Friday

If you ever spent time outdoors exploring as a child.....


.....you surely would have come upon
this odd impression in the soil.


And if your curiosity had continued to peak.....

.....you might have unearthed this odd little creature.

They are quite harmless as you can see. (click on images to enlarge) Bugguide.net shows more information on this alien looking insect: http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=ant+lion&search=Search

Photos of Ant Lion larva (aka "Doodlebug") Myrmeleon by Carolyn Hietala

6 comments:

Cindy said...

I have never seen one of these in person, although they do supposedly exist around here. Scary looking thing... they don't use those pinchers on people? Just ants?

Carolyn Hietala said...

Just ants and bet any other tiny insect too. They are soft-bodied so be careful not to squish ;0)
Cindy... can't wait to get a macro. This photo is not up to par aside from the fact that he wouldn't stay still. And I was afraid of hurting him/her. What lens do you use?

Cindy said...

It's this.

mjaniceanne said...

Thnaks for the info, I have seen these little depressions! I and my husband are workampers at a campground in Winchester summers, and I found lots of little creatures I was curious about and found your blog and have been reading it ever since. I am an artist and photographer too-you do great work!!

Carolyn Hietala said...

Can't wait to see you post your art & photos! Isn't nature super ;0) Always a new discover just around the bend!

Unknown said...

Great photos of the Ant Lion!

 
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