South African Owlfly vs Long-horned Antlion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South African Owlfly | Long-horned Antlion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tmesibasis lacerata | Distoleon tetragrammicus |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Ascalaphidae | Myrmeleontidae |
| Size | 45-60 mm wingspan | 30-40 mm body, 60-75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southern Africa | Europe, North Africa |
| 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.
Long-horned Antlion
A large antlion with intricately patterned wings and long clubbed antennae. Unlike most antlions, the larvae do not build pit traps.
Did You Know?
Its larvae hide just beneath the sand surface and lunge at passing prey rather than using pit traps.