Which insect is NOT considered a predator?

The cotton aphid is not considered a predator because it primarily feeds on the sap of plants, particularly cotton and other crops. This feeding behavior categorizes it as a herbivore rather than a predator, which are organisms that prey on other insects or animals. In contrast, wasps, lacewings, and true bugs exhibit predatory behaviors; they actively hunt, kill, and consume other insects. For example, wasps often feed on other insects to support their young, lacewings are known for their voracious appetite for aphids and other pest insects, and true bugs, like assassin bugs, are skilled predators that capture and feed on a variety of other insects. Understanding these feeding roles is crucial in integrated pest management, as it helps in identifying beneficial vs. pest species.