Ambush-predator
Guides
Mecaphesa sierrensis
Mecaphesa sierrensis is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, first described by Schick in 1965. The genus Mecaphesa comprises small to medium-sized ambush predators that typically hunt on flowers. As a member of this genus, M. sierrensis likely exhibits the cryptic coloration and sit-and-wait predatory strategy characteristic of flower-dwelling thomisids. The species has been recorded from western North America, including British Columbia, Canada and the United States.
Mecaphesa verityi
Mecaphesa verityi is a crab spider in the family Thomisidae, first described by Schick in 1965. The genus Mecaphesa comprises small to medium-sized spiders that ambush prey on flowers. Like other members of this genus, M. verityi likely exhibits cryptic coloration to blend with blossoms where it waits for pollinators. The species is known from the United States, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Misumena
Flower Crab Spiders
Misumena is a genus of crab spiders in the family Thomisidae, commonly known as flower crab spiders. The genus contains approximately 40 species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with the most well-known species being Misumena vatia, the goldenrod crab spider. These spiders are ambush predators that hunt on flowers, where they rely on camouflage to capture pollinating insects. Some species, particularly females of M. vatia, exhibit remarkable color-changing abilities, shifting between white and yellow to match their floral substrate.
Misumena vatia
goldenrod crab spider, flower crab spider, white death spider
Misumena vatia is a crab spider in the family Thomisidae found across the northern hemisphere in North America and Europe. Adult females are ambush predators that hunt on flowers, where they capture pollinating insects using venom and their enlarged front legs. Females possess a remarkable ability to change color between yellow and white to match their floral substrate, a process taking 6–25 days depending on direction. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: females reach 6–11 mm while males are only 2.5–5 mm and lack color-changing ability. Females are sedentary, occupying single flowers for extended periods, while males actively search for mates following silk draglines.
Misumenoides
whitebanded crab spider
Misumenoides is a genus of crab spiders in the family Thomisidae, established by F. O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1900. The genus contains approximately 35 species distributed primarily in the Americas, with M. formosipes (whitebanded crab spider) being the most thoroughly documented species in North America. These spiders are ambush predators that typically hunt on flowers, using their crab-like front legs to grasp prey. The genus has been recently recorded from Bangladesh, extending its known distribution to South Asia.
Misumenoides formosipes
White-banded Crab Spider
Misumenoides formosipes is a crab spider (family Thomisidae) commonly known as the white-banded crab spider, named for the distinctive white ridge running through the plane of its eyes. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females significantly larger than males and capable of changing color between white and yellow to match their surroundings, while males maintain a fixed gold coloration with darker front legs. This sit-and-wait predator hunts pollinators on flowers without building webs.
Misumenops
crab spider
Misumenops is a genus of small crab spiders (family Thomisidae) containing over 50 described species. These spiders are characterized by their flattened bodies and laterally extended legs, typical of ambush predators. Most species occur in the Americas from Canada to Argentina, with some species found on Pacific islands and scattered localities in Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. Body length ranges from 2–7 mm, with coloration varying from yellow to pale green, often with red or brown patterning. The genus name derives from Misumena (a related crab spider genus) and Greek 'ops' meaning 'looks like'.
Misumessus lappi
Misumessus lappi is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, described by Edwards in 2017. As a member of the genus Misumessus, it belongs to a group of spiders commonly known as flower crab spiders. The species is recorded from the United States. Like other thomisids, it likely employs ambush predation on flowers and vegetation.
Misumessus tamiami
Misumessus tamiami is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, described by Edwards in 2017. It belongs to a genus of spiders known for their ambush predation strategy and crab-like leg positioning. The species name references the Tamiami Trail region of southern Florida, indicating its geographic association with this area.
Myrmeleon
antlion, doodlebug
Myrmeleon is a cosmopolitan genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, distinguished by larvae that construct conical pitfall traps in sandy substrates. The larvae, commonly called doodlebugs, bury themselves at the bottom of these pits and use specialized mandibles to capture prey that falls in. Adults are delicate, lacy-winged insects resembling damselflies but with short, clubbed antennae. The genus is notable for being one of few antlion genera in North America that exhibits pit-building behavior, and it has been documented across multiple continents including North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Myrmeleontiformia
Antlions, Owlflies, and Allies
Myrmeleontiformia is a monophyletic suborder of lacewings (Neuroptera) containing approximately 2,160 described species across two superfamilies: Myrmeleontoidea (antlions, owlflies, spoonwings, and split-footed lacewings) and Psychopsoidea (silky lacewings and extinct families). The group is predominantly diverse in arid tropical and subtropical regions. Members exhibit diverse larval predation strategies, including the famous pit-building behavior of some antlions.
Nemesiidae
Tubetrapdoor and Wishbone Spiders, wishbone spiders
Nemesiidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders first described by Eugène Simon in 1889 and elevated to family status in 1985, having previously been considered part of Dipluridae. The family comprises relatively large, darkly colored spiders with elongated bodies and robust legs, commonly known as wishbone spiders due to the distinctive shape of their burrows. Members are primarily fossorial, constructing silk-lined burrows often equipped with hinged trapdoors for ambush predation. The family includes ten genera and approximately 195 species distributed across diverse habitats including coastal sands, forests, and mountainous regions on multiple continents.
Ozyptila
Leaflitter Crab Spiders
Ozyptila is a genus of small crab spiders (Thomisidae) established by Eugène Simon in 1864. The genus comprises approximately 103 species distributed across Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia. Members are ground-dwelling spiders with a distinctive pear-shaped, elevated carapace and short, spiny forelegs. They are frequently mistaken for the related genus Xysticus but are generally smaller in body size.
Ozyptila conspurcata
Ozyptila conspurcata is a crab spider in the family Thomisidae, first described by Thorell in 1877. The species is recorded from Canada and the United States, with confirmed observations in Alberta. As a member of the genus Ozyptila, it belongs to a group of small, ground-dwelling crab spiders that ambush prey rather than constructing webs.
Ozyptila pacifica
A small crab spider in the family Thomisidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1895. The species occurs in western North America from Canada through the United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic crab-like posture and ambush predation strategy typical of thomisid spiders.
Philodromus cespitum
Turf Running Spider, Running Crab Spider
Philodromus cespitum is a small running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, widely distributed across the Holarctic region. It is the dominant spider species in Central European fruit orchards, where it functions as an important biological control agent. Males measure 3.5–5.0 mm, females approximately 5.3 mm. Body coloration is variable, typically in shades of brown or yellow with spotted patterns. The species exhibits distinctive reproductive biology including male courtship tapping behavior and the use of genital plugs during copulation.
Philodromus rufus vibrans
Philodromus rufus vibrans is a subspecies of running crab spider in the family Philodromidae. It occurs in North America and is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by its small size, heavily speckled appearance, and distinctive male courtship behavior involving leg vibration. Males possess an angular retrolateral apophysis on the palpal tibia. The subspecies inhabits diverse terrestrial environments across the United States and Canada.
Phyllovates chlorophaea
Texas unicorn mantis
Phyllovates chlorophaea is a distinctive praying mantis species native to the southern United States, particularly Texas and neighboring states. It is commonly known as the Texas unicorn mantis due to the prominent horn-like projection extending from the top of its head. The species exhibits remarkable camouflage morphology, with an elongated body and leaf-like appearance that aids in ambush predation. It is considered one of the most visually striking native mantid species in North America and is highly regarded among mantis enthusiasts.
Phymata
jagged ambush bugs
Phymata is a genus of ambush bugs in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as jagged ambush bugs. These insects are characterized by their distinctive jagged, sculptured body form that provides camouflage on vegetation. They are sit-and-wait predators that capture prey on flowers, with raptorial front legs adapted for seizing insects. The genus occurs in the Americas and Palaearctic realm, with multiple species documented in North America including P. americana and P. pennsylvanica, which hybridize where their ranges overlap.
Phymata albopicta
jagged ambush bug
Phymata albopicta is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a sit-and-wait predator that hunts on flowers, using raptorial forelegs to seize prey. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and capable of capturing larger prey items.
Phymata americana
Jagged Ambush Bug, Ambush Bug
Phymata americana is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the jagged ambush bug. It is native to North and Central America, where it hunts on flowers using a sit-and-wait strategy. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size and weapon morphology, with females typically larger than males and possessing disproportionately longer raptorial forelegs. Color polymorphism occurs, with individuals showing variation in body coloration that appears to influence flower color preference for camouflage.
Phymata americana americana
jagged ambush bug
Phymata americana americana is a subspecies of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. As an ambush predator, it waits motionless on flowers to capture visiting insects. The subspecies exhibits phenetic variation in color pattern correlated with climate and season. Studies indicate it shows weak initial discrimination when choosing hunting sites from the ground, but improves patch choice by switching positions once atop vegetation. It is capable of hybridizing with the related Phymata pennsylvanica, with no evidence of prezygotic reproductive barriers.
Phymata borica
Ambush bug
Phymata borica is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae, described by Evans in 1931. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a predatory insect that hunts by waiting motionless on flowers to capture visiting pollinators. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its range and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Phymata metcalfi
jagged ambush bug
Phymata metcalfi is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. As with other members of the genus Phymata, it is a predatory insect that hunts on flowers, using its raptorial front legs to seize prey. The species is part of a group of ambush bugs known for their distinctive flattened, angular body shape and effective camouflage among blossoms. Like congeners, it likely exploits the high insect traffic on composite flowers such as goldenrods and sunflowers.
Phymata saileri
jagged ambush bug
Phymata saileri is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a predatory insect that hunts on flowers, using raptorial forelegs to capture prey. The species was described by Kormilev in 1957 and occurs in North America.
Phymatinae
Ambush Bugs
Ambush bugs (Phymatinae) are a subfamily of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) characterized by their sit-and-wait predatory strategy and exceptional camouflage. They possess heavily modified raptorial forelegs capable of seizing prey ten or more times their own body size. Adults range 5–12 mm in length with a distinctive squat, diamond-shaped body. The subfamily comprises approximately 300 species distributed across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide except Australia and New Zealand. Formerly treated as a separate family (Phymatidae), molecular phylogenetic studies confirm their placement within Reduviidae.
Pselliopus punctipes
ringed assassin bug
Pselliopus punctipes is a predatory assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the ringed assassin bug. It is characterized by its long legs, elongated beak, and distinctive ringed coloration pattern on its body. The species is an ambush predator that hunts small insects by stalking and stabbing them with its venom-injecting proboscis. It belongs to a genus of assassin bugs known for their stealthy hunting behavior and importance in natural pest control.
Ranatra fusca
brown water scorpion, brown waterscorpion
Ranatra fusca is a predatory aquatic bug in the family Nepidae, commonly called the brown water scorpion. Native to North America, it inhabits freshwater environments where it hunts small invertebrates using raptorial forelegs. Adults reach 3.2–4.2 cm in length and possess a long respiratory siphon for breathing at the water surface. The species is most active from spring through autumn.
Reduviidae
Assassin Bugs, Ambush Bugs, Kissing Bugs, Wheel Bugs, Thread-legged Bugs, Bee Assassins, Millipede Assassins, Masked Hunters
Reduviidae is a large cosmopolitan family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising approximately 7,000 described species across more than 20 subfamilies. The family is predominantly terrestrial and predatory, with members employing diverse hunting strategies including ambush predation, active pursuit, and specialized prey capture using modified forelegs or sticky secretions. A notable exception is the subfamily Triatominae, whose members are hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrates and vectors of Chagas disease. Most species possess a distinctive narrow neck, sturdy body, and curved proboscis that fits into a stridulatory groove on the prosternum, producing sound when rubbed against ridges. The family exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, with body sizes ranging from 12 to 36 mm and coloration spanning cryptic browns and blacks to aposematic reds, oranges, and metallic blues.
Scotoleon expansus
Scotoleon expansus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, found in North and Middle America. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings that superficially resemble damselflies but are distinguished by their short, clubbed antennae. Males possess a notably longer abdomen tipped with bracket-like claspers. The larvae are predatory, burying themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing pit traps.
Scotoleon yavapai
Scotoleon yavapai is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Currie in 1903. The genus Scotoleon is distributed across North America, with adults characterized by cryptic coloration and slender, lacy wings. Males of this genus typically possess elongated abdomens with bracket-like claspers. Larvae of Scotoleon species are predatory, burying themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing pit traps.
Stichopogon
Stichopogon is a genus of small robber flies (family Asilidae) in the subfamily Dasypogoninae, comprising at least 100 described species worldwide. These diminutive predatory flies are most diverse in arid and semi-arid regions, with strong representation in North America, the Neotropics, North Africa, and the Middle East. The genus is ecologically associated with open, barren habitats—particularly sandy, gravelly, or rocky substrates near water or in dry washes—where they perch low to the ground and ambush small arthropod prey.
Synema parvulum
Black-banded Crab Spider
Synema parvulum is a crab spider species in the family Thomisidae, first described by Hentz in 1847. It is commonly known as the Black-banded Crab Spider. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Mexico. It is among the more frequently observed crab spiders in its range, with substantial citizen science documentation.
Synema viridans
Synema viridans is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, found in the United States. As a member of this family, it exhibits the characteristic crab-like posture with laterigrade legs adapted for sideways movement. The genus Synema includes species known for their ambush predation strategy on flowers and vegetation.
Thanatus striatus
Striped Running Crab Spider
Thanatus striatus is a running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, characterized by its striped cephalothorax and ground-dwelling hunting behavior. The species has a broad distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Turkey, Russia, and Central Asia. It is active primarily in spring and early summer, with adults capable of overwintering. The species is distinguished from similar slender crab spiders by its more robust body form and preference for ground-level habitats.
Thomisidae
crab spiders, flower spiders, flower crab spiders
Thomisidae is a large family of spiders comprising approximately 172 genera and over 2,100 species worldwide. Members are commonly called crab spiders or flower spiders due to their laterigrade leg orientation—legs twisted at the base to project horizontally—enabling sideways and backward movement reminiscent of true crabs. These spiders are ambush predators that do not construct prey-capture webs, instead relying on stealth, camouflage, and rapid leg strikes to subdue prey. Many species exhibit remarkable color change abilities to match floral backgrounds, while others mimic bird droppings or hunt in leaf litter and bark crevices.
Tibellus chamberlini
Chamberlin's Slender Crab Spider
Tibellus chamberlini is a species of running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, first described by Gertsch in 1933. It belongs to a genus of slender, elongate spiders adapted for ambush hunting on grasses and foliage. The species is distributed across the United States and Canada, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-known congeners.
Tibellus duttoni
Dutton's Slender Crab Spider
Tibellus duttoni is a running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, characterized by its elongated body form and grass-mimicking appearance. It hunts by ambush on vegetation rather than building webs to capture prey. The species occurs across much of North America, including the United States, Mexico, and southern Canada. Adults are relatively small, with females typically larger than males.
Tibellus maritimus
Maritime Running Crab Spider
Tibellus maritimus is a species of running crab spider in the family Philodromidae, characterized by its slender body and vertical striped pattern that provides effective camouflage on grasses and foliage. The species is notable within its genus for lacking the two dark dorsal spots on the abdomen that distinguish related species such as T. oblongus and T. asiaticus. It is the only Tibellus species in the Canadian portion of its range without these spots. The spider hunts by ambush, lying flattened on vegetation to capture prey.
Tmarus
Octopus Spiders
Tmarus is a large genus of crab spiders (family Thomisidae) established by Eugène Simon in 1875, with more than 230 described species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. These small to moderate-sized spiders (3.7–7.3 mm body length) are characterized by cryptic bark-like coloration and ambush predatory behavior. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males.
Tmarus angulatus
Tuberculated Crab Spider
Tmarus angulatus is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, commonly known as the Tuberculated Crab Spider. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus characterized by laterigrade leg orientation that permits sideways movement. As a member of the Thomisidae, it is an ambush predator that does not build webs to capture prey.
Ululodes quadripunctatus
Four-spotted Owlfly
Ululodes quadripunctatus, commonly known as the four-spotted owlfly, is a species of owlfly in the family Ascalaphidae and tribe Ululodini. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Owlflies are neuropteran insects that share characteristics with both dragonflies and butterflies, possessing large eyes, many-veined wings, and long clubbed antennae.
Vella fallax texana
Vella fallax texana is a subspecies of giant antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Adults are among the largest antlions in North America, with wingspans exceeding 100 mm. The species is nocturnal and frequently attracted to lights. Larvae are predatory but do not construct the characteristic pit traps of some antlion genera; instead they bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey.
Xysticus
Ground Crab Spiders
Xysticus is a large genus of approximately 275–300 species of ground crab spiders in the family Thomisidae. These spiders are ambush predators that do not build webs, instead hunting near the ground by seizing prey with their enlarged anterior legs. The genus exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with females typically reaching 10 mm in body length while males are roughly half that size. Species identification requires microscopic examination of genitalia due to the morphological similarity among members of the genus.
Xysticus
ground crab spiders
Xysticus is a genus of ground-dwelling crab spiders (family Thomisidae) known for ambush hunting on the ground rather than in flowers. These spiders possess elongated first and second pairs of legs with spines that help secure prey. They are among the most frequently observed ballooning spiders, using silk threads to disperse via wind currents. The genus is also a documented prey source for spider wasps in the genus Dipogon.
Xysticus acquiescens
Xysticus acquiescens is a species of ground crab spider in the family Thomisidae, first described by Emerton in 1919. As a member of the genus Xysticus, it is an ambush predator that relies on camouflage and patience rather than web-building to capture prey. The species is known from the Canadian prairies and adjacent regions of the northern United States. Like other Xysticus species, it exhibits typical crab spider morphology with laterally extended legs and a flattened body adapted for hiding in vegetation or ground cover.
Xysticus alboniger
ground crab spider
Xysticus alboniger is a species of ground crab spider in the family Thomisidae. It is found in the United States and Canada, with distribution records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada. The species was described in 1965 by Turnbull, Dondale, and Redner. As a member of the genus Xysticus, it exhibits the characteristic crab-like body form and ambush hunting behavior typical of ground crab spiders.
Xysticus apachecus
Xysticus apachecus is a species of crab spider in the family Thomisidae, first described by Gertsch in 1933. Like other members of the genus Xysticus, it is a ground-dwelling ambush predator characterized by its crab-like leg posture and sideways movement. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its ecology and behavior remain limited in the published literature.
Xysticus aprilinus
Xysticus aprilinus is a species of ground crab spider in the family Thomisidae, first described by Bryant in 1930. The genus Xysticus comprises ambush-hunting spiders characterized by their laterally flattened bodies and enlarged front legs adapted for seizing prey. As with other members of this genus, X. aprilinus likely employs a sit-and-wait hunting strategy rather than building webs to capture prey. The species epithet 'aprilinus' suggests a possible association with spring activity, though this has not been formally documented.
Xysticus auctificus
Xysticus auctificus is a species of ground crab spider in the family Thomisidae, distributed across north-central North America. As a member of the genus Xysticus, it exhibits the characteristic crab-like leg arrangement and ambush hunting strategy typical of this diverse spider group. The species has been documented in prairie and grassland habitats, where it relies on crypsis to capture prey.