Gershner's Jumping Bristletail vs Split-banded Owlfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gershner's Jumping Bristletail Split-banded Owlfly
Scientific Name Pedetontus gershneri Ascaloptynx appendiculatus
Order Archaeognatha Neuroptera
Family Machilidae Ascalaphidae
Size 8-10 mm 42-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions United States Eastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Gershner's Jumping Bristletail

A North American jumping bristletail found in leaf litter and under bark. It has a distinctly humped thorax and long tail filaments.

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Did You Know?

Like all Archaeognatha, it molts throughout its entire adult life.

Split-banded Owlfly

A striking North American owlfly with a bold dark band across each forewing. Inhabits dry grasslands and open woodland in the eastern states.

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Did You Know?

Males defend aerial territories and engage in dramatic dogfight-like chases with rival males.