David Element
Wildlife Photography
and Digital Video Images
_______________ Neuroptera 2 - Ant-lions
ANT-LION Distoleon
telegrammicus
ANT-LION Distoleon
telegrammicus
ANT-LION Distoleon telegrammicus
- Known
as 'Fourmilion longicorne'
in France, the intricate lacy wing structure of these delicate
neuropterans merits close examination under a lens. The tapered, clubbed
antennae are surprisingly robust by comparison and presumably designed to
present a large surface area for pheromone detection. The multi-coloured
eyes provide good all round vision but the flight is relatively weak and
often only of short duration following disturbance. These insects are
readily attracted to artificial light sources where in common with moths
and other insects they are often taken by spiders. Distoleon
telegrammicus is relatively
common in the South of France where these photographs were taken. Its
larvae inhabit leaf litter and they do not set pitfall ant-traps in the
manner that has caused the members of the Myrmelionidae to be generically
labelled as 'Ant-Lions'.
There are just over forty species in Europe, which is why gratitude is
owed to Colin Plant for confirming the identity of this one.
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