Antlions

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Insects from the Neuroptera order that are recognized for their unique hunting behavior, wherein larvae construct conical pits in sand to ensnare prey
2. Members of a group of insects notable for their larval form, which builds conical sand pits as traps for small insects
3. Larvae of certain insects that create funnel-shaped pits in sandy soil to capture unsuspecting prey

Etymology: "Antlions" is the plural of "antlion," a compound of "ant" and "lion," from Old English "æmete" and Old French "lion" (ultimately Latin "leo"). The name reflects the larva's hunting style: like a lion, it lies in wait, and ants and other small insects that slide down its sand pit become its prey.