Myrmeleontidae (Antlions) Identification

Two species have been recorded in th British Isles:

Euroleon nostras and Myrmeleon formicarius

These species are easily distinguished from one another and can be identified without taking specimens.

Euroleon nostras

This is the most common of the two species.

Defining characters of Euroleon nostras. Photograph I. Pakrac (CC BY SA 2.0)

Myrmeleon formicarius

Only one record from the Isle of Wight, a possible visitor from Europe, may become established

Defining characters of Myrmeleon formicarius. Photograph G. San Martin (CC BY SA 2.0)