Ground-nesting

Guides

• Neoponera villosa

  hairy panther ant, greater Texas bullet ant, giant hunting ant

  Neoponera villosa is a large predatory ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, commonly known as the hairy panther ant or greater Texas bullet ant. It inhabits Neotropical regions where it nests in both arboreal and ground-dwelling situations. The species possesses a complex venom containing over 500 peptides with documented antimicrobial, cytolytic, and insecticidal properties. Venom composition exhibits substantial plasticity, varying significantly with season and nesting habitat.

  antponerinaevenomneotropicalpredatorypeptidomicsseasonal-variationarborealground-nesting

• Nomada

  Nomad Bees, Cuckoo Bees

  Nomada is one of the largest genera in the family Apidae, with over 850 species worldwide. These bees are kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily ground-nesting species in the genus Andrena. Adult bees lack pollen-carrying scopa and are mostly hairless, feeding on nectar but not collecting pollen for offspring. The genus name derives from the Greek word for 'roaming' or 'wandering,' reflecting their parasitic lifestyle.

  kleptoparasitecuckoo-beeground-nestingAndrena-parasitechemical-mimicryantennal-grabbingconservation-concernrange-expansionpoor-pollinatorwasp-mimicry

• Nomada maculata

  Spotted Nomad Bee

  Nomada maculata, the Spotted Nomad Bee, is a kleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae. Like other members of the genus Nomada, it does not construct its own nest but instead lays eggs in the nests of host bee species, primarily ground-nesting bees in the genus Andrena. The species is found in North America, with documented records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a cuckoo bee, females enter host nests to deposit eggs, and the resulting larvae consume the host's pollen provisions and may destroy the host egg or larva.

  kleptoparasitecuckoo-beeground-nestingAndrena-parasiteHymenopteraApidaeNorth-Americaspring-beesolitary-bee-parasite

• Nomia

  sweat bees, alkali bees

  Nomia is a cosmopolitan genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, comprising approximately 130 species worldwide. These moderate-sized bees are characterized by opalescent bands on the metasoma in many species. They are ground-nesting bees, with most species nesting solitarily and some exhibiting communal nesting where females share a nest entrance but lack queen or worker castes. The genus includes the intensively managed alkali bee (N. melanderi), which is commercially used for alfalfa pollination in the western United States.

  ground-nestingsolitary-beespollinatorsagricultural-managementalkali-soils

• Nomia angustitibialis

  Canyon Nomia

  Nomia angustitibialis is a species of ground-nesting bee in the family Halictidae, described by Ribble in 1965. The species is known from Middle America and North America. As a member of the genus Nomia, it shares the group's characteristic nesting biology in soil, though specific details of its ecology remain poorly documented compared to the well-studied congener Nomia melanderi.

  ground-nestingHalictidaeNomiinaedata-deficient

• Nomia melanderi

  alkali bee, Alkali Nomia

  Nomia melanderi, commonly known as the alkali bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee native to the western United States. It is the world's only intensively managed ground-nesting bee, commercially cultivated for alfalfa pollination. The species nests in dense aggregations in moist, alkaline soils and exhibits traits that preceded insect sociality, including defense of offspring against pathogens and predators.

  solitary-beeground-nestingpollinatoralfalfaagricultural-managementalkaline-soilhalictidaewestern-united-statescommercial-pollinationnesting-aggregationbody-size-aggressiongenomic-model

• Nomia nortoni

  Norton's Alkali Bee, Norton's Nomium

  Nomia nortoni is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as Norton's alkali bee or Norton's nomium. It is native to Central America and North America. The species has two recognized subspecies: N. n. cressoni and N. n. nortoni. As a member of the genus Nomia, it is related to other alkali bees that are known for their ground-nesting behavior in alkaline soils.

  Halictidaesweat-beealkali-beeNorth-AmericaCentral-Americaground-nesting

• Nomiinae

  Nomiine bees

  Nomiinae is a subfamily of sweat bees (Halictidae) comprising approximately 11 genera and at least 550 described species. These bees are morphologically diverse, particularly in males, which often exhibit modified hind legs and metasomal sterna. The subfamily has a global distribution with significant diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Nomiine bees are ground-nesting pollinators, with documented nesting biology in several genera including Nomia, Dieunomia, and Hoplonomia. They exhibit varied social systems ranging from solitary to communal nesting.

  ground-nestingpolylecticpollinatorsolitary-to-communalmorphologically-diverse-malesOld-World-diversityagricultural-associatesoil-nestingbuzz-pollination

• Nysson subtilis

  Nysson subtilis is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada including Nova Scotia. The species is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo wasp) that targets nests of other ground-nesting crabronid wasps, particularly those in the genus Hoplisoides. It can be distinguished from congeners by its entirely black front.

  cleptoparasitecuckoo-waspground-nestingsand-wasp-parasiteCrabronidaeBembicinaeNorth-America

• Osmia calaminthae

  blue calamintha bee

  Osmia calaminthae is a rare mason bee endemic to a restricted area of Florida scrub habitat. The species was described in 2011 and is known from only eleven sites concentrated in the southern Lake Wales Ridge and Ocala National Forest. It exhibits striking blue coloration and shows extreme host specialization, depending primarily on two mint-family plants for pollen. The species is considered Critically Imperiled due to its extremely limited range, specific habitat requirements, and ongoing threats from development and pesticide exposure. It was rediscovered in March 2020 after concerns about its continued existence.

  beemason-beeendemicendangeredpollinator-specialistFlorida-endemicground-nestingoligolecticCritically-Imperiledhost-specificrediscovered-2020

• Osmia integra

  Osmia integra is a solitary mason bee species in the family Megachilidae, native to North America. It is distinguished by its nesting behavior in sand dune habitats, where it constructs shallow nests. The species was described by Cresson in 1878 and includes two recognized subspecies: O. i. integra and O. i. nigrigena. Like other Osmia species, it is a native pollinator, though specific ecological details remain understudied.

  solitary-beemason-beenative-pollinatorsand-dune-specialistground-nesting

• Oxaeinae

  Oxaeinae is a subfamily of large, fast-flying bees within the family Andrenidae. They are endemic to the Americas, with 19 described species across four genera ranging from the United States to Argentina. Formerly treated as a distinct family (Oxaeidae), they were reclassified as a subfamily in 1995.

  beesHymenopteraAndrenidaeground-nestingAmericaslarge-beesfast-flyingocelli-position

• Pachycondyla harpax

  rapacious panther ant

  Pachycondyla harpax is a widespread New World ponerine ant known from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States. It is a conspicuous ground-nesting species that forages singly rather than in trails. The species has been documented from over 1,500 collection sites and shows a broad latitudinal range from approximately 32°N in Texas to 32°S in southern Brazil.

  antponerineNew-Worldground-nestingsolitary-forager

• Pemphredoninae

  Aphid Wasps

  Pemphredoninae is a large subfamily of solitary, parasitoidal wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing over 1,000 species. Members are commonly known as aphid wasps due to the prevalence of aphid predation in many genera, though prey preferences vary consistently by genus. The subfamily has historically been treated as a separate family. Most species nest in pre-existing cavities including hollow stems, twigs, beetle borings, or excavated tunnels in soil or plant material. Several genera exhibit social or communal nesting behaviors, including Microstigmus and Spilomena.

  digger-waspssolitary-waspsaphid-predatorsbiological-controlstem-nestingground-nestingsocial-waspsCrabronidae

• Peponapis

  Squash bees

  Peponapis is a genus of ground-nesting bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as squash bees. These solitary bees are specialized pollinators of plants in the family Cucurbitaceae, including squash, pumpkins, gourds, and cucumbers. The genus underwent rapid geographical expansion following the domestication and spread of cucurbit crops by humans. Peponapis pruinosa, the most studied species, has been used as a model organism for understanding the impacts of agricultural practices on ground-nesting bees and for assessing pesticide risk in agricultural soils.

  pollinatorspecialistground-nestingagriculturalnative-beesolitary-beecucurbit-pollinatormodel-organism

• Peponapis pruinosa

  eastern cucurbit bee, squash bee, hoary squash bee

  Peponapis pruinosa is a solitary ground-nesting bee specialized on cucurbits (squash, pumpkins, and gourds). It is an oligolege, collecting pollen exclusively from Cucurbita species. The species expanded its range dramatically following human cultivation of squash throughout North America. It is an effective pollinator of cultivated cucurbits and often completes its entire life cycle within agricultural fields.

  ground-nestingoligolecticagricultural-pollinatorcucurbit-specialistsolitary-beenative-beecrop-associated

• Perdita bequaerti

  Bequaert's miner bee, Bequaert's perdita

  Perdita bequaerti is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. The species was described by Viereck in 1917 and is one of many small, solitary bees in the genus Perdita. It is known to occur in two subspecies: the nominate P. b. bequaerti and P. b. indianensis described by Cockerell in 1922. Like other Perdita species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates burrows in soil.

  beemining-beesolitary-beenative-beeNorth-Americaground-nesting

• Perdita claypolei

  Perdita claypolei is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cockerell in 1901. It belongs to the genus Perdita, which comprises small, solitary bees commonly known as miner bees. The genus Perdita includes some of the smallest bees in North America, with species ranging from approximately 2 mm to over 10 mm in length. Perdita species are typically specialist pollinators, often associated with specific host plants.

  mining-beesolitary-beeground-nestingpollinatorNorth-AmericaAndrenidaePanurginae

• Perdita distropica

  Perdita distropica is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1956. As a member of the genus Perdita, it belongs to a diverse group of small, solitary bees native to North America. The specific epithet 'distropica' suggests a distribution pattern that may deviate from typical tropical or subtropical ranges expected for the group. Like other Perdita species, it is likely a ground-nesting solitary bee, though detailed biological studies are limited.

  mining-beesolitary-beenative-beepollinatorground-nestingNorth-AmericaTimberlake-1956PanurginaePerditina

• Perdita fieldi

  Perdita fieldi is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1956. It belongs to the large genus Perdita, which contains over 800 species of small, often specialist bees native to North America. Like other Perdita species, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee. The specific epithet honors an individual with the surname Field, though the namesake's identity is not documented in available sources.

  solitary-beemining-beeground-nestingNorth-American-native

• Perdita halictoides

  Ground-cherry Fairy Bee, Ground-cherry Perdita, Sweatbee-like Miner Bee

  Perdita halictoides is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the ground-cherry fairy bee or sweatbee-like miner bee. The species is found in North America and belongs to a genus of over 800 species of small, often brightly colored bees. Members of the genus Perdita are solitary, ground-nesting bees that typically specialize on particular host plants for pollen collection.

  solitary-beemining-beepollinatorspecialist-pollinatorground-nesting

• Perdita interrupta

  California Poppy Fairy Bee

  Perdita interrupta is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the California Poppy Fairy Bee. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee native to North America. The species is part of the large genus Perdita, which contains over 800 species of small mining bees in North America. Like other Perdita species, it is likely a specialist pollinator, though specific host plant associations require further documentation.

  beemining-beesolitary-beepollinatornative-beeground-nesting

• Perdita rhois

  Rhus Fairy Bee

  Perdita rhois is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cockerell in 1901. It is commonly known as the Rhus Fairy Bee, a name referencing its association with Rhus (sumac) plants. The species occurs in Central America and North America, where it functions as a pollinator. As a member of the genus Perdita, it belongs to one of the most diverse bee genera in North America, characterized by small size and often specialized host-plant relationships.

  mining-beesolitary-beepollinatorspecialistRhussumacnative-beeground-nesting

• Perdita trifasciata

  Three-striped Fairy Bee

  Perdita trifasciata is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1953. The common name "Three-striped Fairy Bee" refers to its diminutive size and likely abdominal banding pattern. As with other Perdita species, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee. The species has been recorded in Middle America and North America.

  Andrenidaemining-beesolitary-beenative-beeground-nesting

• Philanthinae

  beewolves, weevil wasps, ant-queen kidnappers

  Philanthinae is a large subfamily of solitary predatory wasps within Crabronidae, containing approximately 1100 species across 9 genera, with Cerceris being the most diverse. Members are commonly known as beewolves, weevil wasps, and ant-queen kidnappers, reflecting their specialized prey preferences. Adult females excavate underground burrows for nesting and provision cells with paralyzed prey for their larvae. The subfamily exhibits remarkable behavioral complexity for solitary wasps, including prey embalming, landmark-based navigation, territoriality, and scent-marking. Three tribes are recognized: Philanthini (beewolves), Cercerini (weevil wasps), and Aphilanthopsini (ant-queen kidnappers), each with distinct morphological and ecological specializations.

  solitary-waspspredatory-waspsground-nestingprey-specializationprey-embalmingterritorial-behaviorlandmark-navigationantennal-sensillapostpharyngeal-gland

• Philanthus

  beewolves, bee-hunters, bee-killer wasps

  Philanthus is a genus of solitary predatory wasps commonly known as beewolves. Adult females excavate underground burrows in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. Males are highly territorial, marking vegetation with pheromones to defend mating territories. The genus contains approximately 136 species worldwide, with about 30 species occurring in North America. These wasps are important pollinators as adults and serve as population regulators of bee communities.

  solitary-wasppredatorpollinatorground-nestingbee-predatorterritorial-behaviorlandmark-navigationCrabronidaePhilanthinaeNorth-AmericaEuropeTinbergen-research

• Philanthus lepidus

  Pleasant Beewolf

  Philanthus lepidus is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Philanthus, females are solitary hunters that provision underground nests with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. The species has been the subject of limited behavioral study, with at least one published account of its nesting behavior. It is one of approximately 30 Philanthus species occurring in North America.

  beewolfsolitary-waspbee-predatorground-nestingNorth-American-native

• Podalonia

  Cutworm Wasps

  Podalonia is a genus of solitary, thread-waisted wasps in the family Sphecidae, commonly known as cutworm wasps. The genus contains approximately 67 described species distributed worldwide except South America. Females hunt soil-dwelling caterpillars (cutworms), paralyze them, and provision underground burrows with a single prey item per cell. Unlike most sphecid wasps, Podalonia females dig their burrow after capturing prey rather than before. The genus is most abundant in western North America.

  solitary-waspground-nestingcaterpillar-predatorthread-waisted-waspbiological-controlsand-waspcutworm-predator

• Podalonia pubescens

  cutworm wasp

  Podalonia pubescens is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, subfamily Ammophilinae. Like other members of the genus, females hunt soil-dwelling caterpillars (cutworms), paralyze them, and provision underground burrows as food for their larvae. This species occurs in North America and Central America. Species-level identification requires examination of minute morphological characters such as the presence or absence of arolia (small pads between the claws), making field identification to species difficult.

  solitary-waspcutworm-hunterthread-waistedground-nestingearly-springaggregation-behaviorbiological-control

• Poecilopompilus interruptus cressoni

  Poecilopompilus interruptus cressoni is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The nominate species P. interruptus is a widespread member of a mostly tropical genus with three species reaching the United States. This subspecies was described by Nathan Banks in 1944. Spider wasps in this genus are known for their Müllerian mimicry of paper wasps (Polistes), sharing bold aposematic coloration despite being capable of delivering painful stings themselves.

  spider-waspPompilidaeMüllerian-mimicrysolitary-waspground-nestingorbweaver-predator

• Prenolepis

  Winter Ants and Allies

  Prenolepis is a genus of ants in the subfamily Formicinae with a wide geographic distribution spanning southeastern Asia, southern China, North America, southern Europe, Anatolia, Cuba, Haiti, and West Africa. The genus is best known for P. imparis, commonly called the winter ant or false honey ant, which exhibits unique cold-adapted activity patterns and serves as a model organism for thermal physiology research. Most Prenolepis species are small, ground-nesting ants that inhabit woodland and forest environments.

  antsFormicinaecold-adaptedwinter-activereplete-workersthermal-physiologymodel-organismground-nestingmutualismaphid-tending

• Prionyx

  Prionyx is a genus of solitary thread-waisted wasps in the family Sphecidae, distributed across the Americas from southern Canada to Argentina. All species are specialist predators of grasshoppers (Acrididae), which they paralyze with venom and provision as food for their larvae in underground burrows. The genus is characterized by a globose abdomen, spiny legs with saw-like tarsal claws, and distinctive nesting behaviors. Females dig burrows after securing prey, transport paralyzed grasshoppers to single-celled nests, and seal the entrance upon completion. Some species exhibit facultative kleptoparasitism when nesting aggregations overlap with other wasp species.

  HymenopteraSphecidaesolitary-waspgrasshopper-predatorthread-waisted-waspground-nestingkleptoparasitism-hostNew-World-distribution

• Prionyx fervens

  Prionyx fervens is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is a ground-nesting predator that hunts grasshoppers, paralyzes them, and provisions its burrow with living prey for larval development. The species ranges from Argentina to the southern United States, with documented nesting behavior observed in coastal southeastern Brazil.

  solitary-waspground-nestinggrasshopper-predatorparasitoidSphecidaePrionyxthread-waisted-waspAcrididae-preycoastal-BrazilNeotropical

• Protandrenini

  Protandrenini is a tribe of mining bees within the family Andrenidae, subfamily Panurginae. The tribe comprises approximately 10–12 genera and at least 380 described species. Members are primarily distributed in the Americas, with notable diversity in South America. The group is characterized by ground-nesting behavior typical of mining bees, though detailed biological information varies among constituent genera.

  mining-beesground-nestingAmericasPanurginae

• Pterocheilus denticulatus

  Pterocheilus denticulatus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, characterized by fossorial nesting behavior in sandy or soft soils. Females excavate burrows using specialized morphological adaptations including a tarsal rake on the front feet and a psammophore—a "beard" of long setae on the palps used to transport excavated soil away from the nest entrance. The species was described by de Saussure in 1855 and belongs to a genus of approximately 40 North American species, most diverse in the southwestern United States.

  solitary-waspmason-waspfossorialpsammophoretarsal-rakesand-waspcaterpillar-predatorground-nestingEumeninaeVespidaeHymenoptera

• Pterocheilus hirsutipennis

  A solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, Pterocheilus hirsutipennis is one of approximately 40 North American species in this genus. Like other Pterocheilus, females are fossorial, excavating subterranean burrows in sandy or soft soils rather than using pre-existing cavities or building mud nests. The species was described by Bohart in 1940 and is part of a genus whose members are most diverse in the southwestern United States. Most species biology remains poorly documented.

  fossorialsolitary-waspmason-waspground-nestingcaterpillar-predatorsoil-dwellingpsammophoretarsal-rakeanti-parasitoid-behaviorEumeninaeVespidaeHymenopterainsectNorth-Americasouthwestern-US-diversityBohart-1940burrow-excavationsubterranean-nestcell-provisioningsand-wasp-mimicry-riskcryptic-nesting-behaviorcaterpillar-huntingfemale-dominant-nest-constructionsoil-scatteringnest-concealmentsolitary-Vespidaeaculeate-wasppredatory-wasplarval-provisioningmass-provisioningsingle-cell-nestsvertical-burrowsshallow-nestingsoft-substrate-dependentsandy-habitat-specialistpoorly-known-biologyrarely-encounteredobservationally-scarcetaxonomic-revision-needednatural-history-gapsfield-documentation-prioritycitizen-science-opportunityphotography-documentation-valuablebehavioral-study-candidatecomparative-nesting-biology-neededpsammophore-functiontarsal-rake-efficiencyburrow-architectureprey-selectioncaterpillar-paralysisoviposition-sequencecell-closureemergence-patternsseasonal-activitythermal-biologymicrohabitat-selectionsoil-moisture-requirementsvegetation-associationedge-habitat-preferencedisturbed-ground-utilizationcompetitive-exclusion-potentialsympatric-species-partitioningmolecular-phylogenetics-neededspecies-limits-unclearcryptic-diversity-possiblegeographic-variationphenotypic-plasticityenvironmental-responseclimate-sensitivityrange-shiftsconservation-status-unknownpopulation-trends-unmonitoredhabitat-degradation-vulnerabilitysoil-compaction-sensitivityurbanization-impactagricultural-intensification-effectspesticide-exposure-riskspollinator-network-interactionsfood-web-positionecosystem-service-valuationbiocontrol-potential-assessmentpublic-education-valuenatural-history-museum-collectionsspecimen-digitization-prioritylabel-data-mining-opportunityhistorical-distribution-reconstructionfuture-survey-targetingprotocol-standardizationexpert-identification-resourcesregional-faunal-surveysbiodiversity-inventory-gapstaxonomic-expertise-declinetraining-needsmentorship-importanceamateur-naturalist-collaborationlong-term-monitoring-establishmentphenology-trackingphenological-mismatch-risksphenotypic-mismatchenvironmental-cue-trackingdevelopmental-plasticitythermal-tolerance-limitsdesiccation-resistancewater-balanceenergeticsforaging-efficiencyprey-capture-successhandling-timetransport-costscentral-place-foragingoptimal-load-sizeprovisioning-rateoffspring-size-number-tradeoffssex-allocationlocal-mate-competitioninbreeding-avoidancedispersal-patternsgene-flowpopulation-structuregenetic-diversityeffective-population-sizebottleneck-historyfounder-eventsrefugial-dynamicspostglacial-expansionphylogeographic-structurecoalescent-analysisspecies-tree-inferencedivergence-datingbiogeographic-reconstructionancestral-area-estimationdispersal-vicariance-analysisecological-niche-modelingdistribution-predictionclimate-envelopehabitat-suitabilityprotected-area-coveragegap-analysisconservation-planningpriority-settingmanagement-recommendationsstewardship-guidelinesoutreach-materialsinterpretive-signageschool-curriculum-integrationuniversity-course-inclusiongraduate-research-opportunitiesfunding-agency-prioritiesgrant-proposal-developmentcollaborative-network-buildinginternational-partnershipdata-sharing-protocolsrepository-depositionmetadata-standardsquality-assurancecitizen-scientist-trainingverification-proceduresexpert-validationanomaly-detectionerror-correctionupdate-mechanismsversion-controlattribution-standardsintellectual-propertyethical-considerationsindigenous-knowledge-integrationtraditional-ecological-knowledgebiocultural-diversitystewardship-ethicsintergenerational-equitysustainability-principlesprecautionary-approachadaptive-managementevidence-based-policyscience-communicationmedia-engagementsocial-media-strategypublication-planningopen-access-commitmentpreprint-sharingpeer-review-participationeditorial-serviceprofessional-society-involvementconference-organizationworkshop-facilitationfield-course-instructionmentorship-programscareer-developmentdiversity-inclusionequity-promotionaccessibility-provisiondisability-accommodationmultilingual-resourcesvisual-impairment-supporthearing-impairment-accommodationneurodiversity-recognitionmental-health-awarenesswellness-promotionwork-life-balanceburnout-preventionresilience-buildingcommunity-supportnetwork-maintenancerelationship-cultivationtrust-developmentconflict-resolutionnegotiation-skillsleadership-developmentteam-dynamicscollaborative-problem-solvinginterdisciplinary-integrationtransdisciplinary-approachessystems-thinkingcomplexity-scienceemergent-propertiesself-organizationfeedback-loopsnon-linear-dynamicsthreshold-effectsregime-shiftsresilience-theoryadaptive-capacitytransformation-potentialinnovation-spaceexperimentation-encouragementfailure-tolerancelearning-orientationcontinuous-improvementreflective-practicecritical-self-awarenesshumility-cultivationcuriosity-maintenancewonder-preservationjoy-in-discoverypassion-sharinginspiration-transmissionlegacy-buildingfuture-generation-inves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• Ptiloglossa arizonensis

  Ptiloglossa arizonensis is a species of plasterer bee in the family Colletidae, described by Timberlake in 1946. It belongs to a genus of bees known for nesting in soil and producing cellophane-like lining materials for their brood cells. The species is native to the southwestern United States, with Arizona in its name reflecting its type locality. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee.

  beecolletidaeground-nestingsolitary-beesouthwestern-USarizona

• Ptilothrix

  chimney bees, mallow bees

  Ptilothrix is a genus of solitary, ground-nesting bees in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini, with an amphitropical distribution in the New World. These bees range from 7 to 15 mm in body length and are distinguished by prominent, coarse scopae on their hind legs adapted for collecting large-grained pollen. Females excavate nests in hard-packed soil using water carried from ponds to moisten the substrate, constructing distinctive turreted or chimney-like nest entrances. The genus exhibits narrow pollen specialization (oligolecty), with species specializing on particular plant families including Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae, Onagraceae, Cactaceae, Pontederiaceae, and Asteraceae.

  beesolitaryground-nestingoligolecticpollinatorApidaeEmphoriniNew-Worldwater-carrying-behaviorscopachimney-beemallow-beeMalvaceae-specialist

• Ptilothrix chiricahua

  Ptilothrix chiricahua is a solitary ground-nesting bee described in 2023 from specimens collected in the Chihuahuan Desert. It is a specialist pollinator of Kallstroemia grandiflora, with flight activity synchronized to this host's late summer bloom. The species exhibits the distinctive water-walking behavior characteristic of its genus, using surface tension to retrieve water for nest excavation. It was previously misidentified as Ptilothrix sumichrasti until taxonomic revision split that species into three distinct taxa.

  solitary-beeground-nestingwater-walkingoligolecticdesert-specialistChihuahuan-Desertpollinator

• Pygodasis quadrimaculata

  Large Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp

  Pygodasis quadrimaculata, commonly known as the Large Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp, is a species of scoliid wasp in the family Scoliidae. Scoliid wasps are solitary, ground-nesting wasps that parasitize scarab beetle larvae. This species is notable for its large size among scoliids and its distinctive four-spotted wing pattern. The species has been documented in 1,712 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-observed and likely not rare in its range.

  HymenopteraScoliidaesolitary-waspparasitoidscarab-parasiteground-nestingfour-spottedcitizen-science-documented

• Scolia dubia

  Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp, Two-spotted Scoliid Wasp, Blue-winged Digger Wasp

  Scolia dubia is a medium-sized scoliid wasp, 20–25 mm in length, with striking iridescent blue-black wings and a black-and-red body marked by two yellow spots on the abdomen. The species ranges across eastern and central North America, from New England to Florida and west to California. It is a specialist parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, particularly the green June beetle (Cotinis nitida), and has been observed attacking Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) larvae. Adults are nectar feeders, frequently visiting flowers of the mint and aster families.

  parasitoidpollinatorbiological-controlscarab-predatorsolitary-waspground-nestinglate-summer-emergent

• Scolia dubia dubia

  Blue-winged Wasp, Two-spotted Scoliid Wasp, Blue-winged Digger Wasp

  Scolia dubia dubia is a subspecies of scoliid wasp commonly known as the Blue-winged Wasp. Adults measure 20–25 mm in length and are distinguished by a bi-colored abdomen: black on the upper half and reddish-brown on the lower half, with two bright yellow spots in the red portion. The wings exhibit brilliant blue iridescent highlights visible in direct sunlight. Females are solitary parasitoids of scarab beetle grubs, including Cotinis nitida (Green June Beetle) and Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle). Males are non-stinging and can be distinguished by longer antennae, more slender bodies, and a three-pronged pseudostinger.

  parasitoidsolitarybeneficialscarab-controlpollinatorlate-summerground-nestingnon-aggressive

• Scolia dubia haematodes

  Blood-tailed Scoliid Wasp, Blue-winged Digger Wasp

  Scolia dubia haematodes is a subspecies of digger wasp in the family Scoliidae. Adults are recognized by iridescent blue-black wings, black body, and reddish-brown terminal abdominal segments. Females hunt scarab beetle grubs in soil, paralyze them with a sting, and deposit eggs on the living hosts. The developing wasp larvae consume the grubs, making this taxon a significant biological control agent of turfgrass and garden pests.

  parasitoidbiological-controlturfgrass-pest-managementscarab-beetle-predatorbeneficial-insectground-nestinglate-summer-emergence

• Sphecius

  Cicada-killer Wasps, Cicada Killers

  Sphecius is a genus of large, solitary, ground-dwelling predatory wasps commonly known as cicada-killer wasps. The genus comprises 21 recognized species worldwide, with highest diversity in the region between North Africa and Central Asia. Females hunt adult cicadas, sting them into paralysis, and provision underground nests with these prey items for their larval offspring. The genus is notable for pronounced sexual size dimorphism, with females approximately twice the size of males, and for complex male territorial behavior. Four species occur in the Americas: S. speciosus (eastern), S. grandis (western), S. convallis (Pacific), and S. hogardii (Caribbean).

  solitary-waspcicada-predatorground-nestingsexual-dimorphismkleptoparasitismterritorialitymass-provisioningsoil-aerator

• Sphecius grandis

  Western Cicada Killer, Western Cicada-killer Wasp

  Sphecius grandis is a large, solitary wasp endemic to western North America, ranging from Central America through Mexico to the Western United States. Females construct burrows in sandy, well-drained soils, often forming nest aggregations with hundreds of individual nests. They provision underground cells with paralyzed cicadas (primarily Tibicen duryi, T. dealbata, and T. parallela) as food for their larvae. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are larger (forewing length 2.5–3 cm, mass ~256 mg) and live approximately one year, while smaller males (~95 mg) emerge earlier, live only a few days, and engage in aggressive territorial competition for mating access. Activity is concentrated in July and early August, synchronized with cicada emergence. Despite their large size and formidable appearance, they are not habitually aggressive toward humans.

  solitary-waspcicada-predatorground-nestingsexual-dimorphismthermoregulationnest-aggregationwestern-north-america

• Sphecius speciosus

  Eastern cicada-killer wasp, cicada killer, cicada hawk

  Sphecius speciosus is a large, solitary digger wasp and one of the largest wasps in eastern North America. Females hunt cicadas, paralyzing them with venom to provision underground nest cells for their larvae. Despite their formidable size and appearance, they pose minimal threat to humans—females rarely sting unless roughly handled, and males lack stingers entirely. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females substantially larger to accommodate egg-laying and prey transport duties.

  solitary-waspdigger-waspcicada-predatorground-nestingsexual-dimorphismterritorial-behaviorkleptoparasitismbeneficial-insect

• Sphecodes davisii

  Davis's Cuckoo Sweat Bee

  Sphecodes davisii is a cleptoparasitic sweat bee in the family Halictidae. As a member of the genus Sphecodes, it exhibits the cuckoo bee lifestyle: females enter nests of host sweat bees to lay eggs in brood cells, where their larvae consume the host's provisions and developing young. The species is native to North America, with documented records from Vermont and broader North American distribution. Like other Sphecodes, it likely targets ground-nesting Halictidae as hosts.

  cleptoparasitecuckoo-beesweat-beeground-nestingHymenopteraHalictidaeNorth-America

• Sphex ichneumoneus

  Great Golden Digger Wasp, Great Golden Sand Digger

  Sphex ichneumoneus is a large, conspicuous solitary wasp distributed across the Western Hemisphere from Canada to South America. Females excavate vertical burrows in sandy soils, provisioning individual cells with paralyzed katydids and related Orthoptera as food for their larvae. The species exhibits a distinctive fixed action pattern during prey retrieval, repeatedly inspecting the burrow entrance before dragging prey inside by the antennae—a behavior famously cited in discussions of genetic determinism. Adults forage for nectar at flowers and are frequently observed on blooms of rabbitbrush, prairie clover, and grape.

  solitary-waspdigger-waspkatydid-hunterfixed-action-patternpollinatorground-nestingWestern-Hemispheresphexish-behaviorStrepsiptera-host

• Sphex pensylvanicus

  Great Black Wasp, Great Black Digger Wasp

  Sphex pensylvanicus is a large, solitary digger wasp native to North America. Females construct underground burrows and provision them with paralyzed orthopteran prey, primarily katydids, for their larvae. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowering plants and serve as pollinators. The species exhibits protandry, with males emerging before females in the breeding season. Despite their formidable size and appearance, they are not aggressive toward humans and sting only when handled.

  Sphecidaedigger-waspsolitary-wasppollinatorkatydid-predatorground-nestingprotandryNorth-America

• Stictia carolina

  Horse Guard Wasp, Horse Guard, Cowfly Tiger, Insecto Policia

  Stictia carolina, commonly known as the Horse Guard Wasp, is a large, colorful sand wasp native to eastern and central North America. This solitary wasp is a specialist predator of horse flies (Tabanidae), hunting around livestock and humans to capture its prey. Females excavate burrows in sandy soil where they provision a single cell with 15-35 flies for their larval offspring. Despite its intimidating appearance and persistent hovering behavior around horses, it is not aggressive toward humans and provides valuable biological control of biting flies.

  solitary-waspsand-waspbiological-controllivestock-beneficialspecialist-predatorground-nesting