Southeast-asia
Guides
Agathidini
Agathidini is a tribe of braconid parasitoid wasps within the subfamily Agathidinae. Members are found primarily in Southeast Asia, with particular diversity in Thailand. The tribe has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with ten new genera described in 2017 to address previous issues of species being placed in 'dumping ground' genera. Females lay eggs inside early-stage caterpillars of various moths, with larvae developing internally and consuming the host before it pupates.
Aphanisticus cochinchinae
Aphanisticus cochinchinae is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, originally described from the Cochinchina region of Southeast Asia. The species has been documented with expanded distribution into the New World, including Hawaii. It belongs to a genus of minute buprestids typically associated with grasses and sedges rather than woody hosts. Two subspecies are recognized: A. c. cochinchinae and A. c. seminulum.
Austrozele
Austrozele is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Roman in 1910. The genus belongs to the ichneumonoid lineage of Hymenoptera, a group characterized by their larval development as parasitoids of other insects. As a braconid genus, Austrozele species are presumed to be koinobiont parasitoids, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus has been recorded from Southeast Asia based on specimen data.
Billaea
Billaea is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 80 described species. Most larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids and lucanids, with some species attacking lepidopteran hosts in the family Pyralidae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural and forestry pests, including palm weevils and sugarcane borers.
Tachinidaeparasitoidbiological-controlCerambycidaeDryophthoridaeCrambidaeviviparousplanidiaforest-pestagricultural-pestoil-palmsugarcanepalm-weevilwood-borersoutheast-AsiaSouth-AmericaEuropeBulgariaBrazilTurkeyMexicoPeruintegrated-pest-managementnatural-enemyhost-searchingkairomonessuperparasitismmass-rearingGalleria-mellonellalaboratory-hostfrassgallerytunnelpupal-parasitoidlarval-parasitoidectoparasitoidendoparasitoidColeopteraLepidopteraDipteraBrachyceraDexiinaeDexiiniRobineau-Desvoidy-183080-speciesglobal-distributionforestryagricultureornamental-palmsdate-palmcoconutRhynchophorusDiatraeaPrionusXylotrechusclimate-matchingestablishment-potentialMediterraneanMiddle-EastCaliforniainvasive-speciesred-palm-weevilAmerican-palm-weevilred-ring-diseasevector-controlnatural-mortalitypest-managementsustainable-agriculturehost-specificitytrophic-associationnew-host-recordparasitism-ratefield-parasitismlaboratory-rearingadult-longevityfecunditysex-ratiopupal-viabilitypupal-durationplanidia-lengthfood-resourcespollenhoneysucroseflowering-plantsspontaneous-floracompanion-plantshabitat-managementconservation-biological-controlaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlquarantinehost-rangecircumstantial-evidencetaxonomic-confusionB.-rhynchophoraeB.-menezesiB.-adelphaB.-claripalpisB.-rutilansB.-cerambycivoraB.-steiniB.-fortisB.-irrorataB.-pectinataB.-setosaB.-trianguliferaB.-lataB.-intermediaB.-biserialisB.-giganteaB.-rubensB.-maritimaB.-marmorataB.-aurifronsB.-verticalisB.-flavaB.-chinensisB.-brevicaudaB.-kurahashiiB.-micronychiaB.-papeiB.-setigeraB.-yintiaolingB.-rufescensB.-triquetrusB.-rubidaB.-rufiventrisB.-brasiliensisB.-friburgensisB.-giacomeliB.-kosteraeB.-plaumanniB.-shannoniB.-africanaB.-argentaureaB.-atkinsoniB.-capensisB.-communisB.-decisaB.-edwardsiB.-erectaB.-ficorumB.-grandisB.-impigraB.-interruptaB.-kolomyetziB.-luteolaB.-malayanaB.-minorB.-monohammiB.-montanaB.-morosaB.-nipigonensisB.-orbitalisB.-ovataB.-quadrinotaB.-rhingiaeformisB.-robustaB.-satisfactaB.-sibleyiB.-sjostedtiB.-solivagaB.-trivittataB.-trochanterataB.-vanemdeniB.-velutinaB.-versicolorB.-villeneuveiB.-vitripennisB.-ziminiB.-lateralisB.-lativentrisByturidae
fruitworms, fruitworm beetles
Byturidae is a small family of cleroid beetles comprising over 15 described species in two subfamilies. The family is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region and Southeast Asia. Larvae of some genera, particularly Byturus, are significant agricultural pests of Rubus fruits (raspberries and blackberries), while others feed on catkins. Adults feed on developing leaves, flowers, and pollen. The family includes two subfamilies: Platydascillinae (Southeast Asia) and Byturinae (Holarctic).
Charmon
Charmon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Charmontinae, established by Haliday in 1833. The genus comprises 10 recognized species with a predominantly Holarctic distribution, though recent records extend its range to Southeast Asia. Charmon thailandensis, described from Doi Phu Kha National Park in Thailand, represents the first documented occurrence of the genus in Southeast Asia. DNA barcode data suggest that morphologically similar species may not be closely related, indicating potential cryptic diversity within the genus.
Clemnius
Clemnius is a genus of diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, established in 2017 to accommodate species previously placed in related genera. The genus belongs to the tribe Hygrotini within the subfamily Hydroporinae. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized diving beetles adapted to aquatic habitats. The genus has been documented from Southeast Asia based on collection records.
Collomeninae
Collomeninae is a subfamily of moths within the family Nolidae, established in 2012 by Zahiri, Lafontaine, and Schmidt. The subfamily comprises approximately ten genera distributed primarily in tropical regions of South America and Southeast Asia. The type genus is Collomena. The subfamily is distinguished from other Nolidae by a combination of morphological characters related to wing venation and genitalia structure.
Colobopsis etiolata
Pale Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis etiolata is a species of ant in the genus Colobopsis, originally described by Wheeler in 1904. It belongs to a genus characterized by specialized defensive castes, including 'doorkeeper' majors with enlarged, plug-shaped heads used to block nest entrances. The species is part of the Colobopsis cylindrica group, which includes the well-known 'exploding ants' that exhibit autothysis (self-sacrificial body rupture) as a defensive mechanism. As a member of this group, C. etiolata likely shares the arboreal, canopy-dwelling habits typical of these Southeast Asian forest ants.
Colobopsis impressa
Common Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis impressa is a species of arboreal ant in the subfamily Formicinae, commonly known as the Common Gate-keeper Ant. The species belongs to a genus noted for specialized defensive morphologies, including major workers with plug-shaped heads used to block nest entrances. While detailed species-level studies are limited, the species has been documented across Southeast Asian forests. Its biology appears consistent with the broader Colobopsis cylindrica species group, though specific behavioral observations for C. impressa remain sparse.
Colobopsis obliqua
Oblique Gate-keeper Ant
Colobopsis obliqua is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, first described by Smith in 1930. It belongs to a genus known for specialized defensive behaviors, including the 'exploding ant' phenomenon where minor workers rupture their bodies to release toxic secretions. The species is commonly referred to as the 'Oblique Gate-keeper Ant' due to the characteristic head shape of major workers used to block nest entrances.
Dendrocharis
Dendrocharis is a genus of Asian click beetle allies in the family Eucnemidae, established by Félix Guérin-Méneville in 1843. It is the type genus of the tribe Dendrocharini. The genus contains eight described species distributed across Southeast Asia.
Euborellia annulata
ring-legged earwig
Euborellia annulata is a predatory earwig species in the family Anisolabididae, originally described by Fabricius in 1793. It has been extensively studied as a biological control agent, particularly for lepidopteran pests in corn agroecosystems. The species exhibits five nymphal instars, sexual dimorphism in forceps size and predatory behavior, and is known for its aggressive predation on soft-bodied insect larvae and eggs.
Euphthiracaroidea
Euphthiracaroidea is a superfamily of oribatid mites within the infraorder Mixonomata, established by Jacot in 1930. It comprises several families including Euphthiracaridae, Synichotritiidae, and Oribotritiidae. Members of this group are primarily known from leaf litter habitats in tropical and subtropical regions, with documented diversity in Southeast Asia including Thailand.
Glomeridae
pill millipedes
Glomeridae is a family of pill millipedes in the order Glomerida, comprising over 300 species distributed among approximately 30 genera. Members are characterized by their ability to conglobate (roll into a complete sphere) as a defensive mechanism. The family has a primarily Palearctic distribution with significant diversity in Southeast Asia, and includes both surface-dwelling and cavernicolous species. Many species remain undescribed, particularly in tropical regions.
Hemerodromia
dance flies
Hemerodromia is a genus of dance flies (family Empididae) comprising at least 170 described species. Species are primarily associated with lotic freshwater habitats, particularly streams and rivers. Several species show obligate associations with calcareous water systems and tufa formations in limestone karst regions. The genus exhibits high diversity in tropical Southeast Asia, with significant undescribed species richness anticipated.
Isoparce
Isoparce is a genus of sphinx moths (family Sphingidae) established by Walter Rothschild and Karl Jordan in 1903. The genus contains two recognized species: Isoparce cupressi, described from North America in 1875, and Isoparce broui, described from Southeast Asia in 2001. Both species are associated with coniferous host plants.
Lyprauta
Lyprauta is a genus of fungus gnats in the family Keroplatidae, described by Edwards in 1929. It belongs to the tribe Orfeliini within the subfamily Keroplatinae. Members of this genus are small, delicate flies associated with moist, decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. The genus is poorly known, with limited published information on species diversity and biology.
Mesosini
Mesosini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Lamiinae. The tribe contains approximately 60 described genera distributed primarily across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Oriental region. Members are characterized by morphological traits typical of Lamiinae, with some genera exhibiting distinctive features such as elytral tubercles or modified antennae. The tribe includes economically significant species associated with hardwood trees.
Myrmarachne
ant-mimic spiders, ant-mimicking jumping spiders
Myrmarachne is a large genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders (Salticidae) first described by MacLeay in 1839. With approximately 188 described species, it is the most diverse genus of jumping spider in Southeast Asia. These spiders exhibit remarkable morphological and behavioral convergence with ants, including elongated cephalothoraxes with constricted waists, coloration matching local ant species, and foreleg waving to simulate antennae. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several genera split off in recent years including Helicius (2016) and the revalidation of Emertonius (2018).
Myrmosinae
Myrmosinae is a subfamily of velvet ants (Mutillidae) within the order Hymenoptera. The group was historically considered primarily Holarctic in distribution, with limited representation in the Oriental Region. Recent taxonomic work has documented three new species from Thailand and Vietnam, extending the known range southeastward and establishing the first Oriental records for the genus Krombeinella. The subfamily is characterized by morphological features distinguishing it from other Mutillidae, with keys available for Old World genus identification.
Nectoporus
Nectoporus is a genus of diving beetles (family Dytiscidae) established by Guignot in 1950. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory aquatic beetles. Members of this genus are found in freshwater habitats, primarily in the Southern Hemisphere based on available distribution records. As with other dytiscids, they are aquatic predators with adaptations for underwater life including modified hind legs for swimming.
Orchidophilus
orchid weevils
Orchidophilus is a genus of true weevils in the subfamily Baridinae comprising six species. These weevils are specialized inhabitants of orchids and have been documented as pests of cultivated orchids. Two species, O. aterrimus and O. peregrinator, have established populations outside their native Southeast Asian range through orchid trade. The genus was described by L.L. Buchanan in 1935.
Orthomorpha
Orthomorpha is a genus of flat-backed millipedes in the family Paradoxosomatidae, comprising approximately 50 species native to Southeast Asia. Adults possess 20 body segments and range from 15–50 mm in length, with prominent lateral keels (paranota) that often display bright coloration. The genus includes both endemic tropical species and at least one species, O. coarctata, that has been widely introduced by humans to tropical regions worldwide. Several species are commonly found in human-modified environments including greenhouses and heated buildings.
Osbornia
myrtle mangrove
Osbornia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It contains a single species, Osbornia octodonta, commonly known as the myrtle mangrove. The genus was established in 1862 by Ferdinand von Mueller based on specimens collected in Trinity Bay, Queensland. Osbornia is restricted to coastal mangrove habitats of Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
Osminiini
clearwing moths (tribe)
Osminiini is a tribe of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, established by Duckworth & Eichlin in 1977. Members are characterized by Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, including spider wasps (Pompilidae) and bees. The tribe includes genera such as Melanosphecia, Akaisphecia, and Heterosphecia. Species exhibit specialized morphological adaptations including metallic coloration, transparent wings, long hind legs, and wasp-waist illusions that enhance their resemblance to hymenopteran models.
Parastasia
Parastasia is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, currently classified within the subfamily Rutelinae but with strong molecular evidence suggesting placement in the subfamily Dynastinae near the tribe Cyclocephalini. The genus occurs in Southeast Asia and includes at least four described species. Adults are associated with the flowers of aroid plants (Araceae), particularly Amorphophallus and Epipremnum.
Phaleria
Mahkota Dewa (for P. macrocarpa)
Phaleria is a genus of approximately 25 species of flowering plants in the family Thymelaeaceae. Species range from Sri Lanka through Malesia, Papuasia, northern and eastern Australia, and islands of the western Pacific. The genus is valued for medicinal applications, with Phaleria macrocarpa particularly noted for producing agarwood and containing bioactive compounds with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. Phaleria nisidai holds traditional importance in Palau as a medicinal panacea.
Psamathia placidaria
Psamathia placidaria is a species of moth in the family Uraniidae. The genus Psamathia belongs to a small family of moths that includes both day-flying and nocturnal species. This species is known from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or restricted in distribution. Members of Uraniidae are often associated with tropical and subtropical regions.
Scaphium
malva nut
Scaphium is a genus of approximately eight species of tropical canopy trees in the family Malvaceae, subfamily Sterculioideae. Species are native to tropical Asia, ranging from the eastern Himalayas through Indochina to Borneo and Sumatra. The genus name derives from the Greek skaphion (skiff), referring to the boat-shaped fruit. Several species are economically important; seeds of S. scaphigerum (malva nut) are used in traditional medicine and as a food additive for their mucilaginous properties.
Sclerogibba rossi
Sclerogibba rossi is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Sclerogibbidae, a small family of rare wasps. The species was described by Olmi in 2005 and is known from scattered records across Madagascar, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Japan. Sclerogibbid wasps are ectoparasitoids of Embioptera (webspinners), with females exhibiting highly modified morphology adapted for this specialized lifestyle.
Strigoptera bimaculata
Strigoptera bimaculata is a tropical jewel beetle (Buprestidae) and the type species of its genus. It belongs to the tribe Polycestini. The species has been documented across Southeast Asia extending to Northern Australia, with a westernmost record from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Available information is limited primarily to taxonomic and distributional data.
Sufetula
Sufetula is a pantropical genus of moths in the family Crambidae (subfamily Lathrotelinae), established by Walker in 1859. The genus contains at least 32 described species, including several that are economically significant pests of cultivated plants. Sufetula anania is a destructive root borer of pineapple (Ananas comosus) in Central America, causing damage that can destroy the root system. Sufetula culshawi, described in 2024, is a previously unrecognized species associated with cultivated palms (Areca Palm, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), spread through horticultural trade. Larvae of at least some species are root-feeders that create tunnels within plant tissues.
Thevenetimyia
Thevenetimyia is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) containing over 40 described species. The genus has a broad distribution, with the majority of species occurring in North America and additional representatives in Australia and Southeast Asia. Species in this genus are parasitoids, with larvae developing in the nests of other insects. Adults are known to visit flowers for nectar.
Trematopygodes
Trematopygodes is a genus of ichneumonid wasps established by Aubert in 1968. The genus belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Very little published information exists about this genus, with only one observation documented on iNaturalist and minimal species-level documentation in major biodiversity databases. The genus name suggests a relationship to Trematopygus, a related ichneumonid genus, with the suffix -odes indicating resemblance.
Zaprionus
Fig Flies
Zaprionus is a genus of fruit flies in the family Drosophilidae, distinguished by conspicuous white longitudinal stripes across the head and thorax. The genus is divided into two subgenera based on stripe number: Zaprionus (even number of stripes) and Anaprionus (odd number of stripes). Species occur primarily in Africa and southern Asia, with several species showing invasive expansion. The genus is taxonomically nested within the paraphyletic genus Drosophila.
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