Predatory-larva
Guides
Alaus oculatus
Eastern Eyed Click Beetle, Eyed Elater
Alaus oculatus, commonly called the eastern eyed click beetle or eyed elater, is a large, striking click beetle native to eastern North America. Adults reach 25–45 mm in length and are immediately recognizable by the prominent false eyespots on their pronotum—large oval patches of dark scales framed in white that function in predator deterrence. The beetle possesses a remarkable clicking mechanism: a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch that, when flexed and released, produce an audible snap capable of launching the beetle several inches into the air. This behavior serves both defensive and righting functions. The larvae are predatory wireworms that inhabit decaying wood, feeding voraciously on other beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids.
Alotanypus venustus
Alotanypus venustus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. It was originally described as Tanypus venustus by Coquillett in 1902 and later transferred to the genus Alotanypus. The species is part of the tribe Pentaneurini, a group of predatory midges whose larvae inhabit aquatic environments. As a member of Chironomidae, it is distinguished from biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) such as Culicoides species, with which it shares no close relationship despite superficial similarities in common name usage.
Brachynemurus abdominalis
Brachynemurus abdominalis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. It is one of 18 genera of antlions recorded north of Mexico. The species was originally described as Myrmeleon abdominalis by Thomas Say in 1823. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, lacy-winged adult stage.
Coelotanypus atus
Coelotanypus atus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, described by Roback in 1971. It belongs to the subfamily Tanypodinae, a group of predatory midges commonly found in aquatic habitats. The genus Coelotanypus contains relatively few described species and is distinguished by specific morphological features of the adult and larval stages.
Corydalidae
Dobsonflies and Fishflies
Corydalidae is a family of large megalopteran insects commonly known as dobsonflies and fishflies. Adults typically exceed 25 mm in body length and possess long filamentous antennae—feathered in male fishflies—and four large, translucent, smoky-grey wings with the anterior pair slightly longer than the posterior. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Corydalinae (dobsonflies), whose males bear distinctive elongated mandibles used in combat, and Chauliodinae (fishflies), whose males have normal mandibles. Aquatic larvae, called hellgrammites, are predatory and possess strong sharp mandibles and abdominal branchial filaments for respiration. They develop over one to three years before leaving water to pupate in terrestrial chambers dug under stones or logs.
Dasysyrphus creper
Arched Brusheye
Dasysyrphus creper is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Snow in 1895. It belongs to the genus Dasysyrphus, a group of small to medium-sized syrphid flies commonly known as brusheye hoverflies. The common name "Arched Brusheye" refers to distinctive eye markings characteristic of this species. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woodland habitats and aphid prey, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Eucorethra underwoodi
Eucorethra underwoodi is a species of phantom midge in the family Chaoboridae, described by Underwood in 1903. As a member of this family, it belongs to a group of non-biting midges known for their aquatic larvae and transparent, reduced mouthparts in adults. The genus Eucorethra is a distinctive lineage within Chaoboridae. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Heringia salax
Eastern Smoothleg, Eastern Smoothleg Fly
Heringia salax, commonly known as the Eastern Smoothleg Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. Adults visit flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. The larvae are predatory, feeding on aphids. The species is recorded across North America.
Megapenthes megalops
Megapenthes megalops is a species of click beetle in the family Elateridae, tribe Megapenthini. The genus Megapenthes is characterized by enlarged eyes, a trait reflected in the species epithet 'megalops' (large-eyed). Members of this genus are typically associated with forested habitats and are active as adults during warmer months. The larvae develop in decaying wood and are predatory on other saproxylic invertebrates.
Orohermes crepusculus
Orohermes crepusculus is a species of fishfly in the family Corydalidae, originally described as Dysmicohermes crepusculus by Chandler in 1954. It is one of several species in the genus Orohermes, which comprises small to medium-sized megalopterans found in western North America. The species epithet "crepusculus" refers to twilight, possibly alluding to crepuscular activity patterns. Adults are weak fliers and are often attracted to lights.
Platycheirus confusus
Confusing Sedgesitter
Platycheirus confusus, commonly known as the Confusing Sedgesitter, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species exhibits a disjunct distribution with separate eastern and western North American populations. Larvae have been successfully reared on the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae), indicating a predatory lifestyle. Adults are medium-sized syrphid flies with distinctive morphological features useful for identification.
Sepedon tenuicornis
marsh fly
Sepedon tenuicornis is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, first described by Cresson in 1920. Like other members of the genus Sepedon, this species has aquatic predatory larvae that feed on pulmonate snails. The genus comprises approximately 20 recognized species in North America, arranged into species groups based on shared morphological characteristics. Adults are slender flies with elongated bodies, concave faces, and prominent antennae.