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Myrmeleon spp.
Antlions are worldwide in distribution, most common in arid and sandy habitats. A few species occur in cold-temperate places; a famous example is the European Euroleon nostras, whose scientific name means "our European [ant]lion". They can be fairly small to very large Neuroptera (wingspan range of 2–15 cm). The antlion larvae eat small arthropods - mainly ants -, while the adults of some species eat small pollen and nectar, while others are predators of small arthropods in the adult stage too. In certain species of Myrmeleontidae, such as Dendroleon pantheormis, the larva, although resembling that of Myrmeleon structurally, makes no pitfall, but seizes passing prey from any nook or crevice in which it shelters. (information from Wikipedia)
This is the only genus in our area [U.S. and Canada] whose larvae make the funnel-shaped pits. (information from BugGuide)
Developed woodlands
I tried several times last summer to show my 5 year-old daughter how to tease one of these out of their pit, yet was terribly unsuccessful. I finally snagged one today to show her! It was quickly photographed and returned to its pit.
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