Species library
Field marks, habits, and camera tips for the wildlife that visits backyard habitats.
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...
InsectsSilverstreak 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
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 ...
InsectsNot sure what you saw?
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