Scotoleon nigrescens
(Stange, 1970)
Scotoleon nigrescens is a of antlion in the Myrmeleontidae, order Neuroptera. It was described by Stange in 1970. Antlions in the Scotoleon are found in North America, and are characterized by their delicate, lacy wings and cryptic coloration that allows them to blend seamlessly against vegetation. The larvae are predatory, living in soil or sand and feeding on small insects.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scotoleon nigrescens: /ˌskoʊtəˈliːɒn nɪˈɡrɛsənz/
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Identification
can be distinguished from by their short, clubbed (damselflies have long, thread-like antennae). Males of Scotoleon are recognizable by their elongated with bracket-like claspers. The Scotoleon is distinguished from Myrmeleon by adult and ; Scotoleon do not construct the trademark funnel pits that Myrmeleon larvae make, instead burying themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey.
Habitat
Larvae inhabit fine, powdery soil or sandy areas, often at the base of trees, beneath rock overhangs, under bridges, in dirt floors of old barns and sheds, or other situations that remain dry. are found among tall grasses, especially at dusk.
Distribution
North America. Specific range details are limited, but the is most diverse in western North America.
Seasonality
are most commonly observed at dusk. Larvae are active year-round in suitable . Swarming and reproductive activity likely occurs during warmer months.
Diet
Larvae are predatory on small insects such as ants and other that pass near their burrow. They inject digestive through hollow to liquefy prey tissues, then imbibe the liquified contents.
Life Cycle
are laid in soil. Larvae develop through instars, living in soil or sand and feeding on prey. They pupate in a silken cocoon underground incorporating sand grains. emerge from the pupal case. Complete .
Behavior
Larvae are ambush that bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait with jaws agape for prey. They can only walk backwards, and do so rapidly when disturbed. are weak, clumsy fliers and are highly cryptic, aligning themselves perfectly against grass stems or twigs to become essentially invisible. Adults are frequently attracted to lights at night.
Ecological Role
in soil and sand , controlling of small insects. Serves as prey for other insects including praying mantids.
Human Relevance
Larvae are familiar to many as 'doodlebugs' and can be kept in captivity in containers of fine sand with periodic feeding of ants. They are subjects of curiosity and natural history observation. may be encountered at porch lights.
Similar Taxa
- MyrmeleonMyrmeleon larvae construct trademark funnel-shaped pits to trap prey, while Scotoleon larvae simply bury themselves below the surface without constructing pits. Myrmeleon lack the pronounced in length seen in Scotoleon males.
- VellaVella are much larger, with having wingspans of 100-120 mm or more, compared to the smaller Scotoleon. Vella are found in the southern third of the U.S., while Scotoleon has broader distribution.
- GlenurusGlenurus have distinctive black, white, and pink wingtips, which are absent in Scotoleon. Glenurus are also generally more striking in appearance.