Technical Abstract: Many kinds of insect natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) inhabit crop fields in Arizona and can have a large negative impact on several pest insect species that also infest these crops. One of the more common predatory beetles found in cotton, alfalfa and other crops is the Collops beetle. They belong to a group called soft-winged flower beetles and as their name implies they are not hard and shell-like as is typical of most beetles. They feed on a wide range of prey, including whiteflies, plant bugs and small caterpillars. This season, they are particularly abundant in cotton fields throughout the state and are no doubt exerting important control on a number of pest species. This extension circular summarizes some of the biology and ecology of these beetles and emphasizes the benefits they can provide in pest control. Producers are encouraged to use selective insecticides for controlling pests if insecticides are required. This will conserve important predators like the Collops beetles and many other beneficial species.