Brachynemurus irregularis
This record describes Brachynemurus irregularis (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
A conspicuously bright reddish-brown species with yellow markings. Hind tibial spurs shorter than hind basitarsus, spots in subcosta of wing, ectoproct of male with postventral lobe not abruptly narrowed toward the apex.
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
central USA (IL, KS, OK, TX; newly reported in NE )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachynemurus irregularis Currie, 1906
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Brachynemurus irregularis. 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 irregularis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Biagi; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachynemurus irregularis
What is Brachynemurus irregularis?
Brachynemurus irregularis is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Brachynemurus irregularis?
23-27 mm ♀, 35 mm ♂
How do you identify Brachynemurus irregularis?
A conspicuously bright reddish-brown species with yellow markings. Hind tibial spurs shorter than hind basitarsus, spots in subcosta of wing, ectoproct of male with postventral lobe not abruptly narrowed toward the apex.
Where is Brachynemurus irregularis found?
Range: central USA (IL, KS, OK, TX; newly reported in NE )