Spottedwinged antlion, Dendroleon obsoletus (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)
Spottedwinged antlion, Dendroleon obsoletus (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)
Vicky Bertagnolli, ©2016, Clemson Extension
The genus, Dendroleon, means “tree lion” and references larval habitat. Instead of digging pits in the dirt to capture prey like many other antlion larvae, Dendroleon larvae reside in dry tree holes amongst debris and duff that has collected in the cavity.
Two species of Dendroleon are found in our area; one in the eastern US (Dendroleon obsoletus), one in the western US (Dendroleon speciosus).
Identification:
Antennae slightly clubbed with pointed tips. Often, antennae have a pinkish/light-colored portion in the middle.
Dendroleon obsoletus is easier to identify than many other antlions because of distinctive, large, circular black spots on the wings.
