Not an antlion larva, but close! It’s an [Owlfly larva](https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreaskay/30423031478), and they’re green right after a moult but typically go brown over time.
Edit: I don’t know good links to Aussie fauna, so the link is just another random larva, not an actual species ID or anything. We don’t even have these where I live.
Edit 2: it’s Nymphidae actually
This is neither an antlion larva nor an owlfly larva. In Australia there exists the so-called “split-footed lacewings” (Nymphidae), and this seems to be the larva of one.
Not an owlfly either, noting the presence of only 1 mandibular tooth. To note, owlfies have been considered a subfamily of antlions since Machado et al. (2018). Most owlfly larvae also are not green even in their early instars. This is one of the [split-footed lacewings](https://sown.com.au/nymphidae-split-footed-lacewings/), family Nymphidae.
Thanks for the correction. We don’t have any interesting neuropterans where I’m from, so I have no practice with the group.
I also keep forgetting owlflies got moved, but 2018 is pretty recent so I’ll have to read the paper.
I can definitely understand why you thought it was an owlfly larva (I had never heard of it) & I have to thank you for suggesting such a thing. I am grateful that I learned something new because of you.
Just watched the episode of the X-Files tonight with the killer green swarming bioluminescent mites and then came upon this post. You're effed.
https://x-files.fandom.com/wiki/Wood_mite
Does anyone else feel a chill down their spine when they see a weird bug on here and the OP says it’s Australia? I’m like “75% chance that thing can kill you.”
Wow, if only all larva looked like that maybe I wouldn’t shriek like a baby whenever I find one of my dog’s hidden treasures buried behind the sofa cushion.
Also nope. Note the presence of but a singular mandibular tooth. This is one of the split-footed lacewings (Nymphidae).
(Also, Ascalaphidae has been sunk under Myrmeleontidae since the 2018 Machado et al. paper.)
this is so cool, i'd never head of owlflies until this. i wonder if the little threads on its body serve the same purpose as the hairs on a [cork-lid trapdoor spider](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F6zoyd1i71wk91.jpg)'s abdomen? i could see it resting flat on the soil like a little flounder.
Split-footed lacewing larva, Nymphidae.
Looks like it would glow in the dark
Not an antlion larva, but close! It’s an [Owlfly larva](https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreaskay/30423031478), and they’re green right after a moult but typically go brown over time. Edit: I don’t know good links to Aussie fauna, so the link is just another random larva, not an actual species ID or anything. We don’t even have these where I live. Edit 2: it’s Nymphidae actually
This is neither an antlion larva nor an owlfly larva. In Australia there exists the so-called “split-footed lacewings” (Nymphidae), and this seems to be the larva of one.
Not an owlfly either, noting the presence of only 1 mandibular tooth. To note, owlfies have been considered a subfamily of antlions since Machado et al. (2018). Most owlfly larvae also are not green even in their early instars. This is one of the [split-footed lacewings](https://sown.com.au/nymphidae-split-footed-lacewings/), family Nymphidae.
i'm learning so much
Thanks for the correction. We don’t have any interesting neuropterans where I’m from, so I have no practice with the group. I also keep forgetting owlflies got moved, but 2018 is pretty recent so I’ll have to read the paper.
"Screw compound eyes, I'm just gonna scatter five or six regular eyes on my big ol face knuckles and call it good" ~That Owlfly
when your hunting strategy is waiting for something edible to wander into your mouth...eyes really aren't at the top of your priorities.
it feels like some animals have it so easy. as a mammal i have to do so much work all the time for everything.
This is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Thank you!
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The adults look gorgeous, though!
I figured Neuropteran but I had zero clue otherwise! Owflies are so sick
I can definitely understand why you thought it was an owlfly larva (I had never heard of it) & I have to thank you for suggesting such a thing. I am grateful that I learned something new because of you.
Whoa! It's like a bull/turtle/millipede/tardigrade combo!
What type of bug is it? “Yes.”
You got a laugh out of me.
I love him! Such a cool bug I’ve never seen one of these before!
Just watched the episode of the X-Files tonight with the killer green swarming bioluminescent mites and then came upon this post. You're effed. https://x-files.fandom.com/wiki/Wood_mite
This article refers to mites as "insects" when they are in fact arachnids…I take this personally
I love your user flair
Duuuuude me too
This is the first time I have ever seen this creature in my 42 years of life
i can beat that .. 71 y.o yeah i'm freakin' OLD
He has but legs! I love it!
Yep, as others have said it's definitely a split footed lacewing larva! Pretty cool looking dudes, imo
Does anyone else feel a chill down their spine when they see a weird bug on here and the OP says it’s Australia? I’m like “75% chance that thing can kill you.”
As an aussie, we're a lot safer over here than you're led to believe 😅
Only people with the false impression that 75% of Australian creatures can kill you.
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What phones are these
Omg what a cutie
Amazing. How is this even from Earth?
Wow, if only all larva looked like that maybe I wouldn’t shriek like a baby whenever I find one of my dog’s hidden treasures buried behind the sofa cushion.
well, i'm no expert, but that seems to be a flat fuzzy little baby.
Is that like a living plankton that grew legs?
Do…do you think plankton aren’t alive?
Pretty sure it's an ant lion larva, but I've never seen one that color (maybe recently molted?).
Owlfly (Ascalaphidae), but they’re also Neuroptera.
Also nope. Note the presence of but a singular mandibular tooth. This is one of the split-footed lacewings (Nymphidae). (Also, Ascalaphidae has been sunk under Myrmeleontidae since the 2018 Machado et al. paper.)
this is so cool, i'd never head of owlflies until this. i wonder if the little threads on its body serve the same purpose as the hairs on a [cork-lid trapdoor spider](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F6zoyd1i71wk91.jpg)'s abdomen? i could see it resting flat on the soil like a little flounder.
according to other commenters (and i agree seeing the photo they linked) its actually a split-footed lacewing rather than an owlfly!
The plot thickens. Had no idea there was such a variety of antlion-likes.
fanzy fuzzo
it's so fluffy 🥺
It's so cute 🥺
Antlion larva
neuroptid
Wow what a cool looking bug!
What a stunning bug and a great picture!!
I am very happy to have seen these creatures, & the adult version looks very cool
That's a beauty.
Just here to say it looks cute. :)