Alena

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Alena: /əˈliːnə/

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Summary

Alena is a genus within the family Raphidiidae, consisting of 2 species in 2 subgenera in the local area, and a total of 11 species in 3 subgenera. They are characterized by specific forewing and pterostigma features that differentiate them from similar genera.

Physical Characteristics

Forewing 7–8 mm; kite-shaped head with ocelli that may be hard to see; yellowish-brown pterostigma bisected by a veinlet; fewer branched radial veins and costal/subcostal veinlets compared to similar genera.

Identification Tips

Count the number of 'wishbones' (branched veins) along the edge of the forewing; observe the proportionally greater distance between the point where the subcosta meets the wing edge and the pterostigma in Alena compared to other genera.

Habitat

Southwestern United States to southern Mexico.

Distribution

Sw US to s Mexico.

Similar Taxa

• Agulla
• Leptomantispa
• Dicromantispa

Tags

• Raphidioptera
• snakeflies
• Alena