View the above photo record (by Ryan Tippett) in LacewingMAP here.
Palparellus dubiosus
(Peringuey, 1910)
Identification
Size: Large (Wingspan around 100mm)
It could be confused with Palpares speciosus, but the characteristic thoracic patterns and male terminalia easily distinguish it from P. speciosus and P. caffer.
Larvae: The larvae are unknown.

Photo by Ryan Tippett

Photo by Ryan Tippett
Habitat
P. elegantulus inhabits the open, arid shrublands of the Nama Karoo in flat or hilly terrain.

Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
Palparellus dubiosus is regularly attracted to lights. Adults are nocturnal and often rest in a hanging position among the protective branches of Karoo bushes.
Adults are active during late summer and have been recorded from January to April.
Nothing is known about the larvae of this species.

Photo by Rick Nuttall
Status and Distribution
This species is confined to South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. In South Africa, it occurs in the drier western regions of the country. Palparellus dubiosus seems to be common and widespread in the Karoo regions of South Africa.

Taxonomy
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Subfamily: Palparinae Tribe: Palparini Genus: Palparellus Species: dubiosus

Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Rick Nuttall is acknowledged. This species text has benefited enormously from comments made by Mervyn Mansell on records he has identified in LacewingMAP. We acknowledge his important contribution.
Recommended citation format for this species text:
Tippett RM 2022. Palparellus dubiosus. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/08/30/palparellus-dubiosus/

Photo by Ryan Tippett