Bug taxonomy

Trying to document a limited insect taxonomy

Class Insecta (Insects):

Order Hymenoptera:

Family Vespidae:

Species Almost 200 genera (almost 200 genera):
Genus Ancistrocerus:
Species Ancistrocerus gazella:

Family Megachilidae:

Genus Osmia:
Genus Anthidium:

Family Apidae:

Genus Anthophora:
Genus Apis:
Genus Bombus:
Subgenus Pyrobombus:
Species Bombus pratorum:
Subgenus Megabombus:
Subgenus Bombus:
Subgenus Melanobombus:
Subgenus Psithyrus:
Species Bombus rupestris:
Genus Xylocopa:
Species Xylocopa violacea:

Family Andrenidae:

Genus Andrena:

Family Halictidae:

Subfamily Halictinae:
Tribe Halictini:
Genus Lasioglossum:
Genus Halictus:
Species Halictus ligatus:
Genus Sphecodes:

Family Mutillidae:

Genus Dasymutilla:

Family Scoliidae:

Genus Megascolia:

Order Orthoptera:

Suborder Ensifera:

Family Trigonidiidae:
Subfamily Nemobiinae:
Tribe Nemobiini:
Genus Nemobius:
Family Tettigoniidae:
Subfamily Phaneropterinae:
Genus Leptophyes:

Suborder Caelifera:

Family Acrididae:
Genus Calliptamus:
Genus Stethophyma:
Subfamily Oedipodinae:
Tribe Parapleurini:
Subfamily Gomphocerinae:
Tribe Gomphocerini:
Genus Pseudochorthippus:

Order Coleoptera:

Suborder Polyphaga:

Family Cerambycidae:
Genus Anoplophora:
Genus Oberea:
Species Oberea ulmicola:
Species Oberea ruficollis:
Family Chrysomelidae:
Genus Timarcha:
Genus Plagiodera:
Subfamily Criocerinae:
Tribe Criocerini:
Genus Lilioceris:
Family Scarabaeidae:
Genus Trichius:
Genus Melolontha:
Subfamily Scarabaeinae:
Tribe Phanaeini:
Genus Coprophanaeus:
Family Coccinellidae:
Genus Harmonia:
Family Curculionidae:
Subfamily Molytinae:
Tribe Cholini:
Genus Schoenherr:

Suborder Adephaga:

Family Cicindelidae:
Genus Cicindela:
Family Carabidae:

Order Odonata:

Family Aeshnidae:

Genus Aeshna:
Genus Anax:

Order Lepidoptera:

Family Nymphalidae:

Genus Lasiommata:
Genus Vanessa:
Species Vanessa cardui:
Genus Polygonia:
Subfamily Satyrinae:
Genus Fruhstorfer:
Genus Argynnis:
Genus Minois:
Genus Aglais:
Species Aglais urticae:
Genus Aphantopus:
Genus Limenitis:
Genus Danaus:
Genus Melanargia:
Species Melanargia galathea:
Genus Hyponephele:
Genus Pararge:
Species Pararge aegeria:
Genus Hipparchia:
Species Hipparchia fagi:
Species Hipparchia genava:
Genus Coenonympha:
Species Coenonympha pamphilus:
Genus Maniola:
Species Maniola jurtina:

Family Geometridae:

Genus Campaea:
Genus Xanthorhoe:

Family Crambidae:

Genus Agriphila:
Genus Crambus:

Family Sphingidae:

Genus Macroglossum:

Suborder Glossata:

Family Lycaenidae:

Genus Polyommatus:
Genus Lysandra:
Species Lysandra coridon:
Genus Lampides:
Species Lampides boeticus:
Genus Cacyreus:
Species Cacyreus marshalli:
Genus Leptotes:
Species Leptotes pirithous:

Family Pieridae:

Genus Pieris:
Genus Gonepteryx:
Genus Leptidea:
Species Leptidea sinapis:
Genus Colias:
Genus Anthocharis:
Species Anthocharis cardamines:

Superfamily Noctuoidea:

Family Erebidae:
Subfamily Arctiinae:
Genus Collita:

Family Lasiocampidae:

Genus Euthrix:

Family Zygaenidae:

Genus Zygaena:

Family Papilionidae:

Genus Papilio:
Species Papilio machaon:

Family Hesperiidae:

Genus Thymelicus:
Species Thymelicus sylvestris:
Species Thymelicus lineola:

Order Hemiptera:

Suborder Heteroptera:

Family Pyrrhocoridae:
Genus Pyrrhocoris:
Family Pentatomidae:
Genus Nezara:

Suborder Auchenorrhyncha:

Family Aphrophoridae:
Genus Philaenus:
Family Fulgoridae:
Genus Lycorma:

Order Megaloptera:

Family Corydalidae:

Classification not found:

General: 139 species not correctly classified

European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)


GL says European garden spider (Araneus diadematus), also known as the cross orbweaver or diadem spider. 2025-08-07 19:55:24 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-03.
Classification: Species European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)

Scarlet lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii)


A cool red beetle, probably a scarlet lily beetle. 2025-04-12 12:31:40 Walensee
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-04-12.
Classification: Species Scarlet lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii)

White Admiral (Limenitis camilla)


GL says White Admiral, specifically Limenitis camilla, seen by Wildert in Zuercher Oberland. 2025-06-28 14:04:55 Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-28.
Classification: Species White Admiral (Limenitis camilla)

Willow emerald damselfly (Chalcolestes_viridis)


GL meint ein Weidenjungfer (Chalcolestes viridis). 2025-09-03 16:56:35
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Willow emerald damselfly (Chalcolestes_viridis)
Comment: There are two similar kinds, but ornitho.ch only has the western species. I learned that damselflies normally close their wings when they land...but these don't, which I can also confirm in the photos. These are mostly present August to October

Tapered Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax)


GL says this is likely a hoverfly, specifically a species from the genus Eristalis, such as the Tapered Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) or the European Drone Fly (Eristalis arbustorum). How many kinds have the black hourglass. 2025-08-03 13:51:14 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-03.
Classification: Species Tapered Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax)
Tips: black hourglass, tail is really tapered (conical)

Mason bee (Osmia cornifrons)


GL says probably a Mason Bee (Osmia cornifrons), which is commonly known as a horned-face bee. 2026-04-19 17:33:19
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Mason bee (Osmia cornifrons)

Dingy Footman moth (Collita griseola)


GL says most likely a Dingy Footman moth. 2025-08-14 00:09:07 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-14.
Classification: Species Dingy Footman moth (Collita griseola)

German cockroach (Blattella germanica)


GL says this is a cockroach, most likely a German cockroach (Blattella germanica). 2025-09-18 14:06:34 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-09-18.
Classification: Species German cockroach (Blattella germanica)
Comment: Strange name - According to Wikipedia, it was discovered recently that it mutated slightly aout 2000 years ago from the Asian cockroach. And it has wings, but can barely fly. These are the annoying ones you kill if you find them in your house. The German page says they're generally active at night, and seeing them during the day means there are too many of them or something else isn't right.

Speckled Bush-Cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima)


GL says Speckled Bush-Cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima). 2025-08-05 18:39:25 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-05.
Classification: Species Speckled Bush-Cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima)

Saddleback harvestman (Mitopus morio)


Schwierig zu identifizieren aber sieht ähnlich aus wie der Gemeine Gebirgsweberknecht (Mitopus morio), der bei uns viel vorkommt. 2025-09-17 15:24:17
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Saddleback harvestman (Mitopus morio)
Comment: There are so many kinds of daddy long legs in Switzerland - 50 to 70 - so it's hard to know which kind you'll see. After examining photos online, I feel that the one in our back yard looks most like a Gemeine Gebirgsweberknecht. iNaturalist.org calls this kind a saddleback harvestman, which I find a good description

Hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)


Hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) vorm Haus. 2026-02-24 15:39:25 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2016-07-21.
Classification: Species Hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
Comment: For some reason not in the pieris.ch site I usually refer to? Wikipedia says about the family: Die Schwärmer (Sphingidae) sind eine Familie der Schmetterlinge. Sie kommen weltweit mit etwa 1200 Arten vor, davon sind 40 aus Europa bekannt,[1] in Mitteleuropa leben davon 21 Arten

Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha)


I wrote 'those weird beetles' - Google Lens says Cockchafer, also known as a May Bug or May Beetle - sounds weird enough to me! 2024-04-14 09:02:31 Pfäffikersee
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-04-14.
Classification: Species Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha)
Comment: Wikipedia says 'a species of scarab beetle'.

Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)


Kaisermantel. 2025-08-06 12:16:53 Fehraltorf
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

Common rough woodlouse (Porcellio scaber)


GL says likely a common rough woodlouse (Porcellio scaber). 2025-08-03 07:07:48 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-03.
Classification: Species Common rough woodlouse (Porcellio scaber)

European hornet (Vespa crabro)


European hornet? Biggest one I've seen at home. TBI. 2025-08-18 12:21:20 Fehraltorf
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species European hornet (Vespa crabro)
Comment: Hornissen sind deutlich größer als Wespen oder Bienen gelb-schwarz, wobei der Brustbereich oft rötlich-braun gefärbt ist. Verbreitung in der Schweiz: Die Europäische Hornisse ist in der Schweiz heimisch und weit verbreitet.

Fire bug (Pyrrhocoris apterus)


A fire bug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) with the typical voodoo mask. 2025-08-22 14:38:15 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-22.
Classification: Species Fire bug (Pyrrhocoris apterus)
Comment: Known for the 'voodoo mask' on its back! Very common around our house, but I've never seen the groups of 100s or 1000s that are described at Wikipedia. Note that what are called 'true bugs' in English by biologists are 'Wanzen' in German.

A kind of Agriphila selasella (Agriphila selasella)


GL sagt wahrscheinlich eine Zünslerart, höchstwahrscheinlich eine Agriphila selasella. 2025-08-18 19:24:26 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-18.
Classification: Species A kind of Agriphila selasella (Agriphila selasella)

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)


Google Lens says Black soldier fly, a little one in our back yard about 0.5cm long. 2025-06-25 12:56:17 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-25.
Classification: Species Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

Masked bee (Genus Hylaeus)


GL says this appears to be a member of the genus Hylaeus, commonly known as masked bees or yellow-faced bees. 2026-04-19 15:02:19
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Masked bee (Genus Hylaeus)

Wood gnat (genus Sylvicola)


GL says this is a wood gnat (also known as a window-gnat), likely from the genus Sylvicola. It is on our kitchen window... 2026-04-21 08:40:11 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-21.
Classification: Species Wood gnat (genus Sylvicola)
Comment: I like the name window gnat, since I saw it on our kitchen window!

Noon fly (Mesembrina meridiana)


GL says this is a noon fly, Mesembrina meridiana. 2025-10-15 13:36:27
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Noon fly (Mesembrina meridiana)
Comment: A fly with wings that are red near the body, seen at Wildert in October 2025 for the first time

Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes)


GL sagt eine Wildbiene, sehr wahrscheinlich eine Gemeine Pelzbiene (Anthophora plumipes). 2026-05-07 16:18:34 Fehraltorf
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes)
Comment: bees

Gattung Calliphora (Gattung Calliphora)


GL sagt Blaue Schmeissfliege (Gattung Calliphora). 2026-05-04 09:56:33 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-04.
Classification: Species Gattung Calliphora (Gattung Calliphora)

Winter gnat (Triochera annulata)


Winter gnat, probably Triochera annulata, seen before our front door. 2026-04-15 12:15:52 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-15.
Classification: Species Winter gnat (Triochera annulata)
Comment: Wikipedia says long, thin, delicate insects seen in fall, spring, and sometimes winter

Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)


TBI, wahrscheinlich Braune Waldvogel. 2025-08-16 16:38:21 Fehraltorf
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)
Comment: Nach Wikpedia eine Art Tagefalter. Und ist es nicht lustig, wenn ein Schmetterling-Name 'Vogel' beinhaltet

European Drone Fly (Eristalis arbustorum)


GL says this is likely a hoverfly, specifically a species from the genus Eristalis, such as the Tapered Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) or the European Drone Fly (Eristalis arbustorum). How many kinds have the black hourglass. 2025-08-03 13:51:14 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-03.
Classification: Species European Drone Fly (Eristalis arbustorum)

Tawny mining bee (Andrena fulva)


GL says Tawny mining bee (Andrena fulva). 2026-02-26 14:03:00 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-02-26.
Classification: Species Tawny mining bee (Andrena fulva)
Comment: Seen on one of the first warm days in February 2026 on the Winterflieder

Large red damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)


Frühe Adonislibelle Männchen bei Wildert. 2026-05-02 18:16:29 Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-08-05.
Classification: Species Large red damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)

Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta)


A tough-ass Admiral, still flying around at 11C. 2025-10-12 11:15:55 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2023-02-21.
Classification: Species Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)


Background - Insects - Spotted lanternfly on the Skyline Drive - never heard of them before. 2024-09-28 18:50:28 Shenandoah National Park
First observed in Shenandoah National Park on 2024-09-28.
Classification: Species Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)
Comment: Seen on the Skyline Drive - never heard of them before

Fleecy jumping spider (Pseudeuophrys lanigera)


In Anna's bedroom, GL says a Fleecy Jumping Spider (Pseudeuophrys lanigera). 2026-03-06 07:49:12
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Fleecy jumping spider (Pseudeuophrys lanigera)
Comment: spiders

Sabre wasp (Rhyssa persuasoria)


GL meint eine Holzwespen-Schlupfwespe (Rhyssa persuasoria). 2025-09-03 08:59:57 Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-09-02.
Classification: Species Sabre wasp (Rhyssa persuasoria)
Comment: Google Lens sagt, "die Holzwespen-Schlupfwespe ist keine Wespe, sondern gehört zur Familie der Schlupfwespen (Ichneumonidae)", but in Wikipedia it sounds as if they are. Go figure! The family Ichneumonidae, also known as ichneumon wasps, ichneumonid wasps, ichneumonids, or Darwin wasps (and if Darwin thought they were wasps, I guess they are).

Larva of the Drinker Moth (Euthrix potatoria)


GL says the larva of the Drinker Moth (Euthrix potatoria). 2025-08-13 18:48:23 Klausenpass
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-13.
Classification: Species Larva of the Drinker Moth (Euthrix potatoria)

Blue-eye hawker dragonfly (Aeshna affinis)


Insects - looks like another that Google Lens said was a Blue-eye hawker dragonfly, Aeshna affinis. 2024-08-24 18:59:41
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Blue-eye hawker dragonfly (Aeshna affinis)

Mediterranean demoiselle (Calopteryx hämorrhoidalis)


At the north side of Levanto, GL says it's a Mediterranean demoiselle (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis). 2025-10-10 15:15:13 Levanto
First observed in Levanto on 2025-10-10.
Classification: Species Mediterranean demoiselle (Calopteryx hämorrhoidalis)
Comment: Seen in Italy, may not appear in Switzerland

Long-bodied cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides)


GL says this is a Cellar Spider, commonly known as a Daddy Long-legs spider, or specifically Pholcus phalangioides. 2025-09-28 18:01:57 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-09-28.
Classification: Species Long-bodied cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides)
Comment: GL says Characteristics of the Long-bodied Cellar Spider Appearance: They are known for their long, thin, and delicate legs and a small, oval-shaped body. Habitat: These spiders prefer warm environments, which is why they are frequently found in basements, corners of rooms, and other sheltered areas inside human dwellings. Behavior: They are harmless to humans and are often seen hanging upside down in their messy, irregular webs.

Scuttle fly (family Phoridae)


GL says this is likely a scuttle fly, also known as a hump-backed fly, from the family Phoridae. 2025-10-18 09:36:57 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-10-18.
Classification: Species Scuttle fly (family Phoridae)
Comment: GL says it looks like a scuttle fly, but I think identifying it is impossible

Red velvet mite (family Trombidiidae)


Auf dem Tisch in Betlis, GL says a mite, specifically a red velvet mite (family Trombidiidae) or a snout mite (family Bdellidae). 2025-10-21 16:03:43 Betlis
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-10-21.
Classification: Species Red velvet mite (family Trombidiidae)
Comment: GL said it could also be a snout mite (family Bdellidae), and emphasized that they're arachnids, not insects. It added Red Velvet Mites (Trombidiidae): These mites are often bright red and have a dense covering of hair-like setae, giving them a velvety appearance. They are predators of small arthropods and their eggs. Snout Mites (Bdellidae): These mites are also predatory and are characterized by their elongated, snout-like mouthparts. They are typically found in soil and leaf litter.

Golden-ringed dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii)


Google Lens thinks this is a Cordulegaster boltonii, or zweigestreifte Quelljungfer, in English a Golden-ringed dragonfly. 2025-06-29 15:44:35 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-29.
Classification: Species Golden-ringed dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii)

Common Snout-hoverfly (Rhingia campestris)


GL says a Common Snout-hoverfly, specifically Rhingia campestris, also known as the Heineken fly, auf Deutsch Gemeine Schnauzenschwebfliege. 2025-09-12 13:43:48 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-09-12.
Classification: Species Common Snout-hoverfly (Rhingia campestris)
Comment: Seen in my rock garden for the first time in September, 2025

Housefly (Musca domestica)


Stubenfliege (Musca domestica), auf dem Tisch im Garten. 2025-07-06 13:44:56 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-06.
Classification: Species Housefly (Musca domestica)

Wood cricket (Nemobius sylvestris)


GL says this likely a ground cricket (family Gryllidae), seen at Wildert, Halloween 2025. My best guess is a Waldgrille (Nemobius sylvestris). 2025-10-31 16:52:56 Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-10-31.
Classification: Species Wood cricket (Nemobius sylvestris)
Comment: Hmm, was the Halloween 2025 photo my first cricket picture?

Great black wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus)


GL says probably small solitary wasps, I say maybe Sphex pensylvanicus, the great black wasp or great black digger wasp. 2026-04-19 15:02:19
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Great black wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus)
Comment: Sphex pensylvanicus was the subject of the first article on an insect written by a native-born citizen of the New World, when observations made by John Bartram on S. pensylvanicus were presented to the Royal Society in 1749 by Peter Collinson.

A kind of Clogmia albipunctata (Clogmia albipunctata)


GL meint eine Schmetterlingsmücke (Familie Psychodidae), eventuell eine Abflussfliege (Clogmia albipunctata).ä. 2025-09-30 17:23:57 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-09-30.
Classification: Species A kind of Clogmia albipunctata (Clogmia albipunctata)
Comment: Google Lens hat gesagt, ich hätte sicher eine Schmetterlingsmücke (Familie Psychodidae), die genaue Art war nicht sicher, aber es sieht auf jeden Fall sehr ähnlich aus. Auf Deutsch ist dies eine Art Mücke, ein Zweiflügler, auf Englisch teilweise nur flies genannt, darum sage ich das hier

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)


A monarch butterfly! I didn't know they could be seen in Madeira, but it's true. 2023-03-16 15:35:48 Madeira
First observed in Madeira on 2023-03-16.
Classification: Species Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Comment: butterflies

Common Flower Fly (Syrphus ribesii)


Close-up of a Common Flower Fly or Syrphus ribesii. 2025-10-31 14:30:13 Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-10-31.
Classification: Species Common Flower Fly (Syrphus ribesii)
Comment: The first one I saw seemed to like sitting on my telephoto lens!

Silver-ground carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata)


Google Lens says a Silver-Ground Carpet (scientific name Xanthorhoe montanata). 2025-07-26 11:37:36 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-26.
Classification: Species Silver-ground carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata)
Comment: Actually a moth - are they not included from the butterfly web site?

Great Potter Wasp (Delta unguiculatum)


TBI, GL says a potter wasp, possibly from the genus Delta or Eumenes, such as Delta unguiculatum or Eumenes coarctatus. 2025-08-05 13:16:06 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-05.
Classification: Species Great Potter Wasp (Delta unguiculatum)
Comment: a kind of potter wasp

Ruddy darter (Sympetrum sanguineum)


Blutrote Heidelibelle (Sympetrum sanguineum). 2025-09-03 16:54:13
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-08-05.
Classification: Species Ruddy darter (Sympetrum sanguineum)
Comment: Seen at Lützelsee

Black-tailed skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum)


Dragonfly by Maggia, could be a black-tailed skimmer aka Grosse Blaupfeil. 2025-07-31 13:56:38
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Black-tailed skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum)

Black Slip Wasp (Pimpla rufipes)


GL says a Black Slip Wasp (Pimpla rufipes). 2026-05-05 15:37:03 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-05.
Classification: Species Black Slip Wasp (Pimpla rufipes)

Horsefly (Family Tabanidae)


GL says this insect on the bench in our back yard is a horsefly (family Tabanidae). 2026-03-04 14:22:22
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Horsefly (Family Tabanidae)
Comment: flies

Dwarf spider (genus Erigone)


GL says most likely a species of dwarf spider or money spider from the genus Erigone (family Linyphiidae). 2026-04-21 12:59:28 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-21.
Classification: Species Dwarf spider (genus Erigone)
Comment: family Linyphiidae

Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)


GL says this is a longhorn beetle, but there are so many different kinds. Looks a bit like the invasive Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, but the so-called horns aren't really long enough. 2025-10-17 16:07:33 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-10-17.
Classification: Species Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)
Comment: GL said this is probably a longhorned beetle, but I'm not convinced the "horns" are really that long, and there are so many different kinds that I haven't found anything that looks just the same, though the invasive Asian longhorned beetle is similar

Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus)


GL says it's an Italian locust, scientifically known as Calliptamus italicus, a type of short-horned grasshopper. 2025-10-10 15:44:50 Levanto
First observed in Levanto on 2025-10-10.
Classification: Species Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus)
Comment: Seen for the first time between Levanto and Bonassola

Timberman beetle (Acanthocinus aedilis)


Timberman beetle (Acanthocinus ädilis). 2026-05-02 16:18:36 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-02.
Classification: Species Timberman beetle (Acanthocinus aedilis)

Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus)


Rothalsige Getreidehähnchen (Oulema melanopus), auch bekannt als Cereal Leaf Beetle. 2026-03-25 11:32:05 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-03-25.
Classification: Species Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus)
Comment: Seen on our kitchen window - outdoors. Wikipedia says O. melanopus consumes nearly all cereal crops, but has a strong affinity for oats, barley, and rye, and its favorite host is wheat.

Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus)


GL says a type of hoverfly, specifically resembling a species within the genus Helophilus, such as Helophilus trivittatus (the Large Tiger Hoverfly) or Helophilus pendulus (the Sun Fly). 2025-07-31 10:06:47
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus)

A kind of Crambus pascuella (Crambus pascuella)


Eventuell eine Grasmotte (Crambus pascuella). 2025-08-18 19:32:53 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-18.
Classification: Species A kind of Crambus pascuella (Crambus pascuella)

Meadow Spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius)


Meadow Spittlebug on the door to our patio in Fehraltorf. 2025-07-14 15:00:18 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-14.
Classification: Species Meadow Spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius)
Comment: GoogleLens says, this species is highly variable in color and pattern, typically ranging from yellowish, brownish, or black, with various markings. It is known for its froglike appearance and powerful leaping ability. It belongs to the family Aphrophoridae, commonly known as spittlebugs or froghoppers

Common Greenbottle Fly (Lucilia caesar)


It's almost impossible to identify these blow flies, but it looks to me like a Lucilia caesar or common greenbottle fly. 2025-10-21 13:24:00 Walensee
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-10-21.
Classification: Species Common Greenbottle Fly (Lucilia caesar)
Comment: GL said it could also be a Greenbottle Fly (Lucilia illustris), and other species look quite similar, but this looked like the best match to me

Blue Mint Beetle (Chrysolina coerulan)


GK says likely a Blue Mint Beetle, Chrysolina coerulans. 2025-08-13 18:41:39 Klausenpass
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-13.
Classification: Species Blue Mint Beetle (Chrysolina coerulan)

Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum)


White-tailed bee, likely a Gartenhummel, Bombus hortorum - look at that - thing? Tongue? Stinger? 2025-06-19 12:29:19 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-19.
Classification: Species Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum)
Comment: Bees, Wasps and Ants (Hymenoptera), see also https://observation.org/species/1700/observations/

Damselfly (suborder Zygoptera)


Insects - paarende Libellen am Luetzelsee - dieses duennen sind anscheinend Damselflies, of the suborder Zygoptera. 2024-08-05 15:55:55 Lützelsee
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-08-05.
Classification: Species Damselfly (suborder Zygoptera)
Comment: These are the smaller, thinner dragonflies

Family Syrphidae (Family Syrphidae)


GL meint eine Schwebfliege. 2025-07-06 13:23:24 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-06.
Classification: Species Family Syrphidae (Family Syrphidae)

Triangulate Cobweb Spider (Steatoda triangulosa)


GL says a Triangulate Cobweb Spider (Steatoda triangulosa) in our ground floor bathroom. 2025-08-22 10:25:52 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-22.
Classification: Species Triangulate Cobweb Spider (Steatoda triangulosa)

Large Bee-fly (Bombylius major)


GL sagt ein Großer Wollschweber (Bombylius major), der in der Schweiz recht häufig vorkommt. 2026-04-22 20:33:07 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-17.
Classification: Species Large Bee-fly (Bombylius major)

Fennel Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)


Google Lens says this is a Fennel Swallowtail caterpillar - not sure, but they look similar. 2024-06-14 18:42:53 Pfäffikersee
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-06-14.
Classification: Species Fennel Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Comment: Here a caterpillar - not sure, but they look similar

Large Tiger Hoverfly (Helophilus trivittatus)


GL says a type of hoverfly, specifically resembling a species within the genus Helophilus, such as Helophilus trivittatus (the Large Tiger Hoverfly) or Helophilus pendulus (the Sun Fly). 2025-07-31 10:06:47
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Large Tiger Hoverfly (Helophilus trivittatus)

Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata)


GL says perhaps the Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata) moth - on a window at Puregym. 2025-08-29 14:08:16 Wald Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-29.
Classification: Species Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata)
Comment: Seen on a window at Puregym in Uster!

Bloody-nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa)


GL says this is a Bloody-nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa). Saw it in Koblenz after the flamingos. 2025-09-13 16:11:31
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Bloody-nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa)

Cluster fly (Pollenia rudis)


GL says a cluster fly (Pollenia rudis) on our house. 2026-03-05 12:24:43
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-02-26.
Classification: Species Cluster fly (Pollenia rudis)
Comment: Seen February 2026 on out house

Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)


I like this view of a European honey bee with its fuzz and thirst. 2025-08-19 15:08:44 Pfäffikersee
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-06-05.
Classification: Species Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Comment: classic appearance of a honey bee, characterized by its fuzzy, brownish body, segmented abdomen, and visible wings, consistent with the Apis mellifera species. GoogleLens says the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honey bee worldwide and is found throughout Europe, including Switzerland, where it plays a vital role in agriculture as a pollinator.

Common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus)


GL says a Common Blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus). 2025-08-13 18:44:51 Klausenpass
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-20.
Classification: Species Common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus)

Drain fly (family Psychodidae)


GL says a drain fly (family Psychodidae), also commonly known as a moth fly, sink fly, or bathroom moth midge. 2026-04-23 08:29:34 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-23.
Classification: Species Drain fly (family Psychodidae)

Four-banded Flower-Bee (Anthophora quadrimaculata)


GL says maybe a Four-banded Flower-Bee (Anthophora quadrimaculata). 2026-04-08 16:13:47
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Four-banded Flower-Bee (Anthophora quadrimaculata)

Marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)


On the right there may be a Marmeladen-Schwebfliege ( Episyrphus balteatus ). 2025-08-07 09:00:07 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-07.
Classification: Species Marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)
Comment: Wikpedia says this kind is the most abundant native hoverfly in Central Europe

Ribbed pine borer (Rhagium inquisitor)


GL meint ein Schrotbock (Rhagium inquisitor), der auch als Kleiner Zangenbock oder Spürender Zangenbock bekannt ist. 2026-05-01 16:11:28 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-01.
Classification: Species Ribbed pine borer (Rhagium inquisitor)

Summer tanager (Summer tanager)


MerlinBirdID says Summer tanager, which I find unlikely. 2023-04-01 07:17:00 Yucatan
First observed in Yucatan on 2023-04-01.
Classification: Species Piranga rubra (Piranga rubra); Genus Piranga (Piranga); Family Cardinalidae (Cardinalidae)

Bright-spotted Groundbug (Rhyparochromus vulgaris)


GL says a Bright-spotted Groundbug (Rhyparochromus vulgaris), a species of dirt-colored seed bug native to Europe and commonly found in Switzerland. 2026-04-16 16:27:51 Europe
First observed in Europe on 2026-04-16.
Classification: Species Bright-spotted Groundbug (Rhyparochromus vulgaris)
Comment: GL says a Bright-spotted Groundbug (Rhyparochromus vulgaris) is a species of dirt-colored seed bug native to Europe and commonly found in Switzerland

Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni)


A Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), known in German as the Zitronenfalter, bein Spielplatz daheim. 2026-04-20 11:33:42 Alpweg
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Green tiger beetle (Cicindela campestris)


GL sagt ein Feld-Sandlaufkäfer, prüfen. 2025-08-13 18:42:33 Klausenpass
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-13.
Classification: Species Green tiger beetle (Cicindela campestris)

Gattung Nomada (Gattung Nomada)


GL sagt dies ist eine Wespenbiene (Gattung Nomada), eine spezielle Art von Wildbiene. 2026-04-23 08:47:27 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-23.
Classification: Species Gattung Nomada (Gattung Nomada)
Comment: Gesehen bei einem Spaziergang richtung Pistolschutzenhaus in Fehraltorf

White Crab Spider (Misumena vatia)


GL says appears to be a Running Crab Spider (family Philodromidae), most likely belonging to the genus Philodromus. 2026-04-17 18:50:39 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-17.
Classification: Species White Crab Spider (Misumena vatia)

Long hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta)


The one on the left could be a Sphaerophoria scripta, or long hoverfly. 2025-08-07 12:22:13 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-07.
Classification: Species Long hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta)

European paper wasp (Polistes dominula)


GL suggests a European paper wasp (Polistes dominula). 2025-08-07 12:18:15 Fehraltorf
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species European paper wasp (Polistes dominula)
Comment: There are no doubt lots of kinds of paper wasps, not sure this is the right kind.

Hornet mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria)


Hornissenschwebfliege - also doch keine Biene! 2025-06-23 18:30:55 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-23.
Classification: Species Hornet mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria)

Eurasian bee beetle (Trichius fasciatus)


A bee beetle (genus Trichius), I think a Eurasian bee beetle or Gebänderte Pinselkäfer (Trichius fasciatus). 2025-07-20 14:09:10
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Eurasian bee beetle (Trichius fasciatus)

Downlooker Snipefly (Rhagio scolopaceus)


GL says it's a snipe fly (family Rhagionidae), most likely the Downlooker Snipefly (Rhagio scolopaceus). 2026-05-04 17:04:56 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-04.
Classification: Species Downlooker Snipefly (Rhagio scolopaceus)

Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis)


GL says a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis). 2026-04-30 16:29:24 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-09-30.
Classification: Species Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis)
Comment: Saw this one on our doormat, not in the nursery room

Slender Mining Bee (Lasioglossum nigripes)


GL says a kind of cuckoo bee, to me the Slender Mining Bee looks most similar. 2025-08-16 16:39:57 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-03.
Classification: Species Slender Mining Bee (Lasioglossum nigripes)
Comment: This is the first kind of wild bee I've seen other than a bumblebee. Wikipedia says, 'The sweat bee genus Lasioglossum is the largest of all bee genera, containing over 1800 species in numerous subgenera worldwide.' -- didn't know it was a sweatbee.

European orchard bee (Osmia cornuta)


Probably an Osmia cornuta, the European orchard bee. 2026-03-09 15:02:55
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species European orchard bee (Osmia cornuta)
Comment: bees

Southern green shield bug (Nezara viridula)


GoogleLens says the green one is a nymph of the Southern Green Stink Bug, also known as the Green Vegetable Bug or Southern Green Shield Bug (Nezara viridula). 2025-07-25 15:41:12 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-25.
Classification: Species Southern green shield bug (Nezara viridula)
Comment: The order Hemiptera includes what are called 'true bugs', so I'm using that as a type for now

Zebra jumping spider (Salticus scenicus)


GL says most likely a Zebra jumping spider (Salticus scenicus) or a closely related species like the Half-edged wall jumping spider (Menemerus semilimbatus). Its dinner is said to be a mayfly exuvia—an empty exoskeleton. 2026-04-26 19:17:53 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-26.
Classification: Species Zebra jumping spider (Salticus scenicus)
Comment: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauer-Zebraspringspinne,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_spider

Scarce Large Blue (Phengaris rebeli)


GL says likely a Phengaris rebeli, also known as the Scarce Large Blue or Rebel's Large Blue. 2025-08-10 18:33:06
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Scarce Large Blue (Phengaris rebeli)

Common hawker (Aeshna juncea)


I identified this myself - clearly a male Mosaikjungfer with green and blue but blue side dots all the way up - now I think Aeshna juncea, Torf-Mosaikjungfer. Unfortunately it was injured and couldn't fly. 2025-09-19 16:27:48
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Common hawker (Aeshna juncea)
Comment: Cool looking dragonfly - it has blue spots on each side of the long body and is green near the wings. This kind has been seen up to 2800m! The Mosaikjungfer are hard to distinguish, the males are all blue, but the detailed designs of blue and green parts differ.

Vespula vulgaris (Vespula vulgaris)


ID Gemeine Wespe (Vespula vulgaris). 2025-08-09 12:16:31
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification:

Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster)


Fruit fly, didn't know they could be orange. 2025-07-22 18:20:36 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-22.
Classification: Species Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster)
Comment: Den deutschen Namen hier gibt's erst seit 1960

Variable damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum)


Eventuell Fledermaus-Azurjungfer Männchen mit viel Schwarz bei S6-7. 2026-05-02 18:16:26 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-02.
Classification: Species Variable damselfly (Coenagrion pulchellum)

Harlequin, Asian, or multicoloured Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis)


Interesting insects in our garden in 2024. I had no clue, but Google Lens ays 'Larven des Asiatischen Marienkäfers (Harmonia axyridis)', and Wikipedia says Englihs would be harlequin, Asian, or multicoloured Asian lady beetle. 2024-06-15 14:01:02 Source: WIKIPEDIA 20240615_140102 Interesting insects in our garden in 2024. I had no clue, but Google Lens ays 'Larven des Asiatischen Marienkäfers (Harmonia axyridis)', and Wikipedia says Englihs would be harlequin, Asian, or multicoloured Asian lady beetle.jpg our garden
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-06-15.
Classification: Species Harlequin, Asian, or multicoloured Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
Comment: A large lady beetle or ladybug species that is most commonly known as the harlequin, Asian, or multicoloured Asian lady beetle. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonia_axyridis

Thick-legged hoverfly (Syritta pipiens)


Probably a thick-legged hoverfly, syritta pipiens. 2024-06-16 13:41:33 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-06-16.
Classification: Species Thick-legged hoverfly (Syritta pipiens)
Comment: One of the most common species in the insect family Syrphidae. This fly originates from Europe and is currently distributed across Eurasia and North America. They are fast and nimble fliers.

Six-spot Burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae)


GL says this is a Burnet moth, likely a Six-spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae). 2025-08-12 18:27:43 Klausenpass
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-12.
Classification: Species Six-spot Burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae)

Brown citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricidus)


I wrote black beetle, but Google Lens says a dark-colored aphid, possibly a species like the brown citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricidus) or a Uroleucon species, both of which are shiny black in adult form. 2024-06-15 13:57:46 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-06-15.
Classification: Species Brown citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricidus)
Comment: My sighting could also be an Uroleucon species, both of which are shiny black in adult form

Mediterranean Potter Wasp (Eumenes mediterraneus)


TBI - GL says a potter wasp, likely belonging to the genus Eumenes. More specifically, it resembles species like Eumenes coarctatus or Eumenes mediterraneus. 2025-08-05 13:17:02 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-05.
Classification: Species Mediterranean Potter Wasp (Eumenes mediterraneus)
Comment: a kind of potter wasp

Red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii)


Frühe Heidelibelle bei Wildert. Sie sehen sehr ähnlich aus wie die Blutroten aber das Gelbe an den Flügeln ist eher die Frühe. 2025-08-30 16:42:47 Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-18.
Classification: Species Red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

Dryad (Minois dryas)


Google Lens says it's a dryad butterfly. 2025-07-17 14:08:58 Kaltbrunner-Riet
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-17.
Classification: Species Dryad (Minois dryas)
Comment: Saw one in Kaltbrunner-Riet

A kind of Phaonia subventa (Phaonia subventa)


Eventuell der Gattung Phaonia (wie Phaonia subventa) eine Art Echten Fliegen die rötlich-orangen Akzente hat. 2026-05-13 14:28:49 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-13.
Classification: Species A kind of Phaonia subventa (Phaonia subventa)

Cantharis rustica (Cantharis rustica)


Bei Wildert habe ich diesen Insekt entdeckt, und GL sagt sehr wahrscheinlich um den Soldatenkäfer (Cantharis rustica). 2026-05-12 22:37:38 Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-12.
Classification: Species Cantharis rustica (Cantharis rustica)

Jumping spider (Salticidae)


GL says most likely a Zebra jumping spider (Salticus scenicus) or a closely related species like the Half-edged wall jumping spider (Menemerus semilimbatus). Its dinner is said to be a mayfly exuvia—an empty exoskeleton. 2026-04-26 19:17:53 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-17.
Classification: Species Jumping spider (Salticidae)
Comment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_spider,https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springspinnen

Money Spider (Linyphia triangularis)


Money spider as photographed earlier with my cell phone. 2025-09-18 15:33:38 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-09-18.
Classification: Species Money Spider (Linyphia triangularis)

Tree bumblebee or new garden bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum)


This is hard to identify but could be a Tree bumblebee or new garden bumblebee, bonbus hypnorum. 2025-06-19 12:26:19 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-19.
Classification: Species Tree bumblebee or new garden bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum)
Comment: A species of bumblebee common [on] the European continent and parts of Asia. See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombus_hypnorum

Blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans)


Grosse Pechlibelle oder das elegante Ischnura elegans at Wildert, komischerweise kleiner als die grosse Art von Libelle. 2025-08-05 16:58:46 Source: OTHER 20250805_165846 Grosse Pechlibelle oder das elegante Ischnura elegans at Wildert, komischerweise kleiner als die grosse Art von Libelle.jpg Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-05.
Classification: Species Blue-tailed damselfly (Ischnura elegans)

Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum)


GL sagt wahrscheinlich eine Ackerhummel (Bombus pascuorum). 2026-05-07 15:38:16 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-02.
Classification: Species Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum)

Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis)


GL says a Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis), a common solitary bee found throughout Switzerland. 2026-04-22 11:58:14 Switzerland
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-17.
Classification: Species Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis)
Comment: GoogleLens says it's a common solitary bee found throughout Switzerland

Common drone fly (Eristalis tenax)


Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax), also known as the Common Drone Fly or Mistbiene. 2025-08-05 13:18:20 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-05.
Classification: Species Common drone fly (Eristalis tenax)
Comment: Drone flies are a type of hoverfly (there are around 460 kinds!), belonging to genus Eristalis within the family Syrphidae (hoverflies) and order Diptera (true flies).
a kind of Drone Fly

Ladder-backed hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare)


A type of hoverfly, and the yellow-black stripes match the Melanostoma scalare (Ladder-backed Hover Fly). 2025-08-03 17:14:39 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-03.
Classification: Species Ladder-backed hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare)
Comment: Web pages describe the yellow shapes, whereas I was looking at the black parts and seeing a capital W or a flying bird. I saw a female, as Wikipedia says 'yellow markings of the male are roundish or diamond-shaped, while those of the female are triangular patches'
Tips: black W

Whooper swan (Whooper swans)


Whooper swans, Iceland. 2015-06-03 16:01:12
First observed in Iceland on 2015-06-03.
Classification: Species Cygnus cygnus (Cygnus cygnus); Genus Cygnus (Cygnus); Tribe Swans (Cygnini); Subfamily Anserinae (Anserinae); Family Anatidae (Anatidae)

Ichneumon wasp (family Ichneumonidae)


GL says a type of Ichneumon wasp (family Ichneumonidae), a diverse group of parasitic wasps. 2026-04-20 16:12:29 Alpweg
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-20.
Classification: Species Ichneumon wasp (family Ichneumonidae)
Comment: Ichneumonidae is a diverse group of parasitic wasps

Schnake (Schnake)


GL meint eine Schnake (Familie Tipulidae), eine der größten einheimischen Mückenarten, tot gefunden auf der Terasse. 2026-05-09 08:01:59 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-09.
Classification: Species Schnake (Schnake)

Azure damselfly (Coenagrion puella)


Teil S2 ist entscheidend, hier könnte es das U-Zeichnung vom Hufeisen-Azurjungfer, cönagrion puella sein. 2025-07-19 13:49:39 Tösstal
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-19.
Classification: Species Azure damselfly (Coenagrion puella)

Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana)


GL says likely a Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana). 2025-10-30 15:55:44 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-10-30.
Classification: Species Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana)
Comment: Cool that my first Nosferatu spider ID happened a day before Halloween. GL says it's often mistaken for a wolf spider due to its size and appearance, but can be distinguished by the unique pattern on its cephalothorax, which resembles the face of the fictional character Nosferatu

Seidenkäfer (Seidenkäfer)


GL meint ein Vertreter der Seidenkäfer (Familie Scraptiidae), sehr wahrscheinlich aus der Gattung Anaspis. 2026-05-07 15:40:56 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-07.
Classification: Species Seidenkäfer (Seidenkäfer)

Large wall brown (Lasiommata maera)


GL says a Wall Brown, scientifically known as Lasiommata megera. 2025-10-10 15:27:01 Levanto
First observed in Levanto on 2025-10-10.
Classification: Species Large wall brown (Lasiommata maera)

Heath humble-bee (Bombus jonellus)


Heidehummel as seen from the side. 2025-06-28 13:06:02 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-28.
Classification: Species Heath humble-bee (Bombus jonellus)

Chimney Sweeper Moth (Odezia atrata)


GL says this is a Chimney Sweeper Moth (Odezia atrata). 2025-08-13 18:52:05 Klausenpass
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-13.
Classification: Species Chimney Sweeper Moth (Odezia atrata)

Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum)


TBI, maybe Blue Damselfly, Enallagma cyathigerum. 2025-07-19 13:50:29
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum)

Brown-striped digger bee (Amegilla garrula)


GL says likely a Brown-striped Digger Bee (Amegilla garrula) or the Four-banded Flower-Bee (Anthophora quadrimaculata). 2026-04-08 16:08:15
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species Brown-striped digger bee (Amegilla garrula)

Keeled skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens)


Neue Libellen-Art in Wildert gesehen. Ich habe es vorlaeufig aus meinem Buch Libellen der Schweiz identifiziert als Kleiner Blaupfeil oder Orthetrum coerulescens, und Google Lens zeigt das gleiche. 2025-07-23 17:52:23 Wildert
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-23.
Classification: Species Keeled skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens)
Comment: Beobachtet in Wildert, Weibchen sind gelb, Männchen blau, und ich bin überrascht dass es heisst diese ist die kleinste Blaupfeil - so klein war es nicht!

Willow Leaf Beetle (Plagiodera versicolora)


Willow Leaf Beetle according to GL, scientifically known as Plagiodera versicolora. 2025-06-27 17:13:23 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-27.
Classification: Species Willow Leaf Beetle (Plagiodera versicolora)
Comment: This identification (by GL) is based on the following characteristics: Appearance: The beetle is small,rounded, and has a metalic sheen, typically appearing green, blue, or occasionally purple, with a black underside and legs. Confirm: Size: Adults generally measure between 2.5 to 4.5 mm.

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)


GL says this is a Comma butterfly, specifically Polygonia c-album. 2025-08-14 12:00:57 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-14.
Classification: Species Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comment: Also classified as a Nymphalis c-album

Blackwall's ground spider (Scotophaeus blackwalli)


GL says possibly a Scotophaeus blackwalli (also known as the Blackwall's ground spider). 2025-08-22 14:38:49 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-08-22.
Classification: Species Blackwall's ground spider (Scotophaeus blackwalli)

Water striders (genus Gerris)


GL says these are water striders, likely from the genus Gerris or Aquarius. 2026-04-20 16:02:29 Alpweg
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-04-20.
Classification: Species Water striders (genus Gerris)
Comment: Genus Gerrus includes 43 species! Water striders are also of genus Aquarius, which includdes 19 species. A common kind in Switzerland is Gerris lacustris, commonly known as the common pond skater or common water strider - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerris_lacustris

Common flesh fly (Sarcophaga carnaria)


GL meint eine Graue Fleischfliege (Sarcophaga carnaria), auch als Gemeine Fleischfliege oder Aasfliege bekannt. 2026-05-10 08:01:23 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-10-21.
Classification: Species Common flesh fly (Sarcophaga carnaria)
Comment: Of course there are other kinds of flesh flies, and I'll never know for sure which kind it was. Oxford English Dictionary says "The term flesh fly refers to insects in the family Sarcophagidae, derived from their larvae's (maggots) habit of feeding on decaying flesh, carrion, and manure."

Small White, also known as the Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)


Kleiner Kohlweissling, Small Whiteplay daheim. 2025-08-08 12:08:55 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-08-17.
Classification: Species Small White, also known as the Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
Comment: A common butterfly species in Switzerland. See https://insectic.com/butterfly-species-switzerland/#google_vignette

European peacock (Aglais io)


Tagpfauenauge oder Aglais io, formerly inachis io in unserem Garten. 2025-07-15 14:22:47
🔍 Never observed (yet!) Classification: Species European peacock (Aglais io)
Comment: Previously Inachis io. Wikipedia says: Io is a figure in Greek mythology. She was a priestess of Hera in Argos.

Copper sun jumper (heliophanus cupreus)


GL says this is a copper sun jumper or heliophanus cupreus. 2025-06-19 16:53:30 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-06-19.
Classification: Species Copper sun jumper (heliophanus cupreus)

Downy emerald (Cordulia aenea)


GL meint Falkenlibelle, was ab April erscheint und andere Leute in Kanton Zürich gesehen haben. 2026-05-02 18:16:28 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2026-05-02.
Classification: Species Downy emerald (Cordulia aenea)

Banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)


Google Lens says Banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens. 2025-07-17 12:23:35 Kaltbrunner-Riet
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2025-07-17.
Classification: Species Banded demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)

Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)


Background - Hummel bei Wildertweiher, wahrscheinlich eine Dunkle Erdhummel aka buff-tailed bumblebee. 2024-06-04 09:43:55 Fehraltorf
First observed in 🇨🇭 on 2024-06-04.
Classification: Species Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)
Comment: Common in Switzerland, says Google Lens

Number observed: 111. By country first seen that's: Switzerland 103, Italy 3, Iceland 1, Mexico 1, Portugal 1, United States of America 1.