Mediterranean Giant Antlion

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

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]

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

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]

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

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]

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]