Pollinator
Guides
Sphex ashmeadi
thread-waisted wasp
Sphex ashmeadi is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It has been observed in New Mexico, USA, where it visits milkweed flowers. The species is part of the diverse Sphex genus, which includes solitary wasps that excavate burrows and provision them with paralyzed prey for their larvae.
Sphex ichneumoneus
Great Golden Digger Wasp, Great Golden Sand Digger
Sphex ichneumoneus is a large, conspicuous solitary wasp distributed across the Western Hemisphere from Canada to South America. Females excavate vertical burrows in sandy soils, provisioning individual cells with paralyzed katydids and related Orthoptera as food for their larvae. The species exhibits a distinctive fixed action pattern during prey retrieval, repeatedly inspecting the burrow entrance before dragging prey inside by the antennae—a behavior famously cited in discussions of genetic determinism. Adults forage for nectar at flowers and are frequently observed on blooms of rabbitbrush, prairie clover, and grape.
Sphex pensylvanicus
Great Black Wasp, Great Black Digger Wasp
Sphex pensylvanicus is a large, solitary digger wasp native to North America. Females construct underground burrows and provision them with paralyzed orthopteran prey, primarily katydids, for their larvae. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowering plants and serve as pollinators. The species exhibits protandry, with males emerging before females in the breeding season. Despite their formidable size and appearance, they are not aggressive toward humans and sting only when handled.
Sphingidae
sphinx moths, hawk moths, hornworms, hummingbird moths
The Sphingidae are a family of moths comprising approximately 1,450 species, best represented in tropical regions but occurring worldwide. Members are moderate to large in size with exceptional flight capabilities, including sustained hovering and rapid, agile maneuvering that rivals hummingbirds. Their streamlined bodies and narrow wings represent convergent evolution with nectar-feeding birds and bats. The family includes economically significant species: some adults are important pollinators with extremely long proboscises, while larval hornworms are major agricultural pests on solanaceous crops.
Sphinx
sphinx moth, hawk moth, hummingbird moth
Sphinx is a genus of moths in the family Sphingidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. These moths are commonly known as sphinx moths, hawk moths, or hummingbird moths due to their rapid, hovering flight and large size. The genus includes several ash-specialist species that have become conservation concerns due to decline of their host trees from emerald ash borer infestation. The name derives from the caterpillar's defensive posture when disturbed—rearing up with head retracted, resembling the Egyptian sphinx.
Sphinx chersis
Great Ash Sphinx, Northern Ash Sphinx
Sphinx chersis is a large sphinx moth commonly known as the great ash sphinx or northern ash sphinx. Adults are active from May to August in southern regions and June to July in northern areas. The species is an ash specialist whose larvae feed on plants in the olive family (Oleaceae), particularly ash (Fraxinus), lilac (Syringa), and privet (Ligustrum). Research indicates that while larvae can develop on some non-native host plants, survival and development rates vary significantly compared to native ash.
Sphinx franckii
Franck's Sphinx, Franck's Sphinx Moth
Sphinx franckii is a large sphinx moth native to eastern North America, first described by Berthold Neumoegen in 1893. Adults have a wingspan of 100–128 mm and are active primarily at dusk and early morning. The species shows strong fidelity to ash trees as native larval hosts but has adapted to use ornamental lilac in suburban settings. Northern populations have a single generation annually, while southern populations may produce a partial second generation.
Sphinx sequoiae
Sequoia Sphinx
Sphinx sequoiae is a small sphinx moth native to western North America, ranging from Oregon through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and into northern Baja California. It is the smallest species in its genus besides Sphinx dollii, with which it is sometimes confused despite occupying different geographic ranges. The species completes one generation annually, with adults active from May through August.
Spilomyia alcimus
Broad-banded Hornet Fly
Spilomyia alcimus is a syrphid fly first described by Walker in 1849. It exhibits wasp mimicry, resembling yellowjackets in appearance, sound, and behavior. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is uncommon and distributed across Canada and the United States.
Spilomyia citima
Western Hornet Fly
Spilomyia citima, commonly known as the Western Hornet Fly, is a rare species of syrphid hoverfly first described by Vockeroth in 1958. It belongs to a genus renowned for exceptional mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, employing visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States, though records remain sparse.
Spilomyia crandalli
Crandall's Hornet Fly
Spilomyia crandalli is a rare species of syrphid fly described by Curran in 1951. Adults are known as flower flies and are commonly found on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to a genus renowned for exceptional wasp mimicry, including visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception of yellowjackets. Larvae are adapted to moist environments such as tree rot holes.
Spilomyia foxleei
Foxlee's Hornet Fly
Spilomyia foxleei is a species of syrphid fly (hover fly) in the family Syrphidae, first described by Vockeroth in 1958. It belongs to a genus renowned for its striking mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, employing visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. The species occurs in western North America, with documented records in British Columbia, Canada, and the Pacific states of the United States.
Spilomyia fusca
Bald-faced Hornet Fly
Spilomyia fusca, the Bald-faced Hornet Fly, is a syrphid fly first described by Loew in 1864. This species is a notable wasp mimic, resembling yellowjackets in both appearance and sound. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers, while larvae develop in moist tree rot holes where they feed on decaying organic matter. The species is relatively common in eastern North America.
Spilomyia interrupta
Interrupted Hornet Fly
Spilomyia interrupta, commonly known as the Interrupted Hornet Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. First described by Williston in 1882, this uncommon species is native to western North America, particularly along the California coast. Like other members of the genus Spilomyia, it exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including similar coloration, body shape, and even wingbeat frequency. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in moist tree rot holes.
Spilomyia liturata
Rocky Mountain Hornet Fly
Spilomyia liturata, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Hornet Fly, is an uncommon species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found in western North America. Adults are notable mimics of yellowjacket wasps, exhibiting sophisticated visual and auditory deception. The species is associated with montane habitats along the Rocky Mountains, where larvae develop in water-filled tree holes.
Spilomyia longicornis
Eastern Hornet Fly
Spilomyia longicornis is a syrphid fly native to eastern North America, notable for its striking mimicry of vespid wasps. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers for pollen and nectar, while larvae develop in rot holes of living trees. The species exhibits sophisticated Batesian mimicry involving visual, behavioral, and auditory components.
Spilomyia sayi
Four-lined Hornet Fly
Spilomyia sayi is a common North American hoverfly and wasp mimic, ranging from western Canada to the northeastern United States. Adults are active from June to October and are frequently found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. Larvae develop in decaying heartwood of deciduous trees and in rot holes.
Steniolia eremica
Steniolia eremica is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by James E. Gillaspy in 1964. It is one of approximately fifteen species in the genus Steniolia, all of which are restricted to western North America. Males are larger than females and have been observed visiting thistle flowers and other nectar sources. The species is considered less abundant than congeners that share its range.
Stenodynerus histrionalis paenevagus
Stenodynerus histrionalis paenevagus is a subspecies of solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Like other Stenodynerus species, it is a cavity-nesting wasp that provisions its nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larval offspring. The subspecies is difficult to distinguish from related taxa based on field observations alone, and microscopic examination is typically required for definitive identification. It has been documented in Colorado and California, where it utilizes pre-existing cavities in wood or other substrates for nesting.
Stenodynerus lineatifrons
Stenodynerus lineatifrons is a species of solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is a cavity-nesting wasp that provisions its nests with paralyzed caterpillars for its larval offspring. The species was described by Bohart in 1948 and is currently considered a synonym of Rhynchalastor lineatifrons in some taxonomic databases, though it remains listed under Stenodynerus in others. Like other members of its genus, it is difficult to distinguish from the related genus Parancistrocerus based on images of live specimens.
Stenodynerus percampanulatus
Stenodynerus percampanulatus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. The species has been synonymized under Rhynchalastor percampanulatus in some taxonomic treatments. Like other Stenodynerus species, it is a cavity-nesting wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larvae. The genus is morphologically similar to Parancistrocerus, and the two are often difficult to distinguish in field observations.
Stenodynerus taosoides
Stenodynerus taosoides is a species of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae (family Vespidae). Members of the genus Stenodynerus are solitary wasps that construct nests in pre-existing cavities, provisioning them with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larval offspring. The species name suggests a connection to the Taos region of northern New Mexico, though specific details about its distribution and biology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Strangalia bicolor
Bicolored Flower Longhorn Beetle
Strangalia bicolor is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is commonly known as the bicolored flower longhorn. The species is native to North America and is typically associated with flowers, where adults are frequently observed.
Strangalia famelica famelica
Coastal Plain Slender Flower Longhorn
Strangalia famelica famelica is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the subfamily Lepturinae, commonly known as the Coastal Plain Slender Flower Longhorn. As a member of the flower longhorn group, it is diurnal and visits flowers as an adult. The subspecies belongs to a species complex that is widespread across eastern North America, with this particular subspecies occurring in the coastal plain region. It is one of several Strangalia species frequently encountered in the eastern United States, though less commonly than some congeners such as S. sexnotata or S. luteicornis.
Strangalia famelica solitaria
Midwestern Slender Flower Longhorn
Strangalia famelica solitaria is a subspecies of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is a diurnal species that visits flowers as an adult, and is considered one of the more commonly encountered flower longhorns in Missouri. The species has been documented from fermenting bait traps, with two specimens captured in molasses/beer traps during a 2015 study in Missouri—marking the first report of this subspecies from fermenting baits in the state. Larvae develop in dead hardwood branches.
Strymon
Scrub-Hairstreaks
Strymon is a genus of scrub hairstreak butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, comprising small, delicate butterflies found primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. The genus was historically treated as its own monotypic tribe (Strymonini) due to its distinct evolutionary lineage within the Eumaeini. Species such as the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) are among the most widespread and commonly encountered members of this group in North America.
Svastra duplocincta
long-horned bee
Svastra duplocincta is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. As a member of the tribe Eucerini, it belongs to a group of solitary bees characterized by elongated antennae, particularly in males. The species was originally described as Melissodes duplocincta by Cockerell in 1905.
Svastra machaerantherae
Svastra machaerantherae is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It is native to Central and North America. The species belongs to the tribe Eucerini, a group of solitary bees commonly known as long-horned bees due to the elongated antennae of males.
Svastra obliqua caliginosa
long-horned bee
Svastra obliqua caliginosa is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It is native to North and Middle America. As a member of the Eucerini tribe, it exhibits traits typical of long-horned bees including elongated antennae in males and ground-nesting behavior. The species Svastra obliqua is known to be associated with sunflowers and members of the Asteraceae family.
Svastra obliqua expurgata
sunflower bee, long-horned digger bee, female long-horned bee
Svastra obliqua expurgata is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, native to western North America. It is commonly known as the 'sunflower bee' due to its strong preference for foraging on sunflowers and other members of the Asteraceae family. The species has been reclassified taxonomically, with some authorities placing North American species formerly in genus Svastra into the genus Epimelissodes. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee that plays an important role in pollinating native and agricultural plants in its range.
Svastra petulca petulca
Svastra petulca petulca is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, tribe Eucerini. It belongs to a genus of solitary, ground-nesting bees native to North and Central America. Like other Svastra species, it is a specialist pollinator associated with composite flowers, particularly in the Asteraceae family. The subspecies was described by Cresson in 1879.
Svastra texana
Texas long-horned bee
Svastra texana is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It is native to Central America and North America. The species was first described by Ezra Townsend Cresson in 1872 under the name Melissodes texana. Two subspecies are recognized: Svastra texana texana and Svastra texana eluta.
Syritta pipiens
Thick-legged Hoverfly, Thick-legged Hover Fly
Syritta pipiens is a common and widespread hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, native to Europe and now distributed across Eurasia and North America. It is distinguished by its enlarged hind femora, which give rise to its common name 'thick-legged hoverfly.' Adults are fast, agile fliers rarely exceeding one meter above ground and are important pollinators of diverse flowering plants. Larvae develop in moist, decaying organic matter including compost, manure, and silage. The species is frequently found in human-modified environments such as gardens, farmland, and urban parks.
Syrphidae
hover flies, flower flies, syrphid flies, drone flies
Syrphidae is a species-rich family of true flies comprising over 6,000 described species worldwide, with approximately 800 species in North America. Adults are commonly known as hover flies, flower flies, or drone flies due to their characteristic hovering flight and frequent flower visitation. Many species exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps, gaining protection from predators through their resemblance to stinging Hymenoptera. The family provides critical ecosystem services: adults are significant pollinators second only to bees, especially in Arctic climates, while larvae display diverse ecological roles including predation on crop pests and nutrient cycling in aquatic habitats.
Syrphinae
Typical Hover Flies
Syrphinae is one of three subfamilies in the hoverfly family Syrphidae, containing over 1,600 species. The subfamily is monophyletic and primarily comprises aphidophagous species, with larvae that prey on aphids and other small Hemiptera. Adults are common flower visitors and important pollinators. A minority of species exhibit alternative larval feeding strategies, including phytophagy.
Syrphus
Common Flower Flies
Syrphus is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, characterized by distinctive calypter morphology. The genus is distinguished from other Syrphini by long hairs on the upper surface of the lower lobe of the calypter, a unique diagnostic feature. Adults are common flower visitors and pollinators, while larvae are primarily aphid predators. The genus includes approximately 20 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with several species occurring in North America and Europe.
Syrphus attenuatus
Yellow-margined Flower Fly
Syrphus attenuatus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hine in 1922. As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are presumed aphid predators, though this specific life history has not been directly documented for this species. The species is known from Norway and Sweden according to distribution records, and is referred to by the common name "Yellow-margined Flower Fly." Like other Syrphus species, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Syrphus knabi
Eastern Flower Fly
Syrphus knabi is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies, 7.2–12.9 mm in length, with distinctive yellow and black banded abdomens and sexually dimorphic head coloration. The species is a known aphid predator in its larval stage.
Syrphus opinator
Black-margined Flower Fly
Syrphus opinator, commonly known as the black-margined flower fly, is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are frequently mistaken for honey bees due to their similar appearance and behavior. The species is found in western North America, including the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and California. Like other members of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids.
Syrphus rectus
Yellow-legged Flower Fly
Syrphus rectus is a hover fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as the yellow-legged flower fly. It is frequently encountered in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, with occasional records from Europe. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, with black and yellow abdominal banding. Both life stages serve ecological functions: larvae are aphid predators, while adults visit flowers for nectar and contribute to pollination.
Syrphus ribesii
Common Banded Hoverfly
Syrphus ribesii is a common Holarctic hoverfly and an effective aphid predator in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. Adults are frequent flower visitors, feeding on nectar and pollen while providing pollination services. The species is highly migratory and shows remarkable adaptability to diverse habitats from farmland to forest. Two distinct chromosome races exist across much of Europe.
Syrphus vitripennis
Black-thighed Flower Fly
Syrphus vitripennis is a common Holarctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) with distinctive yellow and black wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are medium-sized (8–11 mm body length, wing length 7.25–10.25 mm) and frequent flowers from March to October, peaking in July–August. Larvae are aphid predators, making this species economically significant for biological control. The species is highly migratory, with documented seasonal movements between latitudes. It is one of five Syrphus species in Britain and can be difficult to distinguish from congeners, particularly S. rectus in males.
Tabanidae
Horse and Deer Flies, Horse-flies, Deer flies, Gadflies, Clegs, Green-headed flies
Tabanidae is a family of large, agile true flies comprising approximately 4,455 described species worldwide. Adults are characterized by prominent compound eyes, with females possessing widely separated eyes and males having eyes that nearly touch. Females of most species are blood-feeding ectoparasites of mammals, using blade-like mouthparts to lacerate skin and lap blood for egg development, while males feed exclusively on nectar. Larvae are predaceous and develop in semiaquatic or moist soil habitats. The family includes three well-known subfamilies: Tabaninae (horse flies), Chrysopsinae (deer flies), and Pangoniinae.
Tachina
Tachina is a genus of large tachinid flies comprising approximately 600 species worldwide. Adults are typically 9–14 mm in length with conspicuous spiky bristles. The genus is notable for its larval parasitoid lifestyle, with most species targeting lepidopteran caterpillars as hosts. Tachina fera, the best-studied species, has a chromosome-level genome assembly representing the first high-quality genomic resource for the family Tachinidae.
Tachinidae
Tachinid Flies, Tachinids
Tachinidae is a large and diverse family of true flies (Diptera) comprising over 8,200 described species worldwide, with more than 1,300 species in North America alone. All known tachinids are protelean parasitoids or occasionally parasites of arthropods, predominantly other insects. They are significant natural enemies of agricultural and forest pests, and many species have been employed in biological control programs. Adult flies are common flower visitors and contribute to pollination, particularly in high-elevation ecosystems where bees are scarce.
Tanaops basalis
Tanaops basalis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae. The species is native to North America, with records from the western United States. Like other members of Andrenidae, females are solitary ground-nesters that provision brood cells with pollen and nectar. Males are often observed patrolling areas near female nesting sites.
Tegeticula maculata
Chaparral yucca moth
Tegeticula maculata is a small moth in the family Prodoxidae, commonly known as the chaparral yucca moth. It is the sole pollinator of Hesperoyucca whipplei, forming an obligate mutualism in which the moth's larvae feed exclusively on developing seeds of this host plant. The species exhibits high genetic structure across its range with limited morphological divergence, suggesting ancient lineage sorting rather than recent speciation.
Tegeticula yuccasella
yucca moth, Eastern Yucca Moth
Tegeticula yuccasella is a small moth in the family Prodoxidae, first described by Charles Valentine Riley in 1872. It is the nominate species of the T. yuccasella species complex, a group of obligate pollinators of yucca plants (Yucca spp.). The moth engages in active pollination behavior unique among Lepidoptera: females collect pollen with specialized tentacle-like mouthparts and deliberately deposit it on yucca stigmas to ensure fruit set before laying eggs. Larvae feed exclusively on developing yucca seeds. Recent systematic revision has split this formerly broadly-defined species into multiple distinct species, with T. yuccasella sensu stricto associated primarily with eastern North American yucca hosts.
Temnostoma trifasciatum
Three-lined Falsehorn
Temnostoma trifasciatum is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern and central North America. Adults are strong mimics of solitary mason wasps (Eumeninae), exhibiting sophisticated behavioral and morphological mimicry. The species is associated with woodland habitats where larvae develop in moist decayed wood. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Tenthredo rubeola
Tenthredo rubeola is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae, distinguished from true wasps by its broad connection between thorax and abdomen lacking a narrow 'wasp waist.' Adults are often observed on flowers and consume both plant material and small insects. The species belongs to a genus of approximately 118 species in the U.S. and Canada, many of which exhibit mimicry of stinging wasps despite being harmless. Larval biology and host plant relationships remain poorly documented.