# Brachynemurus abdominalis The Brachynemurus abdominalis is a special kind of insect known for its colorful body and long antennae. These insects are often found in sunny spots, where they like to flutter around. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Brachynemurus abdominalis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Brachynemurus_abdominalis_P1210992a.jpg&width=800) Photo: xpda, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brachynemurus_abdominalis_P1210992a.jpg) ## Appearance The Brachynemurus abdominalis is a pale, slender-bodied insect with two pairs of long, narrow, net-veined wings. Its body often blends in with sandy environments, and it has distinctive club-shaped antennae that are longer than its head. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Neuroptera - **Family:** Myrmeleontidae - **Genus:** Brachynemurus ## Interesting facts - Adults look like delicate dragonflies but have special clubbed antennae. - Its babies, called antlions, are famous for building sand traps! - The larva can live for several years underground before becoming an adult. - They use tiny hairs on their legs to walk silently across the sand. ## Special abilities - **Pitfall Predator:** Brachynemurus abdominalis larvae can dig conical pit traps because of their shovel-like heads, which helps them ambush unsuspecting prey. - **Master of Camouflage:** Brachynemurus abdominalis has a sandy-colored body and wings that helps them blend perfectly into their desert and scrubland habitats. - **Night Navigator:** Brachynemurus abdominalis can fly silently at night because of their delicate wings, which helps them find mates and avoid daytime predators. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 50-80 mm - **Size:** 25-45 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-30 days - **Flight Speed:** 1-5 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Larvae are fierce hunters of small insects, while adults often sip nectar or hunt tiny flyers. - **Age differences:** Larvae are voracious predators using pit traps; adults primarily feed on nectar and pollen, occasionally small flying insects. - **Primary Foods:** ants, small spiders, other small insects, nectar, pollen - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Silky Ant (*Formica fusca*) — Larvae ambush this ant in their sand pits. - **Eaten by:** [Western Kingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-kingbird) (*Tyrannus verticalis*) — Adults can be prey for insectivorous birds during the day. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Nocturnal adults can be caught by bats during flight. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Insects are usually safe, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Brachynemurus abdominalis? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Brachynemurus abdominalis's wingspan? 50-80 mm ### How big is Brachynemurus abdominalis? 25-45 mm ### How long does Brachynemurus abdominalis live? 15-30 days ### How fast can Brachynemurus abdominalis fly? 1-5 km/h ### What does Brachynemurus abdominalis eat? Larvae are fierce hunters of small insects, while adults often sip nectar or hunt tiny flyers. ### Where is Brachynemurus abdominalis usually found? Grasslands ### How does Brachynemurus abdominalis hunt? Ambush ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Brachynemurus abdominalis: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brachynemurus-abdominalis)