Thursday, July 11, 2013

Doodlebug



Native Wildlife Spotlight: Antlion (Myrmeleon sp.)










It is hard to believe that these two pictures above, represent the same insect. The first image is the doodlebug (antlion) in its immature or larval stage.  They belong to the family Myrmeleontidae ; and have about 200 species. The name antlion only applies to the larval form. 

The antlion digs cone shaped indentations in the sand as a trap to catch their favorite food… ants. The young antlions are very soft and have needle like teeth that inject their prey with venom. They are usually harmless to humans. The second part of the life cycle transforms them into the winged insect in the second picture. Similar to a dragonfly, they like to live in forested areas.

“Life Cycle: Complete metamorphosis. Adults fly infrequently and lay eggs in the sand. The larva develops through several stages (instars), digging many pits, before pupating in a spherical, sand-covered cocoon in the spring or summer. Development may occur over two years” (Texas A&M).

This insect is considered beneficial (due to the fact they control ants). They present no medical dangers.; therefore have no management plans.

References:

 

image credit
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antlion

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