he Key to the Bee Families of the World is a global resource for identifying bee taxa at the family level. Developed by Laurence Packer and Claudia Ratti at York University through collaboration with FAO, it strengthens taxonomic capacity for pollination programmes by combining visual couplets, high resolution imagery and three pathways for identifying sex and family traits. Adapted from Michener’s Bees of the World, the tool is accessible to both specialists and non specialists and remains hosted by York University, where it continues to support research, extension work and biodiversity monitoring while contributing to FAO’s efforts to improve the reliability of pollination assessments.
Healthy and diverse pollinator communities are central to productive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. Strengthening the capacity to identify pollinator species improves monitoring programmes, supports targeted conservation and informs the development of pollinator friendly agricultural practices. Identification keys provide a consistent and accessible taxonomic entry point for users involved in field surveys, research, biodiversity assessments or agricultural extension. They help translate scientific knowledge into practical tools that can guide decision making across different production systems and ecosystems.
Reliable identification builds a stronger evidence base for policy and supports countries in designing and implementing sustainable agriculture strategies. It enables practitioners to detect changes in pollinator abundance and distribution, assess risks to pollination services and adjust crop management accordingly. Increasing access to these resources contributes to the Global Action on Pollination Services for Sustainable Agriculture and supports FAO’s efforts to advance Better Production and Better Environment.
Pollinator groups differ widely in morphology. Bees, flies, butterflies, moths, beetles and other pollinating insects require distinct diagnostic approaches. The aim of this page is to provide a central entry point for identification resources that can be applied across diverse contexts. Each section offers a curated key developed by specialized institutions. These tools strengthen technical capacity, facilitate collaboration between research and agriculture and support a more coherent global approach to pollinator monitoring.
Andreninae Genera of the World
An interactive and illustrated key designed to support the identification of Andreninae bees to the genus level. Andreninae are a widespread subfamily of solitary, ground nesting bees that include many early season species important for the pollination of fruit trees, horticultural crops and native flora. They are characterized by their fossorial behaviour, distinctive facial and wing traits and a strong ecological association with temperate and arid environments.
Butterflies ID
Below are open access identification resources for butterflies from different world regions. These tools are developed by recognized scientific institutions and support biodiversity monitoring, species assessments and capacity development efforts.
• Europe – eBMS Field Guides
Freely accessible field guides developed within the European Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. They provide visual identification support for regional butterfly species and are used in standardized monitoring programmes across Europ
• Africa – African Butterfly Database (ABDB)
Open access database documenting Afrotropical butterfly diversity, with species records, images and distribution maps to support research and monitoring activities across the continent.
Diptera Families Identification Key
Diptera include a wide range of fly species that regularly visit flowers and play an important, yet often overlooked, role in pollination. Several groups within this order contribute to the pollination of fruit crops, vegetables and wild plants, especially in environments or seasons where bees are less active. This family-level key offers a simple entry point to recognize the main Diptera groups that may include pollinating species.
To the Key
Developed by the University of California, Riverside