Predatory
Guides
Harpactus
Snatching Sand Wasps
Harpactus is a genus of solitary hunting wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as Snatching Sand Wasps. These wasps are part of the tribe Bembicini (or Gorytini in some classifications) and are known for their ground-nesting behavior and predatory habits. The genus was established by Shuckard in 1837 and includes multiple described species.
Hebridae
Velvet Water Bugs
Hebridae, known as velvet water bugs, is a small family of semiaquatic Heteroptera within the infraorder Gerromorpha. The family comprises approximately 220 species in 9 genera and 2 subfamilies, distributed worldwide. Members are characterized by their small size, plump body form, and dense covering of setae that gives them a velvety appearance. They inhabit humid terrestrial and marginal freshwater habitats, including mossy areas, pond margins, and stream banks with abundant vegetation.
Hebroidea
Velvet Water Bugs
Hebroidea is a superfamily of Heteroptera (true bugs) established by Amyot & Serville in 1843, containing the family Hebridae. Members are known as velvet water bugs and represent the smallest group within the infraorder Gerromorpha. They inhabit semiaquatic environments with dense vegetation.
Hesperoperla hoguei
Banded Stone
Hesperoperla hoguei is a species of stonefly in the family Perlidae, commonly known as the banded stone. It is a member of the subfamily Acroneuriinae, a group of predatory stoneflies often associated with flowing freshwater habitats. The species was described by Baumann and Stark in 1980 and is known from western North America, particularly California. As with other perlid stoneflies, it likely inhabits cool, well-oxygenated streams.
Heteromyiini
Heteromyiini is a tribe of predatory biting midges within the family Ceratopogonidae, comprising approximately 5 genera and 16 described species. Members are known to be insectivorous, feeding on other small arthropods. The tribe has been documented in Australia and New Guinea, with recent taxonomic revisions significantly expanding the known fauna. The group includes genera such as Heteromyia, Clinohelea, Neurobezzia, Neurohelea, and Pellucidomyia.
Heteropterna cressoni
Heteropterna cressoni is a species of predatory fungus gnat in the family Keroplatidae. The family Keroplatidae comprises small to medium-sized flies, many of which have predatory larvae that inhabit moist environments such as fungi, decaying wood, or caves. As a predatory fungus gnat, this species likely has larvae that feed on other small invertebrates within these habitats. The species was described by Fisher in 1941.
Histeridae
clown beetles, hister beetles
Histeridae is a cosmopolitan family of predatory beetles containing more than 410 genera and 4,800 described species worldwide. Members are commonly known as clown beetles or hister beetles. They are immediately recognizable by their shortened elytra that leave two abdominal tergites exposed, and their elbowed antennae with clubbed, lamellate ends. The family exhibits remarkable ecological diversity, with species occupying niches ranging from carrion and dung to ant and termite colonies, forest litter, and tree bark. Their predatory habits on fly larvae and other arthropods have made them valuable for biological control and forensic entomology.
Hoplistoscelis
damsel bugs
Hoplistoscelis is a genus of damsel bugs in the family Nabidae, first described by Reuter in 1890. The genus contains approximately eight described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are small predatory true bugs, typically nocturnal hunters that prey on other insects. They are economically significant as natural pest control agents in agricultural systems.
Hybotidae
typical dance flies, hybotid dance flies
Hybotidae is a family of small predatory flies within the superfamily Empidoidea, comprising over 1,600 described species worldwide. Formerly treated as a subfamily of Empididae, Hybotidae is now recognized as a distinct family based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. Adults are generally predatory on small invertebrates, while larvae occupy diverse microhabitats including leaf litter, dung, fungi, roots, and aquatic or semiaquatic environments. The family exhibits notable morphological diversity, with some species displaying specialized leg modifications for prey capture and mating.
Hydaticus
Hydaticus is a genus of predatory diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, comprising approximately 150 described species and 12 subspecies arranged in two subgenera: Hydaticus and Prodaticus. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution spanning the Palearctic, Afrotropical, Nearctic, and Oriental regions. Members are aquatic predators found in freshwater habitats including streams, pools, and lentic environments.
Hydaticus rimosus
Hydaticus rimosus is a diving beetle species in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Aubé in 1838. The species belongs to the genus Hydaticus, a group of predatory aquatic beetles commonly found in freshwater habitats. It occurs in the Caribbean and Middle America based on documented distribution records.
Hydrometridae
marsh treaders, water measurers
Hydrometridae is a family of semiaquatic true bugs comprising over 147 species across seven genera and three subfamilies. Members are characterized by extremely elongated, slender bodies and heads that give them a measuring-stick appearance. They inhabit water surface margins of lakes, ponds, and wetlands worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical regions. Some lineages have independently evolved terrestrial habits in insular Pacific habitats.
Hydroporinae
Hydroporinae is a large subfamily of predaceous diving beetles (family Dytiscidae) containing at least 2,200 described species. Members are primarily aquatic, inhabiting diverse freshwater habitats from lentic pools to lotic streams across all continents except Antarctica. The subfamily exhibits remarkable diversity in body size, with some species among the smallest diving beetles known. Many species are habitat specialists, including stygobiont forms adapted to subterranean waters.
Hydrotaea floccosa
Hydrotaea floccosa is a species of muscid fly in the family Muscidae, described by Macquart in 1835. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to be predatory on other fly larvae in manure habitats, particularly horn fly larvae. The species has been recorded in Europe, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Available information on this specific species is limited, with most ecological knowledge inferred from the genus level.
Hydryphantoidea
Hydryphantoidea is a superfamily of prostigmatan mites within Trombidiformes, comprising approximately 250 described species across six families. Members are predominantly aquatic or semiaquatic, inhabiting freshwater habitats worldwide. The group includes the families Hydryphantidae, Hydrodromidae, Rhynchohydracaridae, Thermacaridae, Ctenothyadidae, and Teratothyadidae.
Itolia atripes
Itolia atripes is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Wilcox in 1949. As a member of this predatory fly family, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting behavior and morphological adaptations typical of Asilidae. The species is placed in the genus Itolia, a relatively small and poorly documented group within the robber flies.
Keroplatus
Keroplatus is a genus of predatory fungus gnats in the family Keroplatidae. Larvae of several species exhibit weak blue bioluminescence, making this genus one of the few terrestrial insect groups capable of producing light. The genus is poorly studied compared to other bioluminescent insects, with limited ecological and behavioral data available. Riboflavin has been identified as a possible component of the bioluminescent system in at least one species.
Keroplatus militaris
Keroplatus militaris is a species of predatory fungus gnat in the family Keroplatidae, described by Johannsen in 1910. It belongs to a genus characterized by bioluminescent larvae in many species, though specific details for this species remain limited. The species epithet "militaris" reflects its naming rather than documented military associations. Available records are sparse, with minimal observational data.
Labiduridae
striped earwigs
Labiduridae is a family of earwigs commonly known as striped earwigs, containing approximately 72 species across seven genera in three subfamilies. Members are moderate to large in size with cylindrical bodies, well-developed wings, and notably long antennae. The family exhibits cosmopolitan distribution and includes well-known species such as Labidura riparia (tawny earwig) and Nala lividipes. Many species display subsocial maternal care and predatory habits, with some serving as biological control agents of agricultural pests.
Lampria
Lampria is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Macquart in 1838. The genus contains at least 20 described species. Robber flies in this genus are aerial predators that capture other insects in flight. Members of this genus are found in the Americas, particularly in Neotropical regions.
Lampria bicolor
Lampria bicolor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It is found primarily in the eastern United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, with additional reports from South America. The species was first described by Wiedemann in 1828. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Laphria apila
Laphria apila is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Laphria, a group known for effective bumble bee mimicry. The species was described by Bromley in 1951. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight.
Larrina
larrine wasps
Larrina is a subtribe of digger wasps within the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini. These solitary wasps are characterized by reduced simple eyes (ocelli) that appear as scars rather than functional eyes. Members of this group nest in soil and provision their young with paralyzed insect prey. The subtribe includes genera such as Tachytes and the remarkable giant wasp Megalara garuda from Indonesia.
Lasiopogon aldrichii
Lasiopogon aldrichii is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Melander in 1923. It belongs to the genus Lasiopogon, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their bristly faces and ground-perching hunting behavior. The species is documented from western North America.
Lasiopogon oklahomensis
Lasiopogon oklahomensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Cole and Wilcox in 1938. The species is known from Oklahoma, as indicated by its specific epithet. Robber flies in the genus Lasiopogon are generally predatory insects that hunt other arthropods. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only three documented observations in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Lasiopogon quadrivittatus
Lasiopogon quadrivittatus is a species of robber fly described by Jones in 1907. It belongs to the family Asilidae, a group of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior. The species epithet 'quadrivittatus' refers to four longitudinal stripes or bands, likely describing a distinctive color pattern on the body. Information about this species remains limited, with only 26 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Lebia viridis
colorful foliage ground beetle
Lebia viridis is a predatory ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized for its small size and bright metallic coloration. Adults measure 5–7 mm in length and are diurnal, often found on flowers and vegetation. The species occurs across North America, extending south through Mexico and Guatemala, with populations also recorded on Cuba. It is sometimes attracted to lights at night.
Leptogaster lerneri
Leptogaster lerneri is a species of robber fly described by Curran in 1953. It belongs to the genus Leptogaster, a group of small, slender robber flies characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive predatory behavior. The species is part of the subfamily Leptogastrinae, which comprises some of the most gracile members of the Asilidae family.
Lestica producticollis
square-headed wasp
Lestica producticollis is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, native to North America. It belongs to the tribe Crabronini, a group of solitary hunting wasps. Members of the genus Lestica are similar in appearance to related genera such as Crabro, Ectemnius, and Anacrabro, and are distinguished by subtle morphological features of the abdomen. As with other Crabronini, these wasps are predatory and provision nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae.
Lestodiplosini
Lestodiplosini is a tribe of predatory gall midges within the family Cecidomyiidae. Members of this tribe are distinguished by their predatory lifestyle, feeding on other small arthropods rather than inducing plant galls. The tribe contains the genus Lestodiplosis and related taxa. These midges are part of the subfamily Cecidomyiinae, which includes both gall-forming and predatory lineages. Lestodiplosini species have been documented in multiple regions, with iNaturalist observations indicating a broad but patchy distribution.
Lethocerinae
giant water bugs
Lethocerinae is a subfamily of giant water bugs within Belostomatidae, comprising large aquatic predatory insects distributed across the Palearctic, Oriental, and Australian regions. The subfamily includes two genera: Lethocerus and Kirkaldyia. Members are characterized by their large size—among the largest in Hemiptera—and are distinguished from other belostomatid subfamilies by morphological and genetic differences. Species within this group face conservation concerns in parts of their range due to harvesting for human consumption.
Lethocerus medius
giant water bug
Lethocerus medius is a giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae, distinguished by its substantial size and unique parental care behavior. Males reach 49–58 mm, while females are larger at 62–63 mm. Unlike related species in the subfamily Belostomatinae that brood eggs on their backs, males of this species exhibit postzygotic parental care by guarding eggs deposited on objects above the water surface, moistening them, shading them, and protecting them from predators. This species occurs across a broad range from the southern United States through Mexico to Central America and throughout the Caribbean.
Lispe
Lispe is a large, cosmopolitan genus of predatory muscid flies comprising approximately 180 described species. Adults and larvae are both predatory, with adults hunting small insects and larvae inhabiting damp sand and mud around water bodies. The genus is notable for complex cursorial courtship displays involving visual and vibratory signals, though the biology of most species remains poorly documented. Lispe occurs in all zoogeographical regions except Antarctica.
Lonchaeidae
Lance Flies
Lonchaeidae, commonly known as lance flies, is a family of acalyptrate dipteran flies comprising approximately 611 described species across 10 genera. These small, robust flies are characterized by blue-black or metallic bodies and are predominantly associated with wooded habitats worldwide. The family exhibits diverse larval ecology, with most species being phytophagous on damaged plant tissues, though coprophagous, mycophagous, saprophagous, and predatory habits are also documented. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of figs, cassava, and conifer seeds, while others develop in bark beetle tunnels, decaying wood, or fungal fruiting bodies.
Lophoscutus
Lophoscutus is a genus of ambush bugs (subfamily Phymatinae) in the assassin bug family Reduviidae. Established by Kormilev in 1951, the genus contains over 60 described species. Members of this genus are predatory true bugs that employ ambush hunting strategies.
Lophoscutus uhleri
Lophoscutus uhleri is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Phymatinae. The species was described by Handlirsch in 1897. Phymatine reduviids are predatory true bugs characterized by their raptorial forelegs used to capture prey. Members of the genus Lophoscutus are known from North America.
Loricula
minute bladder bugs
Loricula is a genus of minute bladder bugs in the family Microphysidae (order Hemiptera). The genus contains more than 20 described species. These are small predatory true bugs found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. They inhabit leaf litter and mossy environments in forested areas.
Lyctocoridae
Lyctocorid Pirate Bugs
Lyctocoridae is a family of predatory true bugs in the infraorder Cimicomorpha, reconstituted from Anthocoridae based on phylogenetic evidence. Members range from 2–6 mm and exhibit distinctive asymmetrical male genitalia. The family includes the cosmopolitan species Lyctocoris campestris, known for occasional blood-feeding, and the Japanese endemic L. ichikawai, which uniquely feeds on oak sap. They occupy diverse microhabitats including tree bark, decaying matter, and stored food products.
Machimus novaescotiae
Nova Scotia Bladetail
Machimus novaescotiae is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Nova Scotia Bladetail. It is a predatory dipteran endemic to northeastern North America. The species was described by Macquart in 1847. Like other members of the genus Machimus, it is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Machimus paropus
Black-spined Bladetail
Machimus paropus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Black-spined Bladetail. It belongs to the large genus Machimus, which contains predatory flies distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1849. As a member of Asilidae, it exhibits the predatory habits characteristic of robber flies, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Macrocephalus
Macrocephalus is a genus of ambush bugs first described by Olivier in 1789. The genus name refers to the enlarged head characteristic of these insects. Species in this genus are predatory true bugs that capture prey by ambush. Taxonomic placement has varied, with the genus historically assigned to Reduviidae but currently recognized in Phymatidae.
Mantodea
mantises, mantids, praying mantises
Mantodea is an order of predatory insects comprising over 2,400 species in approximately 430 genera and 15 families, with Mantidae being the largest family. Members are characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for catching prey, triangular heads with large compound eyes on flexible necks, and elongated bodies. The order exhibits two primary foraging strategies: ambush predation (the ancestral condition) and cursorial pursuit of prey. Mantodea has undergone significant taxonomic revision, having been elevated from a suborder of Orthoptera to full order status, then subsequently grouped with cockroaches and termites within Dictyoptera based on molecular phylogenetic evidence.
Megaphorus clausicellus
Megaphorus clausicellus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) originally described by Macquart in 1850 under the name Mallophora clausicella. Robber flies in this genus are predatory and typically associated with open, dry habitats. The species has been documented in the western United States, with observations from Nevada and other Great Basin localities. Like other members of the genus Megaphorus, adults are presumed to be aerial predators of other insects.
Megisthanus
Megisthanus is a genus of predatory mites in the family Megisthanidae, established by Thorell in 1882. The genus contains at least four described species: Megisthanus floridanus, M. jacobsoni, M. orientalis, and M. postsetosus. Members are classified within the order Mesostigmata, a group of mites that includes many predatory forms.
Melyridae
Soft-winged Flower Beetles, Soft-wing Flower Beetles
Melyridae is a family of beetles in the superfamily Cleroidea, containing over 100 genera worldwide with approximately 520 species in 48 genera in North America. Members are commonly found on flowers, with most adults and larvae being predaceous. The family includes three recognized subfamilies: Dasytinae, Malachiinae, and Melyrinae. Some species, notably in the genus Choresine, have been found to contain potent batrachotoxins, potentially serving as a dietary source for toxic birds and poison-dart frogs.
Metaxydytes
Metaxydytes is a genus of predaceous diving beetles in the subfamily Cybistrinae, endemic to the Neotropics. The genus comprises nine species that were reclassified from the genus Megadytes based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence. These are large aquatic beetles adapted to freshwater habitats. The genus was established to accommodate species previously considered part of a broader Megadytes concept.
Metisotoma
Metisotoma is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Isotomidae. The genus includes at least four described species, with Metisotoma grandiceps recognized as the only veritable predator among springtails. Species occur primarily in Arctic, subarctic, and montane tundra habitats across the Holarctic region. The genus was established by Maynard in 1951.
Microvelia pulchella
smaller water strider
Microvelia pulchella is a semiaquatic predatory bug in the family Veliidae, distributed throughout the American continents from Canada to Argentina. It is the type species of the genus Microvelia and one of the most common species in the Neotropical Region. Laboratory studies demonstrate its potential as a biological control agent against disease-vector mosquitoes and agricultural pests in rice fields. The species serves as a model organism for behavioral and ecological research due to its convenient rearing characteristics and measurable traits.
Monotomidae
Minute Clubbed Beetles
Monotomidae is a family of small beetles in the superfamily Nitiduloidea, containing approximately 240 species in 33 genera. The family exhibits diverse ecological habits: members occur under tree bark, in decaying vegetation, on flowers, and in ant nests. Some species are mycophagous, feeding on ascomycete fungi, while others are predatory. The genus Rhizophagus includes species that prey on bark beetles and their immature stages.
Nabinae
damsel bugs
Nabinae is a subfamily of damsel bugs (Nabidae) within the true bugs (Hemiptera). Members are predatory insects characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The subfamily includes both extant species and fossil records from the Cretaceous, including specimens preserved in Burmese amber. Extant species are found across diverse terrestrial habitats.