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Distoleon tetragrammicus

Distoleon tetragrammicus

Distoleon tetragrammicus

A species of Distoleon

The Distoleon tetragrammicus is part of a group of insects known as the antlions, who are identified based on their voracious predatory behavior. These antlions are no different, as they are known to capture smaller insects using their powerful jaws. They spend most of their time in dry locations, so they do not take vacations to Hawaii.

General Info About Distoleon tetragrammicus
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Attributes of Distoleon tetragrammicus
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Distoleon tetragrammicus is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Distoleon tetragrammicus typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Distoleon tetragrammicus
It is widespread in the western Palaearctic ecozone and it is present in most of Southern Europe and in North Africa.
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Distribution Area of Distoleon tetragrammicus
Western Palearctic realm, most of Southern Europe and North Africa
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Appearance of Distoleon tetragrammicus
They have a wingspan of about 8 cm. The front wing can reach a width of 2.5 - 4 cm. They have thick, prominent, apically clubbed antennae, a long, narrow abdomen and two pairs of long, transparent, multiveined wings, with some brown and opaque spots. The length of a fully grown larva is typically 1.2 - 2 cm. The basic body color is dark brown with darker markings. The head is dark brown. Pronotum is covered by large black setae and short bristles. The dorsal side of abdomen has a series of circular markings and a characteristic dorsal median stripe. Mesothoracic and abdominal spiracles are brown. Legs may be yellowish or whitish.
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How to Identify Distoleon tetragrammicus?

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Life Cycle of Distoleon tetragrammicus
Egg The egg stage of distoleon tetragrammicus initiates the life cycle. The small, spherical eggs are typically laid in clusters and can vary in color. At this stage, the future insect is developing within, but it remains immobile and has no functional systems apart from those allowing for growth within the eggshell.
Larva In their larval stage, distoleon tetragrammicus are known as antlions. During this stage, they exhibit predatory behavior and morphological adaptations for trap-building, like powerful jaws for catching prey. They lack developed wings and are larger than the eggs, with a coloration that often serves as camouflage.
Pupal The pupal stage of distoleon tetragrammicus is a transformative phase. Enclosed in a silk cocoon underground, they undergo significant metamorphosis, changing from the larval form into an adult. This stage is immobile, with the pupa showing no external features of the eventual adult insect.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult distoleon tetragrammicus’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. Their coloration often differs significantly from the larval stage, and they are capable of sustained flight. Adult distoleon tetragrammicus focus on reproduction and feeding, but do not construct traps like their larval form.
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Predators of Adult Distoleon tetragrammicus
Aves (birds), araneae (spiders), chiroptera (bats), mantodea (mantises)
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Interesting Facts About Distoleon tetragrammicus
Distoleon tetragrammicus larvae can create conical pits in sandy soil to trap ants, flipping sand at their prey to prevent escape.
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Scientific Classification of Distoleon tetragrammicus
Tips for Finding Distoleon tetragrammicus
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Youth Habitat of Distoleon tetragrammicus
Deserts and Arid Regions, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Distoleon tetragrammicus
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Distoleon tetragrammicus
As insectivorous creatures, distoleon tetragrammicus in their larval stage can be drawn to traps using small insects, whereas adults might be attracted to light sources during their nocturnal activity.
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Habitat Preferences of Distoleon tetragrammicus Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of distoleon tetragrammicus are typically found in sandy soils where they construct conical pits to trap prey, often in places protected from heavy rain or predators, like under bushes or within pavements. Searching for them requires carefully scanning suitable dry, loose soil. As for the adults, they prefer open areas with vegetation, such as fields, edges of forests, and gardens. They are active fliers usually observed during dusk or at night when capturing them might be done by setting up light traps as adults are attracted to light sources.
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How and Where Can You Find Distoleon tetragrammicus at Different Life Stages
Larva Distoleon tetragrammicus larvae are commonly known as antlions. Look for them in dry, sandy areas where they create cone-shaped pits. Gently excavate the pit's center using a fine tool to reveal the larvae without harming them.
Pupal The distoleon tetragrammicus pupa is often buried or hidden in the soil, under debris or in the case of woolly structures. To find them, carefully sift through topsoil and leaf litter in the areas where larvae were found.
Adult Adult distoleon tetragrammicus are nocturnal and attracted to light sources. To locate adults, set up a light trap with a sheet at night in an area where they are known to be present. Wait for them to land on the sheet or hover near the light source.
Are Distoleon tetragrammicus harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Distoleon tetragrammicus
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Diets
Ants, Small Arthropods
Distoleon tetragrammicus is a cunning predator in its larval stage, building conical pits in sandy soil to trap unsuspecting prey. It lurks beneath the pit’s vertex, striking with lightning speed to seize ants and small arthropods that stumble in. This pit-trapping technique is marvelously efficient, letting distoleon tetragrammicus feed and grow in preparation for adulthood.
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