Malagasy Ant Lion vs Banded Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Ant Lion Banded Antlion
Scientific Name Palpares lenticularis Glenurus gratus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 60-80 mm wingspan 55-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Madagascar Southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malagasy Ant Lion

A large neuropteran with broad, spotted wings that resemble those of a dragonfly. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights, while larvae dig conical pit traps in sandy soil.

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Did You Know?

Larvae sit buried at the bottom of their funnel-shaped sand traps and flick sand grains at prey to prevent escape.

Banded Antlion

A North American antlion with distinctive banded wing patterns. Commonly attracted to porch lights on warm summer evenings.

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Did You Know?

Unlike classic antlions, its larvae are ambush predators that hunt without constructing sand pits.