Predatory-larvae
Guides
Acrosathe vialis
Acrosathe vialis is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Stiletto flies in this family are predatory as larvae and generally associated with sandy or loose soil habitats. The species is documented from a small number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported.
Alaus lusciosus
Texas Eyed Click Beetle, Texas Click Beetle
Alaus lusciosus, the Texas Eyed Click Beetle, is a large click beetle (Elateridae) distinguished by prominent false eyespots on the pronotum. Adults measure 20–35 mm and are nearly identical to A. zunianus, with which they share rounder eyespots and ivory or beige mottling rather than stark white patterning. The species ranges from Texas to southern Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas, where adults are active during the day or at dusk and are strong fliers. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting decaying wood and preying on other beetle larvae and pupae.
Alaus melanops
Western Eyed Click Beetle
Alaus melanops, the Western Eyed Click Beetle, is a large elaterid beetle found in western North America. Adults measure 20–35 mm and possess distinctive eyespots on the pronotum—black patches surrounded by white rings that serve as defensive mimicry. The species exhibits the family's characteristic clicking mechanism, using a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch to produce an audible snap that can launch the beetle into the air to escape predators or right itself. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting decaying wood where they feed on other beetle larvae and pupae.
Alaus patricius
Caribbean Eyed Click Beetle
Alaus patricius, known as the Caribbean Eyed Click Beetle, is a large click beetle in the family Elateridae. Like other members of the genus Alaus, it is characterized by prominent false eyespots on the pronotum that serve as a defensive adaptation against predators. The species exhibits the family's namesake clicking mechanism, using a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch to launch itself into the air when threatened or overturned. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting decaying wood where they hunt other insect larvae.
Allograpta radiata
Y-shaped Streaktail
Allograpta radiata is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae), commonly known as the Y-shaped Streaktail. Like other members of the genus Allograpta, it is a small flower fly that likely contributes to pollination as an adult and may have predatory larvae. The species has been recorded in Hawaii and the United States, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Ammonaios
Ammonaios is a genus of stiletto flies (Diptera: Therevidae) described by Irwin and Lyneborg in 1981. The genus belongs to a family of predatory flies whose larvae develop in soil or sand and feed on other invertebrates. As a relatively small and poorly documented genus, its species-level taxonomy and biology remain incompletely known. The genus is part of the diverse therevid fauna found in various regions including parts of the Old World.
Anticheta
Anticheta is a genus of marsh flies in the family Sciomyzidae, commonly known as snail-killing flies. The genus comprises 15 described species divided into two subgenera: Anticheta (14 species) and Paranticheta (1 species). Species within this genus are associated with moist habitats and share the family-wide trait of predation on gastropods. The genus was established by Haliday in 1839 and has a primarily Holarctic distribution.
Asiloidea
asiloid flies
Asiloidea is a large superfamily of true flies (Diptera: Brachycera) with cosmopolitan distribution. It comprises approximately 11 families including the well-known Asilidae (robber/assassin flies), Bombyliidae (bee flies), Therevidae (stiletto flies), Mydidae (mydas flies), and Scenopinidae (window flies). Adult morphology is characterized by antennae with no more than 4 flagellomeres, leg empodium usually setiform or absent, and wing venation featuring an elongate cell cup with vein CuA2 ending freely or meeting A1 near the wing margin. Larval synapomorphies include posterior spiracles arising dorsally from the penultimate abdominal segment and, in most families except Bombyliidae and Hilarimorphidae, a modified cranium forming a hinged metacephalic rod.
DipteraBrachyceraAsiloidearobber-fliesbee-fliesstiletto-fliesmydas-flieswindow-fliescosmopolitanarid-habitatspredatory-larvaeflower-visitorsparasitoidsbiological-controlAsilidaeBombyliidaeTherevidaeMydidaeScenopinidaeApioceridaeApsilocephalidaeApystomyiidaeEvocoidaeHilarimorphidaeMythicomyiidaeProtapioceridaephylogenysystematicsvenomouspredatorymystaxmetacephalic-roddichopticholopticJurassicCretaceoustherevoid-cladeNamib-DesertCanary-IslandsSaudi-ArabiaDominicaChileGermanyfossilcybertaxonomyopen-accessZooKeysBohart-MuseumWorld-Robber-Fly-DayAthericidae
water snipe flies, ibis flies
Athericidae is a small family of flies in the infraorder Tabanomorpha, historically classified within Rhagionidae until separated by Stuckenberg in 1973. The family contains approximately 123 described species distributed worldwide across two subfamilies: Dasyommatinae (monotypic) and Athericinae. Adults are commonly known as water snipe flies or ibis flies. Larvae are strictly aquatic predators in fast-flowing montane streams and torrents, while adults are primarily nectar-feeders with some species exhibiting hematophagy.
Atherix
ibis flies
Atherix is a genus of 'ibis flies' in the family Athericidae, a small family closely related to Rhagionidae (snipe flies). Species occur across most of Europe and the Nearctic realm. Adults are medium-sized flies; larvae are aquatic predators. Females of some species exhibit distinctive clustering behavior, forming dense aggregations on bridge undersides where eggs are deposited.
Athous
click beetles
Athous is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) established by Eschscholtz in 1829. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with numerous Nearctic and Palearctic species transferred to other genera including Hemicrepidius, Harminius, and Acanthathous. Species occur across forested habitats in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with some species showing distinct habitat preferences for either broadleaved or coniferous woodlands. Larvae are predaceous or feed on dead invertebrates, and adults occasionally feed on plant material.
Atrichomelina
snail-killing flies
Atrichomelina is a genus of marsh flies (family Sciomyzidae) whose larvae are predators of freshwater snails. The genus was established by Cresson in 1920 and contains at least one described species, Atrichomelina pubera. Like other sciomyzids, members of this genus have aquatic or semi-aquatic immature stages that develop in association with mollusk hosts.
Baccha
Baccha is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Syrphinae, characterized by extremely slender, club-shaped abdomens. Adults range from 7 to 10 mm in length and exhibit wasp-like body proportions with clear or faintly marked wings. The genus is distinguished by its distinctive elongate body form among syrphine flies.
Belosta
Belosta is a genus of small, slender flies in the family Scenopinidae, commonly known as window flies. The genus was established by Hardy in 1944 and is classified within the tribe Metatrichiini. Members of this genus are part of a family characterized by their distinctive wing venation and predatory habits as larvae. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with limited species-level information available.
Brachynemurini
Long-tailed Antlions
Brachynemurini is a tribe of antlions within the family Myrmeleontidae, containing 28 genera and approximately 117 described species. Members are commonly known as long-tailed antlions. The tribe shows considerable diversity in the Americas, with genera distributed across North, Central, and South America, including the Galápagos Islands. Notable genera include Brachynemurus and Scotoleon, each containing 22 species. The tribe was established to accommodate antlions with distinctive morphological features separating them from other Myrmeleontinae.
Brachynemurus blandus
Brachynemurus blandus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, order Neuroptera. The genus Brachynemurus is one of 18 genera of antlions recorded north of Mexico. Like other antlions, this species undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, lacy-winged adult stage. The larvae are predatory, while adults are typically found in tall grasses, especially at dusk.
Brachypsectra
Texas beetle
Brachypsectra is a genus of beetles in the family Brachypsectridae, one of two extant genera in this small elateroid family. Adults are small, light brown beetles with distinctive pectinate antennae in males. The larvae are flattened, ovate predators with branched lateral lobes on thoracic and abdominal segments, historically known as an 'entomological enigma' before their adult form was discovered. The genus occurs in southwestern North America, with larvae found under bark, in leaf litter, and rock crevices.
Caenotus
Caenotus is a genus of small, slender flies in the family Scenopinidae, commonly known as window flies. These insects are part of the subfamily Caenotinae and are characterized by their reduced wing venation and elongated bodies. The genus was established by Cole in 1923 and contains species primarily found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Calopteron terminale
End Band Net-wing, End Band Net-winged Beetle
Calopteron terminale is a net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae, distinguished from congeners by a transverse depression across the elytra. It is found in eastern North American deciduous woodlands, where adults are active from July through September. The species participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with similarly colored toxic beetles and moths. Larvae develop under bark of dead and dying trees, preying on small arthropods.
Cenophengus debilis
glowworm beetle
Cenophengus debilis is a species of glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1881. Like other phengodid beetles, it is bioluminescent. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Chaoborus maculipes
phantom midge
Chaoborus maculipes is a species of phantom midge in the family Chaoboridae, described by Stone in 1965. Phantom midges are small, delicate flies whose larvae are aquatic predators known for their transparent bodies. The species name "maculipes" refers to spotted legs. Like other Chaoborus species, adults are typically non-feeding and short-lived, with most of the life cycle spent in larval form in freshwater habitats.
Chauliognathus
soldier beetles, leatherwings
A genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) comprising over 450 described species. Adults possess characteristically soft, flexible elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' Many species exhibit red-and-black or orange-and-black coloration reminiscent of historical military uniforms. Adults are diurnal and frequently associated with flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae are primarily ground-dwelling predators. The genus occurs in the Americas and Australia, with notable species including the goldenrod soldier beetle (C. pensylvanicus) and the plague soldier beetle (C. lugubris).
Chrysomya
Old World blow fly
Chrysomya is a genus of blow flies in the family Calliphoridae, native to the Old World. The genus is distinguished by metallic blue-green coloration, thick setae on the meron, and plumose arista. Several species have become forensically significant due to their predictable developmental rates and association with carrion, with some species recently expanding into North America.
Chrysopilus griffithi
Griffith's snipe fly
Chrysopilus griffithi is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Johnson in 1897. It is a member of the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by delicate metallic scales that give adults a sparkly, golden appearance. The specific epithet honors an individual named Griffith. Like other rhagionids, this species likely has larvae that develop in damp soil or decaying organic matter, though detailed life history information remains poorly documented.
Chrysopinae
Typical Green Lacewings
Chrysopinae is the nominate and largest subfamily of green lacewings (Chrysopidae), comprising approximately 60 genera. The subfamily includes well-known genera such as Chrysoperla and Chrysopa, which are common in Europe and North America. Members are distinguished by their delicate, green bodies and golden eyes. Larvae are predatory and several species have been employed in biological pest control programs.
Coelotanypus
Coelotanypus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. The genus contains approximately five described species. It is classified within the tribe Coelotanypodini, a group characterized by predatory larval habits. Species in this genus have been documented in the Americas, with records from Colombia and Norway.
Coenomyia
stink fly
Coenomyia is a genus of flies in the family Xylophagidae, commonly known as "stink flies." The genus contains at least four described species, including the widespread Coenomyia ferruginea. These flies are characterized by their large size, brown coloration, and slow, clumsy movements. The family name Xylophagidae derives from Greek roots meaning "wood-eating," reflecting the larval habitat in dead and decaying wood where they prey on wood-boring beetle larvae.
Dictya pictipes
Dictya pictipes is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, a group commonly known as snail-killing flies due to the predatory habits of their larvae. The species was first described by Loew in 1859 under the basionym Tetanocera pictipes. Like other members of Sciomyzidae, adults are typically found in moist habitats near water. The genus Dictya is classified within the tribe Tetanocerini of the subfamily Sciomyzinae.
Didea
lucent flies
Didea is a Holarctic genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) commonly known as lucent flies. Adults are large-bodied, measuring 10–15 mm, with distinctive black and yellow coloration. The genus is notable for its late-season flight activity and predatory larvae that feed on arboreal aphids.
Dinaraea
Dinaraea is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, tribe Athetini, comprising approximately 16 described species. The genus is saproxylic, inhabiting dead wood habitats including subcortical galleries, rotting tree trunks, and polypore fruiting bodies. Larval morphology was first described in 2018 based on two European species, revealing diagnostic characters for the genus and distinct morphological differences between early (L1) and late (L2–3) larval instars.
Distremocephalus
glowworm beetles
Distremocephalus is a genus of glowworm beetles in the family Phengodidae, established by Wittmer in 1976. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed across North America, primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members are bioluminescent beetles commonly known as glowworms, with most species described by Zaragoza in 1986.
Distremocephalus mexicanus
Distremocephalus mexicanus is a beetle species in the family Phengodidae, a group commonly known as glow-worm beetles or railroad worms. The species was described by Wittmer in 1963 and is native to Mexico. Phengodidae are bioluminescent beetles, with larvae and adult females typically producing light from specialized organs. Males are usually winged and non-luminous, while females are larviform and luminous. The genus Distremocephalus belongs to the tribe Mastinocerini within the subfamily Phengodinae.
Elater
click beetles, elaters
Elater is a genus of click beetles in the family Elateridae, characterized by a distinctive prosternal spine and mesosternal notch mechanism that produces an audible click when flexed. The genus includes species that are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, with larvae that are predatory on other insects in decaying wood. Some species are attracted to fermenting substances and are captured in ethanol-baited traps.
Elgiva
snail-killing flies, marsh flies
Elgiva is a genus of snail-killing flies in the family Sciomyzidae, comprising approximately eight described species. These predatory flies are specialized in hunting aquatic or semi-aquatic snails, with larvae developing as parasitoids or predators of molluscan hosts. The genus has been studied for its biological control potential against pest snail populations.
Ellychnia
dark firefly, diurnal firefly
Ellychnia is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) containing approximately 24 species found across the United States. Unlike most fireflies, adults are diurnally active and lack bioluminescent organs, instead using chemical signals for mate recognition. Adults are characterized by black bodies with distinctive rose-colored markings on the pronotum. Larvae inhabit rotting logs in moist terrestrial environments.
Glenurus luniger
Western Picture-winged Antlion
Glenurus luniger is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, distinguished by its striking wing pattern with black, white, and pink wingtips. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Adults are rarely observed due to their cryptic behavior, while larvae are predatory and inhabit sandy soils. The common name "Western Picture-winged Antlion" reflects both its geographic range and distinctive wing markings.
Goniotropis
Goniotropis is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Paussinae, containing at least 40 described species. Adults are large, parallel-sided beetles found in the New World tropics. Larvae are burrow-dwelling predators with a distinctive terminal disk composed of modified urogomphi and dorsal plates. The genus ranges from southern Arizona to northern Argentina.
Himalopsyche
Himalopsyche is a genus of free-living caddisflies in the family Rhyacophilidae, containing more than 40 described species. The genus is primarily distributed in alpine to montane environments across Central and East Asia and North America, with its greatest diversity concentrated in the Himalayas and surrounding mountain ranges. Species within the genus have been divided into five morphological groups: kuldschensis, lepcha, navasi, phryganea, and tibetana. The genus has served as a model system for studying mountain biodiversity, gene flow, and the mountain-geobiodiversity hypothesis due to its endemic distribution in geologically dynamic regions.
caddisflyRhyacophilidaemountain-biodiversityTibeto-Himalayanaquatic-insectphylogeographygenome-assemblyindicator-speciesgene-flowHengduan-MountainsHimalayasalpinemontanerunning-waterfree-living-caddisflycocoon-makerpredatory-larvaewater-quality-monitoringadaptive-evolutionmountain-geobiodiversity-hypothesisHydrotaea armipes
Hydrotaea armipes is a species of muscid fly in the family Muscidae. It is known from Europe, with distribution records from Portugal (including Madeira and São Miguel Island), Denmark, and Norway. The genus Hydrotaea includes species associated with decomposing organic matter and animal feces. Some Hydrotaea species have been documented as predators of other fly larvae in manure habitats.
Hydrotaea houghi
Hydrotaea houghi is a species of muscid fly described by Malloch in 1916. It belongs to the family Muscidae, which includes house flies and related species. The species has been recorded from Hawaii and the continental United States. As a member of the genus Hydrotaea, its larvae are known to be predatory on other fly larvae in manure and decaying organic matter.
Hydrotaea ignava
black garbage fly
Hydrotaea ignava is a muscid fly commonly known as the black garbage fly. It is native to Europe, with records from Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Denmark, and Norway. The species breeds in moist organic matter, particularly manure and decaying material in confined animal facilities. Its larvae are predatory on other fly larvae, including house fly maggots, and have been used in biological control programs. Adults are distinguished by their shiny bronze-black coloration and habit of remaining on food sources at night rather than dispersing to ceilings or vegetation.
Hydrotaea militaris
Hydrotaea militaris is a species of muscid fly in the genus Hydrotaea. The species was described by Meigen in 1826. Like other members of Hydrotaea, this species is associated with decomposing organic matter and livestock environments. Larvae of Hydrotaea species have been documented as predators of other fly larvae in manure, including horn fly larvae.
Isoperla bilineata
Two-lined Stripetail
Isoperla bilineata, commonly known as the two-lined stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alabama, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, and Illinois. Adults feed on pollen, while larvae are predatory and emerge from water in spring.
Ithonidae
moth lacewings, giant lacewings
Ithonidae is a small family of neuropteran insects comprising ten living genera and over a dozen extinct genera known from fossils. The family represents one of the most primitive lineages within Neuroptera. Adults are medium to large-sized with distinctive wing venation. Larvae exhibit a highly unusual grub-like (scarabaeiform) body form with stout mandibles, unique among lacewings, and lead a subterranean lifestyle. The modern distribution is notably disjunct, with genera occurring in Australia, the Americas, and Asia, while fossil evidence indicates a formerly broader global range from the Early Jurassic to Late Eocene.
Keroplatidae
Predatory Fungus Gnats, Fungus Gnats
Keroplatidae is a family of small, delicate flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as predatory fungus gnats. The family comprises approximately 950 described species, though true diversity is estimated to be substantially higher. Members are predominantly forest-dwelling insects associated with damp microhabitats where fungi occur. The family is notable for containing three genera—Arachnocampa, Orfelia, and Keroplatus—with bioluminescent larvae, commonly called "glowworms." Larval ecology varies: some feed on fungi, others are predatory, and many combine both strategies. The fossil record extends to the Cretaceous period.
Laetilia
Scale-eating Moths
Laetilia is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae, described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1889. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed across North America and other regions. Laetilia species are notable for their entomophagous lifestyle, with larvae feeding primarily on scale insects (Coccoidea), a trait that has earned them the common name "Scale-eating Moths." This specialized predatory behavior makes them of interest for biological control of scale insect pests.
Laetilia dilatifasciella
Western Scale-feeding Snout
Laetilia dilatifasciella is a small snout moth (Pyralidae) native to the southwestern United States. Adults have forewings 6–8 mm in length and are active in spring and late summer through fall. The species is notable for its predatory larvae that feed on scale insects, making it one of relatively few moth species with carnivorous immature stages.
Litolinga tergisa
Litolinga tergisa is a species of stiletto fly (family Therevidae) first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species was originally placed in the genus Thereva before being transferred to Litolinga. Stiletto flies are predatory as larvae and generally associated with sandy or loose soil habitats.
Mastinocerini
Mastinocerini is a tribe of glow-worm beetles within the family Phengodidae, comprising at least 190 described species across 24 genera. Members of this tribe are distributed primarily in the New World, with significant diversity in Central and South America. The tribe was established by LeConte in 1881 and includes the type genus Mastinocerus. These beetles are notable for their bioluminescent larvae, which use light production to lure prey.
Megaloptera
alderflies, dobsonflies, fishflies
Megaloptera is a small order of holometabolous insects containing approximately 300 described species across two extant families: Corydalidae (dobsonflies and fishflies) and Sialidae (alderflies). Adults are characterized by large, membranous wings that fold over the abdomen, and many species have short adult lifespans during which they do not feed. Larvae are exclusively aquatic, predatory, and serve as important indicators of stream health due to their sensitivity to pollution. The order was formerly classified within Neuroptera but is now recognized as a distinct order within the superorder Neuropterida.