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Tetramesa
Tetramesa is a genus of minute phytophagous wasps in the family Eurytomidae comprising over 200 described species. Members are exclusively associated with grasses (Poaceae), where they typically induce stem or inflorescence galls. The genus exhibits pronounced host specificity, with most species restricted to a single grass species or closely related congeners. Several species have been deployed as biological control agents against invasive grasses, including T. romana for giant reed (Arundo donax) and candidate agents for medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula). Adults feed on nectar. Recent phylogenomic studies have synonymized the genera Aiolomorphus and Cathilaria within Tetramesa.
biological-control gall-wasp grassland invasive-species-management host-specificity cryptic-species phylogenomics Eurytomidae Chalcidoidea Hymenoptera phytophagy Poaceae stem-gall inflorescence-gall integrated-pest-management riparian-restoration molecular-systematics species-delimitation GMYC COI 28S biocontrol-agent Arundo-donax giant-reed medusahead African-lovegrass Eragrostis Sporobolus barley-jointworm integrated-taxonomy Southern-Hemisphere-diversity grassland-expansion Miocene-diversification monophagy host-range-testing non-target-effects tick-habitat cattle-fever-tick Rio-Grande Big-Bend-National-Park greenhouse-rearing oviposition-behavior water-deficit-stress generation-time parasitoid Eurytoma-amicophaga Eurytominae Walker-1848 Terebrantes Apocrita microhymenoptera minute-wasp reduced-wing-venation antennal-segmentation mesosoma-sculpture ovipositor molecular-operational-taxonomic-units MOTU species-boundaries cryptic-diversity sampling-effects SPEDE-sampler host-genetic-proxies field-host-range no-choice-testing native-Australian-species non-target-risk host-phylogeny target-weed suppression topping mechanical-control integrated-weed-management native-vegetation-recovery light-penetration canopy-structure dispersal establishment post-release-evaluation adventive-population Austin-Texas Idaho England Wales Orissa Canary-Islands Canary-Is.Mediterranean South-Africa southern-Africa Northern-Hemisphere Australia North-America Texas California Greece central-Asia Iran Ukraine Moldova Russia Israel Tajikistan Japan Eragrostis-curvula Sporobolus-pyramidalis Sporobolus-natalensis Sporobolus-africanus Hyparrhenia-hirta Andropogon-gayanus Eragrostis-plana Eragrostis-planiculmis Eragrostis-biflora Eragrostis-capensis Eragrostis-trichophora Deschampsia-caespitosa Deschampsia-setacea Taeniatherum-caput-medusae Hordeum barley Phragmites common-reed Dactylis-glomerata orchardgrass Poales grass graminoid cereal-crop pasture rangeland invasive-weed noxious-weed habitat-structure ecosystem-functioning naturalised-species alien-grass donor-country receiver-country biocontrol-practitioner host-plant-resistance internode-infestation oviposition-preference behavioral-categories antennae-attitude laboratory-artifact polyphagy specialist generalist climate-fluctuation molecular-clock dated-analysis phylogenetic-clade intrapopulation-variation geographic-sub-structuring singleton-effect overestimation consensus-delimitation operational-taxonomic-unit integrative-taxonomy evidence-line caveat putative-species novel-taxon undescribed-species biodiversity-assessment faunal-survey field-collection genetic-sequence mitochondrial-DNA nuclear-DNA cytochrome-c-oxidase-I ribosomal-DNA internal-transcribed-spacer chloroplast-DNA rps16 rpl32 trnK trnL ITS plant-insect-interaction herbivore phytophage primary-consumer trophic-level food-web community-ecology restoration-ecology conservation-biological-control classical-biological-control augmentative-biological-control inundative-release establishment-rate population-increase downstream-dispersal river-mile biomass-reduction plant-community tick-feeding-ant tick-feeding-beetle habitat-modification law-enforcement international-border flood-control irrigation-channel stream-clogging river-bank-weakening native-vegetation-stifling wildlife-habitat-reduction cattle-inspection deer-inspection Rhipicephalus Boophilus tick-population vegetation-transition shading-effect long-term-suppression high-suppression cane-thinning mechanical-cutting growth-suppression susceptibility-to-attack combination-treatment synergistic-effect research-demonstration USDA Agricultural-Research-Service entomologist field-measurement post-release-monitoring impact-assessment agent-efficacy non-target-damage crop-safety agricultural-importance host-specific-herbivore sustainable-method cost-effective-method weed-control invasive-plant-management habitat-restoration ecosystem-service provisioning-service regulating-service supporting-service cultural-service biodiversity-conservation threatened-species endangered-species habitat-loss climate-change land-use-change anthropogenic-disturbance urbanization agricultural-intensification grazing-pressure fire-regime nitrogen-deposition carbon-sequestration soil-stabilization water-quality air-quality pollinator nectar-feeding adult-diet larval-diet tissue-feeding gall-induction plant-manipulation phytohormone cytokinin auxin cell-proliferation tissue-differentiation nutrient-sink sink-strength source-sink-dynamics plant-physiology reproductive-output seed-production seed-weight flowering-head inflorescence stem-elongation tiller-production biomass-allocation growth-rate relative-growth-rate net-primary-productivity ecosystem-productivity carbon-cycling nitrogen-cycling phosphorus-cycling decomposition litter-quality herbivory-impact top-down-control bottom-up-control trophic-cascade indirect-effect direct-effect density-dependence density-independence population-regulation population-dynamics life-table survivorship fecundity reproductive-rate intrinsic-rate-of-increase doubling-time carrying-capacity population-growth exponential-growth logistic-growth Allee-effect stochasticity environmental-variation demographic-variation genetic-variation phenotypic-plasticity local-adaptation evolutionary-response coevolution arms-race escape-and-radiate diversification-rate speciation extinction phylogenetic-diversity functional-diversity taxonomic-diversity alpha-diversity beta-diversity gamma-diversity species-richness species-evenness species-abundance-distribution rank-abundance-curve diversity-index Shannon-index Simpson-index evenness-index dominance-index similarity-index dissimilarity-index cluster-analysis ordination principal-component-analysis principal-coordinate-analysis non-metric-multidimensional-scaling canonical-correspondence-analysis redundancy-analysis variation-partitioning structural-equation-modeling path-analysis meta-analysis systematic-review evidence-synthesis research-priority knowledge-gap data-deficiency IUCN-Red-List conservation-status protected-area management-plan monitoring-protocol adaptive-management stakeholder-engagement policy-recommendation legislation regulation incentive market-based-instrument payment-for-ecosystem-services carbon-credit biodiversity-offset habitat-banking conservation-easement land-trust stewardship sustainable-agriculture organic-farming agroecology precision-agriculture conservation-tillage cover-cropping crop-rotation intercropping agroforestry silvopasture riparian-buffer filter-strip grassed-waterway wetland-restoration prairie-restoration savanna-restoration forest-restoration degraded-land abandoned-land marginal-land set-aside wildlife-corridor habitat-connectivity landscape-matrix patch-dynamics edge-effect interior-habitat core-area buffer-zone permeability resistance least-cost-path circuit-theory isolation-by-distance isolation-by-resistance gene-flow genetic-drift inbreeding outbreeding hybridization introgression admixture population-structure genetic-differentiation FST GST D allele-frequency haplotype genotype phenotype quantitative-trait morphological-trait behavioral-trait life-history-trait reproductive-trait survival-trait developmental-trait physiological-trait metabolic-trait stress-response immune-response defense-trait resistance-trait tolerance-trait avoidance-trait antipredator-defense chemical-defense mechanical-defense crypsis mimicry aposematism startle-display thanatosis autotomy regeneration compensatory-growth induced-defense constitutive-defense direct-defense indirect-defense volatile-organic-compound extrafloral-nectar domatia mutualism ant-plant-mutualism pollination-mutualism seed-dispersal-mutualism protection-mutualism nutrition-mutualism transport-mutualism cleaning-mutualism agricultural-mutualism domestication crop-wild-relative landrace cultivar variety breeding selection genetic-improvement yield quality stress-tolerance nutrient-use-efficiency water-use-efficiency photosynthetic-efficiency harvest-index grain-filling source-limitation sink-limitation assimilate-transport phloem-loading phloem-unloading remobilization senescence stay-green antioxidant reactive-oxygen-species oxidative-stress heat-stress cold-stress drought-stress salinity-stress metal-stress nutrient-deficiency nutrient-toxicity soil-pH soil-texture soil-structure soil-organic-matter soil-microbial-community rhizosphere mycorrhiza nitrogen-fixation phosphorus-solubilization potassium-mobilization micronutrient-uptake allelopathy competition facilitation niche-differentiation resource-partitioning temporal-partitioning spatial-partitioning morphological-partitioning physiological-partitioning phenological-partitioning competitive-exclusion competitive-displacement priority-effect founder-effect mass-effect species-sorting neutral-theory ecological-drift dispersal-limitation environmental-filtering biotic-filtering abiotic-filtering trait-based-approach functional-trait response-trait effect-trait community-assembly community-disassembly community-reassembly succession primary-succession secondary-succession pioneer-species climax-species keystone-species ecosystem-engineer foundation-species dominant-species subordinate-species transient-species resident-species migrant-species nomadic-species irruptive-species invasive-species naturalized-species casual-species established-species spreading-species widespread-species restricted-species endemic-species cosmopolitan-species disjunct-distribution relict-distribution refugium glacial-refugium interglacial-refugium postglacial-colonization range-shift range-expansion range-contraction range-fragmentation source-population sink-population metapopulation population-viability minimum-viable-population effective-population-size genetic-rescue demographic-rescue assisted-migration managed-relocation ex-situ-conservation in-situ-conservation cryopreservation seed-bank gene-bank botanic-garden arboretum zoo aquarium microbial-culture-collection DNA-bank tissue-bank sperm-bank oocyte-bank embryo-bank reintroduction translocation reinforcement supplementation headstarting captive-breeding propagation nucleus-population release-program soft-release hard-release acclimatization habitat-preparation predator-control competitor-control disease-control parasite-control health-screening quarantine veterinary-care nutrition-management environmental-enrichment behavioral-training imprinting fostering cross-fostering hand-rearing parent-rearing semi-natural-enclosure pre-release-conditioning survival-rate reproduction-rate dispersal-rate site-fidelity homeward-orientation migration navigation orientation magnetic-sense olfactory-sense visual-sense auditory-sense mechanosensory-sense thermosensory-sense hygrosensory-sense electrosensory-sense polarized-light celestial-cues landmark-cues odor-plume wind-direction sun-compass star-compass moon-compass magnetic-compass inertial-navigation path-integration cognitive-map spatial-memory temporal-memory episodic-memory procedural-memory associative-learning operant-conditioning classical-conditioning habituation sensitization song-learning tool-use problem-solving innovation social-learning cultural-transmission teaching cooperation altruism kin-selection reciprocal-altruism group-selection multilevel-selection selfish-gene inclusive-fitness reproductive-skew dominance-hierarchy territoriality home-range activity-center den-site nest-site roost-site singing-post display-site lek arena scrape burrow cavity crevice hole tunnel gallery chamber cell comb paper-nest mud-nest silk-nest spun-cocoon pupal-case ootheca egg-mass clutch brood litter covey pack herd flock colony society superorganism eusociality cooperative-breeding communal-breeding polygyny polyandry promiscuity monogamy serial-monogamy genetic-monogamy social-monogamy extra-pair-copulation sperm-competition cryptic-female-choice sexual-selection intersexual-selection intrasexual-selection mate-choice mate-guarding mate-switching divorce widowhood mate-replacement breeding-season breeding-cycle breeding-attempt breeding-success fledging-success recruitment juvenile-survival adult-survival longevity life-expectancy maximum-lifespan aging telomere oxidative-damage mitochondrial-dysfunction cellular-senescence apoptosis necrosis autophagy proteostasis DNA-repair epigenetic-modification transgenerational-effect maternal-effect paternal-effect parental-care maternal-care paternal-care biparental-care alloparental-care brood-care egg-care larval-care pupal-care food-provisioning nest-defense territory-defense predator-defense disease-defense parasite-defense hygiene-behavior grooming nest-cleaning cannibalism siblicide infanticide filial-cannibalism sexual-cannibalism cannibalistic-oophagy trophic-egg regurgitation trophallaxis food-sharing information-sharing alarm-call mobbing distraction-display broken-wing-display tailing persecution attack escape flight fight freeze faint death-feigning tonic-immobility startle-response withdrawal avoidance dishabituation latent-inhibition blocking overshadowing relative-validity conditioned-inhibition spontaneous-recovery renewal reinstatement rapid-reacquisition latent-learning insight-learning observational-learning vicarious-learning emulation imitation social-facilitation social-inhibition audience-effect bystander-effect conformity obedience compliance commitment consistency foot-in-the-door door-in-the-face low-ball that's-not-all sunk-cost endowment-effect loss-aversion risk-aversion risk-seeking probability-weighting hyperbolic-discounting temporal-discounting intertemporal-choice optimal-foraging marginal-value-theorem prey-choice patch-choice diet-breadth central-place-foraging load-size travel-time handling-time search-time encounter-rate prey-density prey-profitability prey-handling prey-detection prey-pursuit prey-capture prey-consumption prey-rejection ingestion-rate digestion-rate assimilation-efficiency production-efficiency ecological-efficiency trophic-transfer-efficiency Lindeman-efficiency ten-percent-rule pyramid-of-numbers pyramid-of-biomass pyramid-of-energy food-chain trophic-network energy-flow material-cycling biogeochemical-cycle carbon-cycle nitrogen-cycle phosphorus-cycle sulfur-cycle water-cycle hydrological-cycle atmospheric-circulation ocean-circulation thermohaline-circulation El-Niño La-Niña ENSO NAO AO PDO AMO climate-oscillation climate-anomaly weather-extreme drought flood heat-wave cold-snap storm hurricane typhoon cyclone tornado thunderstorm lightning wildfire volcanic-eruption earthquake tsunami landslide avalanche meteor-impact mass-extinction background-extinction speciation-rate extinction-rate net-diversification turnover standing-diversity fossil-record taphonomy preservation-bias sampling-bias collection-bias publication-bias citation-bias language-bias geographic-bias temporal-bias taxonomic-bias size-bias abundance-bias habitat-bias facies-bias Lagerstätte Konservat-Lagerstätte Konzentrat-Lagerstätte trace-fossil body-fossil chemical-fossil molecular-fossil biomarker isotope-signature paleoclimate-proxy paleoecology paleobiogeography paleoecosystem paleocommunity paleoenvironment paleogeography paleolatitude paleolongitude continental-drift plate-tectonics seafloor-spreading subduction orogeny mountain-building basin-formation sedimentation erosion weathering soil-formation pedogenesis horizon-development profile-development chronosequence toposequence biosequence climosequence landform geomorphology topography relief elevation slope aspect curvature roughness drainage watershed catchment basin subbasin reach segment zone riffle pool run glide cascade waterfall wetland marsh swamp bog fen mire peatland tundra taiga boreal-forest temperate-forest temperate-rainforest temperate-grassland tropical-forest tropical-rainforest tropical-dry-forest tropical-savanna tropical-grassland desert hot-desert cold-desert semiarid steppe prairie pampas veld savanna woodland shrubland chaparral maquis garigue fynbos kwongan mallee mulga mogote karst cave sinkhole doline polje uvala ponor spring seep oasis wadi arroyo gully ravine canyon gorge valley dale glen strath rift graben horst fault fold anticline syncline monocline dome plateau mesa butte escarpment bluff cliff crag tor inselberg bornhardt kopje hill knoll mound ridge spur saddle pass col gap notch cleft fissure joint bedding-plane foliation lineation cleavage schistosity gneissic-banding magma lava igneous-rock sedimentary-rock metamorphic-rock mineral crystal grain texture structure fabric composition chemistry mineralogy petrology geochemistry geophysics geochronology radiometric-dating isotopic-dating dendrochronology varve-chronology lichenometry archaeomagnetism paleomagnetism thermoluminescence optically-stimulated-luminescence electron-spin-resonance cosmogenic-nuclide exposure-dating burial-dating terrestrial-cosmogenic-nuclide in-situ-cosmogenic-nuclide meteoric-cosmogenic-nuclide fallout-radionuclide lead-210 cesium-137 plutonium americium radiocarbon carbon-14 calibration-curve intcal marine-reservoir-effect terrestrial-reservoir-effect hard-water-effect contamination pretreatment combustion graphitization accelerator-mass-spectrometry liquid-scintillation-counting gas-proportional-counting beta-counting gamma-spectrometry alpha-spectrometry mass-spectrometry inductively-coupled-plasma-mass-spectrometry thermal-ionization-mass-spectrometry secondary-ion-mass-spectrometry laser-ablation-inductively-coupled-plasma-mass-spectrometry electron-microprobe scanning-electron-microscopy transmission-electron-microscopy light-microscopy confocal-microscopy fluorescence-microscopy polarizing-microscopy phase-contrast-microscopy differential-interference-contrast-microscopy dark-field-microscopy bright-field-microscopy stereomicroscopy dissecting-microscopy microtomy sectioning staining mounting embedding fixation preservation collection curation vouchering repository herbarium museum archive database registry catalogue checklist inventory survey monitoring assessment evaluation appraisal audit review synthesis rapid-review scoping-review narrative-review critical-review state-of-the-art-review literature-review bibliometric-analysis citation-analysis co-citation-analysis bibliographic-coupling co-authorship-analysis collaboration-network knowledge-map concept-map ontology taxonomy classification nomenclature typification designation description diagnosis illustration measurement morphometry meristics count ratio index score rank grade scale level category class group set subset cluster clade lineage branch stem crown root node tip terminal internal basal derived ancestral plesiomorphic apomorphic synapomorphic autapomorphic homologous homoplastic convergent parallel reversal gain loss duplication deletion insertion inversion fusion fission polyploidy aneuploidy chromosome-number genome-size gene-number transcriptome proteome metabolome lipidome glycome interactome phenome connectome epigenome microbiome virome mycobiome bacteriome phytobiome rhizobiome endobiome ectobiome parasitome pathobiome diseasome toxome exposome foodome nutriome pharmacome toxicome adverse-outcome-pathway mode-of-action mechanism-of-action target-site receptor-binding enzyme-inhibition ion-channel-blockade membrane-disruption DNA-intercalation inflammation cell-differentiation cell-migration cell-adhesion cell-signaling signal-transduction gene-expression transcription translation post-translational-modification protein-folding protein-degradation protein-trafficking vesicle-transport exocytosis endocytosis phagocytosis pinocytosis mitophagy pexophagy ribophagy ER-phagy lysophagy lipophagy glycophagy ferritinophagy aggrephagy xenophagy entosis cytosis syncytium plasmodesmata gap-junction tight-junction adherens-junction desmosome hemidesmosome focal-adhesion cell-polarity cell-asymmetry cell-division mitosis meiosis cytokinesis karyokinesis chromosome-segregation spindle-assembly checkpoint DNA-replication DNA-recombination transposition retrotransposition horizontal-gene-transfer vertical-gene-transfer endosymbiosis symbiogenesis holobiont hologenome extended-phenotype niche-construction ecosystem-engineering keystone-process ecological-function ecosystem-function ecosystem-good natural-capital natural-resource renewable-resource non-renewable-resource common-pool-resource public-good private-good club-good externality market-failure government-failure policy-failure institutional-failure tragedy-of-the-commons free-rider collective-action social-dilemma prisoner's-dilemma chicken-game assurance-game coordination-game zero-sum-game positive-sum-game negative-sum-game win-win lose-lose win-lose Pareto-optimal Pareto-improvement Kaldor-Hicks-improvement cost-benefit-analysis cost-effectiveness-analysis multi-criteria-decision-analysis decision-support-system expert-system knowledge-based-system rule-based-system case-based-reasoning machine-learning deep-learning neural-network random-forest support-vector-machine decision-tree regression-tree classification-tree clustering-algorithm dimensionality-reduction feature-selection feature-extraction pattern-recognition image-analysis signal-processing time-series-analysis spatial-analysis geographic-information-system remote-sensing satellite-imagery aerial-photography drone-imagery LiDAR radar sonar seismic geophysical geochemical biogeochemical ecoinformatics bioinformatics computational-biology systems-biology synthetic-biology biotechnology nanotechnology genetic-engineering genome-editing CRISPR TALEN zinc-finger-nuclease transgenic cisgenic intragenic subgenic agrobacterium-mediated-transformation biolistics electroporation microinjection protoplast-fusion somatic-hybridization cybrid asymmetric-hybrid synthetic-polyploid doubled-haploid haploid-induction anther-culture microspore-culture ovule-culture embryo-culture endosperm-culture protoplast-culture cell-culture tissue-culture organ-culture shoot-culture root-culture callus-culture suspension-culture bioreactor hairy-root-culture transformation hardening micropropagation clonal-propagation meristem-culture shoot-tip-culture axillary-bud-culture nodal-culture leaf-culture petiole-culture stem-culture internode-culture rhizome-culture bulb-culture corm-culture tuber-culture seed-culture zygotic-embryo-culture somatic-embryo-culture somatic-embryogenesis organogenesis caulogenesis rhizogenesis adventitious-shoot-formation direct-regeneration indirect-regeneration primary-metabolism secondary-metabolism biosynthesis biotransformation bioconversion biodegradation bioremediation phytoremediation mycoremediation zooremediation bioaugmentation biostimulation natural-attenuation monitored-natural-attenuation engineered-natural-attenuation permeable-reactive-barrier pump-and-treat soil-vapor-extraction air-sparging thermal-desorption incineration landfilling containment capping slurry-wall grout-curtain sheet-piling clay-liner geomembrane geotextile geogrid geocomposite geosynthetic geofabric geonet geocell geopipe geostrip geofoam geobag geotube geocontainer geomat geoblanket geospacer geodrain geoinjection geogrout geopier geocolumn geopile geowall geoberm geotrench geocut geofill geolift geoslab geopanel geoblock geobrick geotile geopaver geoweb geomattress geocushion
Teuchocnemis lituratus
Black Spur Fly
Teuchocnemis lituratus, commonly known as the Black Spur Fly, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized hover flies, measuring 10.5–15.4 mm in length. The species is distinguished by distinctive morphological features, particularly in males. Larval biology remains unknown.
syrphid hover-fly flower-fly pollinator uncommon
Thevenetimyia
Thevenetimyia is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) containing over 40 described species. The genus has a broad distribution, with the majority of species occurring in North America and additional representatives in Australia and Southeast Asia. Species in this genus are parasitoids, with larvae developing in the nests of other insects. Adults are known to visit flowers for nectar.
bee-flies Bombyliidae parasitoid pollinator North-America Australia Southeast-Asia
Thyreodon atricolor atricolor
Thyreodon atricolor atricolor is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Thyreodon includes large, striking wasps that are often mistaken for tarantula hawks due to their similar coloration. Members of this genus are diurnal and have been observed visiting flowers for nectar. This subspecies has been recorded from California and Vermont in the United States.
ichneumonidae hymenoptera mimicry diurnal north-america pollinator aposematic-coloration
Toxomerus
Calligrapher Flies
Toxomerus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) distributed across the Americas, with over 130 described Neotropical species and additional Nearctic endemics. Species are small (typically 6–9 mm), characterized by large eyes with posterior indentation and diagnostic abdominal patterns. Most larvae are predatory on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, though at least three species are known pollen-feeders. Adults are pollinivorous, feeding on nectar and pollen from diverse flowering plants. The genus includes notable ecological specialists such as Toxomerus basalis, a kleptoparasite of sundews (Drosera), and several species introduced to the Afrotropics.
hoverfly flower-fly aphid-predator pollinator biological-control Hymenoptera-mimic kleptoparasite introduced-species Neotropical Nearctic Afrotropical-introduction polyvoltine Syrphini Syrphinae Diptera Syrphidae Toxomerus-marginatus Toxomerus-dispar Toxomerus-pulchellus Toxomerus-basalis Toxomerus-floralis Toxomerus-politus Toxomerus-apegiensis Drosera sundew pollenivory predatory-larvae urban-adapter agricultural-beneficial cryptic-larvae eye-dimorphism territorial-behavior DNA-barcoding citizen-science museum-collections range-expansion conservation-concern
Toxomerus arcifer
Bow-shaped Calligrapher
Toxomerus arcifer is a small hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Bow-shaped Calligrapher. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. Larvae are predators of aphids and other small soft-bodied insects. The species is part of a large New World genus with over 140 described species, many of which remain poorly studied.
pollinator biological-control aphid-predator bee-mimic
Toxomerus boscii
Thin-lined Calligrapher
Toxomerus boscii is a small syrphid fly commonly known as the Thin-lined Calligrapher. Adults are known pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species belongs to a genus whose members were historically assumed to have predatory larvae, though some Toxomerus species have been found to feed on pollen.
Syrphidae Diptera pollinator hover-fly flower-fly Toxomerus North-America
Toxomerus corbis
Black-sided Calligrapher
Toxomerus corbis is a small hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-sided Calligrapher. It is one of approximately 144 species in the genus Toxomerus, a diverse group distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The genus was historically assumed to have predatory larvae, though some species have been found to feed on pollen. Adults are active pollinators, visiting flowers for nectar.
Syrphidae hover-fly flower-fly Neotropical pollinator Diptera
Toxomerus floralis
Florida Calligrapher
Toxomerus floralis is a New World hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through South America. The species has been introduced to tropical Africa, where it is now established and widespread in West and Central Africa including Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It represents only the second known established introduction of a non-African hoverfly species in the Afrotropics.
Syrphidae hoverfly introduced-species pollenivorous DNA-barcoding Afrotropics Neotropics biological-invasion pollinator Cyperaceae Rubiaceae
Toxomerus geminatus
Eastern Calligrapher
Toxomerus geminatus, commonly known as the Eastern Calligrapher, is a small hover fly (Syrphidae) native to eastern North America. Adults measure 6.1–7.6 mm and are frequently found hovering around flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species is very similar in appearance to the Western Calligrapher (Toxomerus occidentalis). Larvae are predators of aphids and mites, contributing to biological control in agricultural and natural settings.
Syrphidae hover-fly flower-fly pollinator biological-control aphid-predator Eastern-Calligrapher
Toxomerus jussiaeae
Orange-backed Calligrapher
Toxomerus jussiaeae is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Vigé in 1939. It belongs to the genus Toxomerus, a diverse group of small syrphid flies with over 144 species in the Neotropics. The species is known by the common name "Orange-backed Calligrapher." Like other members of its genus, it is likely a pollinator as an adult, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Diptera Syrphidae hover-fly flower-fly Neotropical pollinator
Toxomerus marginatus
Margined Calligrapher, Margined Calligrapher Fly
Toxomerus marginatus is a common North American hoverfly (Syrphidae) measuring 5–6 mm. Adults are frequent flower visitors, while larvae are predatory on thrips, aphids, and small caterpillars. The species has been documented as the most numerous syrphid controlling aphids in California Central Coast lettuce fields. It exhibits strong attraction to methyl salicylate, a floral compound and herbivore-induced plant volatile.
hoverfly Syrphidae biological-control aphid-predator pollinator methyl-salicylate agricultural-pest-management North-America lettuce-fields cranberry-fields
Toxomerus mutuus
Toxomerus mutuus is a small hover fly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, first described by Thomas Say in 1829. Adults are active pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The genus Toxomerus is highly diverse in the Neotropics with over 144 species, though this species occurs in North America. Larval biology for most Toxomerus species remains poorly documented, with some species known to be pollen feeders and others predatory.
Syrphidae hover-fly flower-fly pollinator North-America Diptera
Toxomerus occidentalis
Western Calligrapher
Toxomerus occidentalis, commonly known as the Western Calligrapher, is a species of hover fly (family Syrphidae) native to western North America. Adults are frequent visitors to flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids and mites. The species was described by Curran in 1922 and is one of the more commonly observed syrphid flies in its range.
hover-fly flower-fly syrphid pollinator aphid-predator biological-control
Toxomerus parvulus
Black-backed Calligrapher
Toxomerus parvulus is a small hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-backed Calligrapher. The genus Toxomerus is exceptionally diverse in the Neotropics, with over 144 species, though many remain understudied. Larval feeding habits in this genus have historically been assumed to be predatory, but some species have been discovered to feed on pollen, indicating dietary diversity within the genus.
Syrphidae hover-fly flower-fly Neotropical pollinator understudied
Toxomerus politus
maize calligrapher
Toxomerus politus, commonly known as the maize calligrapher, is a small hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) measuring 8–9 mm. The species is native to North America but has been introduced and is expanding its distribution across Central and South America, with recent records from Chile. Adults and larvae are associated with corn (Zea mays), feeding on pollen. The species has been studied for its male genitalia morphology and sperm ultrastructure using advanced microscopy techniques.
hoverfly syrphid pollinator corn-pest exotic-species New-World sweat-seeking agricultural-associate
Toxomerus verticalis
Banded Calligrapher
Toxomerus verticalis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Banded Calligrapher. It belongs to the genus Toxomerus, a group of small hover flies noted for their bee-mimicking appearance and ecological versatility. The species was described by Curran in 1927. As a member of the Syrphidae family, adults are likely pollinators, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Syrphidae hover-fly flower-fly pollinator Toxomerus Diptera
Toxorhynchites
elephant mosquitoes, mosquito eaters, giant treehole mosquitoes
Toxorhynchites is a genus of large, non-biting mosquitoes found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Adults are active during daylight hours and feed exclusively on nectar, honeydew, and plant juices rather than blood. The genus includes the largest known mosquito species, reaching up to 18 mm in body length and 24 mm in wingspan. Larvae are obligate predators that consume other mosquito larvae and aquatic invertebrates, making them valuable for biological control of disease-vector mosquitoes.
biological-control predatory-larvae non-biting-mosquito pollinator tree-hole-mosquito container-breeder
Toxorhynchites rutilus
Elephant Mosquito, Treehole Predatory Mosquito, Predatory Tree-hole Mosquito
Toxorhynchites rutilus, commonly called the elephant mosquito, is a large predatory mosquito species native to North America. Adults are distinctive for their iridescent blue-purple coloration, large size, and non-biting habit—they feed exclusively on nectar and serve as pollinators. The larvae are obligate predators that consume other mosquito larvae, making this species valuable for biological control of disease-vector mosquitoes. A single larva may eat up to 5,000 prey larvae before maturing. The species has been employed in biocontrol programs targeting container-breeding Aedes mosquitoes.
biological-control predatory-mosquito non-biting-mosquito treehole-breeder container-breeder pollinator climate-change photoperiodism cannibalism
Trachusa cordaticeps
Cordate-headed Resin-Leafcutter
Trachusa cordaticeps is a species of resin-leafcutter bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Michener in 1949. It belongs to the tribe Anthidiini, which includes bees that construct nests using plant resins and leaf pieces. The species is distributed across Central and North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely nests in pre-existing cavities and uses resinous materials for cell construction.
bee Megachilidae Anthidiini resin-leafcutter pollinator
Trichiini
Bee Beetles and Flower Scarabs
Trichiini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Cetoniinae (Scarabaeidae), historically treated as a subfamily (Trichiinae). Members range from 6 to 65 mm and include the conspicuous European bee beetles (genus Trichius). The tribe comprises five subtribes: Cryptodontina, Incaina, Osmodermatina, Platygeniina, and Trichiina. Adults are primarily flower-associated, feeding on sugar-rich plant secretions, while most larvae develop in rotten wood or decaying organic matter.
Cetoniinae flower-chafer bee-beetle saproxylic wood-boring-larvae pollinator detritivore Fynbos-endemic South-African-radiation
Trichiotinus
Bee-like Flower Scarabs, Flower Scarabs
Trichiotinus is a genus of flower chafers in the family Scarabaeidae, comprising approximately 8 described species native to the New World. The genus is commonly known as bee-like flower scarabs due to the resemblance of some species to bees. Members are primarily associated with flowers, where adults feed and mate. Several species have restricted distributions, making them regional specialties in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida.
Cetoniinae flower-chafer pollinator New-World-endemic diurnal prairie-fauna sandhill-specialist
Trichiotinus piger
Bee-like Flower Scarab, Hairy Flower Chafer
Trichiotinus piger is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the bee-like flower scarab or hairy flower chafer. Adults are active during summer months and feed on pollen and nectar from flowers of various deciduous trees and shrubs. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada through the eastern United States. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on plant roots over a multi-year period before pupating.
flower-scarab pollinator root-feeder soil-dwelling-larvae bee-mimicry North-American-native occasional-pest
Trichiotinus rufobrunneus
Florida flower scarab
Trichiotinus rufobrunneus is a species of flower scarab beetle endemic to Florida, commonly known as the Florida flower scarab. It belongs to the genus Trichiotinus, a North American endemic group of trichiine scarabs. The species is associated with the flowers of Opuntia australis (Florida pricklypear cactus), an endemic plant, and has been observed mating within these flowers. Its distribution is limited to Florida, making it a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss from urban development and agriculture.
endemic conservation-concern flower-scarab cactus-associate Florida-endemic Trichiini Cetoniinae Scarabaeidae Coleoptera North-America Nearctic pollinator Opuntia pricklypear sandhill-habitat oak-pine-woodland spring-activity mating-behavior urban-development-threat agriculture-threat phylogenetic-study-subject
Trichiotinus texanus
Texas flower scarab
Trichiotinus texanus, the Texas flower scarab, is a species of flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a regional specialty found primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, where it has been collected on flowers of various native plants including Allium sp., Cirsium undulatum, and Torilis arvensis. The species is part of the genus Trichiotinus, which contains other North American flower scarabs often associated with blooming vegetation.
flower-chafer pollinator prairie-insect summer-active
Trichodes apivorus
checkered beetle
Trichodes apivorus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, native to Central and North America. It has been documented visiting flowers, including those of Sabal palmetto (cabbage palm) and Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap). The species is known to have two subspecies: T. a. apivorus and T. a. borealis. Its colorful appearance and flower-visiting behavior make it a notable subject for entomological observation.
flower-visitor checkered-beetle pollinator Central-America North-America Cleridae
Trichodes bibalteatus
checkered beetle
Trichodes bibalteatus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It is among the largest and most strikingly-colored species in its genus, which contains 11 North American species. Adults are frequently found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar, and also use flowers as mating sites. The species has been documented in Oklahoma and other parts of western North America.
checkered-beetle flower-visitor pollinator nest-parasite phoretic-larvae western-North-America Oklahoma Asteraceae
Trichodes ornatus
Ornate Checkered Beetle
Trichodes ornatus is a checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, found in western North America. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive coloration and are frequently observed on flowers, particularly yellow composites. The species has a complex life history involving larval development as a predator/parasitoid in the nests of bees and wasps, where larvae feed on host immature stages and pollen provisions.
Cleridae checkered-beetle bee-nest-predator flower-visitor western-North-America Megachilidae-parasite pollinator phoretic-larvae
Trichodes peninsularis
checkered beetle
Trichodes peninsularis is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, first described by Horn in 1894. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with two recognized subspecies: T. p. basalis and T. p. horni. Field observations document adults visiting flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta, Gutierrezia microcephala, and Hymenothrix wislizeni in the southwestern United States.
Cleridae checkered-beetle flower-visitor Asteraceae southwestern-North-America pollinator predatory-beetle
Triepeolus brittaini
Brittain's Cuckoo Nomad Bee
Triepeolus brittaini is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1931. As a member of the cuckoo bee genus Triepeolus, it is known to lay its eggs in the nests of other bee species rather than constructing its own nests or provisioning brood cells. The species is found in North America and is commonly known as Brittain's Cuckoo Nomad Bee.
cuckoo-bee cleptoparasite Nomadinae native-bee pollinator North-America Apidae Epeolini
Triepeolus donatus
Thistle Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus donatus is a species of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is found in North America, particularly in the eastern United States and Canada. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and antennae length.
cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee native-bee pollinator
Triepeolus grindeliae
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus grindeliae is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, described by Cockerell in 1907. As a member of the cleptoparasitic genus Triepeolus, it does not construct its own nests but instead lays eggs in the nests of host bees, typically in the family Apidae. The species is found in North America. The specific epithet "grindeliae" suggests a possible association with plants in the genus Grindelia (gumweeds), which may serve as a nectar source or indicate host bee habitat.
cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee native-bee pollinator prairie-associate
Triepeolus loomisorum
Triepeolus loomisorum is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Rozen in 1989. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is a cuckoo bee that does not construct nests or gather pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bees. The species is known from the United States and Mexico.
cuckoo-bee cleptoparasite Nomadinae Epeolini North-America Mexico United-States bee-parasite pollinator Hymenoptera Apidae Rozen-1989
Triepeolus matildae
Matilda's Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus matildae is a cleptoparasitic bee species described by Rightmyer in 2014. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is commonly known as Matilda's Longhorn-Cuckoo. The species is documented from California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. It has been recorded visiting flowers of several plant families including Asteraceae and Polygonaceae. Activity records span from mid-May through late September.
bee hymenoptera apidae cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee nomadinae epeolini Triepeolus California Baja-California pollinator native-bee Matilda's-Longhorn-Cuckoo Rightmyer-2014
Triepeolus pectoralis
Goldenrod Longhorn-Cuckoo Bee
Triepeolus pectoralis is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other regions. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is a cleptoparasitic bee that lays eggs in the nests of host bees. The species has been documented on flowers including White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida) and Great Valley gumplant (Grindelia camporum).
cuckoo-bee cleptoparasite Apidae Nomadinae North-America pollinator bee-parasite
Triepeolus quadrifasciatus
Four-striped Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus quadrifasciatus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Four-striped Longhorn-Cuckoo. As a member of the tribe Epeolini, this species is a brood parasite of other bees, specifically targeting hosts in the tribe Eucerini (long-horned bees). The species occurs throughout North America and has been documented visiting flowers of native plants including Dalea candida (White Prairie Clover) and Grindelia camporum (Great Valley gumplant).
bee cuckoo-bee cleptoparasite pollinator North-America Apidae Nomadinae Epeolini
Triepeolus rufithorax
Florida Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus rufithorax is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it parasitizes nests of long-horned bees (Melissodes and related genera). The species is known from North America, with records particularly from Florida and surrounding regions. Like other Triepeolus species, females enter host nests to lay eggs in brood cells provisioned by the host female.
cuckoo-bee cleptoparasite Nomadinae Epeolini Melissodes-parasite long-horned-bee-parasite North-America Florida Apidae Hymenoptera pollinator native-bee
Triepeolus verbesinae
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus verbesinae is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae. As a cuckoo bee, females lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own nests or provisioning brood cells. The species is distributed across the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Triepeolus, it is associated with pollen-collecting host bees, though the specific host species for T. verbesinae has not been definitively documented.
cuckoo-bee cleptoparasite Apidae Hymenoptera North-America Mexico United-States pollinator nomadinae epeolini
Trigonopeltastes
Trigonopeltastes is a genus of fruit and flower chafers in the beetle family Scarabaeidae, containing more than 20 described species distributed across North and Central America. The genus name derives from Greek 'trigon' (triangle) and 'pelt' (shield), referring to the triangular, shield-shaped pronotum characteristic of these beetles. The most commonly encountered species, Trigonopeltastes delta, is notable for its distinctive coloration and flower-visiting behavior.
flower-chafer scarab-beetle mimicry pollinator goldenrod-associate
Triploechus novus
Triploechus novus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Williston in 1893. It belongs to the genus Triploechus, a group within the bee fly subfamily Bombyliinae. The species is part of a diverse family of flies known for their parasitic larval stages and adult pollination behavior.
Bombyliidae bee-fly Diptera parasitoid pollinator
Tropidiina
Tropidiina is a subtribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing 11 genera. Recent phylogenetic studies indicate it is sister to the tribe Eristalini, revealing that Milesiini as currently defined is polyphyletic. Members are characterized by a thickened hind femur and a body that narrows progressively from rear to head. The subtribe has broad geographic distribution with highest diversity in the Americas and Europe.
hoverfly subtribe pollinator biological-control saprophagy aphid-predator
Typocerus octonotatus
Eight-spotted Flower Longhorn Beetle
Typocerus octonotatus is a species of flower longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, occurring in North America. Adults are diurnal and frequently observed visiting flowers. The species is one of several common flower longhorns in the eastern United States and is often encountered on a variety of flowering plants during summer months.
Lepturinae flower-longhorn diurnal pollinator prairie
Typocerus velutinus
Banded Longhorn, Banded Longhorn Beetle
Typocerus velutinus is a common and widespread flower longhorn beetle (subfamily Lepturinae) found across eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and feed on flowers, while larvae develop in decaying wood of hardwood trees. The species is frequently encountered on wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and other flowering plants during summer months. It serves as a pollinator and is an important component of forest ecosystem food webs. Two subspecies are recognized: T. v. velutinus and T. v. nobilis.
Cerambycidae Lepturinae flower-longhorn pollinator wood-borer North-America deciduous-forest diurnal
Udea radiosalis
Udea radiosalis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Möschler in 1883. The species occurs across western North America from the Canadian prairies to the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal insect with documented activity on flowering plants. The species is part of a group of moths that have been observed visiting apple blossoms, contributing to nocturnal pollination services in agricultural settings.
moth Crambidae nocturnal pollinator western-North-America agricultural-visitation Lepidoptera Spilomelinae
Vanessa cardui
Painted Lady, Cosmopolitan
Vanessa cardui, commonly known as the painted lady, is one of the most widespread butterfly species globally, occurring on every continent except Antarctica and South America. This medium-sized nymphalid butterfly is renowned for its remarkable long-distance migratory behavior, with populations undertaking multi-generational journeys spanning up to 14,500 km between tropical Africa and the Arctic Circle. The species exhibits extreme polyphagy, with larvae recorded feeding on over 300 host plant species, primarily in the Asteraceae family. Migration patterns are highly variable and linked to rainfall patterns in wintering areas, with mass migrations occasionally involving billions of individuals.
migratory polyphagous cosmopolitan model-organism pollinator
Vanessa virginiensis
American Lady, American Painted Lady
Vanessa virginiensis, commonly known as the American Lady or American Painted Lady, is a widespread butterfly found throughout North America. It belongs to the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae and is closely related to the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) and the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta). The species is known for its distinctive wing patterns and its habit of feeding on flower nectar. Unlike some of its Vanessa relatives, the American Lady is not strongly migratory in the mass-movement sense, though it does expand its range seasonally.
butterfly Nymphalidae North-America pollinator garden-butterfly
Vermileo opacus
wormlion
Vermileo opacus is a species of wormlion, a rare group of fly pollinators in the family Vermileonidae. Wormlions are characterized by their distinctive larval behavior of constructing conical pits in sandy soil to trap prey. The family Vermileonidae comprises approximately 65 living species globally, with V. opacus representing one of the described species in this poorly known group. Adult wormlions feed on nectar and serve as pollinators, while larvae are predatory. The evolutionary history of wormlions extends back to at least the mid-Cretaceous period, approximately 99 million years ago, based on fossil evidence.
wormlion Vermileonidae Diptera pollinator rare-fly
Vermileonidae
wormlions
Vermileonidae is a small family of Brachycera flies comprising fewer than 80 described species in 11 genera. The family is notable for its unusual biology: larvae construct conical pitfall traps in sand to capture prey, while adults are slender, long-legged flies that visit flowers for nectar. Historically classified within Rhagionidae, Vermileonidae is now recognized as a distinct family due to marked morphological and biological differences. The group has a relictual distribution concentrated in arid regions of Africa and the western Mediterranean, with additional species in Asia and the Nearctic.
Diptera Brachycera wormlions pitfall-predator convergent-evolution pollinator sand-dwelling rare relictual-distribution Cretaceous-fossil Afrotropical Mediterranean
Vespula germanica
German yellowjacket, European wasp, German wasp
Vespula germanica is a highly invasive social wasp native to Europe, Northern Africa, and temperate Asia that has established populations across much of the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere, including North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is one of the most successful invasive wasp species globally, characterized by exceptional cognitive flexibility, opportunistic foraging behavior, and adaptability to diverse environments. The species exhibits complex social organization with annual colonies founded by single queens, though perennial colonies occur in favorable climates. Its invasive success is attributed to flexible nesting habits, broad dietary range, and efficient resource exploitation, though human-aided transport of hibernating queens significantly contributes to long-distance dispersal.
invasive-species yellowjacket social-wasp pest pollinator predator scavenger cavity-nester Vespidae Hymenoptera
Victoriana parvicornis
Scarlet Hover Fly
Victoriana parvicornis is a hover fly species in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Scarlet Hover Fly. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini, which includes many bee- and wasp-mimicking species. The species was described by Loew in 1861. As a member of this diverse family, it likely exhibits typical syrphid characteristics including agile flight and potential pollination behavior, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
hover-fly syrphid Diptera pollinator Scarlet-Hover-Fly