Myrmeleontidae
Guides
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.