View the above photo record (by Gary Brown) in LacewingMAP here.
Cymothales poultoni
(Navás, 1913)
Identification
Size: Small-Medium sized (Wingspan around 56mm)
Delicate and exquisite antlions with long, slender legs. The wings are iridescent with intricate brown markings. The hind wings end in elegant pointed tips. Cymothales poultoni is easily identified by its long antennae (other Cymothales antlions have noticeably shorter antennae) and pale prothorax.
Photo by Norman Barrett
Photo by Gary Brown
Larvae: The larvae of Cymothales poultoni are unknown.
Habitat
Cymothales poultoni inhabits warm savanna regions in south-central Africa.
Behaviour
It normally rests well camouflaged among grass or other vegetation. Adults are readily attracted to lights and are on the wing during late Summer from January to May.
The life history of the larval stage is unknown, but other species of Cymothales live in detritus in tree holes or on rock ledges. This species is likely to do the same.
Photo by Norman Barrett
Status and Distribution
Cymothales poultoni is very widespread in southern and central Africa, recorded from DRC, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In South Africa it is known from the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West provinces.
Although widespread, Cymothales poultoni is very uncommon.
Taxonomy:
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Subfamily: Dendroleontinae Tribe: Dendroleontini Genus: Cymothales Species: poultoni
Photo by Norman Barrett
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Gary Brown and Norman Barrett 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. Cymothales poultoni. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/10/28/cymothales-poultoni/
