Species library

Roundneck Sexton Beetle

Nicrophorus orbicollis

A fascinating nocturnal recycler, the Roundneck Sexton Beetle is the forest's master undertaker. Known for its devote...

Insects

Ruby Meadowhawk

Sympetrum rubicundulum

A flash of brilliant crimson in the summer sun, the Ruby Meadowhawk is one of the most striking dragonflies found in ...

Insects

Ruddy Darter

Sympetrum sanguineum

With its striking blood-red body and jet-black legs, the Ruddy Darter is one of the most vivid summer visitors to the...

Insects

Rusty-patched Bumble Bee

Bombus affinis

The Rusty-patched Bumble Bee is a crown jewel of North American pollinators. Once common across the East and Midwest,...

Insects

Rusty Tussock Moth

Orgyia antiqua

A master of transformation and unusual habits, the Rusty Tussock Moth features day-flying males and flightless female...

Insects

Saffron Sapphire

Iolaus pallene

With its brilliant golden wings and hidden metallic 'sapphire' spots, the Saffron Sapphire is a high-speed jewel of t...

Insects

Saffron-winged Meadowhawk

Sympetrum costiferum

A late-season gem of the insect world, the Saffron-winged Meadowhawk brings a flash of brilliant red and gold to the ...

Insects

Salt Marsh Moth

Estigmene acrea

A snowy white beauty with a hidden splash of orange, the Salt Marsh Moth is a master of adaptation found from Canadia...

Insects

Saxon Wasp

Dolichovespula saxonica

A sophisticated aerial architect, the Saxon Wasp is a gardener's friend that builds intricate paper nests and provide...

Insects

Say's Burying Beetle

Nicrophorus sayi

The Say's Burying Beetle is a striking, orange-spotted marvel of the forest floor, known for its incredible parental ...

Insects

Scarce Chaser

Libellula fulva

A rare gem of the wetlands, the Scarce Chaser dazzles with its striking transition from vibrant orange to sky blue. W...

Insects

Scarlet Malachite Beetle

Malachius aeneus

A jewel of the summer meadow, the Scarlet Malachite Beetle captivates with its brilliant metallic green and fiery red...

Insects

Scarlet Percher

Diplacodes haematodes

The Scarlet Percher is one of the most striking dragonflies in the Southern Hemisphere, characterized by the male's i...

Insects

Scarlet Skimmer

Crocothemis servilia

A flash of fire in the garden, the Scarlet Skimmer is one of the most vibrant dragonflies you can encounter. Renowned...

Insects

Sculptured Resin Bee

Megachile sculpturalis

An architectural marvel of the insect world, the Sculptured Resin Bee is a large, solitary pollinator known for its g...

Insects

Scurfy Scale

Chionaspis furfura

The Scurfy Scale is a tiny architect of the backyard, building protective white armor that can coat the branches of f...

Insects

Setaceous Hebrew Character

Xestia c-nigrum

Named for the cryptic, ancient-looking symbol on its wings, the Setaceous Hebrew Character is a master of the night. ...

Insects

Seven-spotted Lady Beetle

Coccinella septempunctata

The iconic 'C-7' is a gardener's most colorful ally, patrolling backyard plants for pests with its striking red-and-b...

Insects

Sharp-angled Carpet

Euphyia unangulata

A masterpiece of geometric camouflage, the Sharp-angled Carpet is a frequent but often overlooked visitor to damp sum...

Insects

Sharp-nosed Leafhopper

Scaphytopius acutus

The Sharp-nosed Leafhopper is a master of miniature camouflage, featuring a uniquely pointed head and intricate wing ...

Insects

Shiny Flea Beetle

Asphaera lustrans

A miniature marvel of the insect world, the Shiny Flea Beetle dazzles with its metallic blue shell and golden spots. ...

Insects

Short-tailed Blue

Cupido argiades

A tiny, violet-hued gem of the grassy meadows, the Short-tailed Blue is famous for its delicate 'cupid' tails and low...

Insects

Short-winged Conehead

Conocephalus dorsalis

A gem of the marshland, the Short-winged Conehead is a vibrant green bush cricket that thrives in the humid micro-cli...

Insects

Silky Field Ant

Formica subsericea

The Silky Field Ant is a shimmering, high-speed architect that brings life to your garden soil. Recognizable by their...

Insects

Silver-ground Carpet

Xanthorhoe montanata

A common but beautiful summer visitor, the Silver-ground Carpet is easily recognized by its striking chocolate-brown ...

Insects

Silver-spotted Skipper

Epargyreus clarus

Don't let the drab brown wings fool you—the Silver-spotted Skipper is a master of disguise with a brilliant metallic ...

Insects

Silver Streaked Acacia Blue

Zinaspa todara

A shimmering jewel of the forest edge, the Silver Streaked Acacia Blue is famous for the brilliant metallic streaks t...

Insects

Silver-studded Blue

Plebejus argus

A shimmering jewel of the heathland, the Silver-studded Blue is a tiny marvel with a secret. Beyond its iridescent wi...

Insects

Silverleaf Whitefly

Bemisia tabaci

The Silverleaf Whitefly is a tiny, waxy-winged traveler that has conquered gardens across the globe. Though barely th...

Insects

Silverstreak Blue

Iraota timoleon

A shimmering jewel of the canopy, the Silverstreak Blue combines high-speed aerial acrobatics with stunning metallic ...

Insects

Six-striped Rustic

Xestia sexstrigata

With its warm cinnamon tones and elegant geometric markings, the Six-striped Rustic is a classic visitor of the Europ...

Insects

Slate Flash

Rapala manea

A metallic marvel of the garden, the Slate Flash is a tiny powerhouse of speed and color. Look for its shimmering blu...

Insects

Slender Blue Skimmer

Orthetrum luzonicum

The Slender Blue Skimmer is a master of the marsh, known for its delicate powdery-blue hue and its habit of returning...

Insects

Slender Skimmer

Orthetrum sabina

Meet the 'Green Marsh Hawk,' a strikingly striped predator that dominates the backyard skies. With its unique 'wasp-w...

Insects

Small Blue

Cupido minimus

Meet the Small Blue, a tiny treasure of the butterfly world that trades vibrant colors for subtle elegance. As the sm...

Insects

Small Blue Leaf Beetle

Nisotra breweri

A tiny jewel of the garden, the Small Blue Leaf Beetle dazzles with its metallic sheen and surprising jumping power.

Insects