Antlion larva (or 'doodlebug')

Natural Habitat

Arid and sandy regions, often found under overhangs or sheltered spots to build their pitfall traps in dry, loose soil.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae are predatory, primarily feeding on ants and other small insects that fall into their pitfall traps.

Behavior Patterns

Antlion larvae are known for constructing conical pitfall traps in sand. They bury themselves at the bottom of the pit, leaving only their powerful jaws exposed, waiting for unsuspecting prey to slip into the pit. The adult antlion is a winged insect resembling a dragonfly, but its behavior and diet are very different from the predatory larva.

Risks & Benefits

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

Identified on: 9/17/2025