Requested by Jesse, this week is the insect whose name is thought to mean the 'destroyer of ants' - the New Zealand antlion. Its larvae uses its body to dig cone-shaped pits, do the 'east coast wave', pick up the slightest ground vibrations and inject venom into its prey to paralyse them and then liquefy their insides. After they cocoon they transform into an attractive lacewing which hide amongst foliage during the day and fly around hunting insects at night.
Adult_Auckland War Memorial Museum_ Photo: CC BY [httpscreativecommons.orglicensesby4.0]
