New Findings on Antlions (Neu.: Myrmeleontidae) from Iran

The insect antlions belong to order Planipennia, Suborder Myrmeleontiformia and Family Myrmeleontidae, with about 2000 species, they are well known for the predatory habits of the larvae of genus Myrmeleon</em> who use to dig pits as traps for hunting small arthropods passing by. The adult antlions are less known, and maybe mistakenly identified as dragonflies or damselflies. They have a worldwide distribution, and fly at dusk or after dark. The members of family have very different sizes, e.g. genera Palpares</em> and Acanthaclisis</em> are the largest and Geyria</em> and Delfimeus</em> are the smallest Iranian antlion according to the length of their fore wings. In this study, seven species Creoleon</em> cinerascen</em>, Nemoleon</em> poecilopterus</em>, Pseudoformicaleo</em> gracilis</em>, Distoleon</em> tetragrammicus</em>, Megistopus</em> flavicornis</em>, Cueta</em> striata</em> and Afghanoleon</em> flavamaculatus </em>were identified. The first species reported here for the first time from the country and other species are considered as rare species which were not collected from Iran since 1972. The photos of habitus and genitalia of the species and distribution maps are provided. All species studied are depositted in Hayk Mirzayans Insect Museum, Terhran, Iran.