Antlion vs Australian Flower Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Antlion | Australian Flower Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Myrmeleon formicarius | Campsomeris tasmaniensis |
| Order | Neuroptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Scoliidae |
| Size | 30-35 mm body (adult) | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Antlion
Larvae build conical sand pit traps to catch ants and other small insects. The larva waits buried at the bottom and flicks sand at prey trying to escape up the slopes.
Did You Know?
Antlion larvae engineer their sand traps using physics — they build at the exact angle of repose so any disturbance causes an avalanche, sweeping prey to the bottom.
Australian Flower Wasp
A hairy black and orange scoliid wasp endemic to Australia. Males patrol flowers while females dig into soil to parasitize curl grub beetle larvae.
Did You Know?
Males are commonly seen hovering over lawns in large numbers, searching for females emerging from underground.