Flower-visitor
Guides
Mordella
tumbling flower beetles
Mordella is the type genus of the tumbling flower beetle family Mordellidae. Species in this genus occur on every continent except Antarctica, with broad distribution in the Holarctic region. The larvae are primarily borers in dead wood. Adults are commonly found on flowers and exhibit the characteristic tumbling escape behavior that gives the family its common name.
Mydas tibialis
Golden-legged Mydas Fly, golden legged mydas fly
Mydas tibialis, commonly known as the golden-legged mydas fly, is a large, striking mydas fly in the family Mydidae. The species is notable for its impressive size and distinctive golden-orange coloration on the legs, from which its common name derives. It occurs in North America, where adults have been observed visiting flowers, particularly those of Eryngium yuccifolium (rattlesnake master). The family Mydidae contains some of the largest flies in North America, and M. tibialis exemplifies this characteristic with its robust build.
Myzinum frontalis
Myzinum frontalis is a species of thynnid wasp native to North America. Like other members of the genus, it is a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, particularly those in the genus Phyllophaga. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males being slender with long, straight antennae and a prominent pseudostinger, while females are larger-bodied with robust abdoments, stouter legs, and short, coiled antennae. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, visiting flowers such as goldenrod and thoroughwort.
Myzinum maculatum
Myzinum maculatum is a species of thynnid wasp native to North America. It is a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, particularly Phyllophaga (May beetle) larvae, and has been employed as a biological control agent for turf grass pests. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are slender with long straight antennae and a prominent curled pseudostinger, while females are robust with short coiled antennae and stout legs adapted for digging.
Myzinum quinquecinctum
five-banded thynnid wasp
Myzinum quinquecinctum is a species of thynnid wasp found primarily in eastern North America. Like other members of the genus Myzinum, it is a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, with females locating and paralyzing hosts underground to lay eggs. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are slender with long, straight antennae and a prominent pseudostinger, while females are larger and more robust with short, coiled antennae adapted for digging. Males are frequently observed visiting flowers such as goldenrod and thoroughwort, often in aggregations.
Nemognatha
Nemognatha is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae) containing at least 20 described species. Adults are distinguished by greatly elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding from flowers with deep corollas. The genus exhibits specialized reproductive biology: females serve as vectors for first-instar larvae, transporting them to host nests of bees where they develop as parasites. This phoretic transport mechanism and nest parasitism represent distinctive life history traits within the Meloidae.
Nemognatha cantharidis
Nemognatha cantharidis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by MacSwain in 1951. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The species occurs in Central America and North America.
Nemognatha punctulata
Nemognatha punctulata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. Like other members of its genus, it possesses elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species is found in North America. It belongs to a group of meloid beetles whose nectar-feeding mechanism involves capillary action rather than true sucking.
Nemognatha sparsa
Nemognatha sparsa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1868. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, which is characterized by elongated adult mouthparts adapted for feeding on flowers. The species is known from North America, with specimen records from museum collections in the western United States.
Neoascia tenur
Black-kneed Fen Fly
Neoascia tenur is a small Palearctic hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-kneed Fen Fly. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats across northern and central Europe, extending into Siberia. Adults are active from spring through early autumn and visit flowers of wetland plants. The larvae develop sub-aquatically within the stem sheaths of emergent aquatic vegetation such as cattails (Typha).
Neoclytus approximatus
Neoclytus approximatus is a longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1862. It is among the most uncommonly encountered longhorned beetles in North America, with a disjunct distribution across the Great Plains and scattered records from the eastern United States. The species' larval host plant remains unknown, making it one of the most elusive cerambycids on the continent.
Oedemeridae
false blister beetles, pollen-feeding beetles
Oedemeridae is a cosmopolitan family of beetles containing approximately 100 genera and 1,500 species. Adults are slender, soft-bodied beetles commonly found on flowers and foliage, where they feed primarily on pollen and nectar. Larvae develop in decaying wood or herbaceous plant stems, with most species being xylophagous. The family is notable for producing cantharidin, a toxic defensive compound also found in blister beetles (Meloidae), which makes adults chemically protected and often brightly colored with aposematic coloration.
Oncerometopus
Oncerometopus is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae) containing approximately 12 described species. These insects are part of the diverse Miridae family, one of the largest families within the true bugs (Heteroptera). Members of this genus are found in North America, with observations documented from the southwestern United States including Texas. As plant bugs, they are associated with vegetation where they feed on plant fluids.
Paradejeania
Spiny Tachinid Fly, Hedgehog Fly
Paradejeania is a genus of tachinid flies comprising four described species. The genus is characterized by an exceptionally spiny abdomen, earning species like P. rutilioides the common name "Hedgehog Fly." These are large, robust flies that visit flowers for nectar and function as parasitoids of caterpillars. The genus occurs in western North America, with adults active primarily in late summer and fall.
Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens
Spiny Tachinid Fly, Hedgehog Fly
Paradejeania rutilioides nigrescens is a subspecies of the spiny tachinid fly, a large, robust parasitoid fly in the family Tachinidae. It is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by darker coloration. The species is known from western North America, where adults are active in late summer and fall, commonly visiting flowers of rabbitbrush and other late-season blooms. Like other tachinids, it parasitizes caterpillars, with documented hosts including tiger moths in the family Erebidae.
Paradejeania rutilioides rutilioides
Spiny Tachinid Fly, Hedgehog Fly
Paradejeania rutilioides rutilioides is a large tachinid fly, the nominate subspecies of the Spiny Tachinid Fly. It is distinguished by its robust build, heavily spined abdomen, and subdued orange coloration. Adults are active in late summer and fall, frequently observed visiting flowers. The species is a known parasitoid of caterpillars, specifically documented from Edwards' Glassy-wing moth (Hemihyalea edwardsii).
Paranaemia vittigera
Broad-striped Lady Beetle
Paranaemia vittigera, the broad-striped lady beetle, is the sole described species in the genus Paranaemia. It is native to western North America and has been introduced to Hawaii. Unlike the familiar spotted ladybugs, this species displays longitudinal stripes rather than spots. It preys on aphids and has been documented visiting flowers, particularly the California poppy.
Parhelophilus obsoletus
Unadorned Bog Fly
Parhelophilus obsoletus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across Canada and the northeastern and central United States. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is considered fairly common within its range. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Parhelophilus porcus
black bog fly
Parhelophilus porcus, commonly known as the black bog fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species recorded from northern North America. Adults are flower-visiting insects that obtain nectar and pollen from blooms. The species possesses the rat-tailed larval form characteristic of related aquatic or semi-aquatic hoverflies, with an elongated breathing siphon.
Peleteria anaxias
Peleteria anaxias is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop inside host insects, typically consuming them from within. The species is found in North America and has been documented visiting flowers, including lavender. Tachinid flies in this genus are recognized by distinctive morphological features and serve as biological control agents against various pest insects.
Peleteria haemorrhoa
Peleteria haemorrhoa is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. Like other tachinids, it functions as a parasitoid, with larvae developing inside host insects. The genus Peleteria is characterized by two prominent setae positioned in front of the lower part of the eye. Adults have been observed visiting flowers, including lavender, where they may feed on nectar and function as pollinators.
Pelonides
Pelonides is a genus of checkered beetles in the family Cleridae, established by Kuwert in 1894. The genus comprises approximately six to seven described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are small beetles typically found on flowers, particularly milkweeds (Asclepias species), where they have been documented feeding on pollen and nectar alongside other flower-visiting beetles.
Phradonoma nobile
A dermestid beetle in the family Dermestidae, with a broad distribution spanning the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and introduced populations in Europe, the United States, and Australia. The species has been documented in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Phymata albopicta
jagged ambush bug
Phymata albopicta is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a sit-and-wait predator that hunts on flowers, using raptorial forelegs to seize prey. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and capable of capturing larger prey items.
Phymata luteomarginata
jagged ambush bug
Phymata luteomarginata is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a sit-and-wait predator that hunts on flowers, seizing pollinators and other flower-visiting insects with raptorial forelegs. The species was described by Kormilev in 1957 and occurs in North America. Specific distinguishing features of this species relative to congeners are not well documented in available sources.
Phymata saileri
jagged ambush bug
Phymata saileri is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a predatory insect that hunts on flowers, using raptorial forelegs to capture prey. The species was described by Kormilev in 1957 and occurs in North America.
Physocephala marginata
thick-headed fly
Physocephala marginata is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. It is an internal parasite of the solitary bee Anthophora abrupta. The larva develops inside the living host, with pupation occurring only after the bee's death. Like other conopid flies, adults are wasp mimics that frequent flowers for nectar.
Physocephala sagittaria
thick-headed fly
A species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Adults are wasp mimics that frequent flowers for nectar. Females are known to parasitize bumble bees by forcing eggs between abdominal segments, with larvae developing internally and eventually killing the host. The species occurs in eastern North America.
Physoconops
thick-headed flies
Physoconops is a genus of thick-headed flies (family Conopidae) containing approximately 13 described species. Members are wasp mimics, resembling potter wasps in appearance and behavior. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropical and Andean regions, with some species in North America. Like other conopids, Physoconops species are endoparasitoids of bees and aculeate wasps.
Physoconops brachyrhynchus
thick-headed fly
Physoconops brachyrhynchus is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp mimicry, resembling potter wasps in appearance. The species is a parasitoid, with females known to attack bees and wasps to deposit eggs. It has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Physoconops discalis
thick-headed fly
Physoconops discalis is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Members of this family are characterized by their disproportionately large heads relative to body size. The genus Physoconops includes species that are notable mimics of wasps, particularly potter wasps, with elongated abdomens and wing pigmentation patterns that resemble the folded wings of their hymenopteran models. Like other conopids, they are flower-visiting flies with parasitic larval stages.
Physoconops excisus
thick-headed fly
Physoconops excisus is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Like other members of the genus Physoconops, it exhibits wasp mimicry, resembling potter wasps in appearance. Conopid flies are parasitoids, with females attacking bees and wasps to deposit eggs between their abdominal segments. The larvae develop as internal parasites, eventually killing the host.
Pipunculidae
Big-headed Flies
Pipunculidae is a family of flies (Diptera) commonly known as big-headed flies, distinguished by their large holoptic compound eyes that cover nearly the entire head. The family has a worldwide distribution with over 1,400 described species. Larvae develop as parasitoids almost exclusively in Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers, planthoppers, and cicadas), with the exception of the genus Nephrocerus, which parasitizes adult crane flies (Tipulidae). Molecular analysis indicates the family originated in the Maastrichtian age of the Late Cretaceous, with the oldest fossils dating to the Eocene. Some species are used as biological control agents in rice fields.
Poecilanthrax willistonii
Williston's bee fly
Poecilanthrax willistonii is a North American bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American in distribution, with the greatest abundance of species and individuals found in the Great Basin region. Like other members of the genus, the larvae develop as parasites inside caterpillars of cutworms and armyworms (family Noctuidae). Adults are typically found in arid and semi-arid habitats, often associated with flowering plants where they feed on nectar.
Poecilognathus
Poecilognathus is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) distributed across North, Central, and South America. The genus contains at least 20 described species. These flies are members of the subfamily Phthiriinae and tribe Poecilognathini. As with other bee flies, adults are typically flower visitors, though detailed biological information for most species remains limited.
Psellidotus defectus
Psellidotus defectus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Stratiomyinae. The genus Psellidotus belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini and is closely related to Hedriodiscus, with which it can be difficult to distinguish in the Neotropics. Like other members of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, the larvae are aquatic. Adults are known to visit flowers, and species in this genus exhibit strikingly patterned eyes with horizontal banding, an adaptation associated with detection of horizontally polarized light that may aid in locating aquatic habitats for oviposition.
Pselliopus barberi
Orange Assassin Bug
Pselliopus barberi is a predatory assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the orange assassin bug. It is distinguished by its striking orange and black coloration, which serves as aposematic warning coloration. The species is found in North America and is active from spring through autumn. It is a generalist predator that hunts on flowers and vegetation, using stealth to capture small insects such as leafhoppers.
Pselliopus cinctus
Ringed Assassin Bug
Pselliopus cinctus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the Ringed Assassin Bug. It is found in North America and is a predatory true bug that hunts other insects. The species has been documented in ambush predation behavior, including stalking bees and other prey on flowers.
Pseudozonitis vittipennis
Pseudozonitis vittipennis is a blister beetle (family Meloidae) in the subfamily Nemognathinae, described by Horn in 1875. It is one of approximately 12 species in the genus Pseudozonitis, a New World group characterized by elongated maxillae adapted for nectar feeding. The species is known from western North America, with records from the southwestern United States. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults are flower visitors and larvae are parasitoids or predators of other insects.
Pygodasis ephippium
Saddleback Scoliid Wasp
A large scoliid wasp reaching approximately 4 cm in length, with striking black and orange coloration. Males possess long antennae, slender bodies, and a conspicuous pseudostinger at the abdomen tip; females are more robust with shorter antennae and a functional retractable stinger. The species has been recorded as a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs and as a flower visitor. Originally known from south Texas south to Ecuador, with more recent records from Arizona and Panama.
Pyrota concinna
Pyrota concinna is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The species has been observed visiting flowers of Isocoma pluriflora (southern goldenbush) in saltbush chaparral habitats in southeastern New Mexico. As a member of the tribe Pyrotini, it exhibits the typical blister beetle defensive chemistry and soft-bodied adult form characteristic of the family.
Pyrota trochanterica
Arizona Trochanter Blister Beetle
Pyrota trochanterica is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to the southwestern United States. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies: the nominate P. t. trochanterica and P. t. werneri. Like other members of the genus Pyrota, it possesses aposematic coloration warning of its chemical defenses. The species is known to aggregate on flowers, particularly yellow-flowered shrubs, where mating occurs.
Rhopalophora meeskei
Rhopalophora meeskei is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Casey in 1891. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with confirmed records from Arizona and observations in Guatemala and Honduras. Field observations indicate adults are active during summer months and are associated with flowering plants, particularly milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) and Ceanothus species.
Ripiphorus
wedge-shaped beetles
Ripiphorus is a genus of wedge-shaped beetles comprising at least 30 described species. Members are parasitic beetles with highly modified body plans and complex life cycles involving multiple hosts. The genus has been recorded across multiple continents, with notable disjunct distributions including isolated volcanic archipelagos such as the Cape Verde Islands. Adults are typically short-lived and often associated with flowers, while larvae are parasitoids of other insects.
Ripiphorus fasciatus-complex
fasciatus-complex ripiphorid beetles
The Ripiphorus fasciatus-complex comprises a group of closely related ripiphorid beetles within the genus Ripiphorus, characterized by distinctive banded or fasciate color patterns. These beetles belong to a family notable for extreme sexual dimorphism and complex life histories involving host associations, primarily with bees or wasps. Members of this complex are distinguished from congeners by specific elytral patterning and morphological features that remain under taxonomic study. The group occurs in North America and shares the family's unusual biology of hypermetamorphosis and parasitoid larval development.
Sapyga louisi
Louis's Club-horned Cuckoo Wasp, club-horned cuckoo wasp
A small species of club-horned wasp in the family Sapygidae. Adults visit flowers for nectar. The larvae are kleptoparasites that develop by consuming the provisions and host larvae of leaf-cutter bees, including Heriades carinata. The species is distinguished from allies by distinctive yellow body markings and reduced size.
Scolia nobilitata nobilitata
digger wasp
Scolia nobilitata nobilitata is a subspecies of digger wasp in the family Scoliidae. It is a solitary parasitoid that hunts scarab beetle grubs in soil. Adults emerge in August and are known to visit flowers for nectar. The subspecies is distinguished from related taxa by abdominal coloration.
Spilomyia longicornis
Eastern Hornet Fly
Spilomyia longicornis is a syrphid fly native to eastern North America, notable for its striking mimicry of vespid wasps. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers for pollen and nectar, while larvae develop in rot holes of living trees. The species exhibits sophisticated Batesian mimicry involving visual, behavioral, and auditory components.
Spintherophyta arizonensis
Spintherophyta arizonensis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Eumolpinae, described by Schultz in 1976. The genus Spintherophyta is most diverse in the Neotropics, with only four species occurring in North America north of Mexico. This species is one of the North American representatives of a predominantly Neotropical genus of globular, pollen-feeding leaf beetles.
Strangalia virilis
strange virile bycid
Strangalia virilis is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It occurs in North America, with documented records from Texas and Oklahoma. The species is associated with flowering plants, particularly Torilis arvensis (erect hedge parsley). It was described by LeConte in 1873.