This large and distinctively patterned Antlion is commonly spotted in Florida where it is found inside tree holes as well as gopher tortoise burrows.
Antlions get their name from the lion-sized appetites of their larvae. Known as Doodlebugs, the small, young larvae create trenches in soft sand or soil as they walk in random directions, often resembling doodles drawn by small children. The Doodlebugs of this species have large pincers with two small teeth on each one. The modified mouthparts at the head form sucking tubes that the larva uses to drain internal organs from its favorite meal: ants. Doodlebugs dig out shallow pits in the sand or soft soil and sit inside them. When ants walk too close to the edges of the pit, the loose sand/soil falls down from under them and they slip into the waiting jaws of the Doodlebug.
The winged adults may be mistaken for a damselfly at first . A quick check for the small clubs at the tips of the antennae can confirm the insect is an Antlion. The black and white marble pattern at the tips of all four wings are bold and unmistakable for this species. They are attracted to lights at night, but are usually seen in or around the tree holes they live in. They have also been found inside the abandoned ground nests of the threatened gopher tortoise.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Neuroptera
Family:Myrmeleontidae
Genus:Glenarus
Species:gratus
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Glenarus gratus
Category:
Antlion or Lacewing
Size (Adult; Length): 35mm to 52mm (1.37in to 2.03in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Colors: black, white
