Hymenoptera
Guides
Spilopteron formosum
Spilopteron formosum is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Cresson in 1868. The genus Spilopteron belongs to the diverse parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families within Hymenoptera. Species in this genus are poorly documented in the scientific literature, with limited published information on their biology and ecology. The specific epithet "formosum" is Latin for "beautiful" or "handsome," likely referring to some aspect of the species' appearance.
Spilopteron franclemonti
Spilopteron franclemonti is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Townes in 1960. The species belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, a diverse group of parasitoid wasps. It has been documented at limited locations in Canada, specifically in Alberta and Manitoba. The genus Spilopteron is characterized by distinctive wing venation patterns.
Spilopteron vicinum
Spilopteron vicinum is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Spilopteron. It is a parasitoid wasp, placing it within the diverse family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of insects. The species was described by Cresson in 1869. Limited specific ecological information is available for this species.
Spudaeus scaber
Spudaeus scaber is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1829. The genus Spudaeus belongs to the diverse and species-rich ichneumonid wasps, which are parasitoids that play important roles in regulating insect populations. The species has been recorded in Canada (Cypress Hills, Waterton) and parts of Europe (Norway, Sweden). Like other ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid wasp, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Stantonia
Stantonia is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Ashmead in 1904. The genus belongs to the diverse ichneumonoid lineage of wasps, which are characterized by their parasitic lifestyle targeting other insects. Based on iNaturalist records, the genus is rarely encountered, with only three documented observations. Members of Braconidae are generally small to medium-sized wasps with reduced wing venation compared to their relatives in Ichneumonidae.
Stelis australis
Stelis australis is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Cresson in 1878. As a member of the genus Stelis, this species is a nest parasite of other solitary bees, particularly those in the family Megachilidae. The specific epithet 'australis' suggests a southern distribution, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other Stelis species, females likely enter host nests to lay eggs in provisioned cells, with larvae consuming the host's pollen stores and sometimes the host egg or larva.
Stelis australis floridensis
Stelis australis floridensis is a subspecies of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae. It was described by Mitchell in 1962. Like other members of the genus Stelis, this bee is a kleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily megachilid hosts. The subspecific epithet 'floridensis' indicates its association with Florida. Very few observations of this taxon have been recorded.
Stelis costalis
cuckoo bee
Stelis costalis is a species of cleptoparasitic bee (cuckoo bee) in the family Megachilidae. The species is known from North America and Central America. In 2020, it was documented as a parasite of the giant resin bee Megachile sculpturalis, representing the first recorded host association for this species.
Stelis diversicolor
All-black Dark Bee
Stelis diversicolor is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Crawford in 1916. It is found in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Stelis, this species is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. The species is known from 18 iNaturalist observations and is recognized by the common name 'All-black Dark Bee'.
Stelis interrupta
cuckoo bee
Stelis interrupta is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cresson in 1879. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Stelis lateralis
Spot-sided Dark Bee
Stelis lateralis is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of other bees, particularly megachilids. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: Stelis lateralis lateralis and Stelis lateralis permaculata.
Stelis laticincta
Wide-striped Painted-Dark bee
Stelis laticincta is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Cresson in 1878. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is a kleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. The species is found in North America.
Stelis rudbeckiarum
Coneflower Painted-Dark bee
Stelis rudbeckiarum is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Cockerell in 1904. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is an obligate cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. The species is distributed across North America and Central America. Its specific epithet 'rudbeckiarum' suggests an association with Rudbeckia (coneflowers), likely reflecting host or foraging relationships.
Stelis texana
Stelis texana is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Thorp in 1966. Like other members of the genus Stelis, this species is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees, particularly those in the family Megachilidae. The species is known from Texas and adjacent regions in North America. Records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.
Stemmatosteres
Stemmatosteres is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, established by Timberlake in 1918. The genus is characterized by reduced or absent wings in some species, as indicated by the species epithet *apterus* (wingless) in the type species *Stemmatosteres apterus*. The genus belongs to the subfamily Encyrtinae, a diverse group of chalcid wasps primarily known as parasitoids of scale insects and other Hemiptera. Records from the UCR Encyrtidae collection indicate at least two species are recognized, with specimens preserved both on points and on slides.
Stenamma impar
Stenamma impar is a species of ant in the genus Stenamma, family Formicidae. The genus Stenamma comprises cryptic "leaf-litter" ants found in moderately humid to wet forest habitats across the Holarctic region, Central America, and parts of northwestern South America. Species in this genus are generally small, slow-moving, and form small colonies. Many Stenamma species are adapted to cool, wet environments at mid to high elevations, where they can be the most common ant genus in leaf-litter samples from cloud forest localities.
Stenarella
Stenarella is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, subtribe Osprynchotina. The genus is monophyletic and distributed across the Old World, with three major biogeographic clades corresponding to the Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Oriental–Australasian regions. Eighteen species are currently recognized, twelve described as new in a 2025 phylogenomic revision. Species are ectoparasitoids of aculeate Hymenoptera that construct nests using mud or earth.
Stenichneumon
Stenichneumon is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Thomson in 1893. The genus contains at least 20 described species, with 23 species currently listed in taxonomic databases. These wasps are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species. The genus has been recorded primarily from northern Europe.
Stenichneumon culpator cincticornis
Stenichneumon culpator cincticornis is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp described by Cresson in 1864. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. The subspecies is currently accepted as valid and has been documented in parts of Europe, including Belgium and Austria.
Stenodynerus anormis
Mason wasp
Stenodynerus anormis is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. The species is difficult to distinguish from the related genus Parancistrocerus based on live specimens or photographs; microscopic examination of actual specimens is often required for positive identification. Females are known to provision nest cavities with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larval offspring. The species has been documented utilizing artificial nesting structures such as bee blocks.
Stenodynerus blandus
Stenodynerus blandus is a species of mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. It is a small, solitary, cavity-nesting wasp that provisionally places paralyzed caterpillars in pre-existing cavities for its larval offspring. The species is difficult to distinguish from the closely related genus Parancistrocerus based on external morphology alone, often requiring microscopic examination for definitive identification. It has been documented utilizing artificial nesting structures such as bee blocks.
Stenodynerus blepharus
Stenodynerus blepharus is a species of solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1953. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Rhynchalastor blepharus in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in this group. As with other Stenodynerus species, it is presumed to be a cavity-nesting wasp that provisions its larvae with paralyzed caterpillars. Direct observations of this specific species in the field are sparse, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist.
Stenodynerus taosoides
Stenodynerus taosoides is a species of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae (family Vespidae). Members of the genus Stenodynerus are solitary wasps that construct nests in pre-existing cavities, provisioning them with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larval offspring. The species name suggests a connection to the Taos region of northern New Mexico, though specific details about its distribution and biology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Sterictiphora
Sterictiphora is a Holarctic genus of sawflies in the family Argidae. The genus contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the northern temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Larvae of at least some species produce distinctive zigzag feeding patterns on host leaves. The genus is distinguished from the superficially similar Aproceros (which feeds on Ulmus) by host association with Prunus species.
Stethantyx
Stethantyx is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Tersilochinae. Species in this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with documented records from Mexico through Central America and into South America, including the Western Amazonia region of Ecuador and Peru. The genus was established by Townes in 1971. Species are characterized by specific wing venation patterns, including the first and second abscissae of the radius meeting at a right angle in some species.
Stictiella emarginata
sand wasp
Stictiella emarginata is a solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It constructs nests in sandy soils and provisions cells with lepidopteran larvae, primarily Noctuidae and Hesperiidae. The species occurs across eastern North America from northern Michigan to the Atlantic Coast, with a flight season concentrated in late June through early August. Nesting behavior includes temporary nest closure, mound leveling, and orientation flights.
solitary-waspsand-waspnest-provisioninglepidopteran-predatoreastern-North-AmericaBembicinaeCrabronidaeHymenopterasandy-soil-habitattemporary-nest-closureorientation-flightmound-levelingNoctuidaeHesperiidaelate-summer-flight-seasonOntarioMichiganNew-Yorksand-prairieinsect-predatorground-nesting-waspsand-blowout-habitatCanadian-Forces-Base-BordenSimcoe-CountyCresson-1865emarginate-clypeusdisjunct-distribution-misconceptiongeographic-bridgemuseum-recordsfield-studiesnest-architectureprey-transportprovisioning-behaviorcell-constructionprey-storagelarval-developmentsolitary-HymenopteraApoideaSpheciformesAculeataApocritaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaCatalogue-of-LifeGBIFiNaturalistCanadian-Field-NaturalistKurczewskiBoyle2005KrombeinWillinkGillaspyBohartEvansMatthewsPateTimberlakeCooperHallIrwinSchlingerBallmerYanegaUCR-Entomology-Research-MuseumBembicid-HoldingsNyssonidaeBembicidaeBembiciniStictiellinaStictiellaStictiella-emarginataStictiella-bohartiStictiella-corniculataStictiella-evansiStictiella-fergusoniStictiella-flavescensStictiella-pulchellaStictiella-pulchella-serrataStictiella-p.-pulchellaXerostictiaMicrostictiaGlenostictiaStenioliaBembixBicyrtesEdithaMicrobembexRubricaStenogorytesStizusBembecinusStizoidesGorytesArgogorytesArigorytesClitemnestraHarpactusHoplisoidesLestiphorusMegistommumOryttusPsammaletesPseudoplisusSagenistaSpheciusTanyoprymnusTrichogorytesXerogorytesAlyssonDidineisAmmatomusAfrogorytesHapalomellinusNyssonEpinyssonFoxiaHyponyssonLosadaMetanyssonZanyssonAcanthostethusStictiella formosa
sand wasp
Stictiella formosa is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Bembicini tribe, it is likely associated with sandy habitats, though specific ecological details are poorly documented in available sources.
Stilbopogon
Stilbopogon is a genus of wasps in the family Tiphiidae, established by Mickel and Krombein in 1942. These insects belong to a family known for parasitoid relationships with scarab beetle larvae. The genus remains poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records available.
Stilpnina
Stilpnina is a subtribe of ichneumonid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. Members of this subtribe belong to the tribe Stilpnini and are parasitoid wasps, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature. The subtribe was established based on morphological characteristics that distinguish it from other stilpnine groups.
Stiropius
Stiropius is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps in the tribe Rogadini. The genus was revised for the Nearctic region in 1988, with three Nearctic species recognized: S. bucculatricis, S. californicus, and S. wagneri. Bucculatriplex was synonymized with Stiropius. The genus appears to represent a relatively basal branch of the Rogadini lineage.
Strongylogaster polita
Strongylogaster polita is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. Sawflies in this genus are characterized by their distinctive morphology and life history traits typical of the subfamily. The genus Strongylogaster contains multiple species distributed across various regions, with adults generally active during warmer months. Specific biological details for S. polita remain poorly documented in available literature.
Strumigenys dietrichi
Dietrich's Mustache Ant
Strumigenys dietrichi is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, described by Smith in 1931. Like other members of this genus, it possesses elongated mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey. The species has been placed in synonymy with Pyramica dietrichi in some taxonomic treatments, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions within this ant group. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be naturally rare or undercollected.
Strumigenys pergandei
Pergande's Mustache Ant
Strumigenys pergandei is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, described by Carlo Emery in 1895. The species belongs to a diverse genus of small myrmicine ants known for their specialized mandible morphology. It is native to North America and is one of many species in a genus containing nearly 1,000 described taxa.
Strumigenys pilinasis
Hairy-snouted Mustache Ant
Strumigenys pilinasis is a species of trap-jaw ant in the family Formicidae, first described by Auguste Forel in 1901. The species is characterized by its distinctive pilose (hairy) snout, which gives rise to its common name. Like other members of the genus Strumigenys, it possesses elongated mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey. The species has been historically classified under the genus Pyramica, which is now treated as a synonym of Strumigenys. It belongs to a diverse genus containing over 850 described species, many of which remain poorly known.
Strumigenys pulchella
Pulchella-group Mustache Ant
Strumigenys pulchella is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, described by Emery in 1895. Members of this genus are characterized by elongated mandibles that can snap shut with remarkable speed to capture prey. The species belongs to the 'pulchella-group' of Strumigenys, informally referred to as 'Mustache Ants' due to distinctive facial pilosity. Like other Strumigenys species, it is likely a specialized predator of small soil arthropods, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Strumigenys rostrata
rostrata-group Mustache Ants
Strumigenys rostrata is a species of trap-jaw ant in the family Formicidae, originally described by Emery in 1895. It belongs to a species complex characterized by specialized mandible morphology. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with some sources listing it as a synonym of related species while others maintain its accepted status. Members of this species group are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Malagasy, Oriental, Malesian, East Palaearctic and Nearctic regions.
Strumigenys superstes
Strumigenys superstes is a species of trap-jaw ant in the genus Strumigenys, described by Booher and Uhey in 2020. The species name 'superstes' is Latin for 'survivor,' referencing its persistence in a challenging environment. Like other members of its genus, this ant possesses specialized elongated mandibles capable of rapid closure to capture prey. The species belongs to the diverse myrmicine ant fauna, with the genus Strumigenys containing over 850 described species worldwide.
Svastra machaerantherae
Svastra machaerantherae is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It is native to Central and North America. The species belongs to the tribe Eucerini, a group of solitary bees commonly known as long-horned bees due to the elongated antennae of males.
Sympiesis dolichogaster
Sympiesis dolichogaster is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by William H. Ashmead in 1888. The species epithet 'dolichogaster' refers to its elongated abdomen. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of lepidopteran larvae, though specific host records for this species are limited. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning Asia, Australia, and the Caucasus region.
Sympiesis sericeicornis
Sympiesis sericeicornis is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae. Research has focused on its sensory biology, specifically the role of mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors in host location behavior. The species has been recorded from northeastern North America and western Canada.
Synopeas
Synopeas is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in family Platygastridae, comprising approximately 400 described species. Species in this genus are known to parasitize gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), with several species documented as biological control agents of agricultural pests including the soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima) and swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii). Some species exhibit distinctive morphological features such as greatly elongated metasomas. The genus is understudied and considered part of a 'dark taxon' with high diversity but limited ecological and taxonomic documentation.
Syntretini
Syntretini is a tribe of parasitic wasps within the subfamily Euphorinae (family Braconidae). Members of this tribe are endoparasitoids, with known hosts including adult beetles (Coleoptera) and possibly other insects. The tribe has been subject to phylogenetic study to clarify its relationships within Euphorinae and evolution of host associations.
Syzeuctus
Syzeuctus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus contains more than 130 described species and has a cosmopolitan distribution. Species in this genus are parasitoids, meaning they develop by feeding on or within host organisms.
Tachinaephagus zealandicus
Tachinaephagus zealandicus is a gregarious larval-pupal endoparasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae. It parasitizes larvae of synanthropic Diptera, particularly muscoid flies including Musca domestica and various Calliphoridae species associated with decomposing carrion. The species has been studied extensively for its potential in forensic entomology and biological control. Under laboratory conditions at 25°C, its life cycle completes in 23–27 days, with single hosts producing 3–18 adult parasitoids.
Tachypompilus ferrugineus annexus
Tachypompilus ferrugineus annexus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It belongs to a group of large, solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The species Tachypompilus ferrugineus is known for its distinctive rusty or reddish coloration. This subspecies was described by Nathan Banks in 1944.
Tachypompilus ferrugineus ferrugineus
Rusty Spider Wasp, Spider Wasp
Tachypompilus ferrugineus ferrugineus is a large, solitary spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Adults are characterized by rusty-orange coloration and are active primarily in late summer. Females hunt and paralyze large spiders, particularly wolf spiders (Lycosidae), as provisions for their larvae. The species exhibits distinctive male perching behavior at prominent vertical structures such as cemetery monuments, where males compete for access to females. This subspecies is native to eastern North America.
Tachypompilus ferrugineus nigrescens
Tachypompilus ferrugineus nigrescens is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is a large, solitary wasp that preys on moderately large wolf spiders (Lycosa species), which it paralyzes and provisions in underground nest cells for its larval offspring. The subspecies has been documented forming aggregations at specific nesting sites, where males perch on elevated surfaces and compete for access to females.
Tachytes amazonus
Tachytes amazonus is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini, described by F. Smith in 1856. The species is distributed across the Americas from the Caribbean through Central and South America, with records in Brazil across multiple states including Amazonas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Roraima, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo. Like other members of the genus Tachytes, it is a ground-nesting wasp that provisions its burrows with paralyzed orthopteran prey.
Tachytes crassus
Tachytes crassus is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Patton in 1880. It is one of approximately 35 North American species in the genus Tachytes, a group commonly referred to as "green-eyed wasps" due to the striking eye coloration of many species. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada including Ontario. As with other members of the genus, it is a solitary wasp that nests in soil and provisions its burrows with paralyzed orthopteran prey.
Tachytes grisselli
Tachytes grisselli is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini. The genus Tachytes comprises approximately 35 species in North America north of Mexico, commonly referred to as 'green-eyed wasps' due to the large, vivid green eyes of many larger species. Members of this genus are solitary, ground-nesting wasps that provision their burrows with paralyzed orthopteran prey.