About the antlion

Like many insects, the antlion has a lifecycle that can be summed up with one picture. It is also a common name for about 4000 different species of insects found all over the world. Another name for them in the U.S. is the doodlebug due the tracks they leave in the sand. They get the name not from the adult stage of the animal but the larval stage. They are beneficial for gardens because of their voracious appetites. 

---

Egg Stage

Exists for a few weeks.

Larval Stage

 This is the stage that gives the antlion its name and also is what most people know and recognize. This stage lasts an extended period of time and is a majority of the insects life. This lasts for approximately 2 years. This time is spent eating and molting thrice until the very end, where it forms a cocoon. 

Cocoon Stage

This stage is the process of the antlion completely liquifies itself and pooping out as an adult antlion. this stage lasts approximately 4 weeks. 

Adult Stage 

After emerging from the cocoon the antlion will fly and mate for about 4 weeks laying eggs and dying. The antlion will also still be capable of eating during this time.