# Spotted-wing antlion (*Euroleon nostras*) The Spotted-wing antlion is a fascinating insect that loves to dig little pits in the sand. It waits patiently at the bottom for ants to fall in, making it a clever hunter! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Sandy areas - **Also known as:** Doodlebug ![Spotted-wing antlion](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/2008-07-30Euroleon_nostras01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Wildfeuer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2008-07-30Euroleon_nostras01.jpg) ## Appearance The Spotted-wing antlion is a delicate insect, resembling a lacewing or small dragonfly, with long, clubbed antennae. Its transparent wings are adorned with a distinctive pattern of brownish-grey spots and intricate venation. Its slender body is typically light brown or grey, helping it blend into its surroundings. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Neuroptera - **Family:** Myrmeleontidae - **Genus:** Euroleon ## Interesting facts - Adult antlions often don't eat at all, living off energy stored as larvae. - Antlion larvae can survive for months without eating if food is scarce. - Their 'spotted' wings help them hide by mimicking dried leaves or bark. - They are related to beautiful lacewings, but are much better at digging! ## Special abilities - **Camouflage Master:** Spotted-wing antlion larvae have sandy-colored bodies that allow them to perfectly blend with their pit environment. - **Lightning Strike Jaws:** Spotted-wing antlion larvae possess powerful, sickle-shaped jaws that can snap shut in an instant, seizing prey. - **Night Flight Navigator:** Adult Spotted-wing antlions are often active at dusk, using their wings to navigate and find mates in low light. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 40-80 mm - **Size:** 25-40 mm - **Lifespan:** 365-1095 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Tiny hunter larvae ambush ants in sandy pits, while adults might sip nectar or eat nothing! - **Age differences:** Larvae are fierce ambush predators, but adults typically consume little to no food, sometimes pollen or nectar. - **Primary Foods:** ants, small spiders, other small arthropods - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Silky ant (*Formica fusca*) — A common prey for larvae. - **Eats:** [Black garden ant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-garden-ant) (*Lasius niger*) — Often trapped in antlion pits. - **Eaten by:** [House sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Birds may prey on adult antlions. - **Eaten by:** [Common wall lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-wall-lizard) (*Podarcis muralis*) — Lizards can snatch larvae or adults. ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be careful not to disturb their sandy homes when playing outside. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Spotted-wing antlion? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Spotted-wing antlion's wingspan? 40-80 mm ### How big is Spotted-wing antlion? 25-40 mm ### How long does Spotted-wing antlion live? 365-1095 days ### What does Spotted-wing antlion eat? Tiny hunter larvae ambush ants in sandy pits, while adults might sip nectar or eat nothing! ### Where is Spotted-wing antlion usually found? Sandy areas ### How does Spotted-wing antlion hunt? Ambush ### How many legs does Spotted-wing antlion have? 6 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Spotted-wing antlion: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-wing-antlion)