Soil-fauna
Guides
Hermanniidae
Hermanniidae is a family of oribatid mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, containing at least three genera—Hermannia, Neohermannia, and Galapagacarus—with approximately 80 described species. Members are primarily soil-dwelling mites with holarctic and pantropical distributions, including significant diversity in Australian wet forests and the Philippines. The family is characterized by stocky body morphology and distinctive setal arrangements that vary among species.
Hesperentomon
Hesperentomon is a genus of minute, soil-dwelling proturans established by Price in 1960. The genus comprises at least 14 described species distributed primarily across Asia, including China, Japan, and Central Asian regions. As members of the family Hesperentomidae, these hexapods lack eyes and antennae, and possess unique abdominal appendages characteristic of the class Protura. Most species have been described since the 1980s, reflecting ongoing taxonomic work on this understudied group.
Heteraphorura subtenuis
Heteraphorura subtenuis is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Folsom in 1917. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of small, soil-dwelling hexapods. The genus Heteraphorura is characterized by specific morphological features of the furcula and body chaetotaxy. This species has been documented from North American localities with limited observational records.
Heterosminthurus
Heterosminthurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Bourletiellidae, established by Stach in 1955. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Members of this genus are globular springtails, characteristic of the order Symphypleona. Species-level taxonomy has been revised multiple times, with many descriptions published by Bretfeld and Zöllner in 2000.
Holotrochus
Holotrochus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Osoriinae, established by Erichson in 1839. Members of this genus are small to minute beetles characterized by reduced or absent eyes, a trait common among Osoriinae that inhabit soil and leaf litter environments. The genus is distinguished within Osoriini by particular arrangements of pronotal and elytral setae and specific configurations of the mouthparts. Species are found in various regions but detailed biological information remains limited for most taxa.
Homaeotarsus badius
Homaeotarsus badius is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Gravenhorst in 1802. It is recorded from eastern North America, with distribution records spanning Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the eastern and central United States. As a member of the subfamily Paederinae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats.
Homidia socia
Homidia socia is a species of slender springtail described by Denis in 1929. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails characterized by well-developed furculae. The species has been documented across multiple regions including Caribbean mainland, Continental Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and North America. Like other members of its genus, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Hubbardia belkini
Belkin's Short-tailed Whipscorpion
Hubbardia belkini is a species of short-tailed whipscorpion in the family Hubbardiidae. It is one of several species in the genus Hubbardia, which is endemic to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species was described in 1957 and is known from limited collection records. Short-tailed whipscorpions are small, cryptic arachnids that inhabit moist microhabitats in arid and semi-arid regions.
Hybos
dance flies
Hybos is a genus of small predatory dance flies in the family Hybotidae, comprising approximately 242 described species globally. The genus is distinguished by morphological features including short vein Rs, long cell cup, separated eyes in most species, a spine-like proboscis, and notably thickened hind femora bearing ventral bristles. Species occur across the Palaearctic and Oriental realms, with highest diversity in Asia. Adults are active predators of small flying insects, while larvae are soil-dwelling and predate on invertebrates.
Hymenaphorura
Hymenaphorura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Bagnall in 1948. Members of this genus are eyeless, euedaphic (soil-dwelling) or troglobitic (cave-dwelling) species with reduced pigmentation. The genus has been recorded from caves and subterranean habitats across Europe, with some species showing narrow endemic distributions restricted to single cave systems.
Hymenaphorura cocklei
Golden Snow Flea
Hymenaphorura cocklei is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, commonly known as the Golden Snow Flea. It is an eyeless, soil-dwelling collembolan with a characteristic golden-yellow coloration. The species is primarily recorded from western North America, particularly in forested mountainous regions. It belongs to a genus distinguished by specialized mouthpart structures and reduced pigmentation.
Hypogastrura
snow fleas
Hypogastrura is a large genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, comprising at least 150 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes the well-known "snow fleas" such as Hypogastrura nivicola, which are conspicuous on snow surfaces in winter. Members are small, typically 1–3 mm, with the characteristic springtail body plan including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore. The genus occupies diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to caves and forest floors.
Hypogastrura manubrialis
Mushroom Springtail
Hypogastrura manubrialis is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae, commonly known as the Mushroom Springtail. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group characterized by elongated body forms and reduced or absent jumping ability compared to other springtail lineages. The species has been documented in colonization studies, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits moist soil and organic matter environments.
Hypogastrura tooliki
toolik snow flea
Hypogastrura tooliki, commonly known as the toolik snow flea, is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae. It belongs to the genus Hypogastrura, which contains species often found active on snow surfaces during winter months. The species was described by Fjellberg in 1985. Like other members of its genus, it possesses cryoprotectant proteins that enable activity in subfreezing conditions.
Hypoponera opaciceps
Granulate Crypt Ant
Hypoponera opaciceps is a small, cryptobiotic ant species in the subfamily Ponerinae. It is widely distributed across the Neotropics, including the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, with records extending to the Galápagos Islands. The species is primarily subterranean or leaf-litter dwelling, making it infrequently observed despite its broad range. Seven subspecies have been described, reflecting considerable geographic variation across its distribution.
Isotoma
Waterfall Springtails
Isotoma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) and the type genus of the family Isotomidae. These small, wingless hexapods are commonly known as Waterfall Springtails. The genus contains multiple species distributed across various habitats, with some species studied for their dietary biology and metabolic responses. Springtails in this genus possess the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that enables their common name.
Isotoma arctica
Isotoma arctica is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by H. Schött in 1893. The species epithet 'arctica' indicates its association with Arctic regions. Springtails are small, wingless hexapods that play important roles in soil decomposition and nutrient cycling. As a member of the genus Isotoma, it likely exhibits the elongated body form typical of this group, though specific morphological details for this species require direct examination of type specimens or specialized literature.
Isotoma delta
Isotoma delta is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, described by MacGillivray in 1896. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the most diverse groups of springtails. The species has been recorded from the Caribbean mainland and southern North America based on distribution data in GBIF.
Isotoma riparia
Isotoma riparia is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by Nicolet in 1842. The specific epithet 'riparia' refers to its association with riparian (riverbank) habitats. It belongs to a diverse genus of elongate-bodied springtails commonly found in moist terrestrial environments. The species has a broad distribution across Arctic, sub-Arctic, and temperate regions of Europe and northern Eurasia.
Isotoma viridis
Green springtail
Isotoma viridis is an elongate-bodied springtail species in the family Isotomidae, first described by Bourlet in 1839. It has a Holarctic distribution and is commonly found in meadows and agricultural fields. The species feeds on fungal hyphae and decaying leaves, playing a role in soil decomposition processes.
Isotoma viridis pomona
Isotoma viridis pomona is a subspecies of springtail described by J.W. Folsom in 1937. It belongs to the family Isotomidae, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails. Records indicate presence on several Azorean islands (Pico, São Miguel, Terceira) as well as in Arctic, Sub-arctic, and African Indian Desert regions. As a subspecies of the widespread Isotoma viridis, it likely shares the general ecology of this soil-dwelling group, though specific biological details for this particular subspecies remain poorly documented.
Isotomidae
Smooth Springtails
Isotomidae is a large family of springtails in the order Entomobryomorpha, characterized by elongated, smooth-bodied forms. The family contains approximately 109 genera and is distributed across the Holarctic region and globally. Members are typically found in soil, leaf litter, and under bark, where they contribute to decomposition processes. The family has been subject to taxonomic revision, with subfamily-level classifications undergoing reevaluation based on molecular phylogenetics.
Isotomiella
Isotomiella is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) established by Bagnall in 1939. The genus contains edaphic (soil-dwelling) species with broad Holarctic distribution. The most studied species, Isotomiella minor, exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction and shows significant intraspecific genetic and physiological variation across urban and natural habitats.
Isotomiella minor
Isotomiella minor is an elongate-bodied springtail (Collembola: Isotomidae) with broad Holarctic distribution beyond the high Arctic. The species is parthenogenetic (thelytokous), with no males known. It exhibits remarkable cryptic genetic diversity, with up to nine molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) recognized that show genetic distances comparable to interspecific levels. Populations display adaptive variation in cold tolerance and body size correlated with habitat temperature.
Isotomurus
Isotomurus is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails established by Börner in 1903. The genus contains at least 40 described species and is classified in the family Isotomidae. Members are distributed across diverse habitats including desert, tropical, and polar regions. As with other springtails, they possess a furcula for jumping.
Isotomurus tricolor
Isotomurus tricolor is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. The species was described by Packard in 1873 and has been recorded across multiple biogeographic regions including Arctic, subarctic, and North American zones. As a member of the Entomobryomorpha, it possesses the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that defines the Collembola class.
Janusius sylvestris
Janusius sylvestris is a globular springtail species in the family Sminthuridae, characterized by its rounded body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The species has been recorded across northern Eurasia and North America. As with other members of its family, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion and exhibits the compact, spherical body shape that distinguishes symphypleonan springtails from the more elongate entomobryomorph forms.
Johnstoniana
Johnstoniana is a genus of mites in the family Johnstonianidae, order Trombidiformes. These mites belong to the group commonly known as velvet mites or water mites, though specific life habits for this genus remain poorly documented. The genus was established by George in 1909 and is distinguished by morphological features of the gnathosoma and leg chaetotaxy. Members are found in terrestrial and freshwater-associated habitats.
Joshuella
Joshuella is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Gymnodamaeidae, first described by Wallwork in 1972. These mites belong to the diverse group of soil-dwelling microarthropods commonly known as moss mites or beetle mites. The genus is part of the superfamily Gymnodamaeoidea, a group characterized by certain morphological reductions in the adult stage. Records of this genus are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Julida
Snake Millipedes
Julida is an order of millipedes commonly known as snake millipedes due to their long, cylindrical body form. Members typically range from 10–120 mm in length and are characterized by having two pairs of legs per body segment, a trait distinguishing them from centipedes. The order exhibits considerable diversity with 593 species recorded from Europe alone, and includes families such as Julidae, Parajulidae, Blaniulidae, and Zosteractinidae. Many species are important decomposers in forest ecosystems.
Katiannidae
Katiannidae is a family of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by their rounded body form and compact antennae. The family contains approximately 20 genera, including the well-known Sminthurinus and Vesicephalus. Members of this family are distributed across diverse biomes worldwide, from tropical forests to polar regions. The family was established by Börner in 1913 and represents a significant lineage within the Katiannoidea superfamily.
Katiannina
Katiannina is a genus of globular springtails in the family Katiannidae, order Symphypleona. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their rounded, compact body form. The genus was established in 1951 and is distributed across North America and parts of East Asia. Katiannina species inhabit leaf litter and soil microhabitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Lasioerythraeus
Lasioerythraeus is a genus of mites in the family Erythraeidae, described by Welbourn and Young in 1987. The genus belongs to the subfamily Erythraeinae within the superfamily Erythraeoidea. Members of this genus are predatory mites in the order Trombidiformes. The genus has been documented in iNaturalist with 59 observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists.
Leistus ferruginosus
Nearctic rusty basket-throat
Leistus ferruginosus is a ground beetle species in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Nearctic rusty basket-throat. It occurs across northern North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. The species inhabits deciduous forests on moderately moist, somewhat shaded ground. Like other members of the genus Leistus, it is characterized by a distinctive "basket-throat" structure formed by elongated mandibles and associated mouthparts.
Lepidocyrtus paradoxus
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus paradoxus is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Uzel in 1890. It is one of the most frequently observed springtail species in Europe, with over 1,900 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive scale patterns and body morphology typical of entomobryid springtails.
Leptoscydmus
Leptoscydmus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Scydmaeninae. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Leptoscydmini, a group of small beetles adapted to life in soil and leaf litter microhabitats. The genus was established by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1897 and contains species distributed in North America. These beetles are part of the diverse scydmaenine fauna that plays roles in decomposer food webs.
Leptotyphlinae
Leptotyphlinae is a subfamily of minute rove beetles (Staphylinidae) characterized by extreme miniaturization and subterranean adaptations. Adults are eyeless, wingless, and measure less than 1.8 mm in length. The subfamily contains at least nine genera and 13 species in North America, with records from western states and Florida.
Liacaridae
Liacaridae is a family of oribatid mites comprising approximately 7 genera and over 240 described species. Members are small arachnids (adult body length 445–735 μm) characterized by specific morphological features including lamellar and interlamellar setae arrangements. The family includes the fossil genus †Liacarus and extant genera such as Adoristes, Xenillus, and Dorycranosus. Species within this family exhibit sexual dimorphism in body size, with females typically larger than males.
Linopodes
Linopodes is a cosmopolitan genus of mites in the family Cocceupodidae. These are large mites characterized by oval bodies and extremely elongated first legs. They inhabit diverse terrestrial environments including leaf litter and bark, though their solitary habits and low densities make them infrequently observed despite being common.
Lithobiidae
stone centipedes
Lithobiidae is a family of centipedes in the order Lithobiomorpha, commonly known as stone centipedes. Members are characterized by anamorphic development, adding leg pairs with each molt until reaching 15 pairs in adulthood. The family exhibits K-selected life history traits including slow development, long lifespans, and low reproductive output. Lithobiidae has a cosmopolitan distribution with highest diversity in temperate regions.
Lithobiomorpha
Stone Centipedes
Lithobiomorpha, commonly known as stone centipedes, are an order of anamorphic centipedes characterized by a mature segment count of 15 trunk segments. They lack compound eyes, possessing instead simple ocelli or no eyes in some subterranean species. The order includes two families: Henicopidae and Lithobiidae. Members are primarily found in forest litter and soil habitats across temperate regions worldwide, with significant diversity in China and Europe.
Lithobius
stone centipedes, common centipedes, brown centipedes, typical stone centipedes
Lithobius is a large genus of centipedes in the family Lithobiidae, containing over 500 species and numerous subspecies. Adults possess 18 body segments and 15 pairs of legs, with body lengths ranging from approximately 2–5 cm. The genus was erected by William Elford Leach in 1814 and serves as the type genus for the family Lithobiidae. These centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators found in soil, leaf litter, and beneath stones or bark across temperate regions worldwide.
Lithobius forficatus
brown centipede, garden centipede, stone centipede
Lithobius forficatus is a common stone centipede in the family Lithobiidae, native to Europe but introduced to North America, the Hawaiian Islands, and Colombia. Adults reach 18–30 mm in length with 15 pairs of legs. The species is freeze-tolerant in winter, nocturnal, and an active predator of small invertebrates. It is frequently found in gardens and woodland habitats under stones and decaying wood.
Lobella
Lobella is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Neanuridae) established by Börner in 1906. The genus includes soil-dwelling species, with Lobella sauteri being a notable bioluminescent species that exhibits a novel ATP-dependent endogenous light production system. Members of this genus are found across multiple biogeographic regions including East Asia and North America.
Lobella palmeri
Lobella palmeri is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, described by Wray in 1967. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of primarily soil-dwelling springtails. The genus Lobella is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a globular body form and reduced furcula. Records indicate this species occurs in North America.
Lophognathella
Lophognathella is a genus of springtails in the family Onychiuridae, subfamily Lophognathellinae. These small, wingless hexapods are part of the euedaphic soil fauna, living primarily in deep soil layers. The genus was established by Börner in 1908 and is distributed across northern North America, the Pacific coast of North America, and the Sino-Japanese region. As members of the Onychiuridae, they lack a furcula (springing organ) and are characterized by reduced eyes and elongated mouthparts adapted for feeding in soil micropores.
Lophognathella choreutes
Lophognathella choreutes is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Carl Börner in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Lophognathellinae, a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) springtails characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated mouthparts. The species has been recorded across northern North America, Pacific North America, and the Sino-Japanese region. As with other members of Onychiuridae, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Lophognathellinae
A subfamily of springtails within the family Onychiuridae, distinguished by modifications of the mouthparts. Members of this group are small, soil-dwelling hexapods that lack a furcula (springing organ) as adults. The subfamily was established by Stach in 1954 based on distinctive gnathal morphology.
Lucifotychus testaceus
Lucifotychus testaceus is a minute rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as an ant-loving beetle. It is a myrmecophilous species associated with ant colonies. The species is documented from eastern and midwestern North America, with records spanning Canada and the United States.
Lucoppia
Lucoppia is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Oribatulidae, established by Berlese in 1908. These mites belong to the diverse group of soil-dwelling microarthropods commonly known as moss mites or beetle mites. As oribatids, they are part of the decomposer community in terrestrial ecosystems. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited species-level descriptions and ecological studies available.