Myrmeleontidae

Definition

A family of neuropteran insects comprising the antlions, characterized by elongate, clubbed antennae in adults and by predatory larvae that typically excavate conical pit traps in loose soil or sand to capture small arthropod prey. The family includes roughly 2,000 described species in approximately 90 genera, with larvae commonly known as 'doodlebugs' in North American vernacular.

Etymology

From genus name Myrmeleon (Greek myrmex 'ant' + leon 'lion') + family suffix -idae, alluding to larval predation on ants.

Example

The pit-digging larva of Euroleon nostras (Myrmeleontidae) buries itself at the base of a steep-walled funnel, flinging sand to dislodge ants that tumble to the bottom where they are seized by oversized, sickle-shaped mandibles.

Synonyms

• antlion family

Related Terms

• Neuroptera
• Ascalaphidae
• Formicidae
• predator pit trap
• doodlebug
• lacewing

Usage Notes

Adults are frequently mistaken for Odonata or primitive moths due to their slender bodies and long wings, but are distinguished by clubbed antennae and different wing venation. The family is sometimes grouped with owlflies (Ascalaphidae) in the superfamily Myrmeleontoidea; larval pit construction is not universal—some myrmeleontid larvae are free-living litter predators or occupy pre-existing shelters.