View the above photo record (by Gary Brown) in LacewingMAP here.
Macroleon quinquemaculatus
(Hagen, 1853)
Identification
Size: Medium sized (Wingspan around 60mm)
These antlions have mostly brown coloured bodies and show conspicuous dark bands across the abdomen. The wings are clear with diagnostic white pterostigmas.
Larvae: The larvae are pale coloured and resemble those of other pit-building species.
Photo by Peter Vos
Habitat
Macroleon quinquemaculatus inhabits savanna woodland and forest regions. Adults are can be found among tall grass in the dappled light beneath trees.
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
The adults are nocturnal and spend the day resting among tall grass or other vegetation and may often be found on the underside of branches. Macroleon quinquemaculatus is frequently attracted to light.
It is the largest pit building species in the Afrotropics and the pits are always in very well sheltered situations, especially under buildings. Adults sometimes form aggregations, aligning themselves along branches.
In South Africa adults are on the wing from October to April.
Photo by Gary Brown
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Status and Distribution
This species is common and quite widespread in South Africa. Ranges from the Western Cape northwards through KwaZulu-Natal and up to Limpopo. It is absent from the drier western areas. Macroleon quinquemaculatus extends far into Africa, across all countries as far north as Liberia and Ethiopia. It is also found on Madagascar.
Taxonomy:
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Subfamily: Myrmeleontinae Tribe: Myrmeleontini Genus: Macroleon Species: quinquemaculatus
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Gary Brown and Peter Vos 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. Macroleon quinquemaculatus. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/11/08/macroleon-quinquemaculatus/
Photo by Ryan Tippett
