Myrmeleontids

Myrmeleontids are a family of insects belonging to the order Neuroptera. They are commonly known as antlions or ant lionflies due to their predatory behavior, which involves hunting ants and other small insects. The family Myrmeleontidae includes over 1,000 species, with the majority found in the tropics. Myrmeleontids are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, long legs, and large, compound eyes. They have a unique hunting strategy, often digging pits in the soil to ambush their prey. The adults are typically active during the day, while the larvae are nocturnal and spend their time burrowing in the sand or soil. Myrmeleontids play a significant role in their ecosystems by controlling populations of ants and other small insects. They are also of interest to entomologists and insect collectors due to their distinctive appearance and behavior.