Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Glenurus gratus (
Say, 1839). Synonyms:
Glenurus grata (spelling)
Explanation of Names
Species name
gratus is Latin for pleasing, agreeable/grateful, favor
(1) (Internet searches).
Size
circa 36 mm body length; length to wingtips 52 mm, wingspan 94 mm (Hagen, 1861).
Identification
Very large antlion with wings mottled in brown-and-pink towards the distal ends. This pattern apparently distinctive.
Range
Southeastern United States: New Jersey, Indiana, Missouri, south to Florida.
Habitat
Deciduous forests? Also sandy areas with tortoise burrows, presumably.
Season
Summer (adults). Noted in BugGuide for June (Florida), August (North Carolina).
Life Cycle
Larvae reported to live in cavities such as tree holes (among sawdust) and in burrows of Gopher Tortoise,
Gopherus polyphemus, a
threatened species.
Print References
Arnett, p. 354, mentions association of larvae with Gopher Tortoise.
(2)
Borror, entry for
grat (1)
Deyrup,
Florida's Fabulous Insects, pp. 86-87, describes habitat of larvae, has photo of adult, but does not give species name
(3)
Florida Dept. Agriculture,
Entomology Circulars, #251, 1981. JUN, MILLER, STANGE, THE ANT-LIONS OF FL. GLENURUS GRATUS (SAY) (NEUROPTERA:MYRMELEONTIDAE) 2 page (from Internet reference linked)
Hagen, H. (1861). Synopsis of the neuroptera of North America. Washington,Smithsonian Institution (
Biodiversity Heritage Library)
Stange, L.A. (2000). Observations on the biology of the antlion genus Glenurus Hagen (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae). Insecta Mundi 14 (4): 227-228. (
link)
Internet References
Clemson Univ.--photo of specimen
North Carolina State University Entomology Collection, lists only C. grata for that genus, with 4 pinned, including specimens from that state.
The Antlion Pit--gives range, larval habits, has photo of adult
Neuroptera of Florida--gives range, mentions larval habits
Contributed by
Cotinis on 3 August, 2005 - 12:02pm
Additional contributions by
Tony DLast updated 6 October, 2009 - 12:51pm
