Carnivorous-larvae
Guides
Cosmia calami
American Dun-bar Moth
Cosmia calami, commonly known as the American Dun-bar Moth, is a noctuid moth species native to North America. The species is notable for its carnivorous larval stage, which preys on geometrid caterpillars rather than consuming plant material. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning from the Pacific Northwest to the eastern United States.
Feniseca tarquinius
Harvester
Feniseca tarquinius, commonly known as the harvester, is a small and uncommon butterfly native to North America. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Feniseca, making it taxonomically unique within the family Lycaenidae. The species is notable for its carnivorous larvae, which feed on aphids rather than plant material—a highly unusual trait among butterflies. Adults are typically associated with wooded habitats and forest edges.
Odinia
Odinia is a genus of flies in the family Odiniidae, comprising more than 20 described species. Members of this genus are associated with dead wood habitats, where they interact with xylophilous insects. Larvae are carnivorous and may exhibit parasitic behavior toward wood-inhabiting beetles and flies. The genus was established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830.
Odontomachus
trap-jaw ants
Odontomachus is a genus of ants commonly known as trap-jaw ants, characterized by their extraordinary spring-loaded mandibles that can snap shut at speeds among the fastest recorded for animal movements. The genus contains approximately 84 valid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. These ants are active predators that use their powerful jaws for hunting, defense, and in some species, locomotion via jumping. Several species have been introduced to new regions, including the southeastern United States, where they are expanding their ranges.
Orfelia fultoni
Foxfire Fly, dismalites
Orfelia fultoni is the only bioluminescent fly species known from North America. The larvae, commonly called 'dismalites' or 'glowworms,' produce the bluest light (~460 nm) of any studied bioluminescent insect. Larvae are carnivorous predators that construct sticky webs along stream banks and in caves, using paired bioluminescent lanterns to lure flying prey. Adults are non-feeding and short-lived. The species was discovered in 1940 near Glenville, North Carolina by B.B. Fulton and described by Elizabeth Gault Fisher.