Pollinator
Guides
Episyrphus balteatus
marmalade hoverfly, marmalade hover fly
Episyrphus balteatus, commonly known as the marmalade hoverfly, is a small (9–12 mm) syrphid fly native to the Palaearctic region. It is considered the most abundant native hoverfly in Central Europe. Adults are significant pollinators of flowering plants, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, consuming up to approximately 400 aphids before pupation. The species exhibits partial migratory behavior, with some individuals moving southward in autumn while others overwinter locally.
Eremnophila
thread-waisted wasps
Eremnophila is a genus of solitary thread-waisted wasps in the family Sphecidae, comprising approximately nine described species distributed primarily across the Americas. These wasps are specialized caterpillar hunters that provision subterranean nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae. Adults are frequent flower visitors, particularly to spotted horsemint (Monarda punctata), goldenrods, and other late-summer asters. A distinctive behavioral trait involves prolonged tandem mating, where males grasp females by the neck and accompany them during foraging activities.
Eristalinae
Drone Flies and Allies
Eristalinae is a subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately nine tribes and notable for exceptional Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. Adults are important pollinators, while larvae exhibit the greatest habitat diversity among hoverflies, occupying aquatic environments, decaying organic matter, sap runs, and even wasp nests. The subfamily includes the well-known drone fly (Eristalis tenax), whose larvae—called rat-tailed maggots—possess an extendable posterior breathing siphon.
Eristalini
Rat-tail Maggot Flies
Eristalini is a tribe of hoverflies (Syrphidae) characterized by larvae known as "rat-tailed maggots," which possess a posterior telescopic breathing siphon. Several species are notable hymenopteran mimics: Eristalis species resemble honeybees, while Helophilus and Parhelophilus display wasp-like yellow and black striping. Adults function as pollinators, while larvae inhabit aquatic or semi-aquatic environments rich in decaying organic matter.
Eristalinus
Lagoon Flies
Eristalinus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) characterized by distinctive spotted or banded eye patterns in most species. These stout, nimble fliers are distributed across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with several species becoming widespread invasives outside their native ranges. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with molecular and morphological studies reorganizing former subgenera Eristalodes and Lathyrophthalmus into two primary clades. Species such as E. taeniops and E. aeneus are notable for their rapid global spread and potential as managed pollinators in agricultural systems.
Eristalinus aeneus
Common Lagoon Fly
Eristalinus aeneus is a hoverfly (Syrphidae) with subcosmopolitan distribution, commonly found in freshwater habitats including coastal lagoons, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Adults are effective pollinators of crops including watermelon and mango, and have been evaluated as managed pollinators in protected agriculture. The species exhibits distinctive patterned eyes with black spots, metallic coloration, and rapid hovering flight. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with decaying organic matter, possessing a characteristic extensible breathing siphon.
Eristalinus taeniops
band-eyed drone fly, stripe-eyed lagoon fly, tiger fly
Eristalinus taeniops is a hoverfly (family Syrphidae) native to the Palearctic and Afrotropical regions that has become established as an exotic species across much of the world, including North and South America. Adults are notable pollinators with distinctive banded compound eyes featuring five vertical dark stripes, and they exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. The species is strongly associated with human-modified environments and has shown rapid geographic expansion in South America via airports and seaports.
Eristalis
Drone Flies, Droneflies
Eristalis is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 99 species. Adults are commonly called drone flies due to their resemblance to honeybee drones, a form of Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larvae, known as rat-tailed maggots, are aquatic and possess an extendable breathing siphon that allows them to inhabit oxygen-depleted environments such as stagnant water, sewage, and decomposing organic matter. Adults are important generalist pollinators, with some species proposed as managed alternatives to honey bees for agricultural pollination.
Eristalis anthophorina
orange-spotted drone fly
Eristalis anthophorina, the orange-spotted drone fly, is a syrphid fly with Holarctic distribution. Adults reach approximately 15 mm in length and are notable mimics of bumblebees. The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats including bogs, fens, and woodland pools. It has been observed visiting flowers of Verbena hastata, Salix myricoides, and Hesperis matronalis.
Eristalis arbustorum
Eurasian Drone Fly, European Drone Fly
Eristalis arbustorum is a sexually dimorphic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Females closely mimic small, dark mining bees (Andrenidae), while males exhibit less specific mimicry of wasps and other yellow-black Hymenoptera. The species is abundant across the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced to North America. Adults are important pollinators that visit diverse flowering plants, while larvae are aquatic filter-feeders known as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their elongated posterior breathing siphon. The species is known to be migratory in Europe, with populations overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
Eristalis bellardii
Mexican mountain drone fly
Eristalis bellardii is an uncommon syrphid fly species first described in 1867. It is found in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of honeybees, with adults visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Larval biology remains unknown.
Eristalis brousii
Hourglass Drone Fly
Eristalis brousii, commonly known as the hourglass drone fly, is a hoverfly species first described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1882. The species has experienced severe population decline across North America following the introduction of the European congener Eristalis arbustorum near Toronto around 1885. As of 2019, it persists only along the lake margin of Hudson Bay in Northern Canada, making it one of the most geographically restricted hoverflies on the continent. Like other Eristalis species, adults are pollinators while larvae develop as aquatic filter-feeders.
Eristalis flavipes
orange-legged drone fly
Eristalis flavipes, commonly known as the orange-legged drone fly, is a North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are striking mimics of bumblebees, measuring 13–17 mm in length, with abundant bright yellow pile on a black body and distinctive orange-red legs. The species is active from early April through mid-October, occurring across diverse habitats with particular affinity for wetlands. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots that filter-feed in standing water.
Eristalis fratercula
Eristalis fratercula is a species of drone fly in the family Syrphidae, described by McNeill. It belongs to a genus of hoverflies known for Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. The species is listed in grasshopper survey records from Colorado and Wyoming, suggesting it occurs in western North American grasslands. Like other Eristalis species, adults are likely pollinators and larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic organic-rich habitats.
Eristalis hirta
Black-footed Drone Fly
Eristalis hirta, commonly known as the black-footed drone fly, is a syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1866. It is a common species in Western North America and also occurs in Northern Europe. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of honey bees, providing protection from predators. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders with the characteristic rat-tailed morphology, developing in standing water habitats.
Eristalis interrupta
Eristalis interrupta is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the genus Eristalis. Like other members of this genus, it belongs to a group commonly known as drone flies due to their resemblance to honey bees. The genus Eristalis contains species that are important pollinators and whose larvae are aquatic decomposers found in organic-rich water. Specific details about E. interrupta are limited in the provided sources, though it shares the general characteristics of Eristalis species including Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps.
Eristalis rupium
Spot-winged Drone Fly
Eristalis rupium, the spot-winged drone fly, is a European hoverfly species first described by Fabricius in 1805. It is a common species across Europe and uncommon in North America. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of honey bees and serves as an important pollinator. The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, inhabiting clear-water streams.
Eristalis saxorum
Blue-polished Drone Fly
Eristalis saxorum is an uncommon species of syrphid fly (hoverfly) native to eastern North America. Adults are flower visitors, obtaining nectar and pollen from blossoms. The species exhibits typical drone fly characteristics, including bee-mimicry and hovering flight behavior. Larvae are presumed to be of the rat-tailed type, though they have not been formally identified for this species. The species is active from mid-March through late October, with adults overwintering in sheltered locations such as cave entrances.
Eristalis tenax
Common Drone Fly, Drone Fly, Rat-tailed Maggot
Eristalis tenax is a cosmopolitan hoverfly (Syrphidae) and the most widely distributed syrphid species globally, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. Adults are striking mimics of honey bees, exhibiting Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larval stage, known as the rat-tailed maggot, is aquatic and inhabits polluted water containing organic matter, using an elongated posterior siphon for respiration. Adults are important generalist pollinators, particularly of Asteraceae flowers. The species exhibits strong territorial behavior in males and has been documented to cause rare cases of accidental myiasis in humans.
Eristalis transversa
Transverse-banded Drone Fly, Transverse Flower Fly
Eristalis transversa is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1830. Adults are bee mimics, displaying Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera. The species is common in eastern North America and is frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. Like other Eristalis species, adults are important pollinators, though specific larval habitat for this species has not been documented.
Erynnis lucilius
Columbine Duskywing
Erynnis lucilius, the columbine duskywing, is a small skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) native to northeastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 21–29 mm and appear in shades of brown. The species is associated with rocky deciduous woodlands and ravines, where its larvae feed on columbine (Aquilegia) leaves. Two generations occur annually in eastern populations, with adults active from early May to mid-June.
Eucera actuosa
Eucera actuosa is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It was described by Cresson in 1879 and is found in North America. As a member of the genus Eucera, it belongs to a group of solitary bees commonly known as squash bees due to their specialized pollination of cucurbit crops. The species is part of the tribe Eucerini, which is characterized by males with notably long antennae.
Eucera amsinckiae
Eucera amsinckiae is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, first described by Timberlake in 1969. The species belongs to the genus Eucera, which comprises solitary bees commonly known as squash bees due to their specialized association with cucurbit plants. Males of Eucera species are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, a trait that gives the group its common name. Like other members of its genus, E. amsinckiae is likely an important pollinator of agricultural crops, particularly those in the Cucurbitaceae family.
Eucera cordleyi
Cordley's Long-horned Bee
Eucera cordleyi is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, first described by Viereck in 1905. Like other members of the genus Eucera, males are characterized by exceptionally long antennae. The species occurs in North America and is part of the Eucerini tribe, which includes important pollinators of agricultural crops such as cucurbits. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Eucera frater albopilosa
White-haired Monk Longhorn
Eucera frater albopilosa is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It belongs to the genus Eucera, a group of solitary bees commonly known as squash bees or long-horned bees due to the exceptionally long antennae of males. The subspecies is recognized as valid and has been documented in North America. Like other Eucera species, it is likely associated with pollination of flowering plants, though specific ecological details for this subspecies remain limited in published sources.
Eucera frater lata
A subspecies of long-horned bee in the genus Eucera, native to North America. Males possess notably elongated antennae, a defining trait of the genus. Like other Eucera species, this subspecies is a solitary ground-nesting bee and likely contributes to pollination of flowering plants in its range. Specific biological details for this subspecies remain poorly documented in published literature.
Eucera fulvitarsis
Long-horned Bee
Eucera fulvitarsis is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, native to North America. Males are distinguished by exceptionally long antennae relative to body size, a characteristic feature of the genus Eucera. The species was originally described as Melissodes fulvitarsis by Cresson in 1878 and later transferred to the genus Eucera. Two subspecies are recognized: E. f. annae and the nominate E. f. fulvitarsis. Like other members of the tribe Eucerini, this species is solitary and nests in the ground.
Eucera fulvitarsis fulvitarsis
Eucera fulvitarsis fulvitarsis is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It belongs to the tribe Eucerini, a group of solitary bees characterized by males with notably long antennae. The subspecies was described by Cresson in 1879 and is native to North America. Like other Eucera species, it is a specialist pollinator associated with cucurbit crops and other flowering plants.
Eucera hamata
Hook-spurred Longhorn
Eucera hamata is a long-horned bee in the family Apidae, found in North America. Males possess exceptionally long antennae, a characteristic trait of the genus Eucera. The species belongs to a group of solitary bees that nest underground and forage primarily on legume flowers.
Eucerceris canaliculata
Eucerceris canaliculata is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly placed in Philanthidae). It belongs to the tribe Cercerini, commonly known as weevil wasps, which specialize in hunting weevils and other beetles to provision their nests. The species is found in North America and is one of multiple Eucerceris species recorded from the region.
Euchloe olympia
Olympia Marble
Euchloe olympia, the Olympia Marble, is a pierid butterfly native to central North America. It is distinguished from congeners by its distinctive phenotype and genotype, particularly in relation to E. guaymasensis. The species has been classified globally as G5/G4, indicating relative stability, though it faces threats from gypsy moth chemical control programs. A study in central Illinois documented consistent nectar source preferences: Lepidium virginicum for larvae and Nuttallanthus canadensis for adults.
Euderces pini
Euderces pini is a small longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, notable for its striking ant-mimicking appearance. Adults measure 7–8 millimeters in length with slender bodies. The species occurs in the southern half of the eastern United States, with adults active from March to June. Larvae develop in various hardwood trees including Flowering Dogwood, Pecan, Winged Elm, and American Beech. Adults frequently visit flowers to feed on pollen and nectar, including dandelions before native trees bloom. The species is not considered an agricultural or forestry pest.
Eulonchus
North American jewelled spider flies, sapphires, emeralds
Eulonchus is a genus of small-headed flies in the family Acroceridae, comprising six described species endemic to North America. Adults are strikingly metallic blue, green, or purple, earning them the common names 'sapphires' and 'emeralds.' They are important pollinators of diverse flowering plants, with elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. Their larvae are parasitoids of spiders, specifically targeting trapdoor spiders in the families Euctenizidae and Antrodiaetidae.
Eulonchus marginatus
jewelled spider fly
Eulonchus marginatus is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, commonly known as a jewelled spider fly. The species has a Nearctic distribution and is known to visit flowers from over ten different plant families. Like other members of the genus, adults exhibit metallic coloration and serve as pollinators, while larvae are parasitoids of spiders.
Eulonchus marialiciae
Eulonchus marialiciae is a species of jewelled spider fly in the family Acroceridae, endemic to the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern North America. Unlike its congeners, which are locally abundant across western North America, this species is known from only a few specimens collected within a small contiguous area. Adults are brilliantly coloured pollinators, while larvae are parasitoids of tarantulas.
Eulonchus sapphirinus
Sapphire spider fly
Eulonchus sapphirinus is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, commonly known as the sapphire spider fly. Adults are metallic blue in coloration and are specialized flower visitors, particularly abundant on Geranium robertianum in Olympic National Park, Washington. The species exhibits sexually dimorphic flower-visiting behavior related to mating, with females moving more slowly among flowers than males. Like other members of its genus, the larvae are parasitoids of spiders, though specific host records for this species remain unconfirmed.
Eulonchus tristis
small-headed fly
Eulonchus tristis is a small-headed fly (family Acroceridae) native to western North America. Adults are known flower visitors, particularly of Brodiaea elegans and Iris douglasiana in California, where they carry substantial pollen loads. The species has been documented as a potential pollinator, especially for B. elegans. Like other acrocerids, larvae are parasitoids of spiders.
Eumorpha
sphinx moths, hawk moths
Eumorpha is a New World genus of sphinx moths (Sphingidae) comprising 26 described species distributed primarily across North, Central, and South America. The genus is characterized by variable larval eyespots—circular markings on the posterior body segments that function in predator deterrence. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate Eumorpha originated in Central and South America and subsequently expanded into North America. Adults are medium to large hawkmoths with rapid, agile flight; many species are crepuscular or nocturnal flower visitors. Larvae are hornworms that feed primarily on members of the grape family (Vitaceae), though host plant associations vary among species.
Eumorpha achemon
Achemon Sphinx, Grape Sphinx
Eumorpha achemon, commonly known as the Achemon Sphinx or Grape Sphinx, is a large sphinx moth native to North America. Adults are notable for their attractive pink hindwings, which contrast with their cryptic forewings. The species is considered uncommon throughout its range and is the only member of its genus found in California. Larvae are large hornworms that feed exclusively on grape leaves.
Eumorpha intermedia
Intermediate Sphinx
Eumorpha intermedia is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) described by Benjamin Preston Clark in 1917. It is found in the southeastern United States, with adults active from spring through fall. The species is most readily distinguished from close relatives by wing coloration and pattern, particularly the pink-tinged forewing underside. Larvae feed on woody vines in the grape family.
Euodynerus foraminatus
Potter wasp, Mason wasp
Euodynerus foraminatus is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Females construct multi-celled nests in pre-existing cavities such as holes in wood or abandoned bee burrows, provisioning each cell with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The species is notable for having single-locus complementary sex determination, which typically produces sterile diploid males, yet field studies have documented surprisingly high rates of sibling mating in natural populations. It is widespread across North America and readily uses artificial nest structures such as bee blocks.
Euodynerus hidalgo boreoorientalis
A subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, distributed along the Eastern Seaboard of North America. Females nest in pre-existing cavities such as old bee or beetle borings in twigs and stalks, provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars. This subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by reduced red coloration, appearing mostly black with sparse yellow markings.
Euodynerus hidalgo hidalgo
Euodynerus hidalgo hidalgo is a subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is one of three subspecies of E. hidalgo, distinguished by its coloration and distribution in the southern United States and Mexico. The wasp nests in pre-existing cavities such as mortar crevices, abandoned mud dauber nests, and old solitary bee burrows. Females provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars for their larval offspring.
Euodynerus hidalgo viereckii
A subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, Euodynerus hidalgo viereckii is one of three subspecies of the widespread species E. hidalgo. The species ranges across the United States from coast to coast, with this subspecies occurring in the western portion of the range. Females nest in pre-existing cavities including abandoned nests of other wasps and old solitary bee burrows, provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars.
Euparagia desertorum
Euparagia desertorum is a species of pollen wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, described by Bohart in 1948. The species epithet "desertorum" suggests an association with desert habitats. Members of the genus Euparagia are among the most primitive living vespid wasps and are endemic to arid regions of western North America. Like other masarine wasps, adults are solitary and provision their nests with pollen and nectar rather than prey.
Eupeodes
Aphideaters, aphideater flies
Eupeodes is a genus of moderate-sized hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as aphideaters. Adults are black with yellow markings and are distributed worldwide. The genus is part of the Syrphini tribe and is frequently mistaken for similar genera. Both life stages serve important ecological functions: larvae are aphid predators, while adults are pollinators.
Eupeodes flukei
Fluke's Aphideater
Eupeodes flukei is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as Fluke's Aphideater. As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are aphid predators, contributing to natural pest control in gardens and agricultural settings. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species exhibits typical hover fly characteristics including wasp-mimicking appearance, hovering flight behavior, and large compound eyes.
Eupeodes latifasciatus
Broad-banded Aphideater, meadow field syrph
Eupeodes latifasciatus is a small hoverfly with wing length 6.5–8.5 mm, distinguished by yellow markings fused into bands on abdominal segments three and four. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowers and serve as pollinators. Larvae are aphid predators, feeding on aphids and scale insects (Hemiptera). The species has a broad distribution across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with flight activity primarily from May to September.
Eupeodes montivagus
Red-tailed Aphideater
A flower fly (Syrphidae) known as the Red-tailed Aphideater. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. Larvae are aphid predators, with females laying eggs in or near aphid colonies. The species was first described from Colorado by William Morton Wheeler in 1895.
Eupeodes perplexus
bare-winged aphideater
Eupeodes perplexus, commonly known as the bare-winged aphideater, is a hoverfly species native to North America. The species is notable for its distinctive wing venation and abdominal patterning. Adults are nectar feeders, while larvae are predatory, consuming aphids and scale insects. The species is part of the diverse syrphid fauna that contributes to both pollination and biological control in various ecosystems.