Which characteristic describes Myrmeleontidae larvae?

Which characteristic describes Myrmeleontidae larvae?

• A. Larvae feed on decaying wood
• B. Larvae are predacious on ants and other small insects
• C. Larvae feed on pollen
• D. Larvae feed on fungi

Answer: (B)

Myrmeleontidae larvae are ambush predators that prey on small arthropods, especially ants. They usually hide in loose soil or sand and often dig vertical or conical pits; insects wandering by fall in and are captured for food. This feeding behavior directly matches the description of being predacious on ants and other small insects, so it’s the best fit. They do not feed on decaying wood, pollen, or fungi—habits that belong to different insect groups or life stages—so those options don’t describe antlion larvae.

Myrmeleontidae larvae are ambush predators that prey on small arthropods, especially ants. They usually hide in loose soil or sand and often dig vertical or conical pits; insects wandering by fall in and are captured for food. This feeding behavior directly matches the description of being predacious on ants and other small insects, so it’s the best fit. They do not feed on decaying wood, pollen, or fungi—habits that belong to different insect groups or life stages—so those options don’t describe antlion larvae.