ant lions
Larval sand trappers
Ant lions are insects whose larvae dig conical pits in sandy soil to trap ants and other small prey.
The larva waits buried at the bottom, jaws open, for victims to tumble in.
The adult resembles a delicate, slow-flying dragonfly.
The name captures the predatory ferocity of the larval stage despite its tiny size.
Also spelled *antlion*.
- pitfallsHidden dangers or drawbacks
- pit trapConcealed hole for catching
- doodlebugPit-digging insect larva
- sand trapsGolf course hazards
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
mandibles · ambush predator · insects · larval stage · aphidophagous · natural enemies · sandy soil · desert floor · Metamorphosis · sandworms · Star Wars · Arthropoda · biocontrol agents · larvas · sands · lying in wait · doodlebugs · predator