Pollinator
Guides
Colletes inaequalis
Unequal Cellophane Bee, Plasterer Bee, Polyester Bee
Colletes inaequalis is a univoltine, ground-nesting solitary bee and one of the earliest pollinators to emerge in North American spring. Males emerge approximately two weeks before females and patrol nesting sites seeking mates. Females construct individual underground burrows in sandy soils, lining brood cells with a polyester secretion from abdominal glands that creates a waterproof, cellophane-like coating. The species exhibits strong site fidelity, with offspring often nesting near parental aggregation sites. It is polylectic, visiting early spring flowering trees including Eastern Redbud, maple, willow, and apple.
Colletes lutzi
polyester bee, plasterer bee
Colletes lutzi is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as a polyester bee or plasterer bee. Like other members of its genus, females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and line brood cells with a unique cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland. This species occurs in North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as C. inaequalis and C. thoracicus.
Colletes phaceliae
phacelia cellophane bee
Colletes phaceliae is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae, commonly known as the phacelia cellophane bee. Like other members of the genus Colletes, females construct subterranean burrows and line brood cells with a cellophane-like secretion from the Dufour's gland, creating waterproof chambers for their larvae. The species is found in North America and is named for its association with phacelia flowers.
Colletes punctipennis
Dot-winged Cellophane Bee, Dot-winged Plasterer Bee
A solitary ground-nesting bee in the genus Colletes, known for its distinctive wing markings and cellophane-like nest linings. Like other plasterer bees, females construct individual burrows in sandy soils and coat brood cells with a waterproof secretion from the Dufour's gland. The specific epithet 'punctipennis' refers to punctate (dotted) wing markings that aid in identification.
Colletes solidaginis
Goldenrod Cellophane Bee
Colletes solidaginis, known as the goldenrod cellophane bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Colletidae. Like other members of its genus, it constructs subterranean burrows lined with a waterproof, cellophane-like secretion from abdominal glands. The species is found in North America and is associated with goldenrod (Solidago) flowers, as suggested by its specific epithet.
Conanthalictus bakeri
Baker's Phacelia-Shortface
Conanthalictus bakeri is a species of sweat bee (Halictidae) described by Crawford in 1907. It is endemic to North America and is commonly known as Baker's Phacelia-Shortface. The genus Conanthalictus belongs to the subfamily Rophitinae, a group of bees often associated with specific host plants.
Copaeodes aurantiaca
orange skipperling
Copaeodes aurantiaca, commonly known as the orange skipperling, is a grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It is native to Central America and North America, with documented presence in the southwestern United States including Arizona. The species is active during late summer and early autumn, and has been observed in botanical gardens and natural habitats with abundant flowering vegetation.
Copestylum isabellina
Isabelle's bromeliad fly
Copestylum isabellina, commonly known as Isabelle's bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species has been documented in southwestern North America. As a member of the genus Copestylum, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as bromeliad flies, which are typically associated with bromeliad plants. The species is known from 784 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-documented by citizen scientists.
Copestylum marginatum
Syrphid fly
Copestylum marginatum is a species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) in the family Syrphidae. It has been documented in Southwestern North America, with over 3,500 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a member of the diverse syrphid family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Copestylum mexicanum
Mexican Cactus Fly
Copestylum mexicanum, commonly known as the Mexican cactus fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. The species is documented in the southwestern United States, with observations spanning multiple states including Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers, particularly those of pricklypear cacti (Opuntia species) and other desert flora. The species is part of a diverse assemblage of flower-visiting insects in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Copestylum satur
spotted-wing bromeliad fly
Copestylum satur is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the spotted-wing bromeliad fly. It belongs to the family Syrphidae, a group known as hoverflies or flower flies that are important pollinators. The species name references its association with bromeliad plants.
Copestylum sexmaculatum
Six-spotted Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum sexmaculatum, commonly known as the six-spotted bromeliad fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The common name references its association with bromeliad plants, which serve as hosts for its larval development. As a member of the genus Copestylum, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies whose larvae are typically found in phytotelmata—water-holding structures of plants such as bromeliads. Adults are flower visitors and contribute to pollination. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range with numerous observations recorded.
Copestylum victoria
Victoria's bromeliad fly
Copestylum victoria is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as Victoria's bromeliad fly. The species is named in association with bromeliads, suggesting a specialized ecological relationship with these plants. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination and shares the characteristic hovering flight behavior typical of the group.
Coranarta luteola
Small Dark Yellow Underwing
Coranarta luteola is a small noctuid moth native to boreal North America. First described in 1865, it occurs from Alaska and Labrador south through the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, and eastward to Maine. The species has a forewing length of 11–12 mm. Its larvae feed on laurels (Kalmia species), while adults visit flowers, particularly Andromeda polifolia. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut.
Cotinis mutabilis
Figeater beetle, Green fruit beetle, Fig beetle, Western green June beetle
Cotinis mutabilis, commonly known as the figeater beetle or green fruit beetle, is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae (flower chafers). Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, adults are medium to large, metallic green beetles that feed on ripe fruits, particularly figs, as well as flower nectar and pollen. The species is often mistaken for the eastern green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) and occasionally for the invasive Japanese beetle. Adults are strong fliers attracted to fermenting fruit odors and are active primarily in mid-summer through fall. Larvae develop in decomposing organic matter and compost.
Criorhina fusca
Dusky Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina fusca is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, described by Weisman in 1964. It is known from the United States. The species belongs to a genus whose members are notable for their mimicry of yellowjacket wasps (Vespula spp.), a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. As with other Criorhina species, adults are likely pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Crossidius discoideus sayi
Crossidius discoideus sayi is a subspecies of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, native to western North America. It is recognized as a Batesian mimic of toxic soldier beetles (Chauliognathus spp.), sharing their characteristic orange and black color pattern despite being harmless itself. Adults are active in late summer and early fall, feeding on flower pollen and nectar, particularly from Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed). The larvae develop as root-crown borers in their host plants.
Crossidius suturalis melanipennis
Crossidius suturalis melanipennis is a subspecies of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It belongs to the genus Crossidius, a group of flower-visiting beetles associated with composite plants in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. This subspecies was described by Penrose in 1984 and is part of a complex of subspecies within C. suturalis that show geographic variation in coloration and elytral markings.
Ctenucha brunnea
Brown Ctenucha, Brown-winged Ctenucha
Ctenucha brunnea is a diurnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1872. It is endemic to coastal California, where it replaces the closely related Ctenucha multifaria in central to southern regions. Adults are notable for their metallic blue bodies, red heads, and brown wings. The species has a documented association with specific host plants for both adult nectar feeding and larval development.
Cyrtophorus verrucosus
Ant-like Longhorn Beetle, Ant-mimic Longhorn Beetle
Cyrtophorus verrucosus is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) remarkable for its specialized ant mimicry, including ant-like movement patterns. The species exhibits color polymorphism with red and black morphs, each thought to mimic different Camponotus ant species. Adults feed on pollen and nectar from spring flowers, while larvae develop in dead wood of various hardwood trees. Native to eastern North America and southern Canada, this beetle is most active in early spring and serves as a useful indicator species for forest habitat quality.
Danaus plexippus
Monarch, Monarch butterfly, Milkweed, Common tiger, Wanderer, Black veined brown
The monarch butterfly is a large, migratory milkweed butterfly with distinctive orange, black, and white wing patterns. It is best known for its spectacular multigenerational migration between overwintering sites in central Mexico and coastal California and breeding grounds across North America. The species has declined dramatically in recent decades, with the western population declining 99.9% and the eastern population declining 84% since the 1990s. It was listed as Endangered by the IUCN in 2022, though it remains a candidate for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Conservation efforts focus on protecting milkweed host plants and overwintering habitat.
Dasysyrphus creper
Arched Brusheye
Dasysyrphus creper is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Snow in 1895. It belongs to the genus Dasysyrphus, a group of small to medium-sized syrphid flies commonly known as brusheye hoverflies. The common name "Arched Brusheye" refers to distinctive eye markings characteristic of this species. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woodland habitats and aphid prey, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Dasysyrphus venustus
Dasysyrphus venustus is a Holarctic hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) distributed across the Palaearctic region from Fennoscandia to the Pacific coast. It is the most frequent and widely distributed species in its genus, though studies indicate it may represent a complex of cryptic species due to high morphological and genetic variability. Adults are active primarily in spring, with a flight period from April to June.
Desmatoneura argentifrons
Desmatoneura argentifrons is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae and tribe Xeramoebini. It was described by Williston in 1895. The species is known from the western United States, particularly the Great Basin region. Like other bee flies, adults are nectar feeders and larvae are presumed to be parasitoids.
Diadasia diminuta
globe mallow bee, globemallow chimney bee
Diadasia diminuta, commonly known as the globe mallow bee or globemallow chimney bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini. It is native to North and Central America and is primarily associated with flowers in the genus Sphaeralcea (globe mallows). The species has been documented exhibiting host-switching behavior, utilizing alternative mallow species such as Iliamna latibracteata when its preferred host plants are unavailable. Like other chimney bees, females construct distinctive turret-like nest entrances.
Diadasia enavata
Sunflower Chimney Bee
Diadasia enavata, commonly known as the sunflower chimney bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae. It is a specialist pollinator restricted to plants in the Asteraceae family, and has been documented pollinating Coreopsis tinctoria. The species occurs across Central America and North America. Like other Diadasia species, it constructs burrows in soil, often with distinctive turret-like structures at the entrance.
Diadasia ochracea
Ochraceous Chimney Bee
Diadasia ochracea, commonly known as the ochraceous chimney bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Diadasia, it is likely a pollen specialist, though specific host plants for this species are not documented in available sources.
Dianthidium
Pebble bees, resin bees
Dianthidium is a genus of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as pebble bees or resin bees. The genus comprises at least 20 described species in North America. These bees are distinguished by their use of plant resins in nest construction, gathering resins from various plant sources to build and seal their nest cells. They are cavity-nesting bees that utilize pre-existing hollows such as beetle borings in dead wood or hollow twigs. Dianthidium species are important pollinators and serve as hosts for parasitic wasps in the family Leucospidae.
Dianthidium arizonicum
Arizona Pebble Bee
Dianthidium arizonicum is a species of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Rohwer in 1916. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. Like other members of the genus Dianthidium, it is a solitary bee that constructs nests using plant resins. The species has been documented nesting in artificial bee blocks, indicating adaptability to human-provided nesting structures.
Dianthidium floridiense
Florida Pebble Bee
Dianthidium floridiense is a species of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Florida Pebble Bee. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus of solitary bees that construct nests using plant resins. Like other Dianthidium species, females likely nest in pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs or beetle borings in dead wood, partitioning cells with resin walls and sealing the entrance with a resin plug. The species is part of a group known as "pebble bees" or "resin bees" due to their distinctive nest construction behavior.
Dianthidium pudicum pudicum
Dianthidium pudicum pudicum is a subspecies of resin bee in the family Megachilidae. Like other members of the genus Dianthidium, it constructs nests using plant resins, creating distinctive resin plugs and partitions within pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs or beetle borings. The subspecies was described by Cresson in 1879 and occurs in North America.
Dianthidium simile
Northeastern Pebble Bee
Dianthidium simile is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Northeastern Pebble Bee. It belongs to a group of bees known as resin bees, mason bees, and leafcutter bees, reflecting the diverse nesting materials used by members of this family. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. Like other Dianthidium species, it constructs nests using plant resins and other materials, and is subject to parasitism by specialized wasps such as leucospids.
Dianthidium texanum
Texas Pebble Bee
Dianthidium texanum is a species of resin bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Texas Pebble Bee. Native to North and Middle America, this solitary bee constructs nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs or beetle borings, using resin to partition cells and seal the nest entrance. The species has been documented in bee block monitoring studies and is known to be parasitized by leucospid wasps. Adults are active during summer months and visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Didea alneti
Didea alneti is a Holarctic hoverfly species with a wide distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are arboreal, descending to visit flowers of various herbaceous plants and shrubs. The larvae are arboreal predators that feed on aphids associated with trees including Larix, Prunus, Salix, and Quercus.
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia
Nevada nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, originally described by Cockerell in 1910 as a form of Nomia nevadensis. It belongs to a genus of ground-nesting bees found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the widespread D. nevadensis species complex.
Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis
Arizona Nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis, known as the Arizona Nomia, is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is a ground-nesting bee distributed across the southwestern United States and adjacent regions of Mexico. The subspecies was first described by Cockerell in 1899 and is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. Like other members of the genus Dieunomia, it is a specialist pollinator associated with particular host plants.
Dioprosopa
drone flies
Dioprosopa is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Syrphini, containing two described species found in the New World. The genus was elevated from subgenus rank in 2018 based on phylogenetic studies. Both species occur in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where they contribute to ecosystem services through adult pollination and larval predation on agricultural pests.
Dioprosopa clavata
Four-speckled Hover Fly
Dioprosopa clavata is a Neotropical hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the type species of genus Dioprosopa. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphidophagous predators that also attack spittlebugs and other hemipteran pests. The species provides dual ecosystem services as both a pollinator and biological control agent in natural habitats and agroecosystems, including citrus orchards. Climate change projections indicate substantial habitat loss by 2100, with range contractions in tropical lowlands and modest shifts toward cooler, higher-elevation refugia.
Dipalta
Dipalta is a North American genus of bee flies (Bombyliidae) comprising two described species. These medium-sized flies are characterized by conical faces and distinctive wing venation. Adults are pollinators of low-growing desert flowers, while larvae are parasitoids of ant lions (Myrmeleontidae). The genus is closely related to Villa within the tribe Villini.
Diptera
Flies, True Flies
Diptera is one of the largest insect orders, containing an estimated 1,000,000 species including house flies, mosquitoes, robber flies, and crane flies. The name derives from Greek 'di-' (two) and 'pteron' (wing), referring to the single functional pair of wings—the hindwings have evolved into halteres, small knobbed structures that function as gyroscopic organs for flight stabilization. This wing modification distinguishes Diptera from all other winged insects and enables their characteristic agile flight. The order exhibits extraordinary diversity in form, size (1-50+ mm), and ecological roles, with species occupying nearly every terrestrial and freshwater habitat.
Dufourea australis
Southwestern Shortface
Dufourea australis is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Michener in 1937. The species is commonly known as the Southwestern Shortface. It belongs to the subfamily Rophitinae, a group of bees characterized by their relatively short faces. Based on the specific epithet and common name, this species appears to be associated with southwestern regions of North America, though detailed ecological information remains limited in available sources.
Dufourea novaeangliae
Pickerelweed Shortface
Dufourea novaeangliae is a solitary bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Pickerelweed Shortface. It is an oligolectic (specialist) pollinator exclusively associated with pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), a semi-aquatic plant. The species occurs in north-eastern and north-central North America, with confirmed records from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, and Vermont. It is phylogenetically distant from honey bees and possesses the smallest odorant receptor repertoire (112 ORs) among fully sequenced bee genomes.
Dufourea oenotherae
Dufourea oenotherae is a species of short-faced bee in the family Halictidae, described by Timberlake in 1939. The specific epithet 'oenotherae' indicates an association with evening primrose (Oenothera), suggesting a specialized host relationship. Members of the genus Dufourea are typically oligolectic, collecting pollen from a narrow range of host plants. The species is known from North America.
Echinargus
Reakirt's blue
Echinargus is a monotypic butterfly genus in the family Lycaenidae, containing the single species Echinargus isola (Reakirt's blue). The genus was described by Vladimir Nabokov in 1945. The species is notable for its extensive migratory behavior, regularly moving northward from its core range in Central America and the southern United States into northern regions.
Elaeidobius subvittatus
Elaeidobius subvittatus is a palm-pollinating weevil species in the tribe Derelomini, formally included in the genus Elaeidobius as part of a 2020 taxonomic revision. The species is associated with the oil palm Elaeis guineensis and contributes to pollen transportation. It was originally described by Faust in 1898.
Elateroidea
Click, Firefly, and Soldier Beetles
Elateroidea is a large superfamily of beetles comprising approximately 25,000 species across multiple families. It includes the familiar click beetles (Elateridae), fireflies and glow-worms (Lampyridae and related families), and soldier beetles (Cantharidae). The superfamily exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, ranging from hard-bodied forms with five abdominal ventrites to soft-bodied forms with 7-8 ventrites connected by membranes. Bioluminescence has evolved independently in multiple lineages, particularly within the lampyroid clade and certain Elateridae. A distinctive clicking mechanism using a prothoracic peg and mesothoracic cavity is present in several sclerotized families, enabling the characteristic jumping behavior of click beetles.
Endeodes
soft-winged flower beetles
Endeodes is a genus of soft-winged flower beetles in the family Melyridae, containing approximately six described species. Members of this genus are flightless beetles that have been documented visiting flowers, including California golden poppy, where they acquire pollen. The genus was established by LeConte in 1859 and is distributed in North America.
Entypus fulvicornis
Entypus fulvicornis is a medium-sized to large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, found in eastern North America. It is distinguished from congeners by its black or dark brown wings, in contrast to the orange wings typical of other Entypus species. The species is a specialist predator of spiders, particularly wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and nursery web spiders (Pisauridae), and is active in late summer and early autumn. It has been documented nectaring from a diverse array of flowering plants across eleven plant families.
Eosalpingogaster nepenthe
Eosalpingogaster nepenthe is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hull in 1943. It belongs to the tribe Syrphini within the subfamily Syrphinae. The specific epithet 'nepenthe' references the mythical drug of forgetfulness from Greek literature, a naming convention shared with the pitcher plant genus Nepenthes. As a member of the hoverfly family, it likely participates in pollination services, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Epistrophe grossulariae
Black-horned Smoothtail
Epistrophe grossulariae is a Holarctic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-horned Smoothtail. It is a medium-sized syrphid fly with distinctive morphological features that distinguish it from congeners. The species has been well-documented across Europe with substantial observational records.