predatory insect crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "predatory insect crossword clue," designed to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. We provide answers of various lengths, along with explanations to broaden your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "predatory insect crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WASP: A stinging insect, some species of which are predatory, hunting other insects or spiders.
6 Letters
MANTIS: A carnivorous insect known for its distinctive front legs folded in a 'praying' position, used to capture prey.
HORNET: A large, predatory social wasp known for its painful sting and its diet of other insects.
9 Letters
DRAGONFLY: A fast-flying insect with large eyes and two pairs of strong, transparent wings, highly predatory on other flying insects.
More About "predatory insect crossword clue"
Predatory insects play a crucial role in ecosystems, helping to control populations of other insects, many of which are considered pests. When encountered in crosswords, clues like "predatory insect" often point to common and well-known species such as mantises, dragonflies, or various types of wasps and beetles. Their distinctive hunting methods or appearances often make them memorable and, therefore, good candidates for crossword answers.
For puzzle setters, "predatory insect" is a versatile clue that can lead to answers of different lengths. It encourages solvers to think about insects that actively hunt, distinguishing them from those that are herbivorous or parasitic. Understanding the specific characteristics that define a predatory insect—like specialized mouthparts, keen eyesight, or rapid flight—can often provide the extra hint needed to crack the clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your primary filter. For "predatory insect crossword clue," knowing if it's a short 4-letter word or a longer 9-letter one immediately narrows down possibilities.
- Consider Common Species: Crosswords often feature common and iconic examples of categories. For insects, think about well-known predators like mantises (Praying Mantis), dragonflies, or even certain types of beetles and wasps.
- Look for Synonyms or Attributes: Sometimes the clue hints at an attribute. "Predatory" implies hunting, so think of insects known for that specific behavior. If the clue was "stinging insect," wasps or bees would be more likely.
- Use Cross-References: Don't forget to use intersecting answers as hints. If you have a few letters from other clues, they can often unlock the "predatory insect" answer by filling in the blanks.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an insect 'predatory' in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, a 'predatory insect' clue typically refers to an insect that actively hunts and consumes other living organisms for food, such as a Praying Mantis, Dragonfly, or certain types of Wasps. The clue focuses on their feeding behavior rather than just their classification.
Are there common crossword patterns for insect clues?
Yes, insect clues often appear with descriptors like 'flying', 'stinging', 'social', 'larval', or 'beneficial/pest'. Predatory insects specifically might be clued by their hunting method ('ambush predator', 'aerial hunter') or their common prey. Familiarity with common insect names across different lengths is key.
How do I handle multi-word insect clues like 'praying mantis'?
Multi-word answers are indicated by the puzzle's grid structure (e.g., spaces or hyphens) or the letter count provided for the clue. For 'praying mantis', if the clue has a specific letter count like 7,6 (for PRAYING MANTIS), you'd look for those two words. Always check the number of spaces or hyphens in the clue's answer slot.