Soil-nesting
Guides
Agapostemon coloradinus
Colorado Striped Sweat Bee
Agapostemon coloradinus, the Colorado striped-sweat bee, is a species of metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Agapostemon, which are distributed across North America. Members of this genus are commonly known as "green sweat bees" due to their distinctive metallic coloration. The specific epithet "coloradinus" suggests a connection to Colorado, though the full geographic range extends more broadly. Like other halictid bees, it is a solitary or primitively eusocial pollinator that nests in soil.
Andrena aliciae
Yellow-faced Miner Bee
Andrena aliciae, known as the Yellow-faced Miner Bee, is a solitary mining bee species in the family Andrenidae. It is native to North America and belongs to a large genus of ground-nesting bees that are important spring pollinators. Like other Andrena species, it excavates tunnels in soil to create nests provisioned with pollen for its larvae.
Andrena dunningi
Dunning's Miner Bee, Dunning's Miner
Andrena dunningi is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. Like other Andrena species, it is a ground-nesting bee that excavates tunnels in soil to provision with pollen and lay eggs. As a spring-flying bee, it contributes to early-season pollination. The species is one of many Andrena bees that form a significant component of native bee diversity in temperate North American habitats.
Anoplius americanus americanus
Anoplius americanus americanus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Members of the genus Anoplius are solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. This subspecies is part of a widespread North American species complex. Spider wasps in this genus are known for their distinctive hunting behavior and powerful stings used to paralyze prey.
Astata
Astata is a cosmopolitan genus of solitary predatory wasps in the subfamily Astatinae, family Crabronidae. With 87 recognized species and subspecies worldwide, it is the largest genus in its subfamily. The genus is distinguished by distinctive wing venation patterns and pronounced sexual dimorphism in eye structure. Males possess exceptionally large compound eyes that meet dorsally at the top of the head, while females have normal, separated eyes.
Astata unicolor
Astata unicolor is a solitary, soil-nesting wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is sexually dimorphic: males have black abdomens and enlarged eyes that meet at the top of the head, while females have black and orange abdomens with normal, separated eyes. The species is a predator of stink bugs (Pentatomidae), with documented preference for late-instar nymphs and adults of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Females paralyze prey with a sting, transport it to underground nests, and provision cells for their larval offspring.
Augochloropsis viridula
Northeastern Sweat Bee
Augochloropsis viridula, commonly known as the northeastern sweat bee, is a metallic green bee in the family Halictidae. The species was first described by Frederick Smith in 1853, then treated as a subspecies of A. metallica, but was reinstated as a full species in 2022 based on taxonomic research. It is found in the midwestern United States and Canada. Like other halictids, it is a solitary bee that nests in soil.
Crabro latipes
Crabro latipes is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, a group of solitary predatory wasps. The species was described by Frederick Smith in 1856. Like other members of the genus Crabro, it is a fossorial wasp that constructs burrows in soil to provision with prey for its developing young. The specific epithet "latipes" refers to broad feet, likely describing a morphological feature of the legs.
Dieunomia heteropoda
Giant Sweat Bee
Dieunomia heteropoda is a large sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Giant Sweat Bee. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species nests in aggregations in hard-packed soil, with males exhibiting patrolling and digging behaviors to locate females at nest entrances. Two subspecies are recognized: D. h. heteropoda and D. h. kirbii.
Diodontus
Diodontus is a genus of solitary aphid-hunting wasps in the family Crabronidae (subfamily Pemphredoninae). Species are distributed across Europe, Africa, and North America. The genus includes cryptic species that can be morphologically nearly identical but ecologically differentiated, as demonstrated by D. argillicola and D. tristis, which are separated primarily by nesting substrate preference (clay versus sand) rather than visible morphology. Females construct nest tunnels in soil or substrate and provision them with paralyzed aphids as larval food.
Diphaglossinae
Diphaglossinae is a subfamily of solitary bees in the family Colletidae, comprising nine genera and over 130 described species. The group is primarily distributed in the New World, with species found in Argentina, Chile, and other regions of South America. Nesting biology has been documented for several species, revealing distinctive architectural patterns including vertical brood cells with curved necks and main tunnels oriented vertically in soil or horizontally in banks. Some species exhibit gregarious nesting behavior, while others forage in dim light conditions.
Dorymyrmex
pyramid ants, cone ants
Dorymyrmex is a genus of ants in the subfamily Dolichoderinae, commonly known as pyramid ants or cone ants. The genus exhibits an amphitropical distribution pattern, with highest diversity concentrated in arid temperate regions of North and South America rather than tropical zones. Phylogenomic studies have identified four major species groups: D. flavescens, tener, wolffhuegeli, and pyramicus groups. The genus has undergone rapid evolutionary radiation, particularly in the pyramicus group, presenting ongoing taxonomic challenges.
Dorymyrmex smithi
Smith's Pyramid Ant
Dorymyrmex smithi is a species of pyramid ant in the genus Dorymyrmex, described by Cole in 1936. The species is endemic to the United States and Mexico. Pyramid ants are known for their distinctive conical nest mounds and preference for open, dry habitats. Dorymyrmex smithi is part of a genus that exhibits high diversity in the Neotropics and has undergone rapid evolutionary radiation in North America.
Eucerceris
weevil wasps
Eucerceris is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing over 40 described species. These wasps are commonly known as 'weevil wasps' due to their specialized predatory relationship with weevils (Curculionidae). The genus has been subject of taxonomic study by specialists including George R. Ferguson, who completed work on the group begun by Herm Scullen. Species are found in North America and are active during warm months when their prey is available.
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.
Euparagia
Euparagia is the sole extant genus of the subfamily Euparagiinae within family Vespidae. The group represents a geographically relict taxon with a formerly cosmopolitan distribution in past geological times, now restricted to desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The genus contains ten described species, most named by Bohart between 1938 and 1988. Biological knowledge is extremely limited; only Euparagia scutellaris has been studied, with females known to provision soil nests with weevil larvae.
Euparagiinae
Euparagiinae is a rare subfamily of wasps in the family Vespidae, containing a single extant genus Euparagiia. Once cosmopolitan in distribution dating back to the Early Cretaceous, the group is now geographically relict, restricted to desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The subfamily is the sister group to all other Vespidae and possesses distinctive wing venation not found elsewhere in the family.
Exomalopsis
Exomalopsis is a genus of solitary bees in the family Apidae, tribe Exomalopsini, comprising nearly 90 described species with many more undescribed. These bees are restricted to the Western Hemisphere, occurring in both Neotropical and Nearctic realms. Species nest communally in soil, excavating deep tunnels with branching underground pathways leading to individual brood cells. The genus is notable for its complex associations with kleptoparasitic cuckoo bees and parasitoid wasps.
Formica moki
field ant
Formica moki is a medium-sized North American ant species first described by Wheeler in 1906. Workers are approximately 6 mm long and exhibit distinctive coloration with a dark head, orange-brown mesosoma, and silvery-gray gaster. The species nests in soil and has been documented in California's Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven, where it occurs alongside other native ant species. It is not known to be a social parasite.
Gorytina
Gorytina is a subtribe of digger wasps within the tribe Bembicini, family Crabronidae. These wasps are solitary and typically nest in soil, with many species specializing on particular prey types. The subtribe includes approximately 20 genera distributed globally, with notable diversity in North America. Members are distinguished from other Bembicini by morphological features of the clypeus and labrum.
Habropoda depressa
Habropoda depressa is a species of anthophorine bee in the family Apidae. It is a solitary ground-nesting bee found in North America. Like other members of the genus Habropoda, it is a digger bee that excavates nests in soil. The species was described by Fowler in 1899.
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.
Larrina
larrine wasps
Larrina is a subtribe of digger wasps within the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini. These solitary wasps are characterized by reduced simple eyes (ocelli) that appear as scars rather than functional eyes. Members of this group nest in soil and provision their young with paralyzed insect prey. The subtribe includes genera such as Tachytes and the remarkable giant wasp Megalara garuda from Indonesia.
Lasioglossum cressonii
Cresson's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum cressonii is a small, metallic sweat bee native to North America. The species exhibits eusocial colony organization with queens, workers, and reproductive broods. It is an important pollinator of native plants and agricultural crops, including apple trees. First described by Charles Robertson in 1890, this bee nests primarily in soil or wood in low-elevation areas.
Lasioglossum titusi
Titus's Sweat Bee, Titus' Lasioglossum
Lasioglossum titusi is a solitary sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to North America. It is a ground-nesting species that excavates burrows in flat, bare soil, often forming nest aggregations with multiple individuals nesting in close proximity. As a polylectic species, it collects pollen from a wide variety of flowering plants rather than specializing on a single host. The species is part of the largest genus of bees, Lasioglossum, which contains over 1,700 species globally.
Lasioglossum zephyrus
Zephyr Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum zephyrus is a small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to the United States and Canada. The species exhibits primitively eusocial behavior with flexible social organization—colonies may contain multiple females with overlapping generations, or females may nest solitarily. Nests are constructed in soil burrows, often in aggregations of up to 1,000 nests along south-facing stream banks. Males are slightly larger than females, with brighter metallic green coloration and redder abdomens.
Lasius
Citronella Ants, Fuzzy Ants, Moisture Ants, Yellow Ants, Lemon Ants
Lasius is a genus of formicine ants comprising approximately 100 species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, including free-living species, temporary social parasites, and the hyper-social parasite Lasius fuliginosus. Many species are known as "citronella ants" due to their production of citronellal, a lemon-scented defensive compound. Lasius species are significant ecosystem engineers that modify soil properties and engage in mutualistic relationships with root-feeding aphids, herding them for honeydew production.
Lasius interjectus
Larger Yellow Ant, Larger Citronella Ant, Citronella Ant
Lasius interjectus, commonly known as the larger yellow ant or larger citronella ant, is a North American ant species distinguished by its yellowish coloration and distinctive lemon-citronella scent. Formerly classified in the genus Acanthomyops (now a subgenus of Lasius), this species nests in soil, often along building foundations, and is known for producing alate swarms that sometimes emerge indoors. The species poses no structural threat to buildings and is recognized by its chemical defense using citronellal and formic acid.
Lasius niger
Black Garden Ant, Common Black Ant
Lasius niger, the black garden ant, is a formicine ant native to Europe and parts of Asia, and introduced to North America, South America, and Australasia. It is one of the most abundant and intensively studied Palaearctic ant species. The species was historically considered strictly monogynous, with single-queen colonies dispersed by independent colony founding. However, recent research has documented potential for polygynous-supercolonial demography under certain conditions, with massive nest complexes containing tens of thousands of interconnected mounds observed in Ukraine. Workers are known for their aphid-tending behavior and distinctive lemony citronellal scent released when alarmed.
Lindenius
Lindenius is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae containing 63 known species, predominantly distributed in the Palearctic with some Nearctic representatives. Species exhibit diverse prey specialization: L. pygmaeus armatus hunts chalcid wasps (primarily Pteromalidae), while L. albilabris preys on paralyzed spiders. Nests are excavated in sandy or loess soils, with burrows containing multiple cells provisioned with prey items. Adults are active from late May to late July and visit flowers for nectar.
Mellinus
Mellinus is a genus of solitary digger wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing approximately 16-18 described species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, and Oriental regions. These small wasps (8-10 mm) are specialized predators of muscoid flies, which they hunt primarily near fresh manure and other fly-aggregating resources. Females excavate burrows in sandy soil to provision cells with paralyzed flies for their larvae. The genus is notable for its distinctive petiolate abdomen and feline-like stalking behavior when capturing prey.
Nesomyrmex
Nesomyrmex is a genus of myrmicine ants distributed across the Neotropical, Afrotropical, and Malagasy regions. Most species inhabit arid climates, though some occur in rainforest environments. They nest in soil or arboreally. The genus was established by Wheeler in 1910, and recent taxonomic work has described new species from Colombian tropical dry forest.
Nomiinae
Nomiine bees
Nomiinae is a subfamily of sweat bees (Halictidae) comprising approximately 11 genera and at least 550 described species. These bees are morphologically diverse, particularly in males, which often exhibit modified hind legs and metasomal sterna. The subfamily has a global distribution with significant diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Nomiine bees are ground-nesting pollinators, with documented nesting biology in several genera including Nomia, Dieunomia, and Hoplonomia. They exhibit varied social systems ranging from solitary to communal nesting.
Odontomachus brunneus
Florida Trap-jaw Ant, Brown Trap-jaw Ant
Odontomachus brunneus is a trap-jaw ant species notable for possessing the fastest predatory appendages recorded in the animal kingdom, with mandible closure speeds reaching 126-230 km/h. Workers exhibit cooperative rescue behavior toward trapped nestmates and maintain humid nest chambers that occasionally provide refugia for other species such as green anole eggs. The species has a distinctive seasonal breeding cycle with reproduction concentrated in the first six months of the year.
Philanthini
Philanthini is a tribe of wasps within the family Crabronidae, established by Latreille in 1802. Members are commonly known as beewolves or bee-killer wasps due to their specialized predatory behavior. The tribe includes genera such as Philanthus, which are notable for their distinctive hunting strategies and, in some species, the use of symbiotic bacteria to protect larval food stores. These wasps are solitary and nest in soil, provisioning their offspring with paralyzed bees.
Podalonia robusta
cutworm wasp, cutworm hunter wasp
Podalonia robusta is a solitary, thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, subfamily Ammophilinae. Females hunt soil-dwelling caterpillars (cutworms), paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows as food for their larvae. Unlike most sphecid wasps, this species digs the burrow after capturing prey rather than before. The species has been observed in aggressive nest usurpation, where one female steals a paralyzed caterpillar from another's burrow. Both sexes aggregate in sheltered spaces, with hundreds of individuals sometimes clustering together.
Pterocheilus
Pterocheilus is a genus of fossorial mason wasps in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Unlike most potter wasps that nest in pre-existing cavities or construct free-standing mud nests, species in this genus excavate burrows in soil or sand. The genus exhibits its greatest diversity in southwestern North America, with approximately 40 species recognized in the region. Females possess specialized morphological adaptations for digging, including tarsal rakes on the forelegs and a psammophore—long setae on the labial palps used to transport excavated soil away from the nest entrance.
Pterocheilus mirandus
Pterocheilus mirandus is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae, described by Cresson in 1897. Like other members of the genus Pterocheilus, this species is fossorial, excavating burrows in soil rather than using pre-existing cavities or constructing mud nests. The genus is most diverse in the southwestern United States, with approximately forty North American species. Most Pterocheilus species are poorly known biologically due to their secretive nesting habits and effective concealment of burrow entrances.
Pterocheilus pedicellatus
Pterocheilus pedicellatus is a species of solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1940. Like other members of the genus Pterocheilus, this species is fossorial, excavating burrows in soil rather than constructing above-ground mud nests or using pre-existing cavities. The genus is most diverse in the southwestern United States, with approximately forty North American species. Most Pterocheilus species are poorly known biologically, though related species provision their burrows with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae.
Pterocheilus pimorum
Pterocheilus pimorum is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Like other members of its genus, it is fossorial, excavating burrows in soil rather than using pre-existing cavities or building free-standing mud nests. The species was described by Viereck in 1908. Very little is known about its specific biology, though it likely shares the general characteristics of the genus: females dig burrows using modified forelegs with stout spines (tarsal rakes) and a psammophore (beard of setae on the mouthparts) for transporting excavated soil.
Pterocheilus quinquefasciatus
Pterocheilus quinquefasciatus is a fossorial solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Females excavate burrows in sandy or soft soil rather than using pre-existing cavities or building mud nests. The species is relatively large for the genus, with females measuring 13–16 mm in body length. It has been documented using caterpillars of Heliothis phloxiphaga (Darker Spotted Straw Moth) as prey in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, with females paralyzing victims and carrying them in flight to the burrow.
Solenopsis
fire ants, thief ants, ginger ants, tropical fire ants, red ants
Solenopsis is a genus of ants in the family Formicidae comprising over 200 species worldwide, including the notorious fire ants and thief ants. Members of this genus are characterized by their ability to deliver painful stings using a venom-injecting stinger. The genus includes some of the most economically and ecologically significant invasive ant species, particularly Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant), which has spread from South America to become a major pest across the southern United States and beyond. While fire ants represent a minority of Solenopsis species, they have disproportionate ecological and economic impacts due to their aggressive behavior, large colony sizes, and potent venom.
Solierella
Solierella is a genus of solitary digger wasps in the family Crabronidae, tribe Miscophini. Species nest in soil and provision their larvae with paralyzed spiders. The genus has been recorded from North America and India. Males patrol nesting areas, and nests are subject to parasitism by chrysidid wasps.
Spheciina
Spheciina is a subtribe of sand wasps within the tribe Bembicini, family Crabronidae. These wasps are characterized by their fossorial (digging) behavior and predatory lifestyle. The subtribe was established by Nemkov & Ohl in 2011 based on phylogenetic analysis. Members are primarily solitary hunters that provision nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae.