Eremoleon
Banks, 1901
Species Guides
2Eremoleon is a of antlions in the Myrmeleontidae, established by Nathan Banks in 1901. The genus contains approximately 36 distributed from the southern United States through Central America. As with other antlions, larvae are predatory and construct pit traps in sandy substrates to capture prey.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eremoleon: /ˌɛrəˈmoʊliːən/
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Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments including sandy soils suitable for larval pit construction. are often associated with vegetation in dryland .
Distribution
Southern United States to Central America.
Behavior
Larvae are sit-and-wait that construct conical pit traps in loose, sandy substrate to capture small arthropods that fall in. are aerial and likely or .
Ecological Role
Larvae function as of small ground-dwelling arthropods, potentially regulating of ants and other insects in sandy .
Similar Taxa
- MyrmeleonBoth are antlion with pit-building larvae; Eremoleon are distinguished by distribution (primarily arid southwestern North America and Central America versus more widespread distribution of Myrmeleon) and morphological characters including wing venation patterns.
- VellaAnother antlion in Myrmeleontidae; Eremoleon differs in body proportions and genitalic structures, as well as geographic range.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by entomologist Nathan Banks in 1901. The name Eremoleon derives from Greek 'eremos' (desert, solitary) and 'leon' (lion), alluding to the arid preferences and predatory nature of these insects.
Species diversity
The includes 36 recognized , making it one of the more species-rich antlion genera in the New World.