Ultrastructural Morphology on the Head Region of a Larval Antlion

Under a magnification of 1244X, this scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicted some of the ultrastructural morphology displayed on the head region of a larval antlion, surrounding the region of its right compound eye. This larva is sometimes referred to as a “doodlebug”, because of the trails it leaves in the soft sand as it hunts for prey. This arthropod, i.e., jointed legs, undergoes dramatic morphologic changes when it metamorphoses into a beautiful flying antlion lacewing. Note the particulate debris dispersed over the exoskeletal surface, which represents sand, and other constituents of the antlion’s natural environment.