Euptilon sinuatum
This record describes Euptilon sinuatum (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Readily identified by the ornate, white-marked abdomen (with segments having alternating bands and paired spots) and the dark, sinuate mark in the forewing.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Myrmeleontidae (Antlions & Owlflies)
- Subfamily
- Nemoleontinae
- Genus
- Euptilon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, CO, NM, & UT ; TX? (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Euptilon sinuatum (Currie 1903)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Euptilon sinuatum. 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 Euptilon sinuatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by v belov , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Euptilon sinuatum
What is Euptilon sinuatum?
Euptilon sinuatum is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Euptilon sinuatum?
Readily identified by the ornate, white-marked abdomen (with segments having alternating bands and paired spots) and the dark, sinuate mark in the forewing.
Where is Euptilon sinuatum found?
Range: AZ, CO, NM, & UT ; TX? (BG data)