Ascalobyas albistigma
This record describes Ascalobyas albistigma (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
White stigma on each wing. Dark anterior margins on forewings. Dark apical patches on hindwings. Antennae pale-tipped.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Myrmeleontidae (Antlions & Owlflies)
- Subfamily
- Ascalaphinae
- Genus
- Ascalobyas
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in Central America, northern South America, and southern Mexico. A single known US record collected in 1973 in Val Verde County, TX . iNaturalist shows records north to Monterrey.
Seasonal Activity
The only US record was collected in August .
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Ascalobyas albistigma. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Neuroptera (lacewings, antlions, owlflies) includes ~6,000 described species. Green lacewing larvae are called 'aphid lions' - a single larva can consume up to 200 aphids per week.
Ecological role of the group
Antlion larvae build conical pit traps in sandy soil - an engineering feat studied by physicists for insights into granular mechanics. Adult lacewings are important pollinators of night-blooming flowers.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lacewings are commercially reared and sold as biological pest control agents. The global biological pest control market, which heavily features lacewings, was valued at $6.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $16.4 billion by 2033.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA IPM, biological control market research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ascalobyas albistigma
What is Ascalobyas albistigma?
Ascalobyas albistigma is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Ascalobyas albistigma?
White stigma on each wing. Dark anterior margins on forewings. Dark apical patches on hindwings. Antennae pale-tipped.
Where is Ascalobyas albistigma found?
Range: Widespread in Central America, northern South America, and southern Mexico. A single known US record collected in 1973 in Val Verde County, TX . iNaturalist shows records north to Monterrey.
When is Ascalobyas albistigma active?
Ascalobyas albistigma: seasonal activity - The only US record was collected in August ..