Predatory-larvae
Guides
Mydidae
Mydas flies, Mydaid flies
Mydidae, or mydas flies, are a small cosmopolitan family of large to very large flies within the superfamily Asiloidea. With approximately 471 described species, they represent one of the most distinctive dipteran groups due to their exceptional size—Gauromydas heros is the largest known fly species—and their frequent mimicry of stinging hymenopterans, particularly spider wasps. Most species inhabit arid and semiarid regions globally. The family is poorly studied, with larval biology documented for only a handful of species.
Myrmeleon mexicanus
Myrmeleon mexicanus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Banks in 1903. The species occurs in Central America and North America. As with other antlions, it has a predatory larval stage that constructs pit traps in sandy soil to capture prey, and a winged adult stage that is primarily nocturnal.
Necrobia violacea
blacklegged ham beetle, blue ham beetle, cosmopolitan blue bone beetle, Violet Checkered Beetle
Necrobia violacea is a small clerid beetle, 4–5 mm in length, with uniformly metallic blue-green to green coloration including its legs. The species occurs in the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America. Adults are long-lived and associated with dried animal products, including cured meats, dried fish, aged cheeses, oilseeds, and desiccated carcasses. Larvae are predatory, feeding on other insect larvae found on carrion rather than consuming the carrion directly. The species has limited forensic relevance due to its preference for corpses in advanced decomposition stages.
Necrophila americana
American Carrion Beetle
Necrophila americana is a North American carrion beetle in the family Silphidae. Adults and larvae feed on decomposing animal flesh and also prey on fly larvae that compete for the same resources. Unlike burying beetles in the genus Nicrophorus, this species does not bury carcasses. Adults have been observed at sap flows on oak trees and in fermenting bait traps. The species has been documented in forensic entomology contexts due to its predictable association with decomposing remains.
Neocnemodon
Smoothleg fly
Neocnemodon is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, distributed across North America and Europe. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized flies with distinctive smooth legs, a trait reflected in their common name 'Smoothleg fly'. The genus was established by Goffe in 1944 and is classified within the tribe Pipizini. Larvae are known to be predatory, feeding on specific aphid species associated with various host plants.
Ozodiceromyia notata
Mexican group Ozodiceromyia
Ozodiceromyia notata is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1821. It belongs to the mexicana-group within its genus, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species is part of a genus that was taxonomically revised in 2000, which helped clarify species boundaries and distributions. Stiletto flies in this family are generally predatory as larvae, inhabiting soil and preying on other invertebrates, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Parasyrphus genualis
Common Bristleside
Parasyrphus genualis is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Williston in 1887. It was originally described under the genus Syrphus before being moved to Parasyrphus. The species has been documented in North America with at least 21 observations on iNaturalist. As a member of Syrphidae, it belongs to a family known for pollination services and, in many species, predatory larvae that feed on aphids.
Penniverpa festina
Penniverpa festina is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Coquillett in 1893. Stiletto flies are predatory as larvae, inhabiting sandy soils where they feed on other invertebrates. Adults are generally found in open, sunny habitats and are known for their slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. This species is part of a diverse genus within a family containing approximately 1,000 described species worldwide.
Pentaneura
Pentaneura is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. These aquatic insects are members of the tribe Pentaneurini and are found in freshwater habitats. The genus was established by Philippi in 1865 and contains predatory species whose larvae inhabit various aquatic environments.
Phengodes fusciceps
glowworm beetle
Phengodes fusciceps is a species of glowworm beetle in the family Phengodidae, described by LeConte in 1861. It is found in North America. The species comprises four recognized subspecies: P. f. fusciceps, P. f. floridensis, P. f. intermedia, and P. f. picicollis. Like other phengodid beetles, larvae are bioluminescent and exhibit specialized predatory behaviors.
Phengodini
Phengodini is a tribe of glowworm beetles within the family Phengodidae, established by LeConte in 1861. Members are characterized by bioluminescent larvae and adult females, a trait shared across the family. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed primarily in the Americas. Adult males are typically winged and non-luminous, while females are larviform and emit light.
Pherocera flavipes
Pherocera flavipes is a species of stiletto fly in the family Therevidae, described by Cole in 1923. It belongs to the subfamily Phycusinae. The species epithet 'flavipes' refers to yellow legs. Stiletto flies are predatory as larvae and typically associated with sandy or loose soil habitats where their larvae hunt other invertebrates.
Photinus consimilis
Cattail Flash-train Firefly
Photinus consimilis, commonly known as the cattail flash-train firefly, is a medium-sized firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae. It is native to eastern North America, where it inhabits wetlands and riparian areas. The species is recognized by its distinctive flash pattern of 3 to 9 quick pulses in a series lasting about 2 seconds, with 9 to 12 seconds of darkness between flash trains. Its specific epithet 'consimilis' refers to its morphological similarity to closely related Photinus species.
Photinus ignitus
Ignited Firefly
Photinus ignitus is a North American firefly species distinguished by its bioluminescent courtship displays. Males produce characteristic flash patterns to attract females, who respond from perches in vegetation. Research has documented seasonal plasticity in female mate choice behavior, with females becoming less selective as the breeding season progresses. Like other Photinus species, it produces defensive compounds called lucibufagins that protect against predators.
fireflybioluminescencemate-choiceseasonal-plasticitynuptial-giftaggressive-mimicryLampyridaeColeopteraNorth-Americaflash-communicationlucibufaginsexual-selectionoperational-sex-ratiocold-lightphotocytesluciferinluciferasenocturnalcourtshippredation-defenseinsect-declinelight-pollutionhabitat-lossinsecticide-exposuresoil-dwelling-larvaeglowwormpredatory-larvaesoft-bodied-preysnailsslugswormssoil-insectsbiological-controlflash-patternfemale-choicemale-choicebody-sizelantern-sizereproductive-investmentegg-provisioningspermatophoreflash-signalmating-successselectivitybreeding-seasondusknightvegetationgrasslawnsforestsfieldsedgescanopyairspaceColumbia-MarylandWashington-Baltimore-areaUniversity-of-Virginia-studylight-pollution-impactmating-disruptionurbanizationresidual-insecticideslawn-treatmentweather-cyclesfood-availabilitylarval-predationpopulation-fluctuationbanner-yearspectacleJuly-4thIndependence-DayMother-Nature's-fireworkspyrotechnictwinklinggalaxycold-light-efficiencyno-heat-productionphotocyte-cellsspecialized-light-organterminal-abdominal-segmentslightly-coloredgiant-eyesflash-detectionvisual-acuitynocturnal-visionchemical-ecologydefensive-chemistrysteroidal-pyronestoad-toxinsspider-repellentbird-repellentfemme-fatalepredatory-exploitationchemical-acquisitiondefense-sequestrationnuptial-feedingreproductive-successsexual-conflictflash-manipulationphotographic-challengeflash-rechargefemale-contortionflash-directionalityaimed-signalmale-expendabilityfemale-investmentoffspring-productionbattery-lifeconservation-concernpopulation-monitoringcitizen-scienceBoston-Museum-of-Sciencefirefly-data-projectAllegheny-National-Forestsynchronous-firefliesPhotinus-carolinusPhoturis-pennsylvanicaPennsylvania-Firefly-FestivalFIRE-TeamLynn-FaustSara-LewisThomas-EisnerAerial-FirebaughKyle-Hayneschemical-ecology-pioneerexperimental-studyfield-observationnatural-historybehavioral-ecologyethologyjournal-articlepeer-reviewed-researchscientific-investigationinsect-conservationnocturnal-insectbeetlesoft-winged-beetlenot-true-bugnot-flyElateroideaPolyphagaElateriformiaLampyrinaeLucidotiniaccepted-nameFall-192736-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaBug-of-the-WeekEntomology-Todayincomplete-informationdata-limitedresearch-opportunityfurther-study-neededPhotinus indictus
Silent Firefly
Photinus indictus, commonly known as the silent firefly, is a diurnal firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae. Adults are active during daylight hours and lack the bioluminescent lanterns characteristic of most fireflies, earning both its common name and specific epithet (Latin for "unspoken"). The species is found in eastern North America, particularly the Great Lakes region. Adults communicate through airborne pheromones rather than light signals.
Photinus macdermotti
Father Mac's firefly, Mr. Mac
Photinus macdermotti is a medium-sized firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, native to eastern North America. Adults measure approximately 10 mm in length and are distinguished by a pale yellow pronotum with a black rectangular central mark bordered by red or pink. Males produce a characteristic flash pattern of two quick pulses separated by 2 seconds of darkness to attract females. The species is nearly identical in appearance to Photinus consanguineus and Photinus greeni, requiring careful identification.
Photinus scintillans
Pale Firefly
Photinus scintillans is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae, commonly known as the Pale Firefly. Like other Photinus species, adults produce bioluminescent signals through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. Males fly and emit characteristic flash patterns to attract females, which remain stationary in vegetation and respond with their own signals. The species is subject to predation by Photuris fireflies, which mimic their flash patterns to lure and consume males.
Pipiza
Pitheads
Pipiza is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) containing approximately 12 European species. Adults are predominantly dark-colored and resemble small bees or wasps. The genus is notable for its specialized larval ecology: larvae are predaceous, feeding exclusively on gall-forming aphids on foliage. Species show strong association with forested landscapes, particularly deciduous forests and forest edges. Climate modeling indicates high distributional stability across Europe, with potential northward shifts in species diversity.
Protosialis glabella
Protosialis glabella is a species of alderfly in the family Sialidae, order Megaloptera. The genus Protosialis represents one of several genera within Sialidae, a family of aquatic insects whose larvae are predatory and develop in freshwater habitats. Adults are typically nocturnal and short-lived, with reduced mouthparts and a primary focus on reproduction. The species was described by Ross in 1937. Megalopterans as a group are considered primitive holometabolous insects, retaining many ancestral characteristics.
Psorophora
gallinipper
Psorophora is a genus of large mosquitoes in the subfamily Culicinae, tribe Aedini, described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1827. The genus comprises approximately 50 species distributed across the Americas, with three recognized subgenera: Psorophora, Janthinosoma, and Grabhamia. Several species, notably Psorophora ciliata and P. ferox, are among the largest mosquitoes in the world and are known for aggressive biting behavior. Larvae of some species are obligate predators with specialized anatomical adaptations for capturing prey.
Psorophora howardii
Howard's Gallinipper
Psorophora howardii is a large, aggressive floodwater mosquito native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The species was described by Daniel William Coquillett in 1901. Adult females are persistent biters that attack humans and medium to large mammals at any time of day, with a proboscis strong enough to pierce through multiple layers of clothing. Larvae are predaceous, feeding on other mosquito larvae in temporary aquatic habitats. The species has demonstrated recent northward range expansion, with the first Canadian record documented in 2024 in southern Ontario.
Pterodontia flavipes
small-headed fly
Pterodontia flavipes is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae. Adult males measure 5.5–10.5 mm, while females are 5–9 mm. The species exhibits complete metamorphosis with larval development occurring in soil. Adults have been observed in grassy areas and are known for rapid, hovering flight.
Pyractomena lucifera
Marsh imp
Pyractomena lucifera is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the marsh imp. It is a wetland specialist with a disjunct distribution across eastern North America. The species produces bioluminescent signals for mate communication and is threatened by habitat destruction and light pollution.
Rhagio scolopaceus
downlooker snipefly
Rhagio scolopaceus, commonly known as the downlooker snipefly, is a widespread species in the family Rhagionidae and the type species of its genus. It is recognized by dark spots or bands on the wings and an elongated third antennal segment. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in eye arrangement: females have broadly separated (dichoptic) compound eyes, while males have nearly conjoined (holoptic) eyes. It is considered the most common species in its family.
Rhagio tringarius
Marsh Snipefly, Marsh Snipe Fly
Rhagio tringarius, commonly known as the marsh snipefly, is a species of fly in the family Rhagionidae. Adults measure 8–14 mm in length with yellow-orange abdomens and long slender legs. The species is native to Europe but has been recorded in the Nearctic region, representing a first record for North America. Larvae are predatory, dwelling in soil and litter where they hunt small beetles and earthworms. Adults are active from May to September and are typically found resting on leaves in vegetated habitats.
Rhagionidae
Snipe Flies
Rhagionidae, or snipe flies, is a small family of medium-sized to large flies within the infraorder Tabanomorpha. Members are characterized by slender bodies, stilt-like legs, and often prominent piercing mouthparts. Many species are hematophagous as adults, while others are predatory on other insects. The family name derives from the resemblance of their proboscis to a snipe's beak. Larvae are primarily predatory and mostly terrestrial, though some are aquatic. The genus Rhagio includes species commonly called "down-looker" flies due to their habit of perching head-downward on tree trunks.
Rhinoleucophenga
Rhinoleucophenga is a genus of fruit flies in the family Drosophilidae, endemic to the New World with highest diversity in Neotropical open environments, particularly Brazil. The genus comprises at least 26 nominal species, with recent taxonomic work revealing numerous cryptic species and correcting long-standing misidentifications. One species, R. myrmecophaga, exhibits a remarkable predatory larval stage that exploits ant-plant mutualisms by trapping ants at extrafloral nectaries.
Rhyacophila angelita
Rhyacophila angelita is a species of free-living caddisfly described by Banks in 1911. It belongs to the family Rhyacophilidae, a group characterized by predatory larvae that do not construct portable cases. The species is known from North America.
Rhyacophiloidea
Rhyacophiloidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) established by Stephens in 1836. The group has been treated variously in classification systems, sometimes encompassing the entire suborder Spicipalpia when that group is ranked as a superfamily within Annulipalpia. The superfamily includes families of free-living caddisfly larvae that do not construct the portable cases characteristic of many other trichopteran groups.
Scenopinidae
window flies
Scenopinidae, commonly known as window flies, comprise approximately 400 described species of small brachyceran flies distributed worldwide. Adults are typically found on windows in buildings, giving rise to their common name. The family includes three subfamilies: Caenotinae, Proratinae, and Scenopininae. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting diverse environments from sandy arid soils to decaying organic matter, animal nests, and synanthropic settings. Two species, Scenopinus fenestralis and S. glabrifrons, have achieved cosmopolitan distributions through association with human trade.
Scenopinus
window flies
Scenopinus is a genus of small flies in the family Scenopinidae, commonly known as window flies. Species are typically dark-colored with clear wings and are associated with bird nests, buildings, and forest habitats. Larvae are predatory, feeding on other arthropods including moth and flea larvae. The genus occurs across the Palaearctic region, with records from Europe and boreal forest zones.
Schlingeria
Schlingeria is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Irwin in 1977. It belongs to the subfamily Phycusinae, a group characterized by specialized morphological features including reduced wing venation and particular arrangements of thoracic bristles. The genus is poorly known, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data available. Schlingeria species are presumably predatory as larvae, as is characteristic of the family Therevidae, though direct observations of life history remain undocumented.
Sciomyza
snail-killing flies
Sciomyza is a genus of marsh flies (Sciomyzidae) whose larvae are specialized predators or parasitoids of freshwater snails. Adults inhabit moist environments near gastropod populations. The genus includes seven described species distributed across northern Europe and North America.
Sepedophilus testaceus
Sepedophilus testaceus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Tachyporinae) originally described from Europe and now established in North America as an introduced species. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with several previously described North American species (imbricatus, limuloides, elongatus) synonymized under this name. Larvae possess specialized morphological adaptations on the posterior abdomen that facilitate prey capture. Adults are associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Synthesiomyia nudiseta
Synthesiomyia nudiseta is a large muscid fly (7–10 mm) and the sole species in its genus. It is necrophagous and facultatively predatory, with larvae known to consume other necrophagous fly larvae including Chrysomya rufifacies and C. albiceps. The species is forensically significant due to its predictable life cycle and tendency to pupate in confined locations near carcasses, such as within clothing. Originally tropical and subtropical in distribution, it has established in southwestern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and occurs in the southern United States.
Tabanus nigrovittatus
greenhead horse fly, salt marsh greenhead, greenhead fly, greenhead, greenfly
Tabanus nigrovittatus, commonly known as the greenhead horse fly or salt marsh greenhead, is a biting horse fly species endemic to coastal salt marshes of the eastern United States. Adult females are aggressive blood-feeders that require vertebrate blood for egg production, while males do not feed on blood. The species is smaller than most horse flies, approximately the size of a house fly. Larvae develop in intertidal salt marsh mud for one to two years, preying on other invertebrates. Adults emerge in late spring and are most active from late June through August. The species is a significant human and animal pest, with populations managed through black box traps rather than insecticides due to ecological concerns.
Tanypodinae
Tanypods
Tanypodinae is a subfamily of non-biting midges within Chironomidae, distinguished by predominantly predatory larval ecology. Larvae possess specialized mouthparts adapted for capturing small invertebrate prey, including other chironomid larvae, setting them apart from the primarily detritivorous or filter-feeding larvae of most other chironomid subfamilies. First and second instar larvae additionally consume algae. The subfamily exhibits broad ecological tolerance, with species occurring in diverse freshwater habitats from pristine rivers to heavily polluted mine drainage systems. Tanypodinae serves as an important component of macrozoobenthos and functions as a biological indicator for aquatic ecosystem assessment.
Tetanocera vicina
Tetanocera vicina is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, first described by Macquart in 1844. Members of this genus are commonly known as marsh flies or snail-killing flies due to their specialized larval biology. The species is part of a group of Diptera whose larvae are predators or parasitoids of freshwater snails, playing a distinctive ecological role in aquatic ecosystems. As with many Sciomyzidae, detailed species-level biology remains incompletely documented.
Therevidae
Stiletto flies
Therevidae, commonly known as stiletto flies, is a family of brachyceran flies in the superfamily Asiloidea containing approximately 1,600 described species worldwide. The family is most diverse in arid and semiarid regions with sandy soils. Adults are small to medium-sized (2.4–18 mm) with hairy bodies and are often brightly colored, with many species exhibiting wasp or ant mimicry. Larvae are apodous, eucephalic, and predatory, living in soil and other substrates where they hunt insect larvae.
Toxomerus
Calligrapher Flies
Toxomerus is a large genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) distributed across the Americas, with over 130 described Neotropical species and additional Nearctic endemics. Species are small (typically 6–9 mm), characterized by large eyes with posterior indentation and diagnostic abdominal patterns. Most larvae are predatory on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, though at least three species are known pollen-feeders. Adults are pollinivorous, feeding on nectar and pollen from diverse flowering plants. The genus includes notable ecological specialists such as Toxomerus basalis, a kleptoparasite of sundews (Drosera), and several species introduced to the Afrotropics.
hoverflyflower-flyaphid-predatorpollinatorbiological-controlHymenoptera-mimickleptoparasiteintroduced-speciesNeotropicalNearcticAfrotropical-introductionpolyvoltineSyrphiniSyrphinaeDipteraSyrphidaeToxomerus-marginatusToxomerus-disparToxomerus-pulchellusToxomerus-basalisToxomerus-floralisToxomerus-politusToxomerus-apegiensisDroserasundewpollenivorypredatory-larvaeurban-adapteragricultural-beneficialcryptic-larvaeeye-dimorphismterritorial-behaviorDNA-barcodingcitizen-sciencemuseum-collectionsrange-expansionconservation-concernToxorhynchites
elephant mosquitoes, mosquito eaters, giant treehole mosquitoes
Toxorhynchites is a genus of large, non-biting mosquitoes found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Adults are active during daylight hours and feed exclusively on nectar, honeydew, and plant juices rather than blood. The genus includes the largest known mosquito species, reaching up to 18 mm in body length and 24 mm in wingspan. Larvae are obligate predators that consume other mosquito larvae and aquatic invertebrates, making them valuable for biological control of disease-vector mosquitoes.
Xylophagidae
awl-flies, stink flies
Xylophagidae is a small family of lower brachyceran flies comprising nine extant genera and approximately 135 species. Commonly known as awl-flies or stink flies, these insects are characterized by elongated bodies that resemble ichneumon wasps, with a constricted base of the abdomen and three-segmented antennae. The family occurs across all biogeographical regions except the Afrotropics. Larvae are primarily associated with rotting wood, where many species are predatory on other insect larvae.