Soil-fauna
Guides
Mecistocephalidae
Mecistocephalidae is a monophyletic family of soil-dwelling centipedes constituting the sole family of the monotypic suborder Placodesmata. With approximately 170 species across 11 genera, it ranks as the third most diverse family in Geophilomorpha. The family exhibits a distinctive trait among geophilomorphs: leg-bearing segment numbers are generally fixed within species and identical between sexes, ranging from 41 to 101 pairs. Most species inhabit tropical and subtropical regions, though some extend into temperate zones. The genus Mecistocephalus dominates the family with roughly 130 species, most possessing 49 leg pairs.
Medon
Medon is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. Species are small, typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats, with some taxa occurring in intertidal zones along coastlines. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic region, with significant diversity in Turkey (23+ species) and East Asia. Several species have been described in recent decades, indicating ongoing taxonomic refinement.
Medonina
Medonina is a subtribe of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) established by Casey in 1905. As of 2024, it encompasses 49 genera distributed across multiple continents. The subtribe belongs to the tribe Lathrobiini within the subfamily Paederinae. Members are small to medium-sized predatory beetles commonly found in leaf litter, soil, and other decaying organic matter.
Megalothorax minimus
Megalothorax minimus is a minute springtail species in the family Neelidae, first described by V. Willem in 1900. It belongs to the order Neelipleona, a small group of highly reduced, globular springtails. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range including Europe, North America, and several remote regions including the Antarctic and Subantarctic. Its wide distribution suggests either cryptic diversity or remarkable dispersal capabilities for such a small organism.
Melba
Melba is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was described by Thomas Lincoln Casey Jr. in 1897. It belongs to the tribe Trichonychini within the diverse and species-rich rove beetle lineage. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Mesaphorura
Mesaphorura is a genus of springtails in the family Tullbergiidae, first described by Börner in 1901. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated body forms. They are distributed across multiple continents including Antarctica, South America, Africa, and North America, indicating broad ecological tolerance. The genus is taxonomically placed within the subfamily Mesaphorurinae.
Mesaphorura macrochaeta
Mesaphorura macrochaeta is a species of springtail in the family Tullbergiidae, described by Rusek in 1976. It belongs to the genus Mesaphorura, a group of small, soil-dwelling collembolans characterized by reduced or absent eyes and a furcula adapted for jumping. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including polar, temperate, and tropical regions, suggesting broad environmental tolerance or potential cryptic diversity. Like other members of its family, it inhabits soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
Mesaphorura yosiii
Mesaphorura yosiii is a species of minute springtail in the family Tullbergiidae. First described from Japan in 1967, it has since been recorded across widely disjunct regions including desert and tropical ecosystems. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated body form. Like other members of Tullbergiidae, it inhabits soil and litter layers.
Mesentotoma near-dollfusi
Mesentotoma near-dollfusi is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae. It belongs to a genus of small, soft-bodied hexapods characterized by a compact, rounded body form. Records indicate this species occurs in the Near East region, with documented presence in Iran. The specific epithet "near-dollfusi" suggests morphological similarity to M. dollfusi, a related species described from the Mediterranean region.
Mesostigmata
Mesostigs
Mesostigmata is the largest order of mites in the Parasitiformes, comprising over 8,000 species in 130 families. The group exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, including free-living predators in soil and litter, parasites of vertebrates and arthropods, fungus feeders, and pollen consumers. Many species serve as important biological control agents in agricultural systems, while others such as Varroa destructor are significant economic pests of honey bees. The order is distinguished morphologically by a single pair of lateral spiracles and associated peritrematal grooves.
Metajapyx
Metajapyx is a genus of forcepstails (japygids) in the family Japygidae, first described by Silvestri in 1932. The genus contains more than 30 described species. Members are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their distinctive pincer-like cerci at the abdomen tip. Like other japygids, they are predatory and primarily inhabit moist soil and leaf litter environments.
Micrisotoma achromata
Micrisotoma achromata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by P.F. Bellinger in 1952. It belongs to a genus characterized by small body size and reduced pigmentation. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including North America, Eurasia, and Malaysia, suggesting either a broad natural distribution or potential cryptic species complexity. Like other isotomids, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Microgastrura
Microgastrura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Hypogastruridae, established by Stach in 1922. The genus comprises seven described species distributed across the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, and North America. As members of Poduromorpha, these springtails are characterized by a compact body form and reduced furcula. Species-level identification requires examination of chaetotaxy and other fine morphological details.
Mipseltyrus
ant-loving beetles
Mipseltyrus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as ant-loving beetles. The genus was established by Orlando Park in 1953 and currently includes four described species. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ant colonies. These beetles are small, compact, and morphologically specialized for life in soil and leaf litter environments.
Mixonomata
Mixonomata is an infraorder of oribatid mites within the order Sarcoptiformes, established by Grandjean in 1969. This group comprises soil-dwelling mites characterized by a distinctive mix of morphological features that separate them from other oribatid lineages. Members of Mixonomata are primarily found in forest litter and soil habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes. The infraorder includes several families and represents a significant component of microarthropod diversity in terrestrial ecosystems.
Mochloribatula texana
Mochloribatula texana is a species of oribatid mite in the family Mochlozetidae. First described by Ewing in 1909, this species belongs to a group of soil-dwelling mites commonly known as beetle mites or box mites. Oribatid mites play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The specific epithet "texana" suggests a connection to Texas, though the full geographic range remains incompletely documented.
Mochlozetidae
Mochlozetidae is a family of oribatid mites (beetle mites) in the order Sarcoptiformes, established by Grandjean in 1960. The family comprises approximately 12 genera and at least 50 described species. These mites are classified within the superfamily Oripodoidea and the group Poronoticae. They are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna that contributes to decomposition processes.
Moriuss occidens
Moriuss occidens is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It belongs to the tribe Trichonychini and is one of very few species in the genus Moriuss. The species was described by Casey in 1893 and is known from California. Pselaphine beetles are generally small, cryptic, and associated with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Morulina
Morulina is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, subfamily Morulininae. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive body ornamentation and are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna.
Morulina callowayia
Morulina callowayia is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described by Wray in 1953. It belongs to the genus Morulina, which is characterized by a distinctive body ornamentation pattern of tubercles or granules. The species is found in North America, with records from both northern and southern regions of the continent. As with other members of the Neanuridae, it is a soil-dwelling microarthropod.
Morulina delicata
Morulina delicata is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by E.C. Bernard in 2006. It belongs to the subfamily Morulininae, a group characterized by distinctive body ornamentation and reduced or absent furcula. The species is known from Pacific North America. Springtails in this genus are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Morulina multatuberculata
Morulina multatuberculata is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by Coleman in 1941. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of ground-dwelling springtails. The species epithet 'multatuberculata' suggests a tuberculate body surface, a characteristic feature of the genus Morulina.
Morulodes setosus
Morulodes setosus is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by Canby in 1926. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, one of the three main lineages of Collembola. The species epithet 'setosus' refers to the presence of setae (bristle-like hairs). As a member of the tribe Morulodini, it shares characteristics with other neanurid springtails that exhibit distinctive body ornamentation and reduced furcula. The genus Morulodes is part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna of North America.
Nannaria
Twisted-Claw Millipedes
Nannaria is a genus of small-bodied millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae, commonly known as twisted-claw millipedes. First described by Ralph Chamberlin in 1918, it is now the largest genus in its family with 78 described species following major revisions in 2022. The genus comprises two monophyletic species groups: the widespread minor group found throughout eastern North America, and the wilsoni group restricted to the Appalachian Mountains. Unlike many colorful, flat-backed xystodesmids, Nannaria species are cryptic in appearance and exhibit subterranean behavior that makes them difficult to collect.
Nanorchestidae
Nanorchestidae is a family of small soil-dwelling mites in the order Endeostigmata. The family contains two recognized genera, Nanorchestes and Speleorchestes, which show distinct ecological partitioning: Nanorchestes dominates cold desert and polar habitats, while Speleorchestes inhabits hot deserts. This distribution correlates with structural differences in the cuticle. Members of this family may achieve high numerical abundance in extreme desert soils.
Neanura magna
Bear-bodied Springtail
Neanura magna, commonly known as the bear-bodied springtail, is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae. Springtails (Collembola) are small, wingless hexapods that inhabit soil and leaf litter. The common name suggests a robust or stocky body form compared to other springtails. As a member of Poduromorpha, this species possesses the furcula (springing organ) characteristic of the group, though it is reduced or absent in some Neanuridae.
Neanurini
Neanurini is a tribe of springtails (Collembola) within the family Neanuridae, established by Börner in 1901. Members of this tribe are characterized by their reduced or absent furcula (springing organ), distinguishing them from many other springtail groups. They are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna found across various terrestrial habitats. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed primarily in the Holarctic region.
Nearctodesmus
Nearctodesmus is a genus of small millipedes in the order Polydesmida, family Nearctodesmidae. These millipedes are characterized by their flattened bodies and reduced segmentation. The genus was established by Silvestri in 1910 and is primarily distributed in the Nearctic region. Members of this genus are part of the diverse soil fauna and contribute to decomposition processes in forest ecosystems.
Neelus
Neelus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neelidae, established by Folsom in 1896. The genus contains both surface-dwelling and troglobiotic (cave-restricted) species. Several species exhibit troglomorphic adaptations including elongated unguis (claws), larger body size, and elongated antennal sensilla. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and Asia, with notable cave-dwelling diversity in the Balkans.
Neelus murinus
Neelus murinus is a species of springtail in the family Neelidae, first described by J.W. Folsom in 1896. It belongs to the order Neelipleona, one of the four recognized orders of Collembola. The species has been documented from island localities in the Azores (Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Terceira) and from the Antillean region and southern Florida. As a member of the Neelidae, it is among the smallest springtails, characterized by reduced body size and simplified morphology.
Neokatianna
Neokatianna is a genus of globular springtails in the family Katiannidae, established by R.J. Snider in 1989. These minute hexapods belong to the order Symphypleona, characterized by their rounded, compact body form. The genus is known from southern North America, though specific species-level documentation remains limited. As with other katiannids, members of this genus inhabit soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
Neokatianna acantholaema
Neokatianna acantholaema is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae, described by R.J. Snider in 1989. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species is known from southern North America and has been documented through 34 iNaturalist observations. As with other members of Katiannidae, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Neoliodoidea
Neoliodoidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites within the order Sarcoptiformes. These mites are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna, contributing to decomposition processes. The group is relatively poorly studied compared to other oribatid superfamilies, with limited species-level documentation.
Neolithobius
Neolithobius is a genus of stone centipedes in the family Lithobiidae. The genus was established by Stuxberg in 1875 and is distinguished by specific morphological features of the forcipules and tergites. Members are medium-sized lithobiomorph centipedes found in certain regions of Eurasia. The genus is relatively poorly known compared to the closely related Lithobius, with limited published ecological or behavioral data.
Neomolgus
snout mites
Neomolgus is a genus of predatory snout mites in the family Bdellidae, containing more than 20 described species. Members are recognized by their elongated snout-like rostrum used in prey capture. Several species have been investigated or employed as biological control agents against collembolan pests, particularly Sminthurus viridis (lucerne flea). The genus exhibits cool-humid habitat preferences and temperature-dependent developmental rates.
Nisaxis
Nisaxis is a genus of ant-loving beetles (myrmecophiles) in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1886. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across North America. As members of the subfamily Pselaphinae, these beetles are minute, compact rove beetles associated with ant colonies. The genus is classified within the tribe Brachyglutini.
Nyctunguis
Nyctunguis is a genus of soil-dwelling centipedes in the family Schendylidae, order Geophilomorpha. These elongate, multi-legged arthropods inhabit subterranean environments. The genus was established by Chamberlin in 1914 and contains multiple described species.
Ochrogramma bentona
Ochrogramma bentona is a millipede species in the family Caseyidae, order Chordeumatida. It was described by Chamberlin in 1952. The species is known from North America and belongs to a group of small-bodied millipedes commonly called "snake millipedes" or "bristly millipedes" due to their elongated, slender form and setose bodies. Like other chordeumatidans, it likely inhabits moist forest floor habitats.
Ocypus
Ocypus is a genus of rove beetles in the subfamily Staphylininae, containing approximately 176 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions. The genus includes the well-known Ocypus olens (devil's coach-horse beetle), a large, predatory species with documented potential for biological control of pest snails. Several species have been introduced outside their native ranges, including O. nitens, which has established in North America and shown rapid range expansion. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in China, with numerous species described from Sichuan, Gansu, Yunnan, and other provinces.
Onychiurinae
Onychiurinae is a subfamily of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Börner in 1901. Members are characterized by reduced or absent eyes and the presence of a ventral tube (collophore) with distinct structures. The subfamily is primarily soil-dwelling and includes numerous genera distributed across temperate regions. Many species are blind and adapted to subterranean or deep soil habitats.
Onychiuroidea
Onychiuroidea is a superfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the order Poduromorpha. It comprises approximately five families and over 630 described species. The superfamily includes the well-known family Onychiuridae and several smaller families whose classification has been subject to revision. Members of this group are soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by reduced or absent furcula (springing organ).
Onychiurus
springtails
Onychiurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae with cosmopolitan distribution. The genus contains numerous species, including both surface-dwelling forms in forest soils and agricultural fields, as well as specialized cave-dwelling species. Members of this genus have been extensively studied as indicators of soil health and pesticide impacts.
Opilioacaroidea
mite harvestmen, opilioacarid mites
Opilioacaroidea is a small superfamily of arachnids comprising the single family Opilioacaridae, with approximately 25 described species. These organisms represent a phylogenetically significant group, often considered the most primitive living mites due to their retention of ancestral chelicerate characteristics. They occupy an intermediate position between mites and harvestmen (Opiliones), exhibiting morphological features of both groups. Their restricted distribution and specialized habitat requirements make them among the least studied arachnids.
Oppiidae
Oppiidae is a large and diverse family of oribatid mites comprising over 1000 described species. These microarthropods inhabit soil and litter layers across varied terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, from coastal sands to forest floors and grasslands. The family is taxonomically complex with numerous genera, many of which have restricted distributions or are poorly studied in particular regions such as Mongolia and Korea.
Oppioidea
Oppioidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites within the order Sarcoptiformes. Members are primarily soil-dwelling microarthropods characterized by specific morphological features of the pycnonotic group. The superfamily includes families such as Epimerellidae, which contain halophilic species adapted to saline littoral environments.
Orchesella flora
Orchesella flora is a species of slender springtail described by Christiansen and Tucker in 1977. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae within the order Entomobryomorpha. The species is native to southern North America. As a collembolan, it is a small, wingless hexapod that inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Orchesella texensis
Orchesella texensis is a species of springtail (Collembola) described by Snider in 1997. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae, a group of relatively large and elongate springtails. The species is known from southern North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a Texas origin. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Oribotritia
Oribotritia is a genus of oribatid mites (also known as beetle mites or moss mites) in the family Oribotritiidae. The genus was established by Jacot in 1924 and contains at least three described species. Oribatid mites in this group are soil-dwelling microarthropods that contribute to decomposition processes.
Oribotritiidae
Oribotritiidae is a family of ptyctimous oribatid mites in the order Oribatida. The family includes the genus Austrotritia, which has a primarily Gondwanan distribution across the Oriental, Australian, and southeastern Palaearctic Regions. The European species Austrotritia finlandica, endemic to the southwestern archipelago of Finland, represents the only known European occurrence of this genus. Records from GBIF indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Oripodoidea
Oripodoidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) established by Jacot in 1925. It comprises approximately 19 families and at least 1,300 described species, making it one of the most diverse superfamilies within the suborder Oribatida. Members are classified within the infraorder Brachypylina and cohort Poronoticae.