Antlion adult

Natural Habitat

Adult antlions are typically found in grassy or wooded areas, often near the sandy habitats where their larvae live. They are nocturnal and attracted to lights.

Diet & Feeding

Adult antlions generally feed on nectar, pollen, or small soft-bodied insects. Some species may not feed much at all in their adult stage.

Behavior Patterns

Adult antlions are often confused with damselflies due to their long, slender bodies and two pairs of similar-sized wings, but their antennae are clubbed and they are weak fliers. They are mainly nocturnal. Their larval stage (the 'doodlebug') is well-known for digging conical pits in sand to trap ants and other small insects.

Risks & Benefits

Antlion adults pose no risk to humans. As predators in their larval stage, they provide a benefit by helping to control populations of ants and other small ground-dwelling insects. Both adults and larvae are part of the food chain, serving as food for other animals.

Identified on: 9/23/2025