(Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)
Issue No. 215
Lionel A. Stange
June, 1980
Introduction
Ant-lions are common, conspicuous insects in Florida. The pitfall traps made by Myrmeleon literally dot the land, especially in exposed sandy areas. Both adults and larvae are predators and are economically beneficial. Adults commonly feed on caterpillars and aphids, whereas the larvae feed on surface dwellers such as ants and larvae. Florida has the richest ant-lion fauna in the eastern United States with 22 species in 9 genera. Four species are found only in the Keys. This circular deals with the identification of the genera, most with only 1 species in Florida, based on adult characteristics.