Wingless
Guides
Aenigmatias
Aenigmatias is a genus of wingless (apterous) scuttle flies in the family Phoridae, characterized by a distinctive cockroach-like morphology. The genus was originally described from Denmark and long known from only a single specimen found beneath a stone. Subsequent records have documented species across North America (Arizona), Europe, and Asia, with a recent first record in Egypt extending the range to North Africa. The genus belongs to the subfamily Aenigmatiinae and tribe Aenigmatiini, representing an anomalous lineage within Phoridae due to its flightless condition and cryptic habits.
Allacrotelsa
Allacrotelsa is a genus of primitive wingless insects in the family Lepismatidae, order Zygentoma. These insects are commonly known as silverfish or bristletails. The genus was established by Silvestri in 1935. Species in this genus share characteristics with other Lepismatidae, including elongated bodies and three tail-like appendages at the abdomen tip.
Allocapnia rickeri
Midwest Snowfly
Allocapnia rickeri is a small winter stonefly in the family Capniidae, commonly known as the Midwest Snowfly. It is one of numerous small, dark stoneflies in the genus Allocapnia that emerge during cold months when few other insects are active. The species has been documented across the central and eastern United States. Like other capniids, it is associated with clean, cold streams and is an important indicator of water quality.
winter-stoneflybioindicatorcoldwaterPlecopteraCapniidaeAllocapnialoticemergencebrachypteryapterygenitalia-identificationFrison-1942Midwestsoutheastern-USclean-water-indicatorJanuary-Marchsmall-stoneflywingless-femalestream-insectshreddergathererseasonal-resourcewater-qualityaquatic-insectterrestrial-adultshort-lived-adultovipositionsubmerged-eggshigh-dissolved-oxygenlow-temperaturecentral-USeastern-USAlabamaArkansasDelawareGeorgiaIllinoishexapodhemimetabolousEuholognathaNemouroideaArctoperlariaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeiNaturalistNCBItaxonomyaccepted-species1942FrisonRickerMidwest-Snowflysnowflysmall-dark-stoneflyclean-streamsriverswell-oxygenatedlotic-habitatcold-monthswinter-activitywing-reductionfemale-apterymale-flightepiproctparaproctterminaliataxonomic-revisioncongenersdistribution-recordsobservations9-observationseukaryotemetazoanarthropodinsectstoneflywinter-emergingJanuaryFebruaryMarchcold-weathernear-freezingbelow-freezingwater-surfacesubmerged-substratesallochthonous-organic-materialstream-ecosystemsseasonal-food-resourceinsectivorous-birdspredatorsscarce-preyunpollutedno-economic-importancestream-monitoringwater-quality-indicatorhigh-quality-coldwatermicroscopic-examinationtaxonomic-keysmale-terminaliareliable-separationgenitalic-examinationoverlapping-distributionsimilar-habitatsmall-sizeunder-10-mmbody-lengthreduced-wingsabsent-wingsfully-developed-wingsspecific-identificationpublished-descriptionsillustrationssubsequent-revisionscharacteristicfamily-Capniidaecommon-nameextended-nymphal-periodone-to-two-yearsshort-liveddoes-not-feedaquatic-nymphclean-cold-streamslow-temperaturesyear-roundwinter-monthsJanuary-through-Marchfamilycentered-Midwestextends-southeasternUnited-Statesdocumentedappearsmost-reliablydistinguishedsubtle-differencesterminal-abdominal-structuresshould-be-comparedagainstpublishedsubsequentgenus-levelcharacterizedreducedabsentfemalesfully-developedmalesrequires-examinationmale-genitaliastructureparaproctsreliableseparationoverlapssimilarmanyexternallydefinitivereliesmicroscopicexaminationcomparisonkeysusedbiologicalindicatorprogramspresenceindicatescoldconditionsno-directeconomicimportanceshreddersgatherersprocessingallochthonousorganicmaterialstreamecosystemsseasonalfoodresourceinsectivorousbirdsotherwhenalternativepreyscarceserveshigh-qualityhabitatsdevelopmentaquaticnymphalstagesterrestrialadultstagenymphsdevelopstreamsextendedperiodlikelyonetwoyearsbasedrelatedspeciesadultsdo-notfeedactiveduringweatherairtemperaturesmaynearbelowfreezingwingedcapableflightwinglessshort-wingedremainwatersurfacematingoccurwinterenteringdepositeggssubmergedsubstratessmallcommonlyknownnumerousdarkemergefewinsectscentraleasternassociatedcleanimportantundermmbodylengthmembersgenuswingspossessfullydevelopedspecificidentificationlevelwithinrequiresmalegenitaliaparticularlymostreliablysubtledifferencestheseterminalabdominalstructuresshouldcompareddescriptionstaxonomicrevisionswinter-emergingmaintainlowhighdissolvedoxygenlevelsthroughoutyearUnitedStatesdistributioncenteredextendssoutheasternmonthstypicallythroughthisactivitygivesrisecommonnamedonotprovidesqualitymonitoringnodirecthabitatmorphologysizegenitalicAnafroptilum
Anafroptilum is a genus of small mayflies in the family Baetidae. The genus was first described from the East Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with a single species A. kazlauskasi known from the former and eight species from the latter. In 2016, two new species were described from Thailand, marking the first report of the genus from the Oriental Region. Species in this genus are characterized by the absence of hind wings in adults and distinctive larval morphological features.
Anillinus albrittonorum
Anillinus albrittonorum is a species of minute ground beetle described in 2021. It belongs to the tribe Anillini, a group of tiny, eyeless, wingless beetles adapted to subterranean or soil-dwelling habitats. The species was named in honor of the Albritton family. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to inhabit deep soil and leaf litter layers.
Anillinus magazinensis
Anillinus magazinensis is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described in 2004 from specimens collected in Arkansas, USA. It belongs to the genus Anillinus, a group of minute, eyeless, wingless beetles adapted to subterranean or deep soil habitats. The species epithet refers to Magazine Mountain, the type locality in the Ozark Mountains.
Anisolabis maritima
maritime earwig, seaside earwig
A cosmopolitan, wingless earwig species found on coastal beaches worldwide. Males possess asymmetrical forceps used for mating, prey capture, and defense. Exhibits notable maternal care behavior, with females guarding eggs and nymphs for up to 28 days and progressively provisioning offspring. Displays complex social dynamics including sex-specific aggression patterns and size-based dominance in shelter competition.
Apterobittacus
Apterobittacus is a genus of hangingflies in the family Bittacidae, established by MacLachlan in 1893. The genus contains a single described species, A. apterus. Hangingflies (Bittacidae) are predatory insects characterized by their habit of hanging from vegetation using their forelegs while capturing prey with their mid- and hind legs. The genus name "Apterobittacus" references the reduced or absent wings ("apterus" = wingless) that distinguishes this group from other bittacids.
Apterobittacus apterus
Apterobittacus apterus is a wingless species of hangingfly (family Bittacidae) in the order Mecoptera. First described by MacLachlan in 1871, it is the type species of the genus Apterobittacus. Unlike most bittacids, which possess two pairs of wings and are capable of flight, A. apterus is completely apterous (wingless). This species is endemic to North America and represents an unusual evolutionary trajectory within the Mecoptera, where wing reduction is rare. The genus name directly references this wingless condition.
Apteromyia
Apteromyia is a genus of small flies in the family Sphaeroceridae, commonly known as lesser dung flies. The genus was described by Vimmer in 1929 and currently contains two recognized species: Apteromyia claviventris and Apteromyia newtoni. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced or absent wings, a trait reflected in the genus name (from Greek 'apteros' meaning wingless and 'myia' meaning fly).
Battigrassiella
Battigrassiella is a genus of silverfish in the family Nicoletiidae, described by Paclt in 1963. The genus contains one described species, Battigrassiella wheeleri. Nicoletiidae are eyeless, wingless insects typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The genus has been treated as a synonym of Grassiella in some taxonomic databases, indicating taxonomic uncertainty.
Booneacris
Wingless Mountain Grasshoppers
Booneacris is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Rehn & Randell in 1962. The genus contains four described species, all characterized by reduced or absent wings. These grasshoppers are restricted to mountainous regions of western North America, with species found at high elevations. The common name "Wingless Mountain Grasshoppers" reflects their most distinctive trait and habitat preference.
Booneacris alticola
Marys Peak Wingless Grasshopper
Booneacris alticola, commonly known as the Marys Peak Wingless Grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper described in 1962. The specific epithet 'alticola' refers to its high-elevation habitat. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The species is characterized by its wingless condition, an adaptation common in montane grasshopper species.
Boreidae
snow scorpionflies, snow fleas
Boreidae, commonly known as snow scorpionflies or snow fleas, are a small family of approximately 30 species of scorpionflies in the order Mecoptera. These tiny, wingless insects are notable for their unusual winter activity period, emerging on snow surfaces during cold months when most other insects are dormant. Recent molecular research indicates Boreidae are more closely related to fleas (Siphonaptera) than to other scorpionflies, a finding that has significant implications for understanding the evolutionary relationships within Mecoptera. The family has a boreal and high-altitude distribution in the Northern Hemisphere, with species documented across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Boreus brumalis
mid-winter boreus, snow scorpionfly
Boreus brumalis, commonly known as the mid-winter boreus or snow scorpionfly, is a small, wingless insect in the family Boreidae. Despite its common name, it is neither a scorpion nor a fly, but belongs to the order Mecoptera. Adults are active during winter months and can be observed running across snow and ice. This species is found in North America, including the northeastern United States. Males possess distinctive upward-curving genitalia that resemble a scorpion's stinger, though the insect cannot sting. Snow scorpionflies are believed to be ancient relatives of fleas.
Boreus coloradensis
snow scorpionfly
Boreus coloradensis is a species of snow scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, described by Byers in 1955. Despite their common name, these insects are neither scorpions nor true flies. Adults are active during winter months and have been observed on snow, ice, and moss. They belong to one of the smallest insect orders, Mecoptera, and are believed to be ancient relatives of fleas.
Boreus insulanus
Island Snow Scorpionfly
Boreus insulanus is a species of snow scorpionfly endemic to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It belongs to the family Boreidae, a group of small, cold-adapted insects active during winter months. Like other snow scorpionflies, it lacks functional wings and is among the rarest insects encountered in its region. The species was described by Blades in 2002.
Boreus nivoriundus
snow-born boreus, snow scorpionfly
Boreus nivoriundus is a wingless snow scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, active during winter months in boreal and temperate regions of North America. Adults are typically 5 mm or less in length and feed on mosses and liverworts. Males possess prominent upward-curving genitalia that resemble a scorpion's stinger, giving the group its common name. The species exhibits a distinctive mating behavior where males carry females on their backs in a 'nuptial ride.' Despite their common name, snow scorpionflies are neither scorpions nor true flies, but belong to the order Mecoptera, believed to be ancestral relatives of fleas.
Boreus reductus
Snow scorpionfly
Boreus reductus is a wingless species of snow scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, order Mecoptera. Adults are active during winter months and can be observed hopping across snow and ice. Unlike many Mecoptera, this species lacks functional wings entirely. Adults and larvae feed on mosses and liverworts. Males possess enlarged, upward-curving genitalia that resemble a scorpion's stinger, giving the group its common name. The species engages in a distinctive mating behavior where males carry females on their backs.
Brachyceridae
Brachyceridae is a family of weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) containing at least 150 genera. The family has been treated historically as a subfamily of Curculionidae, but is now recognized as distinct. Some constituent genera, such as Absoloniella, contain blind, wingless species restricted to Mediterranean regions. The family belongs to the superfamily Curculionoidea, placing it among the true weevils.
Braula
bee lice, bee louse
Braula is a genus of wingless, highly modified flies in the family Braulidae. Adults are obligate commensals of honey bees (Apis mellifera), living on the bodies of workers, queens, and drones and stealing food during trophallaxis. Larvae tunnel through wax honeycomb. The genus is cosmopolitan and contains five described species, with Braula coeca being the most studied.
Braula coeca
bee louse, bee fly, braulid
Braula coeca is a tiny, wingless fly in the family Braulidae that lives as an ectoparasite or commensalist in colonies of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Adults attach to adult bees and feed by stealing food from the host's mouth during trophallaxis. The species possesses highly specialized attachment structures adapted to grip the bee's hairy surface, with claw morphology featuring comb-like teeth that match bee hair diameter. Host selection is mediated by detection of mandibular gland pheromones, particularly queen substance and worker substance, allowing the louse to target bees with higher trophallactic activity.
Braulidae
bee lice, bee louse
Braulidae is a family of highly modified, wingless flies (Diptera) comprising two genera—Braula and Megabraula—with approximately seven to eight described species. These insects are obligate associates of honey bees (Apis spp.), exhibiting a commensal to kleptoparasitic lifestyle. Adults are minute (1.6–3 mm), reddish-brown, and superficially resemble mites or lice due to their reduced morphology. They attach to bee bodies using specialized claw structures and feed by intercepting food during trophallaxis. The family has undergone extensive morphological simplification associated with this specialized host relationship.
Brunneria
stick mantis, Brunner's stick mantis
Brunneria is a genus of slender, stick-like praying mantises native to the Americas. The genus contains six recognized species, with B. borealis being particularly notable as the only known obligate parthenogenetic praying mantis—reproducing exclusively asexually with no males ever observed. This species has spread across more than 2,400 km of coastal North America from a hypothesized single female introduction. Other species in the genus, all South American, reproduce facultatively with both sexes present.
Campodea
two-pronged bristletails
Campodea is a genus of small, white, ancestrally wingless hexapods in the order Diplura, commonly called two-pronged bristletails. The genus contains at least 130 described species, with Campodea staphylinus being the most widely known and studied. These blind soil-dwelling arthropods possess remarkable regenerative capacity for lost appendages, including their long antennae. As sister group to Insecta (sensu stricto), Campodea serves as a key reference taxon for understanding early hexapod evolution and the genomic origins of insect innovations.
Catopocerinae
Catopocerinae is a subfamily of small beetles within Leiodidae, containing at least two extant genera—Catopocerus and Pinodytes—in North America, plus the extinct genus Archaeocerus from Cretaceous Myanmar amber. All described extant species are eyeless and wingless, inhabiting forest soil and litter. The subfamily has been revised taxonomically with numerous new species described, particularly in western North America.
Caurinus
snow scorpionflies
Caurinus is a genus of snow scorpionflies in the family Boreidae, containing two described species: Caurinus dectes from Washington and Oregon, and Caurinus tlagu from Alaska. These tiny, flea-like insects are among the most unusual members of Mecoptera, with a fossil lineage dating back over 145 million years to the Jurassic. They are non-parasitic and feed on leafy liverworts in coastal forest habitats.
Caurinus tlagu
snow scorpionfly
Caurinus tlagu is a minute scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, described in 2013 from Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. It is the second known species in the genus Caurinus, a relict group whose fossil record extends to the Jurassic period over 145 million years ago. The species has been proposed as potentially illuminating the evolutionary origins of fleas due to its morphological similarities and phylogenetic position.
Cerobasis
granary booklice
Cerobasis is a genus of granary booklice in the family Trogiidae, established by Kolbe in 1882. The genus contains at least 30 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are small, wingless insects associated with stored products and dry organic materials.
Cerobasis annulata
Cerobasis annulata is a species of barklouse in the family Trogiidae, first described by Hagen in 1865. It is a small, wingless insect found across much of western and central Europe, including the British Isles, and has also been recorded from the Azores, Madeira, and Cyprus. The species belongs to the order Psocodea, which includes both barklice and parasitic lice.
Ceuthophilus californianus
California camel cricket
Ceuthophilus californianus, the California camel cricket, is a wingless orthopteran in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to California and adjacent regions of western North America. Like other camel crickets, it is adapted to dark, humid microhabitats and is primarily nocturnal. The species is part of a diverse genus of approximately 90 North American species, many of which are associated with caves, forests, and rocky terrain.
Ceuthophilus caudelli
Ceuthophilus caudelli is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, first described by Hubbell in 1936. It belongs to a genus of approximately 90 native North American camel cricket species. Like other members of its genus, it is wingless, nocturnal, and associated with cool, damp habitats. The species is found in the southwestern United States.
Ceuthophilus chiricahuae
Chiricahua cave cricket
Ceuthophilus chiricahuae is a species of camel cricket (family Rhaphidophoridae) endemic to North America. The species was described by Hubbell in 1936 and is named for the Chiricahua Mountains region. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is wingless and adapted to cool, dark, moist habitats. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only six documented occurrences in biodiversity databases.
Ceuthophilus conicaudus
conical-tailed camel cricket
Ceuthophilus conicaudus is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, first described by Hubbell in 1936. It belongs to a genus of approximately 90 North American species commonly known as camel crickets or cave crickets. The specific epithet 'conicaudus' refers to a conical tail, distinguishing this species from relatives. Like other Ceuthophilus species, it is wingless, nocturnal, and associated with cool, damp habitats.
Ceuthophilus divergens
divergent camel cricket
Ceuthophilus divergens, the divergent camel cricket, is a wingless camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to North America, with documented records from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Missouri. As a member of the genus Ceuthophilus, it shares the characteristic hump-backed appearance and exceptionally long antennae typical of camel crickets.
Ceuthophilus fusiformis
Fusiform Camel Cricket
Ceuthophilus fusiformis, the fusiform camel cricket, is a species of camel cricket native to North America, particularly the Central Plains. It is one of approximately 90 species in the genus Ceuthophilus, which represents the most common native camel crickets in North America. The species is characterized by its spindle-shaped (fusiform) body and coloration ranging from brown to tan and orange. Like other camel crickets, it is wingless, nocturnal, and adapted to dark, moist habitats.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus
Thomas' camel cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus, commonly known as Thomas' camel cricket, is a species of wingless orthopteran in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1869 and is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is adapted to cool, damp, dark habitats and possesses the characteristic hump-backed profile and elongated appendages typical of camel crickets.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus angulosus
Camel cricket, Cave cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus angulosus is a subspecies of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. As a member of the genus Ceuthophilus, it shares traits with other American camel crickets: wingless adults, humpbacked appearance, and elongated antennae adapted for navigation in dark environments. This subspecies has been documented in several eastern and midwestern U.S. states. Like other camel crickets, it is primarily associated with cool, damp, dark habitats and is nocturnal in activity.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus guttulosus
camel cricket, cave cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus guttulosus is a subspecies of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is wingless and possesses exceptionally long antennae adapted for navigation in dark environments. The species exhibits the characteristic hump-backed appearance that gives camel crickets their common name. This subspecies has been recorded from several eastern and midwestern U.S. states.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus nigricans
Ceuthophilus guttulosus nigricans is a subspecies of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is wingless, nocturnal, and adapted to dark, humid environments. The subspecies designation indicates darker coloration compared to the nominate form. It has been recorded in the eastern United States from Indiana to North Carolina.
Ceuthophilus guttulosus thomasi
Utah camel cricket
Ceuthophilus guttulosus thomasi is a subspecies of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is a native North American camel cricket belonging to the genus Ceuthophilus, which includes approximately 90 species. The subspecies was described by Hubbell in 1936. Like other camel crickets, it is wingless, nocturnal, and adapted to dark, damp environments. It is found in the eastern United States, with records from Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York, and Ohio.
Ceuthophilus hebardi
Ceuthophilus hebardi is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, first described by Hubbell in 1936. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is wingless and possesses the characteristic hump-backed appearance and exceptionally long antennae typical of camel crickets. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Utah.
Ceuthophilus hesperus
San Diego camel cricket
Ceuthophilus hesperus, commonly known as the San Diego camel cricket, is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is native to North America, with confirmed presence in California. Like other members of its genus, it is wingless and adapted to dark, moist habitats. The species was described by Hubbell in 1936.
Ceuthophilus lamellipes
Ceuthophilus lamellipes is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, described by Rehn in 1907. Like other members of the genus Ceuthophilus, it is wingless and adapted to dark, moist habitats. The species is recorded from Arizona and is part of a diverse North American genus containing approximately 90 species. As a camel cricket, it possesses the characteristic hump-backed appearance, elongated antennae, and powerful jumping legs typical of this group.
Ceuthophilus maculatus
spotted camel cricket
Ceuthophilus maculatus, commonly known as the spotted camel cricket, is a wingless camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is distinguished by its humpbacked profile, spotted coloration, and notably long antennae. The species is native to North America and is frequently encountered in dark, humid microhabitats. Unlike many Orthoptera, males do not produce sound.
Ceuthophilus nodulosus
camel cricket, cave cricket
Ceuthophilus nodulosus is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is a wingless, humpbacked insect with exceptionally long antennae adapted for navigating dark environments. The species is found in North America, with records from Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it inhabits cool, damp, dark microhabitats and is primarily nocturnal.
Ceuthophilus pallidipes
Pale-legged Camel Cricket
Ceuthophilus pallidipes, known as the pale-legged camel cricket, is a North American camel cricket species in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It belongs to a genus of wingless crickets commonly found in dark, damp habitats. The species is distinguished by its pale leg coloration, referenced in its specific epithet. Like other Ceuthophilus species, it is adapted to subterranean and sheltered environments.
Ceuthophilus pallidus
plains camel cricket
Ceuthophilus pallidus, the plains camel cricket, is a native North American camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is distinguished from other Ceuthophilus species by its pale coloration and association with plains and grassland habitats rather than caves. The species is wingless and nocturnal, with exceptionally long antennae adapted for navigation in dark environments. It belongs to a genus of approximately 90 North American species, many of which are habitat specialists.
Ceuthophilus paucispinosus
huachuca camel cricket
Ceuthophilus paucispinosus, known as the huachuca camel cricket, is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is a wingless, humpbacked insect with exceptionally long antennae, typical of the genus Ceuthophilus. The species has been documented in Arizona and is part of the diverse North American camel cricket fauna comprising roughly 90 species in this genus.
Ceuthophilus stygius
Kentucky cave cricket, cave camel cricket, Stygian Cave Cricket
Ceuthophilus stygius is a camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae, commonly known as the Kentucky cave cricket or Stygian Cave Cricket. It is native to North America, with records from the southeastern United States and Indiana. As a member of the genus Ceuthophilus, it shares traits with other cave crickets including elongated antennae, powerful jumping legs, and adaptation to dark, damp environments. The species has been studied for its metabolic and water economy physiology in relation to body size and temperature.