Pollinator
Guides
Pterallastes
Pterallastes is a genus of bee-mimicking hoverflies (family Syrphidae) described by Loew in 1863. The genus contains four recognized species with a disjunct distribution: one species in North America (P. thoracicus), one in Japan (P. unicolor), and two in China (P. bomboides, P. bettyae). These flies exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees, a common defensive strategy in the subfamily Eristalinae.
Pterallastes thoracicus
goldenback fly, Orangeback syrphid fly
Pterallastes thoracicus is a syrphid fly commonly known as the goldenback fly or orangeback syrphid fly. It is an uncommon species observed across central and eastern United States, with recent records expanding its known range into Canada. Adults are associated with flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae of this species remain unknown.
Ptiloglossa
Ptiloglossa is a genus of large, hairy bees in the family Colletidae, endemic to the Americas. The genus is notable for being among the most common nocturnal colletid bees, with activity restricted to very low light conditions. Species possess enlarged ocelli that facilitate flight in dim light. The genus contains approximately 55 species, with highest diversity in South and Central America.
Ptiloglossa mexicana
Mexican feather-tongue
Ptiloglossa mexicana is a nocturnal bee species in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the Mexican feather-tongue. It is found from Central America north to Texas, USA. As a member of the genus Ptiloglossa, it belongs to a group of bees characterized by their distinctive feathery glossae (tongue structures) adapted for nectar collection. The species is part of the diverse and ecologically important community of native bees that contribute to pollination in its range.
Ptilothrix
chimney bees, mallow bees
Ptilothrix is a genus of solitary, ground-nesting bees in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini, with an amphitropical distribution in the New World. These bees range from 7 to 15 mm in body length and are distinguished by prominent, coarse scopae on their hind legs adapted for collecting large-grained pollen. Females excavate nests in hard-packed soil using water carried from ponds to moisten the substrate, constructing distinctive turreted or chimney-like nest entrances. The genus exhibits narrow pollen specialization (oligolecty), with species specializing on particular plant families including Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae, Onagraceae, Cactaceae, Pontederiaceae, and Asteraceae.
Ptilothrix chiricahua
Ptilothrix chiricahua is a solitary ground-nesting bee described in 2023 from specimens collected in the Chihuahuan Desert. It is a specialist pollinator of Kallstroemia grandiflora, with flight activity synchronized to this host's late summer bloom. The species exhibits the distinctive water-walking behavior characteristic of its genus, using surface tension to retrieve water for nest excavation. It was previously misidentified as Ptilothrix sumichrasti until taxonomic revision split that species into three distinct taxa.
Pygodasis ephippium
Saddleback Scoliid Wasp
A large scoliid wasp reaching approximately 4 cm in length, with striking black and orange coloration. Males possess long antennae, slender bodies, and a conspicuous pseudostinger at the abdomen tip; females are more robust with shorter antennae and a functional retractable stinger. The species has been recorded as a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs and as a flower visitor. Originally known from south Texas south to Ecuador, with more recent records from Arizona and Panama.
Pyrgus ruralis
Two-banded Checkered-Skipper, Two-banded Checkered Skipper
Pyrgus ruralis is a small skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the two-banded checkered skipper. It occurs across western North America from southern British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains south to central California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The species has one generation annually, with adults active from April to July. A federally endangered subspecies, P. r. lagunae (Laguna Mountains skipper), persists in a restricted range in the mountains east of San Diego, California.
Pyritis kincaidii
Halcyon
Pyritis kincaidii is a hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the tribe Eristalini. It is known by the common name "Halcyon" and was described by Coquillett in 1895. As a member of Syrphidae, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Pyroderces
cosmet moths
Pyroderces is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, subfamily Cosmopteriginae. The genus includes species with diverse ecological roles: some, such as Pyroderces rileyi, are agricultural pests of banana and other crops, while others have been identified as potential supplementary pollinators of oil palm in Malaysia. The genus was established by Herrich-Schäffer in 1853. Taxonomic boundaries remain fluid, with some authors including the genus Anatrachyntis within Pyroderces.
Pyrota bilineata
Pyrota bilineata is a blister beetle (family Meloidae) distributed across western North America. The species exhibits extreme sexual size dimorphism, with males frequently less than half the size of females. Adults are diurnal and commonly observed feeding and mating on flowers of yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) and related Asteraceae. Like other meloids, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that renders it unpalatable to predators.
Resseliella
Resseliella is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae containing at least 50 described species. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, notably R. maxima (soybean gall midge) which threatens soybean production in the north-central United States, as well as R. citrifrugis, a major citrus pest in China, and R. theobaldi (raspberry cane midge), an important pest of cultivated red raspberry in Europe. Some species exhibit mutualistic relationships with plants, such as R. kadsurae which pollinates Kadsura longipedunculata in China.
Rhagonycha fulva
Common Red Soldier Beetle, Bloodsucker Beetle, Hogweed Bonking Beetle
Rhagonycha fulva, commonly known as the common red soldier beetle or hogweed bonking beetle, is a soft-bodied beetle in the family Cantharidae. It was first described by Scopoli in 1763 as Cantharis fulva. The species is widespread across Europe and Anatolia, and has been introduced to North America where it is established in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario. Adults are active from June to August and are frequently observed mating on flowers.
Rhaphiomidinae
Rhaphiomidinae is a subfamily of mydid flies (Diptera: Mydidae) comprising the genus Rhaphiomidas and its close relatives. These are among the largest flies in North America, with adults reaching substantial body sizes. The group is notable for its extreme rarity, highly restricted geographic distributions, and brief adult activity periods concentrated in desert spring or fall seasons. Several species are of significant conservation concern due to habitat specialization on sand dune systems.
Rhopalotria
Cycad Weevils
Rhopalotria is a genus of cycad weevils in the beetle family Belidae, comprising approximately six described species. Species in this genus are obligate pollinators of Zamia cycads in the Americas, forming specialized mutualisms where they complete their entire life cycles within male cones. The genus represents a classic example of insect-plant coevolution, with weevils transporting pollen to female cones during visits while feeding and reproducing exclusively on male sporophylls.
Rhopalotria slossoni
Rhopalotria slossoni is a belid weevil endemic to Florida that serves as an obligate pollinator of the cycad Zamia integrifolia. The species exhibits highly specialized mutualism with its host, with both life stages intimately associated with cycad male cones. Adults actively collect pollen using specialized body cavities and deliberately transfer it to female cones during visitation. This represents one of the few documented cases of beetle-mediated pollination in cycads.
Satyrium behrii
Behr's Hairstreak
Satyrium behrii, the Behr's hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae found in western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 24–32 mm and are active from June to July in a single annual generation. The species inhabits dry slopes and canyons, where adults feed on flower nectar and larvae feed on specific host plants in the Rosaceae family.
Scaeva
Scaeva is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately seven described species distributed across the Palaearctic region. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision alongside related genera Simosyrphus and Ischiodon. Adults are pollinators, while larvae are predominantly aphidophagous predators. Scaeva pyrastri has been extensively studied for its biological control potential against agricultural aphid pests.
Schinia chrysellus
Chrysellus Flower Moth
Schinia chrysellus is a noctuid moth native to the Great Plains of North America. The species belongs to the genus Schinia, a diverse group of flower moths known for their colorful appearance and close association with host plants. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar. The caterpillars feed on the flowers and seed pods of their host plants, a trait common to many species in this genus.
Schinia indiana
Phlox Moth
Schinia indiana, commonly known as the Phlox Moth, is a small noctuid moth native to the Midwestern United States. The species exhibits a close ecological association with its larval host plant, Phlox pilosa, feeding on its flowers and seed pods. Adults are diurnal and often rest on the host plant flowers, where their coloration provides camouflage. The species was described by Smith in 1908.
Schinia trifascia
Three-lined Flower Moth
Schinia trifascia, commonly known as the three-lined flower moth, is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 20–31 mm. Adults are active from July to October and have one generation per year. The species is notable for its close association with specific host plants in the aster family, with larvae feeding on Brickellia, Eupatorium, and Liatris.
Scolia bicincta
Double-banded Scoliid Wasp, double-banded scoliid
Scolia bicincta is a large, conspicuous scoliid wasp native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active from late summer through autumn, where they visit flowers for nectar. Females are parasitoids of scarab beetle grubs, digging underground to locate hosts, paralyzing them, and laying single eggs on the immobilized prey. The species is considered beneficial for biological control of lawn and garden pests known as "white grubs."
Scolia dubia
Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp, Two-spotted Scoliid Wasp, Blue-winged Digger Wasp
Scolia dubia is a medium-sized scoliid wasp, 20–25 mm in length, with striking iridescent blue-black wings and a black-and-red body marked by two yellow spots on the abdomen. The species ranges across eastern and central North America, from New England to Florida and west to California. It is a specialist parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, particularly the green June beetle (Cotinis nitida), and has been observed attacking Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) larvae. Adults are nectar feeders, frequently visiting flowers of the mint and aster families.
Scolia dubia dubia
Blue-winged Wasp, Two-spotted Scoliid Wasp, Blue-winged Digger Wasp
Scolia dubia dubia is a subspecies of scoliid wasp commonly known as the Blue-winged Wasp. Adults measure 20–25 mm in length and are distinguished by a bi-colored abdomen: black on the upper half and reddish-brown on the lower half, with two bright yellow spots in the red portion. The wings exhibit brilliant blue iridescent highlights visible in direct sunlight. Females are solitary parasitoids of scarab beetle grubs, including Cotinis nitida (Green June Beetle) and Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle). Males are non-stinging and can be distinguished by longer antennae, more slender bodies, and a three-pronged pseudostinger.
Sericomyia
Pond Flies
Sericomyia is a genus of large hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as pond flies. Species within this genus are notable bee mimics, displaying both short-pile and long-pile coloration patterns. The genus is widespread across boreal forests of the Holarctic region, extending southward at higher elevations into the Oriental and Neotropical regions. Larvae are of the rat-tailed maggot type, specialized for aquatic life in oxygen-poor environments.
Sericomyia bifasciata
Long-nosed Pond Fly
Sericomyia bifasciata, commonly known as the Long-nosed Pond Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly described by Williston in 1887. It belongs to the genus Sericomyia, whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" with long breathing siphons adapted to aquatic environments. However, the larvae of this particular species remain unknown. Adults have been observed in the northeastern part of North America.
Sericomyia carolinensis
Two-spotted Pond Fly
Sericomyia carolinensis is a rare hoverfly (Syrphidae) endemic to the southeastern United States. Adults are distinguished by an all-yellow face, paired narrow yellow spots on the abdomen, and a yellow pilose scutellum. The species has been observed feeding on pear blossoms. Though the larval stage remains undocumented, it likely possesses the 'rat-tailed' morphology characteristic of the genus, inhabiting nutrient-rich aquatic environments such as bog mat pools.
Sericomyia chalcopyga
Sericomyia chalcopyga is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in the family Syrphidae. As a member of the tribe Sericomyiini, its larvae are "rat-tailed maggots" with extensible posterior breathing siphons adapted to aquatic environments. The species was described by Loew in 1863. Like other Sericomyia species, adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sericomyia flagrans
Spot-winged Pond Fly
Sericomyia flagrans is a North American species of flower fly (Syrphidae) commonly known as the Spot-winged Pond Fly. The genus Sericomyia belongs to the tribe Milesiini within subfamily Eristalinae. Larvae of this genus develop in bog mat pools, where they exhibit the characteristic "rat-tailed maggot" morphology with an extensible posterior breathing siphon. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sericomyia harveyi
Harvey's Pond Fly
Sericomyia harveyi is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Eristalinae. The genus Sericomyia is part of the tribe Milesiini and is characterized by larvae that inhabit bog mat pools and other wetland habitats. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species was described by Osburn in 1908.
Sericomyia lata
White-spotted Pond Fly
Sericomyia lata is a syrphid fly commonly known as the White-spotted Pond Fly. Adults are medium-sized hoverflies, 11.6–15.2 mm in length, with distinctive black bodies and large white abdominal spots. The species is widespread across North America, with highest concentrations in eastern regions. Like other members of its genus, the larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats and possess the characteristic rat-tailed breathing siphon typical of Sericomyia.
Sericomyia militaris
Narrow-banded Pond Fly
Sericomyia militaris, commonly called the narrow-banded pond fly, is a North American syrphid fly (hoverfly) found across northern regions of the continent. Adults range from 11.7–17.1 mm in length and are primarily black with narrow yellow abdominal markings. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known as rat-tailed maggots, possessing a distinctive posterior breathing siphon.
Sericomyia slossonae
Slosson's Pond Fly
Sericomyia slossonae is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Milesiini. The genus Sericomyia is part of the group commonly known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their larvae possessing an extensible posterior breathing siphon. Larvae of Sericomyia species are known to inhabit bog mat pools. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species was described by Curran in 1934 and is accepted as valid.
Sericomyia tolli
Great-nosed Pond Fly
Sericomyia tolli is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Frey in 1915. It belongs to the genus Sericomyia, whose larvae are known as 'rat-tailed maggots' and inhabit aquatic environments. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.
Sericomyia transversa
Yellow-spotted Pond Fly
Sericomyia transversa is an uncommon syrphid fly found in northeastern North America. Adults, known as hoverflies or flower flies, are capable of nearly motionless flight and are commonly observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known as rat-tailed maggots, possessing an extensible posterior breathing siphon that allows them to inhabit aquatic environments. The species was first described by Osburn in 1926.
Sericomyia vockerothi
Vockeroth's Pond Fly
Sericomyia vockerothi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Skevington in 2012. The genus Sericomyia belongs to the tribe Milesiini (formerly Sericomyiini), a group whose larvae are known as "rat-tailed maggots" due to their distinctive posterior breathing siphon. Larvae of related Sericomyia species inhabit bog mat pools and other aquatic environments with organic matter. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is poorly documented in public sources, with only five observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Sericomyia woodi
Sericomyia woodi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Nielsen and Vockeroth in 2000. As a member of the genus Sericomyia, it belongs to a group of large, often wasp-mimicking hoverflies commonly known as bog or fen flies due to their typical wetland associations. The species epithet 'woodi' honors Nelson R. Wood, a taxidermist at the U.S. National Museum who collected the type specimen in 1912.
Somula decora
spotted wood fly
Somula decora, commonly called the spotted wood fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species found in central to eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized, roughly honey bee-sized, with black bodies heavily marked with golden yellow. The species exhibits wasp mimicry, likely resembling scoliid wasps or queen yellowjackets. Larvae develop in decaying wood, while adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Speyeria cybele
Great Spangled Fritillary
Speyeria cybele, the great spangled fritillary, is a large brush-footed butterfly native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 2.25 to 4 inches, with orange-brown upper wings marked by black chevrons and distinctive silvery spots on the undersides. The species exhibits pronounced geographic variation: eastern populations are more orange, while western populations are browner. Females are slightly darker than males and have longer lifespans, often surviving into October. The butterfly has an obligate relationship with violets (Viola spp.) as larval host plants. Research has demonstrated that S. cybele relies primarily on vision for habitat detection and navigation, with flash-blinded individuals showing 30 times lower success in locating habitat patches.
Speyeria cybele letona
Great Spangled Fritillary (western subspecies)
Speyeria cybele letona is a western North American subspecies of the great spangled fritillary, a large brush-footed butterfly with a wingspan of 2.25 to 4 inches. Research on Speyeria cybele indicates that visual perception is the primary sense used for navigation to suitable habitat patches, with individuals capable of detecting and navigating to target islands from distances up to 60 meters. The subspecies exhibits the orange-brown coloration typical of western populations of this species, in contrast to the more orange eastern populations.
Speyeria cybele pseudocarpenteri
Great Spangled Fritillary
A subspecies of the great spangled fritillary butterfly found in northern North America. Adults are strong, fast fliers with orange and black patterned wings and distinctive silvery spots on the undersides. Research on the nominate subspecies S. cybele has demonstrated that visual perception is the primary sense used for navigation to suitable habitat patches, with individuals capable of navigating from distances up to 60 meters to island habitats. Larvae feed on violet species and overwinter before completing development in spring.
Speyeria cybele pugetensis
great spangled fritillary
Speyeria cybele pugetensis is a western North American subspecies of the great spangled fritillary, a large orange and black butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by F. Chermock and Frechin in 1947. Like other members of the Speyeria cybele complex, this subspecies exhibits strong visual navigation abilities for locating habitat patches and maintains a close ecological association with violets (Viola spp.) as larval host plants.
Sphaerophoria contigua
Tufted Globetail
Sphaerophoria contigua is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Tufted Globetail. As a member of the hoverfly family Syrphidae, it exhibits the characteristic hovering behavior and yellow-and-black coloration typical of many flower flies. The species is a predator of aphids, with larvae feeding on these soft-bodied insects. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphaerophoria novaeangliae
Black-striped Globetail
Sphaerophoria novaeangliae is a species of syrphid fly, commonly known as the Black-striped Globetail. It belongs to a genus whose members are frequently observed hovering near flowers and are often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their yellow and black coloration. The species was described by Johnson in 1916. As with other Sphaerophoria species, adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphaerophoria sulphuripes
Forked Globetail
Sphaerophoria sulphuripes, commonly known as the forked globetail, is a species of syrphid fly native to western North America. As a member of the hover fly family Syrphidae, it is frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is part of a genus known for its distinctive globular abdomen shape. Adults are often mistaken for bees or wasps due to their yellow and black coloration, a form of protective mimicry common in this family.
Sphecomyia cryptica
Sphecomyia cryptica is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) described in 2019 from the genus Sphecomyia, a group of large wasp-mimicking flies in the subtribe Criorhinina. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, characterized by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species exhibits distinctive abdominal patterning with pruinose sternites and yellow-banded tergites. As a member of this Holarctic genus, it likely functions as a pollinator in its adult stage. Biological data remain limited due to its recent description.
Sphecomyia metallica
Sphecomyia metallica is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is a wasp mimic, part of a diverse group of syrphid flies that have evolved to resemble stinging hymenopterans for protection from predators. The species is known from Canada and the United States. As with many hoverflies, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphegina
Pufftails
Sphegina is a genus of small, slender hoverflies (Syrphidae) known as 'pufftails' due to their distinctive appearance in flight. Adults are widespread across Eurasia and North America, typically found in damp, shaded forest habitats near water. The genus exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennal structure and is distinguished from its sister group Neoascia by facial pilosity, katepisternal setation, and antennal proportions. Larvae develop in association with wood-boring insects, utilizing sap flows and decaying cambium in moist conditions.
Sphegina campanulata
Orange-horned Hammertail, Orange-horned Pufftail
Sphegina campanulata is a syrphid fly (hoverfly) species described by Robertson in 1901. It is fairly common in the northeastern United States. The species is known for its distinctive orange-horned appearance and is one of approximately 45 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of the genus Sphegina, it exhibits the characteristic hovering flight ability common to syrphid flies.
Sphegina lobulifera
Black-lobed Pufftail
Sphegina lobulifera is a rare syrphid fly known from eastern North America. Adults are flower-visiting insects that obtain nectar and pollen from floral resources. The species belongs to the pufftail group, characterized by distinctive abdominal morphology. Larvae develop in decaying sap accumulations under bark in moist woodland habitats.