Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Ascaloptynx appendiculatus (spelling/grammatical gender). Ascaloptynx furcifer. Other synonyms for this species, based on the various names for the genus, might be Neuroptynx appendiculatus, Haplogenius appendiculatus, Ascalaphus appendiculatus, etc.
Size
Body length circa 38 mm. Wingspan circa 70 mm.
Identification
A slender owlfly with four stalked wings, eyes not divided, as in Ululodes. Leading edge of each wing has dark stripe of pigment--apparently distinctive. Sizes given above (Body length circa 38 mm. Wingspan circa 70 mm) are from one specimen found dead in a spider's web, Durham North Carolina.
Range
Southeastern United States, west to Arizona.
Season
Summer: reported May-July (North Carolina). June seems to be the most frequently reported month in the southeastern United States. Perhaps flies earlier than Ululodes.
Food
Predatory as larva and adult. Adults nocturnal.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on twigs in shade. Larvae are predatory, terrestrial, resemble oak leaf, wait for prey to happen by.
Remarks
Reported to have a musky odor, likely to be chemical defenses.
Print References
Arnett, p. 355, fig. 23.14
(2)
Taber, pp. 202-203, fig. 168
(3)Internet References
Great Smoky Mountain National Park lists this species on a checklist.
NCSU Entomology Collection lists this as Neuroptynx.
Univ. of Florida family page has a photo of A. appendiculatus.
Giff Beaton--photos, June 3 (Georgia)
