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Antlion traps

Myrmeleon sp.

Photo by Gaby3
Published on Project Noah
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38.9267, -84.1745

Field Notes

Description:

Antlion larvae traps in loose dirt

Habitat:

Old horse barn, rural deciduous area, Clermont County

Notes:

Fun fact: Antlion larvae dig holes in loose dirt and sand and hide underneath at the bottom. When a small insect falls into the hole, it is unable to climb out and keeps sliding to the bottom, where the larva leaps out and snatches it in its long pincers.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
Gaby3
I can confirm that they are, indeed, pits and not mounds. I also tossed an ant into one and saw the antlion larva emerge to feast, though sadly I was unable to get a picture. :(
flowntheloop
@maplemoth662: You must be seeing an optical illusion on your screen. :) I definitely see BELOW ground pits (as in holes in the ground). I wonder how many other people see the same thing! :D
flowntheloop
In agreement with Machi. I don't see the mounds? I see conical pits as well.
Machi
Those are conical pits maplemoth... These are definitely antlion traps

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Nests, hives, bowers, webs & other animal architecture
Mission
The Bug Chicks Sofa Safari

Tags

Photographed
PublishedAugust 29, 2017

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