While pulling weeds over the weekend a wee depression in the dirt caught my attention. I’m thrilled since I can add a new species to my yard list. I now have my first antlion!

If you don’t know, the larval stage of an antlion’s life is spent in the ground (while the adult takes to the air). Though voracious predators, the larvae are homebodies. There’s no need to go out hunting with their well-designed homes.

They dig inverted cones in loose soil and when prey walks in (typically an ant, hence the name) the steep sides and friable sediment make escape nearly impossible.

Their efforts to leave disturb the sand and the tiny trickle alerts the antlion, lurking in the bottom of the pit. The antlion then lurches out and grabs its meal.

As you can see (if you look carefully- don’t blink), this little one was very busy working on its home. Something we have in common, though I’m pretty sure the antlion will be done with repairs before I will! 🤷‍♀️