Nicarinus
Nicarinus poecilopterus (Stein, 1863)
Order Lacewings (Neuroptera)
Family Antlions (Myrmeleontidae)
Conservation status: in Bulgaria: Critically Endangered CR [A2c; B1ab(iii)+2ab(ii)].
General distribution. Southern Italy, Croatia, Southern Bulgaria, Greece, Western and Southern Anatolia, Syria, Southern Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
Distribution and abundance in Bulgaria. Only known from the environs of Karlovo, where three specimens were found from June to August 1968 [1]. Data of the abundance of that relict population are absent. The only locality of Nicarinus poecilopterus in Bulgaria is markedly changed by human activity. For this reason it cannot be claimed with certainty whether the species still occurs in this locality, isolated from the rest of its range.
Habitats. A xerophilic species inhabiting open areas with herbaceous vegetation and isolated shrubs. Part of the habitat in Bulgaria represents a cultural area with gardens and separate fruit trees.
Biology. Poorly known. The species is a thermophil and xerophil. The adult occurs from the second half of June to August. It is nocturnal and is attracted by light. The larva is a predator. It feeds on small arthropods with a soft tegument. The larva moults twice (three larval instars). The development cycle lasts for two years. The overwintering stage is the larva.
Similar species. None.
Negative factors. Change of the natural herbaceous vegetation as a result of urbanization. Restricted distribution and low density. These factors lead to a risk for the existence of the relict population in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures taken. None.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the status of the habitat which is under severe anthropogenic pressure. Investigations of the abundance and the area of the only population in Bulgaria.
References. 1. Popov, 1996.
Author: Alexi Popov
