Synanthropic

Guides

Phidippus audax
bold jumping spider, daring jumping spider, bold jumper
Phidippus audax is a common North American jumping spider recognized by its iridescent green chelicerae and distinctive abdominal patterning. Adults range from 6–15 mm in body length, with females larger than males. The species is active during daylight hours, using exceptional stereoscopic vision to stalk and pounce on prey rather than building capture webs. It has been introduced to Hawaii, the Nicobar Islands, the Azores, and the Netherlands.
jumping-spider Salticidae predator agricultural-pest-control diurnal-hunter synanthropic introduced-species New-Hampshire-state-spider iridescent-chelicerae visual-predator
Philoponella arizonica
Philoponella arizonica is a species of crevice weaver spider in the family Uloboridae, first described by Gertsch in 1936. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Philoponella, it constructs characteristic sprawling, lacy cribellate webs that issue from retreats in crevices and sheltered locations. Females are notably long-lived and continue to molt after reaching sexual maturity, a trait shared only with mygalomorph spiders among arachnids.
spider arachnid crevice-weaver cribellate sexual-dimorphism southwestern-USA Arizona Uloboridae nocturnal synanthropic
Pholcidae
cellar spiders, daddy long-legs spiders, carpenter spiders, vibrating spiders, gyrating spiders
Pholcidae is a large family of araneomorph spiders containing over 2,000 species across 94+ genera. Members are commonly known as cellar spiders or daddy long-legs spiders due to their extremely long, thin legs and tendency to inhabit dark, undisturbed spaces. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in habitat use, from caves and tropical forests to human dwellings, with some species showing specialized adaptations including troglomorphism and communal web-sharing. Several species have become globally distributed through human transport, notably Pholcus phalangioides.
spiders arachnids web-building cave-dwelling synanthropic biological-control urban-legend
Pholcus phalangioides
Long-bodied Cellar Spider, Cosmopolitan Cellar Spider, Daddy Long-legs Spider
Pholcus phalangioides is a long-legged cellar spider native to Asia that has become cosmopolitan through human association. Females reach about 7-8 mm body length with legs 5-6 times longer; males are slightly smaller at 6-10 mm. The species is notable for building loose, irregular webs in dark indoor spaces and for its specialized predatory behaviors including web invasion and aggressive mimicry. It preys on other spiders—including dangerous species such as redbacks—and exhibits a distinctive whirling defense against predators. Despite common misconceptions, its bite is harmless to humans.
spider pholcid cellar-spider cosmopolitan synanthropic araneophage aggressive-mimicry web-invader harmless-to-humans beneficial-predator biomedical-silk-research
Phoridae
scuttle flies, humpbacked flies, coffin flies
Phoridae is a family of small, hump-backed flies commonly known as scuttle flies, humpbacked flies, or coffin flies. The family contains approximately 4,000 described species in 230 genera, making it one of the most diverse families of Diptera. Members are characterized by their distinctive escape behavior of running rapidly across surfaces rather than flying, and by a pronounced thoracic hump visible in lateral view. The family exhibits extraordinary biological diversity, with lifestyles ranging from scavenging and fungivory to parasitism of social insects, including highly specialized ant parasitoids in the genus Pseudacteon that are used for biological control of invasive fire ants.
scuttle-flies humpbacked-flies coffin-flies Diptera parasitoids myrmecophiles forensic-entomology biological-control decomposers synanthropic
Physocyclus enaulus
cellar spider
Physocyclus enaulus is a cellar spider species in the family Pholcidae, described by Crosby in 1926. It is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it occurs in human-modified environments. The species appears to occupy an ecological niche similar to the cosmopolitan Pholcus phalangioides in this region.
Pholcidae cellar-spider indoor-spider North-America synanthropic
Plexippus paykulli
Pantropical Jumping Spider
Plexippus paykulli is a cosmopolitan jumping spider native to Southeast Asia, now established across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Commonly called the pantropical jumping spider, it is strongly associated with human-built structures, particularly building exteriors near light sources where it hunts insects. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males display black bodies with bold white stripes, while females are brownish-grey with tan markings. It is an active diurnal predator that does not construct prey-capture webs, relying instead on acute vision, stalking, and jumping to subdue prey.
jumping-spider Salticidae cosmopolitan sexual-dimorphism biological-control synanthropic diurnal-predator
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
invasive-species social-wasp paper-wasp predator pollinator urban-ecology eusocial nest-construction biological-control thermal-biology spatial-learning vibrational-communication aposematism honest-signal overwintering diapause Polistes Vespidae Hymenoptera North-America Europe New-Zealand South-Africa South-America monarch-butterfly caterpillar-predation nest-architecture gyne foundress dominance-hierarchy climate-change-impact energetics metabolic-rate microclimate suburban-habitat anthropogenic ornamental-pest vineyard-pest fruit-damage stinging-insect venom poison-gland warning-coloration Zahavian-signal Strepsiptera parasitoid Xenos behavioral-plasticity foraging learning memory thermoregulation ectothermy endothermy solar-radiation nest-temperature brood-development colony-survival multiple-founding single-founding season-length latitude temperate Mediterranean hibernacle overwintering-costs climate-warming range-expansion competition native-species-displacement biodiversity-impact conservation management control integrated-pest-management IPM identification antennae-color facial-markings caste reproduction male female sexual-dimorphism antennae abdomen wing mandible saliva paper comb cell pedicel trophallaxis larva pupa adult worker queen subordinate dominant aggression defense threat-display sting toxicity brightness coloration predator-avoidance prey caterpillar Lepidoptera butterfly moth garden agriculture vineyard orchard urban suburban rural forest habitat-preference temperature metabolism quiescence torpor survival fitness colony nest population abundance distribution range expansion invasion establishment introduction biotic-interaction trophic-cascade herbivory-suppression plant-fitness milkweed Danaus-plexippus monarch Nelson Tasman ecosystem-impact conservation-management biological-invasion ecology behavior physiology morphology taxonomy systematics nomenclature gender-agreement Latin Christ 1791 Vespa-dominula basionym catalogue-of-life GBIF iNaturalist observation citizen-science photography illustration field-guide orange black yellow red color-pattern size wing-length body compact legs short face square triangular dark curled straight elbowed blunt pointed tip Zahavian costly-signal hunt forage nectar honeydew aphid scale-insect flower grape umbellifer fennel lovage insect meatball feed emerge chew cap hexagonal wood-fiber bark exposed open umbrella stalk ant repellent substance coat protect location eave attic tree branch vine shrub cavity bird-box bee-hive shed grave-lantern overwinter shelter protected thermal climate cold winter spring summer autumn fall season month day activity defend threat display raise tiptoe social dominance hierarchy reproductive egg lay found cooperate compete selfish passive-aggressive individual recognition facial-marking cognition mushroom-body brain intelligent artist architect navigation plasticity spatial relocating food resource dish bait training experience vibration communication signal substrate-borne abdominal wagging oscillation secretion modulation perceive react movement attention feeding inspection body-temperature ambient solar radiation metabolic cost energetic expenditure efficiency warming change impact increase invasive spread success competitive ability flexibility adaptation reaction response condition year variation productivity founding single multiple rate benefit cooperation predation parasitism vesparum stylopid stylopization parasite host infestation mite Acari wasp fly effect community decline Danaus plexippus mortality instar early late larger smaller vulnerable resistant discovery chance contact direct recruitment nestmate site cascading trophic cascade herbivory suppression plant growth production Asclepias net exclusion experiment outcome suggestion strong detrimental ecosystem strategy method development protection biodiversity region first 2016 recent established exotic congener chinensis longer comparison 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ReplyDelete RepliesReplyOut prairieSeptember 8:02 keeping cabbage worm seen RepliesReplyAnonymousSeptember 13 2:06 PM becoming here Upper Peninsula Michigan pendulum seems swung ago everywhere vanishingly rare haven't again house right RepliesReplyL.R ShimerSeptember 4:35 head gal work everybody else kinda egalitarian RepliesReplyLarryMay 9:34 directed Bev Wigney BTW lived NE Missouri detailed presented Thanks cogent scientifically accurate summary insect's life-cycle RepliesBug EricMay 3:47 kind compliments Delete RepliesReplyReplyAdd commentLoad Blog currently reply reader himself Working resolve Newer Older Subscribe Atom Demonized hosting 4 p.m.Saturday Jan 20 Room 1124 Academic Surge 455 Crocker Lane campus Attendees chat check 50,000 vespid eight-million free friendly Parking estimate 2000 described inhabit 500 undescribed headline-grabbing giant Vespa mandarinia formerly Asian news media dubbed murder hornet confuse identify sheet example hidden rodent burrow wall huge 100,00 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Pseudeuophrys lanigera
House Jumping Spider
Pseudeuophrys lanigera is a small jumping spider native to southwestern Europe that has expanded its range northward and eastward since the mid-20th century. It is strongly associated with human structures, particularly in northern parts of its range where it is found almost exclusively indoors or on building exteriors. Adults are active year-round, including winter months. The species shows notable adaptation to dry, heated environments of modern concrete buildings.
synanthropic jumping-spider household-spider year-round-activity
Psilochorus simoni
Wine Cellar Spider
Psilochorus simoni is a cellar spider in the family Pholcidae, native to subtropical America and introduced to Europe, Turkey, New Zealand, and Australia. The species is commonly known as the "Wine Cellar Spider" due to its historical association with wine cellars, though it has become established in garden centres and greenhouses. It constructs dome-shaped webs and has been recorded from cave environments in Europe, including Slovenia's Postonjska jama, where it shows morphological adaptations to subterranean life.
cave-dwelling introduced-species synanthropic Pholcidae global-distribution
Ptinus variegatus
Ptinus variegatus is a species of spider beetle in the family Ptinidae, first described by Rossi in 1792. It is a stored-product pest with a cosmopolitan distribution, having been introduced to North America from its native Palearctic range. The species is associated with dry organic materials including stored food products, dried plant matter, and animal remains. Like other Ptinidae, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a cryptic larval stage.
spider-beetle stored-product-pest cosmopolitan detritivore synanthropic
Pyralis farinalis
meal moth
Pyralis farinalis, the meal moth, is a cosmopolitan species in the family Pyralidae and the type species of its genus, tribe, subfamily, and family. Adults are recognized by their colorful upperwings and characteristic resting posture with the abdomen held at 90° to the body. The species is strongly synanthropic, associated with stored grain and food products worldwide, and completes its life cycle in approximately eight weeks with multiple generations per year. Larvae are significant pests of milled plant products, feeding on cereals, grains, and other stored foods.
stored-product-pest synanthropic cosmopolitan grain-pest insect-tea multiple-generations-per-year
Pyralis manihotalis
Tropical Meal Moth
Pyralis manihotalis is a small pyralid moth with a pan-tropical distribution, described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It is frequently associated with stored products and decaying organic matter, earning it the common name Tropical Meal Moth. The species has been documented in an unusually wide range of habitats, including caves where self-sustaining populations feed on bat guano. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light.
stored-product-pest pan-tropical cave-dwelling decomposer synanthropic
Quedius cruentus
orange-tipped rove beetle
Quedius cruentus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the orange-tipped rove beetle. It is a medium-sized species with distinctive coloration that has been introduced to North America from its native Palearctic range. The species is frequently recorded and has established populations in northeastern North America.
rove-beetle introduced-species Palearctic-origin North-America synanthropic
Reduvius personatus
Masked Hunter
Reduvius personatus, commonly known as the masked hunter, is a cosmopolitan assassin bug recognized for the distinctive debris-camouflaged appearance of its nymphs. The species is a generalist predator of small arthropods and has been introduced to multiple continents through human activity. Adults are uniformly dark brown to black, winged insects measuring 17–22 mm, while nymphs appear gray or light-colored due to accumulated dust and lint on their bodies. Though beneficial as predators of household pests like bed bugs, they can deliver a painful defensive bite when mishandled.
assassin-bug predator camouflage indoor synanthropic biocontrol painful-bite introduced-species Holarctic
Rhinotus
Rhinotus is a genus of millipedes in the family Siphonotidae, order Polyzoniida, containing at least 20 described species. The genus includes notable cosmopolitan tramp species such as Rhinotus purpureus, which has been repeatedly described as new under multiple synonyms and is frequently associated with human-modified environments.
millipede Polyzoniida Siphonotidae tramp-species synanthropic greenhouse cosmopolitan
Rhinotus purpureus
purple millipede
A small, cosmopolitan millipede species in the family Siphonotidae, native to the Neotropics but widely introduced globally through human commerce. Frequently found in greenhouses and other synanthropic habitats, it has been repeatedly described as new due to its variable appearance, resulting in over a dozen synonyms. First recorded from the Indian subcontinent in 2020.
millipede polyzoniida siphonotidae tramp-species cosmopolitan greenhouse synanthropic introduced-species detritivore
Salticus scenicus
Zebra Jumping Spider, Zebra Spider, Zebra Back Spider
Salticus scenicus is a small jumping spider recognized by its bold black-and-white striped pattern. Adult females measure 4–7 mm in body length, males 4–6 mm. Males exhibit elongated chelicerae with long fangs used in combat with rival males. The species is native to Eurasia but has spread globally through human commerce, now common across temperate regions of North America and Europe. It is frequently observed on vertical surfaces such as walls and fenceposts in urban and suburban environments.
jumping-spider urban synanthropic visual-predator sexual-dimorphism
Sarcophaginae
Typical Flesh Flies
Sarcophaginae is a diverse subfamily of flesh flies comprising at least 60 genera and over 1,800 species worldwide, with the highest diversity in the Neotropical region. These calyptrate flies are characterized by their association with decomposing organic matter, including carrion, feces, and decaying material. Many species exhibit synanthropic behavior, thriving in human-modified environments. Their life histories encompass necrophagy, coprophagy, and scavenging, with some species documented in association with eusocial wasp nests. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia due to uniform external chaetotaxy.
Diptera Sarcophagidae flesh-flies calyptrate-flies synanthropic scavengers decomposers forensic-entomology medical-entomology Neotropical-diversity
Sceliphron
black-and-yellow mud dauber wasps, black mud-dauber wasps, mud daubers
Sceliphron is a genus of solitary sphecid wasps comprising 34 valid species, commonly known as black-and-yellow mud daubers or black mud-dauber wasps. Females construct nests from mud, building individual cells that they provision with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. The genus exhibits remarkable synanthropic behavior, with many species readily nesting on human structures. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, including S. caementarium (native to North America, now widespread globally) and S. curvatum (native to Central Asia, spreading through Europe and recently detected in North America).
solitary-wasp mud-dauber synanthropic spider-predator nest-parasite invasive-species urban-wildlife beneficial-insect
Sceliphron curvatum
Asian mud-dauber wasp
Sceliphron curvatum is a solitary mud-daubing wasp native to Central Asia that has become invasive in Europe and North America. First recorded in Europe in 1979, it has since expanded across multiple European countries and was first documented in North America in 2013. The species is smaller and darker than the native North American Sceliphron caementarium, with a body length of 15–25 mm and black coloration with yellow and red ornaments. It exhibits strongly synanthropic behavior, frequently nesting indoors on clothing, books, and furniture rather than exclusively on building exteriors.
invasive-species synanthropic mud-dauber solitary-wasp Hymenoptera Sphecidae
Scenopinidae
window flies
Scenopinidae, commonly known as window flies, comprise approximately 400 described species of small brachyceran flies distributed worldwide. Adults are typically found on windows in buildings, giving rise to their common name. The family includes three subfamilies: Caenotinae, Proratinae, and Scenopininae. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting diverse environments from sandy arid soils to decaying organic matter, animal nests, and synanthropic settings. Two species, Scenopinus fenestralis and S. glabrifrons, have achieved cosmopolitan distributions through association with human trade.
Diptera predatory-larvae synanthropic window-flies arid-habitat cosmopolitan-species biological-control Asilomorpha
Scenopinus fenestralis
window fly, House Windowfly
Scenopinus fenestralis, commonly known as the window fly, is a small predatory fly in the family Scenopinidae. Adults are frequently observed resting on windows of old buildings and outhouses, where their behavior appears relatively inactive. The species has been recorded across Europe, including Central Europe and Southern England. Its larvae are notable predators of clothes moth and flea larvae.
predator synanthropic biological-control
Sciaridae
dark-winged fungus gnats, black fungus gnats
Sciaridae are a family of small, dark-colored flies commonly known as dark-winged fungus gnats. Adults range from 1–11 mm in length, typically under 5 mm. The family is among the least studied of the large Diptera families due to small size and taxonomic difficulty. Approximately 1,700 species are described globally, with an estimated 20,000 species awaiting discovery, primarily in tropical regions. Larvae develop in moist, decaying organic matter and play significant roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
decomposer pest mushroom-pest greenhouse-pest fungus-gnat soil-dwelling processionary-behavior paternal-genome-elimination synanthropic
Scotophaeus blackwalli
Mouse Spider
Scotophaeus blackwalli, commonly called the mouse spider, is a ground-dwelling spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It is native to Europe, the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran, and has been introduced to North America, Peru, and Hawaii. The species is nocturnal and does not build webs for prey capture, instead hunting actively or scavenging opportunistically. It is frequently found in and around human dwellings, particularly in Britain during autumn.
spider ground-spider synanthropic nocturnal hunter Europe introduced-species
Scutigera
house centipede
Scutigera is a genus of centipedes in the family Scutigeridae, commonly known as house centipedes. The genus comprises more than 30 species, with Scutigera coleoptrata being the most widespread and well-studied. Members of this genus are characterized by exceptionally long legs and antennae, true compound eyes, and remarkable speed. They are primarily synanthropic, having spread globally through human commerce from their presumed Mediterranean origin.
centipede house-centipede synanthropic biological-control compound-eyes leg-regeneration cosmopolitan-distribution Scutigeromorpha Scutigeridae Scutigera-coleoptrata
Scutigera coleoptrata
House Centipede, Thousand-legger
Scutigera coleoptrata, commonly known as the house centipede, is a fast-moving predatory centipede native to the Mediterranean region that has become cosmopolitan through human commerce. Adults possess 15 pairs of extremely long, delicate legs and well-developed faceted eyes—unusual traits among centipedes. They are synanthropic, thriving in human dwellings where they hunt household arthropods. Despite their alarming appearance and speed, they pose minimal threat to humans and are considered beneficial predators of pests.
synanthropic predator beneficial fast-moving nocturnal venomous-to-prey harmless-to-humans cosmopolitan invasive household-pest-control
Scutigeridae
house centipedes, typical house centipedes
Scutigeridae is a family of centipedes commonly known as house centipedes, characterized by their synanthropic habits and frequent association with human dwellings. The family includes well-known species such as Scutigera coleoptrata and Allothereua maculata, which have been anthropogenically introduced worldwide. Members of this family are fast-moving predators with elongated legs adapted for rapid locomotion. The family comprises approximately 25 genera, with fossil evidence dating to the Early Cretaceous.
centipede house-centipede synanthropic beneficial-predator fast-moving nocturnal
Scythris sinensis
Scythris sinensis is a small moth in the family Scythrididae, described by Felder & Rogenhofer in 1875. Native to eastern Asia, it has established populations across Europe and North America, often associated with human activity. The species is thermophilous and synanthropic, with larvae that mine the leaves of goosefoot plants. Adults are generally bivoltine, with a possible third partial generation in warmer southern regions.
synanthropic urban leaf-miner introduced-species bivoltine
Scytodes longipes
Long-legged Spitting Spider
Scytodes longipes is a tropical spitting spider distinguished by its long legs and specialized prey-capture behavior. Unlike short-legged Scytodes species that are ground-dwelling hunters, this species constructs tangled, sheet-like webs similar to cellar spiders (Pholcidae). It has been introduced well beyond its native range, establishing populations on Pacific Islands, in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The species is notable for its communal tendencies and unique spitting mechanism that immobilizes prey with adhesive venom.
spitting-spider introduced-species tropical synanthropic specialized-predator web-building
Scytodes thoracica
Common Spitting Spider, Spitting Spider
Scytodes thoracica is a small spitting spider renowned for its unique hunting method: projecting venomous, sticky silk threads to immobilize prey. The species possesses six eyes arranged in three pairs and distinctive silk glands in the cephalothorax connected to venom glands, enabling production of venomous silk. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated dispersal and is frequently encountered in synanthropic habitats.
spitting-spider venomous-silk synanthropic haplogyne nocturnal-predator cosmopolitan
Scytodes univittata
spitting spider
Scytodes univittata is a spitting spider in the family Scytodidae, distinguished by its specialized venom projection hunting mechanism. Native to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, the species has been introduced to multiple regions worldwide including the Americas, Mediterranean Europe, and Hawaii. It belongs to a family characterized by six eyes arranged in three pairs, enlarged venom glands, and the unique ability to immobilize prey by spitting a sticky, silk-laced venom mixture. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and Scytodes u. unilineata endemic to Myanmar.
spitting-spider introduced-species synanthropic venom-projection six-eyes
Sepsidae
black scavenger flies, ensign flies
Sepsidae is a family of small, slender flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as black scavenger flies or ensign flies. The family contains over 300 described species worldwide. Adults are typically found on mammal excrement, decaying animal and plant material, and carrion, where they feed and oviposit. Many species exhibit a distinctive wing-waving behavior while walking. The family plays a significant ecological role as decomposers and has forensic and hygienic relevance due to their association with feces and decaying matter.
Diptera coprophagous decomposer forensic-entomology dung-fly ant-mimicry wing-waving-behavior synanthropic livestock-associated global-distribution
Shelfordella
Turkestan cockroach, red runner cockroach, rusty red cockroach
Shelfordella is a genus of cockroaches in the family Blattidae, with Shelfordella lateralis being the most widely documented species. The genus is native to regions from northern Africa through Central Asia. S. lateralis has become an established invasive species in North America since 1978, particularly in California and Texas, where it has displaced the oriental cockroach in many areas. The species is primarily outdoor-dwelling but occasionally enters structures through sewers and drains.
invasive-species synanthropic urban-pest antibiotic-resistance displacement California Central-Asia pet-food sewer-dwelling nocturnal outdoor-cockroach military-introduction 1978-establishment Turkestan-cockroach red-runner-cockroach rusty-red-cockroach
Sicariidae
Sixeyed Sicariid Spiders, recluse spiders, violin spiders, sand spiders, assassin spiders
Sicariidae is a family of haplogyne spiders comprising three genera—Loxosceles, Sicarius, and Hexophthalma—with approximately 177-180 species. Members are characterized by six eyes arranged in three dyads (pairs), a distinctive trait among spiders. The family includes medically significant species such as the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) and six-eyed sand spiders. All genera produce sphingomyelinase D or related tissue-destroying substances in their venom, unique among spiders. The family exhibits diverse ecological strategies: Loxosceles species are synanthropic and found nearly worldwide in warmer regions, while Sicarius and Hexophthalma are specialized desert dwellers with self-burying behavior.
medically-significant venomous haplogyne six-eyed desert-adapted cave-dwelling synanthropic necrotic-venom
Smeringopus pallidus
Pale Daddy-Long-Leg, Pale Cellar Spider
Smeringopus pallidus is a cosmopolitan cellar spider (family Pholcidae) known for its distinctive pale coloration and extremely long, slender legs. The species builds irregular, three-dimensional cobwebs in sheltered locations and exhibits specialized anti-predator defenses including rapid leg waving, leg autotomy with continued movement of detached legs as visual distraction, and thanatosis (death feigning). Originally described from Africa, it has been introduced to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide including South America, the Caribbean, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands. The species reaches body lengths up to 7 mm with females larger than males, and is characterized by purple spots along the dorsal abdomen and a dark ventral sternal stripe.
Pholcidae cellar-spider daddy-long-leg cosmopolitan synanthropic tropical web-building anti-predator-defense leg-autotomy whirling-behavior thanatosis
Spirostreptidae
Flatplate Millipedes
Spirostreptidae is a family of large millipedes in the order Spirostreptida, commonly known as flatplate millipedes. The family comprises approximately 100 genera distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, and the eastern Mediterranean. Members are characterized by their elongated cylindrical bodies and are primarily soil-dwelling detritivores, though some species exhibit arboreal habits. The family includes both synanthropic species that can become urban pests and species with specialized thermoregulatory and social behaviors.
millipede diplopod soil-fauna detritivore tropical desert thermoregulation aggregation synanthropic gonopod-taxonomy
Steatoda
False Widow Spiders, Cupboard Spiders
Steatoda is a genus of cobweb spiders in the family Theridiidae containing approximately 120 recognized species with worldwide distribution. Many species are synanthropic, commonly found in human dwellings, sheds, garages, and undisturbed corners. Members are frequently mistaken for widow spiders (Latrodectus) due to similar body shape and web structure, earning them the common name "false widows," though they are significantly less harmful to humans. The genus includes both native and invasive species, with Steatoda nobilis (Noble False Widow) being particularly notable for its rapid range expansion in Europe and North America.
spiders cobweb-weavers synanthropic false-widows medically-significant-venom-(minor)invasive-species Theridiidae
Steatoda bipunctata
Rabbit Hutch Spider
Steatoda bipunctata is a small cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, commonly known as the Rabbit Hutch Spider due to its frequent association with human structures. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America and is now established across the Atlantic provinces, northern New England, and southern Québec and Ontario. It closely resembles the native North American species Steatoda borealis and has been documented to competitively displace it in disturbed habitats. The species poses minimal medical risk to humans.
cobweb-spider synanthropic invasive false-widow competitive-displacement
Steatoda grossa
Cupboard spider, Dark comb-footed spider, Brown house spider, False black widow
Steatoda grossa is a cosmopolitan cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, native to Europe and temperate Asia and introduced globally. It constructs irregular three-dimensional webs in dark, sheltered locations and is frequently mistaken for venomous black widows (Latrodectus spp.) due to its similar body shape and coloration, though it lacks the distinctive red hourglass marking. Bites to humans are rare and generally minor, causing localized pain and blistering with occasional systemic symptoms.
spider cobweb-weaver synanthropic cosmopolitan medically-significant-(minor)web-building predator
Steatoda nobilis
Noble False Widow
Steatoda nobilis is a large theridiid spider native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, now established as one of the world's most invasive spider species. It has spread across Europe, North and South America, and other temperate regions, often becoming the dominant spider in urban environments. The species is of moderate medical significance: bites typically cause symptoms similar to bee or wasp stings, though some cases involve more severe reactions including bacterial infections from pathogenic bacteria carried on the spider's body. It constructs strong, irregular cobwebs with concealed tubular retreats and employs an 'attack wrap' hunting strategy to subdue prey.
invasive-species medically-significant synanthropic urban-ecology theridiid venomous
Steatoda triangulosa
Triangulate Cobweb Spider, Triangulate Combfoot, Triangulate Bud Spider
Steatoda triangulosa is a small cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, frequently encountered in human-made structures across North America and Europe. Adults measure 3.5–5.9 mm in body length, with females larger than males. The species is recognized by the distinctive triangular pattern on its abdomen. It is synanthropic, thriving in basements, garages, and cellars, and has been introduced to North America from the Palearctic region. The species is not considered dangerously venomous to humans.
synanthropic cobweb-spider house-spider introduced-species non-venomous generalist-predator
Supella
brown-banded cockroaches
Supella is a genus of small, synanthropic cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae, with the brown-banded cockroach (S. longipalpa) being the most widespread and well-known species. Native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the genus has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated transport. Members of this genus are distinguished by transverse pale bands across the wings and abdomen, pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing development, and a preference for warm, dry indoor environments. The type species S. longipalpa is a significant public health pest that completes its entire life cycle within human-built structures.
cockroach pest urban synanthropic sexual-dimorphism indoor public-health cosmopolitan
Supella longipalpa
brown-banded cockroach, brownbanded cockroach, TV roach
Supella longipalpa, commonly known as the brown-banded cockroach, is a small synanthropic pest of presumed African origin that has become established in human-built structures worldwide. It is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are slender with long, functional wings and are capable of flight, while females are broader with short, non-functional wings. The species completes its entire life cycle indoors and shows distinct behavioral preferences for warmer, drier locations compared to other domestic cockroaches, often inhabiting furniture, appliances, and upper wall areas.
synanthropic urban-pest sexual-dimorphism indoor-habitat public-health invasive Wolbachia microbiome nocturnal thigmotaxis oviposition-behavior circadian-rhythm pheromone-communication
Synthesiomyia nudiseta
Synthesiomyia nudiseta is a large muscid fly (7–10 mm) and the sole species in its genus. It is necrophagous and facultatively predatory, with larvae known to consume other necrophagous fly larvae including Chrysomya rufifacies and C. albiceps. The species is forensically significant due to its predictable life cycle and tendency to pupate in confined locations near carcasses, such as within clothing. Originally tropical and subtropical in distribution, it has established in southwestern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and occurs in the southern United States.
forensic-entomology necrophagy predatory-larvae invasive-species phoresy myiasis synanthropic
Syrphus ribesii
Common Banded Hoverfly
Syrphus ribesii is a common Holarctic hoverfly and an effective aphid predator in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. Adults are frequent flower visitors, feeding on nectar and pollen while providing pollination services. The species is highly migratory and shows remarkable adaptability to diverse habitats from farmland to forest. Two distinct chromosome races exist across much of Europe.
hoverfly aphid-predator pollinator biological-control Holarctic migratory synanthropic
Tachinaephagus
A genus of gregarious larval–pupal parasitoids in the family Encyrtidae. Species in this genus, particularly T. zealandicus, are known to attack synanthropic Diptera including muscoid flies and calliphorid carrion flies. They have been studied for biological control applications and forensic entomology due to their predictable development on decomposing remains.
parasitoid forensic-entomology biological-control synanthropic Diptera gregarious Encyrtidae carrion-flies muscoid-flies olfactory-response
Tachinaephagus zealandicus
Tachinaephagus zealandicus is a gregarious larval-pupal endoparasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae. It parasitizes larvae of synanthropic Diptera, particularly muscoid flies including Musca domestica and various Calliphoridae species associated with decomposing carrion. The species has been studied extensively for its potential in forensic entomology and biological control. Under laboratory conditions at 25°C, its life cycle completes in 23–27 days, with single hosts producing 3–18 adult parasitoids.
parasitoid forensic-entomology biological-control synanthropic carrion-associated gregarious Hymenoptera Encyrtidae Diptera-parasitoid
Talitroides alluaudi
Alluaudi's landhopper
A terrestrial amphipod (landhopper) native to the Atlantic forests of southeastern Brazil, now distributed worldwide through synanthropic human-mediated dispersal. Found in leaf litter of tropical and subtropical forests, urban parks, greenhouses, and silviculture areas. Females dominate populations with a strongly female-biased sex ratio observed in field samples. Exhibits highly stereotyped grooming behavior for hygiene maintenance.
terrestrial-amphipod landhopper synanthropic detritivore Atlantic-forest grooming-behavior female-biased-sex-ratio invasive greenhouse-pest soil-fauna
Tapinesthis
Ivy parchment spider
Tapinesthis is a monotypic genus of goblin spiders (family Oonopidae) containing only Tapinesthis inermis, commonly known as the ivy parchment spider. The genus is characterized by its spineless legs, steeply sloping carapace with a dark net-like pattern, and soft body structure. Originally native to Europe, the species has been introduced to North America and shows synanthropic tendencies, frequently inhabiting human dwellings alongside natural habitats. The genus name reflects its distinctive morphological features within the diverse goblin spider family.
goblin-spider synanthropic monotypic-genus spineless introduced-species Europe North-America