Neleon immaculatus
This record describes Neleon immaculatus (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
♀
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Myrmeleontidae (Antlions & Owlflies)
- Subfamily
- Myrmeleontinae
- Tribe
- Myrmeleontini
- Genus
- Neleon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (NH-FL west to MN-OK)
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul in e. NC, Jul-Sep in NC mountains
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Myrmeleon immaculatus De Geer 1773
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Neleon immaculatus. 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 Neleon immaculatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Joshua Stuart Rose , v belov , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Neleon immaculatus
How do you identify Neleon immaculatus?
♀
Where is Neleon immaculatus found?
Range: e. US (NH-FL west to MN-OK)
When is Neleon immaculatus active?
Neleon immaculatus: seasonal activity - May-Jul in e. NC, Jul-Sep in NC mountains.
What is the life cycle of a Neleon immaculatus?
Larvae: