Distoleon tetragrammicus Net-Winged Insect Neuropter Antlion Doodlebug Lacewing

Distoleon tetragrammicus  cm 2-2.2 wing span cm 7.5 Net-Winged Insect Neuropter Antlion Doodlebug Lacewing.
Order: Neuroptera.
Suborder: Planipennia.
Family: Myrmeleontidae.
Syn. Formicaleon tetragrammicus, Myrmeleon tetragrammicum.

Distoleon tetragrammicus (Fabricius, 1798) is an insect of the order of neuropterans and of the family of myrmileontids.
The larva (not for sale) is a predator, it lives buried in the ground for one to two years, and then closes itself in a cocoon and metamorphoses into an adult. This has a wingspan of around 75mm and is attracted to light. It is sometimes confused with the species Myrmeleon formicarius, from which it is distinguished by the spots on the wings and the thicker and more visible antennae.
It is widespread throughout southern, western and central Europe, as well as in northern Africa; in Italy, the species is found throughout the territory.