A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Myrmeleon sp.
Antlion larvae traps in loose dirt
Old horse barn, rural deciduous area, Clermont County
Fun fact: Antlion larvae dig holes in loose dirt and sand and hide underneath at the bottom. When a small insect falls into the hole, it is unable to climb out and keeps sliding to the bottom, where the larva leaps out and snatches it in its long pincers.
Spotted on Sep 11, 2016
Submitted on Aug 29, 2017
4 Comments
I can confirm that they are, indeed, pits and not mounds. I also tossed an ant into one and saw the antlion larva emerge to feast, though sadly I was unable to get a picture. :(
@maplemoth662: You must be seeing an optical illusion on your screen. :) I definitely see BELOW ground pits (as in holes in the ground). I wonder how many other people see the same thing! :D
In agreement with Machi. I don't see the mounds? I see conical pits as well.
Those are conical pits maplemoth... These are definitely antlion traps