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Type: Articles
Published: 2010-07-09
Page range: 48–56
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Morphology and biology of the antlion Myrmeleon yemenicus Hölzel, 2002 (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae)*

Department of Biology, FNM, University of Maribor, Koroška 160, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Department of Biology, FNM, University of Maribor, Koroška 160, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University Graz, Harrachgasse 21, 8010 Graz, Austria
Neuroptera Antlion Myrmeleon yemenicus larva adult Yemen Arabian Peninsula

Abstract

The antlion Myrmeleon yemenicus is known from SW of the Arabian Peninsula where it inhabits shrubland and rock communities at the altitudes higher than 1800 metres above sea level. Morphology and behaviour of larvae and adults are described. Larvae construct conical pits in loose soil and wait for prey at the bottom of the trap. Catching behaviour comprises sand tossing, prey beating, grasping and prey submersion. On sand surface, larvae move only backwards. Dark brown spots on dorsal and ventral sides of the head are characteristic for the larvae. Eye tubercles are not prominent and mandibles are equipped with numerous long bristles oriented laterally. Body surface is covered with longitudinally grooved bristles and plumose hairs. On the tip of the antennae and labial palps sensilla basiconica occur. Small submedian teeth are located on abdominal sternite 8. Typical pattern of arrangement of digging bristles comprises eight bristles in the posterior row, and four bristles in the row immediately in front.

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