Pit trap constructed by a unidentified species of invertebrate .

Ironic really, trap beside a Drosera Whittaker’s carnivorous plant.
Maybe not a trap but just a ant build structure.

comments (7)

Calbost Niel

Lion

What a great find Posted 4 years ago

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

Are we sure it's an ant lion pit Ernst? Did you see any of the critters? The pits I've seen fall downwards from a flattish surface with no raised ridge as seen here, allowing for easier access by ants. Just curious. Posted 4 years ago
1. Ernst
  
  Lion
  
  Ruth , you are mostlikely correct because after reading your comment I searched and it is unlikely a antlion pit. I alwise believed that it was . I will go back there and will have to see what lives in there. Possibly ants, but never seen any.Thank you for your input, it is appreciated. Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Ruth Spigelman
    
    Lion
    
    Good luck - will be interested in any feedback! Posted 4 years ago
3. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Interesting! The raised sides of this structure are NOT at all like antlion pits here in the States. I'm not sure what the benefit of building a raised pit would be? Also, the central hole is not a feature in these parts. The hole makes me think this is an insect burrow instead? Maybe some sort of solitary wasp or bee nest? I know many parasitoids will create ground nests, deposit a single egg in them, and then drag paralyzed prey back to them for the larva to eat once it hatches. These are typically larger nests than this one though...so I'm not sure what to think.
  
  Alas, I have no idea how antlions behave in Australia, so I'm not the best judge! Haha! Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
4. 1. Ernst
    
    Lion
    
    For many years now I used to think that I was looking at antlion traps but now with you and Ruth pointing out that this is not correct . Both of you definitely are correct it has nothing to do with antlion. It is mostlikely a species of ant and in the next few days I will go back to have a closer look.Until now I have never seen ants around the little craters. Posted 4 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      I can't wait to see what you find! Posted 4 years ago

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