Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Vella fallax

Vella fallax

Vella fallax

A species of Vella

The Vella fallax is a type of antlion that has an incredibly large wingspan. It is also identified by being entirely grey and having partially see-through wings, making it a sight to behold if it takes off. The "lion" part of their name comes from the incredibly aggressive way its larva hunts.

General Info About Vella fallax
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Vella fallax
Adult Food Sources
Pollen, nectar, aphid honeydew, other insects, small arthropods
Larva Food Source
Ants, small beetles, other small insects, arthropods, insect larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Vella fallax is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
The Vella fallax preys on common garden pests such as: aphids, whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, etc. It is a popular insect among gardeners.
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Vella fallax typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Vella fallax
It is found in the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Vella fallax
6 - 7 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Vella fallax Larvae
Frogs, toads, spiders, ants, birds, rodents
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Vella fallax
Bats, birds, spiders, reptiles
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Vella fallax
Vella fallax larvae create cone-shaped pits in sand to trap ants, skillfully flicking sand at prey to knock them into the center for capture.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Vella fallax
Tips for Finding Vella fallax
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Vella fallax
Deserts and Arid Regions, Forests and Woodlands
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Vella fallax Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of vella fallax are commonly found in sandy or loose soil where they create funnel-shaped pits to trap prey, making arid or semi-arid regions with this soil composition suitable. Adults typically inhabit areas with vegetation, as they need plants to roost during the day. When searching for larvae, one should gently probe sandy soils more commonly in arid environments. To find adults, it’s best to look on shrubs or trees during the late evening or night when they are active, possibly using a light source to attract them.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Vella fallax
The best time to find vella fallax is likely during the warmer months when insects are most active. Adult vella fallax are typically nocturnal and are more easily found at dusk or during the night.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Vella fallax
Dry and warm weather is most suitable for finding vella fallax, as moist conditions can collapse the pit traps constructed by the larvae and adults are often less active in colder temperatures.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Vella fallax at Different Life Stages
Larva Vella fallax larvae are known for creating cone-shaped pits in sandy soil to trap prey. Look for these pits in dry, sheltered areas, such as under eaves of buildings, in sandy soil, or even in plant pots with loose soil.
Pupal Vella fallax pupae are likely to be buried in soil or hidden in debris. Searching for them involves careful sifting through soil or leaf litter in areas where larvae are known to have been active.
Adult Adult vella fallax can be spotted at night as they are attracted to light sources. Use a flashlight or hang a light in a dark area to observe them flying. During the day, they rest in vegetation, so examine the undersides of leaves and branches.
Are Vella fallax harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Vella fallax
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Diets
Ants
Vella fallax is an adept hunter, particularly during its larval stage. In an intriguing display of predatory behavior, it digs a cone-shaped pitfall trap in sandy soil designed specifically to capture ants. As the unsuspecting ants traverse near these traps, they slip down the slopes, unable to escape, and are consumed by the larva positioned at the bottom, feeding itself.
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow