Pollinator
Guides
Gaesischia exul
Exiled Longhorn
Gaesischia exul is a species of longhorn bee in the family Apidae, tribe Eucerini. Described in 1955 by Michener, LaBerge and Moure, this bee is known by the common name 'Exiled Longhorn'. As a member of the Eucerini, it belongs to a group of solitary, ground-nesting bees that are important pollinators. The specific epithet 'exul' (Latin for 'exile' or 'wanderer') likely refers to some aspect of its distribution or behavior, though the original etymology is not documented in available sources.
Galgula
The Wedgling
Galgula is a genus of noctuid moths comprising at least three described species. The most well-documented species, Galgula partita, has been observed visiting apple flowers and contributing to nocturnal pollination of agricultural crops. These moths are small, nocturnal insects attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The genus belongs to the subfamily Noctuinae within the large family Noctuidae.
Galgula partita
Wedgling Moth
A small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 20–26 mm, found across North America south to Guatemala and the Caribbean, with introduced populations on the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands. Adults are active from March to November in southern regions and May to September in northern regions, with multiple generations per year. Larvae feed on Oxalis species. The species has been documented as a nocturnal visitor to apple flowers, contributing to pollination services.
Glaphyridae
Bumble Bee Scarab Beetles
Glaphyridae is a family of scarabaeoid beetles comprising approximately 80 species across eight extant genera. Members are commonly known as bumble bee scarab beetles due to their often hairy appearance. The family exhibits specialized pollen-feeding behavior and has evolved associations with particular flower guilds, notably red 'poppy guild' flowers including Ranunculaceae and Papaveraceae. Phylogenetic studies indicate the family originated around 140 million years ago, with crown group divergence at approximately 112 million years ago. Pollen feeding evolved once within the family, between 97 and 67 million years ago, representing a later origin than in other major pollinator beetle lineages.
Gnathium francilloni
Gnathium francilloni is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The genus Gnathium is characterized by elongated, filiform maxillary galeae adapted for nectar feeding on flowers with deep corollas. This species occurs in North America and is part of a genus whose members are among the smallest blister beetles.
Gnophaela vermiculata
Police Car Moth, Police-Car Moth, Green Lattice
A day-flying moth of western North America, recognized by its striking black-and-white wing pattern with orange accents near the head. The common name 'Police Car Moth' refers to this coloration, which resembles historical police vehicle markings. Adults are active in late summer and visit flowers for nectar. Larvae feed on plants in the borage family, particularly Mertensia, Lithospermum, and Hackelia species.
Goniops chrysocoma
Golden-haired Horse Fly
Goniops chrysocoma is the sole species in the monotypic genus Goniops, a horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is found in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. The species is characterized by its distinctive golden-haired appearance, which contributes to its common name. As a member of the horse fly family, it belongs to a group of blood-feeding flies known for their painful bites and ecological significance as pollinators and prey for other animals.
Grammoptera
flower longhorn beetles
Grammoptera is a genus of flower longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, containing approximately 30 described species distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere. These beetles are associated with coniferous and deciduous woodlands, where adults are often found on flowers or freshly cut timber. The genus is characterized by relatively small body size and slender proportions compared to many other longhorn beetles. Species identification typically requires examination of antennal structure, elytral coloration patterns, and body proportions.
Habropoda miserabilis
silver digger bee
Habropoda miserabilis, commonly known as the silver digger bee, is a solitary ground-nesting bee native to western North America. This species was historically abundant in coastal sand dune habitats but declined dramatically by the mid-20th century due to habitat loss from invasive plant encroachment. Recent habitat restoration efforts have enabled population recoveries at several sites. The species serves as a host for the parasitic blister beetle Meloe franciscanus, which has evolved sophisticated chemical mimicry to exploit the bee's mating system.
Habropoda pallida
pallid habropoda, white-faced bee
Habropoda pallida is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae. It is the first native bee to emerge in spring on the Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve. The species has been extensively studied for its chemical communication system, which involves long-chain hydrocarbon sex pheromones. It serves as a host for the parasitic blister beetle Meloe franciscanus, whose larvae mimic the bee's pheromone signals to gain entry to nests. Females provision nests with pollen, with documented use of Larrea tridentata pollen.
Hadena
Hadena is a genus of noctuid moths comprising approximately 143–149 species, with the majority distributed across the Palearctic realm and about fifteen species native to North America. The genus was erected by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802. Members are characterized by hairy eyes, upturned palpi with long hairs, and short broad wings. Larvae typically feed on seeds of Caryophyllaceae, and adults of some species function as pollinators of Silene.
Hadromyia pulchra
Yellow-shielded Quicksilver
Hadromyia pulchra is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) known by the common name Yellow-shielded Quicksilver. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a syrphid fly, it belongs to a group commonly recognized for their bee- or wasp-mimicking appearance and ecological roles as pollinators.
Halictus
Furrow Bees, Sweat Bees
Halictus is a large genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, containing over 200 species divided among 15 subgenera. The genus is primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, with most species exhibiting black or dark brown coloration, often with apical whitish abdominal bands. Many species are eusocial, forming colonies ranging from small groups of 2-4 individuals to over 200 bees, though social organization varies with environmental conditions. Nests are excavated in soil, with females constructing ovoid brood cells provisioned with pollen and nectar.
Halictus confusus arapahonum
Arapaho Metallic-Furrow bee
Halictus confusus arapahonum is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, described by Cockerell in 1906. As a member of the genus Halictus, it is likely a primitively eusocial or solitary ground-nesting bee. The nominate species Halictus confusus is known as the Confusing Furrow Bee or Metallic-Furrow bee. This subspecies is distinguished by geographic range and subtle morphological differences from other populations of H. confusus. Like other halictids, adults are generalist pollinators that visit diverse flowering plants.
Halictus farinosus
Wide-striped Sweat Bee
Halictus farinosus is a primitively eusocial sweat bee native to North America. It nests underground in soil, forming small colonies averaging 3.5 workers and 13.5 reproductive brood. The species exhibits intermediate social strength within the genus Halictus, with most workers mated and capable of ovarian development. Nesting phenology varies with annual weather conditions, with colder, wetter springs delaying activity by up to two weeks.
Halictus parallelus
Parallel-striped Sweat Bee
Halictus parallelus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to North America. The common name refers to the distinctive parallel pale bands across the abdomen. Like other halictids, this species is a ground-nesting bee that provisions its burrows with pollen and nectar for its young.
Halictus poeyi
Poey's Furrow Bee
Halictus poeyi is a primitively eusocial sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as Poey's furrow bee. The species exhibits notable geographic variation in colony cycle phenology: northern and central Florida populations are univoltine with annually brooded colonies, while southern Florida and Florida Keys populations are multivoltine with continuously brooded colonies. This plasticity appears driven by environmental conditions rather than genetic differentiation. Males form nighttime roosting clusters on vegetation, showing area fidelity within approximately 1.5 meters. The species is morphologically indistinguishable from Halictus ligatus, requiring genetic or detailed behavioral analysis for separation.
Halictus rubicundus
Orange-legged Furrow Bee
Halictus rubicundus, the orange-legged furrow bee, is a ground-nesting sweat bee with one of the widest natural distributions of any bee species, occurring throughout temperate regions of the Holarctic. The species is notable for its socially polymorphic behavior: populations are eusocial in warmer, lower-elevation regions with longer growing seasons, producing multiple broods with worker offspring, while populations at higher latitudes or elevations are solitary, producing only a single brood. This environmental plasticity in social organization has made the species a key model for studying the evolution of social behavior. Females excavate burrows in soil, typically on south-facing slopes to maximize thermal conditions for larval development.
Halictus tectus
sweat bee
Halictus tectus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. Native to southern Europe through Mongolia, it was introduced to the eastern United States in 2000. In its introduced range, it has been observed in Maryland, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. The species appears to favor disturbed habitats with non-native vegetation in North America.
Halictus tripartitus
Tripartite Sweat Bee
Halictus tripartitus is a medium-sized sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to North America. The species exhibits partial eusociality, with nests connected underground and some workers retaining reproductive capability. It is a documented pollinator of Silene spaldingii and other flowering plants. The species has been observed foraging on sunflowers and coneflowers alongside other native bees.
Halictus virgatellus
Comma Sweat Bee
Halictus virgatellus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Cockerell in 1901. It is known from North America and is commonly referred to as the Comma Sweat Bee. Like other members of the genus Halictus, it is a ground-nesting bee. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Haplothrips leucanthemi
clover thrips, red clover thrips
Haplothrips leucanthemi is a tube-tailed thrips species in the family Phlaeothripidae, originally described from Europe and now recorded across North and South America. It is florivorous, feeding on flowers and pollen of Asteraceae plants, and has been observed as an effective pollinator of these hosts. The species is bisexual, contrasting with the parthenogenetic form H. niger, which molecular and microbiota studies suggest is conspecific or a biotype of H. leucanthemi rather than a distinct species.
Helophilus
Marsh Flies, Tiger Hoverflies
Helophilus is a genus of moderate to large hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as marsh flies or tiger hoverflies. Adults are notable bee or wasp mimics with distinctive lengthwise yellow stripes on the thorax and transverse bands on the abdomen. Larvae are aquatic "rat-tailed maggots" that filter-feed on microorganisms in organic-rich water. The genus comprises two subgenera: Helophilus and Pilinasica (the latter containing endemic New Zealand species).
Helophilus fasciatus
Narrow-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus fasciatus, commonly known as the narrow-headed marsh fly, is a syrphid fly species widespread across the United States and Canada. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae develop in wet, decaying organic matter, particularly accumulations of decaying vegetation in ponds and mud. This species is one of the more frequently observed hoverflies in North America, with over 18,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Helophilus groenlandicus
Black-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus groenlandicus, commonly known as the Black-margined Marsh Fly, is a hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species occurs across the northern Holarctic region. Larval biology is not directly documented for this species, though related Helophilus species develop in wet decaying organic material with rat-tailed maggot morphology.
Helophilus hybridus
hoverfly
Helophilus hybridus is a Palearctic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive yellow and black abdominal patterning. The species is associated with wetland habitats across northern and central Europe, extending eastward through Russia to the Pacific coast. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with organic matter.
Helophilus intentus
Yellow-legged Marsh Fly
Helophilus intentus is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) in the family Syrphidae. It belongs to the genus Helophilus, whose members are commonly known as marsh flies due to their association with aquatic habitats. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen.
Helophilus lapponicus
Yellow-margined Marsh Fly
Helophilus lapponicus is a Holarctic species of hoverfly found across northern North America, northern Europe, Greenland, and Siberia. Adults are medium-sized syrphid flies, 12.5–13.5 mm in length, commonly observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. The species is distinguished by yellow abdominal markings and specific wing venation. Larval biology remains undocumented, though congeneric species develop in wet decaying organic matter.
Helophilus latifrons
Broad-headed Marsh Fly
Helophilus latifrons, commonly known as the Broad-headed Marsh Fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The larvae are aquatic and develop in decaying submerged vegetation, functioning as decomposers in wetland ecosystems. The species occurs across much of North America including the United States, southern Canada, and mountainous regions of Mexico.
Helophilus neoaffinis
Northwestern Marsh Fly
A syrphid fly species in the genus Helophilus, recognized by iNaturalist as the Northwestern Marsh Fly. As with other members of its genus, it likely exhibits yellowjacket mimicry with vertical yellow stripes on the thorax. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water, characteristic of the 'rat-tailed maggot' form found in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Helophilus obscurus
obscure marsh fly
Helophilus obscurus is a syrphid fly commonly found across Canada, the northern United States, and the Rocky Mountains. Adults are flower visitors that obtain nectar and pollen. The species is part of the marsh fly genus Helophilus, though the larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented. It is one of several North American Helophilus species that exhibit yellowjacket mimicry.
Hemaris aethra
Diervilla Clearwing
A day-flying hawkmoth native to northern North America. Adults are bumblebee mimics with clear wings and fuzzy bodies, hovering at flowers to feed on nectar. Elevated to species status in 2018 after long being considered a subspecies of H. diffinis; the two species remain extremely difficult to distinguish visually where they co-occur.
Hemaris diffinis
Snowberry Clearwing, Hummingbird Moth, Flying Lobster, Bumblebee Sphinx Moth
Hemaris diffinis is a day-flying sphinx moth notable for its bumblebee mimicry and clear, scale-free wing patches. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species was historically confused with the cryptic Hemaris aethra in eastern North America, distinguished only recently through molecular and morphological analysis. Larvae are hornworm caterpillars that feed on various host plants including honeysuckle and snowberry.
Hemaris thetis
Rocky Mountain Clearwing, California Clearwing
Hemaris thetis is a day-flying sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain clearwing or California clearwing. The species exhibits clearwing morphology with reduced wing scaling, resembling a bumblebee in flight. Adults are active from May to August and feed on nectar from various flowers. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1855 and occurs in mountainous regions of western North America.
Hemaris thysbe
Hummingbird Clearwing, Hummingbird Clearwing Moth, Hummingbird Sphinx Moth, Common Clearwing
Hemaris thysbe is a diurnal hawkmoth known for its hummingbird-like flight and transparent wings. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species exhibits significant color variation across its range, with northern and western populations typically showing smooth wing borders and lighter coloration, while southern and eastern populations tend toward darker colors with jagged wing borders. It is a migratory species with one generation per year in northern regions and two in the south.
Hemipepsis
tarantula hawks, Old and New World Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Hemipepsis is a genus of large spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as tarantula hawks. The genus contains approximately 180 species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with significant diversity in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Hemipepsis wasps are distinguished from the related genus Pepsis by subtle differences in wing venation patterns. In South Africa, Hemipepsis wasps serve as exclusive pollinators for 18 plant species across three families (Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, and Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloodeae). The genus has been extensively studied for its complex male territorial behavior, particularly in the North American species H. ustulata.
Heriades
Armored Resin bees
Heriades is a genus of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae, comprising more than 130 species worldwide. These small, typically black bees are notable for nesting in pre-existing wood cavities and using plant resin to construct and seal nest cells. The genus spans eight subgenera with distributions across all continents; in North America, roughly 25 species occur, though only three are native east of the Rocky Mountains. Several species, particularly Heriades truncorum, serve as important research models for studying bee sexual communication, urban ecology, and pesticide effects.
Heriades carinata
Carinate Sculptured Mason Bee, Carinate Armored-Resin bee
Heriades carinata is a small solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae. It is a twig-nesting species that uses pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems or beetle borings in dead wood. The female constructs nest cells separated by partitions of plant resin, earning it the common name 'Armored-Resin bee.' It has been recorded as the first gynandromorph in its genus. The species occurs across the United States and southern Canada.
Heringia canadensis
Canadian smoothleg
Heringia canadensis, commonly known as the Canadian smoothleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across much of North America. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to the tribe Pipizini, whose larvae are known aphid predators, though specific larval biology for this species remains incompletely documented. It is considered fairly common within its range.
Hesperapis regularis
Clarkia Evening Bee
Hesperapis regularis is an oligolectic bee endemic to California, specialized in collecting pollen exclusively from flowers of the genus Clarkia. Unlike most bees, it is active in the evening hours. Females construct underground nests where they provision chambers with a mixture of Clarkia pollen and nectar for larval development.
Hoplitis albifrons
White-fronted Small-Mason
Hoplitis albifrons is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae, tribe Osmiini. It is native to North America, with documented records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a member of the osmiine bees, it likely constructs nests in pre-existing cavities and uses mud or other materials to partition brood cells, though specific natural history details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Hoplitis albifrons argentifrons
Silver-fronted Small-Mason
Hoplitis albifrons argentifrons is a subspecies of mason bee in the family Megachilidae, native to North America. As a member of the osmiine bees, it is a solitary species that constructs nests in pre-existing cavities. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader H. albifrons species complex. Like other Hoplitis species, it contributes to pollination services in its native range.
Hoplitis albifrons maura
Pacific Black Small-Mason
Hoplitis albifrons maura is a subspecies of mason bee in the family Megachilidae, native to western North America. It belongs to a group of solitary bees known for nesting in pre-existing cavities and constructing brood cells from collected materials. As a member of the osmiine bees, it contributes to pollination services in its native range. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader H. albifrons species complex.
Hoplitis bunocephala
Hoplitis bunocephala is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, described by Michener in 1947. The species is native to North America and belongs to the diverse genus Hoplitis, which includes numerous mason bee species. Like other members of Megachilidae, females carry pollen on scopae located on the underside of the abdomen rather than on the hind legs.
Hoplitis elongaticeps
Hoplitis elongaticeps is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, first described by Michener in 1947. It belongs to the diverse genus Hoplitis, which comprises numerous mason bee species across the Northern Hemisphere. The species is known to occur in North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Hoplitis fulgida
Green Small-Mason
Hoplitis fulgida is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Green Small-Mason. It is native to North America and belongs to the diverse genus Hoplitis, which includes numerous mason bee species. The species was first described by Cresson in 1864. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to nest in pre-existing cavities and construct cells using collected materials.
Hoplitis fulgida platyura
Pacific Green Small-Mason
Hoplitis fulgida platyura is a subspecies of mason bee in the family Megachilidae. It is native to western North America, where it occurs from British Columbia to California. The subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by structural differences in the male antennae and subtle coloration differences. Like other members of the genus Hoplitis, females construct nests in pre-existing cavities and line brood cells with collected materials.
Hoplitis hypocrita
Mimic Small-Mason
Hoplitis hypocrita is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Mimic Small-Mason. It belongs to the tribe Osmiini, which includes many mason bee species that nest in pre-existing cavities. The species was originally described by Cockerell in 1906 as Osmia hypocrita before being transferred to the genus Hoplitis. It is native to North America.
Hoplitis spoliata
Dilated-horned Small-Mason
Hoplitis spoliata is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Dilated-horned Small-Mason. It is a member of the diverse osmiine bee tribe, which includes many species that nest in pre-existing cavities and use various materials to construct brood cells. The species was first described by Provancher in 1888 and is native to North America, with documented occurrences in the northeastern United States including Vermont.
Hoplitis truncata
Truncate Small-Mason
Hoplitis truncata is a solitary bee species in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Truncate Small-Mason. It is part of the diverse osmiine bee group, which includes many species that nest in pre-existing cavities and use various materials to construct their nests. The species has been recorded in North America and parts of Southern Asia, though detailed biological information remains limited.