Visual-hunter
Guides
Cicindela tranquebarica inyo
Inyo Tiger Beetle, Oblique-lined Tiger Beetle (Inyo subspecies)
Cicindela tranquebarica inyo is a subspecies of tiger beetle in the family Carabidae (subfamily Cicindelinae). It belongs to the widespread Oblique-lined Tiger Beetle species complex, which occurs across North America in sandy and open habitats. This subspecies was described by Fall in 1917 and is associated with the Inyo region of eastern California. Tiger beetles in this group are fast-running, visually oriented predators that hunt small invertebrates. The subspecies status indicates geographic differentiation within the broader C. tranquebarica distribution, though like many tiger beetle subspecies, its taxonomic validity may require further study.
Cicindelini
tiger beetles, flashy tiger beetles
Cicindelini is a tribe of tiger beetles comprising approximately 80% of the family's genera and species diversity. The tribe contains over 90 genera and more than 2,000 described species, making it one of the most species-rich groups within the ground beetle assemblage. Members are characterized by their diurnal activity patterns, rapid running speed, and distinctive predatory behaviors. The tribe exhibits broad geographic distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, though species occur across all continents except Antarctica.
Erythemis collocata
Western pondhawk
Erythemis collocata, the western pondhawk, is a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae native to western North America. Adults are predatory, specializing in capturing flying insects. The species has been documented feeding on the western malaria mosquito (Anopheles freeborni), particularly at dusk when these mosquitoes form mating swarms. It employs both active pursuit and sit-and-wait hunting strategies.
Habronattus festus
jumping spider
Habronattus festus is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It is found in the western United States. Like other members of the genus Habronattus, it is a small, ground-dwelling spider with acute vision used for hunting and courtship. The genus is known for elaborate multimodal courtship displays involving both visual signals and vibratory drumming.
Habronattus kawini
Habronattus kawini is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It was originally described as Pellenes kawini by Griswold in 1979 and later transferred to the genus Habronattus. The species is part of a large genus of small, ground-dwelling jumping spiders known for elaborate courtship displays. Like other Habronattus species, it is presumed to be a visual hunter with acute eyesight characteristic of salticids.
Naphrys bufoides
Naphrys bufoides is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It belongs to the genus Naphrys, which is part of the diverse jumping spider assemblage. The species was described by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1944. Like other salticids, it is a visual hunter that does not construct webs to capture prey.
Oxyopes
Grass Lynx Spiders, Lynx Spiders
Oxyopes is a large, globally distributed genus of lynx spiders comprising approximately 279-300 species. Members are characterized by distinctive hexagonal eye arrangements and long, spine-like leg setae. They are active visual hunters that do not construct capture webs, instead employing ambush and stalking strategies to prey on insects. Several species have been documented as significant biological control agents in agricultural systems, particularly in cotton and tea plantations.
Phidippus ardens
Desert Red Jumping Spider
Phidippus ardens is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It is found in the western United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Phidippus, it possesses enlarged anterior median eyes characteristic of salticids and is an active visual predator.
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.