Brachynemurus abdominalis
This record describes Brachynemurus abdominalis (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
♂ ♀ Adults of this species are often collected in general sweeping. Since the larvae are not pit formers, they are rarely reared.
Identification notes
♂ ♀
Wikipedia reference for Brachynemurus abdominalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachynemurus_abdominalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Myrmeleontidae (Antlions & Owlflies)
- Subfamily
- Myrmeleontinae
- Tribe
- Brachynemurini
- Genus
- Brachynemurus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachynemurus abdominalis (Say, 1823)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Brachynemurus abdominalis. 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 Brachynemurus abdominalis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov , Ken Childs , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachynemurus abdominalis
What is Brachynemurus abdominalis?
Brachynemurus abdominalis is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Brachynemurus abdominalis?
25~38mm (from head to the end of the long, slender abdomen)
How do you identify Brachynemurus abdominalis?
♂ ♀