Life Trockenrasen: Common Ant Lion

The antlion is the larva of the antlion lacewing, a net-winged insect. The larvae are known for their unique method of capturing prey. They use a self-built funnel in the sand to trap it: the antlion buries itself at the bottom of the funnel and waits for prey to wander to the edge of the funnel. The falling sand grains indicate that the prey is approaching. It then throws sand upwards with its strong mandibles, causing the prey to slip into the funnel. In winter, the larvae can survive for months without food or water.