September, 2018

Beaded Lacewing

The beaded lacewing (Lomamyia sp.) is probably one of the least familiar of the neuroptera, the insect order that includes antlions, green lacewings and owlflies. And it's not only unfamiliar to the general public; there is very little in the scientific literature about these odd predators. What IS known is that the larvae are associated with termite nests, living in them and feeding on the resident insects. It is not easy for a casual researcher (like me) to read the journal articles about beaded lacewings as online access costs dearly, such as $35 in one case just to read a single paper. According to secondary sources, at least one species of Lomamyia larva produces toxic farts from its anus that, when directed at the head of a termite, incapacitate it so that the lacewing can then just devour it. The gas is so effective against termites that several of them may be affected by just one dose.

I rather doubt that adult beaded lacewings feed at all, since they seem to be rather delicate, with small heads and mouths, and they spend a lot of time hanging around lights without feeding on other insects. Based on wing shape, pattern, and amount of hairiness, as well as general appearance, there are at least two different species in our area, but I've not found a way to identify them.