Explanation of Names
Author of genus is Currie 1889. Probably derives from: Ulul- (< Ulula Rambur, an ascalaphid genus-group name; < L. ulula [fem.], a screech owl) + -odes (< Gr. -odes, like or resembling). (Quoted from comments below by John Oswald.) The name of the owl itself is from Latin ululare, to howl (Internet searches).
Numbers
Nearctica.com lists 5 North American species
Arnett, p. 355, lists six species.
(1)Identification
Eyes divided in this genus, see Arnett, p. 355.
(1) In U. quadrimaculatus, at least, apparently only hindwings of the male are stalked--see
Neuroptera of Florida. All four wings of female unstalked.
Print References
Arnett, p. 355, fig. 23.15--Ululodes arizonensis
(1)
Henry, The Behavior and Life Histories of Two North American Ascalaphids. Annals Entomological Society of America, vol. 70 no. 2 (March 1977). This describes life history of Ululodes arizonensis.
Deyrup, p. 81, has excellent photos of
Ululodes, though he does not name genus.
(2)
Milne, illustrates an
Ululodes, figure 402, in characteristic twig-imitating posture.
(3)
Lago and Testa. 1989. Records of owlflies (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae) from Mississippi, with a key to species. Entomological News. 100(1):11-17. Gives a key for U. quadrimaculatus vs. U. macleayana.
