Giant-antlion
Guides
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 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.