South African Owlfly vs Common Snakefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South African Owlfly | Common Snakefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tmesibasis lacerata | Raphidia notata |
| Order | Neuroptera | Raphidioptera |
| Family | Ascalaphidae | Raphidiidae |
| Size | 45-60 mm wingspan | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Orchards |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southern Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
South African Owlfly
A large African owlfly with intricately patterned wings and prominent clubbed antennae. Active during warm summer afternoons in savanna regions.
Did You Know?
Its larvae cover themselves in soil and debris, lying motionless until prey walks within reach.
Common Snakefly
A distinctive predatory insect with an elongated prothorax that gives it a snake-like appearance. It hunts aphids and other small insects on tree bark.
Did You Know?
Snakeflies can raise their elongated thorax and strike at prey in a manner reminiscent of a snake, hence their name.