Garden-insect
Guides
Arge ochropus
rose sawfly
Arge ochropus, commonly known as the rose sawfly, is a small sawfly species in the family Argidae. Adults measure 7–10 mm in length and are active primarily in spring. The species is native to the Palearctic region and has been introduced to northeastern North America. Larvae feed on rose leaves, causing skeletonization damage, while adults consume nectar and pollen from several flowering plants. The species produces two generations annually in temperate regions.
Condylostylus connectans
Condylostylus connectans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Curran in 1942. As a member of this diverse family, it belongs to a group of small, often metallic predatory flies commonly found in gardens, forest edges, and sunny vegetation. The genus Condylostylus is among the more frequently encountered dolichopodids in North American gardens and similar habitats.
Condylostylus leonardi
A small predatory long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1914. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration and elongated legs typical of dolichopodids. The species is part of a large and diverse family of flies known for their agility and predatory habits on other small insects.
Condylostylus nigrofemoratus
longlegged fly
Condylostylus nigrofemoratus is a species of longlegged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by its predatory behavior and typical dolichopodid morphology. Members of this genus are commonly encountered in gardens and along forest edges. The species was described by Walker in 1849. Like other dolichopodids, it is a small, agile predator of other small insects.
Condylostylus pruinosus
Condylostylus pruinosus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, predatory fly typically found in sunny, vegetated habitats. The species was described by Coquillett in 1904. As with most dolichopodids, species-level identification generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Endelomyia
roseslug sawfly
Endelomyia is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, containing at least two described species. The genus is best known for Endelomyia aethiops, commonly called the roseslug sawfly, a significant pest of cultivated roses. Larvae feed on rose foliage, producing characteristic skeletonization damage by removing soft tissue between leaf veins. The genus can be distinguished from the related slugworm genus Caliroa by antennal characters and wing venation.
Eupeodes flukei
Fluke's Aphideater
Eupeodes flukei is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as Fluke's Aphideater. As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are aphid predators, contributing to natural pest control in gardens and agricultural settings. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species exhibits typical hover fly characteristics including wasp-mimicking appearance, hovering flight behavior, and large compound eyes.
Microchrysa polita
black-horned gem, black-horned gem fly
Microchrysa polita, commonly known as the black-horned gem or black-horned gem fly, is a small species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. Adults are active from March through September and are found in deciduous woodland edges, hedgerows, gardens, and parks across Europe, Asia, and North America. The species is notable for its distinctive black antennae and predominantly black legs.
Pyropyga minuta
Flower Elf
Pyropyga minuta is a tiny, day-active firefly species commonly known as the flower elf. Adults measure 3–7 mm and are solid black with a distinctive pale yellow pronotum marked by a dark central bar flanked by red. Unlike most fireflies, adults lack functional bioluminescent lanterns and do not flash; instead, they are believed to use pheromones for mate location. The species is widespread across North and Central America.
Syrphus vitripennis
Black-thighed Flower Fly
Syrphus vitripennis is a common Holarctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) with distinctive yellow and black wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are medium-sized (8–11 mm body length, wing length 7.25–10.25 mm) and frequent flowers from March to October, peaking in July–August. Larvae are aphid predators, making this species economically significant for biological control. The species is highly migratory, with documented seasonal movements between latitudes. It is one of five Syrphus species in Britain and can be difficult to distinguish from congeners, particularly S. rectus in males.
Uroleucon picridis
Ox-tongue Aphid
Uroleucon picridis, commonly known as the Ox-tongue Aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. Like other members of the genus Uroleucon, it is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on plants in the Asteraceae family. The species exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction during the growing season, with colonies consisting entirely of females. It serves as an important food source for numerous predators including lady beetles, lacewings, flower flies, and spiders, making it a significant component of garden and agricultural food webs.