Brachynemurus nebulosus
This record describes Brachynemurus nebulosus (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
♂ ♀ Larvae of this species have been suggested as Batesian mimics of velvet ants (Brach 1978).
Identification notes
♂ ♀
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
e. US (NY-WI-TX-FL) into so. ON
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Aug in NC ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachynemurus nebulosus (Olivier 1811)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Brachynemurus nebulosus. 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 nebulosus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by v belov , metrioptera , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachynemurus nebulosus
What is Brachynemurus nebulosus?
Brachynemurus nebulosus is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Brachynemurus nebulosus?
♂ ♀
Where is Brachynemurus nebulosus found?
Range: e. US (NY-WI-TX-FL) into so. ON
When is Brachynemurus nebulosus active?
Brachynemurus nebulosus: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug in NC ( 3 ).