Pollinator

Guides

Philanthus multimaculatus
beewolf, bee-hunting wasp
Philanthus multimaculatus is a common North American beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae. Females are solitary nesters that excavate burrows in sandy soil, often in aggregations with conspecifics. They provision nest cells with paralyzed bees, primarily sweat bees (Halictidae), and lay a single egg on each prey item. Males exhibit territorial behavior, perching on grass stems near nesting areas to intercept females and chase rival males. Adults visit flowers for nectar and serve as pollinators while also functioning as predators that regulate bee populations.
Philanthus Crabronidae beewolf solitary-wasp bee-predator territorial-behavior western-North-America sand-nesting pollinator Halictidae-prey
Philanthus ventilabris
Flat-collared Beewolf
Philanthus ventilabris is a solitary bee-hunting wasp ("beewolf") in the family Crabronidae. It occurs throughout North America and has been documented visiting flowers for nectar. Like other beewolves, females provision underground nests with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1798.
beewolf solitary-wasp bee-predator Crabronidae Philanthinae North-America pollinator sand-nesting-wasp
Phocides polybius
guava skipper, bloody spot, Southern Guava Skipper
Phocides polybius, commonly known as the guava skipper or bloody spot, is a Neotropical butterfly in the skipper family Hesperiidae. First described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1793, this species ranges from the southernmost United States through Central America to Argentina. It is notable for its association with Psidium host plants, particularly guava, and is frequently observed at flowers where it allows close approach.
tropical guava skipper pollinator Neotropical
Phoebis
sulphurs, sulfurs
Phoebis, commonly known as sulphurs, is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, subfamily Coliadinae. The genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America. Members are characterized by bright yellow, orange, or white coloration. Several species are known for seasonal migration patterns, particularly northward movements in spring and southward returns in fall. The genus includes economically and ecologically significant species such as the cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae), which has been extensively studied for its life history and host plant associations.
butterfly sulphur migration pollinator legume-specialist Pieridae Neotropical Nearctic
Phoebis sennae
Cloudless Sulphur, Cloudless Giant Sulphur
Phoebis sennae is a mid-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae, widespread across the Americas from South America to southern Canada. Adults are known for their strong, fast flight and seasonal northward migration. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and has a well-documented life cycle with specific host plant associations in the legume family.
butterfly migratory pollinator legume-feeder Pieridae
Pholisora
sootywing
Pholisora is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) established by Scudder in 1872. The genus contains at least two recognized species: the common sootywing (Pholisora catullus) and Pholisora mejicanus. Members are small, dark-colored butterflies often associated with disturbed habitats and weedy vegetation. The common sootywing has been documented in long-term butterfly monitoring studies, with populations showing significant decline in parts of its range.
skipper butterfly Lepidoptera Hesperiidae sootywing disturbed-habitat weedy declining-species pollinator
Phyciodes
crescents, crescent spots
Phyciodes is a genus of butterflies in the brush-footed family Nymphalidae, commonly known as crescents or crescent spots. These small to medium-sized butterflies are characterized by orange and black wing patterns with distinctive crescent-shaped markings on the hindwings. The genus includes approximately 20 species distributed across North America, with larvae that typically feed on plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly asters and thistles. Several species have experienced regional population declines attributed to climate change and pesticide use.
butterfly Nymphalidae crescent orange-and-black Asteraceae-feeder North-America climate-change-indicator pollinator
Phyciodes graphica
Vesta Crescent
Phyciodes graphica, commonly known as the vesta crescent, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is currently recognized as a subspecies of Phyciodes vesta (P. vesta graphica) in some taxonomic treatments, though it has historically been treated as a distinct species. The vesta crescent belongs to a group of small to medium-sized butterflies known as crescents and checkerspots, characterized by their orange and black patterned wings.
butterfly Nymphalidae crescent checkerspot North-America pollinator
Phyciodes tharos
Pearl Crescent
Phyciodes tharos, commonly known as the Pearl Crescent, is a small brush-footed butterfly native to North America. It is one of the most widespread and abundant crescent butterflies, occurring from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico. The species is notable for its variable wing patterns and its ecological flexibility, thriving in disturbed and open habitats. Populations in warmer southern regions may produce up to six generations annually, while northern populations typically have fewer broods.
butterfly brush-footed Nymphalidae crescent pollinator generalist multiple-broods diapause
Pieris virginiensis
West Virginia White, Toothwort White
Pieris virginiensis, the West Virginia White, is a small white butterfly endemic to moist deciduous forests of eastern North America. The species is univoltine, with adults active for approximately one month in early spring (April–May). It is threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation, and particularly by the invasive plant Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard), which females mistakenly oviposit on due to chemical similarity with native host plants; larvae cannot survive on this toxic invasive. Population declines of 10–70% have been documented across its range.
forest-specialist univoltine spring-ephemeral evolutionary-mismatch invasive-species-impact conservation-concern pollinator
Pipiza puella
Sumac Gall Pithead
Pipiza puella is a small hoverfly (Syrphidae) known by the common name 'sumac gall pithead.' Adults are active flower visitors, feeding on nectar and pollen. The species has been documented in eastern and central North America as well as Norway. Larvae are reported to be aphid predators, though detailed life history information remains limited.
hoverfly syrphid flower-fly aphid-predator pollinator biological-control
Platycheirus
Sedgesitters
Platycheirus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) commonly known as sedgesitters. The genus was established in 1828 and is primarily Holarctic in distribution, with approximately 110 species in the Palearctic and 70 in the Nearctic region. Species are slender, small to medium-sized flies, often with distinctive leg modifications in males used for species identification.
hoverfly sedgesitter aphid-predator pollinator boreal Holarctic
Platycheirus quadratus
Platycheirus quadratus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to the genus Platycheirus, a diverse group of small to medium-sized hoverflies commonly found in temperate regions. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in current taxonomic databases. Like other syrphid flies, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar.
hoverfly syrphid Diptera pollinator
Platycheirus scutatus
hoverfly
Platycheirus scutatus is a very common Holarctic hoverfly with a wide distribution across the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are notable pollinators that feed on diverse flowers, while larvae are aphid predators. The species has an exceptionally long flight period and may remain active during cold weather. Multiple broods occur throughout warmer months.
hoverfly Syrphidae aphid-predator pollinator Holarctic
Platystoma seminationis
Dancing Kiss Fly
Platystoma seminationis is a small signal fly (family Platystomatidae) distributed across Europe and the Near East, with introduced populations in North America. Adults are active from May to October and are known for their distinctive courtship ritual, in which males and females touch proboscises for 5–15 seconds after a dance of rapprochement. The species feeds primarily on nectar and pollen of Euphorbia species, as well as feces, while larvae develop in decaying vegetable matter and fungi.
Platystomatidae signal-fly pollinator saprophagous-larvae Euphorbia Europe Near-East introduced-North-America
Plebejus melissa samuelis
Karner blue butterfly
Plebejus melissa samuelis, commonly known as the Karner blue butterfly, is a federally endangered subspecies first described by Vladimir Nabokov in 1944 from Karner, New York. It is highly specialized, with larvae feeding exclusively on wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) and inhabiting dry sandy barrens ecosystems. The subspecies produces two generations annually and has become a flagship for conservation efforts, particularly in Wisconsin where a pioneering statewide Habitat Conservation Plan was developed.
endangered conservation pollinator barrens-ecosystem habitat-specialist flagship-species Nabokov
Plecia
Lovebugs, March flies
Plecia is a genus of march flies in the family Bibionidae, commonly known as lovebugs. Several species, particularly Plecia nearctica, are notable for their distinctive mating behavior where males and females remain coupled in flight for hours or days. Adults are small flies, typically 6-9 mm long, with sexual dimorphism in head size—males possess large, bulbous compound eyes while females have relatively tiny heads. The genus includes both extant and fossil species, with fossil records dating from the Cretaceous through the Pleistocene. Some species have become significant nuisance pests due to their mass emergences and attraction to automobile exhaust.
Diptera Bibionidae lovebugs march-flies nuisance-pest sexual-dimorphism mate-guarding range-expansion decomposer pollinator
Pleistodontes
A genus of fig wasps (Agaonidae) native to Australia and New Guinea, with one species (P. claviger) from Java. Species in this genus are pollinators of Ficus section Malvanthera within subgenus Urostigma. The genus contains approximately 25 described species, with taxonomic revision work indicating some species boundaries remain under investigation.
fig-wasp pollinator mutualism introduced-species Australia Ficus Agaonidae
Pleistodontes froggatti
Moreton Bay fig wasp
Pleistodontes froggatti is a small fig wasp native to Australia with an obligate mutualistic relationship with the Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla). The species was deliberately introduced to Hawaii in 1921 to support fig cultivation, and established in New Zealand by 1993 through long-distance dispersal or accidental transport. Adult females are approximately 3 mm in length, while males are smaller at 1.5 mm and exhibit distinct coloration. The wasp cannot reproduce outside the syconia of its specific host fig.
fig-wasp pollinator mutualism invasive Hawaii New-Zealand Australia sexual-dimorphism
Pleistodontes imperialis
Port Jackson Fig Wasp
Pleistodontes imperialis is a fig wasp native to Australia that maintains an obligate mutualism with Ficus rubiginosa (Port Jackson fig), serving as its exclusive pollinator. It is the type species of the genus Pleistodontes. The species has been introduced outside its native range through the ornamental planting of its host figs in Mediterranean urban habitats, with confirmed records from Greece and Cyprus. In its introduced range, it has demonstrated host-switching behavior, also developing in Ficus watkinsiana figs despite this species having a different native pollinator.
fig-wasp pollinator mutualism invasive host-switch urban-ecology Mediterranean Australia
Polistes annularis
Ringed Paper Wasp, Jack Spaniard Wasp, Red Paper Wasp
Polistes annularis is a primitively eusocial paper wasp native to the eastern United States, distinguished by its large size and distinctive red-and-black coloration with a prominent yellow ring on the abdomen. The species exhibits complex social behavior including cooperative nest founding by multiple foundresses, dominance hierarchies, and unique overwintering strategies involving honey storage. Nests are constructed in aggregations under overhangs near water bodies, with colonies typically containing 500 or more cells. Unlike many temperate Polistes species, P. annularis shows relatively robust cold tolerance and has been extensively studied as a model organism for social insect behavior and kin recognition.
social-wasp paper-wasp primitively-eusocial nest-aggregation overwintering honey-storage Müllerian-mimicry foundress-association dominance-hierarchy kin-recognition cold-tolerance model-organism caterpillar-predator riparian-habitat annual-colony-cycle queen-succession cuticular-hydrocarbons subgenus-Aphanilopterus Polistinae Vespidae Hymenoptera eastern-United-States red-and-black-coloration ringed-abdomen orange-antennae cliff-nesting hibernacula usurpation altruism reproductive-competition juvenile-hormone ovarian-development microsatellite-markers maternity-assignment behavioral-ecology social-insect nest-architecture petiole-construction foundress-eviction worker-emergence sexual-dimorphism structural-sex-determination trehalose cold-survival ant-predation parasitoid Elasmus-polistis Chalcoela-iphitalis biological-control pollinator sting-allergen antigen-5 Linnaeus-1763 Fabricius-1804 etymology-Greek-polistes Latin-annularis-ringed
Polistes carnifex
executioner wasp, executioner paper wasp, kava mainomby, kava alazán, kava sa'yju, a'ma xtíya cháda
Polistes carnifex is a large Neotropical paper wasp and the largest member of its genus in the region, with body lengths reaching up to 33 mm. It is commonly known as the executioner wasp, a name derived from the Latin epithet carnifex meaning "executioner." The species establishes small eusocial colonies founded by solitary queens, building open-faced paper nests suspended from branches or under building eaves. Despite its imposing size and formidable common name, it is relatively non-aggressive toward humans.
paper-wasp social-wasp Neotropical eusocial predator pollinator territoriality Batesian-mimicry Strepsiptera-host
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
invasive-species social-wasp paper-wasp predator pollinator urban-ecology eusocial nest-construction biological-control thermal-biology spatial-learning vibrational-communication aposematism honest-signal overwintering diapause Polistes Vespidae Hymenoptera North-America Europe New-Zealand South-Africa South-America monarch-butterfly caterpillar-predation nest-architecture gyne foundress dominance-hierarchy climate-change-impact energetics metabolic-rate microclimate suburban-habitat anthropogenic ornamental-pest vineyard-pest fruit-damage stinging-insect venom poison-gland warning-coloration Zahavian-signal Strepsiptera parasitoid Xenos behavioral-plasticity foraging learning memory thermoregulation ectothermy endothermy solar-radiation nest-temperature brood-development colony-survival multiple-founding single-founding season-length latitude temperate Mediterranean hibernacle overwintering-costs climate-warming range-expansion competition native-species-displacement biodiversity-impact conservation management control integrated-pest-management IPM identification antennae-color facial-markings caste reproduction male female sexual-dimorphism antennae abdomen wing mandible saliva paper comb cell pedicel trophallaxis larva pupa adult worker queen subordinate dominant aggression defense threat-display sting toxicity brightness coloration predator-avoidance prey caterpillar Lepidoptera butterfly moth garden agriculture vineyard orchard urban suburban rural forest habitat-preference temperature metabolism quiescence torpor survival fitness colony nest population abundance distribution range expansion invasion establishment introduction biotic-interaction trophic-cascade herbivory-suppression plant-fitness milkweed Danaus-plexippus monarch Nelson Tasman ecosystem-impact conservation-management biological-invasion ecology behavior physiology morphology taxonomy systematics nomenclature gender-agreement Latin Christ 1791 Vespa-dominula basionym catalogue-of-life GBIF iNaturalist observation citizen-science photography illustration field-guide orange black yellow red color-pattern size wing-length body compact legs short face square triangular dark curled straight elbowed blunt pointed tip Zahavian costly-signal hunt forage nectar honeydew aphid scale-insect flower grape umbellifer fennel lovage insect meatball feed emerge chew cap hexagonal wood-fiber bark exposed open umbrella stalk ant repellent substance coat protect location eave attic tree branch vine shrub cavity bird-box bee-hive shed grave-lantern overwinter shelter protected thermal climate cold winter spring summer autumn fall season month day activity defend threat display raise tiptoe social dominance hierarchy reproductive egg lay found cooperate compete selfish passive-aggressive individual recognition facial-marking cognition mushroom-body brain intelligent artist architect navigation plasticity spatial relocating food resource dish bait training experience 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Polistes flavus
Yellow Paper Wasp
Polistes flavus, commonly known as the yellow paper wasp, is a large, conspicuous paper wasp native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is strongly associated with the Sonoran Desert, where it occupies the same elevation belt as saguaro cacti. The species builds exposed paper nests from wood fibers mixed with saliva, typically placing them under building eaves or among tree branches. Adults forage for caterpillars and other insects to feed larvae, while consuming nectar and honeydew for their own energy needs. Despite its relative abundance in suitable habitats, detailed natural history information remains limited.
social-wasp paper-wasp Sonoran-Desert pollinator biocontrol Polistinae Vespidae
Polistes metricus
Metric Paper Wasp, Metricus Paper Wasp
Polistes metricus is a primitively eusocial paper wasp native to North America, ranging from southern Ontario and Maine south to Florida and west to eastern Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas. It is distinguished by its predominantly dark ferruginous (rusty-red) coloration with black markings, yellow tarsi, and black tibiae. The species exhibits unique behavioral traits including distinctive foraging flight patterns—taking off horizontally for short trips and vertically to high altitude for long distances—and is known for nest sharing with other Polistes species and multi-season nest reuse. Colonies are typically founded solitarily by a single queen, though cooperative co-founding is increasingly observed.
eusocial paper-wasp predator pollinator nest-reuse behavioral-syndrome primitively-eusocial
Polites origenes
crossline skipper
Polites origenes, the crossline skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in eastern North America from southern Canada through the eastern United States, excluding Florida. The species exhibits one generation annually in Canada and two generations in the United States. Larvae feed on specific grass species, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
grassland native-grass-specialist pollinator North-American-endemic
Polites peckius
Peck's Skipper
Polites peckius, commonly known as Peck's Skipper, is a North American grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It is widely distributed across northern and central North America, from British Columbia to Labrador in Canada and throughout most of the northern and central United States. The species produces two to three generations annually and is active from May through October. Adults feed on nectar from flowers including red clover, purple vetch, and thistles, while larvae consume various grasses.
skipper grass-skipper butterfly North-America meadow-species grassland pollinator
Pollenia angustigena
Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly
Pollenia angustigena is a medium-sized cluster fly in the family Polleniidae, measuring 4.5–9.5 mm. Formerly classified in Calliphoridae, this species is now placed in Polleniidae based on morphological and molecular evidence. Adults display variable coloration with chequered abdominal dusting and distinctive golden crinkly thoracic hairs. The species is widely distributed in Britain and parts of continental Europe, with records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal (Madeira). Adults are active from March to October, though they may be recorded year-round indoors during winter. Like other Pollenia species, adults feed on flower nectar and may contribute to pollination, while larvae are parasitoids or predators of earthworms.
cluster-fly blow-fly earthworm-parasite nuisance-pest pollinator winter-active building-invader Darwin-Tree-of-Life genome-sequenced
Pollenia griseotomentosa
cluster fly
Pollenia griseotomentosa is a Palaearctic cluster fly and the smallest British species in the genus Pollenia, measuring 4.5–8.0 mm in body length. It is distinguished from congeners by specific morphological characters including lack of pale wing tuft, yellow to pale brown posterior thoracic spiracle lappets, dark palpi and basicosta, and characteristic bristle patterns. Like other cluster flies, adults overwinter in sheltered locations including buildings, where they aggregate in large numbers and may become nuisance pests. The species has been introduced to North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
cluster-fly nuisance-pest overwintering building-invader pollinator Darwin-Tree-of-Life genome-sequenced Palaearctic introduced-species
Pollenia pediculata
Tufted Clusterfly, cluster fly
Pollenia pediculata is a species of cluster fly in the family Polleniidae, distinguished by golden crinkly hairs on the thorax and a tuft of pale hairs at the wing vein junction. The species is native to the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, South Africa, Australasia, and New Zealand. Adults are important pollinators that feed on flowers and are attracted to fish bait and carrion, though they do not breed in carrion. The species is notable for its winter aggregations indoors, earning the common name "cluster fly."
cluster-fly earthworm-parasitoid winter-aggregation nuisance-pest pollinator
Pollenia vagabunda
cluster fly
Pollenia vagabunda is a cluster fly in the family Polleniidae, widespread across Europe and introduced to North America, where it was first recorded in 1958. Unlike carrion-associated blow flies, this species has a life cycle tied to earthworms and other hosts rather than decomposition. Adults are known to overwinter in buildings and have been documented on carrion, though not tied to specific decomposition stages. The species has also been recorded in Algeria and shows potential forensic relevance.
cluster-fly blow-fly Polleniidae overwintering-pest earthworm-parasite introduced-species forensic-entomology pollinator
Polyommatus
blue butterflies
Polyommatus is a genus of blue butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, distributed across the Palearctic realm. Recent molecular studies have redefined its boundaries, with former subgenera Cyaniris, Lysandra, and Neolysandra now recognized as separate genera. Some authors continue to recognize additional subgenera including Agrodiaetus, Bryna, Meleageria, and Plebicula. The genus contains species of conservation concern, including critically endangered and vulnerable taxa with specific habitat requirements.
Lycaenidae blue-butterflies Palearctic molecular-systematics cryptic-species conservation grassland-indicator pollinator
Prodoxus sonorensis
Prodoxus sonorensis is a small yucca moth in the family Prodoxidae, described in 2005 by Pellmyr and Balcázar-Lara. The species occurs in a restricted range spanning southeastern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. Adults are active during mid-summer, with larvae developing within the fruit of Yucca schottii.
yucca-moth obligate-mutualism Sonoran-Desert Prodoxidae Lepidoptera pollinator Yucca-schottii
Protodufourea
Protodufourea is a genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, established by Timberlake in 1955. The genus contains approximately five described species. It belongs to the subfamily Rophitinae and tribe Rophitini, a group of bees often associated with specialized floral relationships.
bee halictid sweat-bee pollinator
Protoxaea gloriosa
glorious protoxaea
Protoxaea gloriosa is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, subfamily Oxaeinae. Males exhibit pronounced territorial behavior, establishing and defending flowering plants during morning hours to increase mating opportunities with virgin females. The species shows strong seasonality tied to summer rainfall patterns, with principal emergence triggered by first soaking rains. Females collect pollen primarily from Solanum and nectar from Asclepias, Verbesina, and Larrea. This bee is found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
mining-bee territorial-behavior solitary-bee summer-emergence pollinator southwestern-North-America
Pseudaugochlora graminea
Grassy Green-Sweat Bee
Pseudaugochlora graminea is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, distributed across the Neotropics from Mexico through Central America to South America. As a member of the tribe Augochlorini, it exhibits the metallic green coloration typical of this group. The species has been documented in 613 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is relatively well-observed within its range.
sweat-bee halictid metallic-green-bee Neotropical pollinator
Pseudodynerus
mason wasps, potter wasps
Pseudodynerus is a small Neotropical genus of potter wasps (Eumeninae) currently containing 16 recognized species. These solitary mason wasps are characterized by their striking black and white coloration and their habit of nesting in pre-existing cavities in wood. Females provision their nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their developing larvae. The genus extends northward into the eastern United States, where at least one species, P. quadrisectus, is well-documented.
mason-wasp potter-wasp solitary-wasp cavity-nester caterpillar-predator pollinator beneficial-insect Neotropical North-America
Pseudodynerus quadrisectus
Pseudodynerus quadrisectus is a solitary mason wasp native to eastern North America. First described by Thomas Say in 1837, this species is frequently mistaken for the similar Four-toothed Mason Wasp (Monobia quadridens). Females construct multi-celled nests in pre-existing wood cavities, provisioning each cell with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The species is considered beneficial in gardens due to its pollination activity and caterpillar predation.
mason-wasp solitary-wasp cavity-nester pollinator biological-control caterpillar-predator eastern-North-America
Pseudomasaris
pollen wasps
Pseudomasaris is a genus of solitary pollen wasps in the family Vespidae, comprising 15 species found exclusively in arid regions of western North America. Unlike most wasps, which provision their nests with paralyzed prey, Pseudomasaris females collect pollen and nectar to feed their larvae—a behavior convergent with bees. The genus is the sole representative of the subfamily Masarinae in North America. Adults are typically black with yellow or white markings; some species exhibit coloration resembling yellowjackets (Vespula), though they lack the longitudinal fold characteristic of social vespids when at rest.
pollen-wasp solitary-wasp pollinator oligolectic western-North-America arid-habitat Masarinae Phacelia-associate hilltopping nest-parasite-target
Pseudomasaris coquilletti
Pseudomasaris coquilletti is a species of pollen wasp in the family Vespidae. It occurs in the western United States, specifically in Oregon, California, Utah, and Arizona. Like other members of the genus Pseudomasaris, adults feed on pollen and nectar rather than other insects.
pollen-wasp Masarinae western-North-America pollinator Rohwer-1911
Pseudomasaris macswaini
pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris macswaini is a species of pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. It is one of 14 species in the genus Pseudomasaris, which is the only genus of pollen wasps occurring in North America. Like other masarine wasps, it is solitary and provisions its nest cells with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species was described by Bohart in 1963 and is known from western North America.
pollen-wasp masarine-wasp solitary-wasp pollinator Nevada-endemic hilltopping oligolectic
Pseudomasaris maculifrons
pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris maculifrons is a solitary pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Unlike predatory social wasps, females construct mud nests provisioned with pollen and nectar rather than insect prey. Males exhibit distinctive hilltopping behavior, perching repeatedly in the same locations on isolated peaks to await females. The species occurs in western North America and is active primarily in spring.
pollen-wasp solitary-wasp hilltopping pollinator western-North-America Masarinae oligolectic mud-nest
Pseudomasaris occidentalis
Western pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris occidentalis is a solitary wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, commonly known as the western pollen wasp. Unlike most wasps that provision their nests with prey, masarine wasps are unique among vespids in feeding their larvae exclusively on pollen and nectar. The species is native to western North America and is one of approximately 14 species in the genus Pseudomasaris, all of which are restricted to North America.
pollen-wasp Masarinae solitary-wasp western-North-America herbivorous-wasp pollinator
Pseudomasaris vespoides
pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris vespoides is a solitary pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Unlike social vespids that provision nests with prey, females construct mud nests and provision cells exclusively with pollen and nectar, resembling bee-like behavior. The species is strongly associated with Penstemon flowers, from which females collect pollen. Males are distinguished by their conspicuously long, clubbed antennae and exhibit hilltopping behavior on elevated terrain to locate females.
solitary-wasp pollen-wasp pollinator Penstemon-specialist hilltopping Masarinae western-North-America
Pseudomasaris zonalis
Pseudomasaris zonalis is a species of pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Like other members of the genus Pseudomasaris, it is a solitary wasp that provisions its nests with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species was described by Cresson in 1864. Pollen wasps in this genus are known for their specialized oligolectic relationships with certain flowering plants, particularly in the genera Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon.
pollen-wasp solitary-wasp pollinator western-North-America Masarinae oligolectic hilltopping Penstemon Vespidae
Pseudopanurgus rugosus
Pseudopanurgus rugosus is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Robertson in 1895. The species is native to North America and Middle America. As a member of the Panurginae subfamily, it is a solitary bee that excavates nests in soil. The specific epithet 'rugosus' refers to a wrinkled or roughened surface texture, likely describing some aspect of the integument.
mining-bee solitary-bee Panurginae Protandrenini North-America Middle-America Robertson-1895 Andrenidae Hymenoptera Apoidea bee pollinator soil-nesting-bee native-bee
Pseudoscaeva diversifasciata
Silver-banded Hover Fly
Pseudoscaeva diversifasciata, commonly known as the Silver-banded Hover Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The genus Pseudoscaeva contains relatively few species and is distinguished from the similar genus Scaeva by subtle morphological differences. This species exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, a common trait among syrphid flies. Observations suggest it occurs in the Americas, though detailed natural history documentation remains limited.
Syrphidae hoverfly Diptera Neotropical mimicry pollinator
Pseudosphinx
tetrio sphinx, giant gray sphinx, frangipani hornworm, plumeria caterpillar, Rasta caterpillar
Pseudosphinx is a monotypic moth genus in the family Sphingidae, containing only Pseudosphinx tetrio. The genus is notable for its highly specialized herbivory on toxic Apocynaceae plants and its striking aposematic larval coloration. Adults are large brown sphinx moths with 12.7–14 cm wingspans. The caterpillars are among the largest hornworms in the Americas, exceeding 15 cm in length, and are serious defoliators of ornamental Plumeria species throughout the tropical and subtropical Americas.
monotypic specialist-herbivore aposematic urticating-hairs pest pollinator tropical hornworm Sphingidae Apocynaceae
Pseudozonitis schaefferi
Pseudozonitis schaefferi is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Blatchley in 1922. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The genus Pseudozonitis comprises approximately 14 described species in North America, with P. schaefferi being one of the less commonly encountered members. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults are likely associated with flowers for feeding, while larvae are probably parasitoids or predators of bee eggs and provisions in nest cells.
Meloidae Nemognathinae blister-beetle flower-feeding North-America Coleoptera bee-parasite cantharidin pollinator Pseudozonitis Nemognathini
Psorthaspis portiae
Psorthaspis portiae is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Rohwer in 1921. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, with specific observations in Arizona. As a member of the genus Psorthaspis, it belongs to a group of wasps known for hunting spiders to provision their nests. The species is recognized by its distinctive coloration, featuring a black body with bright orange thorax and whitish abdominal apex.
spider-wasp Pompilidae Arizona Madrean-Sky-Islands montane pollinator predator Hymenoptera