Xylobiont
Guides
Callomyia
Callomyia is a genus of flat-footed flies (Diptera: Platypezidae) comprising approximately 24 described species distributed across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. The genus is distinguished by a setulose R1 wing vein and enlarged female antennae. Larvae are xylobiont, developing under bark of fallen trees where they feed on fungal mycelia. Adults are typically found in forested habitats and are active from spring through autumn.
Gnophomyia
Gnophomyia is a genus of crane flies (family Limoniidae) established by Osten Sacken in 1860. The genus contains species whose larvae are specialized bark-dwellers, feeding on phloem tissue. Immature stages have been described for several species including G. lugubris, G. acheron, G. viridipennis, and G. luctuosa. The genus is recorded from Europe and North America.
Micromalthus debilis
Telephone-pole Beetle
Micromalthus debilis is a small beetle native to eastern North America and the sole living representative of the family Micromalthidae, often considered a 'living fossil'. The species exhibits one of the most unusual reproductive strategies in Coleoptera: obligate paedogenesis, where reproduction occurs exclusively through parthenogenetic female larvae without production of fertile adults. Adults are vestigial, sterile, and rarely encountered in nature; they can be artificially induced through heat treatment but cannot reproduce. The species is associated with decaying wood and fungal near-red-rot habitats.
Platypezidae
Flat-footed Flies
Platypezidae is a family of small true flies (Diptera) comprising over 250 species worldwide. Adults are commonly known as flat-footed flies due to their characteristically modified tarsal segments, particularly in males. The family is primarily associated with woodland habitats where larvae develop as fungivores. Adults exhibit distinctive swarming behavior for mating and are frequently observed performing rapid, erratic movements on vegetation. The family was formerly broader in circumscription, with Opetiidae and some genera now placed in Atelestidae removed based on phylogenetic evidence.
Pselactus spadix
Pselactus spadix is a wood-boring weevil in the subfamily Cossoninae, native to Europe but also recorded in North America and the Azores. It develops within timber, particularly in marine and coastal environments, and can complete its entire life cycle without emerging from wood. The species is known for distinctive circular emergence holes and tunneling patterns in timber.
Sphegina
Pufftails
Sphegina is a genus of small, slender hoverflies (Syrphidae) known as 'pufftails' due to their distinctive appearance in flight. Adults are widespread across Eurasia and North America, typically found in damp, shaded forest habitats near water. The genus exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennal structure and is distinguished from its sister group Neoascia by facial pilosity, katepisternal setation, and antennal proportions. Larvae develop in association with wood-boring insects, utilizing sap flows and decaying cambium in moist conditions.
Teucholabis
Teucholabis is a genus of small crane flies in the family Limoniidae, established by Osten Sacken in 1860. The genus contains numerous species distributed across multiple subgenera, with immature stages of at least some species being xylobiont (wood-dwelling). Larvae have been documented living under bark among bast fibers of host trees. Adult morphology and ecological details remain poorly documented for most species.