Antlion
Guides
Paranthaclisis congener
Paranthaclisis congener is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is nocturnal. As an antlion, it belongs to a group of neuropteran insects whose larvae are known for constructing pit traps to capture prey.
Paranthaclisis floridensis
Paranthaclisis floridensis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, described by Stange and Miller in 2012. It belongs to a genus of small antlions found in North America. The species epithet indicates a Florida association, though detailed natural history information appears limited in available sources.
Paranthaclisis hageni
Hagen's antlion
Paranthaclisis hageni is a species of antlion (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) originally described by Banks in 1899 as Acanthaclisis hageni. The species is native to North and Middle America, with documented presence in both regions. As a member of the antlion family, it shares the characteristic life history of having predatory larvae that construct pit traps in sandy substrates to capture prey, and aerial adults that are typically nocturnal and weak fliers.
Peruveleon
Peruveleon is a genus of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) established in 2011, containing five described species distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus was erected by Miller and Stange, with species previously assigned to other genera. Adult antlions are aerial predators, while larvae are pit-building or debris-dwelling predators that hunt small arthropods.
Peruveleon dorsalis
Peruveleon dorsalis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Antlions are predatory insects whose larvae construct conical pit traps in sandy or loose soil to capture prey. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Peruveleon, it represents part of the diverse antlion fauna found in the Western Hemisphere.
Purenleon inscriptus
Purenleon inscriptus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. The genus Purenleon was established to accommodate species previously placed in Myrmeleon and related genera, distinguished by specific wing venation patterns. Adults are found in North and Middle America, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The species epithet 'inscriptus' refers to markings on the wings.
Scotoleon carrizonus
Scotoleon carrizonus is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. The genus Scotoleon is found in North America and Central America. Adult males of Scotoleon species frequently have a much longer abdomen tipped with bracket-like claspers. The larvae of Scotoleon species do not construct the trademark pit traps associated with the genus Myrmeleon; instead, they bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey.
Scotoleon dissimilis
Scotoleon dissimilis is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. It was first described by Banks in 1903, originally placed in the genus Brachynemurus before being transferred to Scotoleon. The species occurs in Central America and North America. As with other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with a predatory larval stage and an adult stage.
Scotoleon expansus
Scotoleon expansus is an antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, found in North and Middle America. Adults are delicate, slender insects with lacy wings that superficially resemble damselflies but are distinguished by their short, clubbed antennae. Males possess a notably longer abdomen tipped with bracket-like claspers. The larvae are predatory, burying themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing pit traps.
Scotoleon nigrescens
Scotoleon nigrescens is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, order Neuroptera. It was described by Stange in 1970. Antlions in the genus Scotoleon are found in North America, and adults are characterized by their delicate, lacy wings and cryptic coloration that allows them to blend seamlessly against vegetation. The larvae are predatory, living in soil or sand and feeding on small insects.
Scotoleon nigrilabris
Scotoleon nigrilabris is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, distributed across Central America and North America. Like other antlions, it undergoes complete metamorphosis from a predatory larva to a delicate, lacy-winged adult. The genus Scotoleon is distinguished by adult males having a notably elongated abdomen with bracket-like claspers. Adults are cryptic and frequently observed among tall grasses at dusk.
Scotoleon yavapai
Scotoleon yavapai is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, first described by Currie in 1903. The genus Scotoleon is distributed across North America, with adults characterized by cryptic coloration and slender, lacy wings. Males of this genus typically possess elongated abdomens with bracket-like claspers. Larvae of Scotoleon species are predatory, burying themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey rather than constructing pit traps.
Vella
Vella is a genus of antlions in the family Myrmeleontidae, comprising approximately five described species. These are among the largest antlions in North America, with adults reaching wingspans of 100–120 mm or more. Unlike the pit-digging larvae of the genus Myrmeleon, Vella larvae are sit-and-wait predators that bury themselves just below the soil surface without constructing funnel traps. Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial lights.
Vella americana
Vella americana is a large antlion species in the family Myrmeleontidae, notable for being among the largest antlions in North America with adult wingspans exceeding 100 mm. Unlike pit-digging antlions of the genus Myrmeleon, larvae of Vella bury themselves just below the soil surface and wait for prey. Two distinctive larval behaviors have been documented: 'surface travel,' where larvae move across exposed substrates to relocate, and 'sand-blast,' rapid expulsion of sand from the mouth to clear debris or excavate. Adults are frequently attracted to lights at night.
Vella fallax
doodlebug
Vella fallax is a species of antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae, found across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. Adults are among the largest antlions, with wingspans reaching 100-120 millimeters or more. The species belongs to a genus containing three species, all characterized by their large size and nocturnal attraction to lights. Two subspecies are recognized: Vella fallax fallax and Vella fallax texana.
Vella fallax texana
Vella fallax texana is a subspecies of giant antlion in the family Myrmeleontidae. Adults are among the largest antlions in North America, with wingspans exceeding 100 mm. The species is nocturnal and frequently attracted to lights. Larvae are predatory but do not construct the characteristic pit traps of some antlion genera; instead they bury themselves just below the soil surface to ambush prey.