Nature Nugget – Ant Lions

Ant lions are a worldwide family of insects in the order Neuroptera. The name ant lion is derived from the fierce looks and feeding habits of the larvae. Adults are winged and resemble damselflies, but have long, prominent, apically clubbed antennae and a different wing venation pattern. The larvae are carnivorous, feeding on ants and other insects, while most adults feed on pollen and nectar. The larvae are also called doodlebugs, because of the odd winding, spiraling trails they leave in the loose soil or sand while looking for a good location to build their pitfall traps with which they capture their prey. The ant lion larvae prefer to build their pits in locations that are sheltered from rainfall such as in old barns, under rock ledges, and under big trees. In areas with little rainfall, they will build out in the open.

An average sized larvae digs a funnel-shaped pit two inches deep and three inches wide at the top. When constructing their pit traps, the ant lion larvae marks out the chosen site with a circular groove, then moves backwards using its abdomen as a plough to shovel up the soil. Using one front leg, it places consecutive heaps of loose soil on its head, then with a quick jerk of the head, throws the soil out away from the construction site. Continuing with this procedure, it works its way in a circle toward the center, gradually getting deeper and deeper until the slope angle of the pit reaches the “angle of repose.” The “angle of repose” is the steepest angle the soil or sand walls can maintain without collapsing. When the pit is finished, the ant lion, which is equipped with two enormous, powerful, toothed mandibles (jaws), lays wait, buried at the bottom of the pit with just its mandibles exposed. Any ant or other insect that inadvertently falls into the pit is unable to climb out because of the steep, loose, collapsing walls, and eventually ends up at the bottom of the pit where it is grabbed by the ant lion. The ant lion will even flick soil at an insect trying to climb out of its trap, which undermines the sides of the pit, causing them to collapse, bringing the prey down with them.

Like the ant lion that digs a pit trap and lies in wait, Satan has laid pitfalls for us. “All the way along, Satan has prepared pitfalls for the feet of the unwary. But following our Guide, we may walk with perfect security; for the path is consecrated by his footsteps. It may be steep and rugged, but he has traveled it; his feet have pressed down the thorns to make the way easier for us.” The Youth’s Instructor, May 1, 1902.

“The children of God have reached the most critical part of their pilgrimage; for the nets and pitfalls of the enemy are on every side. And yet with the guidance of the Lord, with that which is plainly revealed in his word, we may walk securely and not stumble. But we shall daily need to seek God, to inquire, ‘Is this the way of the Lord?’ You cannot go on following your own inclination, and at the same time be treading in safe paths. You cannot live to please yourself, but must submit your will to God. But how will you understand what is the will of God unless you study his word with humble and contrite heart? You should be anxious to know, What saith the word of God to me?” Ibid., May 18, 1893.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.