Hymenoptera
Guides
Atrusca unica
Atrusca unica is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other gall wasps, it induces the formation of specialized plant structures called galls on its host plant. The genus Atrusca is known for producing colorful, prominent leaf galls on oaks (Quercus spp.). This species appears to be relatively well-documented with 227 observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare, though specific details about its biology remain limited in the provided sources.
Augochlora azteca
Aztec Sweat Bee, Aztec augochlora
Augochlora azteca, commonly known as the Aztec Sweat Bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Halictidae. It belongs to the tribe Augochlorini, a group of metallic green sweat bees that are frequently encountered on flowers. The species is distributed across Middle America and North America, where it contributes to pollination services in both natural and managed landscapes. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits solitary nesting behavior.
Augochlorella neglectula
sweat bee
Augochlorella neglectula is a metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is one of sixteen recognized species in the genus Augochlorella, which is distributed across the New World. The species exhibits the bright metallic coloration typical of the tribe Augochlorini, making it visually similar to congeners and other augochlorine bees. Subspecific variation includes the coastal form A. neglectula maritima, though this has been synonymized with the nominate subspecies in some treatments.
Augochlorella nigrocyanea
Augochlorella nigrocyanea is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, tribe Augochlorini. The genus Augochlorella contains several species of small, metallic bees that are difficult to distinguish from related genera Augochlora and Augochloropsis without microscopic examination. Members of this genus are known for their bright metallic green, blue-green, or occasionally brassy coloration. Some Augochlorella species exhibit communal nesting or primitively social behavior, with multiple females sharing nest entrances.
Augochloropsis viridula
Northeastern Sweat Bee
Augochloropsis viridula, commonly known as the northeastern sweat bee, is a metallic green bee in the family Halictidae. The species was first described by Frederick Smith in 1853, then treated as a subspecies of A. metallica, but was reinstated as a full species in 2022 based on taxonomic research. It is found in the midwestern United States and Canada. Like other halictids, it is a solitary bee that nests in soil.
Aulacidea harringtoni
Aulacidea harringtoni is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, first described by Ashmead in 1887. The genus Aulacidea comprises gall-forming wasps that induce galls on host plants. Distribution records indicate presence in North America, specifically in Canada including Ontario.
Aulacideini
herb gall wasps
Aulacideini is a tribe of herb gall wasps within the family Cynipidae. Members of this tribe induce galls on herbaceous plants, with documented associations spanning multiple plant families including Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Papaveraceae, and Plantaginaceae. The tribe has undergone significant taxonomic revision based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, resulting in refined generic boundaries. Notable genera include Aulacidea, Antistrophus, Neaylax, and the recently erected Fumariphilus.
Aulogymnus
Aulogymnus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, first described by Förster in 1851. Members of this genus are small parasitoid wasps, part of a diverse family that primarily parasitizes other insects. The genus has been recorded from Europe and Asia. Specific biological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
parasitoidEulophidaeChalcidoideaHymenopteraPalearcticwaspsinsectsarthropodsentomologytaxonomyFörster-1851DenmarkSpainTibetChinaEuropeAsiaminute-waspschalcid-waspsEulophinaeTerebrantesApocritaHexapodaAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaAulogymnussmall-waspstiny-waspsparasitic-waspsbiological-controlinsect-parasitoidssystematicsmorphologyidentificationkeysNearcticOrientalXizangcitizen-scienceiNaturalistobservationsrecordsdistributionFörster1851genusacceptedvalidsynonymychalcidoidchalcidchalcidseulophideulophidseulophid-waspseulophinesparasitoid-waspsparasitic-Hymenopterabiological-control-agentsinsect-diversitybiodiversityfaunaentomologicalhymenopteranarthropodhexapodhexapodspterygotepterygotesendopterygoteendopterygotesholometabolousholometabolatiny-insectsminute-insectssmall-insectsmicrohymenopteramicro-waspsmicro-parasitoidsmicro-chalcidsmicro-eulophidswing-venationantennaethoraxdiagnostic-characterstaxonomic-keysidentification-keysgeneric-keysNearctic-faunaEuropean-faunaAsian-faunaTibetan-faunaSpanish-faunaDanish-faunapoorly-knowndata-deficientunderstudiedcryptic-diversityhost-unknownbiology-unknownlife-history-unknownecology-unknowndistribution-recordsoccurrence-recordsspecimen-recordsmuseum-recordsdatabase-recordsGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaUniversal-Chalcidoidea-DatabaseKey-to-Nearctic-eulophid-generaliteraturesourcesreferencescitationsbibliographyoriginal-descriptiontype-speciestype-localitynomenclaturesystematic-entomologyhymenopterologychalcidologyparasitologybiological-control-researchintegrated-pest-managementIPMagricultural-entomologyforest-entomologymedical-entomologyveterinary-entomologyurban-entomologyconservation-entomologyinsect-ecologycommunity-ecologypopulation-ecologybehavioral-ecologyevolutionary-ecologyphylogeneticsphylogenymolecular-systematicsDNA-barcodingtaxonomy-and-phylogenyclassificationbiodiversity-informaticsbiogeographyhistorical-biogeographyphylogeographydispersalvicariancespeciationdiversificationevolutionadaptationnatural-selectionsexual-selectionlife-history-evolutionhost-parasitoid-interactionscoevolutiontritrophic-interactionsfood-websecosystem-servicesnatural-enemiesbiocontrolaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlconservation-biological-controlinvasive-species-managementpest-managementsustainable-agricultureorganic-farmingagroecologyecosystem-healthenvironmental-monitoringbioindicatorsindicator-speciesclimate-changeglobal-changehabitat-lossfragmentationconservation-statusIUCNred-listnot-evaluatedresearch-needsknowledge-gapsfuture-researchprioritiesspecimen-collectionvoucheringmuseum-collectionsnatural-history-collectionsdigitizationdata-sharingopen-scienceFAIR-principlescitizen-science-contributionscommunity-sciencepublic-engagementscience-communicationeducationoutreachnatural-historyinsect-watchingwasp-watchingnature-observationbiodiversity-appreciationAulogymnus io
Aulogymnus io is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Girault in 1916. It belongs to a group of parasitoid wasps known for their role in biological control of other insects. The genus Aulogymnus is part of the diverse Eulophinae subfamily, whose members are typically small parasitoids associated with various host insects. Available distributional records indicate presence in Massachusetts.
Aulogymnus smithi
Aulogymnus smithi is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Eulophidae, described by Schauff and Gates in 2005. The genus Aulogymnus belongs to the subfamily Eulophinae within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Eulophid wasps are typically small parasitoids, and members of this genus are known to attack various insect hosts.
Auplopus nigrellus
Auplopus nigrellus is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Like other members of its genus, it constructs distinctive barrel-shaped mud cells to house its offspring. The species was described by Banks in 1911, though specific details about its biology are limited compared to better-studied congeners such as A. carbonarius and A. mellipes.
Austrozele
Austrozele is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Roman in 1910. The genus belongs to the ichneumonoid lineage of Hymenoptera, a group characterized by their larval development as parasitoids of other insects. As a braconid genus, Austrozele species are presumed to be koinobiont parasitoids, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The genus has been recorded from Southeast Asia based on specimen data.
Baeoneurella
Baeoneurella is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Scelionidae, established by Alan Dodd in 1913. Members of this genus are small, solitary wasps that develop as parasitoids of insect eggs. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with few species described and minimal biological data available.
Baeoneurella bicolor
Baeoneurella bicolor is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Scelionidae, a group of minute wasps that parasitize the eggs of various insects. The species epithet 'bicolor' suggests a two-toned color pattern, though specific morphological details remain undocumented in available sources. Scelionidae are among the most diverse families of parasitoid wasps, with most species being egg parasitoids of Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and other insect groups. The genus Baeoneurella is poorly known and represented by very few specimens in collections.
Banacuniculus utilis
Banacuniculus utilis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Figitidae (Hymenoptera). The genus Banacuniculus belongs to the Cynipoidea superfamily, a group of small wasps primarily known as parasitoids of other insects. Very little published information exists on the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Banchinae
Banchinae is a large subfamily of Ichneumonidae containing approximately 1,500–1,800 described species distributed worldwide. The subfamily comprises three tribes: Banchini, Glyptini, and Atrophini. All banchines are koinobiont endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae. Glyptini primarily parasitize Tortricidae, while Atrophini attack a broader range of small moth families. The genus Lissonota is notable for possessing exceptionally long ovipositors capable of reaching deep wood-boring Lepidoptera such as Cossidae. Banchinae and Campopleginae are the only Ichneumonidae subfamilies known to harbor polydnaviruses, which play a role in host immune suppression.
Banchus pallescens
Banchus pallescens is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Provancher in 1874. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps, whose members are primarily parasitoids of other insects. The species has been recorded from locations in Canada including Edmonton and Wallwort.
Barichneumon sorex
Barichneumon sorex is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Heinrich in 1961. It belongs to the family Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps, whose members are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. The genus Barichneumon is part of this diverse group of parasitic wasps. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Baryceratina
Baryceratina is a subtribe of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. Members belong to the tribe Ichneumonini and subfamily Ichneumoninae. The group comprises genera characterized by specific morphological features in the antennae and areole of the forewing. These wasps are koinobiont endoparasitoids, developing within living hosts.
Baryceros
Baryceros is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, established by Gravenhorst in 1829. As members of the ichneumonid wasps, species in this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus is part of the diverse ichneumonid radiation, one of the largest families within Hymenoptera.
Baryceros audax
Baryceros audax is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1878. It belongs to a diverse group of parasitoid wasps characterized by their slender bodies and long antennae. As with most ichneumonids, this species is likely parasitoid, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus Baryceros contains relatively obscure species with limited published biological information.
Baryceros fortis
Baryceros fortis is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cresson in 1878. It belongs to the genus Baryceros, a group of parasitoid wasps. The species is part of the diverse Ichneumonoidea superfamily, which contains some of the most species-rich lineages within Hymenoptera. As with most ichneumonids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species remain poorly documented.
Baryceros texanus
Baryceros texanus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, first described by Ashmead in 1890. As a member of the parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae, this species likely functions as a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships have not been documented in the provided sources. The species is known from Texas and surrounding regions, with 244 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Belyta
Belyta is a genus of minute diapriid wasps in the subfamily Belytinae. The genus was established by Jurine in 1807 and contains multiple species distributed across the Palearctic region. Species of Belyta are small, slender parasitoid wasps, with seven species recently documented from Iran for the first time. The genus is characterized by specific morphological features of the head and antennae that distinguish it from related diapriid genera.
Bethylinae
Bethylinae is a subfamily of small, stout-bodied parasitoid wasps within the family Bethylidae. Members are characterized by reduced wing venation and a compact, often humpbacked appearance. The subfamily contains numerous species that parasitize the larvae of beetles and moths, with females typically searching for concealed hosts in plant material or soil. Bethylinae is distinguished from other bethylid subfamilies by specific morphological features of the antennae and mesosoma.
Bethylus amoenus
Bethylus amoenus is a species of wasp in the family Bethylidae, a group of parasitoid wasps commonly known as flat wasps. The genus Bethylus is part of the chrysidoid wasp lineage within Hymenoptera. Species in this genus are typically small, compact wasps with reduced wing venation and are known to parasitize the larvae of various insects, particularly beetles. The specific epithet "amoenus" (Latin for "pleasant" or "delightful") suggests this species may have been named for its attractive appearance, though this interpretation is speculative without access to the original description. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Biastini
Biastini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees within the subfamily Nomadinae (family Apidae). Members are obligate cleptoparasites that exploit the nests of solitary bees, particularly oligolectic hosts. The tribe has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with recent phylogenomic studies establishing that Biastini is paraphyletic and should be synonymized under an expanded concept of Neolarrini. The tribe includes the enigmatic genus Schwarzia, which exhibits unusual morphological features and represents a transitional lineage.
Bicyrtes insidiatrix
Bicyrtes insidiatrix is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Bicyrtes, it is a solitary, fossorial wasp that nests in sandy or coarse soils. The species is part of a group of wasps known for preying on true bugs (Hemiptera), though specific prey records for this species are not well documented in the available literature.
Biosteres
Biosteres is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, first described by Förster in 1862. Species in this genus are solitary or gregarious endoparasitoids, primarily attacking larvae of tephritid fruit flies. Several species, including B. longicaudatus, B. arisanus, and B. tryoni, have been extensively studied for their use in biological control programs against economically important fruit pests. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution, with species documented across Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions.
Blacus ruficornis
Blacus ruficornis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, subfamily Blacinae. The species was first described by Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck in 1811. It belongs to a genus characterized by specific morphological traits including reduced wing venation and particular antennal structures. Records indicate presence in Northern Europe and on Madeira Island.
Blastothrix
Blastothrix is a genus of encyrtid wasps in the family Encyrtidae. The genus includes species that function as parasitoids of scale insects, with Blastothrix sericea being a notable example used in classical biological control. This species was successfully introduced from England to British Columbia in 1928-1929 to manage the lecanium scale (Eulecanium coryli), achieving 90-100% parasitism rates and suppressing host populations within four years.
Blennocampini
Blennocampini is a tribe of sawflies within the family Tenthredinidae. Larvae of this group possess distinctive bifurcate (forked) dorsal cuticular projections that distinguish them from many other sawfly larvae. The tribe includes genera such as Periclista, which are associated with woody plants including oaks. Adults are small to medium-sized sawflies with typical tenthredinid morphology.
Bombus vagans bolsteri
Bolster's Bumble Bee
Bombus vagans bolsteri, commonly known as Bolster's Bumble Bee, is a subspecies of the half-black bumble bee. It is a native North American bumble bee in the genus Bombus, family Apidae. As a member of this genus, it is a social bee that lives in colonies with queens, workers, and males. The species Bombus vagans is known for its distinctive half-black coloration pattern, and the subspecies bolsteri represents a regional variant.
Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus
Nearctic Bumble Bee
Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus is a subspecies of bumble bee native to western North America. It belongs to a species complex that has undergone taxonomic revision, with some authorities previously treating it as a distinct species (Bombus nearcticus) or synonymizing it with related taxa. The subspecies occurs in montane and coastal regions where it participates in pollination networks. Like other bumble bees in the subgenus Pyrobombus, it exhibits social colony structure with a single queen founding nests in spring.
Boreogalba
Boreogalba is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, established by Mackauer in 1962. As a member of the Ichneumonoidea superfamily, species in this genus are presumed to be koinobiont or idiobiont parasitoids of other insects, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of braconid wasps, including reduced wing venation and a compact body form. Taxonomic knowledge of Boreogalba is limited, with few species descriptions and minimal biological study.
Boreogalba gladifer
Boreogalba gladifer is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae, described by Mackauer in 1962. The genus Boreogalba is a small group within the ichneumonoid wasps, and this species is known from North America. Braconid wasps in this genus are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects, though specific host records for B. gladifer are not well documented.
Bothriothorax
Bothriothorax is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ratzeburg in 1844. The genus belongs to the subfamily Encyrtinae, a diverse group of chalcidoid wasps known primarily as parasitoids of scale insects and other Hemiptera. Species of Bothriothorax have been documented in the United States and India, with multiple species recorded in entomological collections. The genus is represented in major Encyrtidae collections including the University of California, Riverside holdings.
Bothynostethini
Bothynostethini is a small tribe of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, described by W. Fox in 1894. The tribe is restricted to the Neotropical region. Members are distinguished by unusual structural modifications at the apex of the hind femora. The tribe contains relatively few species and is not well represented in collections.
Brachycaudonia californica
Brachycaudonia californica is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Ashmead in 1904. It is a parasitoid wasp, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in the available literature. The species is known from limited collection records in California and Ontario, Canada, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist.
Brachymelecta interrupta
Interrupted Digger-cuckoo Bee
Brachymelecta interrupta is a species of digger-cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. As a cuckoo bee, it is presumed to be a nest parasite of other bees, though specific host relationships are not well documented. The species was originally described as Melecta interrupta by Cresson in 1872.
Brachynomada
Brachynomada is a genus of cuckoo bees comprising approximately 16-17 described species. As members of the tribe Brachynomadini, these bees are cleptoparasites that lay their eggs in the nests of other bee species. The genus was established by Holmberg in 1886 and is classified within the subfamily Nomadinae of the family Apidae.
Brachynomadini
cuckoo bees
Brachynomadini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bees within the subfamily Nomadinae of family Apidae. The tribe contains at least five genera and approximately 20 described species. Members are brood parasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bee species, primarily within the family Apidae.
Brachyserphus
Brachyserphus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Proctotrupidae, established by Hellén in 1941. The genus occurs in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. A 2019 taxonomic revision documented North American species, recording B. acuticaudatus in Canada for the first time and excluding B. parvulus from the Nearctic fauna. Species-level identification requires examination of subtle morphological characters.
Brachyserphus abruptus
Brachyserphus abruptus is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Proctotrupidae, a group of small wasps that attack beetle larvae. The genus Brachyserphus is distinguished by reduced wing venation and compact body form. Very few observations of this species exist, reflecting its cryptic habits and likely specialized ecological requirements.
Brachyserphus lucens
Brachyserphus lucens is a species of proctotrupid wasp in the family Proctotrupidae. Proctotrupids are small, often dark-colored parasitoid wasps that develop within the bodies of other insects. Members of the genus Brachyserphus are associated with beetle hosts, particularly those in the families Staphylinidae and Scarabaeidae. The species name "lucens" (meaning "shining" or "bright") likely refers to its cuticular luster.
Braconidae
braconid wasps, braconids
Braconidae is a family of parasitoid wasps, the second-largest family in Hymenoptera with approximately 17,000 described species and estimates of 30,000–50,000 total species. Members are primarily internal or external parasitoids of other insects, with larvae developing in or on hosts including caterpillars, beetle larvae, aphids, and other insects. Many species possess polydnaviruses—virus-like particles derived from ancient viral integration—that suppress host immune defenses. The family is divided into about 47 subfamilies, informally grouped into cyclostomes and noncyclostomes based on mouthpart morphology. Braconids are economically significant as biological control agents against agricultural and forestry pests.
Brasema rhadinosa
Brasema rhadinosa is a species of chalcidoid wasp in the family Eupelmidae, described by Gibson in 1995. It belongs to a genus of parasitoid wasps associated with insect hosts. The species has been recorded from multiple states in the southeastern and eastern United States.
Burksiella
Burksiella is a genus of minute egg parasitoids in the family Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), established by De Santis in 1957. The genus belongs to the tribe Chaetostrichini within the subfamily Oligositinae. Species of Burksiella are known to parasitize eggs of leafhoppers, particularly sharpshooters in the tribe Proconiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The genus has been recorded from North and South America, including the western United States, Florida, and Bolivia.
Caenochrysis doriae
Caenochrysis doriae is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, first described by Gribodo in 1874. Members of this genus are kleptoparasitic, laying eggs in the nests of other wasps and bees. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including Arizona and Utah. Specific biological details for C. doriae remain poorly documented in published literature.
Caliadurgus
Caliadurgus is a genus of medium-sized spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, subfamily Pepsinae. The genus was established by Pate in 1946 as a replacement for the preoccupied name Calicurgus. These wasps are known for hunting orb-weaving spiders (Araneidae) and long-jawed orb weavers (Tetragnathidae) to provision nests for their larvae. The genus has a Holarctic and Neotropical distribution, with species recorded across North America, Europe, and South America.