eggs and larvae

Classification · Identification · See Also · Works Cited

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)

Suborder Myrmeleontiformia (Antlions and Allies)

Family Myrmeleontidae (Antlions including Owlflies)

Subfamily Ascalaphinae (Owlflies)

No Taxon eggs and larvae

Identification

Owlfly larvae are often larger than other antlions, are generally more flattened, and have elongate scolus-like processes on each abdominal segment. This latter trait makes them most superficially similar to the likes of our Dendroleontinae, Nemoleontinae, and Gnopholeon.

Ascaloptynx (third instar). Note the longitudinal stripe down the thorax and abdomen, which, along with the structure of the scolus-like processes, makes the larva resemble a dead leaf.

Ululodes (left: 1st instar, right 2nd or 3rd instar)

See Also

Dendroleon have setae-bearing scoli but are not dorsoventrally flattened. Like most Myrmeleontidae, they have 3 mandibular teeth.

Glenurus have setae-bearing scoli as well but are not dorsoventrally flattened. They are distinguished from all of our other Myrmeleontidae by having 2 mandibular teeth. See (1) - Figs. 2-5.

Gnopholeon also bear flattened scolus-like projections but have the head distinctly modified with anterolaterally-produced, setae-bearing tupercles. This makes the head wider than long. See (2) - Figs. 68-69 (p. 117 = PDF p. 51).

Works Cited

1.	Miller and Stange (2006) Glenurus gratus (Say) (Insecta: Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)

2.	Reclassification of the New World antlion genera formerly included in the tribe Brachynemurini (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) Lionel A. Stange. 1994. Insecta Mundi, 8:67-119.

Contributed by Harsi S. Parker on 1 December, 2010 - 12:18am
Additional contributions by john and jane balaban, PaleoJon
Last updated 22 November, 2021 - 3:29am

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