Whilst birding the large pivot irrigation
fields at Haradh Phil and I came across a small number of thin flying insects
that looked a little like Damselflys or Lacewings. Myrmeleon is an ant-lion genus in the subfamily Myrmeleontinae and this insect appears to be Myrmeleon hyalinus. Species in the genus
feed on ants. Insect follows Myrmeleontidae family, and Neuroptera order. It is
dark brown in colour with yellow sides and
is about 20-30 milimetres long. Nymphs are small, without wings and make
traps in sand to catch insects especially ants. The larvae actively prefer
shady sites and often relocate to shady areas when exposed to the sun. This
behaviour may constitute a life-saving strategy in desert environments. Adults
have clear membranes wings and body is thin and long. The below photo was taken
by Phil Roberts and I thank him for sending it to me and for allowing me to use
it on my website
