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

Oil Painting Gallery http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/