View the above photo record (by Kate Braun) in LacewingMAP here.
Myrmeleontidae (Antlions)
Macronemurus tinctus
Kolbe, 1897
Identification
Size: Small-Medium (Wingspan around 62mm)
Superficially similar to Macronemurus perlatus. The head and thorax are yellow with black markings and the abdomen is orange-brown with darker dorsal patterning. The wings are clear with attractive black veining. The males are very characteristic due to their long ectoprocts.
Larvae: The larvae are unknown.
Photo by N. Thomson
Photo by Kate Braun
Habitat
Macronemurus tinctus inhabits savanna and grasslands, often in moist areas.
Behaviour
Not much is known about Macronemurus tinctus. The adults are nocturnal and spend the day resting among tall grass or other vegetation. Adults are regularly attracted to lights.
Adults are on the wing from from December to May.
Nothing is known about the larvae of this species.
Photo by Kate Braun
Status and Distribution
Macronemurus tinctus is a common and widespread species throughout much of South Africa. It also occurs in all of our neighbouring countries and extends as far north as Tanzania and Kenya.
Taxonomy:
Order: Neuroptera Family: Myrmeleontidae Subfamily: Nemoleontinae Tribe: Nemoleontini Genus: Macronemurus Species: tinctus
Photo by Kate Braun
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (LacewingMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Kate Braun and N. Thomson 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. Macronemurus tinctus. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/12/14/macronemurus-tinctus/
Photo by N. Thomson
