Myrmeleontidae

Antlions, Antlion lacewings, Doodlebugs, Owlflies

Subfamily Guides

Ascalaphinae(split-eyed owlflies)
Dendroleontinae(antlions)
Myrmeleontinae(antlions)
Nemoleontinae

is a of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 2,000 , commonly known as antlions or antlion lacewings. The family is best known for the distinctive predatory of its larvae, which in many species construct conical pit traps in sandy soil to capture prey. are aerial insects with delicate, often patterned wings, and are frequently mistaken for or . The family includes two traditional : Myrmeleontinae (antlions) and Ascalaphinae (owlflies), though the latter is sometimes treated as a separate family. Antlions exhibit remarkable diversity in larval hunting strategies, with pit-digging behavior restricted to certain while others employ ambush or roaming .

Clathroneuria by (c) Daniel S., some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Daniel S.. Used under a CC-BY license.

Peruveleon by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myrmeleontidae: /mɪərˌmɛliˈɒntɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

distinguished from Odonata by short, clubbed (vs. thread-like or bristle-like in /) and different wing venation. From other Neuroptera by combination of body form, wing patterning, and antennal structure. Larvae identified by large, hooked and backward- ; pit-building larvae of Myrmeleon recognized by conical sand traps, though pit presence alone does not confirm genus as other genera occasionally construct shallow depressions. Molecular and genitalia examination often required for -level identification.

Images

Habitat

Larvae occupy sandy or fine-textured soils in dry, open including sand prairies, shrublands, grasslands, and savannas. Protected microhabitats—beneath rock overhangs, under bridges, at bases of trees, within dirt-floored structures—support higher larval densities and year-round activity. Pit-building require fine, powdery, dry soil that maintains structural integrity. frequent vegetation in grasslands and open woodlands, often resting concealed among grasses or twigs; many species attracted to artificial lights at night.

Distribution

distribution with greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Southern Africa represents a major evolutionary center, particularly for tribe Palparini. North America north of Mexico contains 18 and 94 , with highest diversity in southwestern United States. Doñana National Park, Spain, harbors 12 species from 9 genera. Pakistan contains 15 genera and 22 species. Korean Peninsula, Iran, and multiple African regions documented in recent taxonomic treatments.

Seasonality

Larval activity occurs year-round in protected microhabitats; surface activity and pit construction most evident during dry periods. and activity seasonal but varies by region and . In Doñana National Park, field surveys documented activity during April–June and March–July. Adults of many species fly at dusk or after dark; some species active during day. Attraction to lights primarily .

Diet

Larvae are obligate , feeding on small ground-dwelling arthropods that enter their capture zone. Documented prey includes ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and other small insects. Prey is seized with hollow , injected with paralyzing and digestive fluids, then liquefied tissues are imbibed; dry carcass subsequently ejected from pit. feeding habits poorly documented; known to consume soft-bodied insects and pollen, though specific prey remain largely unstudied.

Life Cycle

Holometabolous development with four stages: , larva, pupa, . Eggs laid in sandy soil. Larval stage is sole feeding and growth phase, potentially lasting multiple years. Larvae construct silken cocoon incorporating sand grains for ; to adult occurs within. Adult lifespan relatively brief, focused on . In rearing studies, 295 of 406 collected larvae successfully emerged as adults, indicating substantial mortality during development.

Behavior

Larvae exhibit two primary hunting strategies: pit construction (in Myrmeleon and related ) and free-living ambush or roaming (majority of ). Pit-building larvae walk backward in spiral pattern, flicking sand with and to create conical trap. Upon prey detection via substrate vibrations, larva flicks sand upward to destabilize prey and prevent escape. Free-living larvae conceal themselves under objects or within sand, emerging to seize passing prey. exhibit ultrasound avoidance in response to bat echolocation, including abdominal twitches, wing-flicks, pauses, and flight cessation; response threshold 60–80 kHz. Adults display strong , aligning body with substrate and flattening wings to become nearly invisible.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as sit-and-wait in soil , potentially regulating of small ground-dwelling insects. serve as prey for insectivorous bats and other predators, with their anti-predator ultrasound responses indicating significant pressure. contributes to biodiversity documentation in protected areas and serves as indicator group for ecological monitoring, given specific requirements and sensitivity to soil conditions. In Mediterranean , antlion reflect fine- habitat heterogeneity and prey availability.

Human Relevance

Larvae known colloquially as "doodlebugs" in North America, with regional names including "joerie" in southern Africa. Popular subjects of children's folklore and scientific curiosity due to pit-building . Occasionally kept in captivity for observation. Some large in tribe Palparini of interest to entomologists and naturalists. No significant economic importance; neither beneficial nor pest species in agriculture. Have inspired cultural references including fictional "Ceti eels" in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan.

Similar Taxa

Ascalaphidae (traditional owlfly family)Now generally treated as Ascalaphinae within ; distinguished by large divided and somewhat different , though distinction blurred by current .
Chrysopidae (green lacewings)Related neuropteran with similar wing venation; have golden and different body proportions, larvae lack pit-building and possess different structure.
Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) superficially similar in and wing shape; distinguished by long, slender , different wing venation, and aquatic larval stage.
Nemopteridae (spoonwinged/threadwinged lacewings)Related neuropteran found in same southern African ; have highly modified hindwings and different larval .

Misconceptions

Common misconception that all antlions build pits; in reality, pit construction is restricted to certain (Myrmeleon, Hagenomyia, Cueta) while most have free-living larvae. Name "antlion" misleadingly suggests exclusive on ants, though larvae capture diverse small arthropods. frequently mistaken for or due to convergent wing shape and .

More Details

Taxonomic instability

Ascalaphinae (owlflies) has been treated as separate in older literature; current consensus places it within . Family name itself subject to misspellings: "Myrmeleonidae" and "Myrmelionidae" appear in literature despite correct form Myrmeleontidae.

Conservation considerations

High in southern African Palparini tied to specific open biome with sandy soils; habitat conversion threatens these restricted-range . Korean Peninsula review highlighted conservation value of , suggesting vulnerability to habitat alteration.

Research gaps

of most remains poorly known; even common species like Palpares lentus have virtually no documented larval . feeding habits, mating , and precise requirements largely unstudied across majority of species.