Scotoleon carrizonus
(Hagen, 1888)
Scotoleon carrizonus is a of in the . The Scotoleon is found in North America and Central America. males of Scotoleon species frequently have a much longer tipped with bracket-like . The of Scotoleon species do not construct the trademark pit traps associated with the genus Myrmeleon; instead, they bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scotoleon carrizonus: //ˌskoʊtiˈoʊliːən kəˈrɪzoʊnəs//
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Identification
can be distinguished from by their short, thick, clubbed . Males are identifiable by their longer with bracket-like at the tip. Scotoleon are distinguished from Myrmeleon by larval : Scotoleon do not dig pit traps, instead burying themselves just below the soil surface. Adults are cryptic and align themselves flat against grass stems or twigs to become essentially invisible.
Images
Habitat
inhabit dry, sandy or powdery soil conditions. are most often seen among tall grasses, especially at dusk.
Distribution
Recorded from North America and Central America (Middle America).
Diet
are predatory, feeding on and other small that come within reach of their . is captured with hollow that inject paralyzing ; the larva then imbibes liquified tissues through .
Life Cycle
with , , , and stages. Larvae pupate underground in a silken incorporating sand grains. Adults emerge from the pupal stage.
Behavior
are sit-and-wait that bury themselves just below the soil surface with agape. They sense vibrations and may throw sand to hasten prey capture. clumsily and are highly cryptic, aligning themselves flat against substrates to break up their outline and become nearly invisible. Adults are frequently attracted to lights at night.
Ecological Role
function as of small soil-dwelling , particularly . may serve as for other predators such as .
Human Relevance
can be maintained in captivity in containers of fine sand with periodic feeding of and other small . are occasionally encountered at porch lights. The group is of general entomological interest due to the distinctive predatory of larvae.
Similar Taxa
- MyrmeleonMyrmeleon dig trademark conical pit traps in sandy soil, whereas Scotoleon larvae do not dig pits and instead bury themselves just below the surface.
- Damselflies (Zygoptera) superficially resemble in body form and appearance, but are distinguished by short, thick, clubbed versus the long, thread-like antennae of damselflies.
- GlenurusGlenurus are spectacular with distinctive black, , and pink wingtips, unlike the more cryptic coloration of Scotoleon.
- VellaVella are true giants with wingspans of 100-120 mm or more, much larger than Scotoleon species.
More Details
Larval behavior distinction
Unlike the well-known '' pit-digging of Myrmeleon , Scotoleon larvae represent the more common strategy of simply burying themselves in soil without constructing a trap.
Male morphology
The Scotoleon is noted for males having especially elongated with prominent bracket-like , more pronounced than in many other genera.