Antlion — printable fact sheet

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Antlion

Myrmeleon formicarius

Antlions are fascinating insects best known for their predatory larvae, which create conical pits in sandy soils to trap unsuspecting ants and other small insects. The larvae are equipped with large, powerful jaws used to seize and consume prey. Adult antlions resemble slender, …

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Myrmeleontidae

Habitat

Sandy soils, dry open forests, and grasslands

Diet

Carnivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

2-3 years (including larval stage)

Weight

0.01-0.05 grams

Scientific name

Myrmeleon formicarius

Did you know?

Despite their fearsome larval hunting strategies, adult antlions do not eat other insects and instead feed on nectar and pollen.
Antlion larvae can survive for weeks without food by conserving energy. The conical pit traps are so efficient that very few prey escape once they fall in. Adult antlions are elusive and often overlooked due to their nocturnal habits.

What I learned

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