robber fly
Cyrtopogon is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, comprising at least 120 described species. These predatory flies are opportunistic hunters of small insects, with documented prey spanning 25 families across 7 orders. Males of at least some species perform elaborate courtship displays involving visual signals and specialized structures. The genus exhibits thermoregulatory behaviors including lateral and dorsal basking, and appears dependent on direct sunlight for sustained flight.
Cyrtopogon albifacies is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Johnson in 1942. The specific epithet "albifacies" refers to the white face, a distinctive morphological feature. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it shares the general robber fly habit of being an aerial predator of other insects. The species has been documented in Colorado, including during bioblitz surveys at Blodgett Peak Open Space.
Cyrtopogon aldrichi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox & Martin in 1936. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies characterized by their aerial hunting behavior. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though published information on its specific biology and distribution remains limited.
Showy Bandit
Cyrtopogon alleni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Back in 1909. It is one of numerous species within the diverse genus Cyrtopogon, which comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies found primarily in North America. The species has been documented through citizen science observations and appears to be an active aerial predator.
Cyrtopogon perspicax is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cole in 1919. Like other members of the genus Cyrtopogon, it is a predatory fly that captures other insects in flight. The species is known from limited observations, with only two records documented in iNaturalist as of the source date. Its specific epithet "perspicax" suggests keen perception or discernment, possibly alluding to visual acuity in hunting.
Cyrtopogon tibialis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Coquillett in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae, a group characterized by their predatory habits and distinctive morphology. The species epithet "tibialis" refers to a characteristic of the tibia (leg segment), likely indicating a diagnostic morphological feature for identification. Robber flies in this genus are typically found in western North America and are active predators of other insects.
Cyrtopogon willistoni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Curran in 1922. The species has been studied in southwestern Montana, where it functions as an opportunistic predator of small insects. Males exhibit elaborate courtship behavior involving audible airborne visual displays and possess distinctive silvery-white combs of hairs on their foretarsi. The species shows strong thermoregulatory dependence on direct sunlight for sustained flight.
A troglobitic cave beetle endemic to eastern Kentucky karst systems. Adults measure 7.3–7.7 mm. The species exhibits surprisingly broad thermal tolerance (threshold ~20–24°C, mortality at 30°C within 24 hours), suggesting remnant physiological characteristics from epigean ancestors. However, it shows extreme specialization for constant high-humidity environments, with survival declining dramatically below 100% relative humidity and mortality within 3 days at 50–80% RH. Population densities can exceed 100 individuals per sand bank in suitable cave habitats.
ant eating beetle
Decarthron abnorme is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) described by J.L. LeConte in 1849. It is known for its association with ants, earning it the common name 'ant eating beetle'. The species has been recorded across much of Canada and the northern and eastern United States. Despite its broad distribution, it remains poorly documented in the literature, with only a single observation in iNaturalist suggesting it is rarely encountered or underreported.
Eastern Spotted-winged Antlion, Spotted-winged Antlion
Dendroleon obsoletus, commonly known as the Eastern Spotted-winged Antlion, is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Adults are distinguished by spotted wing patterns. The species occurs across North America, with larvae inhabiting sandy soils beneath rock ledges and other sheltered areas where they construct pit traps to capture prey.
Deraeocoris nebulosus is a predatory plant bug in the family Miridae. It is native to North America and has been documented from the northeastern United States through the mid-Atlantic and into the South. The species is a significant biological control agent in agricultural and ornamental systems, feeding on mites, aphids, and other small arthropod pests. It has been studied extensively for its role in managing European red mite in Virginia apple orchards.
red-spotted plant bug, Mirid Bug
Deraeocoris ruber, commonly known as the red-spotted plant bug, is a medium-sized predatory mirid bug native to Europe that has been introduced to the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Adults measure 6–8 mm and display variable coloration from light brown or orange to black, with a diagnostic red cuneus. The species is univoltine, with adults active from July to September. It is an important biological control agent, feeding primarily on aphids and other small insects.
black larder beetle, incinerator beetle
Dermestes ater is a cosmopolitan dermestid beetle native to North America but now found nearly worldwide. Adults measure 7–9 mm with black or brown elytra covered in yellowish hairs; males are distinguished by a row of bristles along the abdomen. The species is a significant pest of stored products, feeding on dried animal and plant materials including cured meats, cheeses, leather, wool, and fish. It also functions as an occasional predator and scavenger, consuming dead insects, carrion, and even silkworm pupae. The beetle has forensic importance due to its presence on human corpses, and veterinary significance as a vector of parasites in poultry facilities.
mealybug-destroying predaceous gall midge
Dicrodiplosis californica is a species of predaceous gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Felt in 1912. The common name 'mealybug-destroying predaceous gall midge' indicates its role as a biological control agent targeting mealybugs. As a member of the genus Dicrodiplosis, it belongs to a group of predatory gall midges rather than the gall-forming majority in this family.
Dicromantispa is a genus of mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, comprising approximately 10 described species. Mantidflies in this genus are predatory insects characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. They are attracted to artificial light sources and are active during warmer months. The genus was established by Hoffman in 2002.
Say's mantidfly
Dicromantispa sayi, commonly known as Say's mantidfly, is a small predatory insect in the family Mantispidae. Adults measure 14–15 mm and are recognized by their raptorial forelegs resembling those of praying mantises. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in coloration, with females typically darker than males. It is found across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it inhabits forest edges and prairies. Adults are active from mid-July through early September, peaking at the end of July. The species has a specialized life cycle in which larvae are obligate predators of spider eggs.
Dicyphus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae containing at least 70 described species. Several species, including D. hesperus, D. hyalinipennis, and D. tamanini, are zoophytophagous predators used in biological control of crop pests. The genus exhibits considerable variation in feeding ecology, with some species being primarily phytophagous while others are important predators of whiteflies, thrips, and other horticultural pests.
Didineis is a genus of solitary predatory wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae, with approximately 24 described species worldwide. The genus is placed in the tribe Alyssontini. Species are small, ground-nesting wasps that prey on Auchenorrhynchan Hemipterans, primarily leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) and planthoppers (Fulgoridae). Two species occur in France—D. crassicornis and D. lunicornis—where they have been documented as recurrent inhabitants of agricultural ecosystems despite historical perceptions of rarity.
Didymops is a genus of dragonflies belonging to the family Macromiidae. The genus is small, containing only two described species. Members are classified within the suborder Anisoptera, representing a distinct lineage within the cruiser dragonfly family.
Stripe-legged Robber Fly
Dioctria hyalipennis is a small Holarctic robber fly (10–14 mm) in the family Asilidae, characterized by distinctive black-and-yellow leg patterning and hyaline wings. Adults are active predators that feed primarily on small wasps, bees, and other insects. The species occupies meadows, hedgerows, and forest edges with shrubs or conifers, and has been introduced to eastern North America from Europe.
Hanging Thieves
Diogmites is a genus of medium to large robber flies (17–48 mm) in the family Asilidae, commonly known as "Hanging Thieves" for their distinctive feeding posture. The genus contains 73–77 recognized species distributed mainly in the Neotropics, with some species extending into the Nearctic region. Adults are ambush predators that capture flying or perching insects and feed while suspended from vegetation by their front legs. The genus is characterized by relatively long legs, a flexible prosternum that facilitates the hanging posture, and often striking green or iridescent eye coloration in live specimens.
prairie robber fly
Diogmites angustipennis, commonly known as the prairie robber fly, is a widespread species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It was first described by Loew in 1866 and has been subject to taxonomic revision, with three former species now synonymized with it. The species is known to prey on other insects, including adult wasps. It occurs across the south-central and southwestern United States.
Short-striped Hanging Thief
Diogmites esuriens is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Short-striped Hanging Thief. The genus Diogmites is notable for the distinctive 'hanging' behavior of its members, which often dangle from their front or middle legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. This species was described by Bromley in 1936 and belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae.
Little Hanging Thief
Diogmites misellus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Little Hanging Thief. The genus Diogmites is notable for its distinctive hunting behavior: members are known as 'hanging thieves' due to their habit of suspending themselves from vegetation by their forelegs while manipulating prey with their remaining legs. This species was described by Loew in 1866.
Plain-tailed Hanging Thief
Diogmites neoternatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Plain-tailed Hanging Thief. It is notable for its large size and striking green eyes, making it one of the most charismatic species among North American robber flies. The species exhibits the distinctive 'hanging thief' behavior characteristic of its genus: swinging from its forelegs while consuming prey. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and is widely distributed across eastern North America.
Black Hanging Thief
Diogmites platypterus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black Hanging Thief. Like other members of the genus Diogmites, it is known for its distinctive hunting behavior of swinging from its front or middle legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. The species is part of a diverse group of predatory flies that are important components of insect communities across North America.
Hanging Thief
Diogmites salutans is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, characterized by its distinctive 'hanging thief' behavior where it suspends itself by its front legs while manipulating prey with the remaining legs. The species was described by Bromley in 1936 and belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae. Like other members of the genus Diogmites, it is an aerial predator of other insects.
springflies
Diploperla is a genus of springflies (family Perlodidae) comprising five described species found in eastern North America. These stoneflies inhabit stream environments where their nymphs develop as predators in leaf packs and riffle areas. The genus exhibits univoltine life cycles with adult emergence occurring in spring.
spider wasps
Dipogon is a genus of small spider wasps (Pompilidae) characterized by ant-mimicking dark-banded wings and a distinctive 'beard' of hairs on the maxillary palps used to transport nesting materials. These solitary wasps are primarily forest-dwelling, hunting spiders on tree trunks and constructing multi-celled nests in pre-existing tubular cavities such as beetle tunnels or hollow plant stems. The genus exhibits notable behavioral plasticity in nest construction, using mud, leaf fragments, insect parts, and even stolen bee provisions to form cell partitions.
Dipogon fulleri is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Krombein in 1962. The species was originally placed in the genus Winnemanella and later transferred to Dipogon. As a member of the genus Dipogon, it shares the characteristic ant-mimicking appearance created by dark bands on the wings. Like other Dipogon species, females hunt spiders to provision nests in pre-existing cavities. The species is known from limited records and appears to be poorly documented in the literature.
Flies, True Flies
Diptera is one of the largest insect orders, containing an estimated 1,000,000 species including house flies, mosquitoes, robber flies, and crane flies. The name derives from Greek 'di-' (two) and 'pteron' (wing), referring to the single functional pair of wings—the hindwings have evolved into halteres, small knobbed structures that function as gyroscopic organs for flight stabilization. This wing modification distinguishes Diptera from all other winged insects and enables their characteristic agile flight. The order exhibits extraordinary diversity in form, size (1-50+ mm), and ecological roles, with species occupying nearly every terrestrial and freshwater habitat.
Dolichopus eudactylus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse group of small predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. The species is part of a family with approximately 1,300 species in North America north of Mexico alone. Like other dolichopodids, D. eudactylus is predatory on small insects and is typically found in sunny, open habitats.
Dolichopus plumipes is a long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by modified male mid tibiae bearing a longitudinal narrow dark streak. The species belongs to the D. plumipes species group, which comprises eleven Palaearctic species distinguished by modified male mid tibiae and/or mid basitarsi. It is a predatory fly active in sunny habitats.
Bald-faced Hornet, Bald Hornet, White-faced Hornet, White-tailed Hornet, Spruce Wasp, Blackjacket, Bull Wasp
Dolichovespula maculata is a social wasp native to North America, commonly known as the bald-faced hornet despite being a yellowjacket rather than a true hornet (genus Vespa). It constructs large, enclosed paper nests suspended from branches or structures, with colonies reaching 400–700 workers—the largest recorded in its genus. The species is immediately recognizable by its black body with white facial markings and white banding at the abdomen tip. Workers are aggressively defensive of their nests and can spray venom toward intruders.
lined earwig
Doru taeniatum, the lined earwig, is a predaceous earwig species in the family Forficulidae. It is native to the Americas, ranging from North America through Central America to South America. The species has been studied extensively for its potential role in biological control, particularly in maize agroecosystems where it preys on pest lepidopterans including the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Laboratory studies indicate it is omnivorous, capable of completing development and reproduction on plant pollen or lepidopteran eggs alone, with optimal fitness on mixed or egg-only diets.
Spinylegs, Spiny-legged Clubtails
Dromogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as spinylegs. The common name refers to the prominent spines on their legs, which function in prey capture. The genus includes three North American species: southeastern spinyleg, black-shouldered spinyleg, and flag-tailed spinyleg. These dragonflies are medium to large-sized clubtails with distinctive morphological features.
Dryudella caerulea is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Astatinae. It is one of approximately ten North American species in the genus Dryudella. Females are fossorial, excavating nest burrows in soil, and provision nests with paralyzed true bugs (Hemiptera) as food for their larvae. The species is found in arid habitats of western North America and Central America. Males possess holoptic eyes that meet at the top of the head and broader hind wings than females, adaptations associated with their rapid, darting flight behavior while perching on vegetation to detect mates and rivals.
Dufouriellus ater is a predatory true bug in the family Anthocoridae, distributed across the Palearctic region and introduced to North America. It is a small, dark-colored insect that feeds on other small arthropods. The species has been observed in various temperate habitats and is known for its role as a biological control agent against pest insects.
Dyschirius pilosus is a small ground beetle in the subfamily Scaritinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. The specific epithet "pilosus" refers to hairiness, a trait common among members of this genus. Like other Dyschirius species, it is likely associated with moist or riparian habitats where it preys on small invertebrates. The species has been documented across North America, with records from both Canada and the United States.
predaceous diving beetles, diving beetles
Dytiscidae, the predaceous diving beetles, is a family of aquatic beetles containing over 4,000 described species. Adults range from 0.9 mm to 4.75 cm in length, with most species between 1–2.5 cm. They are characterized by enlarged, flattened hind legs adapted for swimming and a streamlined, oval body shape that reduces drag underwater. The family exhibits remarkable chemical ecology, producing unique defensive steroids found nowhere else in the animal kingdom. Larvae, known as "water tigers," are elongate predators with sharp, pincer-like mandibles that inject digestive enzymes into prey.
predaceous diving beetles
Dytiscinae is a subfamily of predaceous diving beetles (family Dytiscidae) containing at least 20 genera and approximately 380 described species. Members are medium to large diving beetles found in aquatic habitats across most continents. The subfamily includes well-known genera such as Dytiscus, Cybister, Acilius, and Hydaticus. Species are predatory in both adult and larval stages, with larvae often called 'water tigers' for their voracious feeding habits.
predaceous diving beetles
Dytiscus is a Holarctic genus of large predaceous diving beetles comprising 26 species. Adults range 2.2–4.4 cm in length and are fully aquatic, breathing air collected under their elytra. Both adults and larvae are active predators. The genus has been observed to reduce mosquito larva populations in wetland habitats.
Understriped Diving Beetle
Dytiscus fasciventris, the Understriped Diving Beetle, is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States. Like other members of the genus Dytiscus, it is an aquatic predator inhabiting freshwater environments.
Harris's diving beetle
Dytiscus harrisii, commonly known as Harris's diving beetle, is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is one of the larger diving beetle species in North America. As a member of the genus Dytiscus, it is an aquatic predator inhabiting freshwater systems.
giant green water beetle
Dytiscus marginicollis, commonly known as the giant green water beetle, is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is among the larger species in the genus Dytiscus and is distributed across North America. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic predator inhabiting freshwater systems.
running crab spider
Ebo is a genus of running crab spiders in the family Philodromidae, first described by German arachnologist Eugen von Keyserling in 1884. These small spiders are distinguished by their extremely elongated second pair of legs, which are at least twice the length of the other legs. The genus formerly contained 22 North American species, but recent taxonomic revisions reassigned most to the genus Titanebo, leaving seven species in Ebo sensu stricto. The genus has a broad distribution including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, India, and Russia, with highest diversity in the southwestern United States.
Tubecase Netspinning Caddisflies
Ecnomidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) comprising approximately 375–400 described species across 9 genera. The family exhibits a characteristic Gondwanan distribution pattern, with all genera restricted to the Southern Hemisphere except Ecnomus, which is also widespread in the Palearctic and Oriental regions. Larvae are aquatic and construct fixed silk retreats on submerged surfaces. The family's taxonomy has been historically unstable, having been classified as a subfamily of both Hydropsychidae and Psychomiidae before recognition as a monophyletic family closely related to Polycentropodidae.
Sand Hammertail
Efferia albibarbis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, known as the Sand Hammertail. It belongs to the albibarbis-complex within the genus Efferia and is found in the Grand Canyon region of the southwestern United States. The species has been documented as a predator of tiger beetles, specifically Cicindela hirticollis and Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis.
Lesser Mesquite Hammertail
Efferia bicolor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Lesser Mesquite Hammertail. It belongs to the genus Efferia, a large group of predatory flies found primarily in the Americas. The species was first described by Bellardi in 1861. Like other robber flies, it is an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight.