Lomamyia
Banks, 1904
Nearctic Beaded Lacewings
Species Guides
5Lomamyia is a of beaded lacewings ( Berothidae) containing approximately 11 described , all native to the Nearctic region. Larvae are specialized of , incapacitating prey with a chemical spray emitted from the —a unique defensive and predatory mechanism among Neuroptera. The genus is notable for having the first published complete record for the family Berothidae, based on detailed study of Lomamyia latipennis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lomamyia: //loʊˈmæmiˌaɪə//
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Identification
Beaded lacewings in this can be distinguished from other neuropteran by their bead-like segments (giving the family its ). Within Berothidae, -level identification of Lomamyia requires examination of wing venation and genitalia; are small to medium-sized lacewings with relatively broad wings. Larvae possess in the first and third instars, with the second instar being a distinctive non-feeding stage that hangs motionless in a C-shaped posture.
Habitat
Observations indicate association with prairie and grassland near wetlands, including cottonwood groves and riparian areas. The presence of colonies, particularly those of the Zootermopsis, appears to be a critical habitat requirement for larval development.
Distribution
Nearctic region; distributed across North America including the western United States (Colorado, California, Texas) and Canada. One species, Lomamyia trombetensis, described from Brazil, represents a disjunct Neotropical occurrence.
Seasonality
have been observed at light traps in July, suggesting summer activity in temperate regions. Specific varies by and latitude.
Diet
Larvae are obligate of . First and third instars feed on live termites using ; in laboratory conditions, Lomamyia latipennis larvae successfully preyed upon Zootermopsis angusticollis. The second instar does not feed. diet is unknown.
Host Associations
- Zootermopsis angusticollis - preyLaboratory prey for Lomamyia latipennis larvae; may not represent optimal or natural prey in all cases
Life Cycle
laid in stalked clusters with fewer stalks than eggs. Incubation approximately 7 days at 75±3°F. Three larval instars: first instar duration 12.5 days, highly mobile with ; second instar 3 days, non-feeding, hangs motionless by abdominal tip in C-shape, snaps straight when disturbed; third instar 20.8 days, mobile, resumes feeding. in oval transparent cocoon; emerged after 20 days in one observed case. High mortality observed in laboratory rearing, possibly due to suboptimal prey or physical conditions.
Behavior
Larvae exhibit highly specialized predatory : incapacitate prey with chemical spray emitted from the , then feed on immobilized victims. First and third instars are actively mobile hunters. Second instar is quiescent, hanging suspended and responding to disturbance with a rapid snapping motion from C-shape to straight and back. are attracted to light.
Ecological Role
of ; of subterranean termite colonies. Chemical defense/ production represents a unique biochemical within Neuroptera.
Human Relevance
Potential agent for pests, though no documented applications. occasionally encountered by entomologists at light traps.
Similar Taxa
- Berothidae (other genera)Other share bead-like but differ in wing venation, genitalia, and larval ; no other berothid genus has documented chemical spray mechanism
- Hemerobiidae (brown lacewings)Similar size and general appearance but have (thread-like) rather than bead-like , and different wing venation; larvae lack chemical spray defense and are rather than
- Mantispidae (mantidflies)Occasionally mistaken due to forelegs in some life stages, but have very different body plan and predatory strategy; have distinctively different wing shape and venation