Search Results - Field Guide

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Female mason bee collecting pollen on a yellow daisy-family flowerhead
Megachilid Bees
More than 630 species in North America north of Mexico
Megachilid bees are a family of solitary, native bees that carry pollen only on the underside of the abdomen, never on the hind legs. Large cutting mouthparts allow them to collect pieces of leaves, soil, or plant resins to line their nests.
Longhorn bee closeup of head showing long antennae and yellow face
Longhorn Bees
More than 200 species of tribe Eucerini (longhorn bees) in North America north of Mexico
Longhorn bees are named for their long antennae, which make these fuzzy, medium-sized bees look rather cute. Many have yellow faces.
Photo of a black and white bee fly perched on a plant stalk
Field Coal Bee Fly
Anthrax georgicus
The field coal bee fly, Anthrax georgicus, has no real common name. Look for it in grasslands, fields, and other open areas.
Female Georgia mason bee, covered with yellow pollen, on a yellow flowerhead
Georgia Mason
Osmia georgica
The Georgia mason is one of several species of mason bees in Missouri. Like other megachilid bees, it is a native solitary bee that carries pollen in a special clump of hairs on the underside of the abdomen.
Photo of an eastern yellowjacket
Yellowjackets (Vespula Wasps)
Vespula spp.
Yellowjackets are bee-sized social wasps that build paper nests, usually underground. Their defensive stinging can make them a major pest when they nest near people.
image of Bald-faced Hornet on Goldenrod
Bald-Faced Hornet
Dolichovespula maculata
Bald-faced hornets are fairly large social wasps. They are mostly black, with white or ivory markings on the face, thorax, and toward the tip of the abdomen. They make large, rounded, papery, gray nests, usually in trees and shrubs.
image of an Ichneumon Wasp on tree trunk
Ichneumon Wasps
More than 5,000 species in North America
Most ichneumon wasps are harmless, although the long ovipositor of the female is intimidating. Their larvae live as parasites inside caterpillars and other larval insects.
image of Sand Wasp perched on sand
Sand Wasps
More than 1,200 species in North America north of Mexico
Many species and genera of sand wasps occur in Missouri. They nest in the ground during summer. They are found in many habitats but most often in open, sandy areas along rivers.
Image of a red velvet ant
Velvet Ants
Nearly 500 species in North America north of Mexico
Velvet ants are not true ants. True ants are social insects, while velvet ants are a group of solitary wasps. Female velvet ants are wingless throughout their lives; males are winged.