Japanese Antlion vs European Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Antlion European Antlion
Scientific Name Hagenomyia micans Euroleon nostras
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 60-80 mm wingspan 30-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Japan, Korea, Eastern China Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Antlion

A large East Asian antlion with glossy wings and a robust body. A familiar summer insect across Japan attracted to artificial lights.

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Did You Know?

In Japanese folklore, antlion larvae are called 'arijigoku' meaning 'ant hell.'

European Antlion

A large neuropteran whose larvae build conical sand pits to trap ants and other small insects. Adults resemble damselflies but are weaker fliers.

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Did You Know?

Antlion larvae can survive for months without food while waiting at the bottom of their sand traps.