The Antlion larva, the 'doodlebug,' constructs a funnel-shaped pit trap in dry sand where it buries itself at the bottom waiting for ants to tumble in. When an ant slips down the steep walls, the antlion hurls sand grains to prevent escape and seizes prey with hollow sickle-like mandibles. The adult is a dragonfly-like insect with clubbed antennae that flies weakly at night.
Habitat
Dry sandy areas under overhangs, tree roots, and sandy banks
Diet
Larvae: ants and other insects falling into sand pit. Adults: small insects
How common
Common
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