Ululodes floridanus
This record describes Ululodes floridanus (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from all other eastern species by having the fore pterostigmas pale but the hind pterostigmas dark. Only the western U. bicolor has this combination within our range and is readily separated from U. floridana by the developed pigmentation on the hind wing.
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
se. US (NJ-FL west to KS-TX) (and comments by J.R. Jones)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ululodes floridanus (Banks, 1906)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Ululodes floridanus. 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 floridanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Chuck Sexton , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ululodes floridanus
What is Ululodes floridanus?
Ululodes floridanus is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How do you identify Ululodes floridanus?
Distinguished from all other eastern species by having the fore pterostigmas pale but the hind pterostigmas dark. Only the western U. bicolor has this combination within our range and is readily separated from U. floridana by the developed pigmentation on the hind wing.
Where is Ululodes floridanus found?
Range: se. US (NJ-FL west to KS-TX) (and comments by J.R. Jones)