ant lion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2scientific, technical
Quick answer
What does “ant lion” mean?
An insect whose larva digs a pit in sand to trap ants and other small insects.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An insect whose larva digs a pit in sand to trap ants and other small insects.
The term can also refer to the larval stage itself, known for its predatory funnel-shaped pit trap. Figuratively, it may denote a formidable or patient predator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is consistent, though British texts may slightly favour the hyphen ('ant-lion').
Connotations
Neutral, scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, used almost exclusively in biological/entomological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “ant lion” in a Sentence
We observed the [ant lion] [digging/catching].The [ant lion] [constructed] a pit.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ant lion” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- ant-lion pit
- ant lion behaviour
American English
- ant lion pit
- antlion larva
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, and entomology papers.
Everyday
Rare, unless discussing insects or nature documentaries.
Technical
Core term in entomology for a specific larval form and its behaviour.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ant lion”
- Writing it as one word 'antlion' (though accepted in some contexts).
- Confusing it with the adult lacewing insect.
- Capitalising it ('Ant Lion').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither. It is the larval form of a flying insect from the family Myrmeleontidae, named for its lion-like predation on ants.
The adult is a delicate, winged insect resembling a damselfly or a lacewing, often called an antlion lacewing.
No. They are harmless to humans and too small to bite through human skin. They only prey on small arthropods.
The informal name 'doodlebug' (primarily in American English) comes from the larval habit of making irregular, doodle-like trails in the sand while searching for a place to build its pit.
An insect whose larva digs a pit in sand to trap ants and other small insects.
Ant lion is usually scientific, technical in register.
Ant lion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænt ˌlaɪ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænt ˌlaɪ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly; the behaviour inspires metaphorical phrases like 'patient as an ant lion')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ANT being caught by a LION that lives in a tiny sand pit. The 'lion' for ants.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATIENCE IS A TRAP / THE WEAK CAN ENSNARE THE UNWARY.
Practice
Quiz
What is an 'ant lion'?