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Spotted-wing antlion

Spotted-wing antlion

Euroleon nostras

A species of Euroleon

The larva of Euroleon nostras has large jaws and a broad abdomen. When fully developed, which may take two years, it pupates under the soil, undergoes metamorphosis, emerging a month later as a much larger winged insect. The adult Euroleon nostras is brown and resembles a dragonfly or damselfly in appearance. It is about 1.2 in long with a wingspan of about 2.8 in. The four large translucent wings are spotted with brown.

General Info About Spotted-wing antlion
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Attributes of Spotted-wing antlion
Colors
Brown
Habitat
dry sand under a rock overhang; surface that prevented direct rainfall
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, aphids, small moths, flies, mayflies
Larva Food Source
Small ants, termites, other small insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Spotted-wing antlion 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
The Spotted-wing antlion preys on common garden pests such as: aphids, whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, etc. It is a popular insect among gardeners.
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Spotted-wing antlion 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 Spotted-wing antlion
It has a widespread distribution in Europe, and has been recorded from almost all European countries. It is an extremely rare insect in Britain, known only from the Minsmere area of the Suffolk coast and Holkham National Nature Reserve in Norfolk.
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Distribution Area of Spotted-wing antlion
Europe, Morocco, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
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Appearance of Spotted-wing antlion
The larva of Euroleon nostras has large jaws and a broad abdomen. The adult Euroleon nostras is brown and resembles a dragonfly or damselfly in appearance. It is about 3 cm long with a wingspan of about 7 cm. The four large translucent wings are spotted with brown.
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How to Identify Spotted-wing antlion?

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Life Cycle of Spotted-wing antlion
Egg The spotted-wing antlion begins life as an egg, often laid in a sheltered location. The eggs are small and may vary in color, typically matching the environment for camouflage. At this stage, the spotted-wing antlion is immobile and experiences no growth until hatching.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of spotted-wing antlion is vastly different from the adult form. It is primarily focused on feeding and growth. The larva may have a slender body, is likely to be camouflaged, and does not possess wings. Molting allows it to increase in size.
Pupal After accumulating enough resources, the spotted-wing antlion enters the pupal stage. This is a transitional phase where the spotted-wing antlion is inactive and appears encapsulated. Inside the pupa, it is undergoing significant changes in shape, color, and size, preparing for its final adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult spotted-wing antlion’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. The adult typically differentiates significantly in color and size from the larval stage.
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Adult Size of Spotted-wing antlion
3 cm
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Predators of Spotted-wing antlion Larvae
Reptiles, rodents, ants, wasps, spiders
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Predators of Adult Spotted-wing antlion
Birds, bats, spiders, wasps
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Interesting Facts About Spotted-wing antlion
The larvae of spotted-wing antlion, known as antlions, ingeniously trap ants by digging inverted cone pits in sandy soil, causing their prey to tumble to waiting jaws below.
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Scientific Classification of Spotted-wing antlion
Tips for Finding Spotted-wing antlion
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Youth Habitat of Spotted-wing antlion
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Deserts and Arid Regions, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Spotted-wing antlion
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Deserts and Arid Regions, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Spotted-wing antlion
Using small insects like ants as bait can attract adult spotted-wing antlion, as the larvae are known to prey on small arthropods.
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Habitat Preferences of Spotted-wing antlion Through Different Life Stages
Larvae of spotted-wing antlion are typically found in sandy soils where they construct conical pits to trap prey, often seen in dry, open areas like fields, beaches, and vacant lots. Searching for the larvae involves inspecting such pits often found in sandy banks or dunes fully exposed to the sun. Adults usually inhabit areas with abundant vegetation, such as meadows and the understory of forests. To locate adults of spotted-wing antlion, one would likely search around shrubs and trees during the evening hours when they are most active and likely to be encountered flying or resting on leaves.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Spotted-wing antlion
The best time to find spotted-wing antlion is during the warm months of spring and summer when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Spotted-wing antlion
Dry, warm conditions are ideal to find spotted-wing antlion, especially when looking for them in their sandy pit traps where they wait for prey.
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How and Where Can You Find Spotted-wing antlion at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs are usually laid in sandy soil. Locate them by carefully sifting through sand in a well-drained area with little vegetation.
Larva Spotted-wing antlion larvae create cone-shaped pits in sandy soil to trap prey. Look for these small pits in dry, sandy areas, often in open, sunny spots.
Pupal Spotted-wing antlion pupate underground. Searching for pupae involves digging carefully in sandy soil, particularly where larvae have been spotted.
Adult Adult spotted-wing antlion are nocturnal and attracted to light, so using a light trap at night can be an effective way to find them. Listen for their soft, fluttering flight during quiet, dark hours.
Are Spotted-wing antlion harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Spotted-wing antlion
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Ants
Spotted-wing antlion are proficient hunters. They construct conical pits in sandy soil, which serve as traps for ants and other small arthropods. Once prey falls in, the antlion larva uses its powerful jaws to capture and consume its victim, effectively controlling the pest population.
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