Ant Lions 101

Have you ever walked around your home and wondered what on earth makes those funnel shaped depressions in the soil and why? Well wonder no more because Results Home Services is here to shed some light on the curious creatures that make these holes and why.

The insects that create the holes are the larvae of the insect known as Antlions. Antlions belong to the Myrmelentidae family and got their name from their ferocious hunting style. Antlion larvae conceal themselves at the base of the funnel shaped pit in wait for prey (usually ants) to get stuck in the pit unable to traverse the lose soil or sand that makes up the pit. Once the Antlion is within striking distance they snap their barbed mandibles shut and inject a poison causing paralysis while they suck out the bodily fluids of their prey.

As you can see in the picture to the right, this is how the Antlion catches its prey before it pupates and changes into its winged form, the final stage of the life cycle. The adult Antlion usually lives between 20 and 45 days before dying. In this time they find a partner, mate and start the life cycle all over again. Due to the nature of the ambush style of hunting, food can be very few and far between which is why Antlion larvae have the ability to lower their metabolic rate and survive long periods without food.

There are close to 2000 different species of Antlion and are widely dispersed all over the world and are not specific to any one region or area but are most prevalent in warmer climates.

There are close to 2000 different species of Antlion and are widely dispersed all over the world and are not specific to any one region or area but are most prevalent in warmer climates.

Are ants driving you crazy? Don’t wait for the Antlion larvae to take care of them, call Results Home Services now and see how we can help you reclaim your deck and yard from the millions of ants that have called it home. Our Termidor Ant Treatment is the most effective way to gain control of black, green or meat ants around your home. Call us now on 3823 2500 and ask us about our amazing pest control and ant treatment packages.