Ambush-predator
Guides
Agelenopsis naevia
Dark-legged Grass Spider
Agelenopsis naevia is a species of funnel-web spider in the family Agelenidae, commonly known as the Dark-legged Grass Spider. It is found in the United States and Canada. Like other members of its genus, it constructs flat, sheet-like webs with a funnel-shaped retreat where the spider waits to ambush prey. The species was first described by Walckenaer in 1841.
Agelenopsis pennsylvanica
Pennsylvania Grass Spider, Pennsylvania Funnel-web Spider
Agelenopsis pennsylvanica is a funnel-web spider native to the United States, recognized by its characteristic funnel-shaped retreat web. Females are larger than males and exhibit notable sexual cannibalism during mating, a behavior that has been extensively studied in this species. The spider is an ambush predator that relies on vibration detection to capture prey. Its distribution spans at least 21 states, with highest abundance in areas with high humidity and water availability.
Antrodiaetus pacificus
Pacific Foldingdoor Spider
Antrodiaetus pacificus is a mygalomorph spider native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, ranging from San Francisco Bay to Alaska. It is the northernmost mygalomorph spider on the continent. The species was first described by Eugène Louis Simon in 1884 under the name Brachybothrium pacificum. It constructs burrows in soft substrates and exhibits year-round activity with peak mating season between early June and late November.
Apiomerus cazieri
Desert Bee Assassin
Apiomerus cazieri is a species of assassin bug (family Reduviidae) endemic to the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species was described in 2011 and is commonly known as the Desert Bee Assassin. It is an active predator with documented prey including the checkered beetle Trichodes ornatus and honey bees (Apis mellifera). The species belongs to the genus Apiomerus, whose members are frequently observed hunting on flowers where they ambush pollinators.
Apiomerus immundus
Apiomerus immundus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, described by Bergroth in 1898. The genus Apiomerus, commonly known as "bee assassins" or "bee killers," comprises exclusively New World species that are ambush predators. Most Apiomerus species are characterized by their habit of perching on flowers to capture visiting bees and other insects. The specific epithet "immundus" (Latin for "unclean" or "dirty") may allude to the debris-accumulating behavior observed in related species.
Apiomerus montanus
Mountain Bee Assassin
Apiomerus montanus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the Mountain Bee Assassin. It belongs to a genus of exclusively New World predatory insects often called 'bee killers' for their habit of ambushing flower-visiting insects. The species was formally described in 2011 during a revision of the crassipes and pictipes species groups of Apiomerus. Like other members of its genus, it is an ambush predator that captures prey using its raptorial forelegs and subdues them with a venomous proboscis.
Apiomerus spissipes
Plains Bee Assassin
Apiomerus spissipes is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the Plains Bee Assassin. It ranges broadly across the Great Plains of North America and is replaced further east by the closely related but generally darker A. crassipes. The species is known for its habit of ambushing pollinators on flowers, particularly bees, though it will prey on other insects as well. Its coloration has been observed to include pale ventral surfaces with black front and hind margins.
Arenaeus cribrarius
Speckled Swimming Crab
Arenaeus cribrarius, the speckled swimming crab, is a portunid crab distributed throughout the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Argentina. It inhabits shallow sandy substrates but occurs to depths of 61 m, burying itself in sediment while maintaining respiratory water flow through a maintained gap. The species exhibits nocturnal, solitary behavior and is an opportunistic feeder that ambushes prey from its buried position. It supports commercial fisheries, particularly along the Brazilian coast, and has demonstrated reproductive plasticity in response to population pressures.
Ascalaphinae
split-eyed owlflies, owlflies
Ascalaphinae is the type subfamily of the owlfly family Myrmeleontidae (order Neuroptera), distinguished by the diagnostic apomorphy of a ridge dividing each large compound eye—hence 'split-eyed owlflies.' This trait is shared with the subfamily Ululodinae. The subfamily is predominantly tropical in distribution and represents one of two main lineages of living Ascalaphidae, the other being Haplogleniinae with unsplit eyes. The first fossil record dates to the Miocene, suggesting Paleogene origin.
Atypidae
purseweb spiders, atypical tarantulas
Atypidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders commonly known as purseweb spiders or atypical tarantulas. The family contains only three genera and represents one of the most archaic spider lineages. Members are obligate burrowers that construct distinctive sock-like, silken tubes extending from underground burrows up vertical surfaces. They are ambush predators that rarely leave their retreats, instead detecting and capturing prey from within their webs. The family has a disjunct distribution across Eurasia, northern Africa, and North America, with most species in the genus Atypus.
Bassaniana floridana
Bassaniana floridana is a crab spider species in the family Thomisidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1896. The species occurs in the United States. As a member of the genus Bassaniana, it belongs to a group of spiders known for their ambush predatory behavior and crab-like leg posture. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.
Bassaniana utahensis
Utah Crab Spider
Bassaniana utahensis is a crab spider species in the family Thomisidae, commonly known as the Utah Crab Spider. It is native to western North America, occurring in Canada and the United States. As a member of the bark crab spider genus Bassaniana, it is typically associated with trees and woody vegetation where it employs ambush predation. The species was first described by Gertsch in 1932.
Belostomatidae
giant water bugs, toe-biters, Indian toe-biters, electric-light bugs, alligator ticks, alligator fleas
Belostomatidae is a family of large freshwater hemipteran insects comprising approximately 170 species worldwide. Members are the largest insects in the order Hemiptera, with some species exceeding 12 cm in length. They are aggressive predators found in ponds, marshes, and slow-flowing streams, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and even small vertebrates. The family exhibits remarkable paternal care, with males of many species carrying eggs on their backs until hatching. Several species are consumed as food in Southeast Asia.
Bothriocyrtum californicum
California trapdoor spider, California cork-lid trapdoor spider
Bothriocyrtum californicum is a cork-lid trapdoor spider endemic to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This mygalomorph spider constructs burrows with a hinged, cork-like door made of soil and silk, which it uses to ambush passing prey. Males are smaller than females, a reversal of typical sexual dimorphism in spiders. The species is notable as the first representative of its genus and family to have its mitochondrial genome sequenced.
Brachynemurus hubbardii
Brachynemurus hubbardii is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Brachynemurus belongs to a diverse group of antlions whose larvae typically do not construct the characteristic funnel-shaped pits associated with the more familiar genus Myrmeleon. Instead, Brachynemurus larvae bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey to pass by. Adults are delicate, lacy-winged insects that resemble damselflies but possess short, clubbed antennae.
Brachynemurus irregularis
Brachynemurus irregularis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Currie in 1906. As a member of the genus Brachynemurus, its larvae do not construct the characteristic pit traps associated with the genus Myrmeleon; instead, they bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings and short, clubbed antennae that distinguish them from superficially similar damselflies. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied antlion genera.
Brachynemurus nebulosus
antlion
Brachynemurus nebulosus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across North America. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, lacy-winged adult stage. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive wing patterns and morphology among antlions.
Brachypsectra
Texas beetle
Brachypsectra is a genus of beetles in the family Brachypsectridae, one of two extant genera in this small elateroid family. Adults are small, light brown beetles with distinctive pectinate antennae in males. The larvae are flattened, ovate predators with branched lateral lobes on thoracic and abdominal segments, historically known as an 'entomological enigma' before their adult form was discovered. The genus occurs in southwestern North America, with larvae found under bark, in leaf litter, and rock crevices.
Caeculidae
rake-legged mites
Caeculidae, commonly called rake-legged mites, is a family of large prostigmatic mites (750–3000 µm) and the sole family of the superfamily Caeculoidea. The family contains approximately 100 described species in seven genera distributed worldwide, with the oldest fossil records dating to the Cenomanian (approximately 100 million years ago) in Burmese amber. These mites are specialized ambush predators of arid environments, using modified forelegs to capture prey.
Caeculus
rake-legged mites
Caeculus is a genus of large prostigmatic mites in the family Caeculidae, commonly known as rake-legged mites. The genus contains approximately 20 described species, predominantly distributed in North America. Members are characterized by spiniform setae on their first pair of legs, which function in prey capture. These mites are ambush predators of small arthropods in arid environments.
Cicindela sexguttata
Six-spotted Tiger Beetle, Six-spotted Green Tiger Beetle
Cicindela sexguttata is a common North American tiger beetle recognized by its bright metallic-green to blue-green elytra, often bearing six small white spots. Adults are active predators of small arthropods in deciduous forest habitats, where they hunt in sunlit patches on the forest floor. The species exhibits specialized thermal ecology, basking to elevate body temperature and foraging optimally at approximately 32.8°C. Larvae are subterranean ambush predators that construct burrows in sandy soils. The species has been reported to live up to five years total, with approximately one year spent in larval development.
Cordulegastridae
Spiketails, biddie, flying adder
Cordulegastridae, commonly known as spiketails, is a family of dragonflies (Anisoptera) distributed across the Holarctic region. The family contains approximately 51 species in three to four genera, including Cordulegaster, Anotogaster, Neallogaster, and the recently restored Thecagaster and Zoraena. Adults are characterized by large black or brown bodies with yellow markings, blue-green eyes that meet at a single point, and a slow flight pattern 30–70 cm above water. Nymphs are specialized ambush predators that conceal themselves in sand or silt substrates of clean, flowing streams.
Coriarachne
Coriarachne is a genus of crab spiders (Thomisidae) described by Thorell in 1870. The genus currently contains four species distributed across boreal and temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Many previously described species have been synonymized or transferred to related genera including Bassaniana, Bassaniodes, and Pycnaxis.
Cunaxidae
cunaxid mites, snout mites
Cunaxidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Trombidiformes, commonly known as snout mites due to their prominent gnathosoma. The family contains at least 20 genera and over 390 described species, with some estimates exceeding 450 species across 32 genera. These mites occupy diverse terrestrial habitats worldwide except Antarctica, where they function as opportunistic predators of small arthropods and other microfauna. They exhibit two distinct foraging strategies: ambush predation and active cursorial hunting.
Diaea
Flower Spiders
Diaea is a genus of crab spiders (family Thomisidae) first described by Thorell in 1869. The genus contains 46 species as of September 2025, most with restricted distributions except for D. livens (United States) and D. dorsata (Palearctic). Adults range 4–7 mm in body length and are strongly associated with vegetation, particularly flowers, where their green, yellow, or white coloration provides camouflage.
Diogmites
Hanging Thieves
Diogmites is a genus of medium to large robber flies (17–48 mm) in the family Asilidae, commonly known as "Hanging Thieves" for their distinctive feeding posture. The genus contains 73–77 recognized species distributed mainly in the Neotropics, with some species extending into the Nearctic region. Adults are ambush predators that capture flying or perching insects and feed while suspended from vegetation by their front legs. The genus is characterized by relatively long legs, a flexible prosternum that facilitates the hanging posture, and often striking green or iridescent eye coloration in live specimens.
Dolomedes albineus
white-banded fishing spider, whitebanded fishing spider
Dolomedes albineus is a large nursery web spider native to the southeastern and central United States. Mature females reach approximately 23 mm in body length, males about 18 mm. The species is named for the distinctive white band immediately below the eyes and above the chelicerae, though coloration is highly variable—ranging from mottled gray to mossy green with darker markings. Unlike some fishing spiders, D. albineus is strongly associated with aquatic habitats, particularly cypress swamps and river edges, where it hunts from perches on vegetation or pilings. Females carry egg sacs in their jaws before constructing nursery webs and guarding the emerging spiderlings.
Efferia
Hammertails
Efferia is one of the most species-rich genera of robber flies (family Asilidae), comprising approximately 241 recognized species distributed primarily across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. These medium to large predatory flies (10–40 mm) exhibit exceptional diversity in arid and semi-arid ecosystems of the New World, with particularly high abundance in desert and grassland habitats. The genus is distinguished by pronounced sexual dimorphism in abdominal morphology and is notable for the males' distinctive 'helicopter tail' genital structure.
Efferia pogonias
Yellow-bearded Hammertail
Efferia pogonias is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the yellow-bearded hammertail. It is endemic to the eastern United States, where it occurs from Maine to Georgia and westward to Minnesota and Texas. The species prefers open, dry habitats including sandy inland locations. Adults are active from May to October with peak activity in September and October. Females oviposit in soil.
Euryopis
Ant-eating Spiders
Euryopis is a genus of small comb-footed spiders (family Theridiidae, subfamily Hadrotarsinae) distributed worldwide. Unlike most theridiids, these spiders do not construct prey-catching webs. They are specialized ant predators, using a unique hunting technique where they immobilize ants with silk and haul them to safe feeding locations. The genus contains approximately 82 species as of October 2025, with about 20 species recorded in North America north of Mexico.
Euryopis quinquemaculata
Five-spotted ant-hunting spider
Euryopis quinquemaculata is a small cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, placed in the subfamily Hadrotarsinae. Unlike typical theridiids that construct tangled webs to catch prey, this species is an active ant specialist that hunts without building prey-capturing webs. The species name refers to the five-spotted abdominal pattern characteristic of this and related Euryopis species. It occurs in the United States, where it inhabits areas with high ant activity.
Euryopis tavara
Euryopis tavara is a small cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, subfamily Hadrotarsinae. Unlike most theridiids, it does not construct prey-catching webs. The species is known from the United States and shares the genus-wide trait of specialized ant predation. It is one of approximately twenty Euryopis species recorded in North America north of Mexico.
Euryopis texana
Euryopis texana is a small cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, subfamily Hadrotarsinae. It belongs to a genus of ant-specialist predators that hunt without building prey-catching webs. The species occurs in the United States and Mexico. Like other Euryopis, it likely employs a distinctive hunting strategy of ambushing ants and immobilizing them with silk before delivering a venomous bite.
Geolycosa missouriensis
Missouri Burrowing Wolf Spider, Burrowing Wolf Spider, Missouri Earth Spider, Missouri Wolf Spider
Geolycosa missouriensis is a large wolf spider native to the Great Plains of North America. It is a burrowing specialist that spends most of its life in deep, silk-lined vertical burrows, emerging primarily to hunt or mate. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females reaching approximately 21 mm in body length and males 15–18 mm. Unlike wandering wolf spiders, this species employs an ambush predation strategy, detecting prey through ground vibrations from within its burrow.
Glenurus gratus
pleasing picture-winged antlion, doodlebug
Glenurus gratus is a North American antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, commonly known as the pleasing picture-winged antlion. Adults are recognized by distinctive black, white, and pink wing markings. Unlike pit-digging antlions in the genus Myrmeleon, larvae of Glenurus gratus bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing conical traps.
Gonatista grisea
Grizzled Mantis, Florida Bark Mantis, Lichen Mimic Mantis
Gonatista grisea is a bark-dwelling praying mantis native to the southeastern United States. It exhibits exceptional cryptic coloration resembling lichen, earning it the common name "lichen mimic mantis." The species perches head-down on tree trunks to ambush prey and has been documented in Florida, Alabama, and surrounding states. It is one of over twenty native mantis species in the United States, though less frequently encountered than introduced species.
Hebestatis theveneti
Thevenet's Trapdoor Spider
Hebestatis theveneti is a species of cork-lid trapdoor spider in the family Halonoproctidae. It is native to the United States and constructs burrows sealed with camouflaged, hinged trapdoors. The species is one of several trapdoor spiders maintained in research collections for study of arachnid behavior and systematics.
Laphria thoracica
Eastern Yellow-backed Laphria
Laphria thoracica is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Eastern Yellow-backed Laphria. The species is a notable bumble bee mimic, using its resemblance to stinging bees to avoid predation while ambushing prey. It belongs to a genus recognized for highly effective mimicry of bees and wasps.
Mantidae
mantids, mantid mantises
Mantidae is the largest family in the order Mantodea, historically encompassing all mantises before modern classifications split the group into multiple families. Most genera are tropical or subtropical in distribution. The family contains ten recognized subfamilies including Choeradodinae, Hierodulinae, Mantinae, and Stagmomantinae. The term "mantid" technically refers only to members of this family, though it is commonly used more broadly for any mantis.
Mantodea
mantises, mantids, praying mantises
Mantodea is an order of predatory insects comprising over 2,400 species in approximately 430 genera and 15 families, with Mantidae being the largest family. Members are characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for catching prey, triangular heads with large compound eyes on flexible necks, and elongated bodies. The order exhibits two primary foraging strategies: ambush predation (the ancestral condition) and cursorial pursuit of prey. Mantodea has undergone significant taxonomic revision, having been elevated from a suborder of Orthoptera to full order status, then subsequently grouped with cockroaches and termites within Dictyoptera based on molecular phylogenetic evidence.
Marpissa pikei
Pike Slender Jumper, Long-bodied Jumping Spider
Marpissa pikei is a distinctive jumping spider of the family Salticidae, characterized by an extremely elongated, slender body form adapted for crypsis in grassy habitats. It is native to North America, ranging from the eastern United States through the Southwest and into Mexico and Cuba. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males displaying bold black and orange patterning while females are more cryptically colored. Its common name reflects both its discoverer and its notably attenuated body shape.
Marpissa sulcosa
Pike Slender Jumper
Marpissa sulcosa, commonly known as the Pike Slender Jumper, is a small jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It is notable for its extremely elongated body and disproportionately long first pair of legs, which are used primarily for prey capture rather than locomotion. The species inhabits grassland environments and employs camouflage and ambush tactics to hunt. It ranges across much of North America, with records from the eastern United States through the Great Plains and into the Southwest.
Mecaphesa
crab spiders
Mecaphesa is a genus of crab spiders in the family Thomisidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1900. The genus contains approximately 49 species distributed across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii. Species exhibit cryptic coloration for ambush predation on flowers.
Mecaphesa asperata
Northern Crab Spider
Mecaphesa asperata is a small crab spider in the family Thomisidae, commonly known as the northern crab spider. It is one of the 'flower spiders' that hunts on blossoms, using camouflage to ambush pollinators such as bees and flies. The species is a Nearctic relative of the better-known goldenrod spider (Misumena vatia) but is considerably smaller. Formerly classified in the genus Misumenops as M. asperatus, it was transferred to Mecaphesa based on revised taxonomy.
Mecaphesa carletonica
northeastern flower crab spider
Mecaphesa carletonica is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae. It is found in the United States and Canada. As a member of the genus Mecaphesa, it belongs to a group of flower-dwelling crab spiders that ambush pollinators. The species was described by Dondale and Redner in 1976.
Mecaphesa coloradensis
Colorado Mecaphesa
Mecaphesa coloradensis is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae. The species is found in the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Mecaphesa, it shares the characteristic ambush-hunting behavior typical of crab spiders, waiting on flowers to capture pollinating insects. The specific epithet 'coloradensis' suggests a connection to Colorado, though the full geographic range extends beyond this state.
Mecaphesa deserti
Mecaphesa deserti is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae. It was described by Schick in 1965. The species occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, consistent with its specific epithet referencing desert habitats. As a member of the genus Mecaphesa, it belongs to a group of spiders characterized by laterigrade leg orientation and ambush predation behavior.
Mecaphesa dubia
Mecaphesa dubia is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae. It occurs in the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Mecaphesa, it belongs to a group of crab spiders characterized by hairy bodies and cryptic coloration. The species was described by Keyserling in 1880.
Mecaphesa quercina
oak crab spider
Mecaphesa quercina, commonly known as the oak crab spider, is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae. The species was described by Schick in 1965. It is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published sources. As a member of the crab spider family, it likely exhibits the characteristic ambush predation behavior typical of Thomisidae.
Mecaphesa rothi
Mecaphesa rothi is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae. It is found in the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Mecaphesa, it shares the ambush-hunting strategy characteristic of crab spiders, waiting on flowers to capture pollinating insects. The species was described by Schick in 1965.