Brachynemurus ramburi

Adults can be distinguished from damselflies (order Odonata) by their short, clubbed antennae and different wing venation. Within Myrmeleontidae, Brachynemurus species can be recognized by their overall body form and male genitalic structures. The genus is distinguished from Myrmeleon by larval behavior (pit construction absent in Brachynemurus) and adult morphology. Specific identification of B. ramburi requires examination of detailed morphological characters including wing venation and genitalia.

Larvae occur in fine, powdery soils or sandy substrates where they can bury themselves beneath the surface. Suitable microhabitats include dry areas at the base of trees, beneath rock overhangs, under bridges, in dirt floors of old barns and sheds, and other situations that remain perpetually dry. Adults are found among tall grasses and vegetation, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Recorded from North America. The genus Brachynemurus occurs in the southern United States, with species distributed across southwestern and south-central regions. Specific distribution records for B. ramburi are sparse in the provided sources, but the genus is known from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and surrounding areas.

Adults are most commonly observed from late spring through summer. The species has been recorded at mercury-vapor lights in May in juniper chaparral habitat in Val Verde County, Texas. Adult flight activity peaks during warm evenings, particularly around dusk.

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae are sit-and-wait predators that bury themselves in soil with jaws exposed. Pupation occurs underground in a silken cocoon incorporating sand grains. Adults are short-lived and do not feed, or feed only on nectar. The larval stage may persist for one or more years depending on environmental conditions and food availability.

Larvae are ambush predators that rely on substrate vibration to detect approaching prey. When prey contacts the larva's jaws, the larva injects paralyzing enzymes and digests the prey extra-orally before consuming the liquified tissues. Adults are weak, clumsy fliers that are primarily nocturnal. When at rest, adults align themselves with grass stems or twigs and flatten against the substrate, rendering them nearly invisible due to their cryptic wing patterns.

Larvae function as predators of small terrestrial arthropods, particularly ants and other ground-dwelling insects. Adults may serve as prey for larger insects, spiders, and other predators. The family Myrmeleontidae contributes to arthropod diversity in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.

Antlions are familiar to many people through the common name "doodlebugs" and the pit traps of Myrmeleon species. Brachynemurus larvae, while not pit-diggers, can be maintained in captivity with appropriate sandy substrate and periodic feeding with small insects. Adults are occasionally encountered at porch lights and provide opportunities for natural history observation. The genus is of interest to entomologists studying neuropteran diversity and antlion systematics.

• MyrmeleonLarvae of Myrmeleon construct characteristic funnel-shaped pit traps in sandy soil, while Brachynemurus larvae bury themselves without constructing pits. Adults of both genera share the general antlion body plan but differ in details of wing venation, body proportions, and genitalia.
• ScotoleonAnother antlion genus with similar adult morphology; males of Scotoleon have notably elongated abdomens with prominent claspers. Larval behavior and habitat preferences overlap, requiring careful examination for identification.
• VellaVella includes the largest North American antlions (wingspan 100-120+ mm), much larger than Brachynemurus species. Vella adults are also frequently attracted to lights and occur in similar geographic regions.

• antlion
• Myrmeleontidae
• Neuroptera
• predator
• nocturnal
• southwestern US

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: "Doodlebugs" (Antlions)
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