antlions

Antlions are insects best known for their predatory larval stage, which resembles a tiny, trap-building predator. The larvae dig conical pits in loose soil or sand, then wait at the bottom for unsuspecting insects, like ants, to fall in. Once prey slips into the trap, the larva quickly seizes it with its mandibles and consumes it. After feeding, the larva pupates and eventually emerges as an adult antlion, a delicate, dragonfly-like insect. Their unique hunting strategy and distinctive sand traps have earned them the nickname “doodlebugs” in some regions.