ant lion

• Insecto cuya larva cava un pequeño hoyo cónico en suelo arenoso para atrapar hormigas y otras presas pequeñas; también se le llama león de hormigas.

A small insect whose larva digs a pit in sandy soil to trap ants and other small prey; also known as a doodlebug.

1. Insect larvaB2formal

   The larval stage of an insect in the family Myrmeleontidae, known for digging cone-shaped pits in sandy soil to trap ants and other small insects.

   larva del hormiga león

   • The ant lion larva waits at the bottom of its pit for prey.
   • Children watched the ant lion flick sand at the struggling ant.
   • The ant lion's pit is a clever trap for unwary insects.

2. Adult insectB2formal

   The adult form of the ant lion, which resembles a dragonfly but has clubbed antennae and is a weak flier.

   Hormiga león adulta

   • The adult ant lion is often seen near lights at night.
   • Unlike the larva, the adult ant lion feeds on nectar and pollen.
   • The ant lion's delicate wings make it a graceful but slow flyer.