Prospectors
Ablautus is a genus of small robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately 14 described species. Adults measure 6–7 millimeters and inhabit arid regions of western and southwestern North America, particularly sandy areas within sagebrush communities. The genus exhibits notable mimicry relationships, with Ablautus mimus known to mimic Lestomyia sabulonum. Species were described primarily by J. Wilcox during 1935–1966, with the genus first established by Loew in 1866.
Arizona Prospector
Ablautus mimus is a small robber fly (family Asilidae) native to arid regions of western and southwestern North America. Adults measure approximately 6–7 millimeters and exhibit sand-colored camouflage. The species has been documented in association with sandy soils in sagebrush habitats and shows documented mimicry of Lestomyia sabulonum, another small fly species sharing its habitat. It is also known to occur alongside Cyrtopogon ablautoides in sandy desert regions.
Acmaeodera mimicata is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Knull in 1938. It belongs to the large and taxonomically challenging genus Acmaeodera, which contains over 150 species in North America. The species epithet "mimicata" suggests a mimetic appearance, likely resembling bees or wasps as is common in this genus. Very few specific records or biological observations have been published for this species.
Acmaeodera neglecta is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, measuring 4–6 mm in length. It occurs primarily in the south-central United States, with records from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri. Adults are flower visitors, particularly on yellow composites such as Coreopsis and Thelesperma. The species was described by Fall in 1899 and remained unreported from Missouri until 1987 due to its close resemblance to the more common A. tubulus.
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
sisters
Adelpha is a genus of brush-footed butterflies distributed from the southern United States and Mexico through Central America to South America. The common name "sisters" refers to the white wing markings that resemble a nun's habit. The genus contains approximately 90 described species, many of which exhibit Batesian mimicry and are organized into distinct species groups based on morphological and phylogenetic relationships.
California sister
Adelpha californica, the California sister, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae found in western North America. Adults are active from March through November, with one to three generations per year depending on conditions. The species is unpalatable to predators and serves as the model for a large mimicry complex involving other butterflies. Larvae feed exclusively on oaks (Quercus), particularly canyon live oak and coast live oak.
Eight-spotted Forester, Eight-spotted Forester Moth
Alypia octomaculata, the eight-spotted forester, is a day-flying moth in the family Noctuidae. Adults are strikingly colored with black bodies and eight contrasting spots on their wings—two per wing in white, cream, or yellow shades. The species is notable for its diurnal activity, unusual among noctuids, which frequently leads to misidentification as a butterfly. Larvae feed on grape family plants and are considered minor pests in vineyards.
nessus sphinxes
Amphion is a genus of sphinx moths (family Sphingidae) established by Hübner in 1819. The genus includes the Nessus Sphinx moth (Amphion floridensis), a widespread North American species known for its diurnal flight behavior and wasp-mimicking appearance. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, shared with several mythological figures including the builder of Thebes.
Nessus sphinx
Amphion floridensis, commonly known as the Nessus sphinx, is a day-flying moth in the family Sphingidae. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Amphion. The species is widespread in eastern North America and is frequently encountered due to its diurnal activity. It is easily recognized by two bright yellow bands across the abdomen.
Anthrax argyropygus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, characterized by its parasitoid lifestyle. The genus Anthrax contains species known to attack the larvae of ground-nesting insects, including tiger beetles and solitary bees. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar, where their hairy bodies inadvertently collect and transfer pollen. The species name 'argyropygus' refers to the silvery appearance of the abdomen. Like other bee flies, this species exhibits Batesian mimicry of bees, possessing a single pair of wings and a long proboscis adapted for nectar feeding.
stripe-streaks, stripestreaks
Arawacus is a genus of gossamer-wing butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as stripe-streaks. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed throughout the Neotropical realm, from Mexico south through Central America to Brazil, Peru, and Argentina. Members of this genus are notable for their distinctive false-head defensive morphology on the hindwings, which helps misdirect predator attacks away from vital body parts.
Northern Brigand
Archilestris magnificus is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, subfamily Dasypogoninae. The species is noted for its vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, which has been cited as one of the most impressive among robber flies. First described by Walker in 1854 under the basionym Dasypogon magnificus, this species has been documented through 527 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to a genus of charismatic predatory flies known for their striking appearance.
Tiger Moths and Allies, Tiger Moths, Woolly Bear Moths, Footmen, Lichen Moths, Wasp Moths
Arctiinae is a large and diverse subfamily of moths within the family Erebidae, comprising approximately 11,000 species worldwide. The subfamily includes tiger moths, footmen, lichen moths, and wasp moths. Many species are characterized by aposematic coloration, chemical defenses, and the production of ultrasonic sounds for defense and communication. The group was formerly classified as the family Arctiidae but was reclassified as a subfamily of Erebidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Primitive Weevils, Belids, Cycad Weevils (restricted usage)
Belidae is an ancient family of weevils distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by straight rather than elbowed antennae. The family exhibits a relictual Gondwanan distribution, with extant species found primarily in the Australia–New Guinea–New Zealand region, South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Pacific islands, and scattered African localities. Belidae comprises two living subfamilies: Belinae and Oxycoryninae. The family has undergone significant host-plant shifts from ancestral conifer associations to diverse angiosperm lineages, including cycads, palms, and parasitic flowering plants.
seed-mimic treehopper
Bolbonota is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, tribe Membracini, distributed in the New World tropics and subtropics. Adults are characterized by their dark, globular body form with a corrugated pronotal surface and distinctive red eyes. The genus contains at least a dozen described species in Brazil alone, with many more likely awaiting description. Bolbonota species exhibit complex ontogenetic color changes: early instar nymphs are dark, late instars become mottled or streaked white, and adults revert to dark coloration.
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.
bee lice, bee louse
Braulidae is a family of highly modified, wingless flies (Diptera) comprising two genera—Braula and Megabraula—with approximately seven to eight described species. These insects are obligate associates of honey bees (Apis spp.), exhibiting a commensal to kleptoparasitic lifestyle. Adults are minute (1.6–3 mm), reddish-brown, and superficially resemble mites or lice due to their reduced morphology. They attach to bee bodies using specialized claw structures and feed by intercepting food during trophallaxis. The family has undergone extensive morphological simplification associated with this specialized host relationship.
Thicket Hairstreak
Callophrys spinetorum, the thicket hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae described by William Chapman Hewitson in 1867. It is distributed across western North America from British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and Mexico, and through California to Baja California. The species is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed exclusively on dwarf mistletoes in the genus Arceuthobium, exhibiting remarkable mimicry of their host plants.
Calobatina is a genus of stilt-legged flies in the family Micropezidae, established by Enderlein in 1922. The genus contains at least two described species, including Calobatina geometra. These flies are characterized by their elongated, stilt-like legs and distinctive foreleg-waving behavior. The only species with documented natural history information, C. geometra, has been observed aggregating on standing dead white oak trunks in dry-mesic upland deciduous forest.
Calobatina geometra is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae, occurring in the eastern United States. Adults are noted for their distinctive elongated middle and hind legs, their wasp-like appearance suggesting mimicry of ichneumonid wasps, and their characteristic behavior of waving their forelegs, which bear conspicuous white bands above black feet. The species has been observed aggregating on standing dead oak trunks in dry-mesic upland deciduous forest.
End Band Net-wing, End Band Net-winged Beetle
Calopteron terminale is a net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, distinguished from congeners by a transverse depression across the elytra. It is found in eastern North American deciduous woodlands, where adults are active from July through September. The species participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with similarly colored toxic beetles and moths. Larvae develop under bark of dead and dying trees, preying on small arthropods.
Castianeira athena is a species of ant-mimic spider in the family Corinnidae, first described by Reiskind in 1969. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of ants as a defensive strategy against predators. The species occurs in the United States and Mexico. As a corinnid spider, it is an active hunter rather than a web-builder.
Ceratogastra is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. The best-known species, Ceratogastra ornata, is a small wasp measuring 10–12 millimeters in body length, recognized by its ornate yellow and reddish-brown or black color pattern. Four subspecies of C. ornata are recognized, showing geographic variation in coloration from darker northern forms to paler western and southern populations. Members of this genus are flower visitors and parasitoids of moth larvae.
Ceratogastra ornata is a small ichneumon wasp (10–12 mm) recognized by its ornate yellow and reddish-brown or black coloration. Four subspecies are recognized across its broad North American range, with northern specimens darker and more reduced in yellow markings than southern and western populations. The species has been suggested to mimic stinging spider wasps in appearance. Females are known to oviposit in flower buds, targeting eggs or early instars of noctuid moths in the genus Feltia.
Ceropales pacifica is a spider wasp (family Pompilidae) described by Townes in 1957. In Colorado Springs, it has been observed as a potential model for Müllerian or Batesian mimicry, with the ichneumon wasp Ceratogastra ornata showing striking similarities in coloration and pattern. As a member of the genus Ceropales, it belongs to a group of spider wasps known for their distinctive morphology and behavior.
Ceropales rugata is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Townes in 1957. The genus Ceropales comprises kleptoparasitic spider wasps that do not hunt spiders themselves but instead lay eggs on spiders captured by other pompilid wasps. This species belongs to a lineage exhibiting Batesian mimicry of stinging spider wasps, particularly in the genus Poecilopompilus.
Leafwalkers
Chalcosyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae, commonly known as leafwalkers. Species are notable for mimicking sawflies and other hymenopterans, often displaying bright or metallic coloration. Adults are structurally and behaviorally similar to the related genus Xylota but differ in larval morphology. The genus occurs across Europe, Asia, and North America, with larvae being saproxylic feeders in rotten wood.
Black-hipped Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus plesia, known as the black-hipped leafwalker, is an uncommon syrphid fly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species is a documented mimic of the digger wasp Sphex nudus. Unlike many syrphids that hover at flowers, this species exhibits behavioral and morphological adaptations associated with dead wood habitats. The specific epithet "plesia" and common name "black-hipped leafwalker" refer to distinctive dark coloration on the posterior body region.
Colorado Soldier Beetle
Chauliognathus basalis, commonly known as the Colorado soldier beetle, is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America and is particularly common on the plains. The species exhibits Müllerian mimicry with other toxic beetles, sharing a black and orange color pattern that advertises its chemical defenses. Adults are active during the day and frequently observed on flowers, especially those of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed).
Harris's checkerspot
Chlosyne harrisii, or Harris's checkerspot, is a North American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is a Batesian mimic of the unpalatable Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton), sharing similar orange and black checkered wing patterns. The species has a single flight period in early summer and is closely associated with wet meadow habitats where its host plant, flat-topped white aster (Aster umbellatus), grows. It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
checkered beetles
Cleridae, commonly known as checkered beetles, is a family of predatory beetles in the superfamily Cleroidea. The family contains approximately 3,500 species worldwide, with about 500 species in North America. Most species are predatory, feeding primarily on other beetles and their larvae, particularly bark beetles and wood-boring beetles. Some genera exhibit scavenging or pollen-feeding habits. The family has significant economic importance as biological control agents against forest pests.
Wasp Mantidfly, Western Mantidfly, Brown Mantidfly, Brown Wasp Mantidfly
Climaciella brunnea is a predatory mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, notable for its striking mimicry of paper wasps in the genus Polistes. Adults possess raptorial forelegs convergently evolved with mantises, used to capture small insect prey. The species exhibits regional color polymorphism, matching locally abundant Polistes species. Its life cycle involves a highly specialized parasitic relationship with wolf spiders (Lycosidae): first-instar larvae use phoretic behavior to board spiders, transfer between sexes during mating if necessary, and ultimately enter spider egg sacs to feed on the eggs. The species is widely distributed across North America from southern Canada to Nicaragua, with adults most commonly observed from May through October, peaking in June through August.
Clistopyga is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Pimplinae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1829. The genus contains approximately 50 described species, with the majority distributed in the Neotropical region. Species are characterized by specialized adaptations for parasitizing spiders, including modified ovipositors used for clinging to hosts and felting spider silk to seal nest openings. Several species groups have been established within the genus based on morphological and distributional patterns.
Conoderinae is a diverse subfamily of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 2,400 described species across more than 210 genera in 15 tribes. The group exhibits worldwide distribution with particular diversity in tropical regions, especially the Neotropics. Members are characterized by active, alert behavior and frequent association with mimicry complexes. Classification within the subfamily remains chaotic with no robust phylogenetic hypotheses, and many genera are likely not monophyletic.
Bumble Flies
Criorhina is a genus of medium to large hoverflies (Syrphidae) that exhibit Batesian mimicry of bumblebees. The genus is characterized by a flattened, broad head and distinctive antennal placement on a prominent conical frontal process. Larvae develop in rot holes and decaying hardwoods. Several species show pronounced geographical variation in abdominal colour patterns, with morphological differences correlated with the distribution of their hymenopteran models.
Red-tailed Bumblefly
Criorhina caudata is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1925. It is commonly known as the Red-tailed Bumblefly. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Criorhina, it exhibits bumblebee mimicry as a defensive adaptation.
Coquillett's Bumble Fly
Criorhina coquilletti is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) known as Coquillett's Bumble Fly. The genus Criorhina belongs to the tribe Milesiini within the subfamily Eristalinae. Hoverflies in this genus are recognized for their bumble bee mimicry, a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1892.
Dusky Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina fusca is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Weisman in 1964. It is known from the United States. The species belongs to a genus whose members are notable for their mimicry of yellowjacket wasps (Vespula spp.), a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. As with other Criorhina species, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Western Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina occidentalis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Western Yellowjacket Fly. It belongs to a genus of hoverflies that exhibit mimicry of stinging insects such as wasps and hornets. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the Syrphidae family, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Tricoloured Bumblefly
Criorhina tricolor is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Tricoloured Bumblefly. It is a bumble bee mimic, resembling species in the genus Bombus. The species was described by Coquillett in 1900 and is found in North America.
Orange-bracketed Longhorned Beetle
Crossidius discoideus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Adults are notable for their striking orange-and-black coloration, which closely mimics that of toxic soldier beetles (Chauliognathus spp.) and blister beetles (Epicauta spp.) through Batesian mimicry. The species is strongly associated with flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed), where adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae develop in the root crowns of broom snakeweed and related Isocoma species (Jimmyweed).
Crossidius discoideus sayi is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, native to western North America. It is recognized as a Batesian mimic of toxic soldier beetles (Chauliognathus spp.), sharing their characteristic orange and black color pattern despite being harmless itself. Adults are active in late summer and early fall, feeding on flower pollen and nectar, particularly from Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed). The larvae develop as root-crown borers in their host plants.
ctenucha moths
Ctenucha is a genus of diurnal tiger moths in the family Erebidae, historically classified in family Arctiidae. The genus name derives from Greek, meaning "having a comb," referring to the showy antennae of some species. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar, particularly goldenrod in autumn. Many species exhibit aposematic coloration and wasp-like appearance, serving as Müllerian mimics. The genus contains over 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Handmaidens
Ctenuchina is a subtribe of tiger moths within the family Erebidae, commonly known as handmaidens. These moths are diurnal and exhibit striking coloration that mimics unpalatable beetles and wasps. Males possess specialized scent-dispersing structures called androconia, used in pheromone communication during courtship. The group is taxonomically diverse, with many species distributed in the Neotropical region.
rodent bots, Glire Bot Flies
Cuterebra is a genus of New World bot flies (subfamily Cuterebrinae) comprising approximately 78 species that parasitize rodents and lagomorphs. Adults are large, robust flies resembling bumble bees, with non-functional mouthparts and short lifespans devoted entirely to reproduction. Females oviposit near host burrow entrances; larvae hatch in response to host body heat, enter through natural orifices or wounds, and develop subcutaneously for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil. The genus exhibits notable host specificity, with individual species typically restricted to single host species or closely related groups.
rabbit bot fly
Cuterebra abdominalis is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. It is a parasite of lagomorphs (rabbits and hares), with larvae developing subcutaneously in host tissues. Adults are short-lived, lack functional mouthparts, and do not feed. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling bumble bees in appearance. It is one of approximately 34 recognized North American species in the genus Cuterebra, with seven species specializing on rabbit hosts.
Cuterebra austeni is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized insects with distinctive black and white coloration. Like other Cuterebra species, adults lack functional mouthparts and live only briefly, fueled entirely by larval fat reserves. The species has been documented exhibiting hilltopping behavior in Arizona, where males gather at elevated sites to locate females.
mouse bot fly, white-footed mouse bot fly
Cuterebra fontinella fontinella is a subspecies of New World bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes small mammals, primarily white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized, and lack functional mouthparts, living only briefly to reproduce. Females lay eggs near host burrow entrances; larvae hatch in response to host body heat, enter through orifices or wounds, and develop subcutaneously for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil. Despite forming conspicuous warbles that can reach 5% of host body weight, infections appear to have minimal negative impact on host survival and may even correlate with increased longevity in some populations.
Trashline Orbweavers
Cyclosa is a genus of orb-weaver spiders commonly known as trashline orbweavers, first described by Anton Menge in 1866. These spiders are distinguished by their unique web decorations consisting of linear arrangements of prey remains, debris, and sometimes egg sacs arranged vertically through the web center. The name derives from Greek 'to move in a circle,' referencing their spiral web construction. Most species face downward in their webs, though some face upward. The genus contains approximately 178 species distributed worldwide.