Micromus subanticus
This record describes Micromus subanticus (species). Recorded family: Hemerobiidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forewing with inner gradate veins separated by a distance greater than their length. Face with conspicuous dark markings. Larvae described by Krakaur & C. Tauber. Anacharis parasitize the larvae.
Wikipedia reference for Micromus subanticus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micromus_subanticus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Hemerobiidae (Brown Lacewings)
- Subfamily
- Microminae
- Genus
- Micromus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental, Canada & US ( 3 ) to Costa Rica
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on aphids for 3-20 days and then enter a quiescent stage for 2-6 days before pupating. Adults emerge after another 2-6 days. Adult females lay at night at on average 23.6 eggs per day over 26.5 days. Eggs hatch after 3-4 days.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Micromus subanticus ( Walker 1853)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Micromus subanticus. 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 Micromus subanticus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Boone; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Micromus subanticus
What is Micromus subanticus?
Micromus subanticus is a species in the family Hemerobiidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Micromus subanticus?
length to wingtip 7-8 mm, , body 5-6 mm, wingspan ~16 mm
How do you identify Micromus subanticus?
Forewing with inner gradate veins separated by a distance greater than their length. Face with conspicuous dark markings. Larvae described by Krakaur & C. Tauber.
Where is Micromus subanticus found?
Range: transcontinental, Canada & US ( 3 ) to Costa Rica
What is the life cycle of a Micromus subanticus?
Larvae feed on aphids for 3-20 days and then enter a quiescent stage for 2-6 days before pupating. Adults emerge after another 2-6 days. Adult females lay at night at on average 23.6 eggs per day over 26.5 days. Eggs hatch after 3-4 days.