Soil-dwelling-larvae
Guides
Aclypea bituberosa
Western Spinach Carrion Beetle, Spinach Carrion Beetle
Aclypea bituberosa is a phytophagous carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, notable for being herbivorous rather than necrophagous like most of its relatives. Adults and larvae feed on leaves and shoots of various crop plants, particularly spinach and beets, causing occasional agricultural damage. The species has a single generation per year, overwintering as adults. It is restricted to the northwestern quarter of North America.
Agriotes limosus
Muddy Click Beetle
Agriotes limosus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Muddy Click Beetle. The species is native to North America with documented records across multiple Canadian provinces. As with other Agriotes species, the larvae (wireworms) are soil-dwelling and may feed on plant roots. The species has been detected in environmental DNA studies of green yard waste, indicating its potential for inadvertent transport through human activities.
Agrotis
cutworms
Agrotis is a large genus of noctuid moths containing numerous cutworm species, many of which are significant agricultural pests. The genus was established by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816. Several species have been documented as extinct. Larvae are known as cutworms due to their habit of severing plant stems at or near the soil surface. The bogong moth (Agrotis infusa) was historically important as a seasonal food source for Indigenous Australians.
Amblycheila cylindriformis
Great Plains Giant Tiger Beetle
Amblycheila cylindriformis is a flightless tiger beetle native to the Great Plains of North America. It is the largest tiger beetle species in North America, with adults reaching 25–38 mm in length. The species is strictly nocturnal and inhabits grassland environments, where adults walk on bare ground and larvae construct deep burrows in specific soil types.
Ammonaios
Ammonaios is a genus of stiletto flies (Diptera: Therevidae) described by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981. The genus belongs to a family of predatory flies whose larvae develop in soil or sand and feed on other invertebrates. As a relatively small and poorly documented genus, its species-level taxonomy and biology remain incompletely known. The genus is part of the diverse therevid fauna found in various regions including parts of the Old World.
Ammonaios confusus
Ammonaios confusus is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Hauser and Irwin in 2003. The genus Ammonaios was established relatively recently, and species within this group are poorly known compared to many other therevid flies. Like other Therevidae, adults are likely predatory or nectar-feeding, though specific ecological details remain undocumented. The species epithet 'confusus' suggests historical taxonomic confusion with related taxa.
Athous excavatus
Athous excavatus is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae. It is a European species associated with woodland and forest habitats. Adults are active during spring and summer months. The species is part of the diverse Athous genus, which contains numerous similar-looking species that require careful examination for identification.
Athous fossularis
Grooved Click Beetle
Athous fossularis is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as the Grooved Click Beetle. It is a member of the large genus Athous, which contains numerous similar-looking species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853 and is known from eastern Canada.
Bibio abbreviatus
Bibio abbreviatus is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Loew in 1864. Adults emerge in spring and are known for forming large swarming aggregations. Males possess holoptic eyes that meet at the top of the head, while females have relatively small heads. The species belongs to a genus of decomposer flies whose larvae develop in soil.
Bibio brunnipes
Bibio brunnipes is a march fly in the family Bibionidae with a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern regions of both the Old and New Worlds. The species has been subject to taxonomic revision, with several previously described species now synonymized under B. brunnipes. Like other members of the genus, adults are typically active in spring and may occur in large aggregations. Larval stages develop in soil and contribute to decomposition processes.
Bibio slossonae
March fly
Bibio slossonae is a species of March fly in the family Bibionidae, described by Cockerell in 1909. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in head structure. The species has been documented as a pollinator of witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), representing a notable plant-insect interaction.
Bibio superfluus
Garden Maggot
Bibio superfluus, commonly known as the Garden Maggot, is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae. Adults are active in spring, with males forming conspicuous swarms that attract females for mating. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in head structure. Larvae develop in soil where they feed on decaying organic matter and plant roots.
Colaspis
Colaspis is a large genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, containing over 200 species distributed across North and South America. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, such as the grape colaspis (Colaspis brunnea), which damages crop roots and foliage. Several species have been documented from Eocene fossil deposits in Colorado, USA. Taxonomic history of the genus has been complicated by nomenclatural disputes, particularly regarding the synonymy of Maecolaspis.
Colaspis brunnea
grape colaspis
Colaspis brunnea, commonly known as the grape colaspis, is a small leaf beetle native to eastern North America. Adults are brown in color and approximately 5 mm in length, with elytra bearing parallel rows of puncture marks. The species is univoltine, overwintering as larvae in the soil. While it has been observed feeding on crops including corn and soybeans, documented economic damage remains limited.
Colaspis crinicornis
Colaspis crinicornis is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, native to the Great Plains of the United States. It was described by Schaeffer in 1933. Historically not considered a pest, its populations have increased substantially in corn and soybean fields in southeastern Nebraska over the past decade. The species has a univoltine life cycle, overwintering as larvae in soil and emerging as adults in summer. Adults feed on above-ground foliage while larvae feed on below-ground plant portions.
Cyclocephala
Masked Chafers
Cyclocephala is a large genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as masked chafers. Adults are small brown beetles (10–15 mm) with a distinctive black facial mask across the eyes. The genus is endemic to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to Argentina, India, and the West Indies. Adults are nocturnal or crepuscular and attracted to lights. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on organic matter and plant roots, and are significant pests of turfgrass.
Cyrtepistomus castaneus
Asiatic oak weevil, Asian oak weevil
Cyrtepistomus castaneus, commonly known as the Asiatic oak weevil, is an invasive broad-nosed weevil native to Asia that was first detected in North America in 1933. Adults are folivores that feed on oak (Quercus) and red maple (Acer rubrum) leaves, while larvae develop in soil feeding on root hairs. The species has established widespread populations across eastern and central North America.
Dilophus orbatus
March fly
Dilophus orbatus is a species of March fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in multiple traits: females are larger with black wings and smaller eyes, while males are smaller with transparent wings and large, nearly conjoined compound eyes that dominate the head. Adults typically emerge in spring. Like other Bibionidae, the larvae are soil-dwelling and feed on decaying organic matter.
Diogmites
Hanging Thieves
Diogmites is a genus of medium to large robber flies (17–48 mm) in the family Asilidae, commonly known as "Hanging Thieves" for their distinctive feeding posture. The genus contains 73–77 recognized species distributed mainly in the Neotropics, with some species extending into the Nearctic region. Adults are ambush predators that capture flying or perching insects and feed while suspended from vegetation by their front legs. The genus is characterized by relatively long legs, a flexible prosternum that facilitates the hanging posture, and often striking green or iridescent eye coloration in live specimens.
Eutrichota
root maggot fly
Eutrichota is a genus of true flies in the family Anthomyiidae, established by Kowarz in 1893. Members are commonly referred to as root maggot flies, reflecting their larval association with plant roots. The genus occurs across northern Europe and North America, with over 6,000 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other anthomyiids, these flies are generally small to medium-sized with dull coloration.
Eutrichota affinis
root-maggot fly
Eutrichota affinis is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae. The larvae of this group are known as root maggots, developing in soil and feeding on plant roots. Adults are small to medium-sized flies with relatively nondescript morphology typical of anthomyiids. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States.
Eutrichota geomyis
Eutrichota geomyis is a species of root-maggot fly in the family Anthomyiidae, described by Griffiths in 1984. Like other members of this family, the larvae likely develop in soil or decaying organic matter. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited information available on its biology and ecology.
Euxoa terrenus
cutworm, dart moth
Euxoa terrenus is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It occurs in North America, where the larvae feed as generalist herbivores on various plants. The species is one of many Euxoa species known as cutworms, with larvae that typically feed at night and hide in soil during the day. Adult moths are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Glyphonyx
Glyphonyx is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) containing at least 50 described species. These beetles possess the characteristic clicking mechanism of their family, used to right themselves when overturned. The genus was established by Candèze in 1863 and is widely distributed across North America. Species identification within Glyphonyx generally requires examination of subtle morphological features.
Hippelatini
Hippelatini is a tribe of small flies within the family Chloropidae (frit flies or grass flies), subfamily Oscinellinae. Members are generally small, delicate dipterans associated with grassy or herbaceous habitats. The tribe was established by Enderlein in 1936. Hippelatini includes genera such as Hippelates, which contains species sometimes referred to as eye gnats due to their attraction to eye secretions.
Limonius semiaeneus
Limonius semiaeneus is a species of click beetle (family Elateridae) in the genus Limonius. The species is known from North America, with limited documented observations. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with soil-dwelling larval stages, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Limonius includes several economically significant wireworm species, but the relative importance of L. semiaeneus as an agricultural pest has not been established.
Macrodactylus
rose chafers, American rose chafers
Macrodactylus is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as rose chafers or American rose chafers. The genus contains at least 110 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Adults are typically associated with vegetation, and some species are documented agricultural pests of crops such as maize. Larval stages are soil-dwelling and develop in association with organic matter or host plant roots.
Megapenthes rufilabris
Megapenthes rufilabris is a click beetle species in the family Elateridae. It belongs to a genus of click beetles characterized by their ability to right themselves using a prosternal process that snaps against a mesosternal groove. The species epithet 'rufilabris' refers to reddish mouthparts or labrum. Like other elaterids, the larvae are likely soil-dwelling and may feed on plant material or other organic matter.
Melanotus
click beetles (insect genus), dark-spored mushrooms (fungal genus)
Melanotus is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) comprising approximately 800 described species distributed worldwide. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, particularly wireworm species whose larvae damage crop roots and tubers. Research has identified sex pheromones for some species, enabling development of monitoring and management tools. The genus name Melanotus is also applied to a fungal genus in Strophariaceae, but this record addresses the beetle genus.
Melolonthinae
June Beetles, June bugs, cockchafers, May beetles
Melolonthinae is a large and diverse subfamily of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) containing over 11,000 species in more than 750 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults range from 3 to 58 mm in length and are typically brown or black, often with setae or scales. The subfamily includes economically important pests such as the Melolontha cockchafers and Phyllophaga May beetles, whose larvae feed on plant roots while adults feed on foliage or may be non-feeding. Many species exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males bearing large lamellate antennae to detect female sex pheromones.
Myllocerus
oriental broad-nosed weevils, ash weevils, grey weevils, Sri Lankan weevils
Myllocerus is a large genus of oriental broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, comprising at least 330 described species. Species within this genus are predominantly distributed across the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests. Notable pest species include Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus (Sri Lankan weevil), M. maculosus (cotton grey weevil), and M. viridanus (ash weevil), which attack diverse crop plants including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruit trees. The genus exhibits typical weevil morphology with broad rostrums and root-feeding larval stages combined with foliage-feeding adults.
Ozodiceromyia nanella
Ozodiceromyia nanella is a species of stiletto fly (Diptera: Therevidae) described by Cole in 1960. The genus Ozodiceromyia belongs to the cycloteline Therevinae, a group of therevid flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species name "nanella" suggests small size, consistent with the generally diminutive nature of many Ozodiceromyia species. As a member of the Therevidae family, this species is part of a diverse group of predatory flies whose larvae typically inhabit soil or decaying organic matter.
Photinus ignitus
Ignited Firefly
Photinus ignitus is a North American firefly species distinguished by its bioluminescent courtship displays. Males produce characteristic flash patterns to attract females, who respond from perches in vegetation. Research has documented seasonal plasticity in female mate choice behavior, with females becoming less selective as the breeding season progresses. Like other Photinus species, it produces defensive compounds called lucibufagins that protect against predators.
fireflybioluminescencemate-choiceseasonal-plasticitynuptial-giftaggressive-mimicryLampyridaeColeopteraNorth-Americaflash-communicationlucibufaginsexual-selectionoperational-sex-ratiocold-lightphotocytesluciferinluciferasenocturnalcourtshippredation-defenseinsect-declinelight-pollutionhabitat-lossinsecticide-exposuresoil-dwelling-larvaeglowwormpredatory-larvaesoft-bodied-preysnailsslugswormssoil-insectsbiological-controlflash-patternfemale-choicemale-choicebody-sizelantern-sizereproductive-investmentegg-provisioningspermatophoreflash-signalmating-successselectivitybreeding-seasondusknightvegetationgrasslawnsforestsfieldsedgescanopyairspaceColumbia-MarylandWashington-Baltimore-areaUniversity-of-Virginia-studylight-pollution-impactmating-disruptionurbanizationresidual-insecticideslawn-treatmentweather-cyclesfood-availabilitylarval-predationpopulation-fluctuationbanner-yearspectacleJuly-4thIndependence-DayMother-Nature's-fireworkspyrotechnictwinklinggalaxycold-light-efficiencyno-heat-productionphotocyte-cellsspecialized-light-organterminal-abdominal-segmentslightly-coloredgiant-eyesflash-detectionvisual-acuitynocturnal-visionchemical-ecologydefensive-chemistrysteroidal-pyronestoad-toxinsspider-repellentbird-repellentfemme-fatalepredatory-exploitationchemical-acquisitiondefense-sequestrationnuptial-feedingreproductive-successsexual-conflictflash-manipulationphotographic-challengeflash-rechargefemale-contortionflash-directionalityaimed-signalmale-expendabilityfemale-investmentoffspring-productionbattery-lifeconservation-concernpopulation-monitoringcitizen-scienceBoston-Museum-of-Sciencefirefly-data-projectAllegheny-National-Forestsynchronous-firefliesPhotinus-carolinusPhoturis-pennsylvanicaPennsylvania-Firefly-FestivalFIRE-TeamLynn-FaustSara-LewisThomas-EisnerAerial-FirebaughKyle-Hayneschemical-ecology-pioneerexperimental-studyfield-observationnatural-historybehavioral-ecologyethologyjournal-articlepeer-reviewed-researchscientific-investigationinsect-conservationnocturnal-insectbeetlesoft-winged-beetlenot-true-bugnot-flyElateroideaPolyphagaElateriformiaLampyrinaeLucidotiniaccepted-nameFall-192736-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaBug-of-the-WeekEntomology-Todayincomplete-informationdata-limitedresearch-opportunityfurther-study-neededPhotinus pyralis
Common Eastern Firefly, Big Dipper Firefly
Photinus pyralis is the most common firefly species in North America, distributed east of the Rocky Mountains. Males perform distinctive J-shaped flight patterns while flashing to attract females, earning the common name "big dipper firefly." The species produces yellow bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase in specialized abdominal organs. Larvae are predatory, spending up to two years underground before pupating and emerging as short-lived adults.
Phyllophaga
May beetles, June bugs, June beetles, July beetles
Phyllophaga is a large genus of New World scarab beetles comprising over 900 species. Adults are nocturnal, attracted to artificial lights, and feed on foliage of trees and shrubs. Larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots. The genus is economically significant as both adults and larvae can cause damage to agricultural crops and turf. Some species exhibit flightlessness and diurnal activity, representing derived traits within the genus.
Phyllophaga aemula
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga aemula is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May beetle or June beetle. It belongs to a large genus of over 400 species in North America, many of which are difficult to distinguish without examination of genitalia. Like other members of its genus, it has subterranean larval stages and aerial adults. The species was originally described as Lachnosterna aemula by Horn in 1887.
Phyllophaga implicita
May beetle, Junebug
Phyllophaga implicita is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May beetle or Junebug. Larvae are soil-dwelling and exhibit spatial distribution patterns influenced by proximity to adult food sources. The species occurs across much of North America, with records from Canada and numerous U.S. states. Like other members of the genus Phyllophaga, adults are likely nocturnal and attracted to lights, while larvae feed on plant roots in the soil.
Phyllophaga longispina
May beetle, June beetle
Phyllophaga longispina is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Smith in 1889. It belongs to the genus Phyllophaga, commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, which contains over 400 species in North America. The species is distributed across eastern North America, with records from the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Like other members of the genus, adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights, while larvae are soil-dwelling white grubs that feed on plant roots.
Phyllophaga prununculina
Phyllophaga prununculina is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as a May beetle or June beetle. It belongs to a large genus of over 400 North American species. Like other members of Phyllophaga, it has a life cycle involving soil-dwelling larval stages that feed on plant roots and above-ground adult stages that feed on foliage. The species is found in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.
Pleocoma marquai
rain beetle
Pleocoma marquai is a species of rain beetle described by Hovore in 1972. It belongs to the family Pleocomidae, a small group of scarab beetles known for their emergence during autumn rains. The species is known from California and is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Pleocoma.
Pleocoma octopagina
rain beetle
Pleocoma octopagina is a species of rain beetle described by Robertson in 1970. It belongs to the family Pleocomidae, a small group of scarabaeoid beetles known for their autumn emergence following rainfall. The species occurs in California on the lower West Coast of North America.
Pleocoma oregonensis
Oregon rain beetle
Pleocoma oregonensis is a rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, endemic to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. As with other members of this family, it exhibits autumnal emergence patterns correlated with rainfall events. The species was described by Leach in 1933 and is one of approximately 30 described species in the genus Pleocoma.
Podabrus pruinosus
downy leather-winged beetle
Podabrus pruinosus, commonly known as the downy leather-winged beetle, is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults measure 9–15 mm in length and are distinguished by their orange bodies with black-brown, finely hairy wing covers. The species is active during spring and summer, when adults have been observed feeding on aphids. Larvae are larger than adults, reaching 15–20 mm, and live in soil.
Pterodontia flavipes
small-headed fly
Pterodontia flavipes is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae. Adult males measure 5.5–10.5 mm, while females are 5–9 mm. The species exhibits complete metamorphosis with larval development occurring in soil. Adults have been observed in grassy areas and are known for rapid, hovering flight.
Sciaphilus asperatus
Scaly strawberry weevil, Strawberry root weevil
A wingless, parthenogenetic weevil with a broad Palaearctic distribution, recently introduced to North America. Adults feed on leaves of diverse plants, producing distinctive notched edges, while larvae develop underground on roots. The species exhibits high reproductive output and can form locally abundant populations.
Spaelotis bicava
western w-marked cutworm
Spaelotis bicava is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Lafontaine in 1998. It is commonly known as the western w-marked cutworm. The species is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Its MONA/Hodges number is 10926.1.
Tabuda planiceps
Tabuda planiceps is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, originally described as Xestomyza planiceps by Loew in 1872. The species belongs to a genus of slender, predatory flies characterized by their elongated body form and distinctive wing venation. Members of the genus Tabuda are found in the Nearctic region, with T. planiceps representing one of the better-documented species in this group of lower brachyceran flies.
Thyce
May beetles, junebugs
Thyce is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as May beetles or junebugs. The genus contains at least two described species: Thyce deserta and Thyce squamicollis. These beetles belong to the subfamily Melolonthinae, a diverse group of scarabs whose larvae typically develop in soil. Species in this genus are native to North America.
Tipula
Common Crane Flies, Crane Flies, Daddy Longlegs
Tipula is a large genus of crane flies in the family Tipulidae, containing over 2,000 species distributed worldwide. Adults are characterized by elongated bodies, extremely long legs, and clear or brownish wings, with body lengths typically 15–20 mm. Larvae, known as 'leatherjackets' due to their tough cuticle, are soil-dwelling and feed on plant roots and decaying organic matter. Several species are significant agricultural pests in pastures and grasslands.
Tipula collaris
collared crane fly
Tipula collaris is a large crane fly species in the family Tipulidae, distributed across eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States. First described by Thomas Say in 1823, this species is characterized by its substantial body size relative to other crane flies. Adults are typically encountered during the warmer months. Like other members of the genus Tipula, the larvae develop in soil or decaying organic matter.