Polystoechotes punctata
This record describes Polystoechotes punctata (species). Recorded family: Ithonidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Wing venation:
Wikipedia reference for Polystoechotes punctata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystoechotes_punctata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Ithonidae (Giant and Moth Lacewings)
- Genus
- Polystoechotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so. Canada to Panama - Map ; had disappeared from e. NA by 1950 and since has been thought to only occur in the west. However, one recent record has been reported from Fayetteville, Arkansas .(Skvarla & Fisher, 2022)
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Jul-Oct (BG data) ( 4 )
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Polystoechotes punctata. 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 Polystoechotes punctata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Polystoechotes punctata
How big is Polystoechotes punctata?
Body length 28 mm, wingspan 65-70 mm (BG data)
How do you identify Polystoechotes punctata?
Wing venation:
Where is Polystoechotes punctata found?
Range: so. Canada to Panama - Map ; had disappeared from e. NA by 1950 and since has been thought to only occur in the west. However, one recent record has been reported from Fayetteville, Arkansas .(Skvarla & Fisher, 2022)
When is Polystoechotes punctata active?
Polystoechotes punctata: seasonal activity - mostly: Jul-Oct (BG data) ( 4 ).