Antlion larva (or 'doodlebug')

Natural Habitat

Sandy or dusty areas, often under overhangs, eaves, or in loose soil where they can construct their pitfall traps.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly ants and other small insects that fall into its pitfall trap. They are predatory.

Behavior Patterns

Antlion larvae are known for constructing conical pits in loose soil. They bury themselves at the bottom, waiting for prey to fall in. When an insect falls into the pit, the antlion larva uses its head and powerful mandibles to flick sand at the prey, causing it to slide further into the pit, where it is then seized and sucked dry.

Risks & Benefits

Antlion larvae pose no risk to humans. They are beneficial in ecosystems as predators of ants and other small insects, helping to control insect populations.

Identified on: 9/13/2025