Antlions, Owlflies, and Allies (Suborder Myrmeleontiformia)

Suborder Myrmeleontiformia is a major taxonomic group of insects within the order Neuroptera, commonly known as lacewings and their relatives. It includes several families of predatory insects, such as antlions (Myrmeleontidae), owlflies (Ascalaphidae), and spoon-winged lacewings (Nemopteridae). Members occur in many parts of the world and inhabit diverse environments, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and other terrestrial habitats. They generally possess two pairs of membranous wings with intricate vein patterns, elongated bodies, and well-developed sensory structures. Many species are predators during both larval and adult stages, feeding on ants, termites, aphids, and other small arthropods, although feeding habits vary among families. Some antlion larvae construct distinctive funnel-shaped pits in sandy soil to capture passing prey, while other members actively hunt or ambush insects on vegetation. Myrmeleontiformia play an important ecological role by helping regulate populations of small invertebrates in terrestrial ecosystems.