Pollinator
Guides
Monobia
Four-toothed Mason Wasp (for M. quadridens), Carpenter Wasp, Mason Wasp
Monobia is a genus of medium-sized to large potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae, distributed primarily across the Neotropical region from the United States to Argentina. The genus is closely related to Montezumia. The most well-documented species, Monobia quadridens (Four-toothed Mason Wasp), is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars and constructs mud partitions between brood cells.
Monobia quadridens
Four-toothed Mason Wasp, Carpenter Wasp
Monobia quadridens is a solitary potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, native to eastern North America. Adults are striking black-and-white insects with a distinctive broad ivory band across the first abdominal tergite. The species is bivoltine, producing two generations annually, with one generation overwintering as pupae. Females construct multi-celled nests in pre-existing cavities, provisioning each cell with paralyzed caterpillars for their larvae.
Myathropa
Myathropa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) distributed across Europe, North Africa, and extending into parts of Asia. Adults are active from May to September and are frequently observed visiting flowers. The genus includes at least three described species: M. florea, M. semenovi, and M. usta. Some species exhibit Batesian mimicry of social wasps.
Myathropa florea
Batman hoverfly, Yellow-haired Sun Fly
Myathropa florea is a common Palearctic hoverfly in the tribe Eristalini, often called the Batman hoverfly due to the distinctive skull-like pattern on its thorax. Adults are active flower visitors from May to October and are notable for their wasp-mimicking appearance. The species has become adventive in western North America since 2005. Larvae develop in waterlogged organic detritus, particularly in tree rot holes.
Mydas clavatus
Clubbed Mydas Fly
Mydas clavatus is a large, striking mydas fly native to temperate eastern North America. Adults are notable Batesian mimics of spider wasps, displaying bold behavior enabled by their wasp-like appearance. The species is distinguished by a prominent orange to red abdominal marking and clubbed antennae—a trait shared across the genus. Adults are active in mid-summer and have been documented visiting diverse flowering plants for nectar.
Batesian-mimicrywasp-mimicpollinatorwoodboring-predatorMydidaeDipteraeastern-North-Americamid-summernectar-feederscarab-beetle-predatorclubbed-antennaeorange-abdominal-markingspider-wasp-mimicharmlessconspicuousbold-behaviormock-stinging-displayheart-rot-habitatOsmoderma-predatorflowering-plant-visitorlarge-flyglabrate-bodytemperate-forestmeadowgarden-visitordeciduous-woodlandMyolepta nigra
Black Pegleg
Myolepta nigra, commonly known as the Black Pegleg, is a syrphid fly species found in the eastern and central United States and eastern Canada. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in rot holes of deciduous trees, making this species dependent on mature forest habitats with suitable tree cavities. It is considered uncommon throughout its range.
Myrmosidae
Myrmosid Wasps
Myrmosidae is a small family of wasps in the superfamily Vespoidea, sister taxon to Sapygidae. Formerly treated as a subfamily of Mutillidae, it was elevated to family status in 2008 based on molecular and morphological evidence. Females are flightless and kleptoparasitic, entering nests of fossorial bees and wasps. The family contains approximately 10 genera and is distributed globally, though many regions remain understudied.
Nemestrinidae
tangle-veined flies
Nemestrinidae, commonly called tangle-veined flies, is a family of brachyceran flies comprising approximately 300 species in 34 genera. The family is distributed worldwide but is most diverse in the southern hemisphere. Adults are characterized by distinctive wing venation with numerous crossveins creating a tangled appearance, and many species possess exceptionally long proboscises adapted for nectar feeding from tubular flowers. Larvae are endoparasitoids, with subfamily Trichopsideinae parasitizing grasshoppers and Hirmoneurinae parasitizing scarab beetles.
Nemognatha cribraria
Nemognatha cribraria is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, characterized by elongated maxillae adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species occurs in North America, with two recognized subspecies: N. c. cribraria and N. c. fuscula. Adults are typically found on flowers, particularly those with deep corollas, where they feed on nectar and pollen using their specialized mouthparts.
Nemognatha macswaini
Nemognatha macswaini is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It was described by W.R. Enns in 1956. The species is found in North America and is part of a genus characterized by elongated, nectar-feeding mouthparts adapted to flowers with deep corollas. Like other Nemognatha species, it likely feeds on pollen and nectar as an adult.
Nemognatha nigripennis
Nemognatha nigripennis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, characterized by elongated maxillae adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, adults are typically found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar using their specialized mouthparts.
Nemognatha nitidula
blister beetle
Nemognatha nitidula is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Enns in 1956. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The species is found in North America and is part of a genus known for its distinctive floral associations and capillary-based nectar uptake rather than true sucking mouthparts.
Neoascia
Fen Flies
Neoascia is a genus of small hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by black and yellow or mostly black coloration with a narrow, wasp-like waist between the thorax and abdomen. Adults are typically found in damp, low-vegetation habitats including fens, marshes, and pond margins. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with records across Northern and Central Europe, Western Siberia, and Scandinavia. Larvae are saprophagous, developing in wet organic matter such as decaying vegetation, compost, and wet manure associated with aquatic margins.
Neoascia metallica
Double-banded Fen Fly
Neoascia metallica is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across North America. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is known for its metallic coloration and association with wetland habitats. Larvae are aquatic, a trait that distinguishes this species from many other syrphid flies.
Nomada cuneata
Cuneate Nomad Bee
Nomada cuneata is a kleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, native to North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it exhibits the characteristic cuckoo bee behavior of laying eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing its own nests or provisioning young. The species is recorded from Vermont and other parts of North America. Like other Nomada species, it likely targets specific host bees, though detailed host associations for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Nomia melanderi
alkali bee, Alkali Nomia
Nomia melanderi, commonly known as the alkali bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee native to the western United States. It is the world's only intensively managed ground-nesting bee, commercially cultivated for alfalfa pollination. The species nests in dense aggregations in moist, alkaline soils and exhibits traits that preceded insect sociality, including defense of offspring against pathogens and predators.
Nomiinae
Nomiine bees
Nomiinae is a subfamily of sweat bees (Halictidae) comprising approximately 11 genera and at least 550 described species. These bees are morphologically diverse, particularly in males, which often exhibit modified hind legs and metasomal sterna. The subfamily has a global distribution with significant diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Nomiine bees are ground-nesting pollinators, with documented nesting biology in several genera including Nomia, Dieunomia, and Hoplonomia. They exhibit varied social systems ranging from solitary to communal nesting.
Ocyptamus
Ocyptamus is a large and diverse genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 200 species, predominantly distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is not monophyletic and is paraphyletic with respect to Eosalpingogaster and Toxomerus; several subgenera have been elevated to full generic status (Hybobathus, Pelecinobaccha, Orphnabaccha, Pseudoscaeva). Many species await formal description, while others are likely to be synonymized upon further study.
Orphnabaccha jactator
Yellow-legged Hover Fly
Orphnabaccha jactator is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-legged Hover Fly. It belongs to a small genus of syrphid flies characterized by distinctive leg coloration. The species was described by Hermann Loew in 1861. Like other members of Syrphidae, it is likely a pollinator as an adult, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Orthonevra bellula
Three-lined Mucksucker
Orthonevra bellula is a rare species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species was first described by Williston in 1882 as Chrysogater bellulus, with a lectotype later designated. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extend into the Neotropical region. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen.
Orthonevra nitida
Wavy Mucksucker
Orthonevra nitida, commonly known as the Wavy Mucksucker, is a small syrphid fly (4–5 mm) native to eastern and central North America. It is one of three Nearctic Orthonevra species that extends into the Neotropical region. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blooms. The species exhibits distinctive metallic coloration and wing markings that aid in identification. Larvae of this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though O. nitida larvae specifically have not been described.
Orthonevra pictipennis
Dusky-veined Mucksucker
Orthonevra pictipennis, known as the Dusky-veined Mucksucker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in North America. Adults are small flower flies, measuring 5.5–6 mm in length, with distinctive metallic bronze-green and coppery coloration. The species shares much of its range with congeners O. pulchella, O. nitida, and O. feei. Larvae for this genus are of the rat-tailed type, though larvae of O. pictipennis specifically have not been described.
Osmia
Mason Bees
Osmia is a large genus of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as mason bees. The genus includes approximately 500 species worldwide, with many species native to North America. Mason bees are named for their use of mud or other masonry materials to construct and seal nest cells. They are important pollinators of agricultural crops and native plants, and several species are managed commercially for orchard pollination. Unlike honey bees, mason bees are solitary, do not produce honey, and rarely sting.
Osmia aglaia
Oregon berry bee
Osmia aglaia is a solitary mason bee native to the western United States. It is commonly known as the Oregon berry bee due to its specialized role as a pollinator of brambles, particularly raspberries and blackberries. The species exhibits metallic coloration and nests in pre-existing wood tunnels. Adults are active in late spring, coinciding with Rubus bloom periods.
Osmia bucephala
bufflehead mason bee
Osmia bucephala, commonly known as the bufflehead mason bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae native to North America. As a mason bee, it nests in pre-existing tubular cavities and uses mud to construct and seal brood cells. The species is part of the diverse Osmia genus, which includes many ecologically important pollinators. Limited specific ecological data is available for this species compared to better-studied congeners such as O. lignaria.
Osmia chalybea
Osmia chalybea is a solitary mason bee (Megachilidae) native to North America. It nests in pre-existing cavities and has been studied as a potential pollinator for orchard crops, particularly blueberries. The species serves as a host for the cleptoparasitic bee Stelis ater. It is one of several Osmia species evaluated for commercial management in agricultural pollination systems.
Osmia coloradensis
Colorado Mason, Colorado osmia
Osmia coloradensis is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae, native to western North America. Like other Osmia species, it nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow plant stems or holes in wood, sealing nest chambers with mud. The species is recognized as a native pollinator with documented observations across multiple western U.S. states and parts of Central America. It belongs to a genus of bees increasingly valued for orchard pollination services, though specific management practices for this species are less developed than for commercially used relatives.
Osmia cornifrons
Horn-faced Mason Bee, Horned-face Bee
Osmia cornifrons is a solitary mason bee native to Northern Asia, widely managed as an agricultural pollinator. The species was first introduced to Japan in the 1940s for apple pollination and subsequently to the northeastern United States in 1977. It is recognized by distinctive horn-like projections on the lower face of females. The bee exhibits protandry, with males emerging 2–3 days before females. It has been documented as established in Canada since at least 2017. Populations remain stable and have not shown rapid expansion compared to the accidentally introduced congener O. taurus.
Osmia distincta
Beardtongue scraper bee
Osmia distincta is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the beardtongue scraper bee, reflecting its association with Penstemon (beardtongue) plants. The species was described by Cresson in 1864 and has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. As a member of the genus Osmia, it nests in pre-existing cavities and provisions brood cells with pollen.
Osmia foxi
Osmia foxi is a species of mason bee in the family Megachilidae, subgenus Melanosmia. It was long considered enigmatic, known only from the male holotype until its redescription in 2011, which included the first description of the female. The species is restricted to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it occurs in montane pine-oak forest habitats. It exhibits the metallic coloration typical of many Osmia species.
Osmia georgica
Georgia Mason Bee
Osmia georgica is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Georgia Mason Bee. It is found across North America and Central America. As a member of the genus Osmia, it is a mason bee that constructs nests using mud or other materials. The species was described by Ezra Townsend Cresson in 1878.
Osmia glauca
Osmia glauca is a species of mason bee in the family Megachilidae, originally described as Heriades glaucum by Fowler in 1899. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus of solitary bees known for nesting in pre-existing cavities and sealing brood cells with mud. Like other Osmia species, it is likely a pollinator of flowering plants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Osmia lignaria
blue orchard bee, orchard mason bee, BOB
A solitary megachilid bee native to North America, widely managed for pollination of early spring fruit crops including almonds, apples, and cherries. Distinguished by metallic blue coloration, smaller size than honey bees, and unique mud-nesting behavior. Divided into two subspecies by the Rocky Mountains: O. l. propinqua (west) and O. l. lignaria (east).
Osmia lignaria propinqua
Western Blue Orchard Bee, Blue Orchard Bee, BOB
Osmia lignaria propinqua is a solitary, cavity-nesting mason bee native to western North America, commonly known as the Western Blue Orchard Bee or BOB. It is a subspecies of the blue orchard bee and is valued as a highly efficient pollinator of early-blooming fruit trees including almonds, cherries, apples, and plums. Females carry dry pollen on the scopa (hairs) beneath the abdomen rather than on leg baskets, and they forage at lower temperatures and for more hours than honey bees. The species is managed commercially in orchards, where it is often deployed alongside honey bees to improve cross-pollination through its tendency to move between trees rather than forage systematically on single plants.
Osmia montana quadriceps
Osmia montana quadriceps is a subspecies of mason bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Cresson in 1878. As a member of the genus Osmia, it is a solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities and uses mud to construct brood cells. The subspecies is part of the North American fauna of native mason bees. Mason bees in this genus are valued as pollinators of orchard crops and wild plants, with females carrying pollen on specialized abdominal scopae rather than on leg baskets.
Osmia palmula
Osmia ribifloris biedermannii
Osmia ribifloris biedermannii is a subspecies of mason bee in the family Megachilidae. The parent species O. ribifloris has been developed as a commercially managed pollinator of highbush blueberry. As a member of the genus Osmia, it exhibits solitary nesting behavior in pre-existing cavities and provisions brood cells with pollen. This subspecies was described by Michener in 1936.
Osmia simillima
Osmia simillima is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae, native to North America. It nests in twigs, buried wood, and has been observed using oak apple galls as nesting sites. As a member of the genus Osmia, it belongs to a group of ecologically important pollinators that use mud to construct and seal nest chambers.
Osmia subfasciata
Osmia subfasciata is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae, native to Central and North America. It is one of approximately 140 Osmia species present in North America. The species belongs to a genus valued for pollination services, particularly in orchard agriculture. Two subspecies are recognized: O. s. subfasciata and O. s. miamiensis.
Osmia taurus
Taurus Mason Bee
Osmia taurus is a mason bee native to eastern Asia that was accidentally introduced to North America, first recorded in Maryland and West Virginia in 2002. The species has undergone rapid population expansion across the eastern United States, with established populations now confirmed in Canada (Ontario and Quebec). Its spread has been linked to commercial shipments of the intentionally introduced pollinator Osmia cornifrons, with which it is frequently confused. Population growth of O. taurus in the Mid-Atlantic region reached 800% over 15 years, coinciding with documented declines of 76–91% in six native mason bee species.
Osmia texana
Texas Mason Bee, Texas osmia
Osmia texana, commonly known as the Texas mason bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae. It is native to Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Osmia, it is a cavity-nesting bee that uses mud to construct and seal its nest cells. Like other mason bees, it is a pollinator of flowering plants, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Pachodynerus erynnis
Red-marked Pachodynerus Wasp, Red and Black Mason Wasp
Pachodynerus erynnis is a solitary mason wasp that specializes in hunting caterpillars to provision its nests. Unlike social wasps, it does not form colonies but constructs individual nests in pre-existing cavities. The species is valued as a biological control agent, targeting economically significant caterpillar pests including armyworms, cutworms, and loopers. Its frequent visits to flowers for nectar make it a minor pollinator as well.
Pachylia
Pachylia is a genus of hawk moths (Sphingidae) established by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus contains three recognized species distributed in the Neotropical region. These moths are part of the diverse Macroglossinae subfamily, characterized by their streamlined bodies and rapid flight capabilities typical of sphingids.
Pachylia ficus
fig sphinx
Pachylia ficus, commonly known as the fig sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It occurs from Uruguay through Central America to the southern United States, with occasional strays into Arizona and Texas. Adults feed on nectar and are documented pollinators of the endangered ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii). Larvae feed on multiple Ficus species and related plants in the Moraceae family.
Pachylioides resumens
Lesser Ficus Sphinx
Pachylioides resumens is a sphingid moth distributed across the Neotropics from Argentina north through Central America and the Caribbean, with occasional strays reaching the southern United States. The species is commonly known as the Lesser Ficus Sphinx, reflecting its association with Ficus host plants. It belongs to the tribe Dilophonotini within the subfamily Macroglossinae. The species was originally described by Francis Walker in 1856 under the basionym Pachylia resumens.
Palpada agrorum
Double-banded Plushback
Palpada agrorum is a common syrphid fly commonly known as the Double-banded Plushback. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, possessing an extensible posterior breathing siphon. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and belongs to the agrorum species group within the genus Palpada.
Palpada albifrons
White-faced Plushback
Palpada albifrons is a rare species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) characterized by its distinctive white-faced appearance and aquatic larval stage. Adults are medium-sized flower flies commonly found on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species has a disjunct distribution, occurring from Mexico northward along coastal areas of the United States, with additional records from South America. The larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that inhabit organic-rich standing water.
Palpada mexicana
Golden Plushback
Palpada mexicana, commonly known as the Golden Plushback, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species was originally described as Eristalis mexicanus by Macquart in 1847 and later transferred to the genus Palpada. As a member of the tribe Eristalini, its larvae are rat-tailed maggots adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with low oxygen levels. The species has been documented in 1,829 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is relatively well-represented in citizen science records.
Palpada pusilla
Bicolored Plushback
Palpada pusilla is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bicolored Plushback. It is a member of the tribe Eristalini, which includes species whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their distinctive posterior breathing siphon. The species has been documented across all 27 states of Brazil based on distribution records. Adult flies are pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic environments.
Palpada texana
Wide-eyed Plushback
Palpada texana is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats typical of the Eristalina subtribe. The species was described by Hull in 1925. Adults are presumably pollinators, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited.