Aphid-predator
Guides
Diomus terminatus
Firefly Duskyling
Diomus terminatus is a minute lady beetle native to eastern North America, measuring 1.5–2 mm. It has been evaluated for biological control of sugarcane aphids, particularly Melanaphis sacchari and Sipha flava. Laboratory studies confirm its complete development on aphid prey, with a generation time of approximately 12 days from egg to adult at 26°C.
Dioprosopa clavata
Four-speckled Hover Fly
Dioprosopa clavata is a Neotropical hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the type species of genus Dioprosopa. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphidophagous predators that also attack spittlebugs and other hemipteran pests. The species provides dual ecosystem services as both a pollinator and biological control agent in natural habitats and agroecosystems, including citrus orchards. Climate change projections indicate substantial habitat loss by 2100, with range contractions in tropical lowlands and modest shifts toward cooler, higher-elevation refugia.
Epistrophe grossulariae
Black-horned Smoothtail
Epistrophe grossulariae is a Holarctic hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Black-horned Smoothtail. It is a medium-sized syrphid fly with distinctive morphological features that distinguish it from congeners. The species has been well-documented across Europe with substantial observational records.
Epistrophe nitidicollis
Straight-banded Smoothtail
Epistrophe nitidicollis is a hoverfly species with a broad Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and northern Asia. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive yellow facial markings and a black-and-yellow banded abdomen. The species is strongly associated with deciduous woodland habitats where larvae prey on aphids. Adults visit diverse flowering plants including umbellifers and early spring bloomers.
Epistrophella emarginata
Slender Smoothtail
Epistrophella emarginata is a common North American hoverfly (family Syrphidae) with larvae that are specialized aphid predators. The species is notable for its distinctive egg-laying behavior: females oviposit specifically on leaf petioles rather than on aphid-infested foliage or other substrates. This species is widely distributed across the United States, Canada, and extends into Mexico and Central America.
Episyrphus balteatus
marmalade hoverfly, marmalade hover fly
Episyrphus balteatus, commonly known as the marmalade hoverfly, is a small (9–12 mm) syrphid fly native to the Palaearctic region. It is considered the most abundant native hoverfly in Central Europe. Adults are significant pollinators of flowering plants, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, consuming up to approximately 400 aphids before pupation. The species exhibits partial migratory behavior, with some individuals moving southward in autumn while others overwinter locally.
Eupeodes
Aphideaters, aphideater flies
Eupeodes is a genus of moderate-sized hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as aphideaters. Adults are black with yellow markings and are distributed worldwide. The genus is part of the Syrphini tribe and is frequently mistaken for similar genera. Both life stages serve important ecological functions: larvae are aphid predators, while adults are pollinators.
Eupeodes americanus
American hoverfly, Long-tailed Aphideater
Eupeodes americanus, the American hoverfly, is a Nearctic aphidophagous hoverfly commercialized in Canada as a biological control agent for aphid management. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are voracious predators of aphids, with one larva consuming approximately 2,000 aphids during development. The species is notable for its ability to remain active at low temperatures (12–18°C) where other biocontrol agents become inactive. It has been evaluated as a biocontrol agent for greenhouse and field crops including sweet pepper, cucumber, cotton, soybeans, melons, and potatoes.
Eupeodes flukei
Fluke's Aphideater
Eupeodes flukei is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as Fluke's Aphideater. As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are aphid predators, contributing to natural pest control in gardens and agricultural settings. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species exhibits typical hover fly characteristics including wasp-mimicking appearance, hovering flight behavior, and large compound eyes.
Eupeodes latifasciatus
Broad-banded Aphideater, meadow field syrph
Eupeodes latifasciatus is a small hoverfly with wing length 6.5–8.5 mm, distinguished by yellow markings fused into bands on abdominal segments three and four. Adults feed on nectar from diverse flowers and serve as pollinators. Larvae are aphid predators, feeding on aphids and scale insects (Hemiptera). The species has a broad distribution across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, with flight activity primarily from May to September.
Eupeodes montivagus
Red-tailed Aphideater
A flower fly (Syrphidae) known as the Red-tailed Aphideater. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. Larvae are aphid predators, with females laying eggs in or near aphid colonies. The species was first described from Colorado by William Morton Wheeler in 1895.
Eupeodes perplexus
bare-winged aphideater
Eupeodes perplexus, commonly known as the bare-winged aphideater, is a hoverfly species native to North America. The species is notable for its distinctive wing venation and abdominal patterning. Adults are nectar feeders, while larvae are predatory, consuming aphids and scale insects. The species is part of the diverse syrphid fauna that contributes to both pollination and biological control in various ecosystems.
Eupeodes pomus
Short-tailed Aphideater
Eupeodes pomus, commonly known as the short-tailed aphideater, is a species of syrphid fly distributed across North America. Adults are flower-visiting insects that feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are aphid predators. The species belongs to a family noted for wasp-mimicking appearance and hovering flight behavior.
Eupeodes snowi
Snow's Aphideater
Eupeodes snowi is a species of syrphid fly, commonly known as Snow's Aphideater, in the family Syrphidae. As a member of the Syrphinae subfamily, its larvae are aphid predators. The species is part of a diverse genus of hover flies that serve as important biological control agents and pollinators.
Eupeodes volucris
Large-tailed Aphideater, Bird Hover Fly
Eupeodes volucris is a hover fly (family Syrphidae) commonly known as the large-tailed aphideater or bird hover fly. Larvae are aphid predators, feeding on plant-sucking insects. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species is notable among syrphid flies for its relatively large size and distinctive abdominal patterning.
Feniseca
North American Harvesters, Harvester
Feniseca is a monotypic genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, containing a single species, Feniseca tarquinius (the harvester). This genus is notable for representing the only obligate carnivorous butterfly in North America. The larvae feed exclusively on aphids rather than plant material, a highly unusual trait among butterflies. Adults are found in wooded habitats near streams, particularly in association with alders.
Geocoris lividipennis
bigeyed bug
Geocoris lividipennis is a predatory true bug in the family Geocoridae, commonly known as bigeyed bugs. The species is recognized as a beneficial insect in agricultural systems, where it serves as a natural enemy of various crop pests. Adults and nymphs are generalist predators that feed on small arthropods and their eggs. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas and Caribbean islands.
Harmonia
Greater Lady Beetles
Harmonia is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) commonly known as Greater Lady Beetles. The genus includes the widely introduced Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis), which has become established across North America and other regions as a biological control agent for aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Members of this genus are predatory beetles with highly variable coloration and spot patterns. The genus is native to Asia, with some species now distributed globally due to intentional introductions for pest management.
Harmonia axyridis
harlequin ladybird, multicolored Asian lady beetle, Asian lady beetle, Halloween beetle
Harmonia axyridis is a highly variable coccinellid beetle native to eastern Asia, introduced to North America and Europe beginning in 1916 for biological control of aphids and scale insects. It became established in the wild in North America around 1988 and has since spread across multiple continents, becoming one of the world's most invasive insects. The species exhibits exceptional color polymorphism, with forms ranging from orange-red with black spots to entirely black with red markings. It is now recognized as a significant threat to native ladybird populations through competition and intraguild predation, while also functioning as a household nuisance pest and occasional agricultural contaminant.
Hemerobiidae
Brown Lacewings
Hemerobiidae is a family of Neuropteran insects comprising approximately 500 species in 28 genera, commonly known as brown lacewings. Adults are typically yellow to dark brown in coloration, with some species exhibiting green hues. They are small insects, with most species having forewings 4–10 mm in length, though some reach up to 18 mm. Both larvae and adults are predatory, feeding primarily on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The family is distinguished from the similar Chrysopidae (green lacewings) by wing venation patterns, specifically the presence of numerous long veins with two or more radial sectors and forked costal cross veins. Some species have been employed as biological control agents, including Micromus tasmaniae which is commercially bred for pest management.
Hemerobius humulinus
brown lacewing
Hemerobius humulinus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. It has a broad distribution spanning Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. The species overwinters as an adult and becomes active in early spring. Like other brown lacewings, it is a predator of aphids and other small insects.
Heringia
Smoothleg Flies
Heringia is a genus of small hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as Smoothleg Flies. Species occur in North America and Europe. Larvae are predatory on specific aphid species, including woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), woolly elm aphid (Schizoneura), and aphids on poplar (Pemphigus) and fir (Dreyfusia). Adults feed on honeydew and pollen. The genus is part of the "little black fly" group, with females generally unidentifiable to species.
Heringia canadensis
Canadian smoothleg
Heringia canadensis, commonly known as the Canadian smoothleg, is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) found across much of North America. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to the tribe Pipizini, whose larvae are known aphid predators, though specific larval biology for this species remains incompletely documented. It is considered fairly common within its range.
Hippodamia
Oblong Lady Beetles, Lady Beetles, Ladybugs
Hippodamia is a genus of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) containing several economically important species. The most common native North American species is H. convergens, which forms overwintering aggregations numbering in the millions and is widely used in biological control. Another notable species, H. variegata, has a cosmopolitan distribution across both hemispheres. Members of this genus are primarily aphidophagous predators valued in agriculture for pest management.
Hippodamia convergens
Convergent Lady Beetle, Convergent Ladybug
The convergent lady beetle is among the most common lady beetles in North America, recognized by the distinctive white converging lines on its pronotum. It is a voracious predator of aphids and other soft-bodied insects, with both larvae and adults actively hunting prey. The species exhibits complex life history traits including facultative reproductive diapause triggered by food scarcity, mass aggregations for overwintering in western mountain valleys, and long-distance migratory behavior. It is one of the few natural enemies commercially collected from wild aggregations for biological control distribution, though released beetles often disperse rapidly from release sites.
Hippodamia tredecimpunctata
thirteen-spot ladybeetle, thirteen-spotted lady beetle
Hippodamia tredecimpunctata is a medium-sized lady beetle distinguished by thirteen dark spots on red to orange elytra. It occupies a narrow ecological niche in wetland habitats across the northern hemisphere, where it preys on aphids associated with grasses and sedges. The species has experienced population declines in parts of North America following the introduction of the non-native seven-spot lady beetle.
Hyaliodes vitripennis
Hyaliodes vitripennis is a predatory mirid plant bug native to North America. In Quebec apple orchards, it serves as one of the most important biological control agents of spider mites and aphids when integrated pest management practices are employed. The species is univoltine, with adults appearing in late July to early August and populations peaking shortly thereafter. Adults spend nearly all their time on the undersides of leaves.
Lauxanioidea
Lauxanioidea is a superfamily of true flies (Diptera) comprising three families: Lauxaniidae, Chamaemyiidae, and Celyphidae. Members are small to medium-sized flies, often densely bristled and variably colored. The superfamily is defined by three synapomorphies: convergent postocellar bristles, an abbreviated anal wing vein, and fusion of male abdominal tergites 7 and 8. Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae are sister groups based on molecular phylogenetics. Ecologically, the families diverge sharply: Chamaemyiidae are predators of Sternorrhyncha (aphids, scale insects, adelgids), while Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae larvae primarily feed on decaying vegetation.
Lepthyphantes
dwarf spiders
Lepthyphantes is a genus of dwarf spiders in the family Linyphiidae, containing 144 species and one subspecies as of October 2025. Species in this genus are found across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The genus is notable for its members' adaptations to ephemeral and agricultural habitats, with documented life history strategies emphasizing high reproductive rates and dispersal capabilities.
Megalomus
brown lacewings
Megalomus is a genus of brown lacewings (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) comprising more than 40 described species distributed across northern and central Europe, with some species extending into North America. The genus includes the Bordered Brown Lacewing (M. hirtus), the only Megalomus species recorded in the UK and a conservation priority in Scotland. Species in this genus are small, typically around 1 cm in length, with distinctive wing venation including a notably broad costal space and multiple branching radial veins.
Melangyna
Halfbands
Melangyna is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with subgenera in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. Adults are frequent flower visitors, while larvae are predatory on aphids. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in behavior and morphology, with males typically larger than females and showing distinct foraging and habitat exploration patterns.
Melangyna arctica
Alder Halfband
Melangyna arctica is a Holarctic hoverfly species distributed across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. The species is strongly associated with coniferous and deciduous woodlands, where adults visit flowers of trees and herbs during spring. Larvae develop as predators on aphids in arboreal habitats.
Melangyna umbellatarum
Bare-winged Halfband
Melangyna umbellatarum is a Holarctic hoverfly species with a transcontinental distribution spanning Eurasia and North America. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive orange leg markings and pale thoracic hairs that distinguish them from similar congeners. The species is strongly associated with willow-dominated riparian habitats and has a documented flight period from May through September.
Melanostoma mellinum
Variable Duskyface Fly
Melanostoma mellinum is a widespread and abundant hoverfly species native to the Palearctic region, with introduced populations in North America. It is one of the most commonly recorded syrphid flies in Britain and Europe, frequently encountered in agricultural landscapes including vineyards, grasslands, and wetlands. The species has been studied for its response to landscape structure, showing increased abundance in areas with greater proportions of seminatural habitats.
Micromus borealis
Northern Brown Lacewing
Micromus borealis is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, described by Klimaszewski & Kevan in 1988. It is native to North America. As a member of the brown lacewings, it is a predatory insect in both adult and larval stages. The species is distinguished from other Micromus species by specific morphological characteristics of its wing venation and body structure.
Micromus posticus
brown lacewing
Micromus posticus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. It is a predatory insect found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Both larvae and adults feed on aphids, making it a potentially beneficial species in agricultural and garden settings. The species has been documented through blacklighting observations and is one of the more commonly encountered brown lacewings in its range.
Mimesa
Mimesa is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. Species are distributed across Europe and North America. As members of Psenini, these wasps are aphid predators that provision their nests with paralyzed aphids for their larvae.
Mulsantina picta
Painted Lady Beetle, Pine Lady Beetle
Mulsantina picta is a small lady beetle native to North America, commonly found in pine forest habitats across the United States and southern Canada. The species is a specialized predator of aphids and adelgids associated with conifers. Adults measure 3.3–5.3 mm in length and exhibit variable elytral patterning. The species has been observed to dominate in older pine stands despite low aphid densities in these habitats.
Neocnemodon
Smoothleg fly
Neocnemodon is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, distributed across North America and Europe. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized flies with distinctive smooth legs, a trait reflected in their common name 'Smoothleg fly'. The genus was established by Goffe in 1944 and is classified within the tribe Pipizini. Larvae are known to be predatory, feeding on specific aphid species associated with various host plants.
Ocyptamus
Ocyptamus is a large and diverse genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 200 species, predominantly distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is not monophyletic and is paraphyletic with respect to Eosalpingogaster and Toxomerus; several subgenera have been elevated to full generic status (Hybobathus, Pelecinobaccha, Orphnabaccha, Pseudoscaeva). Many species await formal description, while others are likely to be synonymized upon further study.
Ocyptamus gastrostactus
Spotted Hover Fly
Ocyptamus gastrostactus is a predatory hover fly in the family Syrphidae. Its larvae are specialized predators of aphids, with documented predation on Sarucallis kahawaluokalani on Lagerstroemia indica in Panama. The species serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pachyneuron albutius, which parasitizes its pupae. It is widely distributed across Brazil and has been recorded in Panama.
Oligolophus tridens
Three-toothed harvestman
Oligolophus tridens is a harvestman (Opiliones) in the family Phalangiidae, native to central and western Europe. It has been introduced to North America. Adults mature in summer. The species is predatory and has been documented dispersing seeds of Melampyrum.
Olla v-nigrum
Ashy Gray Lady Beetle
Olla v-nigrum is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to the Americas, commonly known as the ashy gray lady beetle. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, occurring in both gray-with-black-spots and black-with-red-spots forms. It has been widely introduced outside its native range for biological control of psyllids and aphids, though its effectiveness is often compromised by parasitism and competition with other lady beetles. The species name refers to the distinctive V-shaped marking on the pronotum originally described by Mulsant.
Orius insidiosus
insidious flower bug, minute pirate bug
Orius insidiosus, commonly known as the insidious flower bug or minute pirate bug, is a predatory true bug widely distributed across the Americas. Adults are approximately 2–3 mm in length, black with distinctive white wing markings. The species is an important biological control agent, mass-reared commercially for management of thrips, aphids, mites, and other agricultural pests in greenhouses and field crops. Both nymphs and adults are predatory, though they also feed on pollen and plant tissues, making them zoophytophagous. Despite their beneficial role, they occasionally bite humans, causing disproportionately painful but harmless irritation.
predatorbiological-controlzoophytophagousthrips-predatoraphid-predatormite-predatoragricultural-beneficialgreenhouse-biological-controloccasional-human-bitermass-rearedcommercial-natural-enemyintegrated-pest-managementurban-insect-ecologydiapauseoverwintering-adultendophytic-ovipositionpollen-feedingParagus
Grass Skimmer Flies
Paragus is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising over 100 species distributed worldwide except Antarctica. The genus is notable for its predatory larvae that feed on aphids, making it an important group for biological control. Adults are frequently observed visiting small flowering plants for nectar and pollen. Several subgenera are recognized, including Afroparagus, Pandasyopthalmus, Paragus, and Serratoparagus.
Paragus angustifrons
Narrow-faced Grass Skimmer
Paragus angustifrons is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found in North America. Adults are commonly known as flower flies and visit flowers to obtain nectar and pollen. The species is considered uncommon. The larvae have been reared from aphids, specifically Aphis spiraecola and Aphis spiraephila, indicating a role as a predator of these agricultural pests.
Paragus haemorrhous
Black-backed Grass Skimmer, Common Grass Skimmer
Paragus haemorrhous is a small hoverfly species distributed across Europe, Africa, and the Nearctic. Adults are commonly found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids on low herbaceous plants. The species is active from May through September and occupies diverse open habitats including grasslands, heathlands, and forest edges.
Paranaemia vittigera
Broad-striped Lady Beetle
Paranaemia vittigera, the broad-striped lady beetle, is the sole described species in the genus Paranaemia. It is native to western North America and has been introduced to Hawaii. Unlike the familiar spotted ladybugs, this species displays longitudinal stripes rather than spots. It preys on aphids and has been documented visiting flowers, particularly the California poppy.
Parasyrphus tarsatus
Holarctic Bristleside
Parasyrphus tarsatus is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. It is native to Europe, with confirmed records from Norway and Sweden. The species is part of the diverse genus Parasyrphus, which comprises predatory syrphid flies whose larvae feed on aphids. Adults are likely active during the warmer months, though specific phenological details remain poorly documented.
Passaloecus
Picket-boring Aphid Wasps
Passaloecus is a genus of small solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as picket-boring aphid wasps. The genus comprises approximately 40-48 species worldwide, with strong representation in both the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. These diminutive wasps, typically 6-8 mm in body length, are specialized predators of aphids and serve as important biological control agents. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities such as beetle borings in dead wood, hollow stems, and artificial trap nests, provisioning cells with paralyzed or dead aphids for their larval offspring.