Vella

Adults distinguished from damselflies by short, clubbed antennae (vs. long, thread-like) and overall more robust build. Among antlions, Vella is notable for exceptional size—substantially larger than most North American genera. The genus Scotoleon also has males with elongated abdomens and bracket-like claspers, but Vella adults are significantly larger. Larvae lack the pit-building behavior characteristic of Myrmeleon; instead they bury themselves just below the surface and wait with jaws agape.

Found in the southern third of the United States. Larvae occupy fine, powdery soils in dry, sheltered locations such as beneath rock overhangs, under bridges, in dirt floors of old barns and sheds, and at bases of trees. Adults frequent tall grasses and are attracted to lights at night.

Southern third of the United States, from approximately the latitude of southern California across to the southeastern states. Three species currently recognized in this genus.

Adults active during warmer months, most frequently observed at dusk and at night when attracted to lights. Larvae present year-round in suitable substrates.

Larvae are predatory, feeding on ants and other small invertebrates that pass near their buried position. Prey is captured with hollow, hooked mandibles that inject paralyzing enzymes and digestive fluids; liquefied tissues are then imbibed. Adult feeding habits poorly documented.

Complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Larval stage is the longest, spent buried in soil as a sit-and-wait predator. Pupation occurs underground in a sand-grain-reinforced silken cocoon. Adults are short-lived and primarily reproductive.

Larvae are ambush predators that bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait with jaws open for prey. When prey contacts the mandibles, larvae inject digestive enzymes, liquefy the tissues, and suck out the contents. The dry carcass is then flicked away. Unlike Myrmeleon larvae, they do not dig pit traps or throw sand. Adults are weak, clumsy fliers that rely on crypsis—flattening against substrates and aligning with vegetation to become nearly invisible. Nocturnal, with strong positive phototaxis to artificial lights.

Larvae function as small invertebrate predators in dry, sheltered soil microhabitats. Adults likely serve as prey for birds, bats, and other insectivores; their nocturnal activity and crypsis suggest substantial predation pressure. Specific ecosystem contributions otherwise undocumented.

Larvae do not construct the conspicuous pit traps associated with 'doodlebugs,' limiting their cultural recognition. Adults occasionally encountered at porch lights. No documented economic importance or pest status.

• MyrmeleonLarvae construct the classic funnel-shaped pit traps; Vella larvae do not dig pits and instead bury themselves just below the surface. Adults of Myrmeleon are substantially smaller than Vella.
• ScotoleonMales also have elongated abdomens with bracket-like claspers, but Vella adults are much larger (wingspan 100–120 mm+ vs. smaller in Scotoleon). Geographic range and size are distinguishing features.
• GlenurusThree North American species with distinctive black, white, and pink wingtips; Vella lacks such bold color patterns and is larger.

The common name 'doodlebug' properly refers to pit-digging Myrmeleon larvae, not to Vella larvae, which do not create the characteristic spiral trails or pit traps. Vella adults are sometimes mistaken for damselflies due to their slender bodies and lacy wings, but their clubbed antennae and larger size distinguish them.

• antlion
• Myrmeleontidae
• Neuroptera
• giant antlion
• sit-and-wait predator
• nocturnal
• cryptic
• North America

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: "Doodlebugs" (Antlions)
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