Owlflies are insects of the family Ascalaphidae, related to antlions and lacewings within the order Neuroptera, named for their large, prominent eyes. Adults are strong fliers often mistaken for dragonflies, though they can be distinguished by their long, clubbed antennae, and their predatory larvae resemble antlion larvae, ambushing prey with large sickle-shaped jaws from concealment on the ground or on plants.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceOwlflies are distinguished from dragonflies by long, clubbed antennae and have large bulging eyes 1 Scientific Name Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Owlfly
Introduction
Ascalaphidae is a family of insects in the order Neuroptera, commonly called owlflies
Description section
Owlflies are readily distinguished from the superficially similar dragonflies by their long, clubbed antennae
- predators of other flying insects on land
View the Source2. Wikidata: Owlfly
- Wikidata Q1187229, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Wikipedia 'Owlfly': fast-flying crepuscular or diurnal predators of other flying insects
- Child Taxon Of: Neuroptera, Wikidata P171 (parent taxon) claim, rank=normal, target=Q156438 (Neuroptera)
View the Source3. Owlfly (Wikipedia)
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