Vella fallax
This record describes Vella fallax (species). Recorded family: Myrmeleontidae. Recorded order: Neuroptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
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Wikipedia reference for Vella fallax: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vella_fallax.
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
Southwest into Neotropics. Subspecies:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Vella fallax (Rambur, 1842)
About Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Neuroptera, the group containing Vella fallax. 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 fallax (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Vella fallax
How big is Vella fallax?
very large, wingspan to circa 120 mm, with tropical specimens even larger (Banks, 1927; Internet searches)
How do you identify Vella fallax?
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Where is Vella fallax found?
Range: Southwest into Neotropics. Subspecies: