Neuroptera: The strange Owlfly Libelloides coccajus

[nomad]

The Owlfly Libelloides coccajus (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

When I first saw this strange Neturopteran flying towards me in a flowery pine wood clearing, I thought I was seeing things. With its bulging eyes, hairy head, dragon-fly wings and long large clubbed tipped antennae it is one of the most primitive looking larger insects I have ever seen.

Several sources refer to this European species of the Ascalaphidae family as being a rare insect and it certainly seems to be very local and I only encountered it in one locality in the Simplon area of Switzerland. The males are territorial, resting until there is a passing insect and then flying off to intercept their prey at high speed. The larvae are fearsome ground predators living for two years before becoming an adult that has a wingspan of 45-55mm.



Libelloides coccajus in the mountains of Switzerland.



Biotope of Libelloides coccajus 1500 meters

[nomad]

I was surprised that no one here has encountered this strange insect or allied species.   I must say there does not seem to be much interest in the other insect orders, that is probably why they are probably lumped together in one group. 

[Adam Cotton]

The Ascalaphids I have seen here in Thailand all have clear wings, but are easily distinguished from dragonflies by the strange antennae. I have seen them come to lights occasionally, but they don't seem to be numerous.

Adam.

[isidro]

Sooo nice! My second favourite family of all insects (after Nemopteridae). I got pics of all the Libelloides species of my country except this one!

[bobw]

When I used to go collecting regularly around Fayence in the Var region of the south of France this species was always very common.

Bob