Ebner, Brendan C., and Rentz, David (2022) Cool Runnings: Antennae facilitate collective motion by a grounded group of adult antlions. Ecology, 103 (7). e3682.

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Abstract

[Extract] From 8 to 12 April 2020, daily observations were made of a group of adult antlions (also referred to as lacewings in Australia, Insecta: Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Myrmeleontini) in an upward alignment clinging to the vertical stalk of a dead shrub (approximately 1.7–1.8 m above ground level). From the photographs, it is likely the species was Baliga australis (Banks, 1939) or a congeneric species. Initially, four individuals were aligned in single file near their nearest neighbor (or neighbors). When approached, the formation stayed in vertical alignment and rotated around the stalk to remain out of view of the circling photographer (Video S1). At times, the antlions remained still, and it was possible to photograph and film them laterally (Figure 1) and dorsally (Figure 2). Usually, during the day, the group occupied the shaded side of the stalk, before reacting to the observer. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that the antennae of each of the three lower individuals were positioned to enclose the posterior apices of the folded wings and tip of the abdomen of the individual positioned above them in sequence. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that the antennae of each of the three lower individuals were positioned to straddle the posterior folded wings of the individual positioned above them in sequence (Figure 1).

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