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Identity and classification

Palpares libelluloides is an antlion in Myrmeleontidae, within Neuroptera. Linnaeus described the species in 1764. [4]

Morphology and identification

The broad, pale yellow wings carry contrasting black spots. Male and female wing patterns are similar to the unaided eye. The Italian specialist catalogue gives forewing lengths of 50–60 mm for its illustrated adults. [2][3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs across the western Palaearctic, with extensive Mediterranean records. Adults occupy warm, open grasslands, scrub, meadows and clearings. [1]

Life cycle

The first larval instar differs from later stages in the smaller tooth-like abdominal processes and the presence of four digging setae on the terminal abdominal structures. Prominent eye-bearing tubercles and a particularly large middle mandibular tooth remain characteristic of the young larva. [1]

Feeding and hosts

The species is predatory, taking insects and spiders. [2]

Distinctive biology

Analysis of adults collected on the Croatian island of Lošinj identified sepiapterin and xanthopterin in the yellow wing regions and melanin in the black markings. The experiment compared ten males and ten females: yellow regions in females absorbed more light at 425 nm, while the sexes did not differ significantly in the measured absorption of black regions at 650 nm. [2]

Ecology

Larvae remain buried among plant debris, gravel, roots and stones. The species favours relatively coarse substrate and is usually absent from fine-sand coastal dunes. [1]

Sources

The larvae of European Myrmeleontidae: Palpares libelluloides treatment ↗
Badano and Pantaleoni, Zootaxa 3762 / Plazi · Accessed 2026-10-13
Quantification of wing pigmentation and identification of pigments in wings of Palpares libelluloides ↗
Annales, Series Historia Naturalis 17 · Accessed 2026-10-13
Palpares libelluloides ↗
ENEA Neuroptera specialist catalogue · Accessed 2026-10-13
Palpares libelluloides current taxonomic record ↗
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy · Accessed 2026-10-13

Sources checked 2026-10-13. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.

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Mediterranean Giant Antlion

At a glance

Identity and classification

Morphology and identification

Distribution and habitat

Life cycle

Feeding and hosts

Distinctive biology

Ecology

Sources