Pollinator
Guides
Palpada undescribed-species-near-furcata
An undescribed species in the hoverfly genus Palpada, closely related to P. furcata. As a member of tribe Eristalini, its larvae are rat-tailed maggots—aquatic larvae with an extensible posterior breathing siphon that allows respiration while living in oxygen-poor, organic-rich waters. The genus Palpada includes species commonly found in urban, suburban, and rural areas in putrid standing water.
Palpada vinetorum
Northern Plushback
Palpada vinetorum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Northern Plushback. It is a medium-sized flower fly native to the Americas, with adults measuring 10–14 mm in length. The species belongs to the vinetorum species group within the genus Palpada, one of three groups established by Thompson (1981). Adults are notable pollinators that visit flowers, while larvae develop in organic-rich aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. The species is widely distributed across North, Central, and South America.
Panurginus
mining bees
Panurginus is a genus of mining bees in the family Andrenidae, with more than 50 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Species occur in diverse habitats including alpine zones of Central Europe, the Siberian taiga, and steppe regions of Central Asia. Some species, such as P. herzi and P. montanus, are morphologically very similar and require quantitative measurements for reliable identification. The genus exhibits variable pollen host specialization, with individual species ranging from narrow specialists to broad generalists.
Papilio
Common Swallowtails
Papilio is a large genus of swallowtail butterflies containing approximately 200 species, representing the sole genus in the tribe Papilionini. The genus includes some of the most recognizable butterflies worldwide, such as the Old World swallowtail (P. machaon), western tiger swallowtail (P. rutulus), and eastern tiger swallowtail (P. glaucus). Modern taxonomic revisions have consolidated numerous former genera—including Pterourus (tiger swallowtails), Heraclides (giant swallowtails), and Achillides—into Papilio, making it one of the most diverse butterfly genera. The name derives from the Latin word for butterfly.
Papilio appalachiensis
Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio appalachiensis is a swallowtail butterfly endemic to the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. It originated through hybrid speciation between Papilio canadensis and Papilio glaucus, and is now recognized as a distinct species with stable populations at higher elevations. Adults are notably larger than both parental species, with wingspans of 86–115 mm. The species is univoltine, with adults emerging in May and females ovipositing during a brief spring flight period.
Papilio glaucus
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucus, the eastern tiger swallowtail, is a large and familiar butterfly native to eastern North America. Adults are recognized by their distinctive yellow and black tiger-striped pattern; males are consistently yellow with four black stripes on each forewing, while females exhibit dimorphism with both yellow and dark morphs. The species is notable for its remarkable caterpillar defenses, including bird-dropping mimicry in early instars and snake-mimicry eyespots in later stages. Dark-morph females employ Batesian mimicry of the unpalatable pipevine swallowtail. The butterfly is highly polyphagous as a larva, feeding on numerous tree species across multiple plant families, and is an important pollinator as an adult. It produces two to three broods annually and is active from spring through fall.
Papilionidae
Swallowtails and Parnassians, Swallowtail butterflies
Papilionidae is a family of large, colorful butterflies comprising over 550 species distributed across every continent except Antarctica. The family includes the birdwing butterflies of genus Ornithoptera, the largest butterflies in the world. Members are characterized by distinctive tail-like extensions on the hindwings in many species. The family encompasses three subfamilies: Papilioninae (swallowtails), Parnassiinae (Parnassians or Apollos), and Baroniinae (a monotypic subfamily).
Paradejeania rutilioides
spiny tachina fly, hedgehog fly
Paradejeania rutilioides is a large, robust tachinid fly known for its heavily spined abdomen. It is commonly called the "hedgehog fly" due to this distinctive appearance. Adults are active in late summer and fall, frequently visiting flowers for nectar. The species is a documented parasitoid of caterpillars, specifically recorded from Edwards' Glassy-wing moth (Hemihyalea edwardsii).
Paradiplocampta tabeti
Paradiplocampta tabeti is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Hall in 1974. It belongs to the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Villini. The genus Paradiplocampta contains species characterized by distinctive wing venation and body proportions. Like other bombyliids, adults likely function as pollinators and larvae are presumed parasitoids, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Paragus
Grass Skimmer Flies
Paragus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 100 species distributed worldwide except Antarctica. The genus is notable for its predatory larvae that feed on aphids, making it an important group for biological control. Adults are frequently observed visiting small flowering plants for nectar and pollen. Several subgenera are recognized, including Afroparagus, Pandasyopthalmus, Paragus, and Serratoparagus.
Paragus angustifrons
Narrow-faced Grass Skimmer
Paragus angustifrons is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found in North America. Adults are commonly known as flower flies and visit flowers to obtain nectar and pollen. The species is considered uncommon. The larvae have been reared from aphids, specifically Aphis spiraecola and Aphis spiraephila, indicating a role as a predator of these agricultural pests.
Paragus haemorrhous
Black-backed Grass Skimmer, Common Grass Skimmer
Paragus haemorrhous is a small hoverfly species distributed across Europe, Africa, and the Nearctic. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids on low herbaceous plants. The species is active from May through September and occupies diverse open habitats including grasslands, heathlands, and forest edges.
Parancistrocerus
potter wasps, mason wasps
Parancistrocerus is a large genus of solitary potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae, distributed across the Nearctic, eastern Palearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions. The genus is distinguished by a unique morphological feature: a smooth depression at the base of the second metasomal tergum that functions as an acarinarium, providing shelter for symbiotic deutonymphs of mites in the family Winterschmidtiidae. Species are often difficult to distinguish from the related genus Stenodynerus, sharing medial pits on the anterior pronotum and expanded tegulae. Most species possess a transverse carina on the first metasomal tergum, and many Neotropical species exhibit a faint submetallic body luster.
Parancistrocerus bicornis
Parancistrocerus bicornis is a small mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Roberts in 1901. Like other members of the genus, it is a solitary, cavity-nesting wasp that provisions its nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larvae. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging group where live specimens and even microscope examination often cannot reliably distinguish between closely related species such as Parancistrocerus and Stenodynerus.
Parancistrocerus perennis
two-banded mason wasp, perennial mason wasp
Parancistrocerus perennis, commonly known as the two-banded mason wasp or perennial mason wasp, is a small solitary wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario to Florida and west to the Mississippi River. The species is a cavity-nesting predator that hunts specific caterpillar families to provision its nests. Two subspecies are recognized: P. p. perennis and P. p. anacardivora, the latter occurring in southern populations and distinguished by reddish markings.
Parancistrocerus texensis
Parancistrocerus texensis is a species of solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is one of numerous small, cavity-nesting wasps in the genus Parancistrocerus that provision their larvae with paralyzed caterpillars. The species was described by Henri de Saussure in 1871, with the epithet suggesting a Texas origin. Like other members of its genus, it is difficult to distinguish from congeners without microscopic examination, and is frequently confused with similar genera such as Stenodynerus.
Paranthidium
Paranthidium is a genus of bees in the family Megachilidae, tribe Anthidiini, established by Cockerell & Cockerell in 1901. The genus contains seven described species distributed in North and Central America. Members are solitary bees that construct nests using collected materials. Little is known about the biology of most species, with P. jugatorium being the most frequently observed and studied.
Paranthidium jugatorium jugatorium
Paranthidium jugatorium jugatorium is a subspecies of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, distributed across northern and central Mexico. As a member of the tribe Anthidiini, it constructs nests using plant resins and other materials. The subspecies was originally described by Thomas Say in 1824. It belongs to a genus characterized by compact, often boldly patterned bees that are active primarily during warm seasons.
Parasyrphus genualis
Common Bristleside
Parasyrphus genualis is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Williston in 1887. It was originally described under the genus Syrphus before being moved to Parasyrphus. The species has been documented in North America with at least 21 observations on iNaturalist. As a member of Syrphidae, it belongs to a family known for pollination services and, in many species, predatory larvae that feed on aphids.
Parhelophilus laetus
Common Bog Fly
Parhelophilus laetus is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Common Bog Fly. It is associated with wetland habitats, particularly bogs and marshes. The species is found in North America, with records from the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada.
Parhelophilus obsoletus
Unadorned Bog Fly
Parhelophilus obsoletus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across Canada and the northeastern and central United States. Adults are commonly observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is considered fairly common within its range. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Parhelophilus rex
Dusky Bog Fly
Parhelophilus rex, commonly known as the Dusky Bog Fly, is a syrphid fly species described by Curran and Fluke in 1922. It occurs in northern North America and is considered fairly common within its range. Like other hoverflies, adults are capable of nearly motionless flight and are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Pegoscapus
Pegoscapus is a genus of pollinating fig wasps in the family Agaonidae, native to the Americas from Florida and Mexico to Argentina. The genus exhibits an obligate mutualism with fig trees of the genus Ficus, specifically pollinating species in section Americana of subgenus Urostigma. Females are winged and larger with longer antennae, while males are wingless with reduced eyes and shorter antennae. The genus is estimated to be over 20 million years old based on fossil evidence from Dominican amber.
Pelecinobaccha
A genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, endemic to the Neotropical region. Formerly treated as part of the paraphyletic genus Ocyptamus, it was reinstated as a distinct genus based on phylogenetic evidence. The genus contains four species groups and approximately 49 species, many described in a 2014 revision. Adults are presumably pollinators like other syrphid flies, though specific biological data remain poorly documented.
Peleteria iterans
Peleteria iterans is a tachinid fly species native to North America. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop inside and consume host insects, typically killing them in the process. Adult females have been observed visiting flowers, including lavender, where they feed on nectar and may search for hosts. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive bristle patterns near the eyes.
Pentodontini
rhinoceros beetles
Pentodontini is the most diverse tribe within the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), containing over 100 genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. Most genera are restricted to a single biogeographic region. The tribe is characterized by substantial morphological diversity, with generic-level identification often relying on mouthpart morphology in females and secondary sexual characters (horns, claw modifications, antennal club length) in males.
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Squash bees
Peponapis is a genus of ground-nesting bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as squash bees. These solitary bees are specialized pollinators of plants in the family Cucurbitaceae, including squash, pumpkins, gourds, and cucumbers. The genus underwent rapid geographical expansion following the domestication and spread of cucurbit crops by humans. Peponapis pruinosa, the most studied species, has been used as a model organism for understanding the impacts of agricultural practices on ground-nesting bees and for assessing pesticide risk in agricultural soils.
Perdita albipennis
white-winged fairy bee, white-winged perdita, shiny green miner bee
Perdita albipennis is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the white-winged fairy bee or shiny green miner bee. It was described by Cresson in 1868. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Three subspecies are recognized: P. a. albipennis, P. a. canadensis, and P. a. mut.
Perdita bicuspidariae
Perdita bicuspidariae is a small solitary bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1962. It belongs to the large genus Perdita, which comprises over 800 species of mining bees in North America. The species is found in Central America and North America. As with other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a ground-nesting solitary bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita californica
California Fairy Bee
Perdita californica is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the California Fairy Bee. The species is native to California and Baja California, with two recognized subspecies: P. c. californica and P. c. inopina. Like other members of the genus Perdita, it is a solitary bee. The genus Perdita contains over 700 species, many of which are specialist pollinators with narrow host plant associations.
Perdita cladothricis
Perdita cladothricis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1896. It belongs to the large genus Perdita, which contains hundreds of small, often specialist pollinator species native to North America. The species is recorded from Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a solitary, ground-nesting bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita claypolei
Perdita claypolei is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cockerell in 1901. It belongs to the genus Perdita, which comprises small, solitary bees commonly known as miner bees. The genus Perdita includes some of the smallest bees in North America, with species ranging from approximately 2 mm to over 10 mm in length. Perdita species are typically specialist pollinators, often associated with specific host plants.
Perdita coreopsidis
Coreopsis Fairy Bee, tickseed perdita
Perdita coreopsidis is a small solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Coreopsis Fairy Bee or tickseed perdita. The species was described by Cockerell in 1906 and belongs to the large genus Perdita, which contains hundreds of North American species. Four subspecies are recognized, indicating geographic variation across its range. The specific epithet "coreopsidis" suggests a likely association with Coreopsis (tickseed) plants, though this relationship requires confirmation.
Perdita distropica
Perdita distropica is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1956. As a member of the genus Perdita, it belongs to a diverse group of small, solitary bees native to North America. The specific epithet 'distropica' suggests a distribution pattern that may deviate from typical tropical or subtropical ranges expected for the group. Like other Perdita species, it is likely a ground-nesting solitary bee, though detailed biological studies are limited.
Perdita ericameriae
Perdita ericameriae is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1958. The species epithet "ericameriae" suggests a host-plant association with Ericameria, a genus of shrubs in the sunflower family. Like other Perdita species, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee native to North America. The genus Perdita comprises some of the smallest bees in North America, with many species showing strong floral specialization.
Perdita genalis genalis
Perdita genalis genalis is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1964. The genus Perdita comprises small, solitary bees that nest in soil. Members of this genus are among the smallest bees in North America. This subspecies belongs to a diverse group of native bees that play important roles as pollinators.
Perdita gerhardi
Bee Balm Fairy Bee
Perdita gerhardi is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Viereck in 1904. It is native to North America and is commonly known as the Bee Balm Fairy Bee. The species is part of the large genus Perdita, which contains some of the smallest bees in North America. Three subspecies are recognized: P. g. dallasiana, P. g. gerhardi, and P. g. monardae.
Perdita halictoides
Ground-cherry Fairy Bee, Ground-cherry Perdita, Sweatbee-like Miner Bee
Perdita halictoides is a small mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the ground-cherry fairy bee or sweatbee-like miner bee. The species is found in North America and belongs to a genus of over 800 species of small, often brightly colored bees. Members of the genus Perdita are solitary, ground-nesting bees that typically specialize on particular host plants for pollen collection.
Perdita hippolyta
Perdita hippolyta is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Portman and Griswold in 2016. Like other members of the genus Perdita, it is a solitary bee. The genus Perdita is known for containing some of the smallest bees in North America, with many species exhibiting extreme host-plant specialization. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Perdita interrupta
California Poppy Fairy Bee
Perdita interrupta is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the California Poppy Fairy Bee. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee native to North America. The species is part of the large genus Perdita, which contains over 800 species of small mining bees in North America. Like other Perdita species, it is likely a specialist pollinator, though specific host plant associations require further documentation.
Perdita kiowi
Perdita kiowi is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Griswold in 1988. The genus Perdita comprises small, solitary bees that nest in the ground. This species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to be a solitary pollinator, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita koebelei
Perdita koebelei is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by P.H. Timberlake in 1964. It is a small, solitary bee native to North America. Like other members of the genus Perdita, it is likely a specialist pollinator, though specific host plant associations have not been documented for this species. The species is named in honor of the entomologist H. Koebele.
Perdita koebelei koebelei
Perdita koebelei koebelei is a subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1964. Like other members of the genus Perdita, this subspecies belongs to a diverse group of small, solitary, ground-nesting bees native to North America. The genus Perdita contains approximately 800 species, many of which are specialist pollinators with narrow host-plant associations.
Perdita larreae
Perdita larreae is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1896. It belongs to the genus Perdita, which comprises small, often brightly colored solitary bees commonly known as fairy bees or yellow-faced bees. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As with other members of the genus, it is presumed to be a solitary ground-nesting bee, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Perdita perpallida
pale miner bee, All-pale Perdita
Perdita perpallida is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. The species is distinguished by its notably pale yellow to white coloration, which sets it apart from most other Perdita species that typically exhibit darker or more contrasting patterns. Formerly divided into two subspecies, the taxon was revised in 2023 when Perdita perpallida citrinella was synonymized with the nominate form after being recognized as intraspecific color variation. The species belongs to a large genus of small bees that are important but often overlooked pollinators.
Perdita rhois
Rhus Fairy Bee
Perdita rhois is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cockerell in 1901. It is commonly known as the Rhus Fairy Bee, a name referencing its association with Rhus (sumac) plants. The species occurs in Central America and North America, where it functions as a pollinator. As a member of the genus Perdita, it belongs to one of the most diverse bee genera in North America, characterized by small size and often specialized host-plant relationships.
Perdita sexmaculata
Six-Spotted Fairy Bee, six-spotted perdita
Perdita sexmaculata is a small, solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Six-Spotted Fairy Bee. The species was described by Cockerell in 1895 and is distributed across Central America and North America. It belongs to the large genus Perdita, which contains some of the smallest bee species in North America. Two subspecies are recognized: P. s. sexmaculata and P. s. octonaria.
Perdita trisignata
Lotus Fairy Bee
Perdita trisignata is a small, solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. The species is known by the common name Lotus Fairy Bee. It belongs to a genus of approximately 800 species of small bees found primarily in North America. Members of the genus Perdita are typically specialist pollinators associated with particular host plants. The specific epithet 'trisignata' likely refers to three distinctive markings on the body.
Philanthus
beewolves, bee-hunters, bee-killer wasps
Philanthus is a genus of solitary predatory wasps commonly known as beewolves. Adult females excavate underground burrows in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. Males are highly territorial, marking vegetation with pheromones to defend mating territories. The genus contains approximately 136 species worldwide, with about 30 species occurring in North America. These wasps are important pollinators as adults and serve as population regulators of bee communities.
Philanthus gibbosus
Hump-backed Beewolf, Beewolf
Philanthus gibbosus, commonly known as the hump-backed beewolf, is a solitary bee-hunting wasp and the most common and widespread member of its genus in North America. Females construct underground burrows in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. The species exhibits a bivoltine life cycle with two generations per year, and shows a tendency toward temporary communal nesting behavior unusual for solitary wasps.