Antlion

Description:

The adult Antlion, has 2 pairs of long, narrow, many-veined wings, and a long slender abdomen. They have 2, long, clubbed antennae. They are also feeble fliers. The adults do not feed. They also have 6 legs, and 2 compound eyes. There colors are, brown, black, and molted gray. The length of an adult Antlion, is about 4 cm., and it has a wingspan of about 8 cm. The Antlion goes through complete metamorphosis. The adults are active only in the evening. During the day, it rests motionless, well-camouflaged by its transparent wings and dark coloring. Most species are found in the south western states of the United States. The length of a fully-grown, well nourished, predatory larva, is typically up to 1.2 cm. The Antlion larva, is often called a "Doodlebug" in North America. The Antlion larva, eats small Arthopods, mainly ants. Larval Form: A molted gray or brown creature, with an oversized head, spiny jaws, short legs, and a soft body covered with bristles. The larva builds sand pits to capture prey. About 2 inches deep, and 3 inches wide at the edges.

Habitat:

Antlions can be found in arid and sandy habitants. Antlions can be found in sheltered, sandy areas such as wooded dunes, open forest floors, and dry, tree-lined river banks. Also, sandy soil of flower beds, under hedges or eaves.

Notes:

At around 7:00 a.m. in the morning, I opened the front door, and went outside. When I was outside, I noticed a small insect resting on one of the walls. At first I thought it was a Moth. I then took some photos of this small insect. I then went inside my house, and I started to look up insects, that were found in Florida. After a few minutes, I came upon a picture of an Antlion. This was the insect that was resting on a wall, outside of my house. An Antlion. This Antlion stayed on this wall for 4 days. On the 5th day, I went outside, and I decided to touch the Antlion. I gently touched the Antlion on one of its wings, with one of my fingers. As soon as I touched the Antlion, it flew away. Two days later, early in the morning, I looked outside, and this same Antlion, was resting on the wall again. About 4 hours later, I looked outside, and this Antlion was gone again. The adult Antlion, is a cute little insect....