Antlion

insects · hunters · sand traps

Pit trap architects. Antlion larvae dig cone-shaped pits in sandy soil and hide at the bottom, waiting for ants or other small insects to slide down into their trap. Once prey tumbles in, the antlion grabs it with its powerful jaws.

Called doodlebugs. In North America, people call antlion larvae doodlebugs because of the wiggly, looping marks they leave when they crawl backward through sand. These trails look like tiny drawings made by a pencil.

Night flying adults. Adult antlions look similar to dragonflies and damselflies, and they mostly come out at dusk or after dark to fly and search for food. They have much shorter lives than their larvae form.

2,000 species strong. There are about 2,000 different kinds of antlions found around the world, making them a diverse group of insects. Each species has its own habits and hunting style.

Fierce hunters. Antlion larvae have large, sharp jaws designed for catching and eating their prey, and they're patient hunters that can wait in their pits for days without eating.