ant lion

Sand trap predator

An ant lion is the larval form of a winged insect resembling a dragonfly.

The larva digs a conical pit in sandy soil and waits at the bottom for ants and other small insects to tumble in, then seizes them with its large jaws.

The name refers to this predatory behavior—a lion among ants.

Also spelled antlion.

predation

ambush

Surprise strike from concealment

trapDevice for catching animals
preyAnimal being hunted
captureTake into custody

pitfall · hunting · patience · jaws · strike · suction · burial · concealment · strategy · cunning

larva

pit

Fruit's hard seed

conicalTapering to a point
funnelCone directing flow
sandFine rock particles

grub · mandibles · metamorphosis · instar · molt · pupa · nymph · juvenile · immature · doodlebug

insect

lacewing

Gossamer-winged beneficial insect

antennaeSensory appendages on insects
mandiblesPaired arthropod mouthparts
arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum

invertebrate · exoskeleton · hexapod · thorax · abdomen · compound eyes · wings · entomology · imago · specimen

habitat

sand

Fine rock particles

duneWind-formed sand ridge
soilGround matter for planting
dryFree from moisture

arid · sheltered · dust · fine-grained · loose · substrate · overhang · desert · terrain · burrow

ant lion

ambush

pit

lacewing

sand

ant lion

Opposites

Categories

Family