I'm sorry about this creature, but I found it today. I spend some of my time volunteering, selecting insects from field samples. Today I spent a lot of time working on the microscope and I have didn't take a shot! This is the larva of Myrmeleon immaculatus. The larva is very predatory, but it grows into beautiful net-winged insect.
I have been interested in photography all my life and remember quite well developing my first black and white films myself... My favorite subjects are...
@mcsiegle Antlion larvae live only in sandy areas. The larvae live in small, funnel-shaped holes dug in the sand, where they lie at the bottom and lie in wait for their victims. Only the mandibles stick out. The larva's prey is mainly ants, but it will also not despise another insect or spider that falls into its funnel. If the prey tries to get out, the larva shoots it with sand grains.
@haskar Oh, wow! I didn’t recognize the Latin name as being an antlion, which I’ve heard of. It does look like pictures I’ve seen of those. Thank you for the explanation. I was not familiar with their feeding habits. Yikes! I’m glad I’m not an ant!
