Flower-visitor
Guides
Stratiomys maculosa
spotted soldier fly
Stratiomys maculosa is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, commonly known as the spotted soldier fly. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrence from British Columbia through California and inland to Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. The species is associated with riparian habitats and is known to visit flowers.
Stratiomys normula
Stratiomys normula is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Loew in 1866. It is one of several North American species in the genus Stratiomys that exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration. The species has been recorded from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is diurnal and associated with wetland habitats where its larvae develop.
Strigoderma pimalis
Strigoderma pimalis is a shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Casey in 1885. It belongs to a genus of small, often metallic scarabs commonly associated with flowers and low vegetation. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Stylogaster beresfordi
Stylogaster beresfordi is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae, described in 2014. It belongs to the distinctive subfamily Stylogastrinae, characterized by females possessing an extremely elongated, needle-like abdomen used for oviposition. The genus Stylogaster comprises approximately 92 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, with only two species known from North America. Members of this genus are obligate internal parasites of crickets, cockroaches, and calyptrate flies.
Stylogaster biannulata
thick-headed fly
Stylogaster biannulata is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae, subfamily Stylogastrinae. It is one of only two Stylogaster species known from North America. The species is distinguished from its congener S. neglecta by antennal proportions: in S. biannulata, the second antennomere is almost as long as the third, whereas in S. neglecta the second antennomere is notably shorter. Adults possess an extremely elongated proboscis that exceeds body length when fully extended.
Syrphidae
hover flies, flower flies, syrphid flies, drone flies
Syrphidae is a species-rich family of true flies comprising over 6,000 described species worldwide, with approximately 800 species in North America. Adults are commonly known as hover flies, flower flies, or drone flies due to their characteristic hovering flight and frequent flower visitation. Many species exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps, gaining protection from predators through their resemblance to stinging Hymenoptera. The family provides critical ecosystem services: adults are significant pollinators second only to bees, especially in Arctic climates, while larvae display diverse ecological roles including predation on crop pests and nutrient cycling in aquatic habitats.
Tachinomyia
Tachinomyia is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) in the tribe Exoristini. The genus was established by Townsend in 1892 and contains approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in North America. Adults are medium-sized flies with distinctive morphological features including prominent orange tarsal pads in males and a dense white facial beard (mystax). Larvae are parasitoids, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented for most species.
Tenthredinini
Tenthredinini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae, characterized by medium to large body size and often vivid coloration. The tribe includes the genus Tenthredo, one of the most species-rich and well-known sawfly genera. Members are herbivorous as larvae, with many species feeding on diverse host plants. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen.
Tenthredo
Common Sawflies
Tenthredo is a large genus of sawflies comprising over 700 species with Holarctic distribution. Adults exhibit wasp-mimicry with long antennae and lack the narrow petiole ('wasp waist') characteristic of true wasps. Larvae are herbivorous and feed on diverse host plants, with most species showing host specificity. Adults are predatory or omnivorous, feeding on smaller insects as well as pollen and nectar at flowers. The genus is notable for its complex wing venation and soft-bodied, delicate adults.
Tenthredo xantha
Tenthredo xantha is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae. Like other members of the genus Tenthredo, adults lack the narrow waist characteristic of many wasps and possess a broad connection between thorax and abdomen. The species is known from northern Canada, with records from Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Alberta. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn.
Thecophora
A genus of medium-sized conopid flies (4–7 mm) in the family Conopidae, characterized by black coloration with variable abdominal dusting and distinctive leg markings. Adults are active flower visitors from May to October. Larvae are internal parasitoids of halictid bees, with females depositing single eggs into flying hosts. The genus includes three species in Britain, with *Thecophora atra* being the most widely distributed and the subject of a complete genome sequencing effort.
Thecophora propinqua
Thecophora propinqua is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae, described by Adams in 1903. As a member of this family, it is likely an endoparasitoid of other insects, particularly bees or wasps, which is the characteristic life history of conopid flies. The genus Thecophora contains multiple species distributed across North America.
Thyris maculata
Spotted Thyris, Spotted Thyris Moth
Thyris maculata, commonly known as the spotted thyris, is a window-winged moth in the family Thyrididae. It is recognized by the distinctive square or rectangular translucent spots in its wings that give the family its common name. The species exhibits a broad geographic range across North America and has been observed in both eastern and western regions. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar, while larvae are generalist feeders that roll leaves of host plants.
Trichiotinus lunulatus
Emerald Flower Scarab, Metallic Green Flower Scarab
Trichiotinus lunulatus is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, distributed across the southeastern United States. Adults are metallic green in color and have been observed visiting flowers, particularly those of pricklypear cactus (Opuntia). The species is smaller and more widespread than some congeners such as T. rufobrunneus.
Trichodes apivorus
checkered beetle
Trichodes apivorus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, native to Central and North America. It has been documented visiting flowers, including those of Sabal palmetto (cabbage palm) and Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap). The species is known to have two subspecies: T. a. apivorus and T. a. borealis. Its colorful appearance and flower-visiting behavior make it a notable subject for entomological observation.
Trichodes bibalteatus
checkered beetle
Trichodes bibalteatus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It is among the largest and most strikingly-colored species in its genus, which contains 11 North American species. Adults are frequently found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar, and also use flowers as mating sites. The species has been documented in Oklahoma and other parts of western North America.
Trichodes oresterus
checkered beetle
Trichodes oresterus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, described by Wolcott in 1910. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States including Oklahoma and New Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers, particularly yellow composites in the genus Thelesperma. Like other members of the genus Trichodes, this species likely exhibits the characteristic life history of laying eggs on flowers, with larvae subsequently attaching to visiting bees or wasps to be transported to host nests where they prey on developing brood.
Trichodes ornatus
Ornate Checkered Beetle
Trichodes ornatus is a checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, found in western North America. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive coloration and are frequently observed on flowers, particularly yellow composites. The species has a complex life history involving larval development as a predator/parasitoid in the nests of bees and wasps, where larvae feed on host immature stages and pollen provisions.
Trichodes peninsularis
checkered beetle
Trichodes peninsularis is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by Horn in 1894. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with two recognized subspecies: T. p. basalis and T. p. horni. Field observations document adults visiting flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta, Gutierrezia microcephala, and Hymenothrix wislizeni in the southwestern United States.
Trichodes peninsularis basalis
Trichodes peninsularis basalis is a subspecies of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It belongs to a genus of predatory beetles commonly found on flowers, where they feed on pollen and other flower-visiting insects. The subspecific epithet 'basalis' suggests a geographic or morphological distinction from the nominate form, though specific diagnostic features for this subspecies are not well documented in available sources.
Trichodes peninsularis horni
Trichodes peninsularis horni is a subspecies of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It has been documented in southeastern Arizona, where adults have been observed on flowers of Lasianthaea podocephala (San Pedro daisy). The subspecies belongs to a genus whose larvae are typically predatory, though specific details for this taxon remain limited.
Triscolia ardens
Fire-tailed Scoliid Wasp
Triscolia ardens is a large scoliid wasp and the sole member of its genus occurring in North America north of Mexico. Females are robust with short antennae and hunt subterranean scarab beetle grubs as hosts for their larvae. Males possess long antennae and a distinctive three-pronged pseudosting at the abdomen tip. The species is recognized by its black integument and setae on the head and first two gaster segments, with the remainder of the gaster bright red.
Tropidia quadrata
Common Thick-leg Fly, Common Thickleg Fly
Tropidia quadrata is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found across north-central North America. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are aquatic, a distinctive trait within the family. The species is notable for its thickened hind legs, which give rise to its common name.
Tylosis
Tylosis is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini. Species are characterized by bold red and black coloration, robust bodies, and relatively long antennae. The genus contains species such as Tylosis maculatus and Tylosis jiminezi, which are found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Adults are active during late summer and fall, often associated with flowering host plants.
Typocerus lunulatus
Typocerus lunulatus is a flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers for feeding. The species occurs in North America with two recognized subspecies: the nominate form and T. l. texanus (Texas stallingia beetle). It is one of several mostly black Typocerus species that can be distinguished from congeners by specific elytral markings.
Valgus canaliculatus
Valgus canaliculatus is a tiny scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, measuring only 4–6 mm in length with a broad, strongly flattened body. The species belongs to the tribe Valgini, one of only two tribes in Scarabaeidae possessing dorsal and ventral scale-like setae. Adults exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in feeding behavior: only males visit flowers, using specially modified brush-like mouthparts to lap up nectar, while females do not feed on pollen. The species has been documented in association with termite galleries, where eggs are laid and larvae feed on wood within the galleries, though whether this termophily is obligatory remains unclear.
Valgus hemipterus
Valgus hemipterus is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, measuring 6–10 mm in length. The species is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism: females possess an elongated, acuminate telson with a central groove and lateral serrations, a trait unusual among beetles, while males exhibit a different scale pattern and are more frequently observed on flowers. It has one generation per year and overwinters as a pupa.
Zodion
thick-headed flies
Zodion is a genus of thick-headed flies in the family Conopidae. These flies are notable for their parasitic lifestyle, with females attacking solitary wasps in mid-air to deposit eggs between the host's abdominal plates. The larvae develop as internal parasites, eventually killing the host. Species in this genus are relatively small, measuring 5-7 millimeters in length, and are found in North America and Europe.
Zodion obliquefasciatum
thick-headed fly
Zodion obliquefasciatum is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Members of the genus Zodion are small conopid flies, typically 5–7 millimeters in length, that parasitize solitary wasps. Like other conopids, they are wasp mimics and frequent flowers for nectar while hunting for hosts.
Zonitis dunniana
Zonitis dunniana is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Champion in 1891. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States including Arizona and New Mexico. The species has been collected on flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta (burroweed) and Hymenothrix wislizeni, suggesting an association with blooming composites in arid habitats. It is one of approximately 15 species in the genus Zonitis occurring in the New World.
Zonitis sayi
Zonitis sayi is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is distributed across North America from Mexico to Canada. Adults measure 8–12 mm in length. The species belongs to the genus Zonitis, which comprises medium-sized meloid beetles. Like other blister beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that can cause skin blistering in humans.
Zonitis vermiculata
Zonitis vermiculata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Charles Schaeffer in 1905. It belongs to the genus Zonitis, a group of small to medium-sized meloid beetles characterized by their distinctive elytral patterns. The species is known from North America, with records from the southwestern United States and British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of the subfamily Nemognathinae, Zonitis species possess elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers.