Antlions and dragonflies are fascinating insects that are often found in similar environments, captivating the attention of nature enthusiasts.
These creatures, although similar in appearance at first glance, vary in many ways, including their ecology, behavior, and life stages.
Differences In A Nutshell
The antlion (Myrmeleon sp.) is best known for its larvae, commonly called “doodlebugs,” which create funnel-shaped pits to trap ants and other small insects.
Adult antlions resemble drab-colored damselflies but have clubbed or curved antennae.
Dragonflies, on the other hand, belong to the order Odonata and include many species. Adult dragonflies are generalist predators, feeding on various day-flying insects such as flies.
Known for their agility and speed, these insects are an amazing sight to behold as they skillfully navigate through the air.
Shyamal, via Wikimedia Commons
While adult antlions prey on insects, their primary focus is on mating and laying eggs. Dragonflies, however, have a more predatory lifestyle throughout their life stages, with their aquatic nymphs feeding on various aquatic organisms.
Furthermore, antlions lay their eggs in sandy or loose soil where their larvae create cone-like traps, whereas dragonflies lay their eggs in water, allowing their nymphs to live in an aquatic environment.
Antlion and Dragonfly Overview
Origin and Classification
- Antlion: Belongs to the family Myrmeleontidae and order Neuroptera.
- Dragonfly: Belongs to the order Odonata.
These insects are related to one another but belong to different orders within the class Insecta.
Physical Appearance and Structure
Antlion
- Adult antlions have long, slender bodies and large, transparent wings.
- Larval antlions, or “doodlebug larvae,” are oval, plump, flattened, and soft-bodied with large, sicklelike pincers on their heads.
Dragonfly
- Adult dragonflies have elongated bodies, large eyes, and two pairs of transparent wings.
- Dragonfly larvae, also called “nymphs,” are aquatic, drab in color, and have small wing buds on their thoraxes.
Below is a comparison table of their features:
| Feature | Antlion | Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Order | Neuroptera | Odonata |
| Typical habitat | Sandy or soft soil | Freshwater environments |
| Adult wings | 2 pairs, large, transparent | 2 pairs, large, transparent |
| Adult eyes | Smaller and less round than those of dragonflies | Large and round |
| Larvae pincers | Large, sicklelike on the head | Absent |
| Larvae habitat | Beneath soil surface | Aquatic environments |
| Larvae feeding | Predatory, ambush prey | Predatory, actively hunting |
| Gills | Absent | Located inside the rectum of nymphs |
It is essential to note that although antlions and dragonflies have similarities in their adult forms, they show significant differences in their larval stages and habitats.
Life Cycle and Development
Reproduction and Offspring
Antlions:
- Female antlions lay eggs in soil or sand
- Larvae emerge from eggs and dig pits to catch prey
Dragonflies:
- Female dragonflies lay eggs in or near water
- Larvae, called nymphs, hatch and live in water
Metamorphosis and Stages
Antlions:
- Larvae: Antlion larvae, also called doodlebugs, have:
- Six legs
- Oval, plump, flattened bodies
- Large, sickle-like pincers to catch prey
- Cocoon: Fully-grown larvae form a cocoon in the ground to transform into the adult stage
- Adult: Adult antlions:
- Resemble fragile, drab damselflies
- Have an elongated body and four intricately veined wings
- Live for about one month
Dragonflies:
- Eggs: Laid in or near water, hatch into nymphs
- Nymphs: Dragonfly nymphs:
- Live in water
- Grow and shed their exoskeleton multiple times (incomplete metamorphosis)
- Adult: Adult dragonflies:
- Emerge from the water after approximately 25 days (can vary depending on species)
- Live several weeks to a few months (depending on species)
Comparison Table:
| Antlions | Dragonflies | |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Laid in soil or sand | Laid in or near water |
| Larvae/Nymphs | Called doodlebugs, dig pits | Called nymphs, aquatic, shed exoskeleton |
| Cocoon/Transformation | Form a cocoon in the ground | No cocoon stage |
| Adult Lifespan | Approximately one month | Several weeks to a few months |
| Environment | Terrestrial | Aquatic and terrestrial |
Habitat and Behavior
Preferring Surroundings
Antlions and dragonflies exhibit distinct preferences when it comes to their habitat.
- Antlions: They primarily dwell in sandy, dry soil, making it easier for them to create pit traps for ants and other prey.
- Dragonflies: Favoring areas near water sources, such as ponds, marshes, and lakes, providing them access to their preferred prey, including mosquito larvae and small aquatic insects.
Predatory Habits
Both antlions and dragonflies are predators with unique hunting strategies.
Antlions
Antlions lay in wait in their pit traps, which they create by digging into the sand or soil. When an unsuspecting ant or other small insect falls in, the antlion quickly grabs it with its mandibles and pulls it under.
Dragonflies
Dragonflies are agile, fast fliers that capture their prey while in flight. Their long and slender forewings, coupled with their large anal region, enable them to perform complex aerial maneuvers as they hunt.
| Feature | Antlions | Dragonflies |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy, dry soil | Water sources (ponds, marshes, lakes) |
| Prey | Ants, small insects | Mosquito larvae, small aquatic insects |
| Hunting Method | Pit traps | Aerial capture |
Physical Adaptations
Wings and Flight
Antlion:
- Short, plump body
- Elongated, club-like antennae
Antlions have a short body and elongated, club-like antennae. Their wings are transparent, with a wingspan of about 30-65 mm and a network of veins that provide support and flexibility.
Dragonfly:
- Streamlined body
- Long, slender abdomen
Dragonflies have a streamlined body and a long, slender abdomen. Their wings, also transparent, have a wingspan ranging from 50-110 mm, and their structure consists of a more complex network of veins.
Comparing wing features:
| Feature | Antlion | Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 30-65 mm | 50-110 mm |
| Vein Complexity | Simple | Complex |
| Wing Flexibility | Moderate | High |
Catching and Consuming Prey
Antlion larvae:
- Pitfall traps
- Mandibles for piercing and sucking
Antlion larvae catch prey through pitfall traps, with their large mandibles that are adapted for piercing and sucking. One specific prey of the antlion larvae is ants.
Dragonfly:
- Aerial predation
- Agile and fast flight
- Catch prey using legs
Dragonflies are aerial predators, both agile and fast in flight. They catch their prey mid-air using their legs to form a “basket” and consume them with their powerful jaws.
Mating Process
Antlion:
In the antlion mating process, the male grasps the female’s wings, ensuring proper alignment for mating.
Dragonfly:
Dragonfly mating involves the male clasping the female’s head or thorax, while the female reaches the male’s reproductive organs with her abdomen. This unique formation is commonly called the “mating wheel.”
Role in Ecosystem
As Pollinators and Food Sources
Antlions
- Predominantly consume ants and other small insects
- Larvae create intricate pitfall traps to capture prey
- Not known for their role as pollinators
- Provide food for larger predators like birds and spiders
Dragonflies
- Eat significant amounts of smaller flying insects, including mosquitoes
- Dragonfly larvae are essential food for fish
- Not pollinators, but do help control insect populations
- Adults are often seen around ponds and lakes hunting for food
| Feature | Antlions | Dragonflies |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Ants, other small insects | Mosquitoes, smaller insects |
| Pollination role | None | None |
| Predatory habits | Pitfall traps | Aerial hunting |
Beneficial and Detrimental Impacts
Antlions
- Beneficial: Control ant and small arthropod population
- Detrimental: Can cause a decline in some insect species due to predation
Dragonflies
- Beneficial: Natural pest control, reducing mosquito and other insect populations
- Detrimental: Limited; may slightly affect other insect populations through predation
Common Species and Distributions
Dragonflies
Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata and the suborder Anisoptera. They are agile, fast fliers and generalist predators.
Some common species include the Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly, which can be found across the southern United States, including Florida (source). You can often spot them in gardens during the day.
Features:
- Bristly legs to scoop up insects
- Long, slender bodies
- Large, multifaceted eyes
Antlions
Antlions are part of the Neuropteran family and are related to dragonflies. Adult antlions resemble damselflies but have clubbed or curved antennae (source).
In contrast, antlion larvae, also known as doodlebugs, have a more oval and flattened appearance (source).
Characteristics:
- Elongated body
- Four intricately veined wings
- Large, sickle-shaped pincers (larvae)
Comparison Table:
| Dragonflies | Antlions | |
|---|---|---|
| Order/Suborder | Odonata/Anisoptera | Neuroptera |
| Predatory | Yes | Yes |
| Habitat | Gardens, ponds | Sandy/loose soil |
| Activity Time | Daytime | Evening/night |
| Distribution | Wide-ranging | Varies |
Antlions are often found in the South, where they create conical pits in sandy or loose soil. They are usually active during the evening and are sometimes called evening owlflies.
Conclusion
In summary, dragonflies and antlions share a place in the animal kingdom but have differences in their features, habitats, and activity patterns.
While dragonflies are typically seen in gardens during the day, antlions are more active during the evening in sandy environments.
Understanding the difference between the two can help to identify the benefits they provide to the ecosystem. It can also help to know and prevent the possible damage that they can cause.
Footnotes
