Mexican Antlion vs Southern Mole Cricket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mexican Antlion | Southern Mole Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vella americana | Neoscapteriscus borellii |
| Order | Neuroptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Gryllotalpidae |
| Size | 65-85 mm wingspan | 25-35 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Southwestern United States, Mexico | South America (native), Southern United States (invasive), Australia (invasive) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mexican Antlion
A robust antlion found across the southern United States and Mexico. Recognized by its large size and boldly marked forewings.
Did You Know?
Adults are surprisingly strong fliers for antlions and actively hunt small moths at dusk.
Southern Mole Cricket
A South American mole cricket that has become an invasive turf pest in the southern United States and Australia. It tunnels through soil near the surface, severing grass roots and leaving raised trails.
Did You Know?
It can fly strongly at night and is attracted to lights, which is how it colonized new areas after its accidental introduction.