Antlion (Larva) / Doodlebug

Natural Habitat

Typically found in sandy soil, loose dust, or dry earth, often under eaves of buildings or in sheltered, dry areas where they dig conical pits.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator; feeds primarily on ants and other crawling insects that fall into their sand pits.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae dig funnel-shaped pits in loose soil and bury themselves at the bottom with only their jaws exposed, waiting for prey to slide down. They are also known as 'doodlebugs' due to the meandering trails they leave in the sand when seeking a new spot.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans (they have large mandibles but rarely bite people and are too small to cause harm). Beneficial as they help control populations of ants and other pests.

Identified on: 2/25/2026