Four-spotted Owlfly
Ululodes quadripunctatus
This record describes Ululodes quadripunctatus (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sexually dimorphic: ♀ with diffuse dark spots near wingtips (variable and sometimes absent), ♂ with prominent tuft of black bristles on top of abdomen near base (resemble scent scales, or pencils, of some Lepidoptera)
Wikipedia reference for Ululodes quadripunctatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ululodes_quadripunctatus.
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
e. NA north to NY-ON, west to NE-TX
Seasonal Activity
Summer, June-August in Piedmont region of NC
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae predatory in leaf litter, etc. Adults come to lights in mid-summer. They are allegedly most active at dusk and dawn.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: quadripunctatus 'four-spotted'
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Ululodes quadripunctatus. 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 Four-spotted Owlfly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by v belov , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Four-spotted Owlfly
What is Four-spotted Owlfly?
Four-spotted Owlfly (Ululodes quadripunctatus) is a species in the family Myrmeleontidae, within the order Neuroptera.
How big is Four-spotted Owlfly?
Body ~38 mm, antennae ~25 mm
How do you identify Four-spotted Owlfly?
Sexually dimorphic: ♀ with diffuse dark spots near wingtips (variable and sometimes absent), ♂ with prominent tuft of black bristles on top of abdomen near base (resemble scent scales, or pencils, of some Lepidoptera)
Where is Four-spotted Owlfly found?
Range: e. NA north to NY-ON, west to NE-TX
When is Four-spotted Owlfly active?
Four-spotted Owlfly: seasonal activity - Summer, June-August in Piedmont region of NC.
What is the life cycle of a Four-spotted Owlfly?
Larvae predatory in leaf litter, etc. Adults come to lights in mid-summer. They are allegedly most active at dusk and dawn.