clown beetle
Hister abbreviatus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is distributed across North America, Central America, and northern South America, with records from Canada through the United States to Mexico. The species has been studied in laboratory conditions, where it demonstrated rapid development and predatory behavior focused on filth flies in cattle dung environments.
clown beetle
Hister coenosus is a predatory clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It has been documented across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Laboratory studies indicate it develops in soil and preys on dipteran larvae.
clown beetle
Hister depurator is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. It is found in North America, with records from eastern Canada and across much of the United States. Like other hister beetles, it is likely predaceous, feeding on small arthropods in decaying organic matter. The species is rarely encountered in collections, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
clown beetles
Histerini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) comprising at least 540 described species. Members are primarily associated with decomposing organic matter, particularly dung, where they function as predators. The tribe includes genera such as Hister, Margarinotus, and Atholus. Several species have experienced population declines in parts of their range due to agricultural intensification.
Hodophylax tolandi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1961. Robber flies are predatory dipterans characterized by their stout bodies, strong legs, and piercing mouthparts used to capture and subdue prey. This species belongs to the genus Hodophylax, a small group within the diverse Asilidae family. Published records indicate this species is known from limited observations, with iNaturalist documenting only four observations as of the source date.
Dusky Goggle Eye, Gnat Ogre
Holcocephala fusca is a small robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Dusky Goggle Eye or Gnat Ogre. The species is recognized by its distinctive enlarged compound eyes that occupy most of the head. It preys on small flying insects, particularly gnats and other tiny dipterans. The species was described by Bromley in 1951.
clown beetle
Hololepta minuta is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) first described by Erichson in 1834. It belongs to the genus Hololepta, a group characterized by their flattened, compact bodies adapted for living in tight spaces. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central America and into South America, including Caribbean islands.
stilt bugs
Hoplinus is a genus of stilt bugs (family Berytidae) comprising six described species. These insects are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies and exceptionally long legs that elevate them above plant surfaces. Research on Hoplinus echinatus has demonstrated their role as predators on sticky plants, where they navigate resinous surfaces to feed on trapped insect carrion and prey on herbivorous insects.
Hoplinus echinatus is a stilt bug species in the family Berytidae, characterized by its elongated, slender body and long legs typical of the group. It has been documented as a predator associated with sticky plants in western North America, where it navigates resinous or hooked trichomes to feed on trapped insect carrion. The species occurs across a broad range of arid and semi-arid habitats from southwestern Canada through the western United States to northern Mexico. Its ecology links it to plant-based food webs where dead insects serve as a resource for predatory arthropods.
sand wasp
Hoplisoides semipunctatus is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is native to South America, with records from Brazil (Bahia and Santa Catarina). The genus Hoplisoides comprises approximately 18 species in North America and is distributed globally except Australia. Members of this genus are solitary wasps that typically hunt treehoppers (Membracidae) as prey for their larvae.
damsel bug
Hoplistoscelis heidemanni is a small predatory true bug in the damsel bug family Nabidae. As with other nabids, it is a nocturnal predator that subdues other insects, including prey larger than itself. The species is recorded from North America. Damsel bugs in this genus are among the smaller members of the family, with adults typically under 12 millimeters in length.
damsel bug
Hoplistoscelis pallescens is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as damsel bugs. Adults measure less than 12 millimeters in length. Like other nabids, it is a nocturnal predator that subdues prey, including insects larger than itself. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Massachusetts and Vermont.
damsel bug
Hoplistoscelis sericans is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae. It is found in North America and is one of approximately 41 species of damsel bugs documented north of Mexico. Damsel bugs in this genus are small, predatory true bugs that are economically important as biological control agents in agricultural systems.
water mites
Hydrachnoidea is a superfamily of aquatic mites commonly known as water mites. Members are exclusively freshwater dwellers, representing one of the most diverse radiations of arachnids into aquatic environments. The group includes several families with distinct morphological adaptations for underwater life.
water scavenger beetles
Hydrochara is a genus of water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae) containing 23 species distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The genus was revised taxonomically in 1980, with 21 species recognized at that time and multiple synonymies established. Species in this genus are aquatic and have been studied for their potential role in biological control of mosquito larvae. At least one species, Hydrochara rickseckeri, is endemic to California.
Hydrophorus is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, distinguished by their ability to move across and jump from water surfaces without penetrating the surface film. These small predatory flies exhibit specialized locomotor adaptations for aquatic surface environments, including elongated middle and hind legs used for propulsion during jumping. They are part of a diverse family of metallic, predatory flies that occupy varied habitats from terrestrial foliage to aquatic margins.
Hydrophorus aestuum is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. Like other members of the genus Hydrophorus, it is adapted to semi-aquatic environments where it skates across water surfaces. The species was described by Loew in 1869. Adults are predatory on small insects and other invertebrates, including mosquito larvae.
Hydrophorus chrysologus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Hydrophorinae. It belongs to a genus specialized for life on water surfaces, where adults skate across puddles, intermittent streams, and lake margins using surface tension. Like other dolichopodids, it is predatory on small insects and other arthropods. The species was described by Walker in 1849.
black dump fly, black garbage fly, dump fly
Hydrotaea aenescens, commonly known as the black dump fly or black garbage fly, is a muscid fly native to the New World that has become invasive in Europe. The species is notable for its predatory larvae that feed on house fly (Musca domestica) larvae, making it a candidate for biological control programs in livestock facilities. Adults have been documented as vectors of human botfly eggs. The species exhibits rapid range expansion in Europe, with records extending to the Far North of European Russia.
Hygrotus picatus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized diving beetles commonly found in freshwater habitats. The species was first described by William Kirby in 1837. Like other members of Dytiscidae, it is adapted to aquatic life with streamlined bodies and modified hind legs for swimming.
Hyperaspis annexa is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to North America, with records from California. Adults measure 2.0–2.75 mm and are characterized by black elytra with two yellow vittae. Males have a yellow anterior pronotal margin, sometimes black. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are notable predators of scale insects, though specific prey relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Hyperaspis bensonica is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae native to southwestern North America. Adults measure 1.90–2.90 mm and exhibit distinctive coloration: males have yellow lateral and anterior pronotal margins, and the elytra bear a discal spot and lateral vitta. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, this species is a predator of scale insects. The larvae produce waxy secretions that serve as protective camouflage, causing them to be frequently mistaken for mealybugs or scale insects.
Hyperaspis brunnescens is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by Dobzhansky in 1941. It is native to North America and has been recorded from Illinois and Nova Scotia. Adults measure approximately 2.30–2.50 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have a dull yellow pronotum, while females have a brownish black pronotum with a faint yellow lateral border. The elytra are brownish black with two longitudinal vittae (stripes).
Corona Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis cincta is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, measuring approximately 2.0–2.6 mm in length. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California and Utah. Adults are distinguished from the similar Hyperaspis inflexa by their wider marginal vitta on the elytra. The genus Hyperaspis includes species known as predatory biocontrol agents of scale insects.
bloody lady beetle
Hyperaspis cruenta, commonly known as the bloody lady beetle, is a small predatory lady beetle native to North America. Adults measure approximately 2.50–2.65 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is known from Texas and New Mexico, with limited documented observations. Like other Hyperaspis species, it likely preys on scale insects, though specific dietary records for this species are sparse.
fastidious lady beetle
Hyperaspis fastidiosa is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the fastidious lady beetle. Adults measure 2.10–2.80 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is native to western North America, with records from the Canadian prairies through the western United States. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is presumed to be a predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis inedita is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.65–3 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration: males have a yellow anterior margin and lateral area on the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with a yellow lateral area. A red spot is present on each elytron. The species is found in the southeastern and central United States.
Lateral Sigil Lady Beetle, lateral lady beetle
Hyperaspis lateralis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to Central and North America. Adults measure 2.50–3.80 mm and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have yellow anterior margins and lateral areas, while females have entirely black pronota. The species is one of several Hyperaspis known to prey on scale insects.
Four-streaked Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis quadrivittata is a small lady beetle (2.0-2.7 mm) native to western North America, found primarily west of the 100th meridian. It is a member of the Coccinellidae family and is distinguished by four red or yellowish streaks on its black elytra. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is a predator of scale insects, though specific prey associations for this species are not well documented in the literature.
Red-spotted Sigil complex
Hyperaspis signata is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, found in North America from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Wisconsin and Texas. Adults are small (2.6–4.0 mm), with males displaying yellow anterior and lateral margins on the pronotum. The elytra bear one or two yellow or red spots. The species includes two recognized subspecies: H. s. signata (eastern) and H. s. bicentralis (Oklahoma and Texas).
Weise's lady beetle
Hyperaspis weisei, commonly known as Weise's lady beetle, is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.25 mm in length. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from Texas. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is likely a predator of scale insects, though specific prey relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Hypocaccini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae: Saprininae) distributed across the Arabo-Saharan region. Members include psammophilous genera such as Hypocaccus, Exaesiopus, and Neopachylopus, which are adapted to sandy coastal habitats. Recent taxonomic work has described new species from the Arabian Peninsula and Algerian Sahara, expanding the known diversity of this group.
clown beetle
Hypocaccus brasiliensis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, originally described by Paykull in 1811 as Hister brasiliensis. It is a widely distributed species with records spanning multiple continents including Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. The species belongs to a genus of small histerid beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion.
Ilybius quadrimaculatus is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Aubé in 1838. The species occurs in North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As a member of the subfamily Agabinae, it inhabits freshwater aquatic environments where it functions as an active predator.
Square-headed Snakeflies, inocelliid snakeflies
Inocelliidae is a small family of snakeflies (order Raphidioptera) containing eight extant genera plus fossil taxa. Members are commonly known as square-headed snakeflies due to their distinctive head shape. The family is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with extant species found in temperate forests of Eurasia and North America. Inocelliidae are holometabolous predators with larvae that inhabit bark and wood of coniferous and deciduous trees, where they prey on other insects. The family includes notable fossil representatives such as Fibla carpenteri from Baltic amber, the largest known snakefly species.
mantis
Iris is a genus of praying mantises in the family Eremiaphilidae. These mantises are part of the diverse mantodean radiation that includes many specialized desert-dwelling species. The genus is classified within the subfamily Iridinae and tribe Iridini, reflecting its phylogenetic placement among the "ground mantises" adapted to arid environments.
antlike flower beetle
Ischyropalpus nitidulus is a small antlike flower beetle in the family Anthicidae, measuring 2.6–3.3 mm in length. The species is widespread across North America from northern Mexico to southern Canada, with a notable absence from the southeastern United States. It has been documented as a predator of mites associated with Monterey pine.
Grass-carrying Wasp
Isodontia philadelphica is a solitary wasp in the family Sphecidae, commonly known as a grass-carrying wasp. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems, abandoned insect burrows, or window tracks, using dry grass to partition cells and plug entrances. They provision nests with paralyzed tree crickets and katydids as food for their larvae. The species occurs in North America and is not aggressive toward humans.
Dark Stripetail
Isoperla lata, commonly known as the dark stripetail, is a green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It is native to North America with documented populations in Labrador, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota. The species inhabits cold-water trout streams where it functions as a predator on other aquatic insects. Research from Wisconsin indicates a slow univoltine life cycle with synchronous spring emergence and temperature-dependent egg development.
Stripetail Stoneflies, Springflies
Isoperlinae is a subfamily of stoneflies in the family Perlodidae, distributed across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. Members are commonly known as stripetails or springflies. The subfamily includes approximately 12 genera, with Isoperla being the most speciose and well-known. These stoneflies are aquatic insects whose nymphs inhabit running waters.
Ixodes affinis is a hard-bodied tick species distributed across the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Unlike its congener Ixodes scapularis, this species does not bite humans but serves as a competent vector for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Immature stages feed on birds and small mammals, while adults parasitize larger mammals including deer and dogs. Its expanding range into southeastern Virginia and association with migratory birds has raised concerns about its role in pathogen dispersal.
Spined Stilt Bug
Jalysus wickhami, commonly known as the spined stilt bug, is a species of stilt bug in the family Berytidae. It is the most common stilt bug in the eastern United States and has been documented from gardens and meadows. The species exhibits omnivorous feeding habits, consuming plant juices from legumes, grasses, and tomato plants, as well as preying on insect eggs and parasitoid prepupae. It has been studied for its role in biological control and its potential negative impacts through intraguild predation on beneficial parasitoids.
forcepstails, japygids
Japygidae is a family of hexapods in the order Diplura, commonly known as forcepstails or japygids. The family is distinguished by unsegmented, hardened, pincer-like cerci at the abdomen tip, which function in prey capture. It comprises approximately 70 genera arranged in seven subfamilies. Japygidae belongs to the superfamily Japygoidea and is sister to Evalljapygidae based on mitochondrial phylogenomic analysis.
striped earwigs
Labidura is a genus of earwigs in the family Labiduridae, established by Leach in 1815. The genus includes approximately nine species, with Labidura riparia being the most widespread and cosmopolitan member. Labidura riparia is notable as a predator of agricultural pests, including the Asian corn borer and Mediterranean fruit fly pupae. The Saint Helena earwig (Labidura herculeana), now possibly extinct, was the largest known earwig species. Several Labidura species exhibit subsocial maternal care of eggs and young.
Laccophilus gentilis is a small predatory diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Laccophilinae, a group of small, often brightly marked diving beetles commonly found in vegetated freshwater habitats. The species occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic predator that likely inhabits ponds, marshes, and slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation.
dingy diver
Laccophilus maculosus, commonly known as the dingy diver, is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized diving beetles that inhabit freshwater environments.
devil crayfish, devil crawfish
Lacunicambarus diogenes, commonly known as the devil crayfish or devil crawfish, is a primary burrowing crayfish native to eastern North America. This species constructs and inhabits burrows in wet, muddy terrestrial habitats rather than living in permanent surface water. Its burrowing activities create refugia used by numerous other species, including documented use by eastern cicada killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus) as brooding habitat. The species ranges across the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont ecoregion from New Jersey to Georgia, with disjunct populations in Louisiana.
scale-feeding snout moth, Scale-feeding Snout
Laetilia coccidivora is a small pyralid moth whose larvae are specialized predators of scale insects (family Coccidae). First described by Comstock in 1879, it occurs in the southern United States and has been documented in Mexico preying on Coccus pseudomagnoliarum. The species is notable among Lepidoptera for its entomophagous diet and use of sequestered carminic acid from its prey for chemical defense.
Monterey Scale-feeding Snout
Laetilia zamacrella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1925. It is endemic to California, where it is known by the common name Monterey Scale-feeding Snout. Like other members of its genus, it is a specialist predator of scale insects. The species is closely related to Laetilia coccidivora, which feeds on the Striped Pine Scale (Toumeyella pini).
Laphria aktis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by McAtee in 1919. The genus Laphria includes species known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific documentation for L. aktis is limited. Observations of this species are sparse, with only 22 records documented in iNaturalist as of the available data.