spotted tailless whip scorpion, Florida tailless whipscorpion
Phrynus marginemaculatus is an amblypygid arachnid native to southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola. It is the only amblypygid species in the US east of the Mississippi River and the most commonly studied whip spider species. This nocturnal predator possesses extraordinarily elongated first pair of legs adapted as sensory organs for detecting prey, mates, and environmental features in darkness. The species exhibits complex navigational abilities including multisensory configural learning for shelter recognition, and has evolved a plastron enabling underwater breathing for up to 24 hours.
Vertical-lined Phyllobaenus
Phyllobaenus verticalis is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. Larvae develop within dead hardwood, where they prey upon wood-boring beetles. The species is part of a diverse genus of predatory beetles commonly associated with woody habitats.
jagged ambush bug
Phymata albopicta is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a sit-and-wait predator that hunts on flowers, using raptorial forelegs to seize prey. The species has been documented in North America and Middle America. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and capable of capturing larger prey items.
Jagged Ambush Bug, Ambush Bug
Phymata americana is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the jagged ambush bug. It is native to North and Central America, where it hunts on flowers using a sit-and-wait strategy. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size and weapon morphology, with females typically larger than males and possessing disproportionately longer raptorial forelegs. Color polymorphism occurs, with individuals showing variation in body coloration that appears to influence flower color preference for camouflage.
Phymata arctostaphylae is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae, native to North America. As a member of the genus Phymata, it exhibits the characteristic predatory behavior of ambush bugs, lying in wait on flowers to capture visiting insects. The species name references Arctostaphylos, suggesting an association with manzanita plants. Like other Phymata species, it possesses raptorial forelegs adapted for seizing prey and a venomous bite that subdues victims.
Ambush bug
Phymata borica is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae, described by Evans in 1931. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a predatory insect that hunts by waiting motionless on flowers to capture visiting pollinators. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its range and ecology remain limited in available sources.
jagged ambush bug
Phymata luteomarginata is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a sit-and-wait predator that hunts on flowers, seizing pollinators and other flower-visiting insects with raptorial forelegs. The species was described by Kormilev in 1957 and occurs in North America. Specific distinguishing features of this species relative to congeners are not well documented in available sources.
jagged ambush bug
Phymata luxa is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Evans in 1931. As a member of the genus Phymata, it is a predatory insect that hunts on flowers using a sit-and-wait ambush strategy. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its range and ecology remain limited compared to better-studied congeners.
jagged ambush bug
Phymata metcalfi is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. As with other members of the genus Phymata, it is a predatory insect that hunts on flowers, using its raptorial front legs to seize prey. The species is part of a group of ambush bugs known for their distinctive flattened, angular body shape and effective camouflage among blossoms. Like congeners, it likely exploits the high insect traffic on composite flowers such as goldenrods and sunflowers.
jagged ambush bug
Phymata mystica is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is an ambush predator that waits on flowers to capture pollinating insects. The species was described by Evans in 1931 and belongs to a group of insects known for their distinctive raptorial forelegs and cryptic coloration that blends with floral backgrounds.
Ambush bug
Phymata noualhieri is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. It belongs to a genus of predatory insects known for their ambush hunting strategy on flowers. The species has been documented in Central America and North America, where it likely shares the general ecological habits of other Phymata species, preying on flower-visiting insects.
Pennsylvania ambush bug, Pennsylvania jagged ambush bug
Phymata pennsylvanica, the Pennsylvania ambush bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae. It is one of the most common and widespread North American ambush bugs, characterized by its squat, diamond-shaped body and raptorial front legs adapted for seizing prey. The species is known to prey on various flower-visiting insects including bees, wasps, flies, moths, and butterflies. It has been documented preying specifically on the hoverfly Syritta pipiens.
jagged ambush bug
Phymata saileri is a species of jagged ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. Like other members of the genus Phymata, it is a predatory insect that hunts on flowers, using raptorial forelegs to capture prey. The species was described by Kormilev in 1957 and occurs in North America.
Platydracus is a genus of large rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, containing more than 280 described species worldwide. Species were formerly classified in the genus Staphylinus. The genus includes some of the largest rove beetles, with adults reaching 22–35 mm in body length. Members are predatory and associated with decaying organic matter including fungi, carrion, and rotting wood.
Cinnamon-winged Rove Beetle
Platydracus cinnamopterus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is characterized by its cinnamon-colored wing covers (elytra), which provide the specific epithet 'cinnamopterus' (cinnamon-winged). Like other members of the genus Platydracus, it is a predatory beetle commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Platydracus femoratus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, distributed across much of the Americas from the United States through Central America to South America. Like other members of the genus Platydracus, it is a predatory beetle typically found in association with decaying organic matter. The species is part of a diverse genus of large, active rove beetles that occupy various ecological niches including fungal habitats and decomposing substrates.
Red-spotted Rove Beetle
Platydracus fossator is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Red-spotted Rove Beetle. It is one of the larger species in the genus Platydracus, which includes many of North America's most conspicuous rove beetles. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada through much of the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle associated with decaying organic matter and decomposing substrates.
Brown Rove Beetle
Platydracus maculosus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Brown Rove Beetle. It is among the largest members of its family in North America, measuring 22-35 millimeters in length. The species is a predatory insect attracted to decomposing organic matter and fungi, where it hunts other insects. It has been documented across eastern North America and is recognized as a significant presence in forensic entomology contexts due to its attraction to carrion.
Mystic Rove Beetle
Platydracus mysticus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to eastern North America. It is one of the larger species in the genus Platydracus, which includes many of the most conspicuous rove beetles in the region. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle attracted to decomposing organic matter where it hunts other insects. The species occurs across a broad range of eastern and central North America, from Canada through the United States.
Platydracus phoenicurus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. The genus Platydracus contains many of the larger rove beetles, with species typically measuring 20-35 millimeters in length. Like other rove beetles, members of this genus have shortened forewings (elytra) that expose most of the abdomen, and are known for rapid movement and defensive secretion of foul substances. The specific epithet 'phoenicurus' refers to the reddish tail or abdomen, a characteristic coloration feature of this species.
Platydracus pinorum is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to the southeastern United States. The genus Platydracus includes many of the largest rove beetles in North America. Members of this genus are predatory, with some species attracted to decomposing organic matter where they hunt other insects. The specific epithet 'pinorum' suggests an association with pine habitats, though detailed ecological studies are limited.
Platydracus praelongus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to North America. The species belongs to a genus containing some of the largest rove beetles, with individuals reaching substantial body lengths compared to most staphylinids. Like other Platydracus species, it is a predatory beetle. The species has been documented across eastern and southern United States, with records extending into Mexico.
Platydracus praetermissus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Newton in 2011. As a member of the genus Platydracus, it belongs to a group of relatively large, predatory rove beetles. The specific epithet "praetermissus" (Latin for "overlooked" or "neglected") suggests this species may have been previously confused with or mistaken for related taxa. Like other Platydracus species, it is likely a generalist predator in forest floor and decomposing organic matter habitats.
Platydracus sepulchralis is a species of large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is a member of the diverse Staphylininae subfamily and belongs to the genus Platydracus, which includes many of the larger rove beetles. The species is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
clown beetles
Platylomalus is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising at least 60 described species. The genus was established by Cooman in 1948 and belongs to the tribe Paromalini within the subfamily Dendrophilinae. Species in this genus share the compact, often oval body form characteristic of histerid beetles.
clown beetle
Platylomalus aequalis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1825 as Hister aequalis. This small beetle is widely distributed across North America, ranging from eastern Canada to the Rocky Mountains and south to Florida. As a member of the histerid beetles, it is associated with decomposing organic matter and carrion habitats.
Platynus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae containing over 180 described species. Species in this genus are primarily nocturnal predators with well-developed olfactory capabilities. The genus has been extensively studied in ecotoxicological research due to its role as a beneficial predatory insect in agricultural ecosystems. Several species have been used as model organisms to assess sublethal effects of insecticides on non-target beneficial arthropods.
dance fly, hybotid dance fly
Platypalpus is a large genus of hybotid dance flies comprising at least 580 described species worldwide, with over 200 species in Europe alone. These small predatory flies are characterized by their compact bodies, enlarged compound eyes that occupy most of the head, and raptorial front legs adapted for seizing prey. Adults are active predators that feed on small insects, while larvae occupy diverse microhabitats including leaf litter, soil, and aquatic environments. The genus has been documented in agricultural ecosystems, particularly cereal crops and greenhouses, where they may contribute to pest regulation.
Platypalpus harpiger is a species of hybotid dance fly described by Melander in 1924. It belongs to the family Hybotidae, a group of predatory flies formerly classified within Empididae. Hybotid dance flies are small, active predators that occupy diverse microhabitats and are known for their distinctive mating swarms. Very little specific information has been published about the biology of this particular species.
clown beetles
Platysoma is a genus of clown beetles (family Histeridae) comprising over 80 described species. Members are small, compact beetles that inhabit subcortical environments beneath tree bark. They are predatory throughout their life cycle, specializing in bark beetle prey. The genus is notable among Histeridae for exhibiting facultative egg predation behavior in adults.
clown beetle
Platysoma coarctatum is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found throughout North America, with records across Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits spaces under bark and is a predator of other insects.
clown beetle
Platysoma cylindricum is a small predatory beetle in the family Histeridae. It inhabits forested regions of North America, where it lives under bark and preys on the larvae of flies and other beetles. The species is associated with coniferous wood, particularly pine logs, and contributes to natural pest control in forest ecosystems.
clown beetle
Platysoma deficiens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the northern United States. As a member of the genus Platysoma, it is presumed to inhabit subcortical environments, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
clown beetle
Platysoma punctigerum is a small predatory beetle in the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles. The species occurs in western North America and has been documented under bark of coniferous trees, particularly in association with logging operations and freshly cut pine logs. As a member of the genus Platysoma, it is presumed to be a predator of other insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
tube maker caddisflies
Plectrocnemia is a genus of tube maker caddisflies in the family Polycentropodidae comprising more than 120 described species. Larvae are aquatic predators that construct silken capture nets to intercept prey. The genus has been extensively studied for its larval silk production, vibration-mediated predatory behavior, and population genetics. Species occur across Europe and into western Asia, with detailed biological information available for several well-studied species including P. conspersa and P. brevis.
Plega is a genus of mantidflies in the subfamily Symphrasinae, recently transferred from Mantispidae to Rhachiberothidae. Species in this genus are known to be parasitoids or predators of other insects during their larval stages. Plega banksi larvae are obligate predators of spider eggs, while Plega spinosa has been documented as an ectoparasitoid of sawfly larvae (Monoctenus cuauhtemoci). The genus exhibits diverse host associations across different life history strategies.
Pluto is a genus of aphid wasps (family Crabronidae) comprising at least 50 described species. These solitary wasps are small, predatory insects that hunt aphids to provision nests for their larvae. The genus was established by Pate in 1937 and belongs to the subfamily Pemphredoninae within the tribe Psenini. Species in this genus are found across various regions, though specific distribution patterns vary by species.
Pnirontis brimleyi is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, described by Blatchley in 1926. It belongs to the subfamily Stenopodainae, a group characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species is known from North America, with distribution records documented in the southeastern United States. Available information is limited, with only one observation recorded in iNaturalist.
soldier beetle
Podabrus is a genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) found in California. Members are elongate beetles with soft, flexible wing covers that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' The genus is one of approximately 11 genera of soldier beetles occurring in California, with about 160 species total in the state. Adults are diurnal and frequently observed on flowers or foliage.
soldier beetle
Podabrus binotatus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults are elongate beetles with soft, flexible wing covers that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' The species has been observed feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied insects in gardens. Like other cantharid beetles, it possesses defensive chemical glands.
soldier beetle, leatherwing
Podabrus conspiratus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Alaska and British Columbia. Like other members of its family, it is predatory on soft-bodied insects.
soldier beetle
Podabrus quadratus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it is recognized by its elongate body and contrasting coloration of dark brown to black with orange, red, or yellow markings. The species has been observed actively hunting aphids and other soft-bodied insects on vegetation. Adults are diurnal and frequently encountered on flowers or foliage infested with honeydew-producing insects.
cutworm wasp
Podalonia melaena is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, described by Murray in 1940. As a member of the cutworm wasp genus, females hunt soil-dwelling caterpillars, paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows with this prey for their larvae. The species occurs in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other Podalonia species, it is active in spring and early summer and is considered a beneficial insect in agricultural settings due to its predation on pest caterpillars.
spined soldier bugs, predatory stink bugs
Podisus is a genus of predatory stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae containing approximately 17-20 described species. The genus is best known for the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris), a native North American predator widely used in biological control programs. Species in this genus are generalist predators that feed on diverse arthropod prey, with documented predation on over 70 insect species including major agricultural pests. They possess distinctive spiny projections on the shoulders and have been extensively studied for their potential in integrated pest management.
Poecilopompilus algidus marcidus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. This subspecies belongs to a genus known for Müllerian mimicry with paper wasps, displaying warning coloration that advertises its ability to deliver painful stings. Like other members of Poecilopompilus, females hunt orbweaver spiders (family Araneidae) to provision nests for their larvae. The species P. algidus exhibits remarkable geographic variation in coloration across its range, with subspecies including marcidus representing regional morphological variants.
Poecilopompilus mixtus is a spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is a predator of colonial orb-weaving spiders in the genus Metepeira. The species has been documented attacking social spider colonies in Mexico, where its hunting success is reduced when spiders form larger aggregations. It is one of several spider wasps in the genus Poecilopompilus that specialize in capturing orb-weaver spiders.
Poecilus chalcites is a predaceous ground beetle in the family Carabidae, commonly found in agricultural systems and croplands across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species is recognized for its role as a biological control agent, feeding on multiple crop pests including corn rootworm, corn earworm, and cutworm species. Sexual dimorphism in foretarsus shape allows straightforward sex identification: males possess a heart-shaped proximal foretarsus, while females have a thinner structure. Laboratory rearing studies have established protocols for maintaining colonies, though laboratory-reared adults typically fail to reproduce.
Poecilus laetulus is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it is a soil-dwelling predator associated with agricultural and open habitats. The species is rarely recorded, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
woodland ground beetle
Poecilus scitulus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It belongs to the genus Poecilus, a group of predatory beetles commonly found in agricultural and woodland habitats. The species has been documented in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a ground-dwelling predator, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus is a species of harvester ant in the genus Pogonomyrmex. Like other members of this genus, it is a seed-collecting ant native to arid regions. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1914. As a harvester ant, it likely participates in seed dispersal and ecosystem engineering through nest construction, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.