Hymenoptera
Guides
Allantus viennensis
Curled Rose Sawfly, Rose Sawfly
Allantus viennensis is a sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the curled rose sawfly. The larvae are significant pests of roses, feeding on leaf margins and causing defoliation. Adults are small, wasp-like insects with saw-like ovipositors used to insert eggs into rose tissue. The species is distinguished by the larval habit of curling cryptically on leaves when not feeding.
Allaporus pulchellus
A spider wasp species in the family Pompilidae, originally described as Planiceps pulchella by Banks in 1910 and later transferred to the genus Allaporus. The genus Allaporus is a small group of pompilid wasps, and A. pulchellus appears to be a rarely encountered species with minimal documented observations.
Allophroides
Allophroides is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Horstmann in 1971. The genus contains approximately 12 described species, with Allophroides boops designated as the type species. Most species have been described relatively recently, with several added by Horstmann in 2013. Members of this genus are koinobiont parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Allophrys divaricata
Allophrys divaricata is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Horstmann in 2010. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The species has been recorded from the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, including the United States, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, and Argentina. Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific biological details remain limited.
Alysson
Alysson is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae (subfamily Bembicinae, tribe Alyssontini). The genus comprises at least 40 described species distributed across multiple continents. These wasps are part of the diverse assemblage of digger wasps, though specific biological details for the genus as a whole remain incompletely documented. The genus was established by Panzer in 1806 and has undergone taxonomic revisions, with some authorities historically placing it in the family Bembicidae.
Ambloplisus ornatus
Ambloplisus ornatus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1868. It is a parasitoid wasp belonging to the superfamily Ichneumonoidea, one of the most species-rich groups of parasitic wasps. The genus Ambloplisus is part of the diverse ichneumonid fauna of North America.
Ammobatoidini
cuckoo bees
Ammobatoidini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. The tribe contains at least four genera (Aethammobates, Ammobatoides, Holcopasites, and Schmiedeknechtia) and approximately 30 described species. Members are obligate cleptoparasites, laying eggs in the nests of host bees. The tribe has been documented in North America, with some species having restricted geographic ranges.
Ammoplanus
aphid wasps
Ammoplanus is a genus of aphid wasps containing more than 50 described species. The genus was established by Giraud in 1869 and is classified within the family Ammoplanidae (sometimes treated as a subfamily within Crabronidae). These wasps are part of the apoid wasp lineage within the order Hymenoptera. The genus has relatively few observational records despite its species diversity.
Ammosphex angularis
Ammosphex angularis is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The genus Ammosphex was established to accommodate certain species previously placed in Pompilus. This species was originally described by Banks in 1910 as Pompilus angularis angularis. Spider wasps in this family are solitary predators that paralyze spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The specific epithet 'angularis' likely refers to some angular feature of the body, though the original description would be needed to confirm this.
Ammosphex anomalus
Ammosphex anomalus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, originally described by Dreisbach in 1950 as Pompilus anomalus anomalus. The species was later transferred to the genus Ammosphex. It is part of the aculeate wasp group within Hymenoptera. Very limited biological information is available for this species, with only a single observation recorded in iNaturalist and minimal published literature. The genus Ammosphex contains species that are generally associated with hunting spiders as prey for their larvae, consistent with the biology of Pompilidae.
Ammosphex michiganensis
Ammosphex michiganensis is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Dreisbach in 1949. The species was originally placed in the genus Pompilus before being transferred to Ammosphex. It is a member of the diverse spider wasp family, which are characterized by their habit of hunting spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The species has been documented through a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or understudied.
Amphibolips acuminata
Fusiform Oak Apple Gall Wasp
Amphibolips acuminata is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, commonly known as the Fusiform Oak Apple Gall Wasp. The species induces distinctive galls on oak trees, specifically forming fusiform (spindle-shaped) oak apple galls. As with other members of the genus Amphibolips, this species has an alternation of generations with distinct sexual and asexual forms that produce different gall types. The species is associated with oaks in the genus Quercus and has been documented across a broad geographic range in North America.
Amphibolips femoratus
A species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, originally described by Ashmead in 1887 as Andricus femoratus before transfer to Amphibolips. Like other members of this genus, it induces galls on oaks (Quercus spp.). The species is documented from limited observations, with most records from North America.
Amphibolips gainesi
Amphibolips gainesi is a species of gall wasp described by Bassett in 1900. It belongs to the family Cynipidae, a group of wasps known for inducing galls on oak trees. The genus Amphibolips is associated with oak galls, though specific details about this species' biology remain limited in published literature.
Amphibolips ilicifoliae
Amphibolips ilicifoliae is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces galls on oak leaves. It is one of numerous Amphibolips species associated with oaks in North America. The species is distinguished by its specific host association with certain oak groups and the morphology of the galls it produces. Like other cynipid gall wasps, it has a complex life cycle involving both sexual and asexual generations, though details specific to this species remain incompletely documented.
Amphibolips murata
Amphibolips murata is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, it induces the formation of galls on oak trees (Quercus species). The species is documented from multiple observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Amphibolips quercuscoelebs
Amphibolips quercuscoelebs is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. It induces galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.), specifically associated with the host species suggested by its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus Amphibolips, this species exhibits a complex life cycle with alternating sexual and asexual generations, though detailed documentation for this particular species remains limited. The species has been documented through a small number of observations, indicating it may be uncommon or underreported.
Amphibolips quercusfuliginosa
Amphibolips quercusfuliginosa is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. It induces galls on oak species (Quercus), with the specific epithet referencing the sooty or dark appearance of the gall structures. The species belongs to a genus known for producing complex, often spherical galls on oaks. It is part of the diverse North American cynipid fauna associated with white oaks.
Amphibolips quercusracemaria
Amphibolips quercusracemaria is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, first described by Ashmead in 1881. The specific epithet "quercusracemaria" indicates an association with oak (Quercus), likely inducing galls on catkins or inflorescences. Like other members of the genus Amphibolips, this species is part of the diverse North American cynipid fauna specialized on oaks.
Anacharis
Anacharis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Figitidae, established by Dalman in 1823. The genus occurs in the Palaearctic and Indomalayan regions, with species documented from Europe, Norway, and Thailand. A 2018 taxonomic revision redescribed four previously known Palaearctic species and described three new species, including the first Indomalayan record for the genus. The genus was also subject to nomenclatural changes, including the synonymization of A. gracilipes with A. eucharoides and the transfer of A. flavidicornis to the genus Aegilips.
Anacrabronina
square-headed wasps
Anacrabronina is a subtribe of square-headed wasps within the family Crabronidae, established by Ashmead in 1899. The subtribe comprises at least 4 genera and approximately 120 described species. Members are solitary wasps characterized by their distinctive square or rectangular head shape. The subtribe is part of the tribe Crabronini and subfamily Crabroninae.
Anagyrus californicus
Anagyrus californicus is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, originally described by Compere in 1947 as Apoanagyrus californicus. It is a specialized parasitoid of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with documented records from California, Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii. The species has been utilized in biological control programs targeting mealybug pests in agricultural systems.
Anagyrus paralia
Anagyrus paralia is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Noyes and Menezes in 2000. It belongs to the genus Anagyrus, which contains numerous species used in biological control of mealybugs and other scale insects. The specific epithet "paralia" suggests a coastal or shore-associated habitat, though detailed ecological data remain limited. Like other Anagyrus species, it is presumed to be a primary parasitoid of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), but host records specific to this species have not been documented in the available literature.
Anagyrus pulchricornis
Anagyrus pulchricornis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Howard in 1894. It belongs to a genus widely used in biological control programs targeting mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The species is known from the Caribbean region, with records from Jamaica, the Grenadines, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Like other members of Anagyrus, it likely parasitizes mealybug hosts, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Anagyrus shahidi
Anagyrus shahidi is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Hayat in 1979. It belongs to a genus widely used in biological control programs targeting mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The species has been recorded from India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan), Florida (USA), and Sulawesi Tengah (Indonesia). Like other Anagyrus species, it likely functions as a primary parasitoid of mealybugs, though specific host associations for A. shahidi remain incompletely documented.
Anaphes
fairyflies
Anaphes is a genus of fairyflies (family Mymaridae), among the smallest known insects, first described by Alexander Henry Haliday in 1833. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and is divided into two subgenera: Anaphes (Anaphes) with approximately 37 recognized species and Anaphes (Patasson) with approximately 56 species in the Palearctic region alone. Species are egg parasitoids of various insects, with documented hosts including weevils (Curculionidae), leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), and true bugs (Miridae). Several species have been studied for biological control of agricultural pests, particularly the carrot weevil (Listronotus oregonensis) and lygus bugs (Lygus spp.).
Anastatus
eupelmid egg parasitoids
Anastatus is a large genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eupelmidae, comprising approximately 160 species globally with about 18 species recorded from North America north of Mexico. All species are egg parasitoids, attacking the eggs of various insects including true bugs, moths, and other arthropods. The genus exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: females are brachypterous or apterous with powerful jumping abilities, while males are fully winged and capable of flight. Several species have been introduced as biological control agents, including A. disparis for spongy moth management and A. orientalis for spotted lanternfly control.
Anastatus mirabilis
Anastatus mirabilis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eupelmidae, first described by Walsh & Riley in 1869. Like other members of the genus Anastatus, it is likely an egg parasitoid, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented. The genus is characterized by remarkable jumping ability in females and distinct wing banding patterns. A. mirabilis is one of approximately 18 Anastatus species recorded from North America north of Mexico.
Ancistrocerus albophaleratus
White-banded Potter Wasp
Ancistrocerus albophaleratus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as the White-banded Potter Wasp. Like other Ancistrocerus species, it is a cavity-nesting wasp that constructs nests using mud in pre-existing hollows. The species is part of a genus characterized by distinctive morphological traits including a transverse carina on the first abdominal segment. It is native to North America with confirmed records in the northeastern United States.
Ancistrocerus capra
Ancistrocerus capra is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Like other Ancistrocerus species, females construct nests using mud, either in pre-existing cavities or as free-form structures attached to hard surfaces. They provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their developing larvae. The species exhibits the characteristic hooked antennae in males typical of many eumenine wasps.
Ancistrocerus capra spenceri
Ancistrocerus capra spenceri is a subspecies of mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. As a member of the genus Ancistrocerus, it is a solitary wasp that constructs mud nests and provisions them with paralyzed caterpillars for its developing larvae. The specific biology and distribution of this subspecies have not been well documented in available literature.
Ancistrocerus lineativentris
Ancistrocerus lineativentris is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, family Vespidae. It is one of approximately 70 species in the genus Ancistrocerus, which occurs primarily in the Holarctic region. Like other eumenine wasps, it is a solitary nester that provisions its offspring with paralyzed caterpillars. The species was described by Cameron in 1906, but detailed natural history information specific to this species remains limited in published sources.
Ancistrocerus lutonidus
Ancistrocerus lutonidus is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1974. As a member of the genus Ancistrocerus, it shares the diagnostic transverse carina on the first abdominal segment that characterizes this group. The species belongs to a genus of primarily solitary wasps that nest in pre-existing cavities or construct free-form mud nests, provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars for their developing larvae.
Ancistrocerus spilogaster
Ancistrocerus spilogaster is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Cameron in 1905. As with other members of the genus Ancistrocerus, it exhibits the diagnostic transverse carina on the first abdominal tergum. The species is part of a diverse genus of potter and mason wasps that construct nests using mud and provision cells with paralyzed caterpillars for their developing larvae. Specific biological details for A. spilogaster remain poorly documented in published sources.
Ancistrocerus spinolae
Spinola's Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus spinolae is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as Spinola's Mason Wasp. As a member of the genus Ancistrocerus, it shares the diagnostic transverse carina on the first abdominal segment that characterizes this group. Like other eumenine wasps, it is a solitary nester that provisions its offspring with paralyzed caterpillars. The species was described by de Saussure in 1856 and has been documented through 204 iNaturalist observations.
Andrena asteris
Aster Mining Bee, aster miner bee
Andrena asteris is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. The species is named for its documented association with Aster flowers, though specific ecological details remain limited. Like other Andrena species, it nests in soil and is active during spring and summer. The species has been recorded from Vermont and other parts of North America, with 793 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Andrena canadensis
Canada miner bee, Canada andrena, Canadian Mining Bee
Andrena canadensis is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. Like other Andrena species, it nests in the ground and is active in spring. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with most information inferred from genus-level traits.
Andrena cressonii cressonii
Andrena cressonii cressonii is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee. The nominate subspecies was described by Robertson in 1891. Like other Andrena species, females excavate tunnels in soil to create nests provisioned with pollen for their larvae.
Andrena crinita
Andrena crinita is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Bouseman and LaBerge in 1979. It is native to North America and belongs to a large genus of solitary, ground-nesting bees. Like other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nests and provisions brood cells with pollen.
Andrena fracta
Andrena fracta is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Casad and Cockerell in 1896. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it belongs to a group of solitary, ground-nesting bees that are important pollinators in temperate and subtropical regions. The species has been recorded from North America and Middle America, though detailed ecological and biological information remains limited. Like other Andrena species, it likely nests in burrows excavated in soil and provisions its larvae with pollen and nectar.
Andrena imitatrix
Imitator Miner Bee
Andrena imitatrix is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cresson in 1872. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and broader distribution across the continent. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision its young with pollen. The species is part of the diverse genus Andrena, which contains over 1,400 species of mining bees worldwide.
Andrena impolita
Unpolished Mining Bee, unpolished miner
Andrena impolita is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1987. The species is known from Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The common name "unpolished miner" refers to the relatively dull or unpolished appearance of the integument compared to some related species.
Andrena levipes
Andrena levipes is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1967. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it shares the characteristic fossorial nesting behavior typical of mining bees, excavating tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Andrena mesillae
Andrena mesillae is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. As with other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The species occurs in North America and Middle America. Like most Andrena, it likely plays a role in spring pollination of wildflowers in its habitat.
Andrena miserabilis
Miserable Mining Bee, Miserable Andrena
Andrena miserabilis, commonly known as the Miserable Mining Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1872 and occurs in Central America and North America. As with other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting solitary bee that plays a role in pollination.
Andrena nubecula
Cloudy-winged Mining Bee, Cloudy-winged Miner Bee
Andrena nubecula is a mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species is a solitary ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it contributes to pollination services in its range.
Andrena pertristis carliniformis
Andrena pertristis carliniformis is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Viereck and Cockerell in 1914. As a member of the genus Andrena, it belongs to a diverse group of solitary, ground-nesting bees. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the species Andrena pertristis.
Andrena pertristis pertristis
Andrena principalis
Andrena principalis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1986. It belongs to a large genus of solitary, ground-nesting bees that are important pollinators in temperate regions. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other Andrena species, it is presumed to nest in burrows excavated in soil and to provision its larvae with pollen and nectar, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Andrena pruni
Cherry Mining Bee, cherry miner
Andrena pruni is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the Cherry Mining Bee or cherry miner. Like other members of the genus Andrena, it nests in the ground and is an important pollinator. The specific epithet 'pruni' suggests a likely association with Prunus (cherry/plum) species as a pollen or nectar source, though this relationship requires confirmation.