Antlion larva (Doodlebug)

Natural Habitat

Dry, sandy, or dusty areas, often at the base of walls, under overhangs, or beneath trees where they can construct their pitfall traps.

Diet & Feeding

Insects, primarily ants, which fall into their pitfall traps. The larva ambushes prey at the bottom of the cone-shaped pit.

Behavior Patterns

The most distinctive behavior is the construction of a conical pit in sandy soil to trap prey. The larva buries itself at the bottom of the pit, with only its powerful jaws exposed, waiting for unsuspecting insects to fall in. When prey tumbles into the pit, the antlion larva may flick sand to dislodge the victim and prevent its escape. Adult antlions are winged insects resembling damselflies but are rarely seen.

Risks & Benefits

Antlion larvae pose no risk to humans. They are beneficial as natural predators of ants and other small insects, contributing to pest control in their ecosystems.

Identified on: 9/6/2025