Agulla

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Rhaphidioptera
Family: Raphidiidae
Genus: Agulla

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agulla: /əˈɡʊlə/

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Summary

Agulla is a genus of snakeflies with a distribution primarily in western North America, characterized by a kite-shaped head and distinct wing venation that helps differentiate it from similar genera. With 17 described species, they play a role in the ecosystem as predators of smaller insects.

Physical Characteristics

Forewing 8 - 12 mm; head kite-shaped; ocelli present but may be hard to see; pterostigma yellowish-brown, bisected by a veinlet.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from Alena by size and wing venation, including the number of branched radial veins and the proportion between the subcosta meeting the forewing edge and the pterostigma.

Habitat

Various habitats across western North America, often associated with specific plant species.

Distribution

Found in areas of Canada (AB, BC) and the United States (AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY).

Diet

Primarily predaceous, likely feeding on other small insects during the larval stage.

Life Cycle

Details on the life cycle are not specified in the data provided.

Reproduction

Details on reproductive behavior are not specified in the data provided.

Predators

Typical predators in their ecosystem may include birds and other insectivorous species, but specific predators are not detailed.

Conservation Status

No specific conservation status provided; habitat concerns may apply depending on local environmental conditions.

Ecosystem Role

Predatory role in controlling the populations of smaller insects.

Economic Impact

No significant economic impact noted; primarily of interest to entomologists and ecologists.

Cultural Significance

None noted in the available data; Cala Agulla, a beach in Spain, shares the name but is unrelated to the taxonomic group.

Health Concerns

No direct health concerns associated with this genus noted; they do not pose medical risks to humans.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Netting near vegetation

Preservation Methods

Ethanol
Drying with silica gel

Evolution

Part of the Raphidiidae family, known for their elongated bodies and predatory lifestyle, evolutionary history is not detailed in the provided information.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Commonly confused with the genus Alena due to similar morphological traits, though differences in size and venation exist.