Predatory
Guides
Nabini
Damsel bugs
Nabini is a tribe of damsel bugs in the family Nabidae, comprising predatory true bugs found across diverse terrestrial habitats. Members are characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey, a slender body form, and a prominent curved rostrum. The tribe includes genera such as Nabis, the most speciose genus in the family. Nabini species are active hunters that contribute to biological control of pest insects in agricultural and natural systems.
Neivamyrmex opacithorax
army ant
Neivamyrmex opacithorax is a species of army ant in the family Formicidae. It is one of two army ant species documented in Missouri, where it has been observed in dolomite glades. The species is strictly nocturnal during summer months but has been observed on the surface during cool, overcast fall days. Like other legionary ants, it exhibits nomadic behavior and raids nests of other ant species.
Neobarrettia
arid-land katydid, spiny predatory katydid
Neobarrettia is a genus of nine North American predatory katydids distinguished by prominent spines and powerful mandibles adapted for carnivory. These insects inhabit arid and semi-arid regions from the southwestern United States through Mexico. They are known for aggressive threat displays and the ability to inflict painful bites when handled.
Neobarrettia spinosa
Greater Arid-land Katydid, Red-eyed Katydid, Red-eyed Devil, Giant Texas Katydid, Spiny Bush Katydid
Neobarrettia spinosa is a large, predatory katydid native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Unlike most katydids, it is an obligate carnivore, actively hunting and consuming prey including other insects, small vertebrates, and even endangered songbirds. The species is notable for its striking threat display, during which it rears back, spreads its wings, and exposes its bright coloration while presenting formidable mandibles and spiny forelegs. It is one of only two Neobarrettia species extending into the United States from a genus otherwise restricted to northern Mexico.
Neoitamus orphne
Dark Bentbristle
Neoitamus orphne is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Dark Bentbristle. It belongs to a genus of predatory flies characterized by their robust build and predatory behavior. The species has been documented in North America, particularly in the northeastern United States.
Neoponera
Neoponera Panther Ants
Neoponera is a genus of ponerine ants restricted to the Neotropics, ranging from southern Texas to southern Brazil. Workers are slender and medium to large in size (6.5–19 mm), while queens are larger and winged. The genus exhibits diverse nesting behaviors, including ground nests in soil and decaying wood, as well as arboreal ant gardens. Some species, such as those in the N. laevigata species-group, are specialized termite predators.
Neoponera villosa
hairy panther ant, greater Texas bullet ant, giant hunting ant
Neoponera villosa is a large predatory ant in the subfamily Ponerinae, commonly known as the hairy panther ant or greater Texas bullet ant. It inhabits Neotropical regions where it nests in both arboreal and ground-dwelling situations. The species possesses a complex venom containing over 500 peptides with documented antimicrobial, cytolytic, and insecticidal properties. Venom composition exhibits substantial plasticity, varying significantly with season and nesting habitat.
Neoporus lobatus
Neoporus lobatus is a species of diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Sharp in 1882. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae, a diverse group of small predatory aquatic beetles. The genus Neoporus comprises small dytiscids found primarily in North America. Like other members of its family, this species is aquatic and occupies freshwater habitats.
Neoscapteriscus borellii
Southern Mole Cricket
Neoscapteriscus borellii, commonly known as the southern mole cricket, is a fossorial orthopteran native to South America that has become an established invasive pest in the southeastern United States since its introduction around 1900. Unlike its herbivorous relatives, this species is primarily predatory, feeding on insects and earthworms. Its extensive tunneling in sandy soils damages lawns, pastures, golf courses, and cultivated plants by loosening soil, uprooting vegetation, and promoting desiccation.
Nepa
water scorpion
Nepa is a genus of aquatic true bugs in the family Nepidae, commonly known as water scorpions. These insects inhabit freshwater environments and are characterized by their elongated bodies, raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey, and a long respiratory siphon extending from the abdomen. The genus belongs to the subfamily Nepinae and is distinguished from related genera primarily by morphological features of the pronotum and respiratory siphon structure.
Nepidae
waterscorpions, water scorpions, water stick insects, needle bugs
Nepidae is a family of exclusively aquatic predatory true bugs containing approximately 250 species in 14 genera. Members are commonly called waterscorpions due to their superficial resemblance to scorpions, possessing raptorial forelegs and a long caudal respiratory siphon. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Nepinae (broad, flat-bodied 'water scorpions') and Ranatrinae (slender 'water stick insects'). They occur on all continents except Antarctica, inhabiting stagnant or slow-moving freshwater habitats.
Nepomorpha
true water bugs, water bugs
Nepomorpha is an infraorder of aquatic true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising approximately 2,000 species worldwide. Members are characterized by reduced, weakly muscled antennae typically concealed against the head, and absent or vestigial ocelli. Most species inhabit freshwater environments, with the exception of the superfamily Ochteroidea, which occupies riparian zones along water margins. The group includes diverse forms such as giant water bugs, water scorpions, water boatmen, and backswimmers.
Neureclipsis
tube maker caddisflies
Neureclipsis is a genus of net-spinning caddisflies in the family Polycentropodidae, containing at least eight described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and Australia. Larvae construct elaborate silken catchnets to capture drifting invertebrate prey in lotic freshwater habitats. The genus includes the well-studied species N. bimaculata, whose life history and feeding ecology have been investigated in North American and European populations.
Nevadasilus blantoni
Nevadasilus blantoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) in the genus Nevadasilus. It is a predatory dipteran endemic to the western United States, specifically associated with Nevada and surrounding arid regions. The species is named in honor of entomologist John Blanton. As with other Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects, though detailed studies of its biology remain limited.
Nicocles utahensis
Nicocles utahensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1920. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae, a group of small to medium-sized robber flies. The species epithet "utahensis" indicates its association with the state of Utah. Like other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that hunts other insects in flight.
Notonecta kirbyi
Kirby's Backswimmer
Notonecta kirbyi, commonly known as Kirby's backswimmer, is a species of aquatic true bug in the family Notonectidae. Like other backswimmers, it swims inverted on the water surface using its long, oar-like hind legs. The species is found in North America and shares the general habits of the genus Notonecta, including predatory feeding on small aquatic organisms and the ability to fly between water bodies.
Notonecta petrunkevitchi
Notonecta petrunkevitchi is a species of backswimmer in the family Notonectidae, described by Hutchinson in 1945. As a member of the genus Notonecta, it shares the characteristic habit of swimming upside down in aquatic environments. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its ecology and distribution within this range remain poorly documented. Like other backswimmers, it is presumably predatory and possesses hydrophobic hairs for underwater respiration.
Nyctiophylax
Nyctiophylax is a genus of caddisflies in the family Polycentropodidae, established by Brauer in 1865. Species in this genus are small, predatory caddisflies whose larvae construct silken retreats in freshwater habitats. The genus has been documented from Colombia, though its actual distribution likely extends more broadly across the Neotropics. Adults are generally small with reduced wing venation characteristic of the family.
Ochteridae
Velvety Shore Bugs
Ochteridae is a small family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Nepomorpha) comprising approximately 80–90 described species in eight genera. Commonly known as velvety shore bugs, they are semi-aquatic insects inhabiting the margins of freshwater bodies worldwide, with highest diversity in tropical regions. The family is characterized by a velvety body texture, small size (4.5–9 mm), and distinctive antennal and leg sensilla adapted to riparian habitats. Recent taxonomic revisions have significantly expanded the known species diversity, particularly in Australia, Mesoamerica, and the Andes.
Ochthera
Mantid Shoreflies
Ochthera is a genus of predatory shore flies (Ephydridae) distinguished by raptorial forelegs modified for seizing prey. Adults and larvae are exclusively predatory, feeding on midge and mosquito larvae. The genus has a global distribution with approximately 37-55 species, including 13 species in North America. Some species have documented significance as predators of disease vectors, including African malaria vectors.
Ochthera anatolikos
Ochthera anatolikos is a small predatory shore fly in the family Ephydridae. Adults and larvae are both predatory, with raptorial forelegs adapted for seizing prey. The species occurs in shallow aquatic habitats across North America, where it feeds on small insects and their larvae. It was described by Clausen in 1977.
Ochthera lauta
Ochthera lauta is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species belongs to a genus known for predatory behavior on small insects near aquatic habitats. It has been documented in the United States, West Indies, and Central America.
Ochthera mantis
mantis fly, mantis shore fly
Ochthera mantis is a predatory shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Charles De Geer in 1776. The species is notable for its raptorial forelegs, which are modified for seizing prey and resemble those of praying mantises—hence its common name. Both adults and larvae are predatory, with adults hunting small insects along shorelines and larvae feeding aquatically on midge and mosquito larvae. It is a Holarctic species with a limited distribution in Europe.
Odontomachus
trap-jaw ants
Odontomachus is a genus of ants commonly known as trap-jaw ants, characterized by their extraordinary spring-loaded mandibles that can snap shut at speeds among the fastest recorded for animal movements. The genus contains approximately 84 valid species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. These ants are active predators that use their powerful jaws for hunting, defense, and in some species, locomotion via jumping. Several species have been introduced to new regions, including the southeastern United States, where they are expanding their ranges.
Ommatius
Plumetops
Ommatius is a large and morphologically diverse genus of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) within the subfamily Asilinae. The genus contains numerous species distributed across multiple biogeographic regions, with particularly well-documented diversity in the Afrotropical region and the Americas. Species are organized into multiple species groups based on morphological characteristics. Like other Asilidae, members of this genus are predatory as both larvae and adults. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to its high species diversity and complex morphological variation.
Ommatius gemma
Ommatius gemma is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Brimley in 1928. As a member of the genus Ommatius, it belongs to one of the most diverse genera within the Asilidae. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects known for their venomous hunting strategy and distinctive facial morphology. The species is part of a family containing over 7,500 described species worldwide, with many species remaining poorly studied.
Omninablautus
Omninablautus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Pritchard in 1935. The genus contains three described species: O. arenosus, O. nigronotum, and O. tolandi. Robber flies in this family are predatory insects known for their agile flight and ability to capture other insects in mid-air.
Oncaea
Oncaea is a genus of small marine copepods in the family Oncaeidae, order Poecilostomatoida. The genus includes bioluminescent species that exhibit internal (non-secreted) bioluminescence, a distinctive trait among copepods. Members occur in marine environments from tropical to polar regions, including the Arctic Ocean, Antarctic waters, and the Mediterranean Sea. Some species have been documented feeding on chaetognaths and other crustaceans, though feeding mechanisms appear complex and variable.
Oncocephalus
Oncocephalus is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae. The genus contains at least 210 described species, making it one of the more species-rich genera within the family. Species in this genus are predatory true bugs found across multiple continents.
Oncocephalus geniculatus
Oncocephalus geniculatus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Stål in 1872. It belongs to the subfamily Stenopodainae, a group characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species has been documented across Central America and North America. It is among the more frequently observed Oncocephalus species, with over 600 citizen science records.
Onychopoda
Onychopoda is a specialized order of predatory branchiopod crustaceans within the superorder Cladocera, distinguished by having only four pairs of legs (compared to five or six in related orders) and segmented raptorial appendages used for grasping prey. The order comprises three families (Cercopagididae, Podonidae, Polyphemidae), ten genera, and approximately 33 described species. Most species are endemic to the Ponto-Caspian basin, though some occur in freshwater and marine habitats worldwide. Onychopoda exhibits one of the most distinctive morphological and ecological radiations among cladocerans, having evolved predation as a novel feeding strategy and colonized habitats across a broad salinity range.
Orchelimum pulchellum
Handsome meadow katydid
Orchelimum pulchellum, the handsome meadow katydid, is a medium-sized katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is distinguished from closely related species by specific morphological features of the pronotum, cerci, and hind femora. The species is found in moist forests and wetlands across the eastern United States, where it feeds on pollen, foliage, and opportunistically on other insects. It is active from mid-summer through mid-autumn in the northern parts of its range.
Orfelia fultoni
Foxfire Fly, dismalites
Orfelia fultoni is the only bioluminescent fly species known from North America. The larvae, commonly called 'dismalites' or 'glowworms,' produce the bluest light (~460 nm) of any studied bioluminescent insect. Larvae are carnivorous predators that construct sticky webs along stream banks and in caves, using paired bioluminescent lanterns to lure flying prey. Adults are non-feeding and short-lived. The species was discovered in 1940 near Glenville, North Carolina by B.B. Fulton and described by Elizabeth Gault Fisher.
Oriini
minute pirate bugs
Oriini is a tribe of minute pirate bugs within the family Anthocoridae, comprising approximately 6 genera and more than 60 described species. Members are small predatory true bugs distributed across multiple continents. The tribe includes economically important genera such as Orius, which are widely used in biological pest control.
Orothrips
Orothrips is a genus of predatory thrips in the family Aeolothripidae, established by Moulton in 1907. Members of this genus are small, slender insects with fringed wings characteristic of the order Thysanoptera. As aeolothripids, they are presumed to be predatory, though species-specific biology remains poorly documented. The genus is part of a family known for biological control potential against pest mites and small insects.
Pachycondyla
Panther Ants
Pachycondyla is a genus of ponerine ants found in the Neotropics. Following a major taxonomic revision by Schmidt & Shattuck (2014), the genus was drastically reduced from hundreds of species to eleven extant species, with many former members moved to revived genera. The genus now contains primarily Neotropical species distributed from the southern United States to northern Argentina. Some species, such as P. chinensis (Asian needle ant), have become invasive beyond their native ranges. The genus includes both ground-nesting and arboreal species, with some forming mutualistic relationships with plants.
Pacificanthia consors (LeConte, 1851)
brown leatherwing beetle
Pacificanthia consors, commonly known as the brown leatherwing beetle, is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) native to western North America. Adults are active in spring, particularly April and May, and are associated with plant litter habitats. The species exhibits predatory habits in both adult and larval stages.
Paederus
Whiplash Beetles
Paederus is a large genus of rove beetles comprising over 600 species. Members are distinguished from most other rove beetles by bright aposematic coloration, diurnal activity, and attraction to lights. Several species contain pederin, a potent vesicant toxin produced by endosymbiotic bacteria, which causes paederus dermatitis when beetle hemolymph contacts human skin. Both larvae and adults are predatory on other insects.
Parasitidae
predatory mites, bee mites, beetle mites
Parasitidae is a family of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, representing the sole family in the superfamily Parasitoidea. These mites are relatively large for their group, often appearing yellowish to dark brown in color. The family has worldwide distribution and contains approximately 400 species across 29 genera organized into two subfamilies: Pergamasinae (soil-dwelling, non-phoretic) and Parasitinae (nest-dwelling, phoretic deutonymphs). Members prey on diverse microarthropods and nematodes, with individual species typically exhibiting narrower prey ranges than the family as a whole.
Parasitina
Parasitina is a suborder of predatory mites within the order Mesostigmata, characterized by relatively large body size for mites and typically yellowish to dark brown coloration. Members are free-living predators that actively hunt microarthropods and nematodes in soil and litter habitats. The suborder includes the family Parasitidae, which contains approximately 400 species across 29 genera in two subfamilies. Spermatogenesis involves complex cytoskeletal reorganization with distinct roles for F-actin and tubulin in nuclear shaping, acrosome formation, and flagellar development.
Parasitoidea
Parasitoidea is a superfamily of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata, containing the single family Parasitidae. These relatively large mites are found worldwide in soil, humus, and forest floor litter. They prey on microarthropods and nematodes, with individual species typically specializing on a narrower range of prey. The group contains approximately 400 species across 29 genera and two subfamilies.
Parasyrphus relictus
Parasyrphus relictus is a hoverfly species (Diptera: Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. The genus Parasyrphus comprises predatory hoverflies whose larvae feed on aphids. This species has been recorded in northern Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. As with other members of its genus, it likely occupies temperate woodland and wetland habitats where aphid prey are abundant.
Parasyrphus tarsatus
Holarctic Bristleside
Parasyrphus tarsatus is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) first described by Zetterstedt in 1838. It is native to Europe, with confirmed records from Norway and Sweden. The species is part of the diverse genus Parasyrphus, which comprises predatory syrphid flies whose larvae feed on aphids. Adults are likely active during the warmer months, though specific phenological details remain poorly documented.
Peiratinae
corsairs, corsair bugs
Peiratinae is a subfamily of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) commonly known as corsairs. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution with greatest diversity in tropical regions. Approximately 30 genera and 350 species are described, though estimates vary. Members of this subfamily are predatory true bugs. The genus Sirthenea is notable for its cosmopolitan distribution across all continents.
Pergamasinae
Pergamasinae is a subfamily of predatory mites within the family Parasitidae, order Mesostigmata. Members are relatively large for mites and occupy soil and decomposing organic matter habitats. The subfamily includes genera such as Pergamasus and Holoparasitus, with distribution centered in Europe within the broader Holarctic region.
Pericalina
Pericalina is a subtribe of ground beetles (Carabidae: Lebiinae: Lebiini) comprising arboreal species distributed across tropical and subtropical forests of the New World and Asia. The subtribe includes several complexes distinguished by morphological characters of the mouthparts, pronotum, and ovipositor. New World eucheiloid members are characterized by securiform labial palpomere 3, serrate-setose pronotal margins, and flattened stylomere 2 of the ovipositor. Asian members such as Pericalus exhibit flattened body forms adapted for life under bark. The group has undergone significant diversification in tropical South America with subsequent northward dispersal into Central America and independent radiations in Asia.
Philonthus caeruleipennis
Blue-winged Rove Beetle
A medium-sized rove beetle with striking metallic blue-green elytra contrasting against a black body. It is predatory, hunting other insects in fungal and decaying organic matter habitats. The species occurs across northern North America and parts of Eurasia.
Philonthus discoideus
Disk-shaped Rove Beetle
Philonthus discoideus is a predatory rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, widespread across multiple continents including native Palearctic distribution and introduced ranges in the Americas, Australasia, and Pacific islands. The species has been observed in carrion-associated habitats and exhibits typical staphylinid morphology with shortened elytra exposing most of the abdomen. Its broad distribution suggests ecological adaptability, though specific behavioral and life history details remain poorly documented in published sources.
Phosphuga atrata
Black snail beetle
Phosphuga atrata is a European carrion beetle in the family Silphidae, commonly known as the black snail beetle. Adults are notable predators of live snails, using an elongated neck to reach into shells and spray digestive fluid to subdue prey. The species also feeds on insects, earthworms, and carrion. Larvae are similarly predatory on snails and pupate in soil. Coloration changes with age: young beetles are brownish, while mature adults become black.
Phylinae
phyline plant bugs
Phylinae is a large subfamily of plant bugs (Miridae) comprising approximately 400 genera and over 2000 species worldwide. The subfamily underwent significant taxonomic revision in 2013, reorganizing tribal classifications and establishing nine currently recognized tribes. Members exhibit diverse host plant associations, with many species specialized on particular plant families. The subfamily includes economically significant species, some of which are predators while others are phytophagous.