Flower-visiting
Guides
Acmaeodera knowltoni
Acmaeodera knowltoni is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Barr in 1969. The species occurs in western North America, with documented records from Utah and surrounding regions. Adults are flower-visitors, frequently collected from blooms of Sphaeralcea, Penstemon, Rosa woodsii, and other flowering plants. The species is larger than the similar A. rubronotata, with uniformly orange rather than yellow elytral flecks with red towards the apices.
Acmaeodera obtusa
Acmaeodera obtusa is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Horn in 1878. The species is distributed in North America. Field observations from Texas indicate adults are active flower visitors, particularly associated with Asteraceae hosts in juniper woodland habitats.
Acmaeodera paradisjuncta
Acmaeodera paradisjuncta is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1940. It belongs to the large genus Acmaeodera, which contains numerous flower-visiting species. The species has been documented from Texas and is associated with flowering plants in dry, open habitats. Like many congeners, adults are likely attracted to flowers for feeding on pollen.
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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pubiventris
Acmaeodera pubiventris is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Four subspecies have been described, with the nominate subspecies and A. p. lanata having documented flower-visiting behavior on Sphaeralcea and Helianthus species. Adults are typically collected during summer months.
Acmaeodera variegata
Acmaeodera variegata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. The species was described by LeConte in 1852. It has been collected from flowers of Fallugia paradoxa (Apache plum) and Verbesina encelioides (cowpen daisy) in Arizona, and is associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) as a larval host. The species is part of the diverse Acmaeodera fauna of western North America.
Adelestini
Adelestini is a tribe of soft-winged flower beetles (family Melyridae, subfamily Malachiinae). Members are small, elongate beetles with soft elytra characteristic of the family. The tribe was established to accommodate genera with distinctive morphological features separating them from other malachiine tribes, particularly in antennal structure and male genitalia. Species occur primarily in the Old World, with greatest diversity in the Palaearctic and Oriental regions.
Aethecerinus hornii
Horn's Aethecerinus Long-Horned Beetle
Aethecerinus hornii is a rare longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) endemic to Florida scrub habitat in Highlands and Lee counties. Described by Lacordaire in 1869, this species belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for bright coloration, flower-feeding behavior, and diurnal activity. The species is extremely restricted in range and poorly represented in collections, with only five observations documented.
Aethecerinus latecinctus
Aethecerinus latecinctus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, tribe Trachyderini, described by George Henry Horn in 1880. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adults have been collected primarily from mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) flowers and foliage, where they feed and mate. The species is diurnal and appears to exhibit seasonal activity patterns typical of many southwestern cerambycids.
Agathis longipalpus
A small parasitoid wasp in the subfamily Agathidinae, characterized by an elongated face and long mouthparts. Adults are known to visit flowers to feed on nectar using these extended palps. Females are internal parasitoids of caterpillars, with larvae developing inside host larvae. The species is part of a group frequently noted for red and black coloration.
Agrilaxia
Agrilaxia is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing approximately 80 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The genus was established by Kerremans in 1903 and belongs to the tribe Anthaxiini. Species are typically small, often metallic beetles. Several species have been documented visiting flowers, a behavior that is relatively uncommon among buprestid beetles. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with recent work describing new species from French Guiana and clarifying relationships with related genera such as Anthaxia.
Agrilaxia flavimana
Agrilaxia flavimana is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Agrilaxia is one of several small genera of jewel beetles known to routinely visit flowers, though most Buprestidae are associated with woody vegetation. Observations suggest this species occurs in prairie and open habitats where its presumed floral hosts grow.
Agrilaxia hespenheidei
Agrilaxia hespenheidei is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Bílý in 1984. The species has been documented in Central America and North America, with specific collection records from Arizona in the southwestern United States. Adults have been observed on flowers of Bouvardia ternifolia (firecrackerbush).
Agrilus blandus
Agrilus blandus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species is notable among North American Agrilus for its routine association with flowers, particularly those of Eriogonum (wild buckwheat), which also serve as its confirmed larval host. This flower-visiting behavior is exceptional in a genus where adults typically do not visit flowers.
Amannus vittiger
Amannus vittiger is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. Field observations indicate adults are active flower visitors, particularly associated with globemallow flowers (Sphaeralcea spp.) in the southwestern United States. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid habitats of the Colorado Plateau region.
Anthaxia
Anthaxia is a large genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae, tribe Anthaxiini) containing numerous species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. The genus is divided into seven subgenera: Anthaxia (Anthaxia), Haplanthaxia, Melanthaxia, Cratomerus, Merocratus, Thailandia, and Richteraxia. Species are primarily associated with woody host plants, with larvae developing in dead branches or living stems of various trees and shrubs. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar.
Anthaxia caseyi caseyi
Anthaxia caseyi caseyi is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. Based on field observations, adults have been collected from flowers of Purshia stansburyana (Stansbury's cliffrose) in the southwestern United States. The nominate subspecies occurs in the western Nearctic region. Taxonomic study of populations in Utah and Arizona suggests potential subspecific variation that may not align with currently recognized subspecies boundaries.
Batyle ignicollis
Fire-necked Longhorn Beetle
Batyle ignicollis is a longhorned beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, known for its diurnal activity and flower-visiting behavior. It was described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species has been documented in sand dune habitats of northwestern Oklahoma, where adults have been observed resting on inflorescences of Styllingia sylvatica (Queen's delight), suggesting possible crepuscular or nocturnal roosting behavior. The species is attracted to ethanol-based traps, indicating a probable association with fermenting plant materials or dead wood.
Batyle ignicollis oblonga
Batyle ignicollis oblonga is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Casey in 1912. It belongs to the subfamily Cerambycinae and tribe Trachyderini. Field observations indicate adults are associated with flowering plants in sand dune habitats, where they have been observed resting on inflorescences.
Batyle suturalis
Sutured Longhorn Beetle, sutured flower longhorn
Batyle suturalis is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is a member of the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for bright colors, diurnal activity, and attraction to flowers. The species has been documented across much of North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Adults are frequently observed feeding on flower pollen and nectar, and the species exhibits coloration that may function in a Müllerian mimicry complex with soldier beetles and blister beetles.
Bembicina
sand wasps
Bembicina is a subtribe of sand wasps within the tribe Bembicini, family Crabronidae. Members are characterized by rapid, agile flight and nesting behavior in sandy substrates. They are predatory wasps that provision nests with paralyzed prey, primarily small flies. The subtribe includes the well-known genus Bembix, which is common in North America.
Bothrotes canaliculatus
Bothrotes canaliculatus is a darkling beetle species in the family Tenebrionidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1824 as Epitragus canaliculatus. The species has been observed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Field observations indicate adults are attracted to flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in northeastern New Mexico, where they occur alongside other flower-visiting beetles.
Brachysomida nigripennis
Black-winged Long-horned Beetle
Brachysomida nigripennis is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. The species is characterized by its dark, nearly black elytra that distinguish it from congeners with more patterned or lighter coloration. It occurs across northern North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. The genus Brachysomida contains several species that are often associated with coniferous and deciduous woodlands, where adults are frequently found on flowers or foliage.
Collops insulatus
Collops insulatus is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. The genus Collops comprises predatory beetles commonly found on flowers, where they feed on small insects and other arthropods. Like other members of the genus, C. insulatus likely serves as a beneficial insect in agricultural and natural ecosystems by helping control pest populations. The species epithet "insulatus" (meaning "island" in Latin) may refer to an island-like distribution pattern or type locality, though specific etymological details are not documented in available sources.
Crossidius coralinus ruficollis
Crossidius coralinus ruficollis is a subspecies of longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) endemic to the southern San Joaquin Valley of California. It is one of several geographically isolated subspecies of C. coralinus characterized by red and black coloration. Adults are active in late summer and early fall, feeding on flowers of Isocoma acradenia var. bracteosa (burrobrush). Historically isolated from the nominate subspecies by the now-dry Tulare Lake, this population exhibits distinct coloration with individuals ranging from tan to dark red depending on locality.
Crossidius suturalis
Crossidius suturalis is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. The species belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group of often brightly colored and flower-visiting cerambycids. Field observations indicate it is strongly associated with composite flowers (Asteraceae), particularly Isocoma tenuisecta, and shows sexual dimorphism in antennal length with males possessing longer antennae than females. Multiple subspecific taxa have been described across its range.
Dasytinae
soft-wing flower beetles
Dasytinae is a subfamily of soft-wing flower beetles within the family Melyridae, historically treated as the separate family Dasytidae. Members are typically small (<8 mm), parallel-sided beetles with brownish to blackish integument, rarely metallic, and may bear short pubescence. The subfamily is most diverse and abundant in xeric regions of North America and Central Asia, with genera such as Trichochrous and Listrus particularly well-represented in North American arid zones. Dasytinae are commonly found on flowers, where they feed on pollen.
Euderces
Euderces is a genus of small longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, characterized by remarkable ant-mimicry. Most species measure less than 5 mm in length and exhibit Batesian mimicry of ants, particularly species of Camponotus. The genus has its center of diversity in southern Mexico and Guatemala, with species distributed from North America through South America. Notable examples include E. velutinus, which closely resembles the tropical ant Camponotus sericeiventris. Four species occur in the United States.
Euderces reichei
Euderces reichei is a species of ant-mimicking longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1873. Adults are small, typically under 10 mm in length, and exhibit Batesian mimicry of ants through their compact body form, constricted waist-like appearance, and coloration. The species has been recorded across the eastern and central United States, with adults frequently encountered on flowers of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) during spring.
Evodinus
Evodinus is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae, and tribe Rhagiini. The genus contains four recognized species distributed primarily in boreal and montane regions of North America and northern Europe. Members are associated with coniferous forests and are characterized by their distinctive elytral sculpturing.
Glaphyridae
Bumble Bee Scarab Beetles
Glaphyridae is a family of scarabaeoid beetles comprising approximately 80 species across eight extant genera. Members are commonly known as bumble bee scarab beetles due to their often hairy appearance. The family exhibits specialized pollen-feeding behavior and has evolved associations with particular flower guilds, notably red 'poppy guild' flowers including Ranunculaceae and Papaveraceae. Phylogenetic studies indicate the family originated around 140 million years ago, with crown group divergence at approximately 112 million years ago. Pollen feeding evolved once within the family, between 97 and 67 million years ago, representing a later origin than in other major pollinator beetle lineages.
Hopliini
Monkey Beetles
Hopliini is a tribe of scarab beetles commonly known as monkey beetles, established by Latreille in 1829. The tribe's placement within Scarabaeidae remains uncertain, with some classifications placing it in Melolonthinae and others in Rutelinae. Members are characterized by their frequent association with flowers, where they feed on pollen, nectar, and floral tissues. The tribe is particularly diverse and ecologically significant in the Greater Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, where they serve as important pollinators for numerous plant families.
Hoplitimyia constans
Hoplitimyia constans is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, distributed in the United States. The genus Hoplitimyia includes species with aquatic larvae and adults that often exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration and behavior. Members of this genus are known for their flighty behavior and attraction to flowers. The specific epithet "constans" was established by Loew in 1872, originally described under the genus Stratiomyia.
Ischnomera
false blister beetles
Ischnomera is a genus of false blister beetles (family Oedemeridae) containing over 40 described species. These beetles are typically found on flowers, where they feed on pollen. The genus is characterized by relatively soft-bodied adults and is part of the tribe Asclerini within the subfamily Oedemerinae.
Lebia viridis
colorful foliage ground beetle
Lebia viridis is a predatory ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized for its small size and bright metallic coloration. Adults measure 5–7 mm in length and are diurnal, often found on flowers and vegetation. The species occurs across North America, extending south through Mexico and Guatemala, with populations also recorded on Cuba. It is sometimes attracted to lights at night.
Linsleya
Linsleya is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, established by MacSwain in 1951. The genus comprises approximately five described species distributed in North America. As with other meloid beetles, members of this genus possess the characteristic chemical defense of cantharidin production. The genus is divided into two subgenera: Linsleya (Linsleya) and Linsleya (Linsleyina).
Mannophorus laetus
Pleasant Aster Bycid
Mannophorus laetus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for often bright coloration and association with flowers. The species is found in North America, particularly the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are frequently observed on flowers of Asteraceae, where they feed on pollen and nectar.
Melyridae
Soft-winged Flower Beetles, Soft-wing Flower Beetles
Melyridae is a family of beetles in the superfamily Cleroidea, containing over 100 genera worldwide with approximately 520 species in 48 genera in North America. Members are commonly found on flowers, with most adults and larvae being predaceous. The family includes three recognized subfamilies: Dasytinae, Malachiinae, and Melyrinae. Some species, notably in the genus Choresine, have been found to contain potent batrachotoxins, potentially serving as a dietary source for toxic birds and poison-dart frogs.
Molorchus bimaculatus
Bimaculate Longhorn Beetle
Molorchus bimaculatus is a small longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults exhibit Batesian ant mimicry, with a convex body profile and markings that create the illusion of a constricted waist. The species is commonly found on flowering trees during early spring, particularly in eastern North America. Larvae develop within the woody tissues of hardwood trees and lianas.
Mordellidae
tumbling flower beetles, pintail beetles
Mordellidae is a family of beetles in the superfamily Tenebrionoidea, comprising approximately 1500 species worldwide. Adults are commonly found on flowers and are known for their distinctive escape behavior involving rapid, irregular tumbling movements. The family contains two extant subfamilies (Mordellinae and Ctenidiinae) and one fossil subfamily (Praemordellinae). Larval development occurs in diverse substrates including plant stems, wood, and fungi, with some species exhibiting predaceous or inquiline habits.
Octinodes amplicollis
Octinodes amplicollis is a species of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, with confirmed observations in Arizona. Adults have been collected from flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta and other yellow composite flowers in late summer. The species belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized buprestid beetles.
Phocides
Guava Skipper (for Phocides polybius)
Phocides is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) containing approximately 20 species, primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is the namesake of the tribe Phocidini within subfamily Eudaminae. Several species have distinctive common names, including Phocides polybius, known as the guava skipper. The genus extends from South America through Central America and the Caribbean, with a few species reaching the southern United States.
Pidonia aurata
Pidonia aurata is a small long-horned beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, known from the western United States. Based on field observations, adults display a distinctive black-and-yellow color pattern and have been collected on flowers of Asteraceae and Malvaceae. The species appears to be active in early to mid-summer, with records from June at elevations around 7000 feet in northern Arizona.
Plionoma
Plionoma is a genus of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini, containing three species: P. basalis, P. rubens, and P. suturalis. Members of this genus are notable for their bright coloration, diurnal activity, and strong association with flowers. P. suturalis has been documented feeding on mesquite flowers and exhibits bimodal seasonal activity, with adults appearing in spring, disappearing during summer, and reappearing in fall. The genus occurs primarily in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with P. suturalis representing a significant northeastern range extension into Oklahoma.
Plionoma rubens
Plionoma rubens is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1891. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for bright coloration, diurnal activity, and attraction to flowers. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, with records from Texas west to California. Like other members of its genus, adults are associated with mesquite and other woody legumes.
Plionoma suturalis
Plionoma suturalis is a longhorned beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, characterized by bright coloration and diurnal flower-visiting behavior. The species was described by LeConte in 1858 and occurs from Texas west to California and south into northern Mexico. Its 2013 discovery in northwestern Oklahoma represented a significant northeastern range extension of over 200 miles from the nearest previous records in north-central Texas. Adults exhibit bimodal seasonal activity, appearing in spring, disappearing during summer, and reappearing in fall.
Rhinotragini
Rhinotragini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Cerambycinae, characterized by diverse genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The tribe includes numerous genera with species showing striking wasp-like mimicry and associations with flowers. Taxonomic revisions have described multiple new genera and species, particularly from Bolivia, with ongoing work clarifying generic boundaries and species limits. Members range from small to medium-sized beetles, often with vivid coloration and elongated bodies.
Rhopalophora angustata
Narrow-necked Rhopalophora
Rhopalophora angustata is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Schaeffer in 1905. It belongs to the tribe Rhopalophorini, a group of slender, diurnal beetles frequently found on flowers and exhibiting group mimicry resembling small wasps. The species occurs in southwestern North America and Mexico.
Rhopalophora cupricollis
Rhopalophora cupricollis is a species of longhorn beetle in the tribe Rhopalophorini, described by Guérin-Méneville in 1844. Members of this tribe are characterized by distinctly club-shaped legs and frequently exhibit black bodies with red or coppery pronota. The species is part of a group mimicry complex where multiple related species share a general resemblance to small, flower-visiting wasps.
Rhopalophora longipes
Eastern Rhopalophora
Rhopalophora longipes is a small, diurnal longhorned beetle and the only eastern North American representative of the tribe Rhopalophorini. The species exhibits the characteristic black body with red head and/or pronotum coloration typical of this tribe. Adults are frequently observed on flowers during daylight hours. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824.
Rhyphonemognatha rufa
Rose-winged Blister Beetle
Rhyphonemognatha rufa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It is commonly known as the Rose-winged Blister Beetle. The species occurs in the Americas, with records from North America, Middle America, and South America. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The genus Rhyphonemognatha is distinguished by its elongated rostrum and is closely related to Nemognatha and Zonitis.
Scythris inspersella
Norfolk owlet
Scythris inspersella, commonly known as the Norfolk owlet, is a small moth in the family Scythrididae first described by Jacob Hübner in 1817. It has a Holarctic distribution spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. The species is diurnal and has been observed visiting flowers during its July–August flight period. Its larvae feed gregariously on willowherbs (Onagraceae), spinning together the terminal shoots of their host plants.
Spectralia
Spectralia is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) established by Casey in 1909. The genus contains approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in North America. Species within this genus are associated with woody host plants, particularly oaks (Quercus) and persimmons (Diospyros). Larvae develop in dead or dying branches, often in the transition zone between living and dead wood. Adults are active during spring and early summer and have been documented visiting flowers.
Sphaenothecus
Sphaenothecus is a genus of longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini. The genus was established by Dupont in 1838 and contains seven recognized species distributed in North and Central America. Members of this genus are associated with flowering plants in arid and semi-arid regions. The genus is part of the diverse cerambycid fauna of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Stictoleptura
Stictoleptura is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with species in Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus includes medium-sized beetles typically associated with broadleaved woodland habitats. The first genome sequence for the genus was published for Stictoleptura scutellata, a scarce species in Britain associated with ancient woodland and wood pasture.
Stonemyia
Stonemyia is a genus of horse flies in the family Tabanidae, established by Brennan in 1935. The genus contains approximately twelve described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Species within this genus are known to visit flowers for nectar feeding.
Strangalia
Strangalia is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) first described by Audinet-Serville in 1835. Species in this genus are frequently observed on flowers, where adults feed on pollen and nectar. Several species have been documented visiting flowers of Coreopsis, Gaillardia, Ratibida, and other Asteraceae in prairie and woodland habitats. Some species, such as Strangalia sexnotata and S. virilis, have been recorded in fermenting bait traps, though this attraction appears less consistent than in related genera.
Trachyderini
Trachyderini is a tribe of long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) comprising at least 140 genera and 650 described species. Members are predominantly diurnal, medium to large-sized, and frequently exhibit bright coloration. The tribe has a primarily New World distribution, with notable diversity in southwestern North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America, though some genera extend into the Palearctic region including Mongolia. Several genera display striking mimicry of wasps or other beetles.
Valgus
Valgus is a genus of small scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. Most described species occur in Asia, with some extending into northern Africa and Europe. Three species are native to the New World, and one species is found in South Africa. Adults are characterized by their strongly flattened bodies and distinctive scale-like setae covering both dorsal and ventral surfaces.
Valgus seticollis
Bristly-necked Valgus
Valgus seticollis is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, tribe Valgini. It is one of two Valgus species native to North America, distinguished from the more widespread V. canaliculatus by its setose (bristly) pronotum. Adults are flower visitors, with males possessing brush-like mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. The species is associated with termite colonies, where larvae develop in wood within termite galleries.