Yellow Owlfly vs Cape Spoonwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yellow Owlfly | Cape Spoonwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Libelloides longicornis | Palmipenna aeoleoptera |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Ascalaphidae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 20-25 mm body, 45-55 mm wingspan | 30-40 mm wingspan (forewings) |
| Habitat | Meadows | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Central and Southern Europe | South Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Yellow Owlfly
A beautiful owlfly with long clubbed antennae and bright yellow-and-black wings. It perches on grass stems with wings spread like a butterfly.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen sunbathing on grass stems with wings fully spread in the early morning.
Cape Spoonwing
A South African nemopterid with broad, paddle-shaped hindwings. One of the most spectacular insects in the Western Cape fynbos.
Did You Know?
Its broad paddle hindwings are wider than those of any other nemopterid, making it instantly recognizable.