Species library

Small Skipper

Thymelicus sylvestris

A golden-orange spark in the summer grass, the Small Skipper is the engine of the meadow. Watch for its unique 'jet-p...

Insects

Small White

Pieris rapae

The Small White is the quintessential backyard butterfly, a snow-colored aerialist that brings life to every garden. ...

Insects

Smith's Dart

Xestia smithii

A warm-toned wonder of the northern night, Smith's Dart is a master of camouflage. This cinnamon-colored moth is a st...

Insects

Smoky Rubyspot

Hetaerina titia

The Smoky Rubyspot is a gothic beauty of the waterways, sporting dramatic dark-stained wings and brilliant crimson ac...

Insects

snake-climber

Adenia gummifera

The snake-climber is a fascinating woody liana that mimics the form of a serpent as it winds through the African cano...

Insects

Soldier

Danaus eresimus

With its rich mahogany wings and delicate white-spotted borders, the Soldier is a regal visitor to tropical and subtr...

Insects

Solomon's-seal sawfly

Phymatocera aterrima

A specialist of the shaded garden, the Solomon's-seal sawfly is a master of disguise until its spotted larvae begin t...

Insects

Soothsayer Dart

Graphiphora augur

A master of the midnight garden, the Soothsayer Dart is recognized by its mysterious 'dart' markings and earthy camou...

Insects

Southern Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa micans

With its shimmering violet-blue armor and gentle nature, the Southern Carpenter Bee is a crown jewel of the southeast...

Insects

Southern Darter

Sympetrum meridionale

A sun-loving master of the skies, the Southern Darter is recognized by its warm red tones and remarkably pale, clean ...

Insects

Southern Gossamer

Iolaus silas

The Southern Gossamer is a living jewel of the South African garden, sporting brilliant sapphire wings and a clever '...

Insects

Southern Oak Bush-cricket

Meconema meridionale

The Southern Oak Bush-cricket is the 'silent drummer' of the insect world, using rhythmic vibrations rather than loud...

Insects

Southern Red Mite

Oligonychus ilicis

The Southern Red Mite is a vibrant, microscopic gem of the backyard ecosystem. While tiny in stature, these ruby-colo...

Insects

Southern Skimmer

Orthetrum brunneum

A master of the summer heat, the Southern Skimmer is easily identified by the striking, uniform powder-blue coat of t...

Insects

Southern White Admiral

Limenitis reducta

An elegant master of the woodland edge, the Southern White Admiral dazzles with its velvet-black wings and flashes of...

Insects

Southern Wood Ant

Formica rufa

Meet the forest's most industrious engineers: the Southern Wood Ant. Famous for their massive thatched mounds and org...

Insects

Southern Yellowjacket

Vespula squamosa

The Southern Yellowjacket is a vibrant and highly social wasp famous for its unique orange queens and sprawling under...

Insects

Spanish Fly

Lytta vesicatoria

A shimmering jewel of the insect world, the Spanish Fly is an iridescent wonder with a hidden, toxic punch. Watch the...

Insects

Speckled Bush-cricket

Leptophyes punctatissima

A master of garden camouflage, the Speckled Bush-cricket is a flightless wonder covered in a galaxy of tiny dark spot...

Insects

Spined Soldier Bug

Podisus maculiventris

Meet your garden's most effective tiny security guard. The Spined Soldier Bug is a master hunter that protects your p...

Insects

Spongy Moth

Lymantria dispar

The Spongy Moth is one of nature's most resilient survivors, famous for its striking larvae and the day-flying antics...

Insects

Spot-winged Glider

Pantala hymenaea

The ultimate aerial nomad, the Spot-winged Glider is a golden-hued pilot that travels thousands of miles on the wind....

Insects

Spotless Lady Beetle

Cycloneda sanguinea

The Spotless Lady Beetle is nature's minimalist predator, identified by its brilliant orange shell and a total lack o...

Insects

Spotted Asparagus Beetle

Crioceris duodecimpunctata

Often mistaken for a ladybug at a distance, the Spotted Asparagus Beetle is a vibrant, 12-spotted jewel of the summer...

Insects

Spotted Cucumber Beetle

Diabrotica undecimpunctata

With its neon-green coat and twelve bold black spots, the Spotted Cucumber Beetle is a striking garden visitor that i...

Insects

Spotted Green Pine Needle Aphid

Eulachnus agilis

Meet the sprinter of the insect world. The Spotted Green Pine Needle Aphid is a leopard-spotted speedster that brings...

Insects

Spruce Aphid

Elatobium abietinum

A tiny green marvel with striking red eyes, the Spruce Aphid is a master of the cool season. While small, these sap-s...

Insects

Square-spot Rustic

Xestia xanthographa

A classic late-summer visitor, the Square-spot Rustic is easily identified by the neat, pale 'windows' on its wings. ...

Insects

Square-spotted Clay

Xestia stigmatica

A gem of the late-summer garden, the Square-spotted Clay is easily recognized by the bold geometric markings on its v...

Insects

Squash Lady Beetle

Epilachna borealis

The Squash Lady Beetle is a bold, spotted herbivore that turns the 'beneficial ladybug' narrative on its head. With i...

Insects

Steel-blue Cricket-hunter Wasp

Chlorion aerarium

A shimmering jewel of the garden, the Steel-blue Cricket-hunter is a master of pest control and one of the most strik...

Insects

Stout Vicetail

Hemigomphus heteroclytus

A striking yellow-and-black hunter of the Australian east coast, the Stout Vicetail thrives where other dragonflies f...

Insects

Striped Cucumber Beetle

Acalymma vittatum

A striking but notorious visitor to the vegetable patch, the Striped Cucumber Beetle is easily identified by its vibr...

Insects

Summer Chafer

Amphimallon solstitiale

Often called the 'June Bug' of Europe, the Summer Chafer is a bumbling, golden-brown beetle famous for its sunset swa...

Insects

Swarthy Skipper

Nastra lherminier

The understated ghost of the meadow, the Swarthy Skipper is a delight for those who appreciate the subtle details of ...

Insects

Swift Crab Spider

Mecaphesa celer

A pint-sized powerhouse of the garden, the Swift Crab Spider uses incredible camouflage and lightning-fast reflexes t...

Insects