Antlion larva (or 'doodlebug')

Natural Habitat

Larvae prefer dry, sandy, or dusty areas, often protected from rain, such as under rocky overhangs, eaves of buildings, or in loose soil where prey is abundant.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae are predatory, feeding on small insects, primarily ants, that fall into their pits. Adults generally feed on pollen, nectar, or small insects, but some species do not feed at all in their adult stage.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae create conical pit traps in sandy or dusty soil. They wait at the bottom for small insects, commonly ants, to fall in. When prey falls, the antlion larva flicks sand to disorient and capture the prey. Adults are typically nocturnal, flying weakly and often mistaken for damselflies or dragonflies.

Risks & Benefits

Antlions pose no direct risk to humans. They are beneficial insects as their larvae help control ant populations. Their presence indicates a healthy local ecosystem.

Identified on: 8/8/2025