Giant Antlion
Vella fallax
Observed near Rio Rico, Sta. Cruz Co., Arizona, USA. 5 August 2010.
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These large flying insects are conspicuous when they show up at night below electric porch lights or black lights for collecting. On the wing for just a short time in late summer. The immature stage is a subterranean, wingless larva that tunnels backwards through loose sand in pursuit of prey, including smaller antlions. Their subterranean activities can sometimes be identified by wandering tracks. Sand that is piled deep along the upper banks of canyons and washes is a likely habitat for these predators.