Ululodes arizonensis
This record describes Ululodes arizonensis (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
The developed pattern of dark pigmentation in the hindwing is distinctive, and all four pterostigmas are dark. U. bicolor often has less developed dark wing pigmentation, and the pterostigmas of the forewings are pale.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Myrmeleontidae (Antlions & Owlflies)
- Subfamily
- Ascalaphinae
- Genus
- Ululodes (Split-eyed Owlflies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
restricted sw. US (AZ) (TX-CA-UT is reported in , but much of this range has been re-evaluated as U. mexicanus ). Also occurs with a more extensive range in Mexico (Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Sonora, & Veracruz)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Ululodes arizonensis. 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 Ululodes arizonensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ululodes arizonensis
What is Ululodes arizonensis?
Ululodes arizonensis is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Ululodes arizonensis?
The developed pattern of dark pigmentation in the hindwing is distinctive, and all four pterostigmas are dark. U. bicolor often has less developed dark wing pigmentation, and the pterostigmas of the forewings are pale.
Where is Ululodes arizonensis found?
Range: restricted sw. US (AZ) (TX-CA-UT is reported in , but much of this range has been re-evaluated as U. mexicanus ). Also occurs with a more extensive range in Mexico (Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Sonora, & Veracruz)