Owlflies - Fool me once

What is that bug?

An owlfly was the first bug to ever stump me. I'd looked through my trusty insect field guides many times growing up, so even though I hadn't personally seen every kind of insect, I knew what they all looked like. But then I met the owlfly. I took a picture of it (the very one in this article) and asked an entomologist what it was. I've only seen owlflies three other times since, and each time is a real treat. I don't know if they are my favorite insect, but owlflies are one of my favorite insects to find.

Description

So what exactly is an owlfly? If you ask me, it looks like someone crossed a dragonfly with a butterfly. They have large eyes, four slender wings, and a pair of long, clubbed antenna. They are in the same group as antlions, so if you are familiar with those they are kinda similar, but definitely still their own thing.

One of the most striking features of owlflies is their enormous eyes, which can take up a significant portion of their heads. These eyes are incredibly efficient at detecting movement, making owlflies excellent hunters. Their wings are transparent and lace-like, often with intricate patterns of veins that give them a delicate appearance. Despite this delicate look, owlflies are strong flyers capable of quick, agile movements.

The antennae of owlflies are another distinctive feature. Unlike the short, bristle-like antennae of many insects, owlfly antennae are long and end in a small club, somewhat resembling the antennae of butterflies. This unique characteristic sets them apart from their close relatives, the antlions.

Taxonomy

Owlflies, along with antlions, are in the order Neuroptera. Their family name is one of my favorites to say - Ascalaphidae (pronounced as-kuh-LAF-i-dee). There are about 450 known species alive today.

The name "owlfly" comes from their owl-like appearance, particularly their large eyes and the nocturnal habits of some species. Interestingly, the Neuroptera order also includes other insects such as lacewings and mantidflies. This diverse order is known for its predatory insects with complex wing venation.

Lifecycle

Owlflies start their lives as other insects - as eggs. The larvae are predatory and resemble antlion larvae, but unlike antlions, owlfly larvae don't build those signature pits in the sand. Instead, they hang out on the ground or in vegetation and wait for prey to come by. They use their strong jaws to catch and eat small insects. A few species actually cover themselves with debris as camouflage! Once the larvae are grown, they spin spherical cocoons where they transform into adult owlflies.

The egg-laying process of owlflies is quite interesting. Female owlflies typically lay their eggs in clusters on vegetation, often on twigs or plant stems. Some species create a protective silk-like cocoon below the eggs to shield them from crawling predators and harsh environmental conditions.

The larval stage of owlflies typically lasts several months, though the exact duration may vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. During this time, owlfly larvae go through three distinct instars, or developmental stages. Their powerful mandibles are primarily used for catching and grasping prey. The larvae are voracious predators, feeding on various invertebrates they encounter in leaf litter or on vegetation.

Behavior

Adult owlflies are expert predators and catch their prey mid-flight. Many owlflies are typically most active at dusk, although some species are active during the day. When they are not hunting, owlflies rest on vegetation. Some species will raise their abdomen while at rest to resemble a broken twig, and others will release a musk-like chemical when disturbed to deter any would-be predators.

The hunting behavior of owlflies is truly impressive. They use their large eyes to spot potential prey, then pursue it with remarkable speed and agility. Their strong legs are equipped with spines that help them grasp onto their prey once caught. Owlflies primarily feed on other flying insects, including moths, flies, and even other neuropterans.

Some owlfly species exhibit interesting social behaviors. For instance, certain species have been observed roosting in groups, particularly during the day when they're less active. This behavior might offer protection through strength in numbers, although the exact reasons for this behavior are not fully understood and could include other factors such as environmental protection.

Another fascinating aspect of owlfly behavior is their courting rituals. Male owlflies of some species perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females. These displays can involve intricate flight patterns and even the release of pheromones to signal their presence to potential mates.

Conservation and Human Interaction

While owlflies aren't typically considered pests or beneficial insects from a human perspective, they play an important role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey. Like many insects, some owlfly species face threats from habitat loss and pesticide use. Preserving diverse habitats, especially areas with abundant vegetation where owlflies can hunt and rest, is crucial for their conservation.

Conclusion

Owlflies are super cool bugs and I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for them. From their distinctive appearance to their impressive hunting skills and intriguing behaviors, owlflies are an example of the incredible diversity of the insect world. So next time you're out exploring, keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures – you might just spot one of these living marvels of the insect kingdom!