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Dendroleon speciosus

Dendroleon speciosus

The Dendroleon speciosus, also known as the beautiful lacewing, is a tiny insect with delicate, lace-like wings. They are helpful because they eat pests like aphids, making gardens healthier and happier!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Dendroleon speciosus is a large insect with a robust body and long, clubbed antennae. Its transparent, intricately veined wings display dark markings and a yellowish tint, creating a mottled brown and black pattern that helps it blend with tree bark.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderNeuropteraFamilyMyrmeleontidaeGenusDendroleon
Dendroleon speciosus
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Dendroleon speciosus

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult antlions are often mistaken for dragonflies, but they have unique club-tipped antennae.

Adult antlions look like delicate lacewings but are often much larger and sturdier.

The larvae, called doodlebugs, can live for years before transforming into winged adults!

Unlike most insects, larval antlions don't poop! They store waste until they become adults.

Special abilities

Ability

Stealthy Snapper

Dendroleon speciosus larvae can hide perfectly under tree bark or leaf litter, ambushing unsuspecting insects with powerful jaws.

Ability

Powerful Pinchers

Dendroleon speciosus larvae have large, hollow, sickle-shaped jaws that inject venom and digestive enzymes into their prey.

Ability

Bark Blending

Adult Dendroleon speciosus has mottled brown wings and body that helps them perfectly camouflage against tree bark during the day.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
50-70 mm
Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
365-1095 days
Flight Speed
5-10 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Larvae are ambush predators of insects; adults might eat small insects or nectar.

Age differences: Larvae are strict ambush predators, while adults may supplement their diet with nectar or pollen.

Primary Foods

  • ants
  • small insects
  • spiders
  • beetle larvae

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

Larvae ambush these ants hiding in their forest habitat.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Insectivorous birds commonly prey on adult antlions.

eaten by

Cucumber Green Orb Weaver

Araniella cucurbitina

Orb weaver spiders can trap adult antlions in their webs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These insects are harmless, but it's best to look and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dendroleon speciosus's wingspan?

50-70 mm

How big is Dendroleon speciosus?

20-30 mm

How long does Dendroleon speciosus live?

365-1095 days

How fast can Dendroleon speciosus fly?

5-10 km/h

What does Dendroleon speciosus eat?

Larvae are ambush predators of insects; adults might eat small insects or nectar.

Where is Dendroleon speciosus usually found?

Forests

How does Dendroleon speciosus hunt?

Ambush

How many legs does Dendroleon speciosus have?

6

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