square-headed wasp
Oxybelus cressonii is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by C. Robertson in 1889. It belongs to a genus of predatory wasps that specialize in hunting flies. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other Oxybelus species, it is a solitary wasp that provisions its nest with paralyzed prey.
Grass Lynx Spiders, Lynx Spiders
Oxyopes is a large, globally distributed genus of lynx spiders comprising approximately 279-300 species. Members are characterized by distinctive hexagonal eye arrangements and long, spine-like leg setae. They are active visual hunters that do not construct capture webs, instead employing ambush and stalking strategies to prey on insects. Several species have been documented as significant biological control agents in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton and tea plantations.
Oxyopes tridens is a species of lynx spider in the family Oxyopidae. It was described by Brady in 1964. The species is found in the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Oxyopes, it shares the characteristic hunting behavior of lynx spiders, which are active predators that stalk and pounce on prey.
globe skimmer, globe wanderer, wandering glider
Pantala flavescens is a cosmopolitan dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, recognized as the most widespread dragonfly on Earth. It performs the longest known insect migration, with populations completing annual multigenerational circuits of up to 18,000 km between breeding grounds in Asia and Africa. The species exploits temporary freshwater habitats for rapid larval development, completing the life cycle from egg to adult in as little as 38–65 days. Its extraordinary dispersal ability is facilitated by broad wings adapted for gliding flight and utilization of high-altitude wind systems.
spot-winged glider
Pantala hymenaea, commonly known as the spot-winged glider, is a migratory dragonfly in the family Libellulidae native to the Americas. It is closely related to and resembles the wandering glider (Pantala flavescens), but is distinguished by a dark basal spot on the hindwing. The species is a strong flier with a very large range across North, Central, and South America, and has been documented as one of five migratory dragonfly species monitored by the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership in North America.
Paradryomyza setosa is a species of true fly in the family Dryomyzidae, a group commonly known as marsh flies or snail-killing flies. The species was described by Bigot in 1886. Like other members of Dryomyzidae, it belongs to a family whose larvae are known to develop in terrestrial snails and slugs, making them predators of mollusks. The genus Paradryomyza contains relatively few described species, and P. setosa is among the better-documented members of this genus.
embossed stonefly, Embossed Stone
Paragnetina media, commonly known as the embossed stonefly, is a predaceous stonefly species in the family Perlidae. It is found in North America, with documented populations in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, and Indiana. The species has been studied for its sensory morphology, particularly the distribution of sensilla on mouthparts and antennae, and its ecological responses to habitat variables including current speed and substrate composition.
Parammoplanus is a genus of aphid wasps established by Pate in 1939. It contains approximately 19 described species. The genus belongs to the tribe Ammoplanina within the subfamily Pemphredoninae, a group of solitary wasps that specialize on aphid prey. These wasps are small, predatory insects that provision their nests with paralyzed aphids for their larvae.
two-banded mason wasp, perennial mason wasp
Parancistrocerus perennis, commonly known as the two-banded mason wasp or perennial mason wasp, is a small solitary wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario to Florida and west to the Mississippi River. The species is a cavity-nesting predator that hunts specific caterpillar families to provision its nests. Two subspecies are recognized: P. p. perennis and P. p. anacardivora, the latter occurring in southern populations and distinguished by reddish markings.
Hagen's antlion
Paranthaclisis hageni is a species of antlion (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) originally described by Banks in 1899 as Acanthaclisis hageni. The species is native to North and Middle America, with documented presence in both regions. As a member of the antlion family, it shares the characteristic life history of having predatory larvae that construct pit traps in sandy substrates to capture prey, and aerial adults that are typically nocturnal and weak fliers.
emerald jumping spider, golden jumping spider
Paraphidippus aurantius is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, commonly known as the emerald jumping spider or golden jumping spider. It is a solitary, active predator with a relatively large body size for a jumping spider. The species employs a distinctive hunting strategy involving venom injection followed by retreat and observation, enabling it to subdue prey substantially larger than itself. Its distribution spans from the United States through Panama and includes the Greater Antilles.
whip spider, tailless whip scorpion
Paraphrynus is a genus of whip spiders (order Amblypygi) in the family Phrynidae, distributed from the southwestern United States through Central America and the Caribbean. Most species are endemic to Mexico. These nocturnal arachnids are characterized by extraordinarily long, sensory front legs (antenniform legs) used for navigation and prey detection, and spiny pedipalps for capturing prey. Research has demonstrated remarkable homing abilities in some species, with individuals navigating back to refuges from distances exceeding 10 meters using primarily olfactory cues detected by their antenniform legs rather than vision.
mites and ticks
Parasitiformes is a superorder of arachnids constituting one of two major mite lineages, alongside Acariformes. The group includes ticks (Ixodida), the highly diverse predatory and parasitic Mesostigmata, the small scavenging Holothyrida, and the large segmented Opilioacarida. Over 12,000 species have been described, with estimates of 100,000–200,000 total species. Recent phylogenomic analyses indicate Parasitiformes is more closely related to other chelicerates (spiders, scorpions, horseshoe crabs) than to Acariformes, challenging the traditional unification of all 'mites' as a single natural group.
Bristleside Flies
Parasyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising 31 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Adults are small to medium-sized (5.6–11 mm) with characteristic yellow abdominal markings. The genus exhibits notable larval trophic diversity: most known larvae are aphid predators on trees, while at least two species (P. nigritarsis and P. melanderi) are specialist predators of leaf beetle eggs and larvae. This dietary specialization is unusual among syrphid flies and involves sophisticated chemical ecology where predators exploit prey defensive secretions as foraging cues.
thin-legged wolf spider
Pardosa metlakatla is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Emerton in 1917. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it belongs to one of the most abundant and widespread wolf spider genera in North America. The species occurs in the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. Like other Pardosa species, it is characterized by long, perpendicular leg spines and a preference for moist habitats near water.
Warrior Beetles
Pasimachus is a genus of large, robust ground beetles in the family Carabidae, commonly known as Warrior Beetles. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek πᾶς ('all') and μαχητής ('warrior' or 'fighter'), referencing the beetles' large mandibles and predatory nature. Species occur primarily in North America, with approximately 30 described species distributed across diverse habitats including sandhills, juniper woodlands, and mesa tops.
Obscure Warrior Beetle
Pasimachus obsoletus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1846. It belongs to a genus commonly referred to as "Warrior Beetles" due to their large, formidable mandibles. The species epithet "obsoletus" refers to its somewhat worn or indistinct appearance. Like other members of Pasimachus, it is a predatory beetle active on the ground surface.
Moderately Smooth Warrior Beetle
Pasimachus sublaevis is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly known as the Moderately Smooth Warrior Beetle. The species occurs across North America and is one of several species in the genus Pasimachus, which are notable for their robust build, large mandibles, and active predatory behavior. Warrior beetles are among the more conspicuous carabids in open habitats due to their size and diurnal activity patterns.
Parasitic Flat Bark Beetles
Passandridae, commonly called parasitic flat bark beetles, is a small family of beetles in the superfamily Cucujoidea. The family contains approximately 109 described species in nine genera. Adults are small to moderately sized beetles (3–35 mm) with heavily sclerotized bodies, typically brown or black in coloration. The family is notable for having larvae that are exclusively ectoparasitic on the immature stages of other beetles and Hymenoptera, making them one of very few beetle families with this lifestyle.
Cobalt Hover Fly
Pelecinobaccha costata, commonly known as the cobalt hover fly, is a North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species is recognized by its distinctive coloration and is distributed across southern Ontario and the eastern United States. Its larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, making it a beneficial species in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Carolina creeping water bug
Pelocoris carolinensis is a species of creeping water bug in the family Naucoridae, described by Torre-Bueno in 1907. It is found in the southeastern United States. Creeping water bugs are aquatic predators that inhabit freshwater environments.
checkered beetle
Pelonides quadrinotata is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae, one of six recognized species in the genus Pelonides. The genus is hypothesized to have originated on the Mexican/Mayan block with its sister group being Parapelonides. Species in this genus are presumed to be predators.
rhinoceros beetles
Pentodontini is the most diverse tribe within the subfamily Dynastinae (rhinoceros beetles), containing over 100 genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. Most genera are restricted to a single biogeographic region. The tribe is characterized by substantial morphological diversity, with generic-level identification often relying on mouthpart morphology in females and secondary sexual characters (horns, claw modifications, antennal club length) in males.
Pergamasus is a genus of predatory mites in the family Parasitidae, comprising approximately 70 described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. These soil-dwelling gamasid mites inhabit forest litter, mosses, and upper soil layers, where they function as generalist predators of small invertebrates. Several species have been documented as predators of tick nymphs, suggesting potential ecological significance in tick population control. The genus exhibits notable morphological diversity, with species groups defined primarily by male genital and leg characters.
Perillus lunatus is a species of predatory stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, described by Knight in 1952. Like other members of the genus Perillus, it belongs to the subfamily Asopinae, which contains predatory rather than phytophagous stink bugs. The genus Perillus is best known for P. bioculatus, the two-spotted stink bug, a significant biological control agent of the Colorado potato beetle. Perillus lunatus shares the predatory habits characteristic of this genus, though specific details of its biology are less documented than those of its congener P. bioculatus.
Peruveleon is a genus of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) established in 2011, containing five described species distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus was erected by Miller and Stange, with species previously assigned to other genera. Adult antlions are aerial predators, while larvae are pit-building or debris-dwelling predators that hunt small arthropods.
Giant Hermit Crab
Petrochirus diogenes is a large marine hermit crab native to the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean. It is notable for its ability to occupy fully grown shells of the queen conch (Lobatus gigas), which it acquires by preying upon living conchs. Originally described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Cancer diogenes, the species epithet references the Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope, who famously lived in a large ceramic jar.
Phalangiid Harvestmen, Harvestmen
A family of harvestmen (Opiliones: Eupnoi) containing approximately 380 described species. The family includes the widespread and well-studied Phalangium opilio, one of the most recognizable harvestmen in temperate regions. Members are characterized by long, slender legs and a fused body lacking the narrow waist seen in spiders. The family has a primarily Holarctic distribution with some representation in Africa and other regions.
glow worm, railroad-worm, Plumose Glowworm Beetle
Phengodes plumosa is a glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae. Larvae are bioluminescent and predatory, feeding primarily on millipedes. The species is found in North America. Common names include "railroad-worm," referring to the larval pattern of glowing spots that resemble train windows.
snail-killing flies
Pherbellia is a genus of marsh flies in the family Sciomyzidae, comprising approximately 95 species with a global distribution except the Subantarctic region. The genus is notable for its specialized malacophagous ecology: larvae are predators or parasitoids of gastropod mollusks. Species exhibit diverse host associations, targeting both terrestrial and freshwater snails across multiple families including land snails (Anguispira, Succinea), glass snails (Zonitoides), pond snails (Stagnicola), and even operculate freshwater snails (Valvata). This genus represents one of the most extensively studied groups within Sciomyzidae regarding life cycle biology.
California Red Jumping Spider
Phidippus adumbratus is a jumping spider in the family Salticidae, commonly known as the California Red Jumping Spider. It belongs to the insignarius species group within the genus Phidippus. The species was first described by Gertsch in 1934 from a type specimen collected in Los Angeles. Its specific epithet derives from Latin adumbratus, meaning 'secret' or 'in the dark,' possibly alluding to the missing abdomen of the holotype specimen.
bold jumping spider, daring jumping spider, bold jumper
Phidippus audax is a common North American jumping spider recognized by its iridescent green chelicerae and distinctive abdominal patterning. Adults range from 6–15 mm in body length, with females larger than males. The species is active during daylight hours, using exceptional stereoscopic vision to stalk and pounce on prey rather than building capture webs. It has been introduced to Hawaii, the Nicobar Islands, the Azores, and the Netherlands.
Phidippus morpheus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, described by G.B. Edwards in 2004. It belongs to a genus of relatively large, colorful jumping spiders found primarily in North America. Like other Phidippus species, it possesses the characteristic enlarged anterior median eyes that provide acute vision for hunting. The species name references Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams, though the specific reason for this epithet is not documented in available sources.
Putnam's Jumping Spider
Phidippus putnami is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, native to the United States. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic large anterior median eyes that provide acute vision for hunting and navigation. The species has gained attention in popular culture through the informal nickname "spooder," reflecting broader trends in anthropomorphizing spiders to foster public appreciation. Observations indicate it occupies wooded habitats and preys on small insects.
beewolves, bee-hunters, bee-killer wasps
Philanthus is a genus of solitary predatory wasps commonly known as beewolves. Adult females excavate underground burrows in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. Males are highly territorial, marking vegetation with pheromones to defend mating territories. The genus contains approximately 136 species worldwide, with about 30 species occurring in North America. These wasps are important pollinators as adults and serve as population regulators of bee communities.
Philanthus solivagus is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada including Alberta. As a member of the genus Philanthus, it shares the characteristic behavior of preying on bees and other hymenopterans to provision nests for its larvae.
white-striped running crab spider
Philodromus rufus is a Holarctic running crab spider in the family Philodromidae. Laboratory studies indicate pronounced sexual dimorphism in predatory efficiency, with adult females killing approximately six times more prey than males. The species exhibits a functional response to prey density influenced by prey activity levels. Five subspecies are recognized, including the nominate form and four regional variants in North America.
Philonthus asper is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1884. It belongs to the large genus Philonthus, which comprises numerous predatory species commonly found in decaying organic matter, carrion, and fungal habitats. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records spanning Canada and the eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a predator of small invertebrates in microhabitats rich in decomposing material.
Philonthus carbonarius is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) native to the Palearctic region, introduced to North America. It is a predatory species associated with decaying organic matter, including carrion and fungi. The species was first documented in North America in the late 20th century and has since established populations across Canada and the United States.
Philonthus caucasicus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Nordmann in 1837. The species is native to the Caucasus region and broader Eurasia, with established introduced populations in North America. As a member of the large genus Philonthus, it shares the characteristic shortened elytra and predatory habits typical of staphylinid beetles.
Philonthus cognatus is a relatively large rove beetle (8–11 mm) in the family Staphylinidae. Native to the western Palearctic, it has been introduced to North America where it is now established in the USA and Canada. Adults are primarily black with metallic bronze or greenish elytra and a distinctive yellow underside to the first antennal segment. The species is an important predator of agricultural pests, particularly aphids.
Philonthus politus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is a small, predatory beetle approximately 10 mm in length. The species has been documented in association with carrion, where it feeds on fly maggots and other small insects. It occurs in North America and has been recorded from the Azores islands (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Santa Maria). The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Philonthus thoracicus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. As a member of the genus Philonthus, it is part of a large group of predatory beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species occurs across much of North America, with documented records from Canada and numerous U.S. states. Like other Philonthus species, it likely inhabits carrion, dung, and other nutrient-rich decaying substrates where it preys on small invertebrates.
Philopotamoidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) comprising two families: Philopotamidae and Stenopsychidae. The superfamily is considered paraphyletic in current phylogenetic treatments. Members are aquatic insects with larval stages inhabiting freshwater environments. The group is recognized by morphological features of adult mouthparts and larval case construction.
Common Eastern Firefly, Big Dipper Firefly
Photinus pyralis is the most common firefly species in North America, distributed east of the Rocky Mountains. Males perform distinctive J-shaped flight patterns while flashing to attract females, earning the common name "big dipper firefly." The species produces yellow bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase in specialized abdominal organs. Larvae are predatory, spending up to two years underground before pupating and emerging as short-lived adults.
Florida Single Snappy
Photuris congener is a firefly species in the predatory genus Photuris, first described by LeConte in 1852. Like other Photuris species, females are known to practice aggressive mimicry, luring males of other firefly genera through flash pattern imitation. The species is commonly known as the 'Florida Single Snappy' and occurs in North America. As with congeners, it produces bioluminescence through a luciferin-luciferase reaction in specialized abdominal photocytes.
Photuris divisa is a species of firefly (family Lampyridae) described by LeConte in 1852. As a member of the genus Photuris, it is likely to share the predatory habits and aggressive mimicry behaviors characteristic of this group, though species-specific documentation for P. divisa remains limited. Fireflies in this genus are known for their bioluminescent courtship displays and, in females, the ability to mimic flash patterns of other firefly species to attract and prey upon them. The species is recorded from North America.
Photuris flavicollis is a firefly species in the predatory genus Photuris, originally described by Fall in 1927 and currently treated as a synonym of Photuris falli by some authorities though accepted as valid by GBIF. Like other Photuris species, it is a soft-winged beetle capable of bioluminescence. Members of this genus are known for aggressive mimicry, with females luring males of other firefly genera to capture and consume them, thereby acquiring defensive chemicals called lucibufagins.
Changeable Firefly
Photuris versicolor is a species complex of predatory firefly found throughout the Eastern United States. Males produce a species-typical triple-pulsed flash for courtship signaling. Females are larger than males with a more developed flash organ, and are known to hunt males of other firefly species by mimicking their flash patterns. This species is notable for acquiring defensive compounds called lucibufagins from its prey.
Phrynid Tailless Whipscorpions, whip spiders, tailless whip scorpions
Phrynidae is a family of amblypygid arachnids found in tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America. The family includes approximately 65 described species across five extant genera: Acanthophrynus, Heterophrynus, Paraphrynus, Phrynus, and the extinct genus †Britopygus. Species occupy diverse habitats including forests, caves, and subterranean environments. All species are nocturnal. Genetic studies indicate substantial cryptic diversity, with some nominal species likely comprising dozens of distinct lineages.