Habitats of antlions larvae (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) in the Sudano-Guinean and Sudano-Sahelian zones of Cameroon

Abstract

Antlions (Insecta: Neuroptera) are flying insect associated with sunny weather at adult stage. During larval stage, xerophilous insects they are familiar to arid soils with critical temperature, hygrometry and luminosity. These 3 climatic parameters are used to discriminate among larval habitats of antlions in the Soudano Guinean and Soudano Sahelian Savannah of Cameroon. Investigations made during 3 years from 2015 to 2018,
consisted in survey of larvae’s funnels. At the level of each active pit-traps, the 3 parameters were recorded during the whole dry season. Analysis of data computerised pointed out that larvae of Cueta bourborni Navas 1935, and those of Cueta sp, are frequent within sites that are warm (40.57±0.64°C to 52.14±4.08°C); dry (10.91±0.82-16.81±2.74%rh) and lighted (94380.2 ±16109.4 lux) habitats. On the other hand, larvae of Myrmeleon
quinquemaculatus Hagen 1853 are associated with sites that are: humid (75.46±4.50% RH), cloudy (448.232±300. 491 lux) with tendency to moist (22.11±0.88°C to 28.10 ±2.14°C). Presence of C. bourbonni sometimes in the moisty Soudano Guinean zone could only indicate episode of warming.

Keywords. Antlions habitats, global warming, temperature, luminosity, Hygrometry