antlions
Sand trap builders
Antlions 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 ready, while victims slide down the loose sides.
Adults resemble dragonflies but are weaker fliers.
The name comes from the larva's predatory relationship with ants.
Surprise strike from concealment
- preyAnimal being hunted
- trapDevice for catching animals
- pitfallHidden danger or drawback
- captureTake into custody
insects · ants · feeding · carnivorous · striking · entrapment · hunting · patient
Translucent-winged beneficial insects
- arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
- hexapodSix-legged arthropod
- invertebrateAnimal sans backbone
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
genus · family · order · classification
Pit-digging insect larva
- grubFood or larva
- instarArthropod developmental stage
- moltShed outer covering
- metamorphosisProfound biological restructuring
pupa · cocoon · burrowing · sedentary · ambush · funnel · silk · pupation
Paired arthropod mouthparts
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- chitinArthropod shell polymer
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- abdomenTorso's lower cavity
thorax · jaws · bristles · setae · spiracles · legs · head · pincers
Fine rock particles
Limbs for flight
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- nocturnalActive during darkness
- delicateEasily broken or harmed
- short-livedLasting only briefly
ambush
Surprise strike from concealment
capture · insects · ants · feeding · carnivorous · striking · entrapment · hunting · patient · opportunistic
lacewings
Translucent-winged beneficial insects
- arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
- hexapodSix-legged arthropod
- invertebrateAnimal sans backbone
species · genus · family · order · classification
doodlebug
Pit-digging insect larva
metamorphosis · pupa · cocoon · burrowing · sedentary · ambush · funnel · silk · pupation · emergence
mandibles
Paired arthropod mouthparts
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- chitinArthropod shell polymer
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
abdomen · thorax · jaws · bristles · setae · spiracles · legs · head · pincers
sand
Fine rock particles
desert · arid · caves · tropical · temperate · woodlands · savanna
wings
Limbs for flight
antlionsants
Social colony insects
aphids · mites · termites · springtails · ant
antlionsdragonflies
Large hovering predatory insects
tiger beetles · ground beetles · wolf spiders · praying mantises