Use a plastic cup or a similar small plastic container. It should be clear so you can observe the antlion. Make sure it’s at least 4 inches across. Wash your container with lukewarm water and non-toxic detergents. Order an antlion den or Zen garden. You can search online if you’d prefer to purchase a premade habitat, such as an antlion den. Make sure your antlion environment has enough space. As antlions get bigger, they will need more space to dig and build their “den”.
Filter out your substrate, especially if you’re using anything that may have rocks or clumps of dirt. Antlions can remove any large blockages, but it will be easier for them to have a smooth and consistent place to live. Fill your environment about halfway with sand. Make sure the antlion is not smothered by the sand and has enough space to build a pit. Make sure the diameter across the level of the sand is at least 4 inches. This will make sure your antlion has enough space to build their pit.
Recognize when your antlion stops eating. This is a clear sign that they are beginning their pupa stage. Antlions spin a cocoon under the sand in order to become an adult. This stage will last approximately 3 weeks. When antlions emerge as an adult, they will have wings. Make sure you have prepared their environment so they cannot fly away and have somewhere to perch. Cover the habitat with a ventilated lid or net so the adult antlion won’t escape. They will fly out of the habitat if you’re not careful and they can hurt themselves outside of their habitat. Free your antlion when it becomes an adult so it can procreate. Adult antlions will grow too big for your habitat. This will enable it to reproduce and live out its relatively short life.
Find secluded sandy areas. Antlions will not be found in the middle of a busy beach or playground. Look for cone-shaped pits. They should look like hollow cone with a hole in the middle like a funnel. This is a clear sign of nearby antlions. Antlions can live in many other kinds of substrates. Check out other areas with a lot of dirt if you don’t have any sandy areas nearby.
Use the scoop near the antlion pit. They may not be in the pit at the time, so you may need to try around the pit as well. Carefully sift out the sand. Make sure you don’t hurt the antlion by being too rough with the sifter. Continue using the sifter in the area until you find the antlion. Stay attentive, since the antlion is the same color as its sandy environment.
Bring a small cup or other container. Fill it with sand from the area where you found the antlion. Keep your antlion habitat along with your antlion inside a dark area. These habitats may be the best designed for your antlion. Don’t worry if the antlion is on its back and playing dead. In a few moments, it will get up and try to bury itself again. [3] X Research source Once you get the antlion back to your home, put it in its environment. Let the insect get used to its new home for at least 24 hours. Be careful when opening the package when it arrives. You don’t want to injure the antlion. Once the antlion is out of the box, make sure to have its habitat prepared and ready. The antlion will need time to adjust after being shipped.
Give your antlion ants. Ants are the most common food for antlions. Make sure not to give them any ants that are too big. Gather relatively small ants near where you found your antlion. [4] X Research source Supply your antlion with fruit flies or mealworms. Give them small amounts so they are able to eat and digest the smaller insects. Feed the antlion aphids, mosquito larva, or pinhead crickets. These are also good insects that are small enough for your antlion.
If you are worried about your antlion getting enough water, you can mist their sand every two weeks. [5] X Research source Make sure not to flood the antlion habitat if you mist their sand. Antlions can drown, especially in their pit. Check on your antlion to make sure it’s getting enough food. If not, it may also not be getting enough water.
Stretch your palm and create a flat surface. Make sure you don’t have any folds of skin for antlions to grasp onto. [6] X Research source Transfer your antlion to your other palm if they wander towards the edge of your palm. Keep your other palm flat and stretched as well. Keep some sand on your palm so the antlion thinks it’s on the ground. Antlions feel most comfortable in sand.
Keep them in the palm of your hand. Don’t let the antlion move to the back of your hand, since it may realize it’s not on the ground. If the antlion does bite you, stay very calm. Put the antlion back in its habitat. Do not move your hand rapidly since you can harm the antlion. Antlion venom causes a sharp, burning sensation. It will last for several minutes, but does not have long-term effects.
Do not pick up antlions with your fingers. You can crush the antlions by doing so. If you want to pick up the antlion, place your hand in their habitat with some sand on it. Let the antlion come to your flat palm. Antlions in classrooms are especially at risk. Tell children to observe proper antlion handling or do not let them touch the antlion directly.
