The “doodlebug” is the common name for the larval stage of the antlion, an insect belonging to the family Myrmeleontidae. While adult antlions are less frequently seen, their larval form, the doodlebug, is widely recognized for its unique hunting methods.
Identifying a Doodlebug
Doodlebug larvae have a distinct physical appearance: an oval, plump, flattened body with a segmented abdomen. Their dirt-colored bodies may be covered in bristles. A prominent feature is their flattened head, equipped with large, sickle-like pincers. These larvae are relatively small, usually growing to about 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in length.
The common name “doodlebug” originates from the winding, spiraling trails these larvae leave in the sand. As they search for suitable trap locations, they move backward, creating patterns that resemble “doodles” in the loose soil.
The Antlion’s Life Cycle and Habitat
Antlions undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs individually in sandy soil, which hatch into doodlebug larvae. The larval stage is the longest, often lasting from several months to three years, during which larvae grow and molt.
Once fully grown, a doodlebug larva enters the pupal stage, forming a spherical cocoon of sand and silk underground. This phase typically lasts about a month before the adult antlion emerges. Adult antlions resemble delicate damselflies but are distinguished by their clubbed antennae. They are primarily active at night, have a relatively short lifespan of about one month, and feed on nectar and pollen.
Doodlebugs are typically found in dry, sandy, loose soil environments. They often prefer sheltered locations, such as under house eaves or tree bases, where their pits are protected from rain and wind. The consistency of the soil is important for trap construction and effectiveness.
Hunting Strategy
The doodlebug’s hunting strategy involves constructing a conical pit. To create this trap, the larva crawls backward in a circular pattern, using its abdomen as a plow and head to flick sand outward, forming a funnel-shaped depression. These pits typically measure 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) in diameter and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) deep.
After constructing its pit, the doodlebug buries itself at the bottom, with only its powerful jaws protruding, awaiting prey. When a small insect, often an ant, wanders over the pit’s edge, the loose sand collapses, causing the prey to slide down into the trap. If the prey attempts to escape, the doodlebug throws more sand to destabilize the pit walls, ensuring the victim’s descent.
Once captured, the doodlebug seizes its prey, injects a paralyzing venom and digestive fluids to liquefy its insides, then sucks out the contents. The dry carcass is flicked out of the pit. While ants are their primary food source, doodlebugs also prey on other small insects and arthropods, including spiders, flies, and small beetles.
Doodlebugs and Human Interaction
Doodlebugs are harmless to humans and pets, as their diet consists exclusively of small insects. Although rare, a threatened doodlebug might attempt to bite, which may cause a mild, temporary stinging sensation. These larvae play a role in their ecosystems as predators, contributing to the control of small insect populations.