View the above photo record (by Norman Barrett) in LacewingMAP here.
Myrmeleontidae (Antlions)
Bankisus oculatus
Navás, 1912
Identification
Size: Small-Medium sized (Wingspan around 56mm)
Beautiful and delicate antlions with intricate wing markings. It has a distinctive dark and pale banded abdomen. Similar in appearance to the various species of Cymothales.
Habitat
Bankisus oculatus inhabits savanna woodlands.
Behaviour
It normally rests well camouflaged among grass or other vegetation. Adults are occasionally attracted to lights and are recorded from October to April.
The larvae live well concealed under dust in small recesses on sheltered rock ledges. They are typical “sit and wait” predators, relying on their camouflage to escape predation, as well as being concealed from potential prey.
Status and Distribution
Bankisus oculatus is is rather uncommon, but widespread in the northern parts of SA, extending into Zimbabwe.
Taxonomy:
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Subfamily: Dendroleontinae Tribe: Dendroleontini Genus: Bankisus Species: oculatus
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by AC. Roberts, Norman Barrett, Stephen Ball and Vaughan Jessnitz 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. Bankisus oculatus. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/12/08/bankisus-oculatus/