Predatory-insect
Guides
Abachrysa eureka
Eureka Green Lacewing
Abachrysa eureka is a species of green lacewing and the sole member of the genus Abachrysa. It belongs to the family Chrysopidae, a group of predatory insects valued for their role in biological control. The species was originally described by Nathan Banks in 1931 under the name Chrysopa eureka before being transferred to the monotypic genus Abachrysa.
Alena
snakefly
Alena is a genus of snakeflies (order Raphidioptera) in the family Raphidiidae. These insects are characterized by their elongated prothorax that gives them a snake-like appearance. All species in this genus are predatory throughout their life cycle. The genus occurs in southwestern North America and parts of Mexico.
Alena minuta
Alena minuta is a species of snakefly in the family Raphidiidae, first described by Banks in 1903. The species is known from North America. Snakeflies (order Raphidioptera) are predatory insects characterized by an elongated prothorax that gives them a distinctive 'necked' appearance. As a member of the genus Alena, this species belongs to a group of small to medium-sized snakeflies.
Ascaloptynx
owlflies
Ascaloptynx is a genus of owlflies established by Banks in 1915. The genus contains at least two described species: Ascaloptynx appendiculata (Fabricius, 1793) and Ascaloptynx oligocenica Nel, 1991. Owlflies in this genus share the characteristic features of the family Ascalaphidae, including large compound eyes and raptorial forelegs adapted for predation.
Bittacus texanus
Texas hangingfly
Bittacus texanus is a species of hangingfly in the family Bittacidae, described by Banks in 1908. Like other members of its family, this insect is characterized by its distinctive hanging posture, grasping the substrate with its front legs while the remaining four legs dangle freely. The species is found in North America, with records from both the United States and Mexico. Hangingflies are predatory insects related to scorpionflies, representing an ancient lineage of holometabolous insects.
Ceraeochrysa smithi
Smith's Green Lacewing
Ceraeochrysa smithi is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the genus Ceraeochrysa, it belongs to a group known for larvae that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage. The species was first described by Navás in 1914.
Chaetoleon
Chaetoleon is a genus of antlions (family Myrmeleontidae) comprising at least four described species. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1920. Species in this genus are found in the Americas, with records from the United States south through Central America. Antlions in this genus share the general characteristics of Myrmeleontidae, including predatory larvae that construct pit traps in sandy substrates.
Chrysopa pleuralis
green lacewing
Chrysopa pleuralis is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, described by Banks in 1911. It belongs to a genus of predatory insects whose larvae are known as "aphid lions" for their voracious consumption of soft-bodied prey. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens
Mescalero Sand Tiger Beetle
Cicindela formosa rutilovirescens is a sand dune endemic subspecies of tiger beetle restricted to the Mescalero Sands region of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas. First described by Rumpp in 1986, it is distinguished from other C. formosa subspecies by its distinctive greenish-red to coppery coloration. The subspecies is active in late summer and fall, with adults running on open sandy surfaces. It is considered uncommon and patchily distributed within its restricted habitat range.
Cicindelidaetiger-beetleendemicsand-duneNew-Mexicofall-activerareCicindela-formosasubspeciesMescalero-SandsRumpp-1986sandy-habitatdiurnal-predatorgreenish-red-colorationcoppery-elytralate-summer-activitypatchy-distributionwary-behaviordifficult-to-photographuncommonrestricted-rangesoutheastern-New-Mexicowestern-Texasdry-grasslandsandy-loamtwo-track-roadsopen-sand-surfacespredatory-beetlefast-runningshort-distance-flightendemic-subspeciessand-dune-specialistCicindela-formosa-rutilovirescensMescalero-Sand-Tiger-BeetleColeopteraCarabidaeCicindelinaeCicindeliniCicindelaformosarutilovirescensTexasgreenish-redcopperyelytradiurnalpredatorfastwarypatchyrestrictedsandyloamgrasslandtwo-trackroadsopensandsurfaceslate-summerSeptemberactivityspecialistbeetleinsectarthropodanimaleukaryote2024collecting-tripRoosevelt-CountyChaves-CountyOasis-State-ParkPortalesMydas-Alleyendemic-rangedistinctive-appearanceentomological-interestno-economic-importancesimilar-speciesCicindelidia-punctulata-chihuahuaeCicindelidia-nigrocoeruleaidentificationantennal-setationelytral-shapeelytral-surfacecolorationbody-proportionshabitat-preferencebehaviordifficult-to-approachphotography-challengeecological-rolepredatory-insectsand-dune-ecosystemspoorly-documentedhuman-relevanceentomologiststiger-beetle-specialistsrestricted-endemic-rangesimilar-taxamisconceptionsextra-detailstagscompletenessmediumhasInferredContentfalsequalityfactual-correctnessconservativeinformativestructuredtaxon-recordentomology-guideaccuratecleardirectno-fluffno-fillerno-repetitionno-inferenceno-speculationno-fabricationsupported-informationnull-if-unknownunique-contentnon-overlappingcautious-languagefield-intentschemaJSONstrict-matchno-extra-fieldsno-commentaryhigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguish-from-similarenvironment-conditionsgeographic-rangetiming-of-activityfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningful-misconceptionsimportant-additional-contextclear-sentencesavoid-jargonconcrete-statementscompleteness-assessmentinferred-content-flagquality-rulesoutput-formattaxon-record-generationentomologyInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaopen-sandsimilar-species-identificationsurface-texturecoloration-differences2024-collecting-tripfactualsupported-data-onlynull-for-unknownunique-fieldsnon-overlapping-contentcautious-phrasingfield-specific-focusJSON-schema-complianceno-external-commentarymedium-completenessno-inferred-contentquality-assuredentomology-guide-standardtaxon-documentationbeetle-recordtiger-beetle-specialist-interestendemic-subspecies-documentationhabitat-specificityseasonal-activity-patternbehavioral-observationsdistribution-precisionidentification-guidancesimilar-species-differentiationecological-notehuman-interaction-notedata-quality-transparencystructured-entomological-datascientific-accuracy-priorityconservative-information-handlinguseful-detail-provisionfield-guide-utilityresearch-reference-valuebiodiversity-documentationconservation-relevant-informationrange-restriction-emphasishabitat-specialization-notecollection-difficulty-noteobservational-challengesphotographic-difficultyelusive-behaviorpatchy-occurrencelow-observation-countiNaturalist-recordstaxonomic-authorityoriginal-descriptionsubspecies-statusaccepted-taxoncanonical-nameauthorshiprankclassification-hierarchykingdomphylumclassorderfamilysubfamilytribegenusspecies-epithetsubspecies-epithetcommon-namesynonymssummary-contentappearance-field-nullidentification-detailsdistribution-endemismseasonality-timingdiet-unknownlife-cycle-unknownbehavior-descriptionecological-role-generalhuman-relevance-limitedsimilar-taxa-with-reasonsmisconceptions-noneextra-details-emptytags-comprehensivecompleteness-mediumhasInferredContent-falsequality-factualconservative-approachinformative-outputstructured-formatentomology-guide-complianceaccuracy-priorityclarity-priorityusefulness-priorityno-repetition-across-fieldsfield-intent-adherencestyle-rule-compliancequality-rule-complianceoutput-format-strictnessJSON-schema-matchno-extra-field-inclusionno-commentary-outside-JSONtaxon-record-completegeneration-successfulCicindela-formosa-rutilovirescens-record-finalizedMescalero-Sand-Tiger-Beetle-documentedsubspecies-information-structuredendemic-range-emphasizedhabitat-specificity-notedseasonal-activity-recordedbehavioral-traits-describedidentification-guidance-providedsimilar-species-comparedquality-metrics-setmedium-completeness-justifiedno-inference-flaggedfactual-content-assuredconservative-handling-confirmedinformative-value-deliveredstructured-output-generatedentomology-guide-standard-mettaxon-documentation-completeClathroneuria coquilletti
Clathroneuria coquilletti is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, originally described as Brachynemurus coquilletti by Currie in 1898. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with predatory larval and adult stages. The genus Clathroneuria is distinguished from related antlion genera by features of the wing venation and genitalia.
Clathroneuria schwarzi
Clathroneuria schwarzi is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Currie in 1903 as Brachynemurus schwarzi. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Antlions are predatory insects in their larval stage, known for constructing pit traps in sandy or loose soil to capture prey.
Cyrtopogon dasylloides
Cyrtopogon dasylloides is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1883. It belongs to the genus Cyrtopogon, a group of medium-sized robber flies found primarily in North America. The species is documented in Colorado, where it has been observed in foothill and montane habitats. Like other asilids, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight.
Efferia caliente
Caliente Hammertail
Efferia caliente is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1966. The common name "Caliente Hammertail" references the Caliente Range in California, where the species was presumably first collected or is known to occur. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory insects known for their robust build and predatory habits. As with other Asilidae, adults are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Efferia canella
Sierritas Hammertail
Efferia canella is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Sierritas Hammertail. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous species distributed primarily across North and South America. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their robust build and agile flight capabilities. The specific epithet "canella" and common name "Sierritas Hammertail" suggest an association with the Sierritas Mountains region, though detailed ecological information for this particular species remains limited.
Efferia latruncula
Efferia latruncula is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Williston in 1885. It belongs to the large genus Efferia, which contains numerous species distributed primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North and South America. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures other arthropods in flight. The specific epithet 'latruncula' is Latin for 'little robber' or 'brigand,' reflecting the predatory habits characteristic of the family.
Efferia prattii
Laredo Hammertail
Efferia prattii is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described by Hine in 1919. The species is known from the southern United States, particularly Texas, and is referred to by the common name "Laredo Hammertail." As a member of the genus Efferia, it belongs to a group of large, predatory flies that are active hunters of other insects. The species has been documented in entomological surveys in western Texas, where it was observed at mercury-vapor lights in juniper chaparral habitat alongside other asilid species.
Efferia rapax
Yellow-haired Hammertail
Efferia rapax is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Yellow-haired Hammertail. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their aggressive hunting behavior, capturing other insects in flight. The species is part of a large and diverse genus of medium to large-sized robber flies distributed primarily in the New World. Specific biological details for E. rapax are limited in published literature.
Efferia tabescens
Sesqui Hammertail
Efferia tabescens is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Nathan Banks in 1919. The common name "Sesqui Hammertail" refers to this species. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory insects that capture other insects in flight. The species has been documented through 143 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-recorded in citizen science databases. As a member of the Asilidae, it shares the family's characteristic predatory behavior and robust body form adapted for aerial hunting.
Efferia tuberculata
Thorny Hammertail
Efferia tuberculata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Thorny Hammertail. The species was described by Coquillett in 1904. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory insects known for their robust build and distinctive genital structures in males. Like other Asilidae, they are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight.
Efferia varipes
Colorado Hammertail
Efferia varipes is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Colorado Hammertail. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Efferia, which contains numerous species across North and South America. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that capture other insects in flight. The specific epithet 'varipes' refers to variable legs, suggesting some morphological variation in this character.
Entanoneura
Entanoneura is a genus of mantidflies (family Mantispidae) in the order Neuroptera. These insects are characterized by their raptorial forelegs, which resemble those of praying mantises and are used to capture prey. The genus was established by Enderlein in 1910. As with other mantidflies, members of Entanoneura are predatory insects with complex life cycles that often involve parasitism of spider eggs.
Eremochrysa minora
Eremochrysa minora is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Banks in 1935. It was originally placed in the genus Chrysopiella but is now classified under Eremochrysa. The species is known from North America. Like other green lacewings, it belongs to a group of predatory insects valued for their role in biological control.
Eremochrysa pallida
Eremochrysa pallida is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Banks in 1911. It is native to the western United States. Like other members of its family, it is a predatory insect, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species has been historically classified under the genus Chrysopiella before its current placement in Eremochrysa.
Euptilon ornatum
Euptilon ornatum is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Drury in 1773. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Antlions in this family are predatory insects known for their distinctive larval pit traps, though specific behaviors for this species have not been separately documented.
Geocoris decoratus
big-eyed bug
Geocoris decoratus is a species of big-eyed bug (family Geocoridae) native to North America, with recorded presence in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As a member of the genus Geocoris, it is a predatory insect that contributes to biological control of agricultural pests. The species was described by Uhler in 1877. Like other Geocoris species, it likely serves as a natural enemy of various crop pests, though specific ecological studies on G. decoratus are limited compared to better-known congeners such as G. punctipes.
Hemerobiinae
brown lacewings
Hemerobiinae is a subfamily of brown lacewings within the family Hemerobiidae, containing approximately 5 genera and at least 60 described species. The subfamily includes the genera Hemerobius, Wesmaelius, Nusalala, Nesobiella, and Hemerobiella. Members are small to medium-sized neuropterans characterized by their brownish coloration and reduced wing venation compared to green lacewings. They are primarily predatory and have been documented across diverse geographic regions.
Laphystia litoralis
Beach Robber Fly
Laphystia litoralis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Beach Robber Fly. It was described by Curran in 1931. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is a predatory dipteran that captures other insects in flight. The species epithet 'litoralis' suggests an association with coastal or shore habitats.
Laphystia rufiventris
Laphystia rufiventris is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Charles Howard Curran in 1931. The specific epithet "rufiventris" refers to the reddish coloration of the abdomen. The genus Laphystia belongs to the subfamily Laphriinae, a group of robber flies characterized by their predatory habits and distinctive morphological features. As with other asilids, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Lasiopogon flammeus
Lasiopogon flammeus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Cannings in 2002. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies commonly found in western North America. As with other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Leucochrysa floridana
Florida Lacewing
Leucochrysa floridana is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The genus Leucochrysa belongs to the subgenus Nodita, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. Adults are predatory insects commonly found in various habitats across the southeastern United States, Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Larvae of related species in this genus are known for carrying debris on their backs as camouflage.
Leucochrysa insularis
green lacewing
Leucochrysa insularis is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. The species is distributed across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. It belongs to a family commonly known for their delicate appearance and predatory habits as both larvae and adults. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1853.
Micromus subanticus
Antique Brown Lacewing
Micromus subanticus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. It has a wide geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, and North America. The species has been studied in Florida for its life cycle and parasitism patterns. As a brown lacewing, it is presumed to be predatory in both adult and larval stages, though specific prey associations are not well documented.
Micromus variegatus
Variegated Brown Lacewing, Brown Lacewing
Micromus variegatus is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, first described by Fabricius in 1793. It is one of the most widely recognized brown lacewing species, with its image being the most reused scientific image from Pensoft publications on Wikimedia Commons (over 6,500 uses across multiple languages). The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of the Hemerobiidae, it belongs to a family of predatory insects commonly known as brown lacewings, which are closely related to green lacewings but generally smaller and more cryptically colored.
Myrmeleontinae
antlions
Myrmeleontinae is a subfamily of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) within the order Neuroptera. The subfamily comprises three tribes: Myrmeleontini, Maulini, and Porrerini. It includes the type genus Myrmeleon, established by Linnaeus in 1767, along with other genera such as Euroleon and Hagenomyia. Species in this subfamily have been documented across multiple continents, with recent taxonomic work describing new species from Pakistan.
Nacarina robusta
Nacarina robusta is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, order Neuroptera. The species was originally described by Nathan Banks in 1905 as Chrysopa robusta and later transferred to the genus Nacarina. It is known from North America. The genus Nacarina was established to accommodate species previously placed in Chrysopa that share distinct morphological characteristics. Like other chrysopids, this species is predatory in both larval and adult stages.
Neomochtherus latipennis
Neomochtherus latipennis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Hine in 1909. As a member of the tribe Neomochtherini, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their hunting behavior. The species has been documented through 76 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists. Like other robber flies, it likely plays a role as an aerial predator in its habitat.
Nidicola
minute pirate bugs
Nidicola is a genus of minute pirate bugs (family Anthocoridae) established by Harris & Drake in 1941. Members of this genus are small predatory insects within the subfamily Lyctocorinae. The genus includes at least one described species, Nidicola jaegeri, from Southern California. These insects belong to a family known for biological control potential against agricultural pests.
Peruveleon dorsalis
Peruveleon dorsalis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Antlions are predatory insects whose larvae construct conical pit traps in sandy or loose soil to capture prey. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Peruveleon, it represents part of the diverse antlion fauna found in the Western Hemisphere.
Psectra diptera
brown lacewing
Psectra diptera is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of the brown lacewing family, it belongs to a group of predatory insects closely related to green lacewings. The species was first described by Burmeister in 1839.
Sinea integra
Sinea integra is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Stål in 1862. It occurs from Arizona and Texas south through Mexico to at least Guatemala and Honduras. The species can be distinguished from close relatives S. complexa and S. incognita by the shape of the femur on its front legs, which is nearly uniform in thickness—described as resembling a stickball bat—rather than club-shaped or baseball bat-shaped. It is a predatory insect, though specific prey records remain limited.
Sympherobius occidentalis
western brown lacewing
Sympherobius occidentalis is a species of brown lacewing in the family Hemerobiidae, first described by Fitch in 1855. It is native to North America. Brown lacewings in this family are generally predatory as both larvae and adults, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species is part of a genus containing approximately 30 described species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Thespis
Thespis is a genus of mantises in the family Thespidae, order Mantodea. These insects belong to the tribe Thespini within the subfamily Thespinae. The genus has been documented through over 1,400 observations on iNaturalist. Species in this genus are predatory insects characterized by their raptorial forelegs used for capturing prey.
Ululodes arizonensis
Ululodes arizonensis is a species of owlfly in the family Ascalaphidae, tribe Ululodini. It was described by Nathan Banks in 1907. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Owlflies are predatory insects closely related to antlions, distinguished by their large bulging eyes and elongated bodies.
Yumachrysa apache
Apache Lacewing
Yumachrysa apache is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, first described by Banks in 1938. Originally placed in the genus Chrysopa, it was later transferred to Yumachrysa. The species is known from North America, with 136 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other green lacewings, it belongs to a group of predatory insects commonly used in biological pest control.