Ascaloptynx appendiculata
This record describes Ascaloptynx appendiculata (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 Reported to have a musky odor, likely to be chemical defenses.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Myrmeleontidae (Antlions & Owlflies)
- Subfamily
- Ascalaphinae
- Genus
- Ascaloptynx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forests
Geographic Range
s. US north to VA & MO, west to AZ
Seasonal Activity
May-July (NC)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eggs are laid on twigs in shade. Larvae are predatory, terrestrial, resemble oak leaf, wait for prey to happen by.
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Ascaloptynx appendiculata. 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.
Photos of Ascaloptynx appendiculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ascaloptynx appendiculata
What is Ascaloptynx appendiculata?
Ascaloptynx appendiculata is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Ascaloptynx appendiculata?
Body length ca. 38 mm, wingspan ca. 70 mm [based on one dead specimen from NC]
How do you identify Ascaloptynx appendiculata?
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
Where is Ascaloptynx appendiculata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forests |
| Range | s. US north to VA & MO, west to AZ |
When is Ascaloptynx appendiculata active?
Ascaloptynx appendiculata: seasonal activity - May-July (NC).
What is the life cycle of a Ascaloptynx appendiculata?
Eggs are laid on twigs in shade. Larvae are predatory, terrestrial, resemble oak leaf, wait for prey to happen by.