Mister antlion

Last week, when I wrote Adventures in the Back Yard - A Wonderful World, I realized that it might be worth describing one of the local yard inhabitants with a little more detail. One of the smallest and most inconspicuous animals does some of the most interesting things, in the most ordinary places. Let’s look at this common insect living in yards on Amelia Island, Mister Antlion.

I discovered the antlion (Myrmeleon formicarius) by being observant and curious. I noticed in the sandy areas of my yard, there were many cone-shaped depressions. I set out to find the origin of these structures, digging in literally and figuratively, I found the antlion, the term actually goes back to classical antiquity. The name Myrmeleon is a Greek word that means "ant lion.” This ingenious insect with a multi-stage life, including a predator antlion and a graceful lacewing, has been talked about by humans for quite some time.

The larval stage is the antlion "bug," also referred to as a doodlebug. This is an ugly little creature; its jaws are the largest part of its body. The antlion reminds me of Kyle Gru, the pet dog in the Despicable Me movies — all jaws!

The antlion bug constructs a cone-shaped impression in the sand, approximately one or two inches deep — the perfect trap. Then an insect, like an ant, ventures too close to the edge, sliding down the side, struggling to climb out of the cone. The sand moves under the ant's feet, moving the ant toward the center of the cone where the jaws of the antlions await at the bottom of the pit. The antlion loves to eat ants (and other insects), hence the name, antlion!

Most prey items never find their way out; they become food for the antlion. The antlion is also known to throw particles of sand and gravel in the air above the cone area to entice prey insects to come and investigate the commotion and become trapped in the cone of death!

For the antlion, the larval or bug stage is the longest stage of its life. The antlion can live 1-3 years in the sand in its larval stage, depending on location, climate, and food availability. Next, the pupal (metamorphic) stage will occur, lasting 3-4 weeks. During this time, the bug (larva) will transform into its adult form, which is the flying lacewing. 

The lacewing is a beautiful, tranquil, and peaceful creature compared to the antlion, and is more similar to a dragonfly. Lacewings are mostly nocturnal and are feeble flyers. Found at night, they are often fluttering around looking for a mate.

I am no longer an advocate for pets in cages these days, I definitely think children should observe insects (in the yard or park) instead of capturing them. Children can gently spend time in an area full of antlion traps and observe their behavior. If you place ants in their cones, you can see them eat the ants. I am sure they will appreciate the free meal! Families can interact with these fierce little creatures without removing or disturbing them.

This world is so fascinating. It just takes a little time and patience to discover the small wonders. A small, intelligent, shapeshifting antlion lacewing is one such creature. Next time you see a patch of conical impressions in the sand, remember the amazing life history of the antlion lacewing.