View the above photo record (by G. Myburgh) in LacewingMAP here.
Centroclisis mendax
Navás, 1912
Identification
Size: Large sized (Wingspan around 100mm)
The adults are pale grey hirsute antlions with stout bodies. The wings are relatively short and broad with rounded tips. This species can be recognised by the black line that runs through the middle of each fore-wing.

Photo by Aletta Liebenberg

Photo by G. Myburgh
Larvae: Nothing is known about the larvae of this species, although it is likely to resemble the larvae of other Centroclisis spp.
Centroclisis larvae are large and dark coloured. They have relatively short yet robust jaws.

Photo by Len de Beer
Habitat
Centroclisis mendax inhabits hot, dry areas such as the Kalahari and Karoo regions. Frequents arid woodlands as well as dry, open scrublands.

Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
Adults are sluggish and normally rest against tree bark where they are very well camouflaged. Centroclisis mendax is readily attracted to light. Adults are recorded during Summer from October to February.

Photo by Ryan Tippett
As in other Centroclis species, the large, dark larvae are voracious predators, which inhabit loose sand. They come to the surface at night to lie in wait for prey. They ambush their prey and do not construct pit-fall traps.
Status and Distribution
Centroclisis mendax is fairly common and widespread in Southern Africa. It occurs in Namibia, Botswana and the drier north and west of South Africa.

Taxonomy:
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Genus: Centroclisis Species: mendax

Photo by Aletta Liebenberg
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Aletta Liebenberg and G. Myburgh 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. Centroclisis mendax. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/10/03/centroclisis-mendax/