Sexual-dimorphism
Guides
Phymata albopicta
jagged ambush bug
Phymata albopicta is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a sit-and-wait predator that hunts on flowers, using raptorial forelegs to seize prey. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and capable of capturing larger prey items.
Phymata americana
Jagged Ambush Bug, Ambush Bug
Phymata americana is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the jagged ambush bug. It is native to North and Central America, where it hunts on flowers using a sit-and-wait strategy. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size and weapon morphology, with females typically larger than males and possessing disproportionately longer raptorial forelegs. Color polymorphism occurs, with individuals showing variation in body coloration that appears to influence flower color preference for camouflage.
Phymatinae
Ambush Bugs
Ambush bugs (Phymatinae) are a subfamily of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) characterized by their sit-and-wait predatory strategy and exceptional camouflage. They possess heavily modified raptorial forelegs capable of seizing prey ten or more times their own body size. Adults range 5–12 mm in length with a distinctive squat, diamond-shaped body. The subfamily comprises approximately 300 species distributed across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide except Australia and New Zealand. Formerly treated as a separate family (Phymatidae), molecular phylogenetic studies confirm their placement within Reduviidae.
Piophilidae
cheese skipper flies, skipper flies, cheese flies, ham skippers, bacon flies
Piophilidae are a family of small Diptera commonly known as cheese skipper or skipper flies. Most species are scavengers specialized on animal products, carrion, and fungi. The family is notable for larvae that possess an unusual leaping ability, achieved by grasping their posterior with mouth hooks and releasing to catapult themselves. Several species have forensic and medical significance, including Piophila casei, a cosmopolitan pest of cured meats and cheeses whose larvae can cause enteric myiasis in humans.
Placoschema
Placoschema is a monotypic genus of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the tribe Trachyderini, established by Chemsak & Hovore in 2010. The genus contains a single species, Placoschema dimorpha, which exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in coloration. The genus was described from Mexican specimens, with the first U.S. record documented from Arizona in 2013. Members are notably small and somberly colored compared to other Trachyderini, which may have contributed to their being overlooked by collectors.
Placoschema dimorpha
Placoschema dimorpha is a small longhorned beetle (family Cerambycidae) and the sole member of its genus. Described from Mexico in 2010, it represents a significant range extension as the first U.S. record was documented from southeastern Arizona in 2013. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration: males have black elytra with red lateral margins on the basal half, while females have entirely reddish elytra or at most a darker apical fascia. At approximately 10 mm in length, its diminutive size and somber coloration contrast sharply with the typically large, colorful members of the tribe Trachyderini.
Plathemis lydia
Common Whitetail, Long-tailed Skimmer
Plathemis lydia, commonly known as the Common Whitetail or Long-tailed Skimmer, is a widespread dragonfly species across North America. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism: males possess a conspicuous white abdomen and brownish-black wing bands, while females have a brown body with different wing spot patterns. Research has documented significant wing morphometric differences between sexes, with males showing adaptations for faster flight and higher acceleration capacity, likely related to territorial behavior and predator evasion. The species inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats and is among the most frequently observed dragonflies in North America with over 110,000 iNaturalist records.
Platypezidae
Flat-footed Flies
Platypezidae is a family of small true flies (Diptera) comprising over 250 species worldwide. Adults are commonly known as flat-footed flies due to their characteristically modified tarsal segments, particularly in males. The family is primarily associated with woodland habitats where larvae develop as fungivores. Adults exhibit distinctive swarming behavior for mating and are frequently observed performing rapid, erratic movements on vegetation. The family was formerly broader in circumscription, with Opetiidae and some genera now placed in Atelestidae removed based on phylogenetic evidence.
Platystomatidae
Signal Flies
Platystomatidae, commonly known as signal flies, is a family of acalyptrate Diptera in the superfamily Tephritoidea. The family comprises approximately 1200 species in 127 genera, with highest diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Australasian and Afrotropical realms. Adults are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and often metallic coloration. Many species exhibit elaborate sexual dimorphisms, including extreme head modifications in males used in agonistic interactions. The family is notable for convergent evolution of eyestalks with Diopsidae, though developed through different morphological pathways.
Plecia
Lovebugs, March flies
Plecia is a genus of march flies in the family Bibionidae, commonly known as lovebugs. Several species, particularly Plecia nearctica, are notable for their distinctive mating behavior where males and females remain coupled in flight for hours or days. Adults are small flies, typically 6-9 mm long, with sexual dimorphism in head size—males possess large, bulbous compound eyes while females have relatively tiny heads. The genus includes both extant and fossil species, with fossil records dating from the Cretaceous through the Pleistocene. Some species have become significant nuisance pests due to their mass emergences and attraction to automobile exhaust.
Plectreurys
Plectreurys is a genus of ecribellate, haplogyne spiders in the family Plectreuridae, one of only two extant genera in this family. Species possess eight eyes—unusual among ecribellate haplogynes, which typically have six. They are nocturnal, sedentary hunters that inhabit silken tubes and rarely leave them. Males develop distinctive coupling spurs on the tibia of leg I, used during mating. The genus comprises 23 described species distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
Plectrodera scalator
Cottonwood Borer
Plectrodera scalator, commonly known as the Cottonwood Borer, is a large and striking longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America. It is the sole species in the genus Plectrodera. Adults are immediately recognizable by their robust body and distinctive checkered pattern of dense white pubescence on a glossy black background. The species is strongly associated with cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and other Populus species, where adults are most frequently encountered. Despite being described as common in the Great Plains, direct observations remain relatively infrequent, possibly due to cryptic behavior against foliage backgrounds.
Pleistodontes froggatti
Moreton Bay fig wasp
Pleistodontes froggatti is a small fig wasp native to Australia with an obligate mutualistic relationship with the Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla). The species was deliberately introduced to Hawaii in 1921 to support fig cultivation, and established in New Zealand by 1993 through long-distance dispersal or accidental transport. Adult females are approximately 3 mm in length, while males are smaller at 1.5 mm and exhibit distinct coloration. The wasp cannot reproduce outside the syconia of its specific host fig.
Pleocoma badia hirsuta
Pleocoma badia hirsuta is a subspecies of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, described by Davis in 1934. Like other Pleocomidae, adults are active during autumn rains and exhibit strong sexual dimorphism with flightless females. The subspecific epithet 'hirsuta' suggests increased hairiness relative to the nominate subspecies. It is one of several subspecies within the P. badia species complex found in western North America.
Pleocoma blaisdelli
rain beetle
Pleocoma blaisdelli is a rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, described by Linsley in 1938. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Pleocoma, all endemic to western North America. Rain beetles are named for their habit of emerging during autumn or winter rains to mate. The species is recorded from California. Like other Pleocoma, adults are sexually dimorphic and do not feed.
Pleocoma hirticollis
rain beetle
Pleocoma hirticollis is a species of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, a group of scarab beetles endemic to western North America. The species is active during autumn and winter rains, emerging only when soil is saturated. Three subspecies are recognized: P. h. hirticollis, P. h. reflexa, and P. h. vandykei. Like other Pleocomidae, adults are sexually dimorphic and do not feed.
Pleocoma marquai
rain beetle
Pleocoma marquai is a species of rain beetle described by Hovore in 1972. It belongs to the family Pleocomidae, a small group of scarab beetles known for their emergence during autumn rains. The species is known from California and is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Pleocoma.
Pleocoma puncticollis
Black Rain Beetle
Pleocoma puncticollis, commonly known as the black rain beetle, is a species of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae. It is endemic to California. Adults are known to emerge and fly during rainy conditions, a trait characteristic of the genus.
Pleocoma tularensis
rain beetle
Pleocoma tularensis is a species of rain beetle in the family Pleocomidae, distinguished by having one of the largest geographic ranges within the genus Pleocoma. It is endemic to the central and southern Sierra Nevada of California. Like other rain beetles, adults are sexually dimorphic: males are winged and capable of flight, while females are flightless. Adults do not feed and rely entirely on energy reserves accumulated during their extended larval development underground.
Plexippus paykulli
Pantropical Jumping Spider
Plexippus paykulli is a cosmopolitan jumping spider native to Southeast Asia, now established across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Commonly called the pantropical jumping spider, it is strongly associated with human-built structures, particularly building exteriors near light sources where it hunts insects. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males display black bodies with bold white stripes, while females are brownish-grey with tan markings. It is an active diurnal predator that does not construct prey-capture webs, relying instead on acute vision, stalking, and jumping to subdue prey.
Poecilus chalcites
Poecilus chalcites is a predaceous ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly found in agricultural systems and croplands across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species is recognized for its role as a biological control agent, feeding on multiple crop pests including corn rootworm, corn earworm, and cutworm species. Sexual dimorphism in foretarsus shape allows straightforward sex identification: males possess a heart-shaped proximal foretarsus, while females have a thinner structure. Laboratory rearing studies have established protocols for maintaining colonies, though laboratory-reared adults typically fail to reproduce.
Polistes annularis
Ringed Paper Wasp, Jack Spaniard Wasp, Red Paper Wasp
Polistes annularis is a primitively eusocial paper wasp native to the eastern United States, distinguished by its large size and distinctive red-and-black coloration with a prominent yellow ring on the abdomen. The species exhibits complex social behavior including cooperative nest founding by multiple foundresses, dominance hierarchies, and unique overwintering strategies involving honey storage. Nests are constructed in aggregations under overhangs near water bodies, with colonies typically containing 500 or more cells. Unlike many temperate Polistes species, P. annularis shows relatively robust cold tolerance and has been extensively studied as a model organism for social insect behavior and kin recognition.
social-wasppaper-waspprimitively-eusocialnest-aggregationoverwinteringhoney-storageMüllerian-mimicryfoundress-associationdominance-hierarchykin-recognitioncold-tolerancemodel-organismcaterpillar-predatorriparian-habitatannual-colony-cyclequeen-successioncuticular-hydrocarbonssubgenus-AphanilopterusPolistinaeVespidaeHymenopteraeastern-United-Statesred-and-black-colorationringed-abdomenorange-antennaecliff-nestinghibernaculausurpationaltruismreproductive-competitionjuvenile-hormoneovarian-developmentmicrosatellite-markersmaternity-assignmentbehavioral-ecologysocial-insectnest-architecturepetiole-constructionfoundress-evictionworker-emergencesexual-dimorphismstructural-sex-determinationtrehalosecold-survivalant-predationparasitoidElasmus-polistisChalcoela-iphitalisbiological-controlpollinatorsting-allergenantigen-5Linnaeus-1763Fabricius-1804etymology-Greek-polistesLatin-annularis-ringedPolistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
invasive-speciessocial-wasppaper-wasppredatorpollinatorurban-ecologyeusocialnest-constructionbiological-controlthermal-biologyspatial-learningvibrational-communicationaposematismhonest-signaloverwinteringdiapausePolistesVespidaeHymenopteraNorth-AmericaEuropeNew-ZealandSouth-AfricaSouth-Americamonarch-butterflycaterpillar-predationnest-architecturegynefoundressdominance-hierarchyclimate-change-impactenergeticsmetabolic-ratemicroclimatesuburban-habitatanthropogenicornamental-pestvineyard-pestfruit-damagestinging-insectvenompoison-glandwarning-colorationZahavian-signalStrepsipteraparasitoidXenosbehavioral-plasticityforaginglearningmemorythermoregulationectothermyendothermysolar-radiationnest-temperaturebrood-developmentcolony-survivalmultiple-foundingsingle-foundingseason-lengthlatitudetemperateMediterraneanhibernacleoverwintering-costsclimate-warmingrange-expansioncompetitionnative-species-displacementbiodiversity-impactconservationmanagementcontrolintegrated-pest-managementIPMidentificationantennae-colorfacial-markingscastereproductionmalefemalesexual-dimorphismantennaeabdomenwingmandiblesalivapapercombcellpediceltrophallaxislarvapupaadultworkerqueensubordinatedominantaggressiondefensethreat-displaystingtoxicitybrightnesscolorationpredator-avoidancepreycaterpillarLepidopterabutterflymothgardenagriculturevineyardorchardurbansuburbanruralforesthabitat-preferencetemperaturemetabolismquiescencetorporsurvivalfitnesscolonynestpopulationabundancedistributionrangeexpansioninvasionestablishmentintroductionbiotic-interactiontrophic-cascadeherbivory-suppressionplant-fitnessmilkweedDanaus-plexippusmonarchNelsonTasmanecosystem-impactconservation-managementbiological-invasionecologybehaviorphysiologymorphologytaxonomysystematicsnomenclaturegender-agreementLatinChrist1791Vespa-dominulabasionymcatalogue-of-lifeGBIFiNaturalistobservationcitizen-sciencephotographyillustrationfield-guideorangeblackyellowredcolor-patternsizewing-lengthbodycompactlegsshortfacesquaretriangulardarkcurledstraightelbowedbluntpointedtipZahaviancostly-signalhuntforagenectarhoneydewaphidscale-insectflowergrapeumbelliferfennellovageinsectmeatballfeedemergechewcaphexagonalwood-fiberbarkexposedopenumbrellastalkantrepellentsubstancecoatprotectlocationeaveattictreebranchvineshrubcavitybird-boxbee-hiveshedgrave-lanternoverwintershelterprotectedthermalclimatecoldwinterspringsummerautumnfallseasonmonthdayactivitydefendthreatdisplayraisetiptoesocialdominancehierarchyreproductiveegglayfoundcooperatecompeteselfishpassive-aggressiveindividualrecognitionfacial-markingcognitionmushroom-bodybrainintelligentartistarchitectnavigationplasticityspatialrelocatingfoodresourcedishbaittrainingexperiencevibrationcommunicationsignalsubstrate-borneabdominalwaggingoscillationsecretionmodulationperceivereactmovementattentionfeedinginspectionbody-temperatureambientsolarradiationmetaboliccostenergeticexpenditureefficiencywarmingchangeimpactincreaseinvasivespreadsuccesscompetitiveabilityflexibilityadaptationreactionresponseconditionyearvariationproductivityfoundingsinglemultipleratebenefitcooperationpredationparasitismvesparumstylopidstylopizationparasitehostinfestationmiteAcariwaspflyeffectcommunitydeclineDanausplexippusmortalityinstarearlylatelargersmallervulnerableresistantdiscoverychancecontactdirectrecruitmentnestmatesitecascadingtrophiccascadeherbivorysuppressionplantgrowthproductionAsclepiasnetexclusionexperimentoutcomesuggestionstrongdetrimentalecosystemstrategymethoddevelopmentprotectionbiodiversityregionfirst2016recentestablishedexoticcongenerchinensislongercomparisonhigherlowergreatestareabuiltstructurenativeunsuccessfultranslocateunablethrivewarmerorigincontributorfactorresearchthesisinsightbehaviourknowledgedirectionaideffectivejournalpublicationDOI10.26686wgtn14538585v1UniversityWellingtonVictoriaMScstudentdissertationstudyinvestigationanalysisdatafieldresidentreportlocalindirectinteractionlevelfunctionserviceprovisionnaturalpestbiocontrolornamentaldecorativecropdamagefruitcherrywesternColoradoatleastripeningchoicepreferenceheightgroundstratamicrositeenvironmentclosedhabitatdensevegetationsurroundingbushPatagoniaArgentinaChileNWdetected2003sympatriccoexistenceoverlapminimalfacilitationbehavioralprocessinterspecificsemi-urbanpoorlystudiedspeciesHypodyneruslabiatusnewlightfindingcontributionunderstandingcollectinganthropizedhighlightimportanceconsiderationEthology10.1111eth13505abstractonlylimiteddetailfulltextrequiredcomprehensivesynthesisvibrationalwidespreadregulatecrucialconspicuousoscillatorywagstrictlyassociatedpresencesuggestedinvolvementadult-larvahypothesisshort-termtrophallacticexchangemodulatesalivarydecreaseamountpreparereceivestimulatereleaseelectro-magneticshakerassesstimerecordmeasureimmediatelyafterplaybackresultshowproducepossiblyorderattractduringneithernorsupportallegedrolelong-lastingExperimentalBiology10.1242jeb186247flexiblesystemexpandingNorthAmericacausestirfastuponexplanationpresentliteraturegoodinvadernorthernriselittleknownnestingCentralinvesti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vibex
whirlabout
Polites vibex, commonly known as the whirlabout, is a grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. The common name derives from the adult's distinctive flight pattern—a circular, vortex-like motion during landing and takeoff. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males being orange and yellow while females are dark brown. It is resident throughout the southeastern United States, West Indies, Mexico, and tropical regions of Central and South America to Argentina, with seasonal northward migrations during warmer months.
Polydontomyia curvipes
Dimorphic Sickleleg
Polydontomyia curvipes, commonly known as the dimorphic sickleleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) and the sole member of its monotypic genus. Formerly classified under Lejops, it was reassigned to the resurrected genus Polydontomyia based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in leg structure, with males possessing the distinctive curved hind legs referenced in its specific epithet. As a member of the Eristalini tribe, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habitats typical of rat-tail maggot flies.
Polyommatinae
Blues
Polyommatinae, commonly known as the blues, is a diverse subfamily of gossamer-winged butterflies within the family Lycaenidae. The group was established in 1775 and takes its name from the type genus Polyommatus, referring to the ocelli (eye spots) on their wings. Males of most species exhibit distinctive blue coloration on the upper wing surfaces, while females are typically brown with blue scales limited to the wing bases. The subfamily contains four recognized tribes: Candalidini, Lycaenesthini, Niphandini, and Polyommatini, with the latter comprising the majority of genera and species. Despite being one of the most species-rich groups within Lycaenidae, Polyommatinae has been historically understudied and its phylogenetic relationships remain in need of revision.
Polyphylla avittata
spotted Warner valley dunes June beetle, spotted Warner valley dunes scarab beetle
Polyphylla avittata is a species of scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae, commonly known as the spotted Warner valley dunes June beetle. The species is endemic to sand dune habitats in the Warner Valley of Utah. Like other members of the genus Polyphylla, it exhibits sexual dimorphism in antennal structure, with males possessing enlarged, lamellate antennae used to detect female sex pheromones. The species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in scientific literature.
Polyphylla decemlineata
Ten-lined June Beetle, Watermelon Beetle
Polyphylla decemlineata is a large scarab beetle native to western North America, commonly known as the Ten-lined June Beetle or Watermelon Beetle. Adults are notable for their distinctive ten white stripes on dark elytra and greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae in males. The species is strongly attracted to lights and exhibits distinctive pheromone-mediated mating behavior where males actively search for flightless females. Larvae develop underground, feeding on roots of grasses and other plants.
Polyphylla hammondi
Hammond's Lined June Beetle
Polyphylla hammondi is a large scarab beetle in the subfamily Melolonthinae. Adults measure 24.8–35.5 mm in length and are highly variable in coloration with almost no stripes or mottling. Males possess greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones. The species is strongly associated with sand dune habitats across the Great Plains and southwestern North America. Males are attracted to lights at night and exhibit distinctive splayed-antennae behavior when actively searching for females. Females are rarely encountered and may be flightless.
Polyphylla monahansensis
Monahans ten-lined June beetle, Monahan's ten-lined June beetle
Polyphylla monahansensis is a large scarab beetle endemic to sand dune habitats of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Like other members of the genus, males possess greatly enlarged, fan-like antennae used to detect female sex pheromones. The species is nocturnal and attracted to lights, with males actively searching for flightless females after sunset. It is one of several Polyphylla species specialized to sandy environments in this region.
Polyphylla occidentalis
Western Ten-lined June Beetle, Western Lined June Beetle
Polyphylla occidentalis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the western ten-lined June beetle or western lined June beetle. It is native to the southeastern United States, where adults are active during warm summer months. The species is characterized by brownish coloration with white longitudinal stripes and enlarged, fan-like antennae in males that function in detecting female sex pheromones. Larvae develop underground, feeding on plant roots.
Polyphylla starkae
Auburndale Scrub Scarab Beetle
Polyphylla starkae is a large scarab beetle endemic to Florida's Lake Wales Ridge, where it inhabits specialized scrub habitat. The species belongs to the pubescens species complex and exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are flightless with reddish-brown, fused elytra, while males are capable of flight and possess dark elytra with patchy light brown setae. The specific epithet honors collector Donna Stark, and the common name references Auburndale, Florida, near its restricted range.
Polyphylla uteana
Coral Pink Sand Dunes June Beetle
Polyphylla uteana is a large scarab beetle endemic to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes in southwestern Utah. Males possess exceptionally developed lamellate antennae with seven highly elongate plates that fan open to detect female pheromones. The species is nocturnal and attracted to ultraviolet light. Like other Polyphylla species, females are likely flightless and rarely encountered.
Polyphylla variolosa
Variegated June Beetle
Polyphylla variolosa, commonly known as the Variegated June Beetle, is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a medium-sized species, approximately 2 cm in length, with reddish-brown coloration. Males possess enlarged, fan-like antennae with seven antennomeres that are longer than those of females, which they use to detect female sex pheromones. The species is associated with sandy soil habitats, particularly in coastal and Great Lakes regions of eastern North America.
Polytribax
Polytribax is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae containing approximately 15 described species. Members are parasitoids of Lepidoptera pupae, with females adapted for ground-level foraging in leaf litter and soil. The genus exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, particularly pronounced in Polytribax perspicillator. Species are distributed across the Western Palaearctic with records extending to the Oriental and Nearctic realms.
Ponometia exigua
Bicolored Bird-dropping Moth
Ponometia exigua is a noctuid moth commonly known as the Bicolored Bird-dropping Moth. First described by Fabricius in 1793, it occurs across the southeastern United States, Caribbean islands, and extends through Central America to Brazil. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Erechtites hieraciifolia and Waltheria ovata.
Priacma serrata
Priacma bleach beetle
Priacma serrata is the sole extant species in the genus Priacma, a relict lineage of reticulated beetles in the family Cupedidae. Males are strongly attracted to the odor of bleach and other chlorine-based compounds, a unique behavioral trait that facilitates collection and study. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females substantially larger than males and rarely encountered. Adult males possess non-functional digestive tracts and do not feed. Populations display episodic mass emergence events rather than continuous adult activity.
Prionus californicus
California root borer, California prionus
Prionus californicus is a large, sexually dimorphic longhorned beetle native to western North America. Adults emerge from soil in early summer and are active from June through August. Females are larger than males and produce a volatile sex pheromone to attract mates, while males possess more strongly serrated antennae. The species spends most of its life cycle underground as root-feeding larvae, making it a significant pest of orchards, vineyards, and other woody plants.
Prionus laticollis
broad-necked root borer, broad necked prionus
Prionus laticollis, commonly known as the broad-necked root borer, is a large root-boring longhorn beetle native to eastern North America. The species is a significant economic pest of apple orchards, where larvae tunnel through roots causing structural damage to trees. Adults are primarily nocturnal, with males attracted to lights and females using an elongated ovipositor to deposit eggs in soil. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with females substantially larger than males. The life cycle spans 3-4 years, with larvae developing underground while feeding on tree roots.
Pristiphora geniculata
mountain ash sawfly, rowan leaf sawfly, Ebereschen-Blattwespe
Pristiphora geniculata is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, native to the Palaearctic region and introduced to North America. It is a specialized herbivore of Sorbus species, particularly mountain ash (rowan). The species exhibits facultative parthenogenesis and shows pronounced sexual dimorphism in larval development, with females having five instars compared to four in males. In eastern Canada, it typically produces two generations annually, though only one in northern Quebec and at higher elevations in Europe. The species has been the target of successful classical biological control programs using the parasitoid wasp Olesicampe geniculatae.
Pristocera
Pristocera is a genus of chrysidoid wasps in the family Bethylidae, distributed across the Old World. Males are distinguished by a hypopygium split into two separate plates, while females possess petiolar flaps. The genus comprises numerous species, with documented diversity in Africa, Asia, and Papua New Guinea. At least one species, Pristocera rufa, is known to be a gregarious ectoparasitoid of weevil larvae.
Pristocerinae
Pristocerinae is a subfamily of Bethylidae, a family of parasitoid wasps. The group includes both extant and extinct species, with fossil evidence from Eocene Baltic amber. Members are characterized by reduced wing venation and sexual dimorphism between males and females. A notable fossil discovery from the Yantarny amber mine preserved a male and female specimen together, providing rare direct evidence of conspecific association in Hymenoptera.
Prochyliza
Waltzing Flies
Prochyliza is a genus of waltzing flies in the family Piophilidae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus is best known for the species Prochyliza xanthostoma, which exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: males possess elongated, torpedo-shaped heads with long antennae, while females have more conventional head proportions. Males engage in ritualized combat and courtship displays on carrion, using their modified heads in territorial battles. The genus occurs primarily in the Nearctic region, with some species distributed in the Palearctic.
Prochyliza varipes
waltzing fly
Prochyliza varipes is a species of piophilid fly commonly known as the waltzing fly. Males exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism with elongated, conical heads and long antennae used in territorial combat. The species is associated with carrion, particularly decomposing animal remains. It is most active in early spring, often appearing when melting snow exposes winter-killed animals.
Proteroiulus fuscus
Ochre Snake Millipede
Proteroiulus fuscus is a small European millipede in the family Blaniulidae, commonly known as the Ochre Snake Millipede. It exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size, with females notably larger than males. The species has a widespread but patchy distribution across Europe, being absent from several countries in the Balkans and Mediterranean region as well as various European islands.
Pseudacteon tricuspis
fire ant decapitating fly, phorid fly
Pseudacteon tricuspis is a parasitoid phorid fly that specifically targets the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). Adult females deposit eggs directly into worker ants, and the developing larvae eventually decapitate the host. The species was introduced to the United States in the late 1990s as a biological control agent against this invasive ant. Native to South America, it has now established populations across the southeastern United States.
Pseudocotalpa giulianii
Giuliani's dune scarab, Giuliani's dune scarab beetle
Pseudocotalpa giulianii is a sand dune-inhabiting scarab beetle endemic to Nevada, United States. It is named for Derham Giuliani, who first collected the species from the Amargosa Desert. The species exhibits sexual size dimorphism, with males measuring 17–25 mm and females 14–22 mm in length.
Pseudogonatopus
Pseudogonatopus is a genus of dryinid wasps established by Perkins in 1905. Species in this genus are parasitoids of planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), particularly Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper), a major rice pest in Asia. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism: females are wingless with ant-like morphology, while males are winged. Members possess strong mandibles used for host feeding. The genus has been studied extensively for its role in biological control of rice planthoppers and for assessing non-target effects of transgenic Bt rice.
Pseudomethoca frigida
Pseudomethoca frigida is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, a group of solitary wasps known for their aposematic coloration and powerful stings. The genus Pseudomethoca contains species that are often considered models for mimicry complexes, particularly for checkered beetles (Cleridae) such as Enoclerus ichneumoneus. Like other mutillids, females are wingless and males are winged, with the sexes exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism. The species was described by Smith in 1855 and is part of the diverse North American velvet ant fauna.
Psorthaspis planata
Psorthaspis planata is a spider-hunting wasp in the family Pompilidae, native to western North America with highest observation frequency in California and Baja California. The species specializes in hunting trapdoor spiders, with the California trapdoor spider documented as prey. Sexual dimorphism in eye and ocellar structure has been described, with females showing eyes positioned remote from the head vertex and low ocelli placement.