed genus among bolboceratine beetles, occurring across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. Species are predominantly soil-dwelling, with limited natural history documentation available for most taxa. The genus includes the endangered European species B. unicornis, which is listed under EU Habitat Directive Annexes II and IV.
Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum
Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae, described by Dawson & McColloch in 1924. It belongs to the subfamily Bolboceratinae, a group characterized by their burrowing behavior and association with soil and organic matter. The species is known from the central United States, with records spanning from Colorado to Wisconsin and southward to Texas and Oklahoma.
Bolbocerosoma confusum
Bolbocerosoma confusum is an earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae, described by Brown in 1928. It is native to North America, with documented records from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. As a member of the bolboceratine geotrupids, it exhibits the family's characteristic fossorial adaptations for burrowing in soil.
Brachynemurus hubbardii
Brachynemurus hubbardii is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Brachynemurus belongs to a diverse group of antlions whose larvae typically do not construct the characteristic funnel-shaped pits associated with the more familiar genus Myrmeleon. Instead, Brachynemurus larvae bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey to pass by. Adults are delicate, lacy-winged insects that resemble damselflies but possess short, clubbed antennae.
Caccoplectus
Caccoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Sharp in 1887 and contains approximately nine described species. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, a common ecological strategy among pselaphine beetles. Most species have been described from the Neotropical region, particularly Central America.
myrmecophileant-associatedpselaphinerove-beetleNeotropicalStaphylinidaePselaphinaeArhytodinitropicalant-colony-inhabitantinquilinemicrohabitat-specialistleaf-littersoil-dwellingcrypticrarely-collectedsmall-beetlemorphologically-specialized1887-descriptionSharpCentral-AmericaPanamaColeopteraPolyphagaStaphyliniformiaStaphylinoideaPselaphitaegenus-levelnine-speciesconicusdegallierilucidusnuttingipectinatusschwarzisentisspinipessucineasspine-legged-pselaphidChandlerWoldaSchaeffer190619761986type-species-unknownrarely-observediNaturalist:-2-observationsCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedGBIF-acceptedNCBI-acceptedEukaryotaMetazoaHexapodaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliabeetleinsectarthropodanimalCardiophorus pubescens
Cardiophorus pubescens is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, described by Blanchard in 1889. As a member of the subfamily Cardiophorinae, it possesses the characteristic body plan of click beetles, with the ability to right itself using a prosternal spine that engages with a mesosternal groove. The species is known from western Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and litter environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Catopocerinae
Catopocerinae is a subfamily of small beetles within Leiodidae, containing at least two extant genera—Catopocerus and Pinodytes—in North America, plus the extinct genus Archaeocerus from Cretaceous Myanmar amber. All described extant species are eyeless and wingless, inhabiting forest soil and litter. The subfamily has been revised taxonomically with numerous new species described, particularly in western North America.
Cenophengus debilis
glowworm beetle
Cenophengus debilis is a species of glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1881. Like other phengodid beetles, it is bioluminescent. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Ceraphronidae
ceraphronid wasps, ceraphronids
Ceraphronidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Ceraphronoidea, containing approximately 14 genera and 360 described species, though many remain undescribed. The family is poorly known taxonomically and ecologically. Most species are believed to be primary parasitoids, particularly of flies, with some functioning as hyperparasitoids of other parasitoids. A significant number of species are found in soil, and winglessness has evolved in multiple lineages.
Choctella cumminsi
Choctella cumminsi is a species of millipede in the family Choctellidae, described by Chamberlin in 1918. It is a member of the order Spirostreptida, a group of large-bodied millipedes commonly known as giant millipedes. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Tennessee. As with other members of its family, it is presumed to be a soil-dwelling detritivore, though specific ecological studies are limited.
Clivina
A ground beetle in the genus Clivina, family Carabidae, from Stanislaus County, California. Members of this genus are small, fossorial carabid beetles adapted to burrowing in soil. The specific identity of this specimen is not determined beyond genus level.
Clivinina
Clivinina is a subtribe of ground beetles within the family Carabidae, tribe Clivinini, and subfamily Scaritinae. These beetles are primarily fossorial, adapted for burrowing in soil and sandy substrates. The subtribe contains multiple genera distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Members are characterized by specialized morphological adaptations for subterranean life.
Clivinini
Clivinini is a tribe of ground beetles (Carabidae: Scaritinae) containing over 70 genera and more than 1,200 described species. Members are predominantly soil-dwelling or subterranean, with many species adapted to endogean (buried soil) or troglobitic (cave) habitats. The tribe includes several subtribes, most notably Ardistomina (containing Aspidoglossa, Semiardistomis, and Ardistomis) and Reicheiina. Species occur across all major biogeographic regions, with significant radiations in tropical and subtropical karst systems.
Copris fricator
Frigid Dung Beetle
Copris fricator is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species is known from northeastern North America, with records from Ontario, Québec, and Vermont. It belongs to the genus Copris, a group of dung beetles that typically construct burrows beneath dung deposits and provision them with dung for larval development.
Cryptopidae
Bark Centipedes
Cryptopidae is a family of scolopendromorph centipedes characterized by complete absence of eyes (lacking ocelli) and possessing 21 pairs of legs as adults. The family is dominated by the genus Cryptops, which comprises over 150 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as bark centipedes and occur across diverse geographic regions, with some species showing strong synanthropic tendencies and human-mediated dispersal.
Cryptopone
Pit-jawed Ants
Cryptopone is a genus of small to medium-sized ponerine ants with a pantropical to worldwide distribution, with highest diversity in East and Southeast Asia. The genus contains approximately 23-25 extant species. Workers range from 1.7–6.1 mm in length. Many species exhibit an endogeic (underground-dwelling) lifestyle, making them difficult to detect and historically under-recorded. The genus was taxonomically revised in 2010 and again in 2022, with species previously synonymized under Wadeura separated out.
Cryptops hortensis
Common Cryptops
Cryptops hortensis is a small centipede in the family Cryptopidae, commonly known as the Common Cryptops. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to Tasmania, Australia, and southwestern Siberia, Russia. The species is frequently found in human-modified habitats including gardens and greenhouses.