Laphria fernaldi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Laphria is known for effective bumble bee mimicry, with members resembling bees in both appearance and behavior to deceive predators and prey. This species was originally described as Dasyllis fernaldi by Back in 1904 before being transferred to Laphria. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures other arthropods in flight.
Laphria ferox is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group commonly known as 'bee-like robber flies' due to their resemblance to bumble bees. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1883. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Laphria lata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Robber flies in this genus are notable for their effective mimicry of bumble bees, with hairy bodies and coloration that closely resembles their hymenopteran models. The species has been documented as a predator of Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica), using its piercing proboscis to subdue prey. As with other Laphria species, it likely exhibits the characteristic sit-and-wait hunting behavior typical of the genus.
Laphria saffrana is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Laphriinae. It belongs to a genus well-known for effective bumble bee mimicry, though specific details about this species' appearance and behavior are not well-documented in available sources. The species was described by Fabricius in 1805.
Laphria semitecta is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Coquillett in 1910. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The species is part of the diverse North American robber fly fauna, though specific documentation of this species in the provided sources is limited. Robber flies in this genus are predatory and often visually striking due to their mimicry adaptations.
Laphystia cazieri is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1960. It belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae, a group characterized by their predatory habits and distinctive morphology. As with other robber flies, adults are aerial predators that capture and feed on other insects. The species epithet honors the entomologist Mont A. Cazier, who made significant contributions to the study of North American insects, particularly beetles.
Laphystia ochreifrons is a species of robber fly described by Charles Howard Curran in 1931. The species epithet 'ochreifrons' refers to the yellowish coloration of the frons (front of the head). As a member of the Asilidae family, it is an aerial predator of other insects. The genus Laphystia is primarily distributed in the Neotropical region.
hemlock woolly adelgid predator beetle
Laricobius nigrinus is a small predatory beetle in the family Derodontidae, native to western North America. First described by Kenneth Fender in 1945 from Oregon specimens, it is specialized to feed on adelgids, particularly the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). Since 2003, it has been released as a biological control agent in the eastern United States to combat invasive adelgid populations threatening eastern and Carolina hemlock trees. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with aestival diapause and has established populations across multiple eastern states.
Pale Pirate Bug
Lasiochilus pallidulus, commonly known as the Pale Pirate Bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Lasiochilidae. It is distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. The species is known to prey on eggs and early instars of Blissus insularis, a chinch bug species. Like other members of Lasiochilidae, it likely functions as a generalist predator in various terrestrial habitats.
Ashy Sandpirate
Lasiopogon cinereus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cole in 1919. It is commonly known as the Ashy Sandpirate. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect belonging to the order Diptera. The species epithet 'cinereus' refers to its ash-gray coloration.
Lasiopogon currani is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The species belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. It has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly in Vermont.
Mountain Sandpirate
Lasiopogon monticola is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Melander in 1923. The species epithet 'monticola' (mountain-dwelling) suggests an association with montane habitats. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight. The genus Lasiopogon comprises species commonly known as sandpirates, typically associated with sandy or loose soil substrates.
A species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Cannings in 2002. Belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized robber flies known for their predatory habits. The species name 'piestolophus' refers to the flattened (piesto-) crest (-lophus) on the head. Known from limited observations.
Lauxanioidea is a superfamily of true flies (Diptera) comprising three families: Lauxaniidae, Chamaemyiidae, and Celyphidae. Members are small to medium-sized flies, often densely bristled and variably colored. The superfamily is defined by three synapomorphies: convergent postocellar bristles, an abbreviated anal wing vein, and fusion of male abdominal tergites 7 and 8. Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae are sister groups based on molecular phylogenetics. Ecologically, the families diverge sharply: Chamaemyiidae are predators of Sternorrhyncha (aphids, scale insects, adelgids), while Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae larvae primarily feed on decaying vegetation.
Large Foliage Ground Beetle
Lebia grandis is a North American ground beetle and the largest species in its genus on the continent. Adults are specialist predators of Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae, consuming up to 23 eggs or 3 third-instar larvae daily. First-instar larvae are obligate parasitoids of Leptinotarsa pupae, developing within host pupal chambers in soil. The species has primarily nocturnal habits and a cryptic life cycle that delayed recognition of its ecological importance for approximately a century after its formal description.
Lebia subgrandis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to Mexico and found in North America. This species has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Adults are generalist predators of CPB eggs and early instar larvae, while first instar larvae are specialized ectoparasites of CPB prepupae and pupae. The species exhibits a notably narrow host range, refusing alternative prey even when starved.
Intermediate Rove Beetle
Leptacinus intermedius is a European rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horace Donisthorpe in 1936. The species has been introduced to North America, where it is now established in Canada and the United States. Like other staphylinids, adults and larvae are predatory on other insects.
Invisible Water Flea
Leptodora is a genus of large, nearly transparent predatory cladocerans containing two species: L. kindtii, widespread in temperate lakes across the Northern Hemisphere, and L. richardii, known only from eastern Russia. Adults are among the largest planktonic cladocerans, reaching up to 21 mm in length, with approximately 98% transparency as a defense against fish predation. The genus is taxonomically isolated as the sole member of its family Leptodoridae and suborder Haplopoda.
Leptodoridae is a monotypic family of large predatory water fleas containing the single genus Leptodora. Members are among the largest cladocerans, reaching up to 18 mm in length. They are transparent, pelagic predators found in temperate lakes. The family is distinguished by its unique body plan and reduced carapace, representing a distinct lineage within the order Diplostraca.
Leptogaster hesperis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group characterized by slender, elongated bodies and distinctive predatory habits. The species name 'hesperis' refers to the western regions, suggesting a western North American distribution. Like other Leptogaster species, it is likely an aerial predator of small insects. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented due to limited study.
Leptogaster obscuripennis is a species of robber fly described by Johnson in 1895. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, characterized by slender, elongate bodies and distinctive predatory habits. The species name 'obscuripennis' refers to darkened wing coloration. Like other members of its genus, it is an aerial predator of small insects.
Leptogaster parvoclava is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1957. It belongs to the subfamily Leptogastrinae, a group characterized by slender, elongate bodies and long legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. The species epithet "parvoclava" refers to the small clubbed structure of a particular morphological feature. As with other members of Leptogaster, this species likely inhabits grassy or open vegetation habitats where it perches on stems to hunt.
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
Leptotrachelus dorsalis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, distributed across North America including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. The species has been documented as a predator of eggs and larvae of Diatraea saccharalis, a significant agricultural pest. As a member of the subfamily Ctenodactylinae, it represents one of the many predatory beetle species contributing to biological control in crop systems.
Northern Spreadwing
Lestes disjunctus, commonly known as the Northern Spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is widely distributed across North America and inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats including riverine wetlands, ponds, and marshes. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with egg diapause, requiring overwintering before hatching. Adults emerge in late June through July and remain active until late August. Larvae are predatory, feeding primarily on zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates. The species holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic posture of spreadwing damselflies.
Lyre-tipped Spreadwing
Lestes unguiculatus, commonly known as the Lyre-tipped Spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. The species is native to North America and holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic trait of the Lestidae family that distinguishes spreadwings from most other damselflies. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, last reviewed in 2017.
Lesteva cribratula is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) native to eastern North America. It has been identified as a likely subnivium specialist, active beneath winter snowpack and rare or inactive during summer months. The species inhabits the air gap between soil and snow, where it likely functions as a predator in cold, stable conditions. Climate change poses a threat to this species through declining snowpack, which exposes subnivium habitats to temperature extremes.
American giant water bug, electric light bug, toe biter, fish killer
Lethocerus americanus is a large aquatic true bug native to southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults measure 5–6 cm in length, with females averaging larger than males. The species is a generalist predator in freshwater habitats and is known for its powerful bite, which it uses to subdue prey and defend itself. It is attracted to electric lights at night, earning it the common name 'electric light bug.'
American Lacewing
Leucochrysa americana is a green lacewing species in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1897. The genus Leucochrysa is distinguished from other chrysopids by its white markings rather than the red or yellow markings common in related genera. Larvae in this genus are known for carrying debris and other materials on their backs as camouflage, a behavior that has been documented in the related species Leucochrysa pavida. The species occurs in North and Middle America.
silver fly
Leucopis americana is a species of silver fly in the family Chamaemyiidae, described by Malloch in 1921. Members of this genus are predatory insects that have been investigated as potential biological control agents for hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). The species is part of a group of Leucopis flies under evaluation for release in eastern North America to control this invasive forest pest.
Eight-spotted Skimmer
The eight-spotted skimmer (Libellula forensis) is a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is a medium-sized skimmer native to western North America. Like other dragonflies in the genus Libellula, it is a predatory species with aquatic larvae and aerial adults. The species is named for the distinctive pattern of spots on its wings.
Widow Skimmer
Libellula luctuosa, commonly known as the Widow Skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. Males establish and defend territories at freshwater habitats, engaging in aerial contests with intruding males. The species exhibits a resource-defense polygyny mating system where male reproductive success depends on territory quality. Females visit water primarily to mate and oviposit, typically during midday hours. Larvae are aquatic predators that undergo multiple molts before emerging as winged adults.
obscure ground mantis
Litaneutria obscura is a small ground-dwelling mantid native to the desert southwest of North America. Unlike most mantids that employ ambush predation from vegetation, this species is cursorial, actively running down prey on the ground. It is one of two Litaneutria species in the United States, with a more restricted range than its congener L. minor. The species is currently treated as a synonym of L. ocularis by some taxonomic authorities.
Stone Centipedes
Lithobiomorpha, commonly known as stone centipedes, are an order of anamorphic centipedes characterized by a mature segment count of 15 trunk segments. They lack compound eyes, possessing instead simple ocelli or no eyes in some subterranean species. The order includes two families: Henicopidae and Lithobiidae. Members are primarily found in forest litter and soil habitats across temperate regions worldwide, with significant diversity in China and Europe.
stone centipedes, common centipedes, brown centipedes, typical stone centipedes
Lithobius is a large genus of centipedes in the family Lithobiidae, containing over 500 species and numerous subspecies. Adults possess 18 body segments and 15 pairs of legs, with body lengths ranging from approximately 2–5 cm. The genus was erected by William Elford Leach in 1814 and serves as the type genus for the family Lithobiidae. These centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators found in soil, leaf litter, and beneath stones or bark across temperate regions worldwide.
brown centipede, garden centipede, stone centipede
Lithobius forficatus is a common stone centipede in the family Lithobiidae, native to Europe but introduced to North America, the Hawaiian Islands, and Colombia. Adults reach 18–30 mm in length with 15 pairs of legs. The species is freeze-tolerant in winter, nocturnal, and an active predator of small invertebrates. It is frequently found in gardens and woodland habitats under stones and decaying wood.
Garden Lithobius, European steppe centipede
Lithobius melanops is a small stone centipede in the order Lithobiomorpha, native to Europe but introduced to many regions worldwide. Adults measure 11–17 mm in length with a dorsoventrally flattened, fusiform body. The species is distinguished by a combination of morphological traits including 32–44 antennal articles, 10–13 ocelli with a notably enlarged posterior ocellus, and specific tergite projections. It inhabits dry, open habitats and is a nocturnal predator of soil invertebrates.
stone centipede
Lithobius microps is a small stone centipede in the family Lithobiidae, commonly found in gardens and woodland habitats across parts of North America and Europe. It is one of the most common centipedes in the northeastern United States and among the smallest centipedes in Britain. The species has been introduced to Tasmania.
Peregrine Stone Centipede
Lithobius peregrinus is a stone centipede species first described in 1880 by Austrian myriapodologist Robert Latzel. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution with type locality in Dalmatia, Croatia. A 2022–2024 study of a troglophilic population in Gaura cu Muscă Cave, Romania documented significant morphological variations, asymmetries, and teratological features across 39 specimens. The species exhibits close water affinity and has been recorded in both surface and subterranean habitats.
Lomamyia banksi is a species of beaded lacewing in the family Berothidae, order Neuroptera. First described by Carpenter in 1940, this species belongs to a genus known for distinctive predatory larvae that possess unique chemical hunting mechanisms. The species has been recorded from North America, with observations documented in Colorado. Like other members of Lomamyia, the larvae are likely specialized predators, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Lophocateridae is a small family of cleroid beetles comprising over 100 species in 14+ genera. Formerly treated as a subfamily or tribe of Trogossitidae, molecular phylogenetic analyses led to its elevation to family rank in 2019. The family is recovered as sister to Chaetosomatidae and Trogossitidae sensu stricto. Extant species occupy diverse ecological niches including fungivory, herbivory, and predation, primarily in association with dead wood habitats. The family has a fossil record extending to the Early Cretaceous.
Debris bug
Lyctocoris campestris is a predatory true bug in the family Lyctocoridae, commonly known as the debris bug. It occurs in stored grain environments and natural habitats across multiple continents. The species is a generalist predator with documented importance in biological control of stored product pests.
robber fly
Machimus callidus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described by Williston in 1893 under the genus Asilus. The species was later transferred to Machimus. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their aerial hunting behavior.
Machimus latipex is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Robber flies are predatory insects known for their aerial hunting abilities. The genus Machimus is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere and contains numerous similar-looking species. Specific details about M. latipex remain limited in published literature.
Black-thighed Bladetail
Machimus notatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-thighed Bladetail. As a member of the predatory asilid flies, it hunts other insects in flight. The species has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
swift river cruiser, Illinois river cruiser
Macromia illinoiensis, commonly known as the swift river cruiser or Illinois river cruiser, is a dragonfly species in the family Macromiidae. The aquatic larval stage has been extensively studied due to its interactions with the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), which frequently colonizes larval bodies. Research demonstrates that zebra mussel attachment impairs larval foraging behavior, reducing prey capture efficiency and altering burying behavior. Mussel colonization creates a positive feedback loop where colonized larvae bury more shallowly, increasing further colonization risk. These effects are density-dependent and reversible when mussels are lost, typically at molting. The species' life cycle spans aquatic and terrestrial habitats, making population impacts from mussel colonization potentially significant for ecosystem dynamics.
net-spinning caddisflies
Macronematinae is a subfamily of net-spinning caddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) established by Ulmer in 1905. Larvae construct silk webs to capture prey drifting in flowing water. The subfamily includes genera such as Macronema, Macrostemum, Leptonema, Leptopsyche, and the Neotropical endemic Centromacronema. Members occupy diverse freshwater habitats across multiple continents.
Scarlet Malachite Beetle
Malachius aeneus, commonly known as the scarlet malachite beetle, is a species of soft-winged flower beetle in the family Melyridae. It was introduced to North America in 1852 and has since become widespread across the continent. The species is notable for its larvae being predators of the pollen beetle Brassicogethes aeneus in Great Britain.
Black Bee-Killer, Black Bee Killer
Mallophora atra, commonly known as the black bee-killer, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is found across much of Brazil, with records from 19 states including Amazonas, Pará, São Paulo, and Rio Grande do Sul. As a member of the genus Mallophora, it is a large, powerful predatory fly known for capturing and feeding on bees and other insects. The species was first described by Macquart in 1834.
Florida Bee-Killer, Florida bee killer
Mallophora bomboides is a predatory robber fly (family Asilidae) native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its specialized predation on bumblebees and its remarkable Batesian mimicry of its prey, particularly Bombus pensylvanicus. The species has been extensively studied as a classic example of mimicry, with experimental work demonstrating that predators learn to avoid the unpalatable bumblebee model and consequently avoid the palatable fly mimic. Adults are active from spring through late fall, with peak abundance in late summer.