DIAGNOSIS
 This species is unmistakeable. The enormous size, dark wings, and bright red abdomen and antennae cannot be confused with anything else.

  

TYPE DEPOSITORY
ZMHB, Berlin
TYPE LOCALITY
Two syntype females: Madagascar: Majunga [Mahajanga] (15.40S, 46.20E), 15 November 1890, Voeltzkow.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
This species is found in areas of loose sand, primarily along the coast.
TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION
October to May with height of emergence in February.
ELEVATION
20 to 200 m.

REMARKS
Mansell (1996) has described this species as follows: "one of the largest and most magnificent of all antlions, characterized by long dark metallic blue wings and thorax, and blood-red abdomen." He has presented a photo of the wings and illustrations of the male genitalia. It has a wingspan attaining 150 mm (6 inches).