A revision of the Australian Myrmeleontidae (Insect : Neuroptera). I. Introduction, Myrmeleontini, Protoplectrini

Abstract

A brief historical outline of studies on the Australian Myrmeleontidae is followed by a review of adult characters useful in systematics and keys to subfamilies and tribes. The Myrmeleontini (23 species) and Protoplectrini (15 species) are revised, and keys and illustrations provided to enable separation of genera and species. The genera Leptoleon Esben-Petersen and Myrrneleonellus Esben-Petersen are synonymized with Myrmeleon L., and 10 new species of Myrrneleon are described. Myrmeleon tigrinum F. has not been confirmed from Australia. Two new genera (Antennoleon, Fenestroleon), each represented by a single new species, and two new species of Protoplectron Gerstaecker, are described.