Historically the vermileonids had been regarded as belonging to the family Rhagionidae,[13] possibly in a subfamily Vermileoninae.

Their biology and morphology are so markedly distinct from the main Rhagionidae sensu stricto however, that the placement as a separate family has been widely accepted.

The combined effect is to bring the prey down to within grasp of the larva, which then can inject venom and digestive fluids.

In contrast with conical digging, this approach is believed to take longer since more sand is likely to fall back into the pit when throwing from the center.

If alarmed by such activity, the wormlion larva retracts abruptly into an S-shape under the sand, and if dug out, it retains that shape, not having much option for an alternative strategy at its disposal.

However, if it is sufficiently teased after being dug out, it may begin to lash about powerfully, flinging itself away with enough force to escape its tormentor.

The 10th and 11th segment of the larva each bears a transverse row of long hooklets that it uses in anchoring itself and in shifting sand.