Cryptic-adult
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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 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.
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.
Ibalia anceps
Ibalia anceps is a parasitoid wasp in the family Ibaliidae, widely distributed across North America. Adults are active primarily in late May and early June. The species is a specialized parasite of horntail woodwasps in the family Siricidae, most commonly Tremex columba. Females locate host larvae tunneling in dead or weakened deciduous hardwoods and lay eggs on or near the host. The resulting larva initially feeds internally, then exits to complete development as an external parasite.
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.
Scotoleon carrizonus
Scotoleon carrizonus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. The genus Scotoleon is found in North America and Central America. Adult males of Scotoleon species frequently have a much longer abdomen tipped with bracket-like claspers. The larvae of Scotoleon species do not construct the trademark pit traps associated with the genus Myrmeleon; instead, they bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey.
Scotoleon expansus
Scotoleon expansus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, found in North and Middle America. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings that superficially resemble damselflies but are distinguished by their short, clubbed antennae. Males possess a notably longer abdomen tipped with bracket-like claspers. The larvae are predatory, burying themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing pit traps.
Vella americana
Vella americana is a large antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, notable for being among the largest antlions in North America with adult wingspans exceeding 100 mm. Unlike pit-digging antlions of the genus Myrmeleon, larvae of Vella bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey. Two distinctive larval behaviors have been documented: 'surface travel,' where larvae move across exposed substrates to relocate, and 'sand-blast,' rapid expulsion of sand from the mouth to clear debris or excavate. Adults are frequently attracted to lights at night.
Vella fallax texana
Vella fallax texana is a subspecies of giant antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Adults are among the largest antlions in North America, with wingspans exceeding 100 mm. The species is nocturnal and frequently attracted to lights. Larvae are predatory but do not construct the characteristic pit traps of some antlion genera; instead they bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey.