Indian Owlfly vs Palpares Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Owlfly Palpares Antlion
Scientific Name Helicomitus festivus Palpares immensus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Ascalaphidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 38-50 mm wingspan 100-140 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Indian Owlfly

A tropical Asian owlfly with long antennae and patterned wings. Found along forest edges and clearings in the Indian subcontinent.

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Did You Know?

Its large clubbed antennae are thought to help detect prey scent during aerial hunts.

Palpares Antlion

An enormous antlion from sub-Saharan Africa with strikingly patterned wings. Among the largest flying neuropterans on the continent.

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Did You Know?

Its wingspan can reach 14 cm, rivaling some small dragonflies in size.