Ululodes chiricahuensis
This record describes Ululodes chiricahuensis (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
White tuft of setae on thorax near the base of the wings (tegular setae). Antennae held straight while at rest (vs. curved/sigmoid antennae in U. mexicanus ). Inner rear margin of hindwing slightly concave (vs. convex in U. mexicanus ) .
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
Possibly endemic to the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. Even there, far less common than U. mexicanus .
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Ululodes chiricahuensis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ululodes chiricahuensis
What is Ululodes chiricahuensis?
Ululodes chiricahuensis is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Ululodes chiricahuensis?
White tuft of setae on thorax near the base of the wings (tegular setae). Antennae held straight while at rest (vs. curved/sigmoid antennae in U. mexicanus ). Inner rear margin of hindwing slightly concave (vs. convex in U. mexicanus ) .
Where is Ululodes chiricahuensis found?
Range: Possibly endemic to the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. Even there, far less common than U. mexicanus .