Pollinator
Guides
Calliopsis zebrata
Streaked Miner Bee
Calliopsis zebrata, commonly known as the streaked miner bee, is a ground-nesting solitary bee in the family Andrenidae. It is notable among Calliopsis species for having relatively large males. The species inhabits sandy soils in plains and prairie environments and has been documented visiting flowers of White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida). It is found in North America, with observations from Colorado and other regions.
Calliopsis zebrata bobbae
A subspecies of mining bee in the family Andrenidae, known from sandy soils in Colorado and adjacent regions. Males are notably larger than typical for the genus Calliopsis and exhibit distinctive flight behavior, hovering persistently over nesting sites. The subspecies was described by Rozen in 1958 and is part of the diverse native bee fauna of western North America.
Calliphora vomitoria
blue bottle fly, orange-bearded blue bottle, bottlebee
Calliphora vomitoria is a blow fly and the type species of the genus Calliphora. Adults are among the first colonizers of carrion, making them significant forensic indicators for estimating time of death. The species exhibits a distinctive metallic blue abdomen and orange setae on the gena. It has been extensively studied for its landing mechanics, with research on its inverted ceiling landings informing robotic drone design.
Callophrys polios
Hoary Elfin
Callophrys polios, the hoary elfin, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae with a wingspan of 22–29 mm. It is a northern specialist species associated primarily with pine-oak barrens and other open habitats. The species has a broad but patchy distribution across North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the Great Lakes, New England, Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Coast to northern California. Adults are active in spring, with a single generation from April to June. The species is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
Cantharidae
Soldier Beetles, Leatherwings
Soldier beetles (Cantharidae) are soft-bodied, elongate beetles with flexible, velvety elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' The family is cosmopolitan, with approximately 160 species in 11 genera occurring in California alone. Adults are frequently observed on flowers, particularly in late summer and fall, where they feed on pollen and nectar and prey on small insects. Both adults and larvae produce defensive chemicals from specialized glands, making them distasteful to predators. The common name derives from the red-and-black color pattern of some species, reminiscent of British military uniforms.
Carpophilus
sap beetles
Carpophilus is a genus of sap beetles (Nitidulidae) containing numerous species worldwide. Adults are small (approximately 3 mm), oblong beetles with short elytra that expose the last two abdominal tergites. Several species are significant agricultural pests of fruits, nuts, and stored products. The genus exhibits diverse ecological roles, with some species acting as pollinators while others serve as vectors of plant pathogens.
Cemolobus ipomoeae
Cemolobus ipomoeae is a rarely encountered specialist bee in the family Apidae, tribe Eucerini. It is known for its obligate association with morning glory plants (Ipomoea), particularly Ipomoea pandurata. The species was first recorded in Mississippi in 2017, representing a significant southwestern range expansion from its previously documented distribution. As a pollen and nectar specialist, this bee plays a specific role in the pollination of its host plants.
Centris atripes
Black-legged Oil-Digger
Centris atripes is a species of oil-collecting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Black-legged Oil-Digger. It occurs in Central America and North America. Like other Centris species, it has been observed collecting floral oils rather than nectar from certain plants. It is a documented pollinator of Krameria erecta and Senna wislizeni var. painteri, with activity on the latter occurring during the rainy season.
Centris caesalpiniae
Caesalpinia Oil-Digger
Centris caesalpiniae is a species of oil-collecting bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. It belongs to the tribe Centridini, a group of bees specialized in collecting floral oils rather than nectar. The species is active in spring and has been documented visiting flowers of Krameria and Acacia in desert habitats. It occurs in the warm deserts of North America, including the Chihuahuan Desert, where it contributes to the region's exceptional bee biodiversity.
Centris cockerelli
Cockerell's Oil-Digger
Centris cockerelli is a species of oil-collecting bee in the family Apidae, described by Fox in 1899. As a member of the tribe Centridini, it is one of the bees specialized in collecting floral oils rather than nectar. The species occurs in Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in scientific literature.
Centris errans
Wandering Centris, Florida locust-berry oil-collecting bee, spiny bear's-breech
Centris errans is a species of oil-collecting bee in the tribe Centridini, family Apidae. It is endemic to Florida, where it is one of five Apidae species restricted to the state. The species occurs in the southernmost portion of Florida and has also been recorded in the broader Caribbean and North America regions. Like other Centris bees, it is known to collect floral oils rather than nectar from certain host plants.
Centris nitida
Shining Oil-digger Bee
Centris nitida is a centridine bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Shining Oil-digger Bee. The species is native to Central America and has been introduced to Florida in the United States. It belongs to a genus specialized in collecting floral oils rather than nectar, using these oils to provision nests and feed larvae. Two subspecies are recognized: Centris nitida nitida and Centris nitida geminata.
Ceraeochrysa claveri
trash bug (larval stage)
A green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, Ceraeochrysa claveri is a polyphagous predator with established value in biological control of agricultural pests. Larvae are "trash carriers" that construct dorsal camouflage packets using assorted materials including lichen, plant trichomes, and notably the wax of mealybugs and other insects. The species has been documented incorporating live mealybug nymphs into these packets, representing the first recorded instance of active placement of live prey onto the larval packet. Adults feed on pollen and may contribute to pollination. The species shows high genetic diversity across agroecosystems and is compatible with certain biopesticides including Bacillus thuringiensis serovar aizawai.
Ceratina
Small Carpenter Bees
Ceratina is a cosmopolitan genus of small carpenter bees comprising over 300 species in approximately 23 subgenera. These bees nest in dead wood, stems, or pith, excavating linear galleries with partitioned brood cells. Social behavior varies widely within the genus, ranging from solitary to facultatively eusocial, with some species exhibiting cooperative brood care and others demonstrating biparental care. The genus originated in the Afrotropics and has achieved global distribution except Antarctica. Ceratina serves as an important model for studying the evolutionary origins of social behavior in insects.
Ceratina acantha
small carpenter bee
Ceratina acantha is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, native to Central and North America. It is one of numerous Ceratina species that contribute to wild bee pollination services, though like most small carpenter bees, it is not among the dominant crop-pollinating species. These bees are solitary or weakly social and nest in pre-existing cavities in dead plant material. The species has been documented in studies examining pollinator responses to flower density, showing flexible foraging patterns compared to larger social bees.
Ceratina calcarata
Spurred Ceratina
Ceratina calcarata is a small carpenter bee native to eastern North America, ranging from Georgia to Ontario and east to Nova Scotia. It exhibits facultative subsocial behavior, with mothers providing extended care to offspring and producing a distinctive worker-like "dwarf eldest daughter" that forages for siblings. This species has become an important model organism for studying the evolutionary origins of social behavior, being the first subsocial bee species to have its genome published.
Ceratina cobaltina
Cobalt Small Carpenter, cobalt ceratina
Ceratina cobaltina is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1878. It is native to Central America and belongs to the genus Ceratina, which comprises small, often metallic bees that nest in pithy or hollow plant stems. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary bee that contributes to pollination services in its native range.
Ceratina cockerelli
Cockerell's ceratina
Ceratina cockerelli is a small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, described by H. S. Smith in 1907. Like other members of the genus Ceratina, it is a solitary bee that nests in preexisting cavities such as hollow plant stems. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America, where it contributes to wild bee diversity and pollination services. It is one of many Ceratina species that collectively represent important pollinators in various ecosystems.
Ceratina dallatorreana
Dalla Torre's ceratina
Ceratina dallatorreana is a small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, first described by Friese in 1896. The species exhibits a rare reproductive strategy among bees: it reproduces exclusively by parthenogenesis and never produces males. This bee has been documented across three continents—Africa, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America—making it one of the more broadly distributed Ceratina species. Its wide geographic range and unique reproductive biology distinguish it from most other small carpenter bees.
Ceratina mikmaqi
small carpenter bee
Ceratina mikmaqi is a small carpenter bee native to eastern North America, described in 2011. It belongs to a genus of solitary bees that nest in the pith of dead twigs. In southern Ontario, it has been documented as locally common, where it constructs linear nests primarily in Fuller's teasel (Dipsacus fullonum). The species is genetically distinct from its congener C. dupla, with which it was previously confused, separated by five fixed nucleotide differences and approximately 1.86% sequence divergence in DNA barcode analysis.
Ceratina nanula
Tiny Small carpenter, dwarf ceratina
Ceratina nanula is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae, described by Cockerell in 1897. It is one of the smallest members of the genus Ceratina, commonly known as the "dwarf ceratina" or "tiny small carpenter." The species has been documented in Central America and North America. Like other Ceratina species, it is a solitary bee that nests in pithy or hollow plant stems.
Ceratina strenua
nimble ceratina, nimble small carpenter bee
Ceratina strenua, commonly known as the nimble ceratina, is a species of small carpenter bee in the family Apidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and other regions. As a member of the genus Ceratina, it belongs to a group of small, solitary bees that nest in hollow plant stems or other pre-existing cavities. The species has been documented as a pollinator of multiple flowering plants, including Penstemon digitalis, Monarda fistulosa, and Eryngium yuccifolium, and exhibits flexible foraging preferences that vary depending on flower identity and competitive context.
Ceriana
Ceriana is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. All species are wasp mimics, exhibiting coloration and body form that resembles yellowjackets and paper wasps. Members of this genus are pollinators that visit flowers and are characterized by their hovering flight behavior. The genus was established by Rafinesque in 1815.
Ceriana abbreviata
Northern Wasp Fly
Ceriana abbreviata, known as the Northern Wasp Fly, is a rare syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1864. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling wasps in coloration and body form to avoid predation. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in tree wounds where they feed on sap. The species has been documented across North America including the United States and Canada.
Ceriana ancoralis
Black-sided Wasp Fly
Ceriana ancoralis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Black-sided Wasp Fly. It is a wasp mimic, displaying coloration and body form that resembles vespid wasps such as yellowjackets and paper wasps. This mimicry provides protection from predators that avoid wasps. The species has been documented in limited observations, with 21 records on iNaturalist.
Ceriana tridens
Western Wasp Fly
Ceriana tridens is a syrphid fly species native to western North America, commonly known as the Western Wasp Fly. It exhibits striking wasp mimicry, with coloration resembling yellowjackets or paper wasps. The species has been documented ovipositing in tree fissures, where larvae feed on sap.
Chalcosyrphus anthreas
yellow-banded leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus anthreas, commonly known as the yellow-banded leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern North America. The species belongs to the family Syrphidae (hoverflies or flower flies), a group known for their ability to remain nearly motionless in flight. Adults are typically found on flowers, where they obtain nectar and pollen. The species was originally described by Walker in 1849 under the basionym Xylota anthreas.
Chalcosyrphus inarmatus
Yellow-haired Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus inarmatus, commonly known as the yellow-haired leafwalker, is an uncommon species of syrphid fly distributed across northern North America. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are typically associated with decaying wood rather than the aphid predation common to many hover flies. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from floral resources.
Chalcosyrphus metallifer
Orange-horned Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus metallifer, commonly known as the Orange-horned Leafwalker, is a rare species of syrphid fly found in the Eastern United States. Adults are typically observed on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to the subgenus Xylotomima within the genus Chalcosyrphus, a group whose larvae are associated with decaying wood rather than the aphid predation typical of many hoverflies.
Chalcosyrphus piger
Short-haired Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus piger is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across North America and Europe. Adults are commonly known as flower flies and are frequently observed around flowers where they obtain nectar and pollen. The species is considered uncommon and is distinguished from congeners by its characteristic red abdominal markings. Larvae develop in decaying wood, specifically in sappy hollows of Larix and Pinus trees.
Chalybion californicum
Common Blue Mud-dauber Wasp, Blue Mud Dauber
Chalybion californicum is a solitary mud-dauber wasp with metallic blue coloration, widely distributed across North America. Females are renowned as predators of black widow spiders and other web-building spiders, using specialized hunting tactics including web vibration to lure prey. Unlike most mud-daubers, this species does not construct nests from scratch but instead renovates abandoned mud nests, particularly those of Sceliphron caementarium. The species is not aggressive toward humans and has been introduced to several regions outside its native range.
Cheilosia albitarsis
Cheilosia albitarsis is a large, abundant European hoverfly with a flight period from April to June, extending into July at higher elevations. Adults are strongly associated with buttercup flowers (Ranunculus), which also serve as the larval host plant. The species occupies diverse habitats including woodland clearings, agricultural land, and montane pastures. It is widely distributed throughout the Palearctic region.
Cheilosia grossa
Large Bulb Fly, Foxy Bulb Fly
A large, robust hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, widespread across Europe. Adults are active in early spring, visiting willow catkins and other early-flowering plants. The species is notable for its phytophagous larvae that tunnel within thistle stems and roots, causing characteristic plant damage. Males exhibit distinctive hovering behavior at head height, occasionally forming loose swarms.
Chelostoma rapunculi
Rampion Scissor Bee
Chelostoma rapunculi is a solitary bee in the subgenus Gyrodromella (family Megachilidae), commonly known as the Rampion Scissor Bee. It is an oligolectic species specialized on Campanula host plants, though females occasionally visit non-host plants including Geranium sanguineum and Malva moschata. Nesting occurs in preexisting linear cavities in dead wood or hollow stems, with cells partitioned using mud and pebbles. The species is native to the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to North America.
Chrysanthrax arenosus
Chrysanthrax arenosus is a bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, known from Mexico and New Mexico. Like other bee flies, it is a pollinator as an adult and a parasitoid as a larva. The genus Chrysanthrax includes species that can be identified by distinctive wing patterns. Adults frequent flowering areas where they feed on nectar.
Chrysanthrax crocinus
Chrysanthrax crocinus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, found in the southwestern United States and Baja California Norte. Like other bee flies, adults are pollinators that visit flowers to feed on nectar using an elongated proboscis. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are parasitoids of ground-nesting bees and other insects.
Chrysanthrax cypris
Chrysanthrax cypris is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It occurs in the eastern United States from Massachusetts and Iowa south to Mexico. The species is a parasitoid of tiphiid wasps. Adults are active pollinators that visit flowers for nectar.
Chrysanthrax vanus
Chrysanthrax vanus is a bee fly species in the family Bombyliidae. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar, while larvae are parasitoids of ground-nesting bees. The species ranges from British Columbia through the western United States to Mexico.
Chrysogaster antitheus
Short-haired Wrinkle Fly, Short-haired Wrinklehead
Chrysogaster antitheus is a small syrphid fly (7–8 mm) found in North America, commonly known as the Short-haired Wrinkle Fly. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are aquatic "rat-tailed" maggots with a short respiratory siphon, inhabiting pond edges and emergent vegetation.
Chrysosyrphus latus
Variable Wrinklehead
Chrysosyrphus latus, commonly known as the Variable Wrinklehead, is a rare syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1863. The species is found in the eastern United States and is widespread across Canada. Adults are associated with flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larval stage remains undescribed.
Cirrhophanus triangulifer
goldenrod stowaway, tickseed moth
Cirrhophanus triangulifer is a noctuid moth known by the common names goldenrod stowaway and tickseed moth. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It is a diurnal adult that frequents yellow-flowered composite plants, with larvae specializing on Bidens species. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active in late summer.
Cisseps
scape moths
Cisseps is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by John G. Franclemont in 1936. The genus contains three described species, with Cisseps fulvicollis (yellow-collared scape moth) being the most widely recognized. These moths are notable for their daytime flight activity and aposematic coloration, typically featuring a bright yellow or orange collar against a black body.
Cisseps fulvicollis
Yellow-collared Scape Moth
Cisseps fulvicollis, the yellow-collared scape moth, is a member of the tiger moth subfamily Arctiinae. Adults are distinguished by a bright yellow or orange collar on a black body, with wingspan ranging 25–38 mm. The species is active during daylight hours, feeding on nectar and pollen. Larvae feed nocturnally on grasses and sedges. It is widespread across North America from Canada to Texas and Florida.
Cocytius antaeus
giant sphinx
Cocytius antaeus is a large sphinx moth with a wingspan of 126–178 mm, found from Brazil through Central America to the southern United States. The species is notable for its exceptionally long proboscis, which was once thought to be the only insect proboscis long enough to pollinate the ghost orchid in North America. It is very rare in the United States, with records limited to southern California, Texas, and Florida.
Coelioxys
leaf-cutting cuckoo bees, sharp-tailed bees, sharptail bees
Coelioxys is a genus of solitary kleptoparasitic bees in the family Megachilidae, containing approximately 500 species across 15 subgenera. These bees are commonly known as leaf-cutting cuckoo bees or sharp-tailed bees. They do not construct their own nests or provision their young, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bees and relying on host-collected pollen for their larval development.
Colias
Clouded Yellows, Sulphurs
Colias is a genus of approximately 90 butterfly species in the family Pieridae, distributed throughout the Holarctic including Arctic regions, as well as South America, Africa, China, and India. The genus is characterized by yellow, orange, or white wing coloration with black marginal borders. Species are known as "clouded yellows" in the Palearctic and "sulphurs" in North America. The genus exhibits complex taxonomic challenges due to rampant hybridization, clinal variation, and limited diagnostic morphological differences between species.
Colletes aestivalis
Alumroot Cellophane Bee, Summer Cellophane Bee
Colletes aestivalis is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the Alumroot Cellophane Bee. It is one of approximately 99 Colletes species in North America. Like other members of its genus, females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and line brood cells with a distinctive cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. The specific epithet 'aestivalis' (Latin for 'of summer') reflects its summer flight period, distinguishing it from many congeners that are active in spring or fall.
Colletes birkmanni
polyester bee, plasterer bee, cellophane bee
Colletes birkmanni is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, one of approximately 99 North American species in the genus Colletes. Like other members of its genus, females construct individual burrows in sandy or thinly vegetated soils and line brood cells with a distinctive cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. This species belongs to a group commonly called 'polyester bees' or 'plasterer bees' due to this unique waterproofing behavior.
Colletes compactus compactus
plasterer bee
Colletes compactus compactus is a subspecies of plasterer bee in the family Colletidae. As a member of the genus Colletes, it exhibits the characteristic behaviors of ground-nesting solitary bees that line their burrows with a cellophane-like glandular secretion. The subspecies is recorded from North America, with specific documentation from Vermont. Like other Colletes species, it is an early-spring pollinator that provisions subterranean brood cells with nectar and pollen.
Colletes hyalinus
polyester bee, plasterer bee, cellophane bee
Colletes hyalinus is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, native to North America. The species belongs to a group commonly known as polyester bees or plasterer bees, named for the distinctive cellophane-like lining females create in their underground brood cells using secretions from the Dufour's gland. Three subspecies are recognized: C. h. hyalinus, C. h. gaudialis, and C. h. oregonensis. Like other members of the genus, this species exhibits protandry, with males emerging before females.