Antlion 1 by Leeco
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This is a mature Ant-lion. The immature ones live in sandy areas where they create little funnel shaped depressions. The young ant-lions hide under the sand at the bottom of the depression and wait for prey to crawl into the hole.
Once prey has entered, they are doomed. The sand is not stable and when they try to crawl out, the sand gives way and they make no progress. In the meantime, the ant-lion has made it's approach while still below the sand and when it gets close enough, it grabs the prey with large mandibles.
I have seen young ant-lions all my life. WE called them "Doodle Bugs". This is the first time I have ever seen a mature specimen.
Thanks to those who take the time to comment.
Lee
Comments (8)
Ottima cattura e bella spiegazione ! Excellent capture and beautiful explanation!
This is so interesting..I have read about them but have never seen a photo of an adult before.
I'm with durleybb. I have seen immature antlions going after ants, but I didn't know they turned into dragonflies like this. More interesting biology!
That is a new one to me. Excellent information for your photo.
Awesome find! I've never seen one either, very nice shot. :)
Greate capture and very interesting!
I have these depressions in my back yard from time to time and was told that doodle bugs make them but I've never seen one I'll have to pay more attention thanks for renewing an old interest, awesome capture!!
I found one of them this summer in a holyday-fun-park and got no cam with me... Nice shot.