View the above photo record (by Alan Manson) in LacewingMAP here.
Cueta mysteriosa
(Gerstaecker, 1893)
Identification
Size: Small (Wingspan around 58mm)
Flesh-coloured antlions with dark brown patterning and stripes on the abdomen and thorax. The wings are clear with numerous, small dark brown speckles.
There are several other similar looking species in the genus.
Larvae: The larvae are pinkish and largely indistinguishable from those of other Cueta species.
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Habitat
Inhabits woodland, coastal forest, sand forest and woodlands, mainly on sandy soils, in the humid coastal region of north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal.
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
Adults are nocturnal and they are regularly attracted to lights. They are active during Summer and have been recorded from September to April.
The larvae are typical pit-builders and often construct their traps in the open.
Photo by Rick Nuttall
Status and Distribution
In South Africa Cueta mysteriosa is largely confined to the coastal areas of KZN where it is fairly common. It extends further north through Mozambique (including Inhaca island) to Kenya.
Taxonomy
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Subfamily: Myrmeleontinae Tribe: Nesoleontini Genus: Cueta Species: mysteriosa
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Rick Nuttall 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. Cueta mysteriosa. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/11/11/cueta-mysteriosa/
