Mining Bees, Mining Bee
Andrena is the largest genus in the family Andrenidae, containing over 1,500 species of solitary ground-nesting bees. These bees are commonly called mining bees due to their habit of excavating burrows in soil to construct nests. The genus is nearly worldwide in distribution, absent only from Oceania and South America, and is most diverse in temperate regions with Mediterranean climates. Andrena species are important pollinators, with many exhibiting specialized relationships with particular host plants.
mining bees, miner bees, bulldozer bees
Andrenidae is a large, nearly cosmopolitan family of solitary, ground-nesting bees commonly known as mining bees. The family exhibits exceptional diversity with over 2,000 described species across four subfamilies: Andreninae, Panurginae, Oxaeinae, and Alocandreninae. Most diversity occurs in temperate and arid (warm temperate xeric) regions. The genus Andrena contains approximately 1,700 species, making it one of the most rapidly speciating bee lineages known. Members are typically small to moderate-sized bees with distinctive morphological features including two subantennal sutures on the face—a primitive trait shared with sphecoid wasps—and often possess foveae (depressions) near the upper margin of the eyes. Unlike most bee families, Andrenidae have no known kleptoparasites. Some lineages, particularly within Panurginae, have evolved crepuscular (dusk-active) foraging behavior with enlarged ocelli.
Angled Sulphurs, angled-sulphurs
Anteos is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, commonly known as angled-sulphurs. The genus contains three recognized species: Anteos clorinde (white angled sulphur), Anteos maerula (angled sulphur), and Anteos menippe (orange-tipped angled-sulphur). These butterflies are found in tropical regions of the Americas. Anteos menippe has been used in physiological research, including the first direct electrocardiographic characterization in Lepidoptera.
Anthidiini is a tribe of bees in the family Megachilidae comprising at least 40 genera and approximately 840 described species. The tribe is strongly supported as monophyletic based on molecular and morphological evidence. Members exhibit diverse nesting strategies, with many species constructing nests from plant resins, plant fibers, or other collected materials. The tribe includes economically important pollinators as well as cleptoparasitic species in the genus Stelis.
root-maggot flies, kelp flies, anthomyiid flies
Anthomyiidae is a large family of Muscoidea flies commonly known as root-maggot flies or kelp flies. Most species are small to moderate in size with drab grey to black coloration, though some genera such as Pegomya are yellow and others display black-and-white or black-and-silvery-grey patterns. The family exhibits diverse larval habits: many feed in stems and roots of plants, some are scavengers in birds' nests, others are leaf miners, and a few are kleptoparasites or inquilines. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in the genus Delia.
bees
Anthophila is the clade comprising all bees, a monophyletic lineage within the superfamily Apoidea. With over 20,000 described species across seven recognized families, bees represent one of the most ecologically significant groups of insect pollinators. The clade encompasses diverse life histories, from solitary to eusocial species, and exhibits remarkable morphological variation associated with pollen collection and transport. Bees originated from predatory wasp ancestors and evolved specialized adaptations for exploiting floral resources, making them critical components of terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural systems worldwide.
Digger Bees, Digger Bee, Burrowing Bees
Anthophorini is a large tribe of solitary bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as digger bees or burrowing bees. The tribe contains over 750 species worldwide, with the majority in the genera Amegilla and Anthophora. These bees are ground-nesting specialists, excavating burrows in soil, sand, or clay substrates, often constructing distinctive turrets at nest entrances. Many species exhibit bumble bee mimicry and have specialized associations with particular plant groups for pollen collection.
Aphoebantini is a tribe of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising approximately 5 genera and at least 80 described species. Members are classified within the subfamily Anthracinae. The tribe includes genera such as Aphoebantus, Cononedys, Epacmus, Eucessia, and Pteraulax. As with other bee flies, adults likely function as pollinators and larvae are presumed parasitoids, though specific life histories remain poorly documented for most species.
Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, and Allies
Apidae is the largest family of bees within the superfamily Apoidea, comprising at least 5,700 described species. The family encompasses remarkable diversity in social organization, ranging from highly eusocial honey bees and bumble bees to solitary digger bees and kleptoparasitic cuckoo bees. Members include economically significant pollinators such as honey bees (Apis), bumble bees (Bombus), and stingless bees (Meliponini), alongside carpenter bees (Xylocopinae), orchid bees (Euglossini), and oil-collecting bees. While the most visible representatives are social, the vast majority of apid species are solitary.
Apine Bees
Apinae is the largest subfamily of Apidae, encompassing the majority of bee diversity in the family. It includes the corbiculate bees—bumblebees (Bombini), honey bees (Apini), orchid bees (Euglossini), and stingless bees (Meliponini)—characterized by the presence of a pollen basket (corbicula) on the hind legs. The subfamily also contains numerous solitary and kleptoparasitic groups, including most bees formerly classified in Anthophoridae. Social organization ranges from highly eusocial perennial colonies to solitary nesting, with several tribes entirely composed of nest parasites.
green sweat bees
Augochlora is a genus of small, metallic sweat bees in the family Halictidae, comprising approximately 127 valid species distributed from southern Canada to Argentina. The genus exhibits remarkable social flexibility, with most species showing facultative eusociality while at least one species, Augochlora pura, is exclusively solitary. Members nest primarily in decaying wood, though some species utilize soil. The genus is divided into three subgenera: Augochlora s. str., Oxystoglossella (formerly Oxystoglossa), and the extinct Electraugochlora known from Miocene Dominican amber.
metallic sweat bees
Augochloropsis is a genus of metallic sweat bees in the family Halictidae, comprising at least 140 described species. These bees are characterized by brilliant metallic coloration, typically bright green or blue-green, though some species exhibit gold, red, or purple hues. The genus displays remarkable behavioral plasticity, with social organization ranging from solitary to communal, semisocial, and primitively eusocial nesting. Augochloropsis is restricted to the New World, with the majority of species occurring in tropical and subtropical regions and a smaller number extending into temperate North America.
Primitive Weevils, Belids, Cycad Weevils (restricted usage)
Belidae is an ancient family of weevils distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by straight rather than elbowed antennae. The family exhibits a relictual Gondwanan distribution, with extant species found primarily in the Australia–New Guinea–New Zealand region, South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Pacific islands, and scattered African localities. Belidae comprises two living subfamilies: Belinae and Oxycoryninae. The family has undergone significant host-plant shifts from ancestral conifer associations to diverse angiosperm lineages, including cycads, palms, and parasitic flowering plants.
March flies, lovebugs, honeymoon flies
Bibionidae is a family of medium-sized flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 650–700 species worldwide. Adults are characterized by thickset bodies, moniliform antennae, and distinctive stout spurs on the front tibiae used by females for digging. The family includes notable genera such as Bibio, Dilophus, and Plecia—the latter containing the famous 'lovebugs' known for prolonged copulatory pairing. Adults of many species are nectar feeders and important pollinators, while larvae are soil-dwelling decomposers and occasional plant pests.
Blerina is a subtribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) established by Mutin in 1999. It comprises six genera: Blera, Caliprobola, Cynorhinella, Lejota, Philippimyia, and Somula. These hoverflies belong to the diverse family of flower flies, many of which are important pollinators. The subtribe represents a distinct lineage within the Syrphidae, though detailed biological and ecological information remains limited in the available literature.
bumble bees, bumblebees
Bombus is the sole extant genus in the tribe Bombini, comprising over 250 species of bumble bees. These bees are distinguished by their ability to forage in cooler temperatures and lower light conditions than many other bees, including honey bees. They perform buzz pollination—vibrating their flight muscles to dislodge pollen from flowers—a behavior critical for crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cranberries. Multiple Bombus species face significant population declines due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and pathogen transmission from commercial bee operations. Four California species (B. franklini, B. suckleyi, B. occidentalis, B. crotchii) are under endangered species protection consideration, with B. franklini feared extinct since 2006.
Hawk, Sphinx, Silk, Emperor, and Allied Moths
Bombycoidea is a superfamily of large-bodied moths comprising 10 families, including the silk moths (Bombycidae), giant silk moths (Saturniidae), sphinx or hawk moths (Sphingidae), and emperor moths (Saturniidae). Members are among the largest moths in the world, with adults typically possessing robust bodies and broad wings. Larvae frequently exhibit distinctive morphological features such as thoracic horns or tubercles. The superfamily is distinguished from close relatives in Lasiocampoidea by a combination of adult and larval characteristics.
bee flies
Bombyliinae is a large subfamily of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising more than 70 genera and at least 170 described species. Adults are important pollinators, while larvae are parasitoids. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except Antarctica, with notable diversity in Australia (17 genera, 87 species) and the Neotropics.
Honey Wasps, Mexican Honey Wasps
Brachygastra is a genus of 17 species of social paper wasps in the family Vespidae, commonly known as honey wasps. The genus is notable for being one of the few non-bee insects that produce and store honey in substantial quantities. Species are distributed throughout Central and South America, with one species (B. mellifica) extending into the southwestern United States. The genus exhibits pronounced morphological caste differentiation, with queens typically larger than workers. Nests are arboreal, constructed from chewed plant fibers, and can persist for multiple years in tropical climates.
Chrysogastrini
Brachyopini is a tribe of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. The tribe contains approximately 20 genera divided into two subtribes: Brachyopina and Spheginina. Members are generally darker and less colorful than many other hoverflies, though some genera such as Chrysogaster exhibit metallic luster. The tribe has been recorded across Europe including the Iberian Peninsula and Ukraine, with new species continuing to be described.
Calliopsini is a tribe of mining bees (family Andrenidae, subfamily Andreninae) comprising at least 120 described species across six genera. Members are solitary, ground-nesting bees found primarily in the Americas. The tribe includes the genera Acamptopoeum, Arhysosage, Calliopsis, Callonychium, Litocalliopsis, and Spinoliella.
gall midges, gall gnats
Cecidomyiinae is the largest subfamily in Cecidomyiidae, comprising over 600 genera and more than 5,000 described species. The subfamily exhibits remarkable ecological diversity: approximately 75% of species are herbivorous, many inducing galls on plants, while others are fungivores, predators, or parasitoids. Gall-inducing species attack a wide diversity of host plants worldwide and represent the most ecologically diverse gall-inducing group of organisms. Members can be distinguished from other Cecidomyiidae by characters of the male genitalia, antennal segment number, and larval abdominal bristles.
Oil-diggers
Centris is a genus of approximately 250 large apid bees distributed from the southern United States through South America. Females are specialized oil collectors, possessing morphological adaptations for gathering floral oils from plants, primarily in the family Malpighiaceae, which they use for larval nutrition and cell construction. The genus is sister to the corbiculate bees (honey bees, bumble bees, stingless bees) and represents an important lineage for understanding bee evolution and pollination ecology.
Longhorn beetles, Long-horned beetles, Longicorn beetles
Cerambycidae is a large family of beetles comprising approximately 35,000 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding body length, which gives rise to their common name. The family exhibits diverse ecological strategies, with larvae predominantly developing in woody tissues and adults showing varied feeding habits including pollen, nectar, and foliage consumption. Many species are important ecological decomposers of dead and dying wood, while some are significant forest pests.
Round-necked Longhorn Beetles
Cerambycinae is a large subfamily of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising over 715 genera and approximately 3,900 species. It represents one of the two most diverse subfamilies within Cerambycidae, rivaled only by Lamiinae. The subfamily exhibits worldwide distribution with particular diversity in the Americas, where 430 species in 130 genera occur in the neotropical realm. Members are characterized by morphological features including a rounded pronotum and specific maxillary palp structure.
biting midges, no-see-ums, sand flies, punkies, midgies
Ceratopogonidae is a family of minute flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as biting midges, no-see-ums, or punkies. Adults range from 1–6 mm in length, with most species between 1–3 mm. The family contains over 5,000 described species distributed worldwide except Antarctica and the Arctic. While many species feed on the blood of vertebrates including humans and livestock, the majority feed on the hemolymph of other insects. Several species serve as important pollinators of tropical crops, notably cacao.
Fruit and Flower Chafers, Flower Chafers, Flower Scarabs, Flower Beetles
Cetoniinae is a diverse subfamily of scarab beetles comprising approximately 4,000 species, many still undescribed. Adults are commonly known as fruit and flower chafers due to their frequent association with flowers for pollen and nectar, and their consumption of fruit. Many species exhibit bright coloration and distinctive patterns. The subfamily is characterized by a unique flight mechanism in which the elytra remain closed during flight while the membranous hind wings deploy through a specialized hinge, producing a bee-like flight appearance. Members occupy varied habitats including forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, and urban parks across tropical and temperate regions worldwide.
soldier beetles, leatherwings
A genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) comprising over 450 described species. Adults possess characteristically soft, flexible elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' Many species exhibit red-and-black or orange-and-black coloration reminiscent of historical military uniforms. Adults are diurnal and frequently associated with flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae are primarily ground-dwelling predators. The genus occurs in the Americas and Australia, with notable species including the goldenrod soldier beetle (C. pensylvanicus) and the plague soldier beetle (C. lugubris).
Low-horned Wrinkleheads
Chrysogaster is a genus of small hoverflies in the subfamily Eristalinae. Adults are dark or black with shiny colorful reflections and visit flowers in damp marshy areas. The aquatic larvae possess a short posterior breathing siphon, shorter than that of related genera such as Eristalis. Several related genera—Melanogaster, Orthonevra, Lejogaster, and Riponnensia—were formerly classified within Chrysogaster.
plasterer bees, polyester bees, cellophane bees
Colletidae is a family of solitary bees comprising over 2,000 species across 54 genera and five subfamilies. Members are commonly called plasterer bees or polyester bees due to their distinctive nest cell linings: females apply oral and abdominal secretions that dry into a cellophane-like, waterproof polyester membrane. The family exhibits exceptional diversity in Australia and South America, with over 50% of Australian bee species belonging to this family. Two subfamilies, Euryglossinae and Hylaeinae, uniquely lack external pollen-carrying structures (scopa) and instead transport pollen internally in their crops, feeding larvae with liquid or semiliquid pollen masses. Most species are solitary ground-nesters, though many form dense aggregations, and some exhibit crepuscular activity with enlarged ocelli.
Conanthalictus is a genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, established by Cockerell in 1901. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed in North America, primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized bees associated with the tribe Rophitini.
Green June Beetles
Cotinis is a genus of flower chafer scarab beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, distributed throughout North and South America. The genus was erected by Hermann Burmeister in 1842 and contains approximately 25 species. At least two species, C. nitida (Green June Beetle) and C. mutabilis (Fig Beetle), are recognized as common agricultural and garden pests. Members are characterized by their distinctive flight mechanism where hardened elytra remain closed while membranous hindwings extend for flight, producing a bee-like appearance and sound.
Masked Chafers
Cyclocephala is a large genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as masked chafers. Adults are small brown beetles (10–15 mm) with a distinctive black facial mask across the eyes. The genus is endemic to the Americas, ranging from southeastern Canada to Argentina, India, and the West Indies. Adults are nocturnal or crepuscular and attracted to lights. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on organic matter and plant roots, and are significant pests of turfgrass.
Masked Chafers and Rice Beetles
Cyclocephalini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Dynastinae, comprising 14 genera and over 500 species. The tribe includes the most speciose genus of dynastines, Cyclocephala, with more than 350 species. Members are primarily Neotropical in distribution and are commonly known as masked chafers and rice beetles. These beetles are strongly associated with flowers, serving as pollinators and florivores, with many species exhibiting specialized relationships with palm inflorescences and other flowering plants.
Aphid Hover Flies
Episyrphus is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Syrphinae, commonly known as aphid hover flies. The genus contains two recognized subgenera: Episyrphus and Asiobaccha, with the latter distinguished by a petiolate abdomen. Larvae are predatory, frequently preying on aphids. The most widely distributed species, E. balteatus, exhibits migratory behavior and has been extensively studied for its role in biological control. Taxonomic classification within the genus requires revision due to unclear species boundaries and environmentally variable diagnostic characters.
Pleasing Fungus Beetles
Erotylidae, commonly known as pleasing fungus beetles, is a family of beetles in the superfamily Erotyloidea containing over 100 genera. The family includes six tribes (Tritomini, Dacnini, Megalodacnini, Erotylini, Cryptophilini, and Languriini) and ten subfamilies. Members feed on plant and fungal matter; some species serve as important pollinators of ancient cycads, while a few are significant agricultural pests. The oldest known fossil is from Early Cretaceous (Barremian) Lebanese amber.
Forcipomyia macswaini is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth in 1952. The genus Forcipomyia is notable for containing species that serve as specialized pollinators, including the chocolate midges responsible for pollinating cacao trees. Members of this genus are typically minute flies, often measuring only 1-3 mm in body length. The specific epithet honors entomologist J.W. MacSwain, who made significant contributions to the study of Ceratopogonidae.
digger bees, silver digger bees
Habropoda is a genus of solitary, ground-nesting bees in the family Apidae, tribe Anthophorini, comprising at least 50 described species. These bees are distributed across North America and Asia, with notable species including the silver digger bee (H. miserabilis) in western North America and the blueberry bee (H. laboriosa) in the southeastern United States. Research on Habropoda has contributed significantly to understanding chemical communication in bees, particularly regarding sex pheromone composition and exploitation by nest parasites.
sweat bees, halictid bees
Halictidae is the second-largest family of bees with nearly 4,500 described species worldwide. Commonly called sweat bees, many species are attracted to human perspiration to obtain dissolved salts and electrolytes. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in social organization, ranging from solitary to primitively eusocial species, and includes the taxon for which the term "eusocial" was originally coined. Halictids are important pollinators of wildflowers and some agricultural crops.
Sweat bees, Furrow bees
The Halictinae represent the largest and most diverse subfamily of Halictidae, comprising over 2,400 species across five tribes: Augochlorini, Thrinchostomini, Caenohalictini, Sphecodini, and Halictini. These small bees are characterized by extraordinary social diversity, ranging from solitary nesting to obligate eusociality, with eusociality having evolved approximately 20-22 million years ago. The subfamily serves as a key model system for studying social evolution due to its recent origins of eusociality and extensive behavioral polymorphisms within and between species.
sweat bees
Halictini is a cosmopolitan tribe of sweat bees (Halictidae) comprising over 2300 described species. The tribe is divided into five subtribes: Halictina, Sphecodina, Thrinchostomina, Caenohalictina, and Gastrohalictina. Members exhibit diverse social systems ranging from solitary to eusocial, with some species exhibiting social parasitism. The tribe includes the large genus Lasioglossum s.l. and the Halictus genus-group.
clearwing moths, hummingbird moths, bee hawk-moths
Hemaris is a genus of diurnal sphinx moths in the family Sphingidae, native to the Holarctic region. Adults are small, bumblebee mimics with transparent wing patches created by shed scales, and are often mistaken for hummingbirds in flight. The genus includes 23 accepted species, with five native to North America and three to Europe. Larvae are hornworms that feed primarily on plants in the honeysuckle and teasel families.
Skippers
Hesperiidae, commonly known as skippers, is a large family of diurnal butterflies in the order Lepidoptera. The family contains over 3,500 recognized species distributed worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical regions. Skippers are named for their rapid, darting flight patterns. A distinctive morphological feature is the antenna tip, which is modified into a narrow hook-like projection rather than the rounded club found in most other butterfly families. The family was formerly placed in its own superfamily Hesperioidea but is now classified within Papilionoidea based on recent molecular studies.
Monkey Beetles
Hopliini is a tribe of scarab beetles commonly known as monkey beetles, established by Latreille in 1829. The tribe's placement within Scarabaeidae remains uncertain, with some classifications placing it in Melolonthinae and others in Rutelinae. Members are characterized by their frequent association with flowers, where they feed on pollen, nectar, and floral tissues. The tribe is particularly diverse and ecologically significant in the Greater Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, where they serve as important pollinators for numerous plant families.
Masked Bees, Yellow-faced Bees
Hylaeus is a large, diverse genus of solitary bees in the family Colletidae, commonly known as masked bees or yellow-faced bees. The genus contains over 500 species with cosmopolitan distribution, reaching peak diversity in subtropical Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. These bees are distinguished by their nearly hairless, wasp-like appearance and unique method of transporting nectar and pollen internally in a crop rather than externally on body hairs. Many species nest in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems, beetle borings in wood, or abandoned galls.
Butterflies and Moths, Lepidopterans
Lepidoptera is an order of winged insects comprising approximately 180,000 described species across 126 families and 46 superfamilies, making it the second largest insect order after Coleoptera. The group includes butterflies and moths, distinguished by scaled wings and bodies, complete metamorphosis with caterpillar larvae, and a coiled proboscis in most adults for liquid feeding. The order originated in the Triassic-Jurassic boundary around 200 million years ago and has coevolved extensively with flowering plants.
flower longhorn beetles, lepturine beetles
Lepturinae is a subfamily of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising approximately 150 genera worldwide, with greatest diversity in the Northern Hemisphere. Members are commonly called 'flower longhorns' due to their distinctive adult behavior of visiting flowers for feeding. The subfamily is characterized by slender body form, posteriorly tapering elytra, and eyes that do not surround the antennal bases. Unlike most cerambycids, adults are primarily diurnal. The subfamily was historically broader, with Necydalinae recently recognized as separate. Nine to ten tribes are currently recognized, though some generic placements remain uncertain.
mason bees, leafcutter bees, carder bees
Megachilinae is the largest subfamily of bees within the family Megachilidae, comprising mason bees, leafcutter bees, and carder bees. These bees are characterized by their unique nesting behaviors: leafcutters use circular pieces of leaves or petals to line brood cells, masons construct nests from mud or plant resins, and carders collect plant fibers. Unlike most bees, females carry pollen on specialized scopal hairs located on the underside of the abdomen rather than on the hind legs. The subfamily includes numerous genera distributed globally, with species exhibiting diverse habitat preferences from deserts to tropical forests.
Pollen Beetles
Meligethinae is a subfamily of pollen beetles within the family Nitidulidae, comprising approximately 700 described species across about 50 genera. All species are associated with flowers or inflorescences of host plants, with the vast majority feeding on dicots and approximately 7% on monocots. The subfamily is widespread in the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental Regions, but absent from the Neotropics and Antarctica. Adults serve as effective pollinators of their host plants, including palms and various flowering crops.
Mexican sweat bees
Mexalictus is a genus of sweat bees established by Eickwort in 1978. The genus comprises more than 20 described species distributed in the Halictidae family. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized bees characterized by metallic coloration typical of many halictids. The genus is native to Mexico and adjacent regions.