This species of yellowjacket goes by many names across its range, including the Bald-faced Hornet. In the U.S., they are most common in the southeast, but can be found in the Rocky Mountain States, […]

In flight they may be mistaken for Mourning Cloak Butterflies because of their similar size, bobbing flight, and wing coloring. Carolina grasshoppers are abundant across the U.S. and Canada in all habitats, including roadsides, vacant […]

The Jagged Ambush Bug’s forelegs are thick and shaped like those of a praying mantis—perfect for grabbing and holding prey. In the same family as assassin bugs (Reduviidae), they have […]

This unique species of lady beetle has a descriptive, but gruesome, common name. Being all black in color, except for two red dots in the center of each wing cover […]

Our best guess for this immature bug (nymph) is a Conchuela Bug. These stink bugs come in a range of colors—olive-green, brown, gray, or black, with southern populations darker across their western North […]

These small, tawny orange butterflies start to emerge in mid to late summer and can be found in just about any habitat; including sagebrush, woodland clearings, gardens, and small streams. Caterpillars […]

The Western Pond Fly is a type of flower fly (family Syrphidae) that does a pretty convincing job of mimicking a yellowjacket, down to the wings. Yellowjackets and their relatives (subfamily […]

The Drone Fly was introduced to North America from Eurasia prior to 1874 and is now found throughout most of the world. The adults are European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) […]

If you’ve ever noticed nearly perfect ovals, circles or semicircles cut out of leaves (and even flowers), you might have some leafcutter bees nearby. These small bees readily inhabit “bee […]

We were thrilled to see this caterpillar in our inbox, as this species is uncommon (BugGuide). Paddle Caterpillars are so-named for the pairs of long black hairs with flattened tips that resemble paddles. […]