Learning-behavior
Guides
Amblyseius swirskii
Swirski mite
Amblyseius swirskii is a predatory mite in the family Phytoseiidae, originally described from almond trees in Israel in 1962. It has become one of the most widely used biological control agents globally, commercially available and released in more than 50 countries. The species is a generalist predator feeding on whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, broad mites, and other small arthropod pests of vegetable and ornamental crops. It can also survive and reproduce on non-prey food sources including pollen, nectar, and plant secretions, which enhances its establishment when prey are scarce.
Anoplius
Blue-black Spider Wasps
Anoplius is a large genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as the blue-black spider wasps. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed across multiple subgenera, with approximately 26 species occurring in Colorado alone. Most species are characterized by predominantly black or blue-black coloration, making field identification challenging without close examination. Members of this genus are solitary hunters that prey primarily on spiders, with most species specializing on wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and some exhibiting broader prey preferences.
Drino
Drino is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising parasitoid species that attack lepidopteran and other arthropod hosts. Species are primarily endoparasitoids, with larvae developing within host haemocoels. Several species exhibit distinctive biological traits including ovolarviparity (larviparity), gregarious development, and sophisticated immune evasion mechanisms. The genus has been recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America, with individual species showing varying degrees of host specificity from generalist to specialist parasitoids.
Eristalis tenax
Common Drone Fly, Drone Fly, Rat-tailed Maggot
Eristalis tenax is a cosmopolitan hoverfly (Syrphidae) and the most widely distributed syrphid species globally, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. Adults are striking mimics of honey bees, exhibiting Batesian mimicry that provides protection from predators. The larval stage, known as the rat-tailed maggot, is aquatic and inhabits polluted water containing organic matter, using an elongated posterior siphon for respiration. Adults are important generalist pollinators, particularly of Asteraceae flowers. The species exhibits strong territorial behavior in males and has been documented to cause rare cases of accidental myiasis in humans.
Pepsis mildei
Milde's tarantula-hawk wasp, Milde's tarantula hawk
Pepsis mildei is a large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as Milde's tarantula-hawk wasp. It is native to the Western Hemisphere, with documented records across the southwestern and central United States, Mexico, and Central America. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in antennae structure and lifespan, with females living longer than males. Adults feed on nectar from flowers, while larvae are obligate parasitoids of tarantulas. The wasp has been observed to learn from experience, avoiding chemically defended spiders after a single negative encounter.
Stagmomantis carolina
Carolina mantis, Carolina mantid
Stagmomantis carolina, the Carolina mantis, is a native North American mantid species ranging from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Arizona. It is smaller than introduced mantid species such as the Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) and European mantis (Mantis religiosa), typically exhibiting gray or brown coloration. The species overwinters as eggs in protective cases called oothecae, with nymphs emerging in spring and adults present from July through October. It serves as an important predator in gardens and natural landscapes, with documented parasitism by the tachinid fly Masiphya confusa.