Southern Bee-Killer
Mallophora orcina, commonly known as the southern bee killer, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. This species is a notable bumble bee mimic, using its hairy appearance and coloration to resemble its hymenopteran prey. As a member of the genus Mallophora, it shares characteristics with other bee-mimicking robber flies but can be distinguished by specific morphological features. The species is part of a guild of predatory flies that actively hunt other insects in flight.
mantids, mantid mantises
Mantidae is the largest family in the order Mantodea, historically encompassing all mantises before modern classifications split the group into multiple families. Most genera are tropical or subtropical in distribution. The family contains ten recognized subfamilies including Choeradodinae, Hierodulinae, Mantinae, and Stagmomantinae. The term "mantid" technically refers only to members of this family, though it is commonly used more broadly for any mantis.
mantidflies, mantispids, mantid lacewings, mantis-flies
Mantispidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 400 species in around 400 genera, distributed worldwide with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Adults are predators characterized by raptorial forelegs—convergent with mantises but independently evolved—used to capture small arthropod prey. The family exhibits diverse larval life histories: Mantispinae are ectoparasitoids of spider egg sacs; Symphrasinae parasitize ground-nesting hymenopterans and scarab beetle larvae; Calomantispinae are predatory on small arthropods; and Drepanicinae life history remains largely unknown. First-instar larvae (planidia) employ specialized host-location strategies including direct penetration of egg sacs or phoretic transport on female spiders.
Marpissa is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) first described by C. L. Koch in 1846. As of July 2024, the genus contains 41 species distributed across North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Polynesian Islands, and the Greater Antilles. Species exhibit notable morphological diversity, including the extremely slender M. pikei with elongated first pair of legs used for prey capture. Visual systems show specialized neural pathways with task-differentiated eyes: principal eyes for object discrimination and secondary eyes for movement detection, though posterior median eyes in M. muscosa appear modified and may not serve movement detection. Complex courtship behaviors have been documented, with M. marina exhibiting multiple courtship types and mating tactics including unique abdominal rotary waving displays.
backswimmer
Martarega mexicana is a species of backswimmer (family Notonectidae) first described by Truxal in 1949. As a member of the genus Martarega, it belongs to a group of aquatic predatory insects known for swimming upside down beneath the water surface. The species has been documented in both Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.
whip scorpion, vinegaroon
Mastigoproctus is a genus of large whip scorpions (vinegaroons) in the family Thelyphonidae. These arachnids are characterized by their elongated antenniform front legs, robust pedipalps, and ability to spray defensive acetic acid. The genus includes approximately 25 accepted species distributed across the Americas, from the southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and into northern South America. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are not venomous and lack venom glands entirely.
giant whip scorpion, giant vinegaroon, grampus, Texas giant vinegaroon
Mastigoproctus giganteus is a large arachnid in the order Uropygi, commonly known as the giant whip scorpion or vinegaroon. It is the only member of family Thelyphonidae found in the United States, occurring from the southern U.S. through Mexico. The species is nocturnal and occupies humid microhabitats in arid and semi-arid environments. It is notable for its ability to spray a defensive secretion containing 85% acetic acid, which produces a strong vinegar-like odor. The species is long-lived, with females producing a single brood of approximately 40 offspring that receive extended maternal care.
Woodpecker Flies
Medetera is a large genus of predatory long-legged flies (family Dolichopodidae) comprising approximately 350 species worldwide. Adults are commonly found resting on vertical surfaces, particularly tree trunks, where they adopt a characteristic upright stance that has earned them the common name "woodpecker flies." Adults prey on soft-bodied arthropods, while larvae develop as predators within bark beetle galleries, feeding on eggs, larvae, pupae, and newly emerged adults. Several species have been studied as potential biocontrol agents for forest pest management.
Black Corsair, Black May Beetle-Eater
Melanolestes picipes, commonly called the Black Corsair, is a predatory assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are fully winged and strong fliers, while females typically have reduced or absent hind wings and merely pad-like forewings. Adults measure 15–20 mm in body length. Northern populations are uniformly jet black; southern specimens may display red or orange abdominal margins or entirely red abdomens. The species is among the most abundant assassin bugs in the United States and is frequently attracted to outdoor lights at night.
Melanostoma is a large genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) established by Schiner in 1860. Members of this genus are small, slender flies with relatively simple coloration compared to many other syrphids. Biological information remains limited; adults have been observed visiting flowers, while larvae are suspected to be general predators of small insects in leaf litter and ground-level vegetation.
Cave Orbweavers
Meta is a genus of long-jawed orb-weaver spiders (family Tetragnathidae) distributed worldwide. These spiders are strongly associated with subterranean and dimly lit environments, including caves, abandoned mines, old wells, basements, and densely shaded ravines. Unlike most tetragnathids, Meta species construct vertical orb webs rather than horizontal ones. The genus includes notable species such as Meta ovalis in North America and Meta menardi in Europe and Asia.
Metajapyx is a genus of forcepstails (japygids) in the family Japygidae, first described by Silvestri in 1932. The genus contains more than 30 described species. Members are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their distinctive pincer-like cerci at the abdomen tip. Like other japygids, they are predatory and primarily inhabit moist soil and leaf litter environments.
Metisotoma grandiceps is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. It is notable as the only confirmed predatory springtail known to science, a highly unusual trait for this group of typically detritivorous hexapods. The species has a Holarctic distribution, with confirmed records from the Taimyr Peninsula (type locality), Siberia, the Russian Far East, and additional records from North America and Japan. Recent taxonomic revision has redescribed the species based on new material and clarified its diagnostic characters.
white micrathena
Micrathena mitrata is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the white micrathena. Females range from 4 to 9 mm in body length, while males are smaller at 3 to 4 mm. The species is characterized by a shiny black abdomen and spiky, yellowish-brown legs. It constructs circular orb webs to capture flying insects and is found from the United States south to Brazil. Despite its spiny appearance, it poses no danger to humans.
Ant Flies
Microdon is a genus of hover flies (Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, containing approximately 249 species worldwide with greatest diversity in the tropics. The genus is notable for its myrmecophilous lifestyle: adults remain near ant colonies rather than visiting flowers, and larvae develop inside ant nests. Adults are morphologically atypical for hover flies—sedentary, robust, very hairy, and often bee-like in appearance. Larvae are dome-shaped, slug-like, and slow-moving, with spiracles on a peg-like posterior protuberance. The genus has historically served as a catch-all for unrelated species, and ongoing taxonomic revision is expected to reassign many species to other genera.
brown lacewing
Micromus angulatus is a predatory brown lacewing (Hemerobiidae) distributed across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. Both larvae and adults are active predators of aphids and other small soft-bodied insects, with third-instar larvae and female adults showing particularly high predation rates. The species has been extensively studied as a biological control agent against agricultural pests including Aphis craccivora, Illinoia lambersi, and Myzus persicae. Laboratory studies demonstrate temperature-dependent predation efficiency, with stable adult performance across 15–25°C and enhanced larval activity at warmer temperatures. A chromosome-level genome assembly of 1.29 Gb has been published, supporting its potential for augmentative biological control programs.
Northern Brown Lacewing
Micromus borealis is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, described by Klimaszewski & Kevan in 1988. It is native to North America. As a member of the brown lacewings, it is a predatory insect in both adult and larval stages. The species is distinguished from other Micromus species by specific morphological characteristics of its wing venation and body structure.
Giant Prairie Robber Fly
Microstylum morosum is the largest robber fly in North America, with body lengths reaching 35–50 mm. The species was long considered endemic to Texas until range extensions were documented into Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and southwestern states. It inhabits prairie and grassland ecosystems, where adults are active predators. The species exhibits distinctive emerald-green eyes and a relatively hairless, streamlined body compared to other large asilids.
Tamaulipan White-winged Assassin
Microtomus luctuosus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, native to the Americas. It belongs to the subfamily Hammacerinae, which includes species commonly known as bark assassin bugs. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woodland habitats and cryptic microhabitats such as beneath bark. The specific epithet 'luctuosus' (Latin for 'mournful' or 'sorrowful') may refer to its coloration.
Eastern White-winged Assassin, bark assassin bug
Microtomus purcis is a strikingly colored assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, found in North America. The species is notable for its aposematic coloration—black body with creamy-white wing bases and bright red abdominal segments and hind legs. Despite its conspicuous appearance, it is primarily nocturnal and spends daylight hours concealed under loose bark of dead trees. The species has been documented from the Ozark Highlands and surrounding regions, with adult activity recorded from September through March and nymphs found in late autumn.
Banded Pinpoint Lady Beetle
Microweisea coccidivora is a minute lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, measuring only 0.8–1.0 mm in length. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States, specifically Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Its specific epithet "coccidivora" indicates a diet specializing in scale insects (family Coccidae). The beetle is associated with scale-infested trees in urban environments, where it functions as a natural enemy of pest scales.
pirate spider
Mimetus hesperus is a species of pirate spider in the family Mimetidae, described by Chamberlin in 1923. It is found in the United States. Pirate spiders are specialized araneophagic predators that infiltrate the webs of other spiders to hunt them.
Mexican Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus mexicanus mexicanus is a subspecies of paper wasp in the family Vespidae. It is one of three Mischocyttarus species occurring in the United States and southwestern Canada, all belonging to the subgenus Phi. The species constructs small, uncovered paper combs similar to those of Polistes wasps. Nests have been observed in exposed situations in Texas, though related subspecies may use cavities. This wasp is a social species with flexible colony founding, where 1–20 females may initiate nests together.
Montandoniola is a genus of minute pirate bugs in the family Anthocoridae. Species in this genus are predatory, with documented cases of thrips predation. The genus was established by Poppius in 1910. At least two species have received focused study: M. confusa as a predator of gall-forming thrips, and M. moraguesi regarding its distribution in the United States.
Montandoniola confusa is a minute predatory bug in the family Anthocoridae, described in 2009. It has been studied as a biological control agent targeting gall-forming thrips. The species has been recorded in Hawaii and is associated with environments where its thrips prey occur.
Hudsonian lady beetle, Hudsonian Ladybird
Mulsantina hudsonica, known as the Hudsonian lady beetle, is a small predatory beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America with a broad transcontinental range. The species is recognized by its distinctive yellow coloration with black markings on the head and pronotum, and brown and black patterns on the elytra. It has been documented as a predator of the balsam woolly adelgid.
false stable flies
Muscina is a genus of muscid flies comprising approximately 27 species with worldwide distribution. The genus includes several synanthropic species frequently associated with livestock facilities, manure, and human structures. M. stabulans (false stable fly) is the most extensively studied species, serving as a model for flight biomechanics research and forensic entomology. Members of this genus are notable for their epidemiological significance as mechanical vectors of pathogens, forensic utility in post-mortem interval estimation, and facultative predatory behavior by third-instar larvae.
Mydas fulvifrons is a species of mydas fly (family Mydidae), a group of large, wasp-mimicking flies related to robber flies. The genus Mydas contains some of the largest flies in North America. Like other mydas flies, adults are presumed to be nectar feeders, while larvae are believed to be predators of woodboring beetle larvae. The specific epithet 'fulvifrons' refers to the tawny or yellowish-brown frontal region of the head.
myriapods
Myriapoda is a subphylum of terrestrial arthropods comprising approximately 13,000–16,000 described species across four extant classes: Chilopoda (centipedes), Diplopoda (millipedes), Pauropoda, and Symphyla. All myriapods are obligate terrestrial, characterized by elongated bodies with numerous segments bearing legs. The group represents one of the earliest arthropod lineages to colonize land, with fossil evidence dating to the Late Silurian–Early Devonian boundary. Myriapods exhibit diverse ecological roles: centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators using venomous forcipules, while millipedes, pauropods, and symphylans function predominantly as detritivores in soil and leaf litter ecosystems.
Myrmeleon carolinus is a North American antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae. Its larvae construct conical pitfall traps in sandy substrates to capture small ground-dwelling arthropods, a behavior characteristic of the genus Myrmeleon. Laboratory studies indicate that pit size varies with feeding history and prior pit-building experience, suggesting that physiological constraints alone do not determine trap dimensions. The species was described by Banks in 1943 and is accepted as valid in current taxonomic databases.
Antlions, Antlion lacewings, Doodlebugs, Owlflies
Myrmeleontidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 2,000 species, commonly known as antlions or antlion lacewings. The family is best known for the distinctive predatory behavior of its larvae, which in many species construct conical pit traps in sandy soil to capture prey. Adults are aerial insects with delicate, often patterned wings, and are frequently mistaken for dragonflies or damselflies. The family includes two traditional subfamilies: Myrmeleontinae (antlions) and Ascalaphinae (owlflies), though the latter is sometimes treated as a separate family. Antlions exhibit remarkable diversity in larval hunting strategies, with pit-digging behavior restricted to certain genera while others employ ambush or roaming predation.
Antlions, Owlflies, and Allies
Myrmeleontiformia is a monophyletic suborder of lacewings (Neuroptera) containing approximately 2,160 described species across two superfamilies: Myrmeleontoidea (antlions, owlflies, spoonwings, and split-footed lacewings) and Psychopsoidea (silky lacewings and extinct families). The group is predominantly diverse in arid tropical and subtropical regions. Members exhibit diverse larval predation strategies, including the famous pit-building behavior of some antlions.
Damsel Bugs
Nabidae is a family of predatory true bugs known as damsel bugs, containing over 500 species in approximately 20 genera. These soft-bodied, elongate insects are terrestrial predators that use raptorial forelegs to capture and hold prey, similar to mantids. They are economically important in agriculture due to their predation on crop pests including aphids, lepidopteran eggs, and other small insects. Many species are attracted to lights at night, and some exhibit wing polymorphism with fully winged, short-winged, or wingless forms.
damsel bugs
Nabis is a genus of damsel bugs in the family Nabidae, comprising predatory true bugs found worldwide. Members are small, slender insects typically under 12 mm in length, recognized by their raptorial front legs adapted for capturing prey. They are primarily nocturnal predators that use a combination of ambush and active hunting strategies to subdue insects larger than themselves. The genus is economically significant as a biological control agent in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton and greenhouse crops.
damsel bug
Small predatory true bugs in the family Nabidae. Adults typically under 12 mm. Nocturnal hunters that subdue prey larger than themselves using raptorial front legs. Attracted to artificial lights, possibly to exploit other insects drawn there. Economically significant as natural pest control agents in agricultural systems.
Western Damsel Bug
Nabis alternatus, commonly known as the western damsel bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. It occurs across western North America and into Central America. As a member of the damsel bug family, it is a small, active predator that feeds on other insects. The species has been documented in agricultural settings where it contributes to biological control of pest populations.
Common Damsel Bug
Nabis americoferus, the common damsel bug, is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. It occurs across North America and Central America, with well-documented populations in eastern Ontario and agroecosystems of the United States. The species produces two generations per year in temperate regions, overwinters as adults in field margins, and colonizes crop fields in late spring. It is an economically important biological control agent, feeding on agricultural pests including aphids, leafminers, and mirid bugs.
damsel bug
Nabis americolimbatus is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as a damsel bug. The species was described by Carayon in 1961 and has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in both North America and Europe. Like other damsel bugs, it is a nocturnal predator that feeds on other insects.
Pale Damsel Bug
Nabis capsiformis, commonly known as the pale damsel bug, is one of the most widespread species in the genus Nabis. It is a generalist predator found across six continents including Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. The species is particularly abundant in agricultural ecosystems where it serves as a biocontrol agent. Both nymphs and adults are effective predators using raptorial front legs to capture prey.
Broad Damsel Bug
Nabis flavomarginatus is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as the Broad Damsel Bug. It exhibits a Holarctic distribution spanning northern Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, East Asia, and North America including Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. The species inhabits wet, open grassland habitats with high proportions of grasses, sedges, and rushes, and shows a preference for cooler microclimates compared to other Nabinae. It is an effective predator in agricultural and natural systems, with cicadas documented as frequent prey.
Lovett's damsel bug
Nabis lovettii is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae, a group of small predatory true bugs. Damsel bugs are nocturnal predators that subdue insects larger than themselves using raptorial forelegs. Members of the genus Nabis are among the most abundant small predators in North American ecosystems and are considered economically important for biological pest control in agricultural systems. Nabis lovettii has been documented in western North America.
Damsel bug
Nabis nigrovittatus is a predatory damsel bug in the family Nabidae. It is a small, nocturnal true bug that hunts other insects. The species has been recorded in Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Like other nabids, it is considered economically important for biological pest control in agricultural systems.
Marsh Damsel Bug
Nabis propinquus, commonly known as the Marsh Damsel Bug, is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. Like other damsel bugs, it is a nocturnal predator that subdues other insects, including prey larger than itself. The species has been observed in marshy habitats and is attracted to lights at night, presumably to hunt other insects drawn to illumination. As with most nabids, it possesses a muscular, swollen front femur armed with teeth to secure prey, and a short rostrum compared to plant-feeding true bugs.
sculpted damsel bug, damsel bug
Nabis roseipennis is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as the sculpted damsel bug. It is one of the most abundant damsel bugs in cotton and soybean agroecosystems across the southeastern United States. The species is univoltine, with adults active from mid-July through September, and functions as a generalist predator of various agricultural pests. It has been extensively studied for its role in biological control and its tritrophic interactions with resistant crop plants.
Short-winged Nabis
Nabis rufusculus is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae, commonly known as the Short-winged Nabis. It is a small predatory true bug found in North American agroecosystems, particularly alfalfa and soybean fields. The species has been studied for its phenology and abundance patterns alongside congeners N. americoferus and N. roseipennis. Like other damsel bugs, it is an economically important predator in agricultural systems.
Black Damsel Bug
Nabis subcoleoptratus, commonly known as the Black Damsel Bug, is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. Like other damsel bugs, it is a nocturnal predator that feeds on other insects. The species is part of the genus Nabis, which contains numerous species across North America. Damsel bugs are economically important as natural predators in agricultural systems, helping control pest populations.
Nabis vanduzeei is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae, a group of small predatory true bugs. Like other members of the genus Nabis, this species is a nocturnal predator that subdues insects often larger than itself using raptorial forelegs. The species is documented from limited observations, with 14 records on iNaturalist. Damsel bugs in this genus are economically significant as biological control agents in agricultural systems.
Neaphaenops is a monotypic genus of cave-dwelling ground beetles (Carabidae: Trechinae) established by Jeannel in 1920. Its sole species, Neaphaenops tellkampfii, is a troglobitic predator found in cave systems of the United States. The species exhibits subspecific variation in foraging behavior correlated with distinct cave microhabitats.
Neaphaenops tellkampfi tellkampfi is a troglobitic ground beetle that inhabits deep sandy cave environments. This subspecies reaches high population densities where cricket eggs represent the sole viable prey resource. Laboratory studies demonstrate specialized foraging behavior involving excavation of substrate to locate buried eggs, with greater foraging efficiency than the related subspecies N. t. meridionalis.
Neaphaenops tellkampfii is a predaceous troglobitic ground beetle endemic to cave systems in North America. The species exhibits distinct ecological adaptations across its range, with two recognized subspecies occupying different subterranean environments: N. t. tellkampfii in sandy deep caves and N. t. meridionalis in wet muddy caves. These subspecies demonstrate divergent foraging specializations, with the nominate form adapted to locate buried cricket eggs and the southern form better suited to capture enchytraeid worms. Adults show seasonal activity patterns and recruitment timing linked to food availability.