Nallachius americanus
This record describes Nallachius americanus (species). Recorded family: Dilaridae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae very elongate: Adults resemble small brown moths: wings rounded, hairy, transparent except for dark veins and many light brown spots, a number of which coalesce to form irregular bands across the wing; male antennae pectinate ; female ovipositor long, recurved over abdomen. For wing venation, see detailed figure from Penny...also thumbnail below: Very weak flyer, moving its wings in slow, floppy butterfly manner. ( comment by Jim Barrett ). Larvae very elongate, and live under bark. Uncommon. Adults are most often collected on or in close proximity to dead or living trees: in particular tulip poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera ); and several species of oaks ( Quercus ).
Wikipedia reference for Nallachius americanus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nallachius_americanus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Family
- Dilaridae (Pleasing Lacewings)
- Genus
- Nallachius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae under bark; adults come to lights.
Geographic Range
e. US (MD-MI south to FL-TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Nallachius larvae are presumed to feed on larvae & eggs of various tree-boring or bark-infesting beetles and ants.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nallachius americanus ( McLachlan 1881)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Nallachius americanus. 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 Nallachius americanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by cotinis , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nallachius americanus
What is Nallachius americanus?
Nallachius americanus is a species in the family Dilaridae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Nallachius americanus?
Wingspan 7-8 mm, body 3 mm
How do you identify Nallachius americanus?
Larvae very elongate: Adults resemble small brown moths: wings rounded, hairy, transparent except for dark veins and many light brown spots, a number of which coalesce to form irregular bands across the wing; male antennae pectinate ; female ovipositor long, recurved over abdomen. For wing venation, see detailed figure from Penny...also thumbnail below: Very weak flyer, moving its wings in slow, floppy butterfly manner. ( comment by Jim Barrett ). Larvae very elongate, and live under bark.
Where is Nallachius americanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae under bark; adults come to lights. |
| Range | e. US (MD-MI south to FL-TX) |
What does Nallachius americanus eat?
The diet of the Nallachius americanus includes Nallachius larvae are presumed to feed on larvae & eggs of various tree-boring or bark-infesting beetles and ants..