The death of an Myrmeleon larva
The Myrmeleon larvae are sandy soil dwellers that sit on the bottom of their funnel shaped hole and waiting for their prey. The nightmare of all ants is to fall into shuch sand pit trap. What is the worst death for ants than to by snatch by poisonous jaws of the larva lurking in. After several years of maturation the larva of Myrmeleon create a coccon in sandy soil where it becomes an adult after its final metamorphosis. The morphology of the larva is stunning. Jaws are formed by fusing mandibulae and maxillae together to form a food canal. On my way back to my car I stumble upon one of this Myrmeleon larva. The larva looked sturdy and ready to pupate. I slowly approach closer, but the larva was not moving. It was death. I don't know for how long but it must have been for days. Sitting in it's shallow hole the larva was totally dry but perfectly preserved. The cause of death was obvious. It was no possible for larva to dig in deeper. It was in the margin of the road and after...