any of several insects belonging to the family Myrmeleontidae, of the order Neuroptera, the larvae of which dig a pit in sand where they lie in wait to prey upon ants or other insects that lose their footing.
Also called: antlion flyany of various neuropterous insects of the family Myrmeleontidae, which typically resemble dragonflies and are most common in tropical regions
Also called (US): doodlebugthe larva of this insect, which has very large jaws and buries itself in the sand to await its prey
