About Owlfly
Dragonfly-like neuropterans with large eyes and clubbed antennae. Fast aerial predators that catch prey in flight. Often found in Mediterranean meadows at dusk.
Did You Know?
Owlflies look like a hybrid between a dragonfly and a butterfly — they have large dragonfly-like eyes with striking clubbed antennae found nowhere else in the insect world.
How to Identify Owlfly
Owlfly (Libelloides coccajus) belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Ascalaphidae. Adults typically measure 25-30 mm body, 50 mm wingspan.
Owlfly Habitat
Owlfly is found in meadows habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Owlfly Diet and Feeding
Owlfly is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is Owlfly Found?
Owlfly can be found in Europe, where it inhabits meadows environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Owlfly can be found
Is Owlfly Dangerous?
Owlfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Owlfly Role in Nature
Owlfly serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Owlfly
What does Owlfly look like?
The Owlfly typically measures 25-30 mm body, 50 mm wingspan.
Where is Owlfly found?
The Owlfly is found in Europe and typically inhabits meadows environments.
What does Owlfly eat?
The Owlfly is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is Owlfly dangerous to humans?
The Owlfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Owlfly?
Owlflies look like a hybrid between a dragonfly and a butterfly — they have large dragonfly-like eyes with striking clubbed antennae found nowhere else in the insect world.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Owlfly (Libelloides coccajus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/owlfly
MLA:
"Owlfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/owlfly.