Pollinator
Guides
Andrena erythrogaster
Red-tailed Mining Bee, red-tailed andrena, red-bellied miner bee
Andrena erythrogaster is a solitary mining bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the typical ground-nesting behavior characteristic of mining bees. The species is distinguished by its reddish abdominal coloration, reflected in both its scientific and common names. Like other Andrena species, it is a spring-active pollinator that nests in excavated burrows in soil.
Andrena fracta
Andrena fracta is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Casad and Cockerell in 1896. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it belongs to a group of solitary, ground-nesting bees that are important pollinators in temperate and subtropical regions. The species has been recorded from North America and Middle America, though detailed ecological and biological information remains limited. Like other Andrena species, it likely nests in burrows excavated in soil and provisions its larvae with pollen and nectar.
Andrena fragilis
Fragile Miner Bee, Fragile Dogwood Andrena
Andrena fragilis is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. The species belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that excavate tunnels in soil to provision their larvae with pollen. Like other Andrena species, it is active in spring and contributes to pollination of early-flowering plants.
Andrena geranii
Geranium Miner Bee, Geranium Andrena
Andrena geranii is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the Geranium Miner Bee or Geranium Andrena, names reflecting its documented association with geranium plants (Pelargonium and Geranium species). Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae. The species is part of the diverse Andrena fauna of eastern North America, though detailed ecological studies specific to this species remain limited.
Andrena hippotes
Hippotes's Miner Bee, Orange-legged Miner Bee
Andrena hippotes is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as Hippotes's Miner Bee or Orange-legged Miner Bee. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in bare soil for nesting. The species is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other regions. Like other Andrena species, it is likely active in spring and plays a role in pollination of early-flowering plants.
Andrena hirticincta
Hairy-banded Mining Bee, Hairy-belted Miner Bee, Hairy-banded Andrena
Andrena hirticincta is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Hairy-banded Mining Bee. The species is found in North America and belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that provision underground burrows with pollen for their larvae. Like other Andrena species, it is a spring-flying bee that contributes to early-season pollination.
Andrena imitatrix
Imitator Miner Bee
Andrena imitatrix is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Cresson in 1872. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and broader distribution across the continent. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision its young with pollen. The species is part of the diverse genus Andrena, which contains over 1,400 species of mining bees worldwide.
Andrena impolita
Unpolished Mining Bee, unpolished miner
Andrena impolita is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1987. The species is known from Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The common name "unpolished miner" refers to the relatively dull or unpolished appearance of the integument compared to some related species.
Andrena integra
Bare Dogwood Miner, short-haired dogwood andrena
Andrena integra is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Bare Dogwood Miner or short-haired dogwood andrena. It is native to North America and has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits typical traits of mining bees: solitary nesting behavior, ground-nesting habits, and role as a pollinator. The species is distinguished by its association with dogwood (Cornus) plants, as suggested by its common name.
Andrena levipes
Andrena levipes is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1967. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee native to North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it shares the characteristic fossorial nesting behavior typical of mining bees, excavating tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and nectar for its larvae. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Andrena melliventris
Honey-bellied Andrena, Honey-tailed Miner
Andrena melliventris, commonly known as the honey-bellied andrena or honey-tailed miner, is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee found in North America and Central America. As with other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The species was described by Cresson in 1872.
Andrena mesillae
Andrena mesillae is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. As with other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to create nest cells provisioned with pollen for its larvae. The species occurs in North America and Middle America. Like most Andrena, it likely plays a role in spring pollination of wildflowers in its habitat.
Andrena miserabilis
Miserable Mining Bee, Miserable Andrena
Andrena miserabilis, commonly known as the Miserable Mining Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1872 and occurs in Central America and North America. As with other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting solitary bee that plays a role in pollination.
Andrena nivalis
Snowy Mining Bee, Snow Miner Bee
Andrena nivalis, commonly known as the snowy mining bee or snow miner bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and is active in early spring. Like other Andrena species, it nests in the ground and provisions its brood cells with pollen and nectar.
Andrena nubecula
Cloudy-winged Mining Bee, Cloudy-winged Miner Bee
Andrena nubecula is a mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species is a solitary ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it contributes to pollination services in its range.
Andrena nuda
Nude Mining Bee, Naked Miner Bee, Nude Andrena
Andrena nuda is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the fossorial nesting behavior typical of mining bees, constructing underground burrows for reproduction.
Andrena palpalis
Blue-Phacelia Miner
Andrena palpalis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Timberlake in 1951. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is commonly known as the Blue-Phacelia Miner, suggesting an association with Phacelia species as a pollen or nectar source. As a member of the genus Andrena, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee.
Andrena piperi
Piper's Miner Bee, Piper's Mining Bee
Andrena piperi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by Viereck in 1904. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, where it nests in soil. As with other members of the genus Andrena, it is a ground-nesting bee that provisions its brood cells with pollen and nectar.
Andrena prima
Black-and-red Miner
Andrena prima is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is found in North America. The species has been recorded in iNaturalist with 58 observations.
Andrena principalis
Andrena principalis is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, described by LaBerge in 1986. It belongs to a large genus of solitary, ground-nesting bees that are important pollinators in temperate regions. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other Andrena species, it is presumed to nest in burrows excavated in soil and to provision its larvae with pollen and nectar, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Andrena pruni
Cherry Mining Bee, cherry miner
Andrena pruni is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the Cherry Mining Bee or cherry miner. Like other members of the genus Andrena, it nests in the ground and is an important pollinator. The specific epithet 'pruni' suggests a likely association with Prunus (cherry/plum) species as a pollen or nectar source, though this relationship requires confirmation.
Andrena regularis
Regular Mining Bee, Regular Miner
Andrena regularis is a ground-nesting solitary mining bee native to North America. It is known to form large nesting aggregations, as documented at East Lawn Cemetery in Ithaca, New York, where it was the dominant species in a study collecting 3,251 individuals across 16 bee, fly, and beetle species. The species exhibits a 41-day emergence period from late March through mid-May, with distinct timing of male and female emergence. It serves as a host for the brood parasite Nomada imbricata. Cemeteries may function as important refugia for this and other ground-nesting bee populations.
Andrena rugosa
rugose andrena, wrinkled miner bee, Rugose Mining Bee
Andrena rugosa is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the rugose andrena or wrinkled miner bee. The species is native to North America, with records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen for its larvae. The specific epithet "rugosa" refers to a wrinkled or rough appearance, likely describing some aspect of the bee's morphology.
Andrena sola
Lonely Mining Bee, lonely miner
Andrena sola is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Lonely Mining Bee. It is native to Central America and North America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the fossorial nesting behavior typical of mining bees, constructing underground burrows for reproduction. The specific epithet "sola" (Latin for "alone" or "lonely") reflects its solitary nature rather than social behavior.
Andrena sphaeralceae
Globemallow Andrena
Andrena sphaeralceae, commonly known as the Globemallow Andrena, is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae. It is a solitary bee that excavates underground nests in soil. The species is found in North America and Central America. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it contributes to spring pollination of wildflowers. The specific epithet 'sphaeralceae' suggests a likely association with plants in the genus Sphaeralcea (globemallows), though this host relationship requires confirmation.
Andrena violae
Violet Miner
Andrena violae is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Robertson in 1891. It is native to North America with confirmed records from Vermont and surrounding regions. As a member of the large genus Andrena, it exhibits the fossorial nesting behavior typical of the group, excavating underground tunnels in which to rear its young. The species is known to forage on violet (Viola) species, as indicated by its specific epithet.
Andrena vulpicolor
Andrena vulpicolor is a species of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. It belongs to the large genus Andrena, which contains over 250 species of solitary, ground-nesting bees. Like other members of this genus, it is a solitary bee that nests in soil and provisions its young with pollen. The species is native to North America.
Andrena ziziae
Golden-Alexanders Mining Bee, Golden Alexanders Miner Bee
Andrena ziziae is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, commonly known as the Golden-Alexanders Mining Bee. It is native to North America and belongs to the large genus Andrena, which comprises over 1,500 species of ground-nesting bees. The species is named for its association with golden alexanders (Zizia aurea), a spring-blooming wildflower in the carrot family. Like other Andrena species, it is a solitary bee that nests in burrows excavated in soil and plays a role in early-season pollination.
Anicla infecta
Green Cutworm Moth, Green Cutworm
Anicla infecta is a noctuid moth native to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to South America. The species is known by two common names reflecting its life stages: the green cutworm (larva) and green cutworm moth (adult). Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from June through September. The species is attracted to blacklight and has been documented visiting flowers as a pollinator.
Anthanassa
crescents, crescent butterflies
Anthanassa is a genus of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, found from the United States through Central America to South America. The genus comprises approximately 17 described species, many bearing common names with "crescent" (e.g., Texan crescent, orange-patched crescent, chestnut crescent). Taxonomic placement remains debated; one authority treats Anthanassa as a subgenus of Phyciodes. Adults typically display orange and black patterned wings with crescent-shaped markings.
Anthemurgus passiflorae
passion flower bee
A small solitary bee in the family Andrenidae, Anthemurgus passiflorae is a monolectic specialist that forages exclusively on yellow passionflower (Passiflora lutea). It is one of the few andrenid bees with a published chromosome-level genome assembly, making it valuable for studying the genomic basis of host-plant specialization and pollinator conservation.
Anthidium
Wool Carder Bees, Carder Bees, Potter Bees
Anthidium is a genus of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae containing approximately 80 species. These bees are commonly known as wool carder or potter bees due to their distinctive nest-building behavior: females collect plant hairs, conifer resin, mud, or combinations thereof to construct brood cells. Unlike leafcutter bees in the same family, Anthidium species do not cut leaf pieces. They possess pollen-carrying scopa exclusively on the ventral surface of the abdomen, a characteristic trait of Megachilidae. The genus is primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and South America.
Anthidium florentinum
Florentine Woolcarder Bee, European wool carder bee
Anthidium florentinum is a medium to large solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Florentine wool carder bee. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced to multiple continents including North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. Males are highly territorial and defend floral resources against conspecifics and other bees. Females collect plant trichomes (wool) to line nest cells constructed in pre-existing cavities. The species has been detected in the Canary Islands through citizen science, representing a recent range expansion to oceanic archipelagos.
Anthidium manicatum
European wool carder bee, wool carder bee
Anthidium manicatum, the European wool carder bee, is a solitary, cavity-nesting bee in the family Megachilidae. Females collect plant trichomes (hairs) from leaves such as lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) to line nest cells, giving the species its common name. Males are highly territorial, defending patches of flowering plants against conspecific males and other pollinators. The species exhibits unusual sexual dimorphism: males are larger than females, contrary to most solitary bees. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it has become a widespread invasive species across North America, South America, New Zealand, and the Canary Islands after accidental introduction.
Anthidium palliventre
Pacific Woolcarder
Anthidium palliventre is a megachilid bee native to western North America, commonly known as the Pacific Woolcarder. Females collect plant fibers, particularly from hairy leaves such as lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina), to construct nest cells. Males establish and defend floral territories, exhibiting aggressive behavior toward other insects that approach their claimed flowers. The species is closely related to the introduced European wool carder bee (Anthidium manicatum), but is native rather than invasive.
Anthocharis sara sempervirens
Sara Orange-Tip
Anthocharis sara sempervirens is a subspecies of the Sara Orange-Tip butterfly, first described in 2008. It belongs to the family Pieridae, which includes the whites and sulphurs. The subspecies epithet "sempervirens" (meaning "evergreen") references the coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests with which this butterfly is associated. Like other orange-tips, males display distinctive orange coloration on the forewing tips.
Anthophora
Common Digger Bees, Digger Bees
Anthophora is a large genus of solitary bees in the family Apidae, comprising over 450 species across 14 subgenera. These bees are most diverse in the Holarctic and African biogeographic regions. All species are solitary, though many nest in large aggregations. Nearly all species excavate nests in soil, either in banks or flat ground, with larvae developing in waterproof-lined cells without cocoons. Some species, notably Anthophora bomboides, are bumble bee mimics and construct distinctive turret-like nest entrances.
Anthophora californica
California Digger Bee, California Anthophora
Anthophora californica is a solitary digger bee in the family Apidae, found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Cresson in 1869 and includes two recognized subspecies: A. c. albomarginata and A. c. californica. As a member of the genus Anthophora, it exhibits ground-nesting behavior typical of digger bees. The species is part of the diverse native bee fauna of western North America.
Anthophora edwardsii
Edwards' anthophora
Anthophora edwardsii, commonly known as Edwards' anthophora, is a solitary digger bee native to western North America. Adults measure 12–18 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in facial coloration. The species is an important pollinator, with documented associations to manzanita flowers. Like other members of the genus Anthophora, it nests in the ground and is active during spring.
Anthophora hololeuca
Anthophora hololeuca is a solitary digger bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1923. Like other members of the genus Anthophora, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates burrows in soil or sand substrates. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as Anthophora bomboides.
Anthophora terminalis
Orange-tipped Wood-digger
Anthophora terminalis is a solitary anthophorine bee in the family Apidae, known for its distinctive nesting behavior in wood and other substrates. The species constructs cells using chewed sawdust or wood fibers, lining them with salivary secretions. It has been documented across North America and parts of Europe and Northern Asia, with specific studies in Wisconsin revealing details of its univoltine life cycle and nest architecture. Adults have been observed foraging on several plant species including Stachys palustris, Nepeta cataria, and Epilobium angustifolium.
Anthophora urbana
Urbane Digger Bee
Anthophora urbana is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Urbane Digger Bee. It is native to Central America and North America, with a broad distribution that includes arid regions such as the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The species is a floral generalist, collecting pollen and nectar from diverse plant species. A. urbana is notable for being proposed as a candidate for California's state bee due to its widespread presence and representation of solitary native bees.
Anthophora ursina
Anthophora ursina is a solitary digger bee in the family Apidae, native to North America. As a member of the genus Anthophora, it is part of a group of ground-nesting bees commonly known as digger bees. The species was described by Cresson in 1869.
Anthophora villosula
Asian Shaggy Digger Bee
Anthophora villosula is a solitary digger bee native to Asia that was introduced to North America in 1988. The species has established populations in Maryland and is undergoing ongoing distribution expansion across the United States. As an exotic bee introduced for crop pollination, it has received limited research attention despite its potential ecological impacts on native bee and floral communities.
Anthophora walshii
Walsh's anthophora
Anthophora walshii is a species of anthophorine bee in the family Apidae. It is found in North America. Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in size, with males generally larger than females. Males can reach up to 16 mm in length with an abdomen breadth of 6 mm, while females grow to approximately 14 mm in length with an abdomen breadth of 5 mm. The species is part of the diverse Anthophora genus, which includes many digger bee species.
Anthophorula chionura
Anthophorula chionura is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae. It constructs vertical burrows in sandy soil with lateral brood cells, which females provision with a mixture of pollen and nectar. The species exhibits nest aggregation behavior in favorable sites. Formerly classified under Exomalopsis, it was reassigned to Anthophorula based on morphological and biological characteristics.
Anthophorula micheneri
Anthophorula micheneri is a small bee species in the family Apidae, tribe Exomalopsini. Originally described as Exomalopsis micheneri in 1947, this species was historically known from limited geographic records. Recent collections from Virginia, USA documented a substantial range extension of approximately 1,350 km northeastward from its previously known distribution. It has been recorded visiting flowers in the family Apiaceae and the genus Agalinis.
Anthophorula nitens
Shining Mini-Digger
Anthophorula nitens is a small bee species in the family Apidae, tribe Exomalopsini, commonly known as the Shining Mini-Digger. It was first described by Cockerell in 1915 under the basionym Exomalopsis nitens. The species is native to North America and belongs to a genus of solitary bees that are typically associated with ground-nesting habits. Like other members of Exomalopsini, it likely exhibits specialized pollen-collecting structures and solitary reproductive behavior.
Anthrax albofasciatus
Anthrax albofasciatus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Anthrax comprises parasitoid flies whose larvae attack immature stages of other insects, including tiger beetle larvae and solitary bee larvae. Adults are typically observed at flowers where they feed on nectar using an elongated proboscis. The species has a broad distribution across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Anthrax argyropygus
Anthrax argyropygus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae, characterized by its parasitoid lifestyle. The genus Anthrax contains species known to attack the larvae of ground-nesting insects, including tiger beetles and solitary bees. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar, where their hairy bodies inadvertently collect and transfer pollen. The species name 'argyropygus' refers to the silvery appearance of the abdomen. Like other bee flies, this species exhibits Batesian mimicry of bees, possessing a single pair of wings and a long proboscis adapted for nectar feeding.