Antliox, Or Lion Ant, a species of neuropter-ous insect, of the genus myrmeleon (Linn.), which has become celebrated for the singular manner in which the larva obtains a living prey. The perfect insect (M. formicarium, Linn.) resembles a small dragon fly, has a good power of flight, and is generally found in the warmer parts of Europe. The larva is about half an inch long, of an oval depressed form, and grayish sandy color; the small head is armed with two strong and long mandibles, serrated and pointed, with which it seizes and sucks the juices of its prey. The powers of locomotion being small, it has recourse to artifice to entrap insects. It makes a funnel-shaped excavation in sandy soil, with loose and crumbling sides, and buries itself, all but the head, at the bottom, waiting for a victim. If an ant or small insect approaches the edge, the sand gives way and it rolls down within reach of the expectant jaws; after the body has been drained it is cast out by a toss of the head. If the insect be large or likely to escape, the ant lion throws repeated showers of sand upon it by means of the head, until it falls exhausted and defenceless to the bottom of the pitfall.

Sometimes a revengeful wasp, well-armed bee, or mail-clad beetle falls into the snare, and the sting of the first two or the powerful jaws of the last often prove fatal to the ant lion. The larva state continues about two years, when a cocoon is spun, in which it is changed into an inactive nymph; the perfect 'insect comes out in two or three weeks, and lays the eggs for a new brood in dry and sandy places suited for the operations of the larvae. There are other species both in the old world and the new, all with similar habits.