View the above photo record (by Alan Manson) in LacewingMAP here.
Myrmeleontidae (Antlions)
Distoleon pulverulentus
(Rambur, 1842)
Identification
Size: Small
Distoleon pulverulentus is generally dark gey in colouration with yellow accents, particularly on the thorax. The legs are yellow and the wings are clear with many small black speckles and yellow veins.
Larvae: Nothing is known of its larvae.
Photo by Craig Peter
Photo by Andrew & Heather Hodgson
Habitat
Distoleon pulverulentus inhabits mid to high altitude grassland, often in mountainous regions. It is fairly common in the Drakensberg grasslands.
Photo by Ryan Tippett
Behaviour
Adults are most active during the late summer months from December to April. They are readily attracted to lights.
Distoleon pulverulentus is most often encountered at rest as they cling vertically to grass stems and are frequently flushed along grass-lined pathways.
Photo by Craig Peter
Status and Distribution
Distoleon pulverulentus is widespread but thinly distributed in South Africa. It can, however, be fairly common at some sites such as the grasslands of the Drakensberg. It has been recorded from all provinces in South Africa and is also known from Lesotho and Swaziland.
Taxonomy
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Subfamily: Nemoleontinae Tribe: Nemoleontini (Pit-trapping Antlions) Genus: Distoleon Species: pulverulentus
Photo by Andrew & Heather Hodgson
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Alan Manson, Andrew & Heather Hodgson and Craig Peter 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 obscurus. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/12/11/distoleon-pulverulentus/
Photo by Alan Manson
