Common Antlion vs Wheat Stem Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Antlion Wheat Stem Sawfly
Scientific Name Myrmeleon immaculatus Cephus cinctus
Order Neuroptera Hymenoptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Cephidae
Size 30-45 mm wingspan 8-13 mm (adult)
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Common Antlion

A delicate lacewing-like insect whose larvae are famous pit-trap predators. Adults are nocturnal and resemble slender damselflies.

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Did You Know?

The larva flicks sand grains at prey to knock them back into its funnel-shaped pit trap.

Wheat Stem Sawfly

A major pest of wheat and barley on the northern Great Plains of North America. Larvae bore inside stems, weakening them and causing lodging.

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Did You Know?

Larvae girdle the stem base before pupating, causing the stem to fall over at harvest.