Myrmeleon crudelis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Neuroptera
Suborder: Myrmeleontiformia
Family: Myrmeleontidae
Subfamily: Myrmeleontinae
Tribe: Myrmeleontini
Genus: Myrmeleon
Species: crudelis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myrmeleon crudelis: /mɪrˈmiːliən kruːˈdɛlɪs/

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Summary

Myrmeleon crudelis is an ant-lion species characterized by its distinctive forewings and body markings. It plays a significant role in controlling ant populations and is part of the wider predator-prey interaction.

Physical Characteristics

Forewing 22-29 mm; abdomen 16-20 mm. Vertex entirely dark with reddish-brown tint, legs yellowish with dark tarsi, clypeus marked with dark, body dark with yellowish markings on the thorax. Setae mostly white, female with black on the apical sternite of the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by the dark vertex and yellowish markings on the thorax; yellowish legs with dark tarsi help in identification.

Habitat

Widespread in eastern regions, inhabiting areas where ants are prevalent.

Distribution

Found in FL, GA, MO, NC, NJ, NY, TX, VA.

Diet

Feeds on ants, exhibiting a carnivorous diet.

Predators

Preyed upon by dune cricket Schizodactylus inexspectatus.

Ecosystem Role

Part of the predator-prey dynamics in ecosystems where ants are present.