We're Mighty Lucky That We're Not Antlions

Post by **tex** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 10:13 am

Hi All,

Ever see an antlion? They're commonly called doodlebugs here in the South, where they dig their circular pits in dry sand, and lie at the bottom, under the sand, waiting for ants to wander into their trap. The reason why I mention them, is because they are unique in the insect kingdom, in that they have no anus.

Well, actually, I suppose that makes them pretty unique in any kingdom, as far as that goes.

All the waste that is generated by their digestive system, during the larval stage, is stored in their body, and it's eventually passed as meconium, near the end of its pupal stage, before it emerges as an adult, which resembles a damselfly. I suspect that we can safely assume that antlions are not susceptible to MC. If they were, surely the disease would be fatal.

OK, I realize that this has nothing to do with MC, but I thought that it had sort of an interesting connection, in a weird sort of way. And, of course, it makes me glad that I'm not a doodlebug.

Tex

MBombardier · Post by **MBombardier** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:24 pm

Me, too.

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:26 pm

Aside from the obvious MC issues, Tex, I doubt your lively mind would be content sitting at the bottom of a sand trap waiting for something to come along

What a way to make a living! (In all seriousness, I wonder how they manage to avoid problems like infection or fermentation or build-up of - something icky - maybe just because their lifespan is short enough that they're gone before the waste can turn nasty??)

Love,
Sara

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 2:46 pm

I will remember to my dying day that a "doddle-bug" has no anus. I cannot remember what I did this morning but that factoid will sit in my brain forever!! Thanks, Tex. There should be a book filled with trivia like that. Could keep it in the bathroom and never be bored. Seriously, Tex, I love that you sent that out to us and love your sense of humor.

Post by **tex** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:26 pm

Sheila,

Actually, such a book exists, but it's a bit expensive:

http://www.amazon.com/Extraordinary-Ani ... 0313339228

Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed my post.

Tex

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 4:35 am

Great way to start my day Tex. Poor creature having to store all that "crap" and not being able to eliminate it. Imagine us with MC/CC and no anus - we would blow up.

Love, Maggie

Sharaine · Post by **Sharaine** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 7:36 pm

Tex, what a comment. now I know that if I ever get on Jeopardy, the answer is "What is a doodlebug?"!!!