Adults, sometimes known as antlion lacewings, mostly fly at dusk or just after dark and may be mistakenly identified as dragonflies or damselflies. Antlions have a worldwide distribution.

antlion, (family Myrmeleontidae), family of about 2,000 species of insects that are named for the predatory nature of the larva, which commonly trap ants and other small insects in pits dug …

Apr 5, 2024 · When prey, such as ants or other small insects, fall into the pit, the antlion larvae quickly capture them with their sickle-shaped jaws and devour them. The adult stage of an …

Scientifically denominated as Myrmeleontidae, the term ‘Antlion’ is more accurately ascribed to its larval form, a creature whose visage bears a striking semblance to that of its namesake, the …

The Antlion, known for its trap-building larvae, plays a vital role in pest control and exhibits unique predatory behaviors.

Jan 28, 2025 · Once a larva matures, an adult Antlion more closely resembles a damselfly or dragonfly. Adult Antlions, however, have obvious antennae, are weak fliers, and are nocturnal. …

The antlion larva waits at the bottom of its pit, with just the tips of its pincerlike fangs protruding. When an insect falls in, the antlion snags it in its caliper-like jaws, drags it below, and drinks its …

Jun 10, 2025 · While antlion larvae are found in pits, adults resemble damselflies but are closely related to lacewings. Like lacewings, which typically fly around sundown, are attracted to lights …

Since it preys primarily on ants, the antlion is, metaphorically speaking, a "lion" among ants. The larvae of some antlion species hide under bits of debris or wood and attack passing insects.

Antlions are capable of killing a variety of insects, and can even subdue small spiders. Value: The antlion is a generalist predator. It feeds on ants and other small crawling insects and spiders …