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Summary Two surface behaviors were described in the larva of the antlion V. americana. Vella americana were observed flicking in a similar manner to pit builders, but in a way… Click to show full abstract
Summary Two surface behaviors were described in the larva of the antlion V. americana. Vella americana were observed flicking in a similar manner to pit builders, but in a way that does not lead to pit construction. A new spyhop behavior also was observed in which a larva exposes its head and thorax above the sand and remains very still for some time. It is hypothesized that these behaviors assist larval V. americana in hunting and orientation. The flicking motion may attract the attention of certain prey species, and the spyhop exposes the larva's stalked stemmata and multi-segmented antennae to increase sensitivity to prey or disturbance.
Journal Title: Florida Entomologist
Year Published: 2017
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