Antlion
Guides
Atricholeon
Atricholeon is a genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, established by Stange in 1994. The genus is distinguished by reduced or absent trichosors (fringe hairs along the wing margin), a characteristic that gives the genus its name. Species within this genus are found in the Neotropical region. As with other antlions, adults are aerial predators while larvae are sit-and-wait predators that construct pit traps in sandy substrates.
Atricholeon tuberculatus
Atricholeon tuberculatus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Banks in 1899 under the basionym Brachynemurus tuberculatus. The species is distributed across North and Middle America. As with other antlions, adults are aerial predators while larvae are ambush predators that construct pit traps in sandy substrates. The genus Atricholeon is characterized by reduced wing venation and specific structural features distinguishing it from related genera.
Brachynemurus
antlions
Brachynemurus is a genus of antlions (family Myrmeleontidae, order Neuroptera) containing at least 20 described species. Unlike the pit-digging larvae of the genus Myrmeleon, Brachynemurus larvae are sit-and-wait predators that bury themselves just below the soil surface without constructing funnel traps. The genus is widespread across arid regions of North America, with species adapted to dry environments. Adult Brachynemurus are delicate, lacy-winged insects with short, clubbed antennae that distinguish them from superficially similar damselflies.
Brachynemurus abdominalis
Brachynemurus abdominalis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. It is one of 18 genera of antlions recorded north of Mexico. The species was originally described as Myrmeleon abdominalis by Thomas Say in 1823. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, lacy-winged adult stage.
Brachynemurus blandus
Brachynemurus blandus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, order Neuroptera. The genus Brachynemurus is one of 18 genera of antlions recorded north of Mexico. Like other antlions, this species undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, lacy-winged adult stage. The larvae are predatory, while adults are typically found in tall grasses, especially at dusk.
Brachynemurus californicus
Brachynemurus californicus is a species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) first described by Banks in 1895. As a member of the order Neuroptera, it shares the characteristic net-veined wings and complete metamorphosis typical of this group. The genus Brachynemurus contains species known for their distinctive adult morphology and predatory larval behavior. This species occurs in western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions.
Brachynemurus ferox
Brachynemurus ferox is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Walker in 1853. The species is distributed across North America and Middle America. Like other antlions, it belongs to an order of predatory insects characterized by their distinctive larval pit-digging behavior and elongated, net-veined wings in adults.
Brachynemurus hubbardii
Brachynemurus hubbardii is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Brachynemurus belongs to a diverse group of antlions whose larvae typically do not construct the characteristic funnel-shaped pits associated with the more familiar genus Myrmeleon. Instead, Brachynemurus larvae bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey to pass by. Adults are delicate, lacy-winged insects that resemble damselflies but possess short, clubbed antennae.
Brachynemurus irregularis
Brachynemurus irregularis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Currie in 1906. As a member of the genus Brachynemurus, its larvae do not construct the characteristic pit traps associated with the genus Myrmeleon; instead, they bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings and short, clubbed antennae that distinguish them from superficially similar damselflies. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied antlion genera.
Brachynemurus longicaudus
Brachynemurus longicaudus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across North America. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings that superficially resemble damselflies but are distinguished by their short, clubbed antennae. Larvae are predatory, burying themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing the characteristic funnel-shaped pits seen in some other antlion genera. The species was originally described as Myrmecoleon longicaudus by Burmeister in 1839.
Brachynemurus nebulosus
antlion
Brachynemurus nebulosus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across North America. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, lacy-winged adult stage. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive wing patterns and morphology among antlions.
Brachynemurus pulchellus
Brachynemurus pulchellus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Banks in 1911. The genus Brachynemurus belongs to the diverse neuropteran lineage of antlions, which are predatory insects known for their distinctive larval pit-trap construction behavior. As a member of this genus, it shares the elongated body form and relatively long, narrow wings typical of Brachynemurus species. The specific epithet 'pulchellus' (diminutive of 'pulcher', meaning beautiful) suggests this species was noted for its attractive appearance among its describers.
Brachynemurus ramburi
Brachynemurus ramburi is a species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) described by Nathan Banks in 1907. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and a delicate, aerial adult stage. The genus Brachynemurus is one of 18 genera of antlions recorded north of Mexico. Adults of this genus are typically nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Brachynemurus sackeni
Sacken's Antlion
Brachynemurus sackeni is a widespread, arid-adapted antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae. Phylogeographic studies using mitochondrial COI sequences have revealed it comprises a cryptic species-complex with two distinct lineages that diverged approximately 3.8–4.7 million years ago, potentially associated with Neogene mountain-building events. This represents the first documented cryptic species-complex in Myrmeleontidae. The species is attracted to mercury-vapor lights and has been documented in juniper chaparral habitats.
Chaetoleon
Chaetoleon is a genus of antlions (family Myrmeleontidae) comprising at least four described species. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1920. Species in this genus are found in the Americas, with records from the United States south through Central America. Antlions in this genus share the general characteristics of Myrmeleontidae, including predatory larvae that construct pit traps in sandy substrates.
Chaetoleon pusillus
Chaetoleon pusillus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. It is native to Central America and North America. The species was originally described as Brachynemurus pusillus by Currie in 1899. As with other antlions, the larvae are predatory and construct pit traps in sandy substrates to capture prey.
Clathroneuria
Clathroneuria is a genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, established by Banks in 1913. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. Species were described between 1898 and 1970, with several named by Banks in 1938. Like other antlions, adults are aerial predators while larvae are ground-dwelling predators that construct pit traps to capture prey.
Clathroneuria arapahoe
Clathroneuria arapahoe is a species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) in the order Neuroptera. Described by Nathan Banks in 1938, this species is part of a genus characterized by distinctive wing venation patterns. The species epithet references the Arapahoe, connecting to its geographic association with the western United States. Like other antlions, adults are aerial predators while larvae construct pit traps in sandy soils to capture prey.
Clathroneuria coquilletti
Clathroneuria coquilletti is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, originally described as Brachynemurus coquilletti by Currie in 1898. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with predatory larval and adult stages. The genus Clathroneuria is distinguished from related antlion genera by features of the wing venation and genitalia.
Clathroneuria schwarzi
Clathroneuria schwarzi is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Currie in 1903 as Brachynemurus schwarzi. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Antlions are predatory insects in their larval stage, known for constructing pit traps in sandy or loose soil to capture prey.
Dendroleon obsoletus
Eastern Spotted-winged Antlion, Spotted-winged Antlion
Dendroleon obsoletus, commonly known as the Eastern Spotted-winged Antlion, is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Adults are distinguished by spotted wing patterns. The species occurs across North America, with larvae inhabiting sandy soils beneath rock ledges and other sheltered areas where they construct pit traps to capture prey.
Dendroleon speciosus
Dendroleon speciosus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Banks in 1905. It is found in North America. Antlions are neuropteran insects whose larvae are known for constructing pit traps to capture prey.
Dendroleontinae
antlions
Dendroleontinae is a subfamily of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) established by Banks in 1899. The subfamily contains multiple tribes including Acanthoplectrini, Bandidini, Dendroleontini, Nuglerini, Periclystini, and Voltorini, with diverse genera distributed across Asia, Africa, and Madagascar. Recent systematic revisions have clarified complex taxonomic histories, particularly for genera such as Epacanthaclisis and Gatzara, using combined morphological and molecular approaches. Species within this subfamily exhibit specialized morphological characters and have been subjects of biogeographic studies related to Himalayan uplift and island formation in East Asia.
Dipalta serpentina
Dipalta serpentina is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It is widespread across North America, ranging from British Columbia through most of the United States to Florida, and extending south through Mexico to Central America including Cuba, Guatemala, and Honduras. The species is a known parasitoid of antlions, specifically targeting species such as Myrmeleon immaculatus.
Eremoleon
Eremoleon is a genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, established by Nathan Banks in 1901. The genus contains approximately 36 species 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.
Eremoleon femoralis
Eremoleon femoralis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Banks in 1942. The genus Eremoleon comprises antlions associated with arid and sandy habitats. This species occurs in North America and Middle America, though detailed natural history information remains limited. Antlions in this genus are typically found in dry environments where their larvae construct pit traps in loose soil to capture prey.
Eremoleon nigribasis
Eremoleon nigribasis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Banks in 1920. The genus Eremoleon is associated with arid and semi-arid environments, and species in this group are characterized by their fossorial larval stage that constructs pit traps to capture prey. This species is known from a limited number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or restricted in distribution.
Euptilon arizonense
Euptilon arizonense is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, order Neuroptera. Originally described as Psammoleon arizonensis by Banks in 1935, it was later transferred to the genus Euptilon. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Antlions in this genus are typically associated with sandy habitats where their larvae construct pit traps to capture prey.
Euptilon decipiens
Euptilon decipiens is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Banks in 1935. It is part of the diverse neuropteran fauna of North America. Like other antlions, adults are aerial predators while larvae are ground-dwelling ambush predators that construct pit traps in sandy soils. The species is documented from distribution records in North America, though detailed natural history information remains sparse.
Euptilon normale
Euptilon normale is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1942. The genus Euptilon comprises small to medium-sized antlions characterized by their slender bodies and relatively simple wing venation patterns. This species occurs in North and Middle America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Euptilon ornatum
Euptilon ornatum is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Drury in 1773. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Antlions in this family are predatory insects known for their distinctive larval pit traps, though specific behaviors for this species have not been separately documented.
Euptilon sinuatum
Euptilon sinuatum is a species of antlion (family Myrmeleontidae) first described by Currie in 1903. Antlions are predatory insects in the order Neuroptera, known for their distinctive larval forms that construct pit traps to capture prey. The genus Euptilon belongs to a group of antlions with adult characteristics that differ from the more commonly known pit-digging Myrmeleon species. This species has been documented in both Central and North America.
Glenurus
Picture-winged Antlions
Glenurus is a New World genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, comprising approximately 12 described species. The genus is distinguished by striking wing patterning, with some species displaying black, white, and pink wingtips. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings that superficially resemble damselflies but possess short, thick, clubbed antennae. The common name "picture-winged antlions" refers to this distinctive wing coloration.
Glenurus gratus
pleasing picture-winged antlion, doodlebug
Glenurus gratus is a North American antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, commonly known as the pleasing picture-winged antlion. Adults are recognized by distinctive black, white, and pink wing markings. Unlike pit-digging antlions in the genus Myrmeleon, larvae of Glenurus gratus bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing conical traps.
Glenurus luniger
Western Picture-winged Antlion
Glenurus luniger is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, distinguished by its striking wing pattern with black, white, and pink wingtips. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Adults are rarely observed due to their cryptic behavior, while larvae are predatory and inhabit sandy soils. The common name "Western Picture-winged Antlion" reflects both its geographic range and distinctive wing markings.
Glenurus snowii
Snow's Picture-winged Antlion
Glenurus snowii is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Like other members of its genus, adults are distinguished by striking black, white, and pink wingtips. The species occurs in North America and Middle America. Larval biology is presumed similar to other antlions, though specific details for this species are not well documented.
Gnopholeon
Gnopholeon is a genus of antlions (family Myrmeleontidae) established by Stange in 1970. As a member of the neuropteran order, this genus comprises predatory insects whose larvae construct pit traps to capture prey. The genus is poorly documented in public literature, with limited species-level information available.
Menkeleon
Menkeleon is a genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, established by Stange in 1970. The genus contains a single described species, Menkeleon bellulus, which occurs in the Western United States and Mexico. Antlions in this family are characterized by their predatory larval stage, which typically construct pit traps to capture prey.
Mexoleon
Mexoleon is a genus of antlions (family Myrmeleontidae) containing at least two described species: M. mixtecus and M. papago. The genus was established by Stange in 1994. Like other antlions, adults are neuropteran insects with large, transparent wings, while larvae are predatory and construct pit traps in sandy substrates.
Myrmeleon
antlion, doodlebug
Myrmeleon is a cosmopolitan genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, distinguished by larvae that construct conical pitfall traps in sandy substrates. The larvae, commonly called doodlebugs, bury themselves at the bottom of these pits and use specialized mandibles to capture prey that falls in. Adults are delicate, lacy-winged insects resembling damselflies but with short, clubbed antennae. The genus is notable for being one of few antlion genera in North America that exhibits pit-building behavior, and it has been documented across multiple continents including North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Myrmeleon carolinus
Myrmeleon carolinus is a North American antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae. Its larvae construct conical pitfall traps in sandy substrates to capture small ground-dwelling arthropods, a behavior characteristic of the genus Myrmeleon. Laboratory studies indicate that pit size varies with feeding history and prior pit-building experience, suggesting that physiological constraints alone do not determine trap dimensions. The species was described by Banks in 1943 and is accepted as valid in current taxonomic databases.
Myrmeleon crudelis
antlion
Myrmeleon crudelis is a pit-building antlion species whose larvae construct conical traps in fine-grained soil to capture small arthropods. Research on this species has focused on its behavioral plasticity in trap construction and prey capture kinematics. Larvae demonstrate sophisticated modulation of mandible velocity during strikes and adjust pit architecture in response to prey availability and soil conditions. The species occurs in tropical dry forests of Costa Rica and has been recorded from Middle and North America.
Myrmeleon exitialis
antlion
Myrmeleon exitialis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Myrmeleon, its larvae construct the characteristic funnel-shaped pitfall traps in sandy soil to capture prey. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings that superficially resemble damselflies but possess short, clubbed antennae.
Myrmeleon immaculatus
Doodlebug
Myrmeleon immaculatus is a pit-trapping antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae. Adults are approximately 30 mm in length and typically blue-grey in color. The species is particularly common in the eastern United States, though its range extends across North America and into Central America. Like other members of the genus Myrmeleon, its larvae construct characteristic conical pits in sandy soil to capture prey.
Myrmeleon mexicanus
Myrmeleon mexicanus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Banks in 1903. The species occurs in Central America and North America. As with other antlions, it has a predatory larval stage that constructs pit traps in sandy soil to capture prey, and a winged adult stage that is primarily nocturnal.
Myrmeleon mobilis
Myrmeleon mobilis is a pit-making antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae. The larva constructs conical pits in sandy substrate to trap small ground-dwelling arthropods, using a unique discontinuous gut physiology where solid waste is retained until adulthood. A 2005 microbiological study identified its bacterial associates as primarily Proteobacteria, including Wolbachia-like organisms in non-gut tissues and Enterobacteriaceae-like bacteria in the gut. The species is recorded from North America.
Myrmeleon texanus
Myrmeleon texanus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1900. As a member of the genus Myrmeleon, its larvae construct characteristic conical pitfall traps in sandy soil to capture prey. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented compared to more widespread congeners such as M. immaculatus.
Myrmeleontiformia
Antlions, Owlflies, and Allies
Myrmeleontiformia is a monophyletic suborder of lacewings (Neuroptera) containing approximately 2,160 described species across two superfamilies: Myrmeleontoidea (antlions, owlflies, spoonwings, and split-footed lacewings) and Psychopsoidea (silky lacewings and extinct families). The group is predominantly diverse in arid tropical and subtropical regions. Members exhibit diverse larval predation strategies, including the famous pit-building behavior of some antlions.
Myrmeleontinae
antlions
Myrmeleontinae is a subfamily of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) within the order Neuroptera. The subfamily comprises three tribes: Myrmeleontini, Maulini, and Porrerini. It includes the type genus Myrmeleon, established by Linnaeus in 1767, along with other genera such as Euroleon and Hagenomyia. Species in this subfamily have been documented across multiple continents, with recent taxonomic work describing new species from Pakistan.
Myrmeleontini
Pit-trapping Antlions
Myrmeleontini is a tribe of antlions within the subfamily Myrmeleontinae, comprising approximately 12 genera including Myrmeleon, Euroleon, and Baliga. The tribe is distinguished by pit-trapping predatory behavior in larval stages, where larvae construct conical pits in loose substrate to capture prey. Adults are aerial predators with elongated bodies and large, transparent wings. The group has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and Australia.