Insect Identification please

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acerbity

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I found something that carries a heap of dead ants on its back, like a decorator crab does in the ocean. I tried searching "decorator insect" but nothing came up. All you can see are some mouth pincers and legs on the bottom and just a big heap of carcasses.

In Florida, by the by.

Thanks.

 
It is probably a lacewing larva, try bugguide.net and type it into the search box. I too find them here in Florida and they can leave a mildly irritating bite.

 
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Thanks guys, I figured it was related to the antlion since their larva stages looked similar (though not that similar in their respective niche).

 
I have just been bitten by one of those little buggers. It was too small for me to keep. When I find a bigger one, I will do an experiment. I plan on putting it in a container with decorations of my choice, maybe some glitter and colorful lint. It will have to walk around all gaudy and bright. :lol: That should be payback for the itching that I have. :tt2: I always seem to discover them after they bite me.

 
Bugguide.net is a great resource when you want to find out what something is.

 
I caught one of these the other day, and it spun a small cocoon. I've been trying to remember what I put in that container for a week now (I find so many bugs in my backyard, I often lose track) and this thread jogged my memory! This individual, however, was rather naked. They are often referred to (by the pest control industry, especially) as "aphid lions", a name befitting their habits and appearance, I think.

 
Bugguide.net is a great resource when you want to find out what something is.
I am always looking at bugguide.net, It was kind of identified in June. I just thought it would be cool to try and force it to dress loud, with man made materials. I have seen them use bits of pink flower petals before. I am planning on putting some ridiculous bits of colorful items in with it. I hope that it will try to blend in with a bright and metallic colored habitat. :D

 

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