Explanation of Names
From genus
Myrmeleon, which is an altered form of New Latin (Greek)
Myrmecoleon--μιρμηκολεων, from μιρμηξ (μιρμηκ-) ant, plus λεων lion
(1).
Numbers
92 species in 13 genera in North America listed at
nearctica.comSize
Large: adult body length 40-80 mm
Identification
Antennae fairly short (about the length of the head and thorax combined), clubbed, and often curved at the tip somewhat like a
field hockey stick. Wings transparent, mottled with brown and black.
Larvae are voracious predators that lie in wait for their insect prey under sand or loose soil. Some (known as doodlebugs) dig a shallow pit in loose sand to trap prey. Others live in tree holes.
Remarks
Most species are nocturnal or
crepuscular and often come to lights at night
See Also
Dobsonflies have narrow antennae with tapered ends, bigger heads and jaws.
Fishflies have serrate (with sawlike teeth) or pectinate (feathery) antennae.
Owlflies have very long antennae and large bulging eyes.
