Antlion Motion

Larval Stage

Adult Stage

Larval Stage Motion

As a larva, the antlion moves exclusively in a backwards direction, controlling its direction with its legs. It has a large abdomen that contains muscles that push it through the sand/dirt that it resides in.  All the antlion needs sure of is that the force it uses overcomes the coefficient of friction of the sand/dirt. The antlion may move in a circle, but it is actually turning using linear motion i.e. tiny jumps instead of constant motion. 

Adult Stage Motion

Adult antlions move in a completely different way than their larval stage. They harness the power of flight, albeit clumsily. Using their wings, antlions are capable of sustained flight, and must generate enough lift to keep themselves from succumbing to gravity.  

The combined wings lift must be greater than the downward force of gravity on the insect.

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