View the above photo record (by Ryan Tippett) in LacewingMAP here.
Centroclisis brachygaster
(Rambur, 1842)
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 combination of the red abdomen and the black line that runs through the middle of each fore-wing.
Note that this genus is taxonomically complex and requires some revision.
Larvae: Not much 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.
Habitat
Centroclisis brachygaster occupies a wide range of woodland habitats, mostly in warm savanna regions.
Behaviour
Adults are sluggish and normally rest against tree bark where they are very well camouflaged. They are commonly known as ‘Bark Antlions’.
Centroclisis brachygaster is readily attracted to light. Adults are recorded during Summer from October to February.
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
This species is very widespread in southern and central Africa, from South Africa to DRC and including all of the southern African countries.
Centroclisis brachygaster is fairly common and widespread in South Africa.
Taxonomy:
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Genus: Centroclisis Species: brachygaster
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Len de Beer 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 brachygaster. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/10/21/centroclisis-brachygaster/