Aphid-predators
Guides
Adalia
ladybugs, lady beetles, ladybirds
Adalia is a genus of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) containing two species: A. bipunctata (two-spot ladybird) and A. decempunctata (ten-spot ladybird). These beetles are aphid predators found across the Palearctic region. Both species exhibit color pattern polymorphism and possess alkaloid chemical defenses. A. bipunctata is known to harbor multiple male-killing symbionts including Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma, though symbiont phenotypes vary geographically.
Episyrphus
Aphid Hover Flies
Episyrphus is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Syrphinae, commonly known as aphid hover flies. The genus contains two recognized subgenera: Episyrphus and Asiobaccha, with the latter distinguished by a petiolate abdomen. Larvae are predatory, frequently preying on aphids. The most widely distributed species, E. balteatus, exhibits migratory behavior and has been extensively studied for its role in biological control. Taxonomic classification within the genus requires revision due to unclear species boundaries and environmentally variable diagnostic characters.
Micromus
brown lacewings
Micromus is a genus of small brown lacewings in the family Hemerobiidae, containing over 80 and possibly as many as 170 species. These 4–10 mm insects are distributed worldwide and are important predators of agricultural and horticultural pests. Both larvae and adults are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied insects and mites. Several species, particularly Micromus tasmaniae, have been mass-reared and deployed as biological control agents.
Pemphredoninae
Aphid Wasps
Pemphredoninae is a large subfamily of solitary, parasitoidal wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing over 1,000 species. Members are commonly known as aphid wasps due to the prevalence of aphid predation in many genera, though prey preferences vary consistently by genus. The subfamily has historically been treated as a separate family. Most species nest in pre-existing cavities including hollow stems, twigs, beetle borings, or excavated tunnels in soil or plant material. Several genera exhibit social or communal nesting behaviors, including Microstigmus and Spilomena.
Xanthogramma
Harlequin Flies
Xanthogramma is a genus of medium-sized hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as harlequin flies. Most species exhibit black and yellow coloration with somewhat wasp-like appearance. Larvae are aphidophagous predators, feeding on aphid populations in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Adults visit flowers but do not share the predatory habits of larvae. The genus occurs across the Palaearctic region including Europe, Asia, and North Africa.