Blaugust2026 What in the world

Photo taken August, 2025 by Sheri Edwards: winding track in the dust leading to a cone-shaped hole. We see these everywhere. It's the track of a doodlebug, otherwise known as an antlion. — What in the world? on Flickr, CC0 by Sheri Edwards

Blaugust 2026: What in the world?

We see these winding tracks everywhere in the dust in the trails at North Dam Park while walking the dog.

“What in the world?” is what we always say. Have you seen them?

For two years we’ve been wondering what in the world makes these tracks and holes?

Finally, I entered the above photo into Google Images. At first, AI focused on the cream colored seeds of grass fallen from the bunch grasses at the edges of the path. But when I pointed out the tracks, AI slapped its forehead and said, “My mistake!” I appreciate that AI admits its errors; too bad that humans don’t do more of that these days.

Next my AI friend, Google’s AI assistant, explained in detail with resources exactly what the focus of the photo really was: the doodling trail of an antlion larvae as it meanders backwards looking for the perfect spot to dig its cone-shaped trap. After creating the trap, it burrows itself in the bottom of the cone and waits for the unsuspecting prey, often an ant, who steps into the cone causing an avalanche that pushes it down towards the grasping jaws of the antlion larvae. [video on Facebook]

Video from Texas A & M:

Please note that the little monsters are HARMLESS! They eat ants and other insects, so they are very helpful. [Antlions and Doodlebugs at Iowa State]

antlion doodlebug larvae, public domain, Flickr
Photo from Joshua Tree National Park

The winding trail gives its nickname: doodlebug.

The antlion doodlebug is from the neuropteran family Myrmeleontidae. Now, what does an adult doodlebug look like? Here’s an illustration from 1773. As you can see, they could be mistaken for dragonflies or damselflies, but they are antlion lacewings, which only live for about a month, just enough time to mate and lay eggs. [Antlion, Wikipedia].

Originally published 1773, on Flickr at Biodiversity Heritage Library Collection, Public Domain

Look down!

Yes, enjoy the scenery around you while walking in nature, but if you’re in a dusty, dry area, look down to find the winding trail and traps of the helpful monster, doodlebug!