After the last two domesticated Wild Facts, I figured we would get back to the “wild” and I couldn’t think of an animal that defines the harsh wild nature more than the lion. Of course, you have already read the title and looked at the picture so you know I am not talking about the typical lion. Nope, we are going to take some time to learn about a smaller but an equally voracious predator, the Antlion. In North America these insects are also referred to as “Doodlebugs” as a result of the odd, squiggly lines they leave in the sand. How about that, I have something in common with this insect as I am sure I could have been called a “Doodlebug” during my 1st year of University.
This particular insect gets their name from their predatory larval stage, where they are metaphorically like lions among the ant world. In fact, these clever predators will typically set up a trap or two for their unsuspecting prey. Now you are probably wondering how in the world an insect can possibly set up a trap. Well, the Antlion will scour its environment for the perfect sand composition – it is this searching that causes the odd “doodles”. Once they find the perfect spot, they will excavate a pit and bury themselves at the bottom of the pit. Eventually an unsuspecting ant will fall into the pit and that my friends will be the last “accident” the ant ever encounters.
Below is a great video showing this but I must warn you it does get a little sad and perhaps a little graphic.
Incredible how the Antlion is able to successfully knock their prey back into the pit by hurling sand at them, isn’t it?
Oddly enough, these predatory insects are quite harmless and delicate in the adult form. In fact, they resemble the beautiful Dragonfly or Damselfly. Similarly, it is difficult to observe the adult form since they spend the majority of the day hanging out in the trees, and let’s face it, when you have a greenish body and transparent wings, you would be very difficult to spot amongst the forest. I guess it is a good thing that the larvae is way more interesting that the well camouflaged adults.
Well, it looks like we are at the end of another Wild Fact. Enjoy the rest of your day and I will see you tomorrow.
