Phoretic-larvae
Guides
Climaciella
wasp mantidflies
Climaciella is a genus of wasp mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, comprising approximately 10 described species distributed from North America through Central America to South America and parts of the Caribbean. Adults are notable for their striking Batesian mimicry of polistine paper wasps (Vespidae), featuring a constricted "wasp waist," wings folded longitudinally over the back rather than pitched roof-like, and darkened wing bases that simulate the longitudinal fold of vespid wings. The genus is best known from the common and widespread species C. brunnea, which has been extensively studied for its unique life history involving obligate spider egg-sac parasitism.
Mantispinae
mantidflies, mantispines
Mantispinae is a subfamily of mantidflies (order Neuroptera) comprising at least 30 genera and approximately 310 described species. Adults are characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey, bearing a striking resemblance to praying mantises (Mantodea) due to convergent evolution. Members of this subfamily are distinguished by a larval life history specialized for parasitism of spider egg sacs.
Trichodes bibalteatus
checkered beetle
Trichodes bibalteatus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It is among the largest and most strikingly-colored species in its genus, which contains 11 North American species. Adults are frequently found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar, and also use flowers as mating sites. The species has been documented in Oklahoma and other parts of western North America.
Trichodes ornatus
Ornate Checkered Beetle
Trichodes ornatus is a checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, found in western North America. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive coloration and are frequently observed on flowers, particularly yellow composites. The species has a complex life history involving larval development as a predator/parasitoid in the nests of bees and wasps, where larvae feed on host immature stages and pollen provisions.
Zeugomantispa
Green Mantidflies
Zeugomantispa is a genus of small predatory mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, commonly known as green mantidflies. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in the Americas, with Zeugomantispa minuta being the most frequently encountered and commonly called the green mantisfly. Adults are sit-and-wait predators that ambush small soft-bodied insects, while larvae are specialized predators of spider eggs within egg sacs. The genus is distinguished by its green coloration and raptorial forelegs that resemble those of praying mantises, though the two groups are not closely related.