The antlions are a group of about 2,000 species of insect in the neuropteran family Myrmeleontidae. They are known for the predatory habits of their larvae, which mostly dig pits to trap passing ants or other prey. In North America, the larvae are sometimes referred to as doodlebugs because of the marks they leave in the sand. The adult insects are less well known due to their relatively short lifespans compared to the larvae. Adults, sometimes known as antlion lacewings, mostly fly at dusk or just after dark and may be mistakenly identified as dragonflies or damselflies.
Image: Distoleon tetragrammicus 01
Image: Myrmeleontidae Distoleon tetragrammicus
Doodlebug (antlion) doodles and pit traps in the Grand Canyon
Adult of Myrmecaelurus trigammus
The insect order Neuroptera, or net-winged insects, includes the lacewings, mantisflies, antlions, and their relatives. The order consists of some 6,000 species. Neuroptera is grouped together with the Megaloptera and Raphidioptera (snakeflies) in the unranked taxon Neuropterida.
Neuroptera
Larva of Osmylus fulvicephalus, Osmylidae
Larva of Sisyra sp., Sisyridae
Patterned wing of Paleogene (49 mya) fossil Palaeopsychops marringerae (Ithonidae)