Hymenoptera
Guides
Parnopes fulvicornis
Parnopes fulvicornis is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. As a member of the genus Parnopes, it is a parasitoid that lays eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps. The species is known from a limited number of observations, with records primarily from western North America. Like other chrysidid wasps, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic metallic coloration and heavily sculptured exoskeleton.
Parnopini
cuckoo wasps
Parnopini is a small tribe of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae, comprising three genera and approximately 20 described species. Members exhibit the kleptoparasitic lifestyle characteristic of chrysidid wasps, laying eggs in the nests of host wasps. Host associations are poorly documented; only the genus *Parnopes* has known hosts, which are crabronid wasps in the family Crabronidae. The tribe includes the genera *Parnopes*, *Cephaloparnops*, and *Isadelphia*.
Paroligoneurus
Paroligoneurus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Ichneutinae. The genus was established by Muesebeck in 1931. At least one species, P. indicus, has been described from northern India. Members of this genus are small braconid wasps, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Patrocloides montanus
Patrocloides montanus is a species of ichneumonid wasp described by Cresson in 1864. The genus Patrocloides belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps. Records indicate this species occurs in Canada, with documented localities in Alberta including Edmonton, Red Deer, and Waterton, as well as additional sites in southern and central regions of the country.
Pediobius
Pediobius is a genus of minute chalcid wasps in the family Eulophidae, containing over 200 described species. The larvae are parasitoids of various arthropods, primarily insects. Several species have been employed in biological pest control programs, including Pediobius foveolatus against Mexican bean beetles and Pediobius cajanus against the Asian fly in pigeon pea crops.
Pediobius albipes
Pediobius albipes is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Provancher in 1887. The species is known from Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. Like other members of the genus Pediobius, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations and biological details remain poorly documented. The specific epithet 'albipes' refers to white feet or legs, a common naming convention in this genus.
Pediobius alcaeus
Pediobius alcaeus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Walker in 1839. It belongs to a genus known for biological control of agricultural pests. The species has been recorded in multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Like other Pediobius species, it likely functions as a parasitoid of insect hosts, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Pediobius aphidiphagus
Pediobius aphidiphagus is a parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Ashmead in 1887. The species epithet 'aphidiphagus' indicates its association with aphid hosts. It belongs to a genus of chalcid wasps that are predominantly parasitoids of various insect hosts. Distribution records indicate presence in Canada across multiple provinces including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. The species is part of a taxonomic group that includes economically important biocontrol agents, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Pegoscapus
Pegoscapus is a genus of pollinating fig wasps in the family Agaonidae, native to the Americas from Florida and Mexico to Argentina. The genus exhibits an obligate mutualism with fig trees of the genus Ficus, specifically pollinating species in section Americana of subgenus Urostigma. Females are winged and larger with longer antennae, while males are wingless with reduced eyes and shorter antennae. The genus is estimated to be over 20 million years old based on fossil evidence from Dominican amber.
Pentelicus
Pentelicus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Encyrtinae. The genus was established by Howard in 1895. Species in this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented in available literature. The genus is represented in museum collections including the UCR Encyrtidae collection, which holds specimens of Pentelicus aldrichi and additional undetermined Pentelicus species.
Pepsinae
tarantula hawks (for some genera)
Pepsinae is a subfamily of spider wasps (Pompilidae) comprising 84 genera across six tribes. The subfamily includes the large tarantula hawks (genera Pepsis and Hemipepsis) as well as many smaller species. Members exhibit diverse nesting behaviors including use of preexisting cavities, occupation of spider burrows, soil excavation, mud nest construction, and kleptoparasitism. The subfamily is defined by distinctive morphological characters including sternite 2 with a transverse groove, femora without subapical spine-like setae in grooves, metatibia with uniform apical spine-like setae not splayed, and fore wing vein Cu1 simple at its base.
Perdita bicuspidariae
Perdita bicuspidariae is a small solitary bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1962. It belongs to the large genus Perdita, which comprises over 800 species of mining bees in North America. The species is found in Central America and North America. As with other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a ground-nesting solitary bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita cladothricis
Perdita cladothricis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1896. It belongs to the large genus Perdita, which contains hundreds of small, often specialist pollinator species native to North America. The species is recorded from Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a solitary, ground-nesting bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita ericameriae
Perdita ericameriae is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1958. The species epithet "ericameriae" suggests a host-plant association with Ericameria, a genus of shrubs in the sunflower family. Like other Perdita species, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee native to North America. The genus Perdita comprises some of the smallest bees in North America, with many species showing strong floral specialization.
Perdita genalis genalis
Perdita genalis genalis is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1964. The genus Perdita comprises small, solitary bees that nest in soil. Members of this genus are among the smallest bees in North America. This subspecies belongs to a diverse group of native bees that play important roles as pollinators.
Perdita hooki
Perdita hooki is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Portman & Neff in 2016. As a member of the genus Perdita, it is a small, solitary bee that nests in the ground. The species is found in Middle America and North America. Like other Perdita species, it is likely a specialist pollinator, though specific host plant associations have not been documented.
Perdita koebelei koebelei
Perdita koebelei koebelei is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1964. Like other members of the genus Perdita, this subspecies belongs to a diverse group of small, solitary, ground-nesting bees native to North America. The genus Perdita contains approximately 800 species, many of which are specialist pollinators with narrow host-plant associations.
Perdita larreae
Perdita larreae is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1896. It belongs to the genus Perdita, which comprises small, often brightly colored solitary bees commonly known as fairy bees or yellow-faced bees. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As with other members of the genus, it is presumed to be a solitary ground-nesting bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita marcialis
Perdita marcialis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1896. The genus Perdita comprises small, solitary bees, with P. marcialis being among the more diminutive members. The species is documented from Central America and North America. As with other Perdita species, it is likely a ground-nesting solitary bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita pelargoides
Perdita pelargoides is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1916. It is native to North America. As a member of the genus Perdita, it is likely a small, solitary bee, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Perdita trisignata
Lotus Fairy Bee
Perdita trisignata is a small, solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. The species is known by the common name Lotus Fairy Bee. It belongs to a genus of approximately 800 species of small bees found primarily in North America. Members of the genus Perdita are typically specialist pollinators associated with particular host plants. The specific epithet 'trisignata' likely refers to three distinctive markings on the body.
Perdita turgiceps
Perdita turgiceps is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1954. It belongs to the genus Perdita, which comprises small, solitary bees commonly known as fairy bees due to their minute size. The species is part of a diverse North American bee fauna that includes over 1,600 species in California alone. Like other Perdita species, it is likely a specialist pollinator, though specific host plant associations for this species have not been documented.
Perdita wyomingensis
Wyoming toothpick grasshopper
Perdita wyomingensis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cockerell in 1922. The species is recorded from North America with limited observational data available. As a member of the genus Perdita, it is a solitary bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species name references Wyoming, suggesting a geographic association with that region.
Perditina
Fairy Bees, Goblin Bees, False Goblin Bees
Perditina is a subtribe of small bees within the family Andrenidae, commonly known as Fairy Bees, Goblin Bees, and False Goblin Bees. These bees are among the smallest bees in North America, with many species measuring only a few millimeters in length. The subtribe includes the genus *Perdita*, which is extraordinarily diverse with over 800 described species, many of which are specialized pollen collectors on specific host plants. Perditina bees are primarily solitary ground-nesters and are important pollinators, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Their minute size and often striking metallic coloration distinguish them from other bee groups.
Periclista albicollis
Periclista albicollis is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus Periclista comprises approximately 20 North American species whose larvae feed on oak and hickory. Larvae of Periclista species are distinguished by bifurcate (branched) dorsal processes, which separate them from superficially similar lepidopteran caterpillars. The specific epithet 'albicollis' refers to a white collar marking, though detailed species-level descriptions remain limited in accessible literature.
Perilampidae
perilampid wasps
Perilampidae is a family of small chalcidoid wasps comprising approximately 270 described species across 15 genera. Most species are hyperparasitoids, parasitizing other parasitoid larvae within host insects, though some function as primary parasitoids. The family is characterized by brilliant metallic coloration, robust body form, and a unique life history involving mobile first-instar larvae called planidia. Perilampidae is closely related to Eucharitidae, with which it shares the planidial larval stage and multidigitate labrum.
Perilampus canadensis
Perilampus canadensis is a small parasitic wasp in the family Perilampidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. Like other perilampids, it is likely a hyperparasitoid, with larvae that develop as parasites of other parasitic insects. The species has been recorded from Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, and Ontario, suggesting a broad distribution across eastern and central North America. Members of this genus are typically metallic green or blue in color and range from 1.3 to 5.5 millimeters in length.
Perilampus fulvicornis
Perilampus fulvicornis is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Perilampidae, first described by Ashmead in 1886. The species exhibits the characteristic perilampid biology of hyperparasitism, with larvae developing as parasites of other parasitic insects. Adults are known for their compact size and often brilliant metallic coloration typical of the family. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range in North America.
Perilampus prothoracicus
Perilampus prothoracicus is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Perilampidae, measuring 1.3–5.5 mm in length. The species exhibits the family's characteristic hyperparasitic lifestyle, with larvae typically parasitizing other parasitoid insects. Females broadcast eggs on vegetation, and the resulting mobile planidium larvae actively seek hosts by attaching to moving objects.
Perilissini
Perilissini is a tribe of ichneumonid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. These wasps are parasitoids, developing within or upon host organisms. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed across various regions. Members are generally small to medium-sized ichneumonids with specific morphological characteristics distinguishing them from related tribes.
Perineurini
Perineurini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae. Members of this tribe are small to medium-sized sawflies that feed on various plants. The tribe is not well-studied, and many aspects of their biology remain poorly documented.
Phanacis
Phanacis is a genus of cynipid gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) in the tribe Aylacini. The genus includes species that induce galls on host plants, with Phanacis taraxaci documented as forming leaf galls on common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). These galls function as physiological sinks that actively redirect carbon and mineral nutrients from host tissues.
Phasgonophora algerti
Phasgonophora algerti is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Chalcididae. It belongs to the subfamily Phasgonophorinae, a group of chalcidid wasps that includes species associated with wood-boring beetles. The genus Phasgonophora contains native North American parasitoids that attack various wood-boring beetle larvae in trees.
Phasgonophora californica
Phasgonophora californica is a species of chalcidid wasp in the family Chalcididae. It belongs to a group of parasitoid wasps that attack woodboring beetle larvae. The species was described by Rohwer in 1917 and is native to western North America.
Pheidole adrianoi
Florida Rosemary Big-headed Ant
Pheidole adrianoi is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Naves in 1985. The species is known from Florida, where it has been recorded in association with Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) habitats. As with other members of the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, this species exhibits worker polymorphism with distinct major and minor worker castes. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Pheidole clementensis
San Clemente Island Big-headed Ant
Pheidole clementensis is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Gregg in 1969. It is endemic to San Clemente Island, California, and is recognized as a distinct species within the highly diverse genus Pheidole, which contains over 1,000 species globally. Like other Pheidole species, it exhibits worker polymorphism with distinct soldier and minor worker castes.
Pheidole constipata
Pheidole constipata is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by Wheeler in 1908. The genus Pheidole is hyperdiverse, containing at least 1,000 species in the New World alone, and is characterized by a worker caste polymorphism that includes minor workers and soldier ants with disproportionately large heads. As with other members of this genus, P. constipata exhibits this distinctive soldier caste, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Pheidole floridana
Pheidole floridana is a species of ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Carlo Emery in 1895. The species is part of the highly diverse and ecologically significant genus Pheidole, which is characterized by its distinctive worker caste polymorphism featuring minor workers and major workers (soldiers) with enlarged heads. Specific biological details for P. floridana are limited in available sources.
Pheidole gilvescens
Pheidole gilvescens is a species of big-headed ant described by Creighton and Gregg in 1955. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, it exhibits the characteristic worker dimorphism typical of the genus, with minor workers and major workers (soldiers) differing substantially in head size and morphology. The species name derives from Latin 'gilvescens', meaning becoming pale yellow or tawny, likely referring to coloration. Very little specific biological or ecological information has been published for this particular species.
Pheidole pelor
Pheidole pelor is a species of big-headed ant in the genus Pheidole, described by E.O. Wilson in 2003. It belongs to one of the most diverse ant genera, with over 1,000 species in the New World alone. The species exhibits the characteristic worker polymorphism of the genus, with distinct major and minor worker castes. Information regarding its specific biology, distribution, and ecology remains limited in published literature.
Pheidole virago
helmet beetle
Pheidole virago is a species of big-headed ant in the family Formicidae, described by Wheeler in 1915. The species is part of the hyperdiverse genus Pheidole, which is characterized by pronounced worker polymorphism with distinct soldier and minor worker castes. Information about this specific species is extremely limited in scientific literature.
Pheidole xerophila
Pheidole xerophila is a species of ant in the genus Pheidole, first described by Wheeler in 1908. As a member of this hyperdiverse genus, it exhibits worker caste dimorphism with distinct minor and major worker morphs. The specific epithet 'xerophila' suggests an association with dry or arid environments. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and GBIF as accepted, with observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Philanthus solivagus
Philanthus solivagus is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada including Alberta. As a member of the genus Philanthus, it shares the characteristic behavior of preying on bees and other hymenopterans to provision nests for its larvae.
Philonix fulvicollis
Philonix fulvicollis is a gall wasp species in the family Cynipidae, first described by Fitch in 1859. It has an alternation of sexual and asexual generations, a phenomenon confirmed through molecular analysis of cytb and ITS2 sequences. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Like other cynipid wasps, it induces gall formation on host plants, though specific host associations require further documentation.
Philonix gigas
Philonix gigas is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, first described by Weld in 1922. The genus Philonix is part of the diverse Cynipidae family, which comprises insects known for inducing plant galls. As with many Cynipidae species, specific biological details for P. gigas remain poorly documented in available literature. The species name 'gigas' suggests relatively large size compared to congeners, though this has not been quantified in accessible sources.
Phlebopenes
Phlebopenes is a genus of parasitoid wasps in family Eupelmidae. Species were historically hypothesised to parasitise wood-boring beetles, but recent evidence from rearing records and direct observation indicates they are parasitoids of solitary wasps and bees. Phlebopenes longicaudata has been documented attacking nests of oil-collecting bees in the genus Tetrapedia.
Phobocampe geometrae
Phobocampe geometrae is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Ashmead in 1898. Like other members of the genus Phobocampe, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented. The specific epithet "geometrae" suggests a possible association with geometrid moths, a pattern seen in related species, but this has not been confirmed.
Photomorphus
Photomorphus is a genus of velvet ants (Mutillidae), a group of solitary wasps in which females are wingless and often ant-like in appearance. The genus was established by Viereck in 1903. At least one species, Photomorphus (Photomorphina) archboldi, has been described from central Florida based on male specimens collected in malaise traps. Females of this genus are generally poorly known or undescribed for many species.
Photomorphus banksi
Photomorphus banksi is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of wasps in which females are wingless and often brightly colored. The genus Photomorphus belongs to the diverse Mutillidae family, characterized by dense hair and aposematic coloration. As with other velvet ants, females are solitary and ground-dwelling, while males possess wings. This species is known from a small number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or undercollected.
Phrontosoma belfragei
Phrontosoma belfragei is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, first described by Cresson in 1880. It is a member of the genus Phrontosoma, a group of hymenopterans within the order Hymenoptera. The species has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.