Investigating Antlions with African Bush Training #CritterThursday

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©Hannalize Van Der Colff

The Antlion, also known as Lacewings, are neither ant nor lion. It is actually the larvae of about 2000 species of the family myrmeleontidae. It got its name due to the fact that they are predators and mainly feed on ants. Antlions are found in sandy areas such as dry woodland, sandy river banks and even on roads. Antlion larvae eat small arthropods, while adults of some species eat pollen, nectar or other small insects.The antlion larva has a robust fusiform body, a very plump abdomen, and a thorax bearing three pairs of walking legs.

Antlion larvae are very popular for their hunting habits. These tiny predators will dig small pits and wait under the sand with just its jaws above the surface waiting for insects such as ants to pass by. When the unsuspecting prey falls into the pit and try to escape, the antlion will alternate the sides of the pit causing it to collapse and bring their prey even closer to their hungry jaws. Some species also hide under debris where they will lie and wait to ambush prey.

The Antlion’s life cycle is fairly short, consisting of only a view weeks. The adult female Lacewing will deposit up to 200 eggs and after approximately 5 days, small larvae will emerge. Then, after 3 weeks or so, the larvae would have grown up to 9.5 mm. It will spin a cocoon, grow wings and develop reproductive organs. After 5 to 7 days the adult will emerge and ready to look for a mate. As adults they can survive for about 6 weeks. Now, depending on the temperature, the lifecycle of egg, larva, pupa and adult can be as short as 8 weeks.

Antlions are absolutely harmless and cause no damage to flowers, people or structures. They are highly beneficial and feed on ants and other insects that fall into their traps

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