Researchers recently discovered two new species of antlions named Indophanes keralaensis and Indophanes sahyadriensis belonging to the family Myrmeleontidae under the order Neuroptera.
About Antlions:
Antlions are a group of about 2,000 different species of insects.
They belong to a family called Myrmeleontidae.
They are named for the predatory nature of the larvae, which commonly trap ants and other small insects in pits dug into the ground.
Adult antlions are not as well known. They live for a shorter time than the larvae.
Adult antlions, sometimes called antlion lacewings, usually fly at dusk or after dark.
People sometimes mistake them for dragonflies or damselflies.
Habitat and Distribution:
Antlions live all over the world.
Most types are found in warm, tropical places.
But some species, like the European Euroleon nostras, live in colder areas.
They often live in dry, sandy places. This is where their larvae can easily dig their traps.
However, some larvae hide under leaves or other bits of nature. They wait to ambush their prey there.
They come in various shapes and sizes, with larvae typically measuring from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on the species.
Antlion larvae haverounded bodies with long sickle-shaped jaws.
The larvae are found at the base of cone-shaped pits in sandy areas.
In North America, these larvae are sometimes called doodlebugs. This is because of the wiggly marks they leave in the sand.
They usually remain in the larval stage for one to two years, depending on the species.
Once they pupate, they require up to one month to complete their development.
Antlions are harmless and cause no damage to flowers, people, or structures.
They are highly beneficial and feed on ants and other insects that fall into their traps.
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