Size
25-50 mm (body length, range quoted for species)
Identification
Apparently a commonly encountered genus. Large. Abdomen soft, slender, long, usually (or always?) extends beyond wingtips. Wings long, venation fine and net-like. Wings not strongly marked in most species for which photos available. Antennae clubbed.
Range
Much of North America, especially southwest, southeast. Various species reported from southeast, California.
Season
April-September (B. abdominalis, eastern North Carolina)
Food
Adults reported to feed on small insects. Larvae predaceous.
Life Cycle
Adults mostly nocturnal. Larvae reported to be pit formers.
Print References
Salsbury, p. 158--photo B. abdominalis
(1)
Arnettt and Jacques, #79
(2)
Powell and Hogue, p. 133, figs. 150--larva, 151--adult
(3)
Deyrup,
Florida's Fabulous Insects has a photo of what is likely a member of this genus, p. 86
(4)
Brimley, p. 31, lists several species for North Carolina, some in different genera at that time
(5).
Internet References
North Carolina State University Entomology Collection lists for that state, with number pinned: abdominalis (58), carolinus (5), longicaudis (61), nebulosum (11), pumilis (3), ramburi (10)
Antlion Pit--photo adult, larva, of B. ferox
