Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of insect: An "ant lion" is a winged insect that looks similar to a dragonfly. The adult form has this name.
   • The larva of this insect: More commonly, "ant lion" refers to the larval stage of this insect. These larvae are also known as "doodlebugs." They are known for digging cone-shaped pits in sandy soil to trap prey like ants.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Adult Insect):
  • We saw an ant lion resting on the leaf; it looked like a small, delicate dragonfly.
• Noun (Larva):
  • The ant lion waited patiently at the bottom of its pit for an ant to fall in.
  • Children enjoy finding ant lion pits in dry, sandy soil.

Advanced Usage

• The term "ant lion" can be used to refer to the insect's complete life cycle, though context usually clarifies whether the adult or larval form is meant.
• In scientific or precise contexts, the larval form is often specified as the "ant lion larva."

Variants and Related Words

• Doodlebug (n): A common name for the larva of the ant lion.
  • He watched the doodlebug flick sand to make its pit deeper.

Synonyms

• For the larva: Doodlebug.
• For the adult: (No common simple synonym; described as a "dragonfly-like insect" or a "neuropteran insect of the family Myrmeleontidae").

Related Phrases

• Ant lion pit: The conical trap dug by the larva.
  • The ground was covered in tiny ant lion pits.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and most familiar meaning of "ant lion" is the predatory larva, famous for its unique hunting method. The adult insect is less commonly observed or discussed in everyday language.

Noun

1. winged insect resembling a dragonfly; the larvae (doodlebugs) dig conical pits where they wait to catch e.g. ants
2. the larva of any of several insects