...which one? I'm fairly convinced this is myrmeleontid, and not a "skinny dobsonfly" like I had originally thought. Scotoleon, Myrmeleon, and Brachynemurus all seem like options.
Observed at night in a mixed chaparral / grassland area in Oakland, CA, USA, along with many others. ~2-3 cm total body size.
Update: ID provided by John Oswald on BugGuide.
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Comments & Identifications
Not sure on the ID, but the photo came out awesome! The pattern on the carapace is really beautiful. Also, the iridescent eyes are very cool, reminiscent of Anisoptera. Although, all antlions may be like that, as I've never seen an adult one in person...
hey kueda! this is definitely a myrmeleontidae and this is definitely really cool to see. I rarely come across adults. Lovely photo.
PS! I hope you realize that this is the adult form of antlions
Thanks you two. ap2il, if you're still in the Bay Area, try heading up to a scrubby area at night. I wouldn't surprised if you run into one. You might want to bring a net, though. Flitty little things.
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