Soil-fauna
Guides
Pseudosinella violenta
Pseudosinella violenta is a species of slender springtail first described by Folsom in 1924. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, a group characterized by elongated bodies and well-developed furcula. The species has been recorded across multiple North American regions including the Antilles, southern Florida, Caribbean mainland, and Pacific and southern North American areas. As with most members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
Ptenothrix atra
Ptenothrix atra is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae. It is one of the oldest described springtail species, originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, and Caribbean regions. As a member of the Symphypleona, it possesses a characteristic globular body form distinct from the more elongate Entomobryomorpha springtails.
Ptenothrix californica
Ptenothrix californica is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae. It is native to the Pacific North American region, particularly California. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1981. As a member of the Symphypleona, it possesses a rounded, globular body form characteristic of this order of Collembola. It is documented in museum collections and has been recorded in citizen science observations.
Ptenothrix flavescens
Ptenothrix flavescens is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, first described by Axelson in 1905. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by their rounded, globular body form. The species is known from Europe, though specific ecological details remain limited in available literature.
Ptenothrix undescribed
Ptenothrix is a genus of globular springtails (Collembola: Sminthuridae). The genus contains multiple species, with at least one undescribed species known to occur in North America. Springtails in this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods that contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The undescribed status indicates formal taxonomic description is pending.
Pyrophorini
Headlight Beetles
Pyrophorini is a New World tribe of click beetles (Elateridae: Agrypninae) characterized by bioluminescence in both larvae and adults. The tribe comprises approximately 20 genera including Pyrophorus, Ignelater, and Pyrearinus. Members are known for producing light through specialized organs, with larvae associated with phenomena such as 'luminescent termite mounds' and 'luminous canga caves' in South America. The tribe is believed to be monophyletic and is closely related to Anaissini, which contains some but not all bioluminescent species.
Quedius caseyi divergens
Quedius caseyi divergens is a subspecies of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. As a member of the genus Quedius, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly found in various terrestrial habitats. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological differentiation from the nominate form Quedius caseyi caseyi. Specific information about this particular subspecies is limited in available sources.
Quedius marginalis
Quedius marginalis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Mäklin in 1852. It is currently classified as an ambiguous synonym in the Catalogue of Life, placed within the subgenus Quedius (Distichalius). The species belongs to the diverse genus Quedius, one of the largest genera in Staphylinidae, whose members are predominantly predatory and commonly found in soil, leaf litter, and decaying organic matter.
Quedius peregrinus
Quedius peregrinus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described by Gravenhorst in 1806 under the basionym Microsaurus peregrinus. It belongs to the tribe Quediini within the subfamily Staphylininae. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning eastern Canada and much of the eastern and central United States.
Raphignathoidea
Raphignathoidea is a superfamily of mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising approximately 1,087 species across 62 genera and 12 families. The group exhibits diverse feeding strategies, including predation on small invertebrates, herbivory, and parasitism. Many species have commercial value in biological pest control. The superfamily occupies varied microhabitats from soil and leaf litter to aquatic environments and agricultural crops.
Raymondionyminae
Raymondionyminae is a subfamily of small, primarily blind weevils within the family Brachyceridae. Members are characterized by reduced or absent eyes, an adaptation associated with subterranean or soil-dwelling habits. The subfamily includes at least four genera: Alaocybites, Gilbertiola, Schizomicrus, and Bordoniola. Most species are poorly known, with the majority of records coming from South America.
Renardia
unmargined rove beetles
Renardia is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, placed in the subfamily Osoriinae. The genus is characterized by the absence of marginal ridges on the elytra, a trait that distinguishes it from related genera. Only two species are currently recognized: Renardia canadensis and Renardia nigrella. These beetles are small, elongated, and belong to a group commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats.
Rhagidiidae
Rhagidiidae is a family of soft-bodied, predaceous soil mites in the order Trombidiformes. The family comprises approximately 28 genera and 150 species of whitish mites that inhabit soil environments, with many species showing adaptations to subterranean life. Established by Oudemans in 1922, the family received its modern systematic foundation through Zacharda's 1980 world revision. Many species exhibit troglomorphic traits including reduced eyes, elongated appendages, and depigmentation.
Rhexidius
ant-loving beetles
Rhexidius is a genus of small rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing approximately 10 described species. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as ant-loving beetles due to their frequent association with ant colonies. The genus was established by Casey in 1887, with most species described by Schuster & Grigarick in 1962. Species in this genus are characterized by various surface sculpturing patterns, including granulate, crenate, and hispid textures.
Rhysotritia
Rhysotritia is a genus of oribatid mites in the family Euphthiracaridae. The genus contains multiple described species distributed across several continents, with documented occurrence in Japan, Brazil, and Europe. A notable study in Japan identified two distinct morphological forms of Rhysotritia ardua that differ in claw formula, body size, coloration, and setal characteristics, though their taxonomic status remains unresolved.
Riccardoellinae
Riccardoellinae is a subfamily of mites within the family Ereynetidae, order Trombidiformes. These prostigmatic mites are part of the diverse soil and litter mite fauna. Members are small, soft-bodied arachnids with limited published documentation. The subfamily was established to accommodate genera with distinctive morphological features separating them from other Ereynetidae.
Rugilus angularis
Rugilus angularis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. It is a small, ground-dwelling beetle with a transcontinental distribution across North America, ranging from Canada through the United States to Mexico. The species was first described by Wilhelm Ferdinand Erichson in 1840. Like other members of the genus Rugilus, it is characterized by its compact body form and association with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Rugilus biarmatus
Rugilus biarmatus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is a small, elongate beetle with the characteristic short elytra that expose most of the abdomen typical of the family. The species was described by J.L. LeConte in 1880 and occurs in northeastern North America.
Rybaxis
ant-loving beetles
Rybaxis is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as ant-loving beetles. The genus contains at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, living in association with ant colonies. They were first described by Saulcy in 1876.
Salina
Salina is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Paronellidae, first described by MacGillivray in 1894. The genus contains approximately five described species. These springtails are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including the Amazon, Andean regions, the Caribbean, and continental Southeast Asia. They are characterized by their slender, elongated body form typical of the Paronellidae family.
Salina banksi
Salina banksi is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Paronellidae, first described by A.D. MacGillivray in 1894. Springtails (Collembola) are small, wingless hexapods that are among the most abundant terrestrial arthropods, though individual species are often poorly documented. The specific epithet "banksi" honors the naturalist Joseph Banks. This species belongs to a genus and family characterized by elongated body forms adapted for life in soil and leaf litter communities.
Salina beta
Salina beta is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Paronellidae, described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1980. Springtails in this family are characterized by elongate body forms and are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna. The genus Salina contains multiple species distributed across various regions, though specific ecological details for S. beta remain poorly documented in available literature.
Sancassania
Sancassania is a genus of mites in the family Acaridae containing more than 80 species. Many species are associated with fungi, particularly mushrooms, with some lineages having specialized to exploit this ephemeral resource. Other species are phoretic on beetles or occur in soil and decomposing organic matter. The genus includes economically significant species associated with agricultural crops and biocontrol systems.
Sancassania anomala
Sancassania anomala is a species of mite belonging to the family Acaridae, within the order Sarcoptiformes. These mites are part of the diverse oribatid mite fauna, a group primarily known for their role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems. The genus Sancassania includes species commonly associated with stored products, decaying organic matter, and various substrates where they feed on fungi and detrital material. Specific information about S. anomala remains limited in publicly available sources.
Scalenarthrus
Scalenarthrus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. First described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880, it belongs to the tribe Brachyglutini. Members of this genus are small, cryptic beetles characteristic of the ant-loving beetle group (Pselaphinae), which are primarily found in soil and leaf litter habitats.
Scarites
big-headed ground beetle
Scarites is a genus of large ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing over 190 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Near East, North America, and North Africa. These beetles are characterized by their disproportionately large heads, prominent mandibles, and elongated, somewhat flattened bodies that superficially resemble tropical stag beetles, though they are not closely related. Both adults and larvae are active predators that hunt soil-dwelling invertebrates. When disturbed, Scarites beetles exhibit thanatosis—folding their legs and arching their backs to feign death.
Scaritinae
Pedunculate Ground Beetles
Scaritinae is a large, cosmopolitan subfamily of ground beetles (Carabidae) containing over 2,400 species in more than 140 genera. Members exhibit considerable ecological diversity, with many species adapted to specialized habitats including caves, riverbanks, and deep soil layers. The subfamily includes tribes such as Scaritini, Clivinini, and Salcediini. Several genera show disjunct distributions that have contributed to biogeographic understanding of continental drift and faunal exchange.
Scheloribatidae
Scheloribatidae is a family of oribatid mites in the order Sarcoptiformes, established by Grandjean in 1933. The family comprises at least 20 genera and approximately 320 described species. Members of this family are part of the diverse soil mite fauna and contribute to decomposition processes in terrestrial ecosystems.
Schendyla
Schendyla is a genus of soil-dwelling centipedes in the family Schendylidae, first described in 1866 by Danish entomologists Vilhelm Bergsøe and Frederik Vilhelm August Meinert. The genus comprises more than 20 species distributed across the western Palearctic region. These centipedes are small to medium-sized, ranging from approximately 1 cm to 4.5 cm in length, with leg pair counts varying dramatically between species—from 29 to 57 pairs. The genus exhibits notable morphological diversity in body size and leg number, with some species like S. antici being exceptionally small (5–8 mm) with minimal leg pairs, while others like S. vizzavonae reach 45 mm.
Schendyla nemorensis
Common Schendyla
Schendyla nemorensis is a small geophilomorph centipede in the family Schendylidae, first described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1836. It is one of the most frequently observed centipedes in its range, with over 800 iNaturalist records. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism in leg count, with males possessing fewer leg pairs than females. It has been introduced from its native Palearctic range to Tasmania.
Schizoptera rileyi
Schizoptera rileyi is a species of minute litter bug in the family Schizopteridae, described in 2018. Members of this family are among the smallest true bugs, typically inhabiting leaf litter and soil habitats. The species epithet honors Edward Riley, a prolific coleopterist and collector. The genus Schizoptera belongs to the infraorder Dipsocoromorpha, a group of cryptic, ground-dwelling true bugs that are poorly known due to their small size and concealed habits.
Schlingeria
Schlingeria is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Irwin in 1977. It belongs to the subfamily Phycusinae, a group characterized by specialized morphological features including reduced wing venation and particular arrangements of thoracic bristles. The genus is poorly known, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data available. Schlingeria species are presumably predatory as larvae, as is characteristic of the family Therevidae, though direct observations of life history remain undocumented.
Schoettella
Schoettella is a genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, established by Schäffer in 1896. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed across diverse geographic regions including Europe, the Americas, and the Hawaiian Islands. Species within this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods belonging to the order Poduromorpha.
Scutigerella
garden symphylans, garden centipedes (misapplied)
Scutigerella is a genus of symphylans (class Symphyla) established by John A. Ryder in 1882, with S. immaculata as the type species. It is the second-largest genus in the family Scutigerellidae, comprising at least 35 extant species plus two fossil species preserved in amber. Species range from 3.5 to 9 mm in length and are characterized by a heart-shaped head with spiracles on the anterior surface, 20–50 segmented antennae, 15 tergites with notched posterior margins, and 12 pairs of legs. The genus has a subcosmopolitan distribution centered in northern temperate zones, with introduced populations in Australasia and Oceania.
Scutisotoma
Scutisotoma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, subfamily Proisotominae. The genus was established by R.S. Bagnall in 1949 and is distributed across diverse biogeographic regions including Europe, the Arctic, the Himalayas, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean. As a member of the Entomobryomorpha, Scutisotoma shares characteristics with other elongate-bodied springtails.
Scutoverticidae
Scutoverticidae is a family of oribatid mites comprising approximately 8 genera and at least 50 described species. The family is classified within the superfamily Licneremaeoidea. Members are small soil-dwelling arachnids. The genus *Scutovertex* includes alpine-associated species.
Scydmaenus
ant-like stone beetles
Scydmaenus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Scydmaeninae, commonly called ant-like stone beetles. The genus has nearly cosmopolitan distribution with species documented across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and other regions. Members are small, slow-moving beetles typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats. Some species have been documented as predators of soft-bodied arthropods, though earlier literature suggested specialization on armored mites.
Seira
slender springtails
Seira is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Lubbock in 1870. The genus contains approximately 17 described species. These springtails are characterized by their elongated body form and are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including tropical and subtropical areas.
Seira bipunctata
Seira bipunctata is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1980. It belongs to the genus Seira, which is characterized by elongate body forms and distinct morphological features typical of the Seirinae subfamily. The species epithet 'bipunctata' refers to two spots or punctures, likely describing a distinctive marking pattern.
Seira brasiliana
Seira brasiliana is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Entomobryidae. It is a Neotropical species originally described from Brazil, with subsequent records from multiple Brazilian states including Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. As a member of the genus Seira, it possesses the characteristic scaled body covering typical of this group. The species remains poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Seira knowltoni
Seira knowltoni is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 2000. It is currently accepted as a valid species, though some sources list it as a synonym of Seira (Seira) purpurea. As a member of the genus Seira, it belongs to a group of elongate, fast-moving springtails commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats.
Sensillanura barberi
Sensillanura barberi is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described by Handschin in 1928. As a member of the order Poduromorpha, it belongs to a group of soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their reduced body size and specialized mouthparts. The species has been recorded in Pacific North America, with 35 observations documented on iNaturalist. Springtails in this family are typically found in moist soil and leaf litter environments where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Sinella
slender springtails
Sinella is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, containing at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are characterized by elongated bodies and are part of the diverse soil and litter microarthropod fauna. Several species, including Sinella curviseta and Sinella coeca, have been subjects of ecological and toxicological research. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents.
Sinella sexoculata
slender springtail
Sinella sexoculata is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, described by Schött in 1896. As an entomobryomorph collembolan, it possesses the characteristic elongated body form and well-developed antennae typical of this group. The species has been documented in the Caribbean mainland and Pacific North American regions based on GBIF distribution records. Like other members of the genus Sinella, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Siro
harvestmen
Siro is a genus of cyphophthalmid harvestmen (Opiliones) in the family Sironidae. These small arachnids are characterized by their eyeless condition, elongated bodies, and association with moist microhabitats. The genus was established by Latreille in 1795 and represents one of the early-recognized lineages of the suborder Cyphophthalmi, which diverged from other harvestmen early in the evolutionary history of the order. Species in this genus are distributed primarily in the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe.
Siro exilis
Siro exilis is a species of mite harvestman (order Opiliones, suborder Cyphophthalmi) in the family Sironidae. The species was first described by Hoffman in 1963 and is currently recognized as a synonym of Neosiro exilis. It occurs in North America, with records from counties in Garrett, Giles, Mercer, Montgomery, and Pendleton. As a cyphophthalmid harvestman, it belongs to a group of small, eyeless arachnids that inhabit moist microhabitats in forested environments.
Sminthurinus henshawi
Henshaw's globular springtail
Sminthurinus henshawi is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It is a small, soil-dwelling hexapod with a characteristic rounded body shape. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including North America and Eurasia. It is one of the more frequently observed springtail species, with over 1,400 citizen science records.
Sminthurinus minutus
Sminthurinus minutus is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It is a small, soil-dwelling hexapod that belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body form distinct from the elongated shape of other springtail orders. The species was first described by MacGillivray in 1894. As a member of Collembola, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion, though this feature is reduced in some globular springtails.
Sminthuroidea
Sminthuroidea is a superfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the order Symphypleona, established by Bretfeld in 1994. Members share a globular body form with the ability to roll into a ball when disturbed, distinguishing them from elongate springtail superfamilies. The superfamily includes families such as Sminthuridae and Dicyrtomidae, which are among the most frequently observed and photographed springtails due to their relatively large size and often bright coloration.
Sminthurus carolinensis
A species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae, described from the Carolinas region of the southeastern United States. As a member of the order Symphypleona, it possesses a characteristic rounded, globular body form distinct from the elongate-bodied Entomobryomorpha. The species was formally described by R.J. Snider in 1981.