Species library

Turnip Sawfly

Athalia rosae

The Turnip Sawfly is a jewel-toned visitor to the summer garden, easily recognized by its glowing orange body and dar...

Insects

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

Libellula pulchella

A master of aerial maneuvers, the Twelve-spotted Skimmer is easily recognized by its ornate, spotted wings and bold t...

Insects

Twin-spot Skipper

Oligoria maculata

A small but striking resident of the Southeast, the Twin-spot Skipper is easily identified by the bright white dots t...

Insects

Twister

Tholymis tillarga

The ghost of the twilight garden, the Twister is a master of evening aerobatics. Known for its glowing white wing pat...

Insects

Two-lined Spittlebug

Prosapia bicincta

A striking master of disguise and jumping, the Two-lined Spittlebug brings a splash of racing-stripe color to Eastern...

Insects

Two-spotted Bumble Bee

Bombus bimaculatus

The Two-spotted Bumble Bee is the herald of spring, often the very first bee to visit your garden as the weather warm...

Insects

Two-spotted Lady Beetle

Adalia bipunctata

A pint-sized guardian of the garden, the Two-spotted Lady Beetle is a vibrant red ally in the fight against plant pes...

Insects

Twospotted Spider Mite

Tetranychus urticae

The Twospotted Spider Mite is a master weaver that builds an entire world on the underside of a single leaf. Nearly i...

Arachnids

Vagrant Darter

Sympetrum vulgatum

A vibrant master of the late-summer garden, the Vagrant Darter is easily identified by its unique 'moustache' and its...

Insects

Vancouver Bumble Bee

Bombus vancouverensis

The Vancouver Bumble Bee is a vibrant, mountain-dwelling pollinator known for its striking orange bands and sophistic...

Insects

Variable Dancer

Argia fumipennis

A flash of neon purple in the reeds, the Variable Dancer is one of nature's most vibrant aerial acrobats. Found danci...

Insects

Variable Sallow

Sericaglaea signata

A master of autumn camouflage, the Variable Sallow is one of the few moths you'll spot braving the chilly winter nigh...

Insects

Variegated Fritillary

Euptoieta claudia

A restless nomad of the Americas, the Variegated Fritillary dazzles with its checkered orange wings and incredible sp...

Insects

Variegated Meadowhawk

Sympetrum corruptum

A master of migration and a champion mosquito hunter, the Variegated Meadowhawk brings a splash of intricate color to...

Insects

Vedalia Beetle

Novius cardinalis

The tiny red hero of the citrus grove, the Vedalia Beetle is a master hunter that saved California's orange industry....

Insects

Vegetable Leafminer

Liriomyza sativae

The Vegetable Leafminer is a tiny architect of the garden, creating shimmering, winding galleries inside the leaves o...

Insects

Viceroy

Limenitis archippus

Often mistaken for the Monarch, the Viceroy is a master of mimicry and a stunning addition to any wetland garden. Wit...

Insects

Vine's Rustic

Hoplodrina ambigua

A master of suburban camouflage, the Vine's Rustic is a common yet fascinating visitor to night-blooming gardens. Whi...

Insects

Virginian Tiger Moth

Spilosoma virginica

Known for its pristine white wings and its fuzzy 'Yellow Bear' caterpillar, the Virginian Tiger Moth is a common but ...

Insects

Vivid Dancer

Argia vivida

The Vivid Dancer is a jewel of the American West, known for its brilliant electric-blue color and its ability to thri...

Insects

Volvox

Petrosimonia triandra

A master of the salt flats, the Volvox (Petrosimonia triandra) is a unique 'rolling' plant that thrives where others ...

Insects

Wandering Glider

Pantala flavescens

Meet the world’s ultimate traveler: the Wandering Glider. This golden-winged dragonfly holds the record for the longe...

Insects

Water Ermine

Spilosoma urticae

A ghostly beauty of the night, the Water Ermine captivates with its pristine, snowy-white wings. This elusive moth is...

Insects

Welsh Chafer

Hoplia philanthus

A glittering jewel of the summer garden, the Welsh Chafer dazzles with its iridescent scales and sun-loving personali...

Insects

West Coast Lady

Vanessa annabella

A vibrant orange jewel of the American West, the West Coast Lady is a territorial sun-lover that brings life to backy...

Insects

Western Black Carpenter Ant

Camponotus modoc

The Western Black Carpenter Ant is a forest architect recognizable by its impressive size and signature reddish-maroo...

Insects

Western Bumble Bee

Bombus occidentalis

Recognizable by the snowy white tip of its abdomen, the Western Bumble Bee is a master of buzz pollination and a vita...

Insects

Western Corn Rootworm

Diabrotica virgifera

A striking yellow-and-black beetle with a big reputation, the Western Corn Rootworm is a fascinating study in miniatu...

Insects

Western Drywood Termite

Incisitermes minor

The Western Drywood Termite is a master of hidden architecture, living entirely within the wood it consumes. While th...

Insects

Western Forktail

Ischnura perparva

The Western Forktail is a miniature marvel of the backyard pond, sporting a brilliant green thorax and an electric-bl...

Insects

Western Pondhawk

Erythemis collocata

The Western Pondhawk is the 'blue bomber' of the garden, a fierce and beautiful aerial acrobat that provides natural ...

Insects

Western Striped Cucumber Beetle

Acalymma trivittatum

A striking but tiny visitor to the summer garden, the Western Striped Cucumber Beetle is easily identified by its bol...

Insects

Western Subterranean Termite

Reticulitermes hesperus

The Western Subterranean Termite is a hidden architect of the underground world, essential for forest health but a ch...

Insects

Western Tent Caterpillar Moth

Malacosoma californica

Famed for their communal silk fortresses, Western Tent Caterpillars are one of the most visible signs of spring in th...

Insects

Western Thatching Ant

Formica obscuripes

The Western Thatching Ant is a legendary architect, building massive organic mounds that dot the North American lands...

Insects

Western Yellowjacket

Vespula pensylvanica

The Western Yellowjacket is the bold architect of the backyard underground. Recognized by its striking yellow 'specta...

Insects