bigeyed bug
An undescribed species within the genus Geocoris, commonly known as bigeyed bugs. Members of this genus are recognized as important natural enemies of agricultural insect pests. This particular species is referenced in studies examining habitat management for integrated pest management, specifically in the context of red clover plantings in cucumber fields where it contributes to biological control of crop pests.
Geolycosa fatifera is a burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it spends the majority of its life in a deep burrow. The species was first described by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz in 1842. Like other Geolycosa species, it exhibits traits associated with fossorial (burrowing) existence, including stout front legs adapted for digging.
soil centipedes, earth-loving centipedes
Geophilidae is a family of geophilomorph centipedes, commonly known as soil centipedes, with over 650 species in more than 120 genera. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution with species found worldwide. In 2014, phylogenetic analysis revealed the family to be polyphyletic, leading to taxonomic revisions that synonymized several families (Aphilodontidae, Dignathodontidae, Linotaeniidae, Macronicophilidae) under Geophilidae and established the new family Zelanophildae for some transferred genera. Members are characterized by mandibles with a single pectinate lamella, sternal pores with variable arrangements, and usually present coxal organs.
Compost Centipedes
Geophilus is a large genus of soil centipedes in the family Geophilidae, with approximately 140 species. The genus has a Holarctic distribution and exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with body lengths ranging from under 1 cm to over 7 cm and leg pair counts varying from 29 to 89. Several species have adapted to specialized habitats, including deep cave environments. The genus is characterized by distinctive structural features of the head, forcipules, and trunk segments.
water strider
Gerris buenoi is a small water strider species native to North America, first described in 1911. Adults measure 8-10 mm in length and possess elongated mid-legs adapted for locomotion on water surfaces. The species exhibits wing polymorphism, with multiple wing forms corresponding to different seasons and environmental conditions. It has been extensively studied as a model organism for sexual conflict research and was the first water strider to have its genome sequenced.
Water Striders and Ripple Bugs
Gerroidea is a superfamily of semiaquatic true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising at least three families—Gerridae (water striders), Veliidae (smaller water striders or riffle bugs), and Hermatobatidae—with over 2,000 described species. Members are specialized for life on the water surface, utilizing water-repellent legs and surface tension to remain afloat. The group occupies diverse aquatic habitats ranging from freshwater ponds and streams to marine coastal environments including mangroves and open ocean. Recent research has documented significant undescribed diversity in tropical regions and novel bacterial symbiont associations.
Gnamptogenys hartmani is a specialist agro-predator ant species that attacks colonies of fungus-growing ants. It is native to the Americas, with records spanning from the southern United States through Central America to South America. The species is considered remarkably scarce throughout its known range, with most records concentrated in Texas, Louisiana, and parts of South America. Its specialized predatory relationship with fungus-growing ants distinguishes it ecologically from many other ant species.
clown beetle
Gnathoncus rotundatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is a small beetle with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning multiple continents. The species has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. It is associated with poultry manure habitats where it functions as a biological control agent of fly pests.
Clubtails, Club-tailed Dragonflies
Gomphidae is a family of dragonflies commonly known as clubtails, containing approximately 90 genera and 900 species worldwide. The family name derives from the Greek 'gomphos' meaning 'bolt' or 'nail,' referring to the club-like widening of abdominal segments 7-9, though this feature is reduced in females and absent in some species. Clubtails are distinguished from other dragonfly families by their small, widely separated compound eyes—a trait shared only with Petaluridae and damselflies. The family is the sole member of the superfamily Gomphoidea and has a global distribution across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.
Cocoa Clubtail
A medium-sized clubtail dragonfly endemic to eastern North America. Adults are active in late spring through mid-summer, with peak emergence typically in June. The species is named for the cocoa-brown coloration of mature males. Larvae develop in streams and rivers, requiring clean, flowing water with sandy or gravelly substrates. Like other gomphids, it is a predator both as aquatic nymph and aerial adult.
Gonibius is a genus of stone centipedes (order Lithobiomorpha) in the family Lithobiidae, established by Chamberlin in 1925. These centipedes are terrestrial predators with elongated, multi-segmented bodies characteristic of lithobiomorphs. The genus is poorly known, with minimal published biological or ecological information available. Records indicate very few observations, suggesting either genuine rarity or undercollection.
Gosibius is a genus of lithobiomorph centipedes in the family Lithobiidae, established by Chamberlin in 1912. Members of this genus are epigean (surface-dwelling) stone centipedes found primarily in eastern Asia. Like other lithobiids, they possess 15 pairs of legs as adults and are fast-moving predators of small invertebrates. The genus contains multiple described species, though comprehensive taxonomic revision remains incomplete.
predacious diving beetle
Graphoderus perplexus is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by Sharp in 1882. It is distributed across the Holarctic region, occurring in both North America and the Palearctic. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic predator inhabiting freshwater environments. The species is part of the tribe Aciliini, which includes other medium to large diving beetles.
Northern Rock Crawler
Grylloblatta campodeiformis, the northern rock crawler, is a wingless, cold-adapted insect endemic to western North America. It was the first grylloblatid species described scientifically (Walker, 1914) and serves as the type species for both its genus and family. The species occupies a broader range of habitats than previously assumed, from high-altitude glacial margins to subalpine forests and even low-elevation dry zones. Four subspecies are currently recognized, distributed across the Canadian Rockies and adjacent mountain ranges in British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, and Washington.
ice crawlers, rock crawlers
Grylloblattodea is a small order of extremophile insects commonly known as ice crawlers or rock crawlers. These wingless insects are adapted to cold environments and are found in montane habitats, caves, and subalpine forests across western North America and northeastern Asia. The order comprises approximately 25-30 described species in five extant genera, though significant undescribed diversity is suspected. Grylloblattids are predatory, feeding on other arthropods, and show remarkable cold tolerance. They are considered a relict lineage with ancient origins, closely related to Mantophasmatodea within the clade Xenonomia (order Notoptera).
Habronattus californicus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It is native to western North America, occurring in California and the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Like other members of the genus Habronattus, males likely possess elaborate courtship displays involving visual and acoustic signals. The genus is known for having some of the most complex multimodal courtship behaviors among terrestrial invertebrates.
Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle
Habroscelimorpha dorsalis, the eastern beach tiger beetle, is a coastal tiger beetle species found on sandy beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, ranging from the northeastern United States through Florida and into Mexico. Adults are active during summer months, foraging in intertidal zones for small invertebrates. The species has a two-year life cycle with larvae that construct vertical burrows in beach sand. One subspecies, H. d. dorsalis (Northeastern beach tiger beetle), is federally listed as threatened due to habitat loss from coastal development and recreational disturbance.
giant desert hairy scorpion, giant hairy scorpion, Arizona Desert hairy scorpion
Hadrurus arizonensis is the largest scorpion in North America, reaching up to 14 cm in length. This arachnid inhabits the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, where it constructs elaborate burrows up to 2.5 meters deep. It is a nocturnal predator that employs a 'sit and wait' hunting strategy, using sensory hairs to detect ground vibrations. Despite its imposing size, its venom is relatively mild with an LD50 of 168-198 mg/kg, comparable in pain to a honeybee sting. The species is viviparous, with young remaining on the mother's back for over a week after birth.
dragonhunter
Hagenius is a monotypic genus of clubtail dragonflies (family Gomphidae) containing the single species Hagenius brevistylus, commonly known as the dragonhunter. This large, aggressive dragonfly inhabits riverine systems of eastern North America and is notable for its exceptional predatory behavior, including the habit of capturing and consuming other dragonflies and damselflies. The genus name honors Hermann August Hagen, a prominent 19th-century entomologist specializing in Odonata.
Halocoryza is a genus of small, intertidal ground beetles (Carabidae) restricted to tropical and subtropical coastal habitats. The genus comprises four described species distributed across shorelines of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, including Caribbean islands and the Gulf of Mexico. All species are nocturnal predators associated with sandy or coralline substrates near mangroves, coral reefs, or seaweed accumulations. The genus is characterized by reduced flight capability, slow running speed, and adaptations for burrowing in coastal sediments.
Lynx spider
Hamataliwa grisea is a species of lynx spider in the family Oxyopidae, first described by Keyserling in 1887. This small to medium-sized spider is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other oxyopids, it is an active hunter that relies on vision and speed rather than web-building to capture prey. The species is part of a genus characterized by distinctive eye arrangements and spiny legs adapted for ambush predation.
Haplopogon utahensis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1966. As a member of the diverse Asilidae family, it is a predatory dipteran. The specific epithet 'utahensis' indicates a connection to Utah, likely reflecting the type locality or known distribution. Robber flies in this genus are typically aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Greater Asian Lady Beetle
Harmonia dimidiata is a medium to large predaceous ladybird beetle (7.4–10 mm) native to southern Asia with introduced populations in North America. Adults display reddish-yellow elytra with black markings in a thirteen-spot pattern. The species is a voracious aphid predator with documented prey including Rhopalosiphum maidis, Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae, and Aphis pomi. Temperature strongly influences its development, fecundity, and predatory capacity, with optimal performance at 24°C. Males produce yellow reflex blood containing harmonine as both chemical defense and nuptial gift during courtship.
Harpalus is a large and diverse genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, containing over 420 described species and subspecies. It is the largest genus of the tribe Harpalini and one of the most diverse genera in the entire ground beetle family. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species found across multiple continents. A recent worldwide classification based on adult morphology divides Harpalus into seventy subgenera grouped into nineteen subgroups and ten groups, including thirty-six newly described subgenera. Members of this genus are primarily ground-dwelling predators and granivores found in agricultural fields, grasslands, and open habitats.
Murky Ground Beetle
Harpalus caliginosus is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. It is commonly known as the Murky Ground Beetle and occurs in North America, including Canada and the United States. The species is a known predator of Musca autumnalis larvae (face fly larvae), indicating its role as a beneficial biological control agent.
Harpalus innocuus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Harpalinae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. The species belongs to the large genus Harpalus, which contains numerous ground beetle species distributed across North America and other regions. Like other members of its genus, it is a ground-dwelling predatory beetle.
Harpalus opacipennis is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, described by Haldeman in 1843. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Harpalus, which contains numerous species of medium-sized ground beetles distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species name 'opacipennis' refers to the dull or opaque appearance of the elytra (wing covers). Like other members of Harpalus, this species is likely a generalist predator and scavenger, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Red-legged Harpalus
Harpalus rubripes is a medium-sized ground beetle in the subfamily Harpalinae, characterized by its distinctive reddish legs that give the species its name. Native to the Palearctic region, it has established populations across much of Europe, extending eastward through Siberia and Central Asia to Anatolia. The species was introduced to North America, with records dating from 1987 onward. Like other members of the genus Harpalus, it is primarily nocturnal and ground-dwelling.
brown lacewings
Hemerobius is a genus of brown lacewings in the family Hemerobiidae, distributed across Europe and North America. Adults and larvae are predatory, feeding on small arthropods including aphids, scale insects, and insect eggs. The genus includes species that overwinter as adults and are active in early spring. Larvae spin loose, coarse cocoons for pupation, with some species exhibiting extended quiescent periods before emergence.
brown lacewing
Hemerobius humulinus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. It has a broad distribution spanning Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. The species overwinters as an adult and becomes active in early spring. Like other brown lacewings, it is a predator of aphids and other small insects.
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Hemerotrecha is a genus of solifuges (windscorpions) in the family Eremobatidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1903. The genus comprises more than 30 described species distributed in arid regions of North America. These fast-moving, non-venomous arachnids are characterized by their large chelicerae and lack of silk-producing structures. They are active predators that hunt primarily at night.
Heteropogon cazieri is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and is one of approximately 30 described species in the genus Heteropogon. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized predatory flies that perch on vegetation and capture other insects in flight. The species epithet honors entomologist Mont A. Cazier.
Heteropogon currani is a robber fly species in the family Asilidae, described by Pritchard in 1935. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it shares the characteristic predatory habits and distinctive courtship behaviors documented in congeners. The species is part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of generally small to medium-sized asilids. Like other robber flies, adults are predatory on other insects.
Heteropogon divisus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized robber flies with distinctive courtship behaviors. Adults are predatory, capturing other insects in flight and feeding on them using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species was described by Coquillett in 1902.
Heteropogon duncani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1941. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Robber flies in this genus are known for their distinctive courtship behaviors and perching habits. The species has been documented through limited observations, with 24 records on iNaturalist.
Heteropogon johnsoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies with distinctive courtship behaviors. While specific details about this species are sparse in the provided sources, related species in the genus have been documented to exhibit elaborate aerial courtship displays where males hover before females and use ornamented forelegs to stroke the female's eyes. The species was described by Back in 1904.
Heteropogon macerinus is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, measuring approximately 10 mm in length. The species exhibits distinctive courtship behavior in which males hover before females and stroke their eyeballs with ornamented front tarsi. Adults are predatory, capturing other insects in flight and returning to perches to feed. The species frequents forest edges where it perches conspicuously on twig tips at eye level.
Heteropogon maculinervis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by James in 1937. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. As with other asilids, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. The species name 'maculinervis' refers to spotted or marked wing veins.
Heteropogon martini is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1965. As a member of the genus Heteropogon, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors and twig-perching habits. The species is part of the diverse asilid fauna of North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to some congeners.
Heteropogon patruelis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1893. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that perch on vegetation to hunt flying insects. The genus Heteropogon is part of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group characterized by particular morphological features including reduced wing venation. Like other asilids, this species possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts used to subdue prey.
Heteropogon paurosomus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Pritchard in 1935. The genus Heteropogon belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. Information specific to H. paurosomus is limited, with only 12 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the source data.
Heteropogon rubrifasciatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Heteropogon comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. Like other asilids, they are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. This species was described by Bromley in 1931. Very few specific observations of H. rubrifasciatus have been documented, with only 13 records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Heteropogon wilcoxi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by James in 1934. As a member of the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and distinctive courtship displays. The genus Heteropogon is characterized by males with ornamented fore tarsi used during mating rituals.
Common Flathorn Plant Bug
Heterotoma planicornis is a small mirid bug in the family Miridae, recognized by its distinctive flattened second antennal segment. It has a single generation per year with adults active from July to September. The species exhibits omnivorous feeding habits, functioning as both a predator of small arthropods and a consumer of plant materials. It is widespread across much of Europe and has been introduced to the Nearctic realm.
Yellow Ghost Spider
Hibana velox, commonly known as the yellow ghost spider, is a small nocturnal hunting spider native to North America. Formerly classified as Aysha velox, this species belongs to the family Anyphaenidae and is recognized for its pale coloration and active predation on small insects. It occupies diverse habitats ranging from natural vegetation to human dwellings, and has been documented as an effective biological control agent against agricultural pests such as the citrus leafminer.
damsel bugs
Himacerus is a genus of predatory damsel bugs in the family Nabidae, subfamily Nabinae. The genus includes several Eurasian species, with Himacerus apterus being the most studied. These bugs are generalist predators that inhabit forest edges, meadows, and open woodlands. Some species have been introduced to North America, notably H. apterus in eastern Canada.
tree damsel bug
Himacerus apterus, commonly known as the tree damsel bug, is a predatory hemipteran in the family Nabidae. It is native to Eurasia and was first recorded in North America from eastern Nova Scotia between 1943 and 1989. The species exhibits wing polymorphism, with most individuals being brachypterous (short-winged). It is a generalist predator of small arthropods and has been considered for biological control applications, though cannibalism complicates mass rearing efforts.
Leconte's lady beetle, glacial lady beetle (Leconte's form)
Hippodamia glacialis lecontei is a subspecies of lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) native to North America. It belongs to a genus widely recognized for its role as aphid predators in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The subspecies epithet 'lecontei' honors the American entomologist John Lawrence LeConte. Like other Hippodamia species, it is a generalist predator, though specific ecological studies on this subspecies are limited compared to the well-studied convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens).
Bowditch's Lady Beetle
Hippodamia moesta bowditchi is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by Johnson in 1910. It is native to North America. As a member of the genus Hippodamia, it belongs to a group of predatory lady beetles commonly used in biological control of aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the broader H. moesta species complex.
Pacific Five-spotted Lady Beetle
Hippodamia quinquesignata ambigua is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It occurs in western North America, with records from the Pacific region and introduced populations in Hawaii. The species is a generalist predator, feeding primarily on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.