Agricultural-predator
Guides
Bembidion lampros
A small ground beetle native to Europe, now established in North America. Adults overwinter and reproduce in early spring in arable fields, where they function as generalist predators of cereal aphids. The species exhibits wing dimorphism with three phenotypes, though macropterous individuals rarely possess functional flight muscles. Low lifetime fecundity (approximately 10 eggs per female) and high juvenile mortality (66%) make population dynamics sensitive to conditions during larval development.
Blattella asahinai
Asian cockroach
Blattella asahinai, the Asian cockroach, is a small peridomestic cockroach species first described in 1981 from Okinawa, Japan. It is nearly morphologically identical to the German cockroach (B. germanica) but occupies distinct ecological niches, preferring outdoor habitats with leaf litter and vegetation. The species is a strong flier attracted to light, contrasting with its flight-avoidant relative. Since its introduction to Florida in 1986, it has spread throughout the southeastern United States, where it can reach extremely high population densities in suitable habitats.
Enoplognatha
Candystripe Spider (E. ovata)
Enoplognatha is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) first described by P. Pavesi in 1880. The genus includes approximately 75 species with cosmopolitan distribution. Members are characterized by a large colulus, subspherical abdomen, and males typically possess enlarged chelicerae. The genus is considered a senior synonym of Symopagia.
Geocoris flavilineus
bigeyed bug
Geocoris flavilineus is a species of bigeyed bug in the family Geocoridae, first described by Stål in 1874. Like other members of the genus Geocoris, it is a predatory true bug with notably large eyes. The species has been recorded from Central and South America including Guatemala, Panama, and Colombia. Bigeyed bugs in this genus are recognized as beneficial predators in agricultural systems, feeding on various small arthropod pests.
Hibana
ghost spiders, yellow ghost spider
Hibana is a genus of anyphaenid sac spiders established by Antônio Brescovit in 1991. The genus contains 18 described species distributed from the United States through Central America to Brazil, including the Caribbean. These small, pale, nocturnal spiders are commonly known as ghost spiders due to their coloration and elusive habits. Hibana includes the yellow ghost spider (Hibana velox), formerly classified under Aysha. The genus is notable for its cursorial hunting behavior and restricted area searching following food consumption.
Hibana futilis
ghost spider
Hibana futilis is a small cursorial spider in the family Anyphaenidae, commonly known as ghost spiders. Adults reach a maximum body length of slightly over 8 millimeters. The species is nocturnal, hunting insects on foliage at night and hiding in silk-lined curled leaves by day. It is found from the United States through Central America to Venezuela and Cuba. Research has documented its restricted area searching behavior following consumption of both prey and non-prey food, suggesting cognitive flexibility in foraging.
Neoscona arabesca
Arabesque Orbweaver
Neoscona arabesca is a common orb-weaving spider found throughout North America, recognized by the distinctive swirling, brightly colored markings on its abdomen that give it the common name 'arabesque orbweaver.' Females build vertical orb webs 15–45 cm in diameter with 18–20 radii, occupying the hub at night and retreating to a curled leaf during the day. The species has been introduced to Nepal and China. It is a documented host for the parasitic ichneumon wasp Acrotaphus wiltii.
Zelus renardii
leaf hopper assassin bug, sundew assassin bug
Zelus renardii is a medium to large assassin bug native to western North and Central America that has become a successful global invader. The species is diurnal and employs a distinctive predatory strategy using sticky secretions from glandular setae on its forelegs to capture prey, earning it the common name 'sundew assassin bug.' It has been introduced to the Mediterranean basin, Pacific islands, Hawaii, Chile, Argentina, and Easter Island, primarily through human-mediated transport of nursery plants. The species is considered for biological control of agricultural pests but its generalist predatory habits create complex trophic interactions.