Foraging-behavior
Guides
Celithemis fasciata
Banded Pennant
Celithemis fasciata, commonly known as the banded pennant, is a dragonfly species in the skimmer family Libellulidae native to the eastern and central United States. Adults are approximately 33 mm in length and are distinguished by extensive, sharply defined black markings on the wings, though wing pattern intensity varies geographically with northern individuals showing less coloration. The species inhabits lentic waters including ponds, lakes, and ditches. Research has demonstrated that individuals exhibit prey preference for small dipteran prey over larger alternatives and engage in prey switching behavior based on relative prey densities.
Dapsilarthra
Dapsilarthra is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Alysiinae. The genus belongs to the Dapsilarthra genus group within the tribe Alysiini. At least one species, Dapsilarthra rufiventris, has been studied extensively for its foraging behavior on leaf-mining hosts. The genus is recorded from Europe, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Diplocentrus peloncillensis
Diplocentrus peloncillensis is a scorpion species described by Francke in 1975. The species has been studied for its foraging ecology, specifically how prey availability influences search behavior. Research indicates that individuals adjust their foraging strategies in response to prey density.
Formica integroides
Western Mound Ant, Vinegar Ant
Formica integroides, commonly known as the Western Mound Ant or Vinegar Ant, is a North American wood ant species in the family Formicidae. This species exhibits flexible, context-dependent foraging strategies at both colony and individual levels, adjusting its behavior based on resource characteristics and competitive pressure. It is known to utilize both terrestrial and arboreal resources, with foragers capable of defending entire trees as absolute territories. The species was first described by Wheeler in 1913.
Hibana futilis
ghost spider
Hibana futilis is a small cursorial spider in the family Anyphaenidae, commonly known as ghost spiders. Adults reach a maximum body length of slightly over 8 millimeters. The species is nocturnal, hunting insects on foliage at night and hiding in silk-lined curled leaves by day. It is found from the United States through Central America to Venezuela and Cuba. Research has documented its restricted area searching behavior following consumption of both prey and non-prey food, suggesting cognitive flexibility in foraging.
Macromia illinoiensis illinoiensis
Illinois River Cruiser
A subspecies of river cruiser dragonfly whose larvae are frequently colonized by invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). Larvae exhibit burying behavior in substrates and employ both sit-and-wait ambush and active sprawling foraging strategies. Research indicates zebra mussel attachment negatively affects prey capture rates and alters burying depth, with behavioral changes reversing upon natural mussel loss at molting.
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.