Pollenivorous
Guides
Balaustium
Sidewalk Mites
Balaustium is a genus of large, bright red mites in the family Erythraeidae, commonly known as sidewalk mites. These conspicuous arachnids are frequently observed in spring cruising pavement and stone surfaces for windblown pollen. Molecular evidence suggests well over 100 species occur in the U.S. and Canada alone, challenging earlier assumptions that most were introduced from Europe. The genus exhibits complex life cycles typical of Parasitengona mites, with distinct larval, nymphal, and adult stages showing different ecological habits.
Toxomerus floralis
Florida Calligrapher
Toxomerus floralis is a New World hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through South America. The species has been introduced to tropical Africa, where it is now established and widespread in West and Central Africa including Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It represents only the second known established introduction of a non-African hoverfly species in the Afrotropics.