Yellow Owlfly vs Persian Spoonwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yellow Owlfly Persian Spoonwing
Scientific Name Libelloides longicornis Lertha sheppardi
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Ascalaphidae Nemopteridae
Size 20-25 mm body, 45-55 mm wingspan 28-36 mm wingspan (forewings)
Habitat Meadows Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Central and Southern Europe Iran, Middle East, Central Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

Adults can be seen sunbathing on grass stems with wings fully spread in the early morning.

Persian Spoonwing

A Middle Eastern nemopterid found in arid steppe and desert-margin habitats. Adults have beautifully patterned forewings and long trailing hindwings.

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Did You Know?

It emerges in brief spring blooms in the desert, matching its adult life to wildflower availability.