Antlion / doodlebug

Myrmeleon immaculatus

Larval stageFind the right habitat

Under a little pit in dry sand, an antlion larva waits with curved jaws. It can walk backward!

Little clues

Three things to notice.

Out in the world

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Sheltered dry sand.

When to look

Look for the larvae’s small sand pits in summer.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

This is the larva. Look for its little funnel in sheltered sand, and leave the trap undisturbed.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

For curious grownups, too

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

Make a bug slide

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Reverse QR files use the confirmed permanent website.