fungus-growing ants
Cyphomyrmex is a genus of small, drab-colored fungus-growing ants in the tribe Attini, found primarily in the Neotropics. These ants cultivate fungi in the tribe Leucocoprineae as their primary food source, with most species growing fungal nodules rather than full mycelial gardens. Colonies are typically monogynous and small, rarely exceeding 500 workers. The genus is divided into two species complexes: the strigatus complex (South America only) and the rimosus complex (southern North America to South America). Cyphomyrmex represents a basal lineage among attine ants and serves as sister group to Mycetophylax.
Milkweed Butterflies, Danaids
Danainae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) comprising approximately 300 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as milkweed butterflies due to their obligate larval association with milkweed plants (Apocynaceae). The group includes three tribes: Danaini (tropical Asia, Africa, and four North American species including the monarch), Ithomiini (clearwing butterflies of the Neotropics), and Tellervini (restricted to Australia and the Oriental region). Adults are aposematically colored, advertising their sequestration of toxic cardiac glycosides from host plants.
Dasysyrphus pacificus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) originally described from the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Dasysyrphus pauxillus. Hoverflies in this genus are commonly known as 'flower flies' due to their frequent presence at flowers, where adults feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae of Dasysyrphus species are predatory, typically feeding on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.
A longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lamiinae, characterized by dense tufts of erect hairs that provide remarkable crypsis against tree bark. Adults are strictly nocturnal and hide on the undersides of freshly cut logs during daylight hours. The species occurs from southern Texas through South America, with documented associations with trees in the family Boraginaceae as larval hosts.
Dictyopharid Planthoppers
Dictyopharidae is a family of planthoppers in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising nearly 760 species in more than 150 genera. The family is characterized by distinctive morphological features including an elongated frons or head projection in many species, and antennae arising from the side of the head below the compound eye. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Dictyopharinae and Orgeriinae. Fossil records extend back to the Late Cretaceous (Santonian age).
Didasys is a monotypic genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. The genus contains a single species, Didasys belae, commonly known as the double-tufted wasp moth. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. The common name refers to the species' wasp-like appearance, a form of protective mimicry.
Pavon Emperor, Pavon
Doxocopa pavon is a sexually dimorphic butterfly in the emperor butterfly subfamily Apaturinae, with males displaying iridescent blue-purple upper wing surfaces and females exhibiting mimicry of unrelated Adelpha species. The species ranges from South America through Mexico, with occasional vagrancy into southern Texas. Larvae feed exclusively on hackberry species (Celtis), while adults are nectar-feeders that also engage in mud-puddling and rotting material feeding.
Eccritosia zamon is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is noted among robber flies for its vivid, aposematic or mimetic coloration, placing it among the most visually striking species in this charismatic family of predatory flies. The species was originally described as Proctacanthus zamon by Townsend in 1895 before being transferred to the genus Eccritosia.
desert stink beetle, clown beetle
Eleodes caseyi is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles, which are characterized by their defensive head-stand posture. The species was described by Blaisdell in 1909. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to arid environments.
Red-backed Darkling Beetle
Eleodes suturalis, commonly known as the red-backed darkling beetle, is a large, flightless darkling beetle endemic to the Great Plains of North America. It is distinguished by a prominent reddish-brown stripe running along the suture of its distinctly flattened elytra. The species exhibits the characteristic defensive headstand behavior of the genus Eleodes, raising its abdomen and secreting a foul-smelling liquid when threatened. It is among the most conspicuously abundant darkling beetles in its range and has been proposed as a visual mimic of the Great Plains giant tiger beetle (Amblycheila cylindriformis).
Elytroleptus is a genus of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising 15 species distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, with one species (E. floridanus) extending into the eastern United States. The genus is notable for containing lycid beetle mimics, with three species—E. apicalis, E. ignitus, and E. limpianus—documented as predaceous on their own lycid models, representing a rare case of aggressive mimicry in beetles. A taxonomic revision in 2013 clarified species boundaries and described one new species while synonymizing three others.
Elytroleptus divisus is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, originally described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1884. The species was previously known as Elytroleptus dichromaticus until that name was synonymized with E. divisus in a 2013 taxonomic revision. The species exhibits intraspecific polychromatic variation in coloration. Like other members of its genus, E. divisus is a lycid beetle mimic, displaying orange and black coloration that resembles the aposematic warning coloration of distasteful net-winged beetles (family Lycidae). The genus Elytroleptus is distributed throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, with most species occurring in arid and semi-arid regions.
spotted oleander caterpillar moth
Empyreuma is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, containing three species. The genus name derives from the Greek ἐμπύρευμα, meaning "a live coal covered with ashes." Adults exhibit striking aposematic coloration with orange and black patterns that mimic stinging wasps. Larvae feed exclusively on oleander (Nerium oleander), a toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides that the caterpillars sequester for their own defense. The genus is notable for its acoustic courtship behavior, with males producing sounds detected by female tympanic organs.
Orange-banded Clerid, Orange-banded Checkered Beetle
Enoclerus ichneumoneus is a conspicuous species of checkered beetle (family Cleridae) found in eastern North America. It is distinguished by a wide orange band across the middle of the elytra and an elongate scutellum. The species is commonly encountered on dead or dying hardwood trees, where it hunts woodboring beetles and their larvae. Its bright coloration and fuzzy appearance have been suggested to represent mimicry of velvet ants (Mutillidae), though this hypothesis remains incompletely tested.
Drone Flies and Allies
Eristalinae is a subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately nine tribes and notable for exceptional Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. Adults are important pollinators, while larvae exhibit the greatest habitat diversity among hoverflies, occupying aquatic environments, decaying organic matter, sap runs, and even wasp nests. The subfamily includes the well-known drone fly (Eristalis tenax), whose larvae—called rat-tailed maggots—possess an extendable posterior breathing siphon.
Rat-tail Maggot Flies
Eristalini is a tribe of hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by larvae known as "rat-tailed maggots," which possess a posterior telescopic breathing siphon. Several species are notable hymenopteran mimics: Eristalis species resemble honeybees, while Helophilus and Parhelophilus display wasp-like yellow and black striping. Adults function as pollinators, while larvae inhabit aquatic or semi-aquatic environments rich in decaying organic matter.
Lagoon Flies
Eristalinus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) characterized by distinctive spotted or banded eye patterns in most species. These stout, nimble fliers are distributed across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with several species becoming widespread invasives outside their native ranges. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with molecular and morphological studies reorganizing former subgenera Eristalodes and Lathyrophthalmus into two primary clades. Species such as E. taeniops and E. aeneus are notable for their rapid global spread and potential as managed pollinators in agricultural systems.
band-eyed drone fly, stripe-eyed lagoon fly, tiger fly
Eristalinus taeniops is a hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to the Palearctic and Afrotropical regions that has become established as an exotic species across much of the world, including North and South America. Adults are notable pollinators with distinctive banded compound eyes featuring five vertical dark stripes, and they exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. The species is strongly associated with human-modified environments and has shown rapid geographic expansion in South America via airports and seaports.
Drone Flies, Droneflies
Eristalis is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 99 species. Adults are commonly called drone flies due to their resemblance to honeybee drones, a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larvae, known as rat-tailed maggots, are aquatic and possess an extendable breathing siphon that allows them to inhabit oxygen-depleted environments such as stagnant water, sewage, and decomposing organic matter. Adults are important generalist pollinators, with some species proposed as managed alternatives to honey bees for agricultural pollination.
orange-spotted drone fly
Eristalis anthophorina, the orange-spotted drone fly, is a syrphid fly with Holarctic distribution. Adults reach approximately 15 mm in length and are notable mimics of bumblebees. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats including bogs, fens, and woodland pools. It has been observed visiting flowers of Verbena hastata, Salix myricoides, and Hesperis matronalis.
orange-legged drone fly
Eristalis flavipes, commonly known as the orange-legged drone fly, is a North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are striking mimics of bumblebees, measuring 13–17 mm in length, with abundant bright yellow pile on a black body and distinctive orange-red legs. The species is active from early April through mid-October, occurring across diverse habitats with particular affinity for wetlands. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that filter-feed in standing water.
Common Drone Fly, Drone Fly, Rat-tailed Maggot
Eristalis tenax is a cosmopolitan hoverfly (Syrphidae) and the most widely distributed syrphid species globally, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. Adults are striking mimics of honey bees, exhibiting Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larval stage, known as the rat-tailed maggot, is aquatic and inhabits polluted water containing organic matter, using an elongated posterior siphon for respiration. Adults are important generalist pollinators, particularly of Asteraceae flowers. The species exhibits strong territorial behavior in males and has been documented to cause rare cases of accidental myiasis in humans.
Wasp Moths
Euchromiina is a subtribe of tiger moths (family Erebidae) established by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1876. The group comprises approximately 3,000 valid species when combined with the related subtribe Ctenuchina, with the majority occurring in the Neotropics. Members are renowned for their striking wasp-mimicking appearance, featuring bright aposematic coloration that advertises their chemical defenses. The subtribe was historically classified as tribe Euchromiini within subfamily Ctenuchinae of family Arctiidae before modern taxonomic revisions placed it within Erebidae.
Nebraska Clearwing Moth
Euhagena nebraskae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity. Males exhibit highly bipectinate antennae and wispy white thoracic tufts, while females differ notably in appearance, showing strong sexual dimorphism. The species has been documented in the Great Plains region of North America, including Nebraska and Kansas, and is rarely attracted to light traps.
Aphideaters, aphideater flies
Eupeodes is a genus of moderate-sized hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as aphideaters. Adults are black with yellow markings and are distributed worldwide. The genus is part of the Syrphini tribe and is frequently mistaken for similar genera. Both life stages serve important ecological functions: larvae are aphid predators, while adults are pollinators.
Broad-banded Aphideater, meadow field syrph
Eupeodes latifasciatus is a small hoverfly with wing length 6.5–8.5 mm, distinguished by yellow markings fused into bands on abdominal segments three and four. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowers and serve as pollinators. Larvae are aphid predators, feeding on aphids and scale insects (Hemiptera). The species has a broad distribution across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with flight activity primarily from May to September.
Large-tailed Aphideater, Bird Hover Fly
Eupeodes volucris is a hover fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as the large-tailed aphideater or bird hover fly. Larvae are aphid predators, feeding on plant-sucking insects. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species is notable among syrphid flies for its relatively large size and distinctive abdominal patterning.
humpbacked orb-weavers
Eustala is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1895. As of November 2024, the genus contains 87 species distributed primarily across the Americas, from the United States through Central America to South America, with highest diversity in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Several species have been documented exhibiting specialized ecological relationships, including myrmecophily (living among ants) in Central American species that inhabit ant-defended acacia plants. The genus includes the well-known humpbacked orb-weaver, Eustala anastera, found across North and Central America.
Gorse Seed Weevil
Exapion ulicis is a small seed-feeding weevil specialized on gorse (Ulex europaeus). Adults are light gray with a prominent snout roughly half the body length. The species is native to western Europe and has been introduced to New Zealand, California, Hawaii, and other regions as a biological control agent targeting invasive gorse populations. Larval feeding destroys seeds within pods, reducing plant spread, while adult feeding on stems and spines causes minor damage.
warty leaf beetle
Exema dispar is a species of warty leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, known for remarkable mimicry of caterpillar frass. Adults are small (2–3 mm), compact beetles with a rough, warty exoskeleton that closely resembles the size, shape, texture, and coloration of lepidopteran larval droppings. When disturbed, the beetle retracts its head and folds legs and antennae into precisely matched grooves, eliminating any visible beetle-like features. This species has been observed on Asteraceae plants including gray-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa).
False bombardier beetle
Galerita bicolor, commonly known as the false bombardier beetle, is a ground beetle species occurring in the eastern United States. It exhibits Batesian mimicry of true bombardier beetles (Brachinini), sharing their characteristic red-and-black coloration without possessing the explosive defensive chemical spray. Adults are large, elongated beetles measuring 17.0–22.5 mm, found primarily in moist woodland and meadow habitats. The species is active year-round under bark and leaf litter, with peak activity from February through November.
fungus weevils
Gymnognathus is a genus of fungus weevils (family Anthribidae) comprising more than 90 described species. Members of this genus are predominantly associated with tropical moist forests, with some species occurring in subtropical humid forests at orographic rain barriers. At least one species, G. barclayi, exhibits apparent mimicry of calyptrate flies based on pronotal coloration patterns.
Habronattus pyrrithrix is a small jumping spider in the family Salticidae, native to the southwestern United States and western Mexico. Males display striking sexual dimorphism with bright red facial coloration and green legs used in complex multimodal courtship displays, while females are larger with cryptic brown and grey coloration. The species exhibits trichromatic vision and uses color cues when foraging, actively avoiding red and yellow prey that may signal chemical defenses. Males employ visual, vibratory, and seismic signals during courtship to reduce female aggression and cannibalism risk.
Yellow-shielded Quicksilver
Hadromyia pulchra is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) known by the common name Yellow-shielded Quicksilver. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a syrphid fly, it belongs to a group commonly recognized for their bee- or wasp-mimicking appearance and ecological roles as pollinators.
Harpactorini is the most diverse tribe within the assassin bug family Reduviidae, containing 289 genera and approximately 2000 species globally. The tribe is distinguished by several genera exhibiting exaggerated pronotal modifications, including the wheel-shaped pronotum of Arilus and the strongly raised, divided posterior pronotal lobe in Ulpius. Many species engage in wasp mimicry, resembling Hymenoptera through body shape, coloration, and wing patterns. Sexual dimorphism is common, with differences in size, body configuration, eye size, and antennal structure between males and females.
longwings, heliconians, fritillaries and longwings
Heliconiinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) comprising 45–50 genera, commonly known as longwings or heliconians. Members are distinguished by elongated forewings and predominantly reddish-black coloration. They are notable among butterflies for actively consuming pollen, which extends adult longevity. The subfamily exhibits complex coevolutionary relationships with Passifloraceae host plants and serves as a classic model for studies of Müllerian and Batesian mimicry.
Marsh Flies, Tiger Hoverflies
Helophilus is a genus of moderate to large hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as marsh flies or tiger hoverflies. Adults are notable bee or wasp mimics with distinctive lengthwise yellow stripes on the thorax and transverse bands on the abdomen. Larvae are aquatic "rat-tailed maggots" that filter-feed on microorganisms in organic-rich water. The genus comprises two subgenera: Helophilus and Pilinasica (the latter containing endemic New Zealand species).
Gray-banded Marsh Fly
Helophilus bottnicus is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Gray-banded Marsh Fly. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are aquatic, developing in decaying organic matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and often exhibit yellowjacket mimicry with characteristic thoracic striping. The species was described by Wahlberg in 1844 and is recorded from Norway and Sweden.
Black-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus groenlandicus, commonly known as the Black-margined Marsh Fly, is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species occurs across the northern Holarctic region. Larval biology is not directly documented for this species, though related Helophilus species develop in wet decaying organic material with rat-tailed maggot morphology.
Broad-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus latifrons, commonly known as the Broad-headed Marsh Fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The larvae are aquatic and develop in decaying submerged vegetation, functioning as decomposers in wetland ecosystems. The species occurs across much of North America including the United States, southern Canada, and mountainous regions of Mexico.
obscure marsh fly
Helophilus obscurus is a syrphid fly commonly found across Canada, the northern United States, and the Rocky Mountains. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species is part of the marsh fly genus Helophilus, though the larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented. It is one of several North American Helophilus species that exhibit yellowjacket mimicry.
Helops pernitens is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by LeConte in 1861. The species is notable for possessing antennae that resemble those of ground beetles (Carabidae)—elongated and filament-like rather than the bead-like form typical of most tenebrionids. This morphological convergence can lead to misidentification with predatory ground beetles. The species is found in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada.
Hummingbird Clearwing, Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hummingbird Sphinx Moth, Common Clearwing
Hemaris thysbe is a diurnal hawkmoth known for its hummingbird-like flight and transparent wings. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species exhibits significant color variation across its range, with northern and western populations typically showing smooth wing borders and lighter coloration, while southern and eastern populations tend toward darker colors with jagged wing borders. It is a migratory species with one generation per year in northern regions and two in the south.
A wasp-mimicking soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, originally misidentified as a vespid wasp due to its black and yellow coloration and flight behavior. The species exhibits striking, sexually dimorphic eye patterns and has aquatic larvae. Adults are highly active and reluctant to settle, making observation and photography challenging. The specimen discussed was collected in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, and identified by dipterist Martin Hauser as likely belonging to the genus Hoplitimyia, possibly near H. mutabilis, though species boundaries in this group remain unresolved.
Texas Wasp Moth
Horama panthalon, commonly called the Texas Wasp Moth, is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae (family Erebidae) known for its striking mimicry of paper wasps. The species was described by Fabricius in 1793 and occurs across a broad Neotropical and Nearctic range. Adults are active year-round in warmer regions and possess a wingspan of 32–34 mm. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling Polistes wasps in coloration and flight behavior as a defense against predators.
bigeminy lady beetle, Bigeminate Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis bigeminata is a small lady beetle native to North America, ranging from Maine to Florida and west to Michigan and east Texas. Adults measure 2.40–3.35 mm and display distinct sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects, with larvae that produce a protective white waxy coating often mistaken for mealybugs.
Itaballia is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, comprising three described species distributed across Central and South America. The genus was established by Kaye in 1904. Species within this genus include the crossbarred white (I. demophile), I. marana, and the brown-bordered white (I. pandosia), the latter noted as a mimic of Pisonis.
Long-jointed Beetles
Lagriinae is a subfamily of darkling beetles within the family Tenebrionidae, comprising more than 270 genera grouped into 11 tribes. Adults are medium-sized (5–12 mm) with characteristic Tenebrionidae features including a 5-5-4 tarsal formula and antennal bases concealed by canthi. The subfamily is notable for its defensive symbiosis with Burkholderia bacteria that produce the antifungal compound lagriamide, protecting eggs and larvae from antagonistic fungi. This symbiosis has evolved through multiple independent horizontal acquisition events rather than strict co-diversification.
bumblebee-mimic robber flies
Laphria is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Meigen in 1803. Species in this genus are notable for their effective mimicry of bumble bees, with hairy bodies and coloration patterns that closely resemble Bombus species. They are predatory as adults, capturing other insects in flight. The genus is distributed across North America and parts of Europe, with records from Scandinavia and the eastern United States.
Bee-like Robber Fly
Laphria affinus is a medium-sized robber fly in the family Asilidae, notable as one of several North American species that exhibit effective bumble bee mimicry. The species shares the genus with other bee-mimicking Laphria, distinguished by their dense pile and robust body form that closely resembles Bombus species. These flies are predatory as adults, capturing other insects in flight.