Paranthaclisis hageni

(Banks, 1899)

Hagen's antlion

Paranthaclisis hageni is a of antlion (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) originally described by Banks in 1899 as Acanthaclisis hageni. The species is native to North and Middle America, with documented presence in both regions. As a member of the antlion , it shares the characteristic of having predatory larvae that construct pit traps in sandy substrates to capture prey, and aerial that are typically and weak fliers.

Paranthaclisis hageni by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paranthaclisis hageni: /ˌpærænˈθæklɪsɪs ˈhædʒənaɪ/

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Distribution

North America and Middle America. The has confirmed presence records from both regions according to GBIF distribution data.

Life Cycle

Like other antlions, Paranthaclisis hageni has a complete consisting of , larva, pupa, and stages. The larvae are ground-dwelling that construct conical pit traps in loose, dry soil or sand. The pupal stage occurs within a silken cocoon.

Behavior

Larvae are sit-and-wait that construct pitfall traps in sandy substrates to capture small arthropods. are typically and are weak, fluttering fliers.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as of small soil-dwelling arthropods, potentially including ants and other small insects that fall into their pit traps. may serve as prey for larger predators including birds, bats, and other insects.

Human Relevance

Antlions are generally considered beneficial insects due to their predatory larvae, which may help control of small pest insects such as ants. They have no known negative economic impact.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Paranthaclisis speciesCongeneric share similar and traits; identification to species level requires examination of genitalia and wing venation details.
  • Other Myrmeleontidae generaAntlions in related share the characteristic pit-trap building of larvae and similar body plans; distinguished by details of wing venation, body size, and genitalic structure.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Acanthaclisis hageni by Banks in 1899, this was later transferred to the Paranthaclisis. The basionym Acanthaclisis hageni remains in use as a synonym.

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