Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity





back to order Neuroptera		 insect database

Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous

Size:
to
mm
Flight : weak flier

North American
Species: 89

Neuroptera Myrmeliontidae
Antlions

Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts: chewing
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: clubbed
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Adult antlions resemble damselflies but have clubbed antennae and different wing venation. The wings are clear in some species and irregularly spotted in others.

Comments: Antlions are better known as larvae. The larvae hide themselves in the bottom of a small conical pit, made in sand or dust, and wait with their long mandibles open for small insects to fall into the pit. When an insect falls to the bottom of the pit the antlion captures it and sucks out its body fluids.

Species:
Dendreleon obsoletum (Say)

Common Name:

Distribution: