View the above photo record (by Ryan Tippett) in LacewingMAP here.
Myrmeleon doralice
Banks, 1911
Identification
Size: Small (Wingspan around 44mm)
Myrmeleon doralice is an attractive yellow, grey and black antlion. The wings are clear and slightly iridescent.
Larvae: The larvae are small and pinkish with relatively slender heads.
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Photo by Zenobia van Dyk
Habitat
M. doralice can be found in a wide variety of habitat types but favours dry savannas and arid Karoo shrublands.
Behaviour
Adults are active during the summer months from November to May.
This species is readily attracted to lights.
Members of the genus Myrmeleon are considered to be the most primitive antlions.
The larvae walk backwards and are typical pit-builders. The pits are frequently located out in the open.
Photo by Dewald du Plessis
Status and Distribution
Myrmeleon doralice is Common and widespread throughout southern Africa, particularly in the drier regions. Beyond South Africa it is known to occur in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya.
Taxonomy
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Subfamily: Myrmeleontinae Tribe: Myrmeleontini (Pit-trapping Antlions) Genus: Myrmeleon Species: doralice
Photo by J. du Plooy
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Dewald du Plessis, J. du Plooy and Zenobia van Dyk 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. Myrmeleon doralice. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/11/10/myrmeleon-doralice/
Photo by Zenobia van Dyk
