Who's Digging Those Holes in My Yard?
Ever wonder what critter digs those cone-shaped indentations in sandy areas of your yard? Jessica Therriault of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identifies the pesky culprit.
Ever wonder what digs those cone-shaped indentations in sandy areas of your yard? It is an insect called an ant lion. The ant lion is neither an ant nor a lion. It is a harmless (to people) insect that looks more like a sci-fi movie monster than a real-life backyard critter. It has an appetite to match its ferocious appearance, and its name has everything to do with its favorite meal: ants! There are approximately 2,000 species of ant lions found throughout the world, mostly in warm climates. Florida has 22 species found throughout the state. Also called a doodlebug when in its immature or larval stage, the ant lion is unique not only because of how it looks and what it eats but also how it catches its prey. As its nickname suggests, …
