Antlion

Description:

Large insect that resembles a damselfly, although the abdomen is longer than the wings. Antennae are fairly short and clubbed.

Habitat:

Usually found in sandy areas.

Notes:

This insect is named after its larval stage, which are fierce predators on other insects. They build conical pit traps in loose sand and then lie in wait at the base of the trap with only their large jaws exposed. A haphless ant walking past the trap may tumble in and slide down the steep sides aided by tumbling sand grains. The antlion may assist by spritzing sand at the ant. Some ants escape, but others fall into the jaws of the antlion whereupon they are pulled under the sand and devoured.