Dendroleon speciosus
This record describes Dendroleon speciosus (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Large, with fairly intricate maculation on the forewings (less so than in D. obsoletus ) and no large, circular spots on the hind wings. Middle femora pale yellow with a darker subapical ring. |
| Legs | Legs long and spindly. |
| Antennae | Antennae slightly clubbed, blackish at base and tips, light brownish in the middle. Adults often come to lights. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Myrmeleontidae (Antlions & Owlflies)
- Subfamily
- Dendroleontinae
- Genus
- Dendroleon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CO-NM-CA
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae live in holes in trees (oak or pine) at lower elevations (below 600 m) and in sheltered rock shelves at higher elevations (above 600 m). Larvae are also debris-carriers. Female adults die shortly after oviposition.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dendroleon speciosus Banks 1905
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Dendroleon speciosus. 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 Dendroleon speciosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Dendroleon speciosus
What is Dendroleon speciosus?
Dendroleon speciosus is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Dendroleon speciosus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Large, with fairly intricate maculation on the forewings (less so than in D. obsoletus ) and no large, circular spots on the hind wings. Middle femora pale yellow with a darker subapical ring. |
| Legs | Legs long and spindly. |
| Antennae | Antennae slightly clubbed, blackish at base and tips, light brownish in the middle. |
Where is Dendroleon speciosus found?
Range: CO-NM-CA
What is the life cycle of a Dendroleon speciosus?
Larvae live in holes in trees (oak or pine) at lower elevations (below 600 m) and in sheltered rock shelves at higher elevations (above 600 m). Larvae are also debris-carriers. Female adults die shortly after oviposition.