Antlion
The Antlion (Myrmeleon immaculatus) is also sometimes referred to as a "doodlebug." This organism receives its name from its ferocious looking larval stage that hides in pits it digs in sandy soil. The larvae can only move backward, so there are usually winding furrows ("doodles") in the sand around the pit it eventually digs. Once the Antlion digs its pit, it lies in wait for the unsuspecting ant or other small insect to wander by and fall into it. When the insect falls in the pit, the Antlion's jaws interlock to form a hollow tube through which it pumps digestive enzymes into the insect. These digestive enzymes liquefy the internal organs of the insect, and the Antlion then ingests them.
Antlions are found during the spring and summer in sandy soils either in open areas or under rocky overhangs. The larval stage feeds on small insects, but the adults feed infrequently. When adults feed, however, they tend to eat nectar, pollen, and other smaller insects.
Antlions are up to 1-5/8" in length as adults, but the larvae are considerably smaller, and they spend the majority of their lives in the larval stage. The larvae has a small, bristly body, short legs, and large sickle-shaped jaws. The adult resembles a Damselfly and is grayish-brown in color with darker markings. The antennae are thick and club-shaped, and the wings are long and transparent with numerous branched veins.
Antlions are found in British Columbia and most of the United States. The video below was taken on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Antlions are found during the spring and summer in sandy soils either in open areas or under rocky overhangs. The larval stage feeds on small insects, but the adults feed infrequently. When adults feed, however, they tend to eat nectar, pollen, and other smaller insects.
Antlions are up to 1-5/8" in length as adults, but the larvae are considerably smaller, and they spend the majority of their lives in the larval stage. The larvae has a small, bristly body, short legs, and large sickle-shaped jaws. The adult resembles a Damselfly and is grayish-brown in color with darker markings. The antennae are thick and club-shaped, and the wings are long and transparent with numerous branched veins.
Antlions are found in British Columbia and most of the United States. The video below was taken on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.