Hypermetamorphosis
Guides
Acroceridae
small-headed flies, hunch-back flies, spider flies
Acroceridae are a small family of approximately 520 species in 50 genera, characterized by their distinctive hump-backed thorax and disproportionately small head. Adults are primarily nectar feeders with exceptionally long proboscises, while larvae are obligate endoparasitoids of spiders. Many species exhibit bee or wasp mimicry. The family is cosmopolitan but nowhere abundant, with most species known from fewer than 10 specimens.
Bombyliidae
bee flies, bomber flies
Bombyliidae is a large family of true flies comprising over 4,500 described species across approximately 270 genera. Adults are commonly known as bee flies due to their frequent resemblance to bees, often achieved through dense body hair and Batesian mimicry. They are important pollinators, particularly in arid environments, with some species possessing proboscises longer than their bodies to access deep floral tubes. Larvae are parasitoids or predators of other insects, with hosts including solitary bees, wasps, beetles, and other arthropods. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution but reaches greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical arid regions.
Bucculatricidae
Ribbed Cocoon-Making Moths
Bucculatricidae is a small family of moths in the superfamily Gracillarioidea, with representatives distributed worldwide. Adults are minute with narrow wings held tightly around the body at rest, making them easily overlooked. Larvae exhibit hypermetamorphosis with distinct changes in feeding habits between instars: early instars are typically leaf miners forming characteristic blotches or linear mines, while later instars usually feed externally on leaves or bore into stems. The family is notable for pupal cases with distinctive longitudinal ridges, giving rise to the common name 'ribbed cocoon makers.' Some authors recognize only the single genus Bucculatrix, though Australian genera Cryphioxena and Ogmograptis (scribbly gum moths) are now frequently included.
Bucculatrix
ribbed cocoon-maker moths
Bucculatrix is a genus of small moths in the family Bucculatricidae, commonly known as ribbed cocoon-maker moths. Larvae of many species are leaf miners on specific host plants, with some species exhibiting hypermetamorphosis—shifting from leaf mining in early instars to leaf skeletonization in later instars. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with species described from all major continents.
Epicauta
Burning Blister Beetles
Epicauta is a large genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae) comprising approximately 360 described species. The genus exhibits a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, with native species on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Adult Epicauta feed on plant foliage and flowers, while larvae are predatory specialists on grasshopper eggs. The genus is notable for producing cantharidin, a toxic terpenoid compound that serves as a chemical defense and can be lethal to vertebrates if ingested in sufficient quantities. Many species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of alfalfa and other forage crops, with documented cases of crop failure and livestock mortality from contaminated hay.
Epipyropidae
Planthopper Parasite Moths, Planthopper Parasitic Moths, Cicada Parasitic Moths
Epipyropidae is a small family of moths whose larvae are obligate ectoparasites of planthoppers and leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea and related groups), with some species parasitizing cicadas. The family exhibits hypermetamorphosis, with first instar larvae being triungulin-like and highly mobile, while subsequent instars become sessile and highly modified for parasitic feeding. This parasitic lifestyle is unique among Lepidoptera and shared only with the closely related family Cyclotornidae. Approximately 20 species have been described worldwide, distributed across genera including Epipyrops, Epiricania, Fulgoraecia, and Epipomponia.
Eupompha
Eupompha is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae) comprising approximately 14 described species distributed in arid regions of North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert plants, on which adults feed and aggregate in mating pairs. The genus belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, which includes other genera with similar desert-adapted ecologies.
Eupompha elegans elegans
Eupompha elegans elegans is a subspecies of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Eupomphini. It is one of two recognized subspecies within E. elegans, the other being E. e. perpulchra. The species is native to western North America. Adult beetles are known to feed on plant foliage and flowers. Like other meloids, larvae are likely hypermetamorphic, developing through distinct mobile and sedentary phases.
Eupomphini
Eupomphini is a tribe of blister beetles (Meloidae) comprising approximately 7 genera and more than 20 described species. Members exhibit hypermetamorphosis, a complex developmental pattern involving dramatically different larval forms. The tribe includes notable genera such as Tegrodera (iron cross blister beetles) and Cysteodemus (desert spider beetles). Species are primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of North America.
Gnathium
Gnathium is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, nectar-feeding mouthparts, which represent a distinctive adaptation within the family. The genus was established by Kirby in 1819.
Gnathium francilloni
Gnathium francilloni is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The genus Gnathium is characterized by elongated, filiform maxillary galeae adapted for nectar feeding on flowers with deep corollas. This species occurs in North America and is part of a genus whose members are among the smallest blister beetles.
Gracillariidae
Leaf Blotch Miner Moths, Leaf Miner Moths
Gracillariidae is a large family of small moths in the order Lepidoptera, comprising approximately 98 described genera and many undescribed tropical species. Adults are typically diminutive with wingspans of 5–20 mm. The family is best known as the principal group of leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally within leaf tissue. Several species are economically significant agricultural and horticultural pests, including the invasive horse-chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella). The family has a fossil record extending to 97 million years ago, with Phyllocnistinae leaf mines preserved in Cretaceous rocks.
Hydroptilidae
Microcaddisflies, Purse-case Caddisflies
Hydroptilidae is the largest family of caddisflies (Trichoptera), comprising over 2,600 species in 76 genera and six subfamilies. Adults are minute, rarely exceeding 5 mm in length, making them the smallest caddisflies. They are characterized by simple hypermetamorphosis in larvae: early instars (I–IV) are caseless and free-living, while the final instar (V) constructs a distinctive purse-shaped portable case and develops a greatly enlarged (physogastric) abdomen as the primary feeding and growing stage. The family has a worldwide distribution, with subfamilies showing distinct regional patterns. Adults are strongly attracted to ultraviolet lights and may congregate in large numbers.
Lytta nuttalli
Nuttall's blister beetle
Lytta nuttalli is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The specific epithet honors botanist Thomas Nuttall. Adults display brilliant purple and green iridescent coloration. This species is notable for its complex life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis, with larvae developing as parasitoids in the nests of solitary bees. Adults are gregarious feeders on legumes and can occasionally damage agricultural crops. Populations are naturally limited by their dependence on native ground-nesting bees for larval development.
Lytta viridana
Viridescent Blister Beetle
Lytta viridana is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, occurring in mixed colonies with congeners in the Canadian prairies and western North America. Adults are active from late May to late June, feeding primarily on wild and cultivated legumes with occasional consumption of non-leguminous plants including cereals and sugar beets. The species exhibits complex reproductive behavior including multiple matings, multiple egg batches per female, and documented hybridization with L. nuttalli. Embryological development is well-studied, with eggs requiring moist soil conditions and completing development in 2-3 weeks at typical summer temperatures.
Macrosaccus
Macrosaccus is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Davis & De Prins in 2011. The genus currently contains six recognized species, all of which are leaf miners on Fabaceae (legume family) host plants. The generic name derives from Greek μακρο- (long) and σάκκος (bag), referring to the elongate saccus in male genitalia. Several species have become economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly M. morrisella, which recently expanded from native forest legumes to soybean.
Macrosaccus morrisella
hog peanut moth, soybean tentiform leafminer
Macrosaccus morrisella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to North America. Historically associated with native legumes including American hogpeanut and slickseed fuzzybean, it has recently expanded its host range to include soybean, with first reports from Quebec in 2016 and Minnesota in 2021. The species is notable for its hypermetamorphic larvae that produce distinctive serpentine-to-blotch-to-tentiform leaf mines, and its emergence as a potential agricultural pest of a major commodity crop.
Macrosiagon
wedge-shaped beetles
Macrosiagon is a genus of wedge-shaped beetles (family Ripiphoridae) containing more than 20 described species. Species in this genus are parasitoids of wasps and bees. First-instar larvae (triungulinids) exhibit phoretic behavior, attaching to host insects for transport. The genus has a broad distribution spanning the Nearctic, Neotropical, Palaearctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical regions.
Macrosiagon limbata
Bordered Wedge-shaped Beetle
Macrosiagon limbata is a wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, first described by Fabricius in 1781. Adults are active in summer and found on flowers, particularly elderberries and goldenrod. The species undergoes hypermetamorphosis, with larvae serving as internal parasitoids of Crabronidae wasps. Females deposit eggs on flowers visited by bees and other hymenopterans, where first-instar planidia attach to hosts for transport to nests.
Mantispidae
mantidflies, mantispids, mantid lacewings, mantis-flies
Mantispidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 400 species in around 400 genera, distributed worldwide with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Adults are predators characterized by raptorial forelegs—convergent with mantises but independently evolved—used to capture small arthropod prey. The family exhibits diverse larval life histories: Mantispinae are ectoparasitoids of spider egg sacs; Symphrasinae parasitize ground-nesting hymenopterans and scarab beetle larvae; Calomantispinae are predatory on small arthropods; and Drepanicinae life history remains largely unknown. First-instar larvae (planidia) employ specialized host-location strategies including direct penetration of egg sacs or phoretic transport on female spiders.
Megetra
Red-banded Blister Beetles
Megetra is a North American genus of blister beetles (Meloidae) comprising three species: M. cancellata, M. punctata, and M. vittata. These beetles are characterized by their distinctive aposematic coloration—typically red or orange markings on black elytra—advertising their chemical defenses. The genus occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults are active during late summer and early fall, primarily on flowers of Asteraceae.
Meloe
Oil Beetles
Meloe is a large genus of blister beetles commonly known as oil beetles, named for their defensive release of oily hemolymph containing cantharidin from leg joints and other body articulations when disturbed. Adults are flightless with shortened elytra that expose most of the abdomen, often displaying iridescent blue, green, or black coloration. The genus exhibits hypermetamorphic development with triungulin larvae that employ phoretic transport on bees to access host nests, where they consume provisions and host offspring.
Meloe americanus
Buttercup Oil Beetle, American Oil Beetle
Meloe americanus is a flightless blister beetle native to North America, commonly known as the buttercup oil beetle or American oil beetle. Adults are entirely black with occasional blue metallic iridescence, measuring 7–17 mm in length. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis, with triungulin larvae employing phoresy to reach host bee nests where they develop as parasites. Adults are active during late autumn through early spring, with peak emergence in December and April. The beetle is notable for its chemical defense: it secretes cantharidin, a potent blistering agent toxic to mammals at high concentrations.
Meloe angusticollis
short-winged blister beetle, oil beetle
Meloe angusticollis is a North American blister beetle known for its short elytra that leave most of the abdomen exposed. Adults release cantharidin-laden hemolymph as a chemical defense, which causes skin blistering in humans. The species exhibits hypermetamorphosis, with mobile first-instar larvae (triungulins) that parasitize solitary bees by hitchhiking to nest sites. Females are notably larger than males, reaching up to 19 mm.
Meloe strigulosus
Meloe strigulosus is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, characterized by its phoretic larval behavior involving attachment to other organisms for transport. The species has been documented in coastal dune habitats in Oregon, where its ecological relationships have been specifically studied. Adults possess the typical oil beetle morphology with shortened elytra that expose much of the abdomen. Like other Meloe species, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound toxic to vertebrates.
Meloidae
Blister Beetles
Meloidae, commonly known as blister beetles, is a family of approximately 7,500 species worldwide within the order Coleoptera. Members are characterized by their production of cantharidin, a toxic terpenoid compound that serves as a potent chemical defense against predators. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in adult morphology, with some species displaying aposematic coloration while others are cryptically colored. Life histories are complex, typically involving hypermetamorphosis with mobile triungulin larvae that often parasitize grasshopper eggs or bee nests. Adults are primarily herbivorous, with many species feeding on flowers and foliage of various plants.
Meloinae
blister beetles
Meloinae is a large subfamily of blister beetles (family Meloidae) containing at least 330 described species in multiple tribes distributed across the Holarctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions. The subfamily includes economically important genera such as Epicauta (crop pests), Meloe (oil beetles), and Lytta. Members exhibit diverse life histories, with some species being phytophagous adults and others showing complex larval associations with bees or grasshoppers. Sexual dimorphism and stereotyped courtship behaviors have been documented in multiple genera.
Nemognathinae
blister beetles
Nemognathinae is a subfamily of blister beetles (Meloidae) characterized by highly modified adult mouthparts, with elongated maxillae adapted for feeding on nectar from deep-corolla flowers. The subfamily contains approximately 8 genera and at least 80-120 described species globally, distributed across all continents except New Zealand, eastern Polynesian Islands, and Antarctica. Members exhibit diverse morphological adaptations including sexually dimorphic antennae in some taxa, abbreviated elytra, and reduced hind wings in certain genera. The subfamily is divided into five tribes: Nemognathini, Horiini, Cissitini, Leptopalpini, and Stenoriini.
Neodiprion lecontei
red-headed pine sawfly, Leconte's sawfly
Neodiprion lecontei is a pine-feeding sawfly native to eastern North America, commonly known as the red-headed pine sawfly. Adults are small (5–8.5 mm), sexually dimorphic, and active in spring and summer. Larvae are gregarious defoliators of pine needles, capable of stripping entire branches and causing significant damage to young trees and plantations. The species exhibits complex population dynamics with one to three generations per year depending on latitude, and has been extensively studied as a model for host-associated differentiation, gene expression decoupling across life stages, and baculovirus pathology.
Orthotrichia
microcaddisfly
Orthotrichia is a genus of microcaddisflies (family Hydroptilidae) containing approximately 280 species worldwide, making it the most species-rich genus in the family. The genus exhibits hypermetamorphosis and has an almost worldwide but patchy distribution, with notable radiations in Australia (55 species, ~20% of global fauna) and China (14 species). Australian species are postulated to represent a relatively recent arrival from the Oriental Region, with morphological and biological differences from Northern Hemisphere congeners suggested to contribute to regional success.
Pirhidius
Pirhidius is a genus of beetles in the family Ripiphoridae, established by Besuchet in 1957. Ripiphoridae are a family of unusual beetles characterized by extreme sexual dimorphism and complex life histories often involving parasitoid relationships with other insects. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records.
Plega signata
Mantidfly, Mantidfly (no common name specific to this species)
Plega signata is a species of mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, first described by Hagen in 1877. Originally placed in the genus Symphrasis, it was later transferred to Plega. Mantidflies are neuropteran insects that exhibit remarkable morphological convergence with praying mantises, possessing raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species occurs in Middle America and North America according to distribution records. As with other mantidflies, the larvae are likely parasitoids, though specific host relationships for P. signata remain poorly documented. The genus Plega contains species that are generally less studied than the more common North American mantidflies in the genus Mantispa.
Pseudometagea
Pseudometagea is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Eucharitidae, characterized by endoparasitic first-instar larvae (planidia) that develop internally within host ant larvae. The genus is notable for having evolved endoparasitism independently within Eucharitidae, exhibiting koinobiosis where the parasitoid allows the host to continue development. The life history has been documented primarily for P. schwarzii, which parasitizes Lasius neoniger. Adults are short-lived and typically remain near host nests.
Pyrota nigrovittata
Side-spoted Pyrota
Pyrota nigrovittata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Selander. The species epithet refers to the black longitudinal stripes (nigro- = black, vittata = banded/striped) characteristic of many Pyrota species. As a member of the tribe Pyrotini, it shares the general morphology of the genus: soft-bodied, elongate beetles with thread-like antennae and often striking color patterns that may serve aposematic functions. The genus Pyrota exhibits notable size variability among individuals, with some species showing extreme sexual size dimorphism during mating aggregations.
Rhipiceridae
Cicada-Parasite Beetles
Rhipiceridae is a family of beetles specialized as parasitoids of cicada nymphs. Larvae exhibit hypermetamorphosis, with mobile planidial first instars that actively locate and penetrate underground cicada nymphs, developing as endoparasitoids until host death. Adults display pronounced sexual dimorphism: males possess large flabellate antennae with approximately 30,000 sensilla placodea for detecting chemical cues, while females have compact bodies with simple antennae bearing around 100 sensilla. The family comprises seven genera and approximately 100 described species divided into two subfamilies: Rhipicerinae (Australia, New Caledonia, Chile) and Sandalinae (Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia).
Ripiphoridae
wedge-shaped beetles
Ripiphoridae is a cosmopolitan family of approximately 450 described species of beetles commonly known as wedge-shaped beetles. The family is notable for hypermetamorphic parasitoid development, a trait shared only with Meloidae among beetles. Host associations vary by subfamily: Ripiphorinae attack bees and wasps, Ripidiinae parasitize cockroaches, and Pelecotominae attack wood-boring beetle larvae. The family exhibits extreme morphological modifications including abbreviated elytra, sexually dimorphic antennae (flabellate or pectinate in males), and in some groups, wingless larviform females.
Ripiphorinae
wedge-shaped beetles
Ripiphorinae is a subfamily of wedge-shaped beetles within Ripiphoridae, comprising at least 2 genera (Macrosiagon and Ripiphorus) and approximately 40 described species. Members exhibit hypermetamorphic development with free-living first instar larvae. The subfamily includes species with documented oceanic dispersal capabilities, as evidenced by Ripiphorus caboverdianus on Cape Verde.
Ripiphorus
wedge-shaped beetles
Ripiphorus is a genus of wedge-shaped beetles comprising at least 30 described species. Members are parasitic beetles with highly modified body plans and complex life cycles involving multiple hosts. The genus has been recorded across multiple continents, with notable disjunct distributions including isolated volcanic archipelagos such as the Cape Verde Islands. Adults are typically short-lived and often associated with flowers, while larvae are parasitoids of other insects.
Ripiphorus aurantus
Ripiphorus aurantus is a beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, described by Rivnay in 1929. Members of this genus are known for their unusual life history involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitism of other insects. The species name 'aurantus' (Latin for orange or golden) likely refers to coloration. Like other ripiphorids, adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Ripiphorus californicus
Ripiphorus californicus is a beetle species in the family Ripiphoridae, described by LeConte in 1880. The genus Ripiphorus comprises unusual beetles with highly modified morphology and complex life histories involving hypermetamorphosis. Members of this family are typically associated with bees as hosts. The species is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada.
Ripiphorus fasciatus-complex
fasciatus-complex ripiphorid beetles
The Ripiphorus fasciatus-complex comprises a group of closely related ripiphorid beetles within the genus Ripiphorus, characterized by distinctive banded or fasciate color patterns. These beetles belong to a family notable for extreme sexual dimorphism and complex life histories involving host associations, primarily with bees or wasps. Members of this complex are distinguished from congeners by specific elytral patterning and morphological features that remain under taxonomic study. The group occurs in North America and shares the family's unusual biology of hypermetamorphosis and parasitoid larval development.
Ripiphorus iridescens
Ripiphorus iridescens is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, described by Rivnay in 1929. Members of this genus are known for their unusual biology involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitic relationships with bees. The species epithet "iridescens" refers to the metallic or iridescent coloration typical of many ripiphorid beetles. Like other members of the family, this species likely exhibits the characteristic abbreviated elytra and reduced wing venation that distinguishes Ripiphoridae from other beetle families.
Ripiphorus neomexicanus
Ripiphorus neomexicanus is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, a group known for their unusual life history involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitism of other insects. The species epithet "neomexicanus" suggests a geographic association with New Mexico, though the full distribution and biology of this species remain poorly documented. Like other members of Ripiphorus, this species likely exhibits the family's characteristic extreme sexual dimorphism and complex larval development. The genus Ripiphorus is among the most derived lineages within the Ripiphoridae, with adults typically active during summer months.
Ripiphorus niger
Ripiphorus niger is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae. Members of the genus Ripiphorus exhibit unusual life histories involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitic relationships with bees. The species epithet 'niger' refers to the black coloration typical of this taxon. Like other ripiphorids, adults are generally short-lived and do not feed, while larvae develop as parasitoids or inquilines in bee nests.
Ripiphorus nomiae
Ripiphorus nomiae is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae. Members of this genus are known for their unusual life history involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitism of other insects. The species was described by Rivnay in 1929 based on North American material. Like other Ripiphorus species, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic sexual dimorphism and complex host relationships.
Ripiphorus popenoei
Ripiphorus popenoei is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, first described by LeConte in 1880. Members of this genus are known for their unusual life history involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitism of other insects. The species is recorded from North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature. Like other ripiphorids, adults are typically short-lived and may be encountered on flowers.
Ripiphorus scaber
Ripiphorus scaber is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, described by LeConte in 1852. It belongs to a family of beetles known for unusual life histories involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitic relationships with other insects. The species occurs in North America.
Ripiphorus sexdens
Ripiphorus sexdens is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae. It is found in North America. Members of the genus Ripiphorus are known for their distinctive body shape and unusual life history strategies, though species-specific details for R. sexdens remain limited in published literature.
Ripiphorus smithi
Ripiphorus smithi is a species of ripiphorid beetle described by Linsley and MacSwain in 1950. The species is native to North America. Its life history and development were documented by Linsley, MacSwain & Smith (1952). The free-living first instar larva of a closely related species, R. caboverdianus, is noted to be morphologically very similar to that of R. smithi.
Ripiphorus walshii
Ripiphorus walshii is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae. Members of this genus are known for their unusual life histories involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitic relationships with other insects. The species was described by LeConte in 1865 and occurs in North America. Ripiphorid beetles are typically active as adults during summer months.
Strepsiptera
Twisted-wing Insects, Twisted-wing Parasites, Stylops
Strepsiptera is an order of obligate endoparasitic insects comprising approximately 600 described species across 11 extant families. The group exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: males are free-living, short-lived adults with reduced forewings modified into halteres and large fan-shaped hindwings, while females are neotenic, larviform, and remain permanently within their insect hosts. All strepsipterans are parasites of other insects, with documented hosts spanning seven orders including Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Blattodea, Mantodea, Zygentoma, and Diptera. The order is believed to be most closely related to Coleoptera, forming the clade Coleopterida.
Tricrania
Tricrania is a genus of Nearctic blister beetles (Meloidae: Nemognathinae) containing at least three described species, including T. sanguinipennis and T. stansburyi. These beetles are obligate cleptoparasites of solitary bees, with highly modified life cycles involving hypermetamorphosis and flightless adults. The genus is notable for its specialized larval stages that exploit bee nest aggregations.
Tricrania sanguinipennis
Blood-winged Blister Beetle
Tricrania sanguinipennis is a flightless blister beetle (family Meloidae) native to eastern North America. Adults are 9–15 mm long with bright red, leathery elytra that conceal vestigial wings. The species is a parasitoid of solitary bees in the genus Colletes, particularly Colletes inaequalis. Its life cycle involves hypermetamorphosis, with a mobile triungulin larva that hitchhikes on male bees to access underground nest cells. The beetle has been documented from Saskatchewan to northern Florida, with Kansas marking its western limit.
Tricrania stansburyi
Stansbury's Blister Beetle
Tricrania stansburyi is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is a cleptoparasite of solitary bees, specifically known to parasitize the mason bee Osmia lignaria propinqua. The species exhibits hypermetamorphosis, with triungulin larvae attaching to host bees to gain entry to nest cells. It is found in North America and is one of at least two species in the genus Tricrania.
Trigonodera schaefferi
wedge-shaped beetle
Trigonodera schaefferi is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, a family of beetles with unusual life histories involving parasitism or hypermetamorphosis. The species is known from North America and was described by Rivnay in 1929. Ripiphorid beetles are generally uncommon and poorly known, with most species having specialized host associations that remain incompletely documented.
Zonitis cribricollis
Zonitis cribricollis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The species was described by LeConte in 1853 and is known from North America. As a member of Nemognathinae, adults likely possess elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species name 'cribricollis' refers to a punctured or sieve-like collar (pronotum).
Zonitis perforata
Zonitis perforata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Casey in 1891. The species is known from North America and belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, which is characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. Like other members of the genus Zonitis, it is likely associated with flowers of composite plants (Asteraceae), though specific host records for this species are limited.