Many people encounter the insect known as a “doodlebug” and wonder if these small creatures can bite humans. This question often arises from their unusual appearance and the unique traps they construct. Understanding doodlebugs clarifies this common query and explains their biology.
Understanding the Doodlebug
The insect called a “doodlebug” is the larval stage of an antlion, belonging to the family Myrmeleontidae within the order Neuroptera. These larvae have robust, oval-shaped bodies, often mottled in dirt-like colors, and three pairs of walking legs on their thorax. Their most distinctive features are large, flat heads and prominent sickle-shaped jaws with hollow projections. Antlion larvae typically inhabit dry, sandy areas, often found under sheltered spots like building eaves or tree roots, where they construct conical pit traps. The name “doodlebug” originates from the meandering, scribble-like trails they leave in the sand as they move backward, searching for a suitable place to dig their pits.
Antlions undergo complete metamorphosis, starting as eggs laid in sandy soil. After hatching, larvae can remain in this stage for up to three years, depending on food availability and environmental conditions. Once fully grown, they pupate within a spherical cocoon of sand and silk buried in the ground. The adult antlion emerges after about a month, resembling a delicate, drab damselfly or lacewing with long, slender bodies and intricately veined wings. Adults are weak fliers and have a relatively short lifespan of approximately one month.
Do Doodlebugs Bite?
Doodlebugs, or antlion larvae, do not typically bite humans. Their mouthparts, while effective for prey, are not designed to pierce human skin. The primary function of their large, sickle-shaped jaws is to capture and immobilize small insects, predominantly ants, that fall into their pit traps. When prey tumbles into the pit, the antlion larva seizes it with its jaws, injecting venom to paralyze the victim and digestive enzymes to liquefy its internal tissues. The antlion then consumes the liquefied contents, flicking the dry carcass out of the pit.
While instances of an antlion larva biting a human are rare, they can occur if the insect feels threatened, cornered, or stressed. Such a bite is generally described as a momentary stinging sensation that subsides quickly, lasting only a few minutes. There are no known long-term effects, and antlions are not known to be disease carriers.
Why the Biting Confusion?
The misconception that doodlebugs bite humans likely stems from several factors. Their sickle-shaped mandibles, used for capturing prey, can appear intimidating. The general fear or unease some people feel around insects may contribute to the belief that any unfamiliar arthropod could be harmful. Other small, ground-dwelling arthropods that do bite, such as certain beetle larvae or spiders, are sometimes mistaken for doodlebugs, especially given their similar habitats in loose soil or sand.
The sensation of something crawling on the skin, particularly in sandy environments where doodlebugs reside, might be misinterpreted as a bite. Traditional folklore or anecdotal stories passed down through generations could perpetuate the idea, despite scientific evidence indicating their harmlessness to humans. The name “antlion” itself, combining “ant” and “lion,” might also contribute to an image of ferocity that extends to human interaction, even though it refers to their predatory behavior towards ants.
Interacting with Doodlebugs
Doodlebugs are harmless to humans and play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by controlling ant populations. If you encounter one of their distinctive conical pits, you can observe their unique hunting behavior without concern. They pose no threat.
If you wish to handle a doodlebug, gently scoop it up with a small tool like a spoon, rather than using bare fingers. This avoids accidentally crushing it or provoking a defensive reaction. If you place one on your palm, keep your hand flat and taut to prevent the larva from attempting to grasp skin folds. After observation, gently return the doodlebug to its sandy habitat, allowing it to continue its natural activities.