Vella americana
This record describes Vella americana (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
♂ ♀
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Neuroptera (Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies)
- Superfamily
- Myrmeleontoidea
- Family
- Myrmeleontidae (Antlions & Owlflies)
- Subfamily
- Myrmeleontinae
- Tribe
- Acanthaclisini
- Genus
- Vella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (NY-FL); newly reported in TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Various other insects, including other antlions.
Life History
Larvae are found in open trails in the sand. Their development takes several years.
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Vella americana. 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 Vella americana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by cotinis , Aaron Schusteff , v belov , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Vella americana
How big is Vella americana?
very large--wingspan to circa 125 mm, body length circa 50 mm (Banks, 1927; guide images)
How do you identify Vella americana?
♂ ♀
Where is Vella americana found?
Range: e. US (NY-FL); newly reported in TX
What does Vella americana eat?
The diet of the Vella americana includes Various other insects, including other antlions..
What is the life cycle of a Vella americana?
Larvae are found in open trails in the sand. Their development takes several years.