The term “doodle bug” refers to the larval stage of the antlion, an insect known for its unique hunting strategy. These larvae are distinctive due to their appearance and the unusual traps they construct. This article examines their physical characteristics and the specialized environment they create.
The Larva: Appearance and Key Features
The antlion larva, or “doodle bug,” has a distinctive appearance. Typically small, these larvae grow to about 1/2 inch in length when fully developed. They have a robust, oval-shaped body with a plump abdomen and a flattened head. Their coloration usually blends with sandy surroundings, often appearing dusty brown, grey, or tan.
The antlion larva has six walking legs, often tucked beneath its body. Its head is relatively large and flattened, connected to the thorax by a slender, mobile neck, allowing considerable head movement during hunting. A pair of sickle-shaped jaws, or mandibles, protrude from its head. These mandibles are equipped with sharp, hollow projections, used to grasp prey and inject venom and digestive enzymes. The larva’s body is also covered in forward-pointing bristles, which help it anchor itself securely when subduing struggling prey.
Where to Find Them: Their Unique Traps
Identifying a “doodle bug” often involves spotting its conical pit in loose soil. These funnel-shaped traps are typically found in dry, sandy areas, often sheltered from rain and wind, such as under eaves or around the base of trees. The pits usually measure between 1 to 3 inches wide at the edge and 1 to 2 inches deep.
The larva constructs this pit by moving backward in a spiral, using its abdomen as a plow to dig into the soil. It then uses a front leg to flick loosened particles clear of the pit. This process creates a slope so steep that unsuspecting insects, like ants, tumble down the sides into the hidden larva. The pit indicates the “doodle bug’s” presence, as the larva remains concealed at the bottom, with only its powerful jaws exposed.
The Adult Antlion: A Different Look
While the larval “doodle bug” is a terrestrial predator, the adult antlion has a different appearance and lifestyle. Adult antlions are winged insects that superficially resemble dragonflies or damselflies. They are distinguished by their prominent, clubbed antennae, which are about as long as their head and thorax combined. Damselflies, in contrast, have much smaller, inconspicuous antennae.
Adult antlions have two pairs of long, narrow, translucent wings, often intricately veined and sometimes patterned with browns and blacks. Their bodies are slender and elongated, typically ranging from 1.5 to 3 inches in length. Unlike the predatory larva, many adult antlions are weak fliers and are primarily active at dusk or night, often attracted to lights. The adult stage is relatively short, lasting about a month, primarily for reproduction.