Pit-trapping Antlion

Genus Myrmeleon

• Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

• Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

• Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

• Insects (Class Insecta)

• Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

• Antlions, Lacewings, and Allies (Order Neuroptera)

• Antlions, Owlflies, and Allies (Suborder Myrmeleontiformia)

• Antlions, Owlflies, and Allies (Superfamily Myrmeleontoidea)

• Antlions and Owlflies (Family Myrmeleontidae)

Myrmeleon, commonly known as antlions, is a genus of insects belonging to the family Myrmeleontidae. These fascinating creatures are known for their unique predatory behavior during their larval stage, where they dig pits in sandy soil to trap ants and other small insects. Adult antlions do not have the same predatory adaptations as their larvae, as they primarily feed on nectar or other soft materials.