Pollinator
Guides
Abaeis nicippe
Sleepy Orange
Abaeis nicippe, commonly known as the Sleepy Orange, is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae. The species exhibits seasonal variation in coloration, with summer individuals typically bright orange and winter forms showing darker, more heavily marked wings. It is known for its hilltopping behavior, where males patrol ridge tops and summits to locate females. The species has been documented engaging in aerial competitions with other males when pursuing females.
Acmaeodera bowditchi
Acmaeodera bowditchi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America, with documented records from the southwestern United States including Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of various plant species, particularly in pinyon-juniper woodland and related habitats. The species was described by Fall in 1901.
Acmaeodera diffusa
Acmaeodera diffusa is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Barr in 1969. The species is known from western North America, with records from Utah and surrounding regions. Adults are flower visitors, frequently collected from blooms of pricklypear cacti (Opuntia), globemallow (Sphaeralcea), and other desert forbs. Like other Acmaeodera species, larvae likely develop in dead or dying woody plants, though specific host associations remain incompletely documented.
Acmaeodera opacula
Acmaeodera opacula is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs in western North America, with records from New Mexico and Arizona. Adults are flower-visitors, having been observed on flowers of Grindelia nuda, Picradeniopsis absinthifolia, Fallugia paradoxa, and Gutierrezia sarothrae. The species was formerly known as A. disjuncta. It is active in late summer and fall, with observations from September.
Acmaeodera pubiventris
Acmaeodera pubiventris is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Four subspecies have been described, with the nominate subspecies and A. p. lanata having documented flower-visiting behavior on Sphaeralcea and Helianthus species. Adults are typically collected during summer months.
Acmaeodera scalaris
ladder buprestid
Acmaeodera scalaris, commonly known as the ladder buprestid, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs across Central America and North America. The species has been documented visiting flowers of various composite and other plant species, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
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.
Acrosticta
Acrosticta is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1868. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across the Americas. Members of this genus have been documented as pollinators of orchids, specifically Acianthera aphthosa, where an unidentified Acrosticta species was the only successful pollinator observed.
Adela
fairy longhorn moths
Adela is a genus of fairy longhorn moths in the family Adelidae, characterized by exceptionally long antennae—especially in males, which can possess antennae up to three times the length of their forewings. These small, delicate moths exhibit metallic coloration and are diurnal, often observed nectaring on flowers. The genus belongs to the subfamily Adelinae and is widespread across the Holarctic region.
Adela caeruleella
Southern Longhorn Moth
Adela caeruleella is a small diurnal moth in the family Adelidae, known as fairy longhorn moths. Adults are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, especially in males which can reach three times the forewing length. The species occurs across the eastern and southern United States, where adults have been observed nectaring on flowers in woodland habitats during spring.
Adelidae
Fairy Moths, Fairy Longhorn Moths
Adelidae, commonly known as fairy longhorn moths or fairy moths, is a family of small monotrysian moths in the infraorder Heteroneura. Males are distinguished by extraordinarily long antennae, often 1–3 times the length of the forewing, while females have antennae about twice the forewing length. Most species exhibit metallic coloration and are diurnal, though some are crepuscular with drab coloration. The family was first described by Charles Théophile Bruand d'Uzelle in 1851 and was formerly treated as a subfamily (Adelinae) of Incurvariidae.
Aedes vexans
inland floodwater mosquito, tomguito
Aedes vexans is a cosmopolitan floodwater mosquito native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is now established in Australia. It is frequently the most abundant mosquito species across much of its range, particularly in northern latitudes. Females are aggressive human biters active at dusk, while males feed exclusively on nectar. The species is a documented vector for multiple pathogens including dog heartworm, Tahyna virus, and West Nile virus, and has demonstrated laboratory competence for Zika virus transmission. Its eggs survive winter in dry flood-prone soils, hatching when inundated by rainfall.
Aellopos tantalus
Tantalus Sphinx
Aellopos tantalus, commonly known as the Tantalus sphinx, is a small hawkmoth in the family Sphingidae. Adults are active year-round in tropical and subtropical regions, feeding on nectar from specific flowering plants. The larvae develop on Rubiaceae host plants and pupate in shallow underground chambers or leaf litter.
Agaoninae
pollinating fig wasps
Agaoninae is a subfamily of pollinating fig wasps within the family Agaonidae. Members are obligate mutualists of Ficus species, developing their entire larval stage inside fig fruits. The subfamily exhibits remarkable morphological stasis, with fossil forms from the Eocene and Miocene nearly identical to modern representatives. Some lineages, such as the proposed Hexapus group, retain ancestral traits including females with two mandibular appendages and hexapodous males with functional mid-legs.
Agapostemon
Striped Sweat Bees, Metallic Green Sweat Bees
Agapostemon is a genus of sweat bees (Halictidae) comprising approximately 42 species distributed across the Western Hemisphere from Canada to Argentina. Most species exhibit metallic green or blue coloration, particularly on the head and thorax. Unlike many other sweat bees in the family, Agapostemon species are not attracted to human sweat. The genus includes both solitary and communal species, with all species nesting in the ground. Some species, such as A. virescens, form communal aggregations where multiple females share a common nest entrance while maintaining separate brood cells.
Agapostemon coloradinus
Colorado Striped Sweat Bee
Agapostemon coloradinus, the Colorado striped-sweat bee, is a species of metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Agapostemon, which are distributed across North America. Members of this genus are commonly known as "green sweat bees" due to their distinctive metallic coloration. The specific epithet "coloradinus" suggests a connection to Colorado, though the full geographic range extends more broadly. Like other halictid bees, it is a solitary or primitively eusocial pollinator that nests in soil.
Agapostemon femoratus
Wide-legged Sweat Bee
Agapostemon femoratus is a species of metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Crawford in 1901. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration. The species occurs in Middle and North America. As a halictid bee, it likely participates in ground-nesting behavior and generalist pollination, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. virescens and A. texanus.
Agapostemon nasutus
Concave-nosed Striped-Sweat bee
Agapostemon nasutus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, known for its metallic green coloration typical of the genus. The species was described by Smith in 1853 and is distributed across Middle America, North America, and South America. It is one of two recognized subspecies, with Agapostemon nasutus nasutus representing the nominate form and Agapostemon nasutus gualanicus described by Cockerell.
Agapostemon obliquus
Oblique Sweat Bee
Agapostemon obliquus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is one of approximately 40-45 species in the genus Agapostemon, which are collectively known as metallic green sweat bees. The species is found in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic bright metallic green coloration that makes Agapostemon bees visually distinctive and frequently mistaken for cuckoo wasps.
Agapostemon poeyi
Poey's metallic green bee, Caribbean green sweat bee
Agapostemon poeyi is a metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae, endemic to the Caribbean region. The species was described by Lucas in 1857 and is one of approximately 45 species in the genus Agapostemon. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits striking metallic coloration and is a solitary or primitively social ground-nesting bee. The species contributes to pollination of native and cultivated plants in its island habitats.
Agapostemon texanus
metallic green sweat bee, Texas striped sweat bee
Agapostemon texanus is a ground-nesting sweat bee with the widest geographic range of any species in its genus, spanning from southern Canada to Costa Rica. Both sexes exhibit metallic blue-green coloration on the head and thorax, while males display distinctive black and yellow abdominal banding. The species is exclusively solitary, differing from other Agapostemon that may form communal nests. It is a generalist forager active from March through October, transporting pollen on its hind legs.
Agapostemon tyleri
Tyler's Striped Sweat Bee
Agapostemon tyleri is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Cockerell in 1917. It belongs to a genus known for metallic green coloration and ground-nesting behavior. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. virescens and A. texanus.
Agapostemon virescens
Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee, bicolored striped-sweat bee
Agapostemon virescens, commonly known as the bicolored striped sweat bee, is a metallic green halictid bee native to North America. It is the official bee of Toronto, Canada. Females nest underground, often forming aggregations where multiple females share a single burrow entrance, though the species is considered solitary rather than truly social. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and is a generalist pollinator frequently observed on flowers.
Agraulis incarnata
Gulf Fritillary
Agraulis incarnata, commonly known as the Gulf Fritillary, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. The species is widely distributed across the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Adults are characterized by bright orange upper wings with black markings and three white spots on the forewing. The caterpillars feed exclusively on passionflower vines (Passiflora spp.), sequestering cyanogenic glycosides from their host plants for chemical defense. The species is a sporadic migrant in northern parts of its range, occasionally establishing temporary colonies before winter mortality.
Agrilaxia flavimana
Agrilaxia flavimana is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Agrilaxia is one of several small genera of jewel beetles known to routinely visit flowers, though most Buprestidae are associated with woody vegetation. Observations suggest this species occurs in prairie and open habitats where its presumed floral hosts grow.
Allograpta obliqua
oblique streaktail
Allograpta obliqua is a common North American hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Adults are small, measuring 6–7 mm, with distinctive yellow thoracic stripes and abdominal banding. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in eye structure: males have holoptic eyes while females have dichoptic eyes. Larvae are aphid predators, reaching 8–9 mm in length with a bumpy, slug-like appearance. The species is active year-round in southern portions of its range and has been documented across much of the continental United States, southern Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the West Indies, and parts of the Neotropical Americas.
Allograpta radiata
Y-shaped Streaktail
Allograpta radiata is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae), commonly known as the Y-shaped Streaktail. Like other members of the genus Allograpta, it is a small flower fly that likely contributes to pollination as an adult and may have predatory larvae. The species has been recorded in Hawaii and the United States, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Ammophila procera
Common Thread-waisted Wasp
Ammophila procera is a large, solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, among the most conspicuous members of its genus in North America. Females construct burrows in sandy or compact soils, provision them with paralyzed caterpillar prey, and seal the nest after laying a single egg. The species is notable for its elaborate nest-closing behaviors and landmark-based navigation. Adults feed on flower nectar and are frequently observed visiting blossoms, particularly goldenrod.
Amphicosmus arizonensis
Amphicosmus arizonensis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It was described by Johnson & Johnson in 1960 and is known from Arizona. As a member of the bee fly family, it belongs to a group of true flies that are often mistaken for bees due to their morphological adaptations for pollination. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it has been treated as a synonym of Amphicosmus vanduzeei in some classifications.
Amphion
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.
Amphion floridensis
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.
Analeptura lineola
Lined Longhorn Beetle, lined longhorn
Analeptura lineola is a small longhorn beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as the lined longhorn beetle. Adults are anthophilous, feeding on flower nectar. Larvae develop in decaying wood, boring into the bases of various hardwood species. The species occurs in eastern North America and parts of Europe.
Anartia fatima
Banded Peacock, Fatima
Anartia fatima, the banded peacock, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It occurs from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to Panama, inhabiting subtropical open areas and disturbed habitats such as second-growth woodlands. Males defend territories around host plants to secure mating opportunities, a behavior documented in both this species and its congener Anartia jatrophae. The species exhibits wing color polymorphism, with individuals bearing either white or yellow median bands.
Anasimyia
swamp flies
Anasimyia is a genus of wetland hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by aquatic larval development. The genus was historically treated as a subgenus of Lejops but has been elevated to full generic status based on morphological and molecular evidence. Adults are associated with marshy and aquatic habitats. The genus includes approximately 20 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region.
Anasimyia distincta
short-spurred swamp fly
Anasimyia distincta, known as the short-spurred swamp fly, is a rare syrphid fly species documented in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are commonly observed on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are aquatic and possess the characteristic rat-tailed morphology of eristaline hoverflies.
Ancistrocerus
mason wasps, potter wasps
Ancistrocerus is a genus of solitary mason wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae. Females construct nests using mud, either in pre-existing cavities or as free-form mud cells attached to hard surfaces. They provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. Males are distinguished by hooked antennae tips. The genus has a nearly worldwide distribution, with notable species in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ancyloscelis apiformis
Apiform Morning glory-Digger
Ancyloscelis apiformis is a solitary bee in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini. It is known for its association with morning glory flowers (Ipomoea species), from which it derives its common name. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and into South America. As a member of the subfamily Apinae, it exhibits pollen-collecting behavior typical of this group.
Andrena aliciae
Yellow-faced Miner Bee
Andrena aliciae, known as the Yellow-faced Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that are important spring pollinators. Like other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nests provisioned with pollen for its larvae.
Andrena asteris
Aster Mining Bee, aster miner bee
Andrena asteris is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. The species is named for its documented association with Aster flowers, though specific ecological details remain limited. Like other Andrena species, it nests in soil and is active during spring and summer. The species has been recorded from Vermont and other parts of North America, with 793 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Andrena banksi
Banks' Mining Bee, Banks' Andrena
Andrena banksi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. The species was described by Malloch in 1917 and is commonly known as Banks' Mining Bee or Banks' Andrena. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates burrows in soil. The species is part of a large genus of mining bees that are important spring pollinators in temperate forests and open habitats.
Andrena barbara
Barbara's Mining Bee, Barbara's miner
Andrena barbara is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Bouseman & LaBerge in 1979. It is native to North America and belongs to the large genus Andrena, which comprises over 1,500 species of ground-nesting bees. Like other mining bees, it excavates burrows in soil to provision its offspring.
Andrena barbilabris
Bearded Miner Bee, Long-lipped Miner, Sandpit Mining Bee
A solitary mining bee with a Holarctic distribution, found across Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Females excavate nesting burrows in sandy soils, provisioning cells with pollen and nectar before laying single eggs. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and is active from early spring through mid-summer.
Andrena biscutellata
Andrena biscutellata is a mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Viereck in 1917. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee found in North America. Like other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The species belongs to a large genus of early-spring to summer-active bees that are important pollinators of wildflowers and crops.
Andrena bradleyi
Bradley's Mining Bee, Bradley's Andrena
Andrena bradleyi is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as Bradley's Mining Bee or Bradley's Andrena. It is a ground-nesting bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical traits of mining bees: excavating tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen and nectar for its larvae. The species was described by Viereck in 1907.
Andrena canadensis
Canada miner bee, Canada andrena, Canadian Mining Bee
Andrena canadensis is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. Like other Andrena species, it nests in the ground and is active in spring. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with most information inferred from genus-level traits.
Andrena carlini
Carlin's Mining Bee, Carlinville Miner Bee
Andrena carlini is a mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is strongly associated with forest habitats in eastern North America, where it serves as an important pollinator of spring-blooming wildflowers and woody plants. The species has been documented as prey for crab spiders and is active primarily during spring.
Andrena confederata
Southern Mining Bee, southern miner
Andrena confederata is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Viereck in 1917. It is native to North America. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting species that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen for its developing young.
Andrena cuneilabris
Wedgy-lipped Miner Bee
Andrena cuneilabris is a species of solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Wedgy-lipped Miner Bee. It was described by Viereck in 1926 and is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision its offspring with pollen.
Andrena distans
Distant Miner Bee, Cranesbill Miner
Andrena distans is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with records from Vermont and broader North American distribution. The species is commonly associated with Geranium maculatum (wild geranium) flowers, which has earned it the common name 'Cranesbill Miner.' As a ground-nesting solitary bee, it excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae.
Andrena dunningi
Dunning's Miner Bee, Dunning's Miner
Andrena dunningi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and lay eggs. As a spring-flying bee, it contributes to early-season pollination. The species is one of many Andrena bees that form a significant component of native bee diversity in temperate North American habitats.