Atlas of the Neuroptera and Megaloptera

Record details

   [ Record 19 of 44 ]   
LacewingMAP:   10428
Province:   Limpopo
Country:   South Africa
Locus:   2231AC
Observer:   Hawkins Ross
Date of record:   2017-11-23
Number of photos:   1
Notes:  
Last updated:   2020-12-03 13:24:43
Sp. code:   320480
Species name:   FAMILY Ascalaphidae
Common name:   Unidentified Ascalaphidae
Family:   Ascalaphidae
Record status:   ACCEPTED
Collector's species id:  
Institution:   ADU-UCT
Record URL:   https://vmus.adu.org.za/?vm=LacewingMAP-10428
Links:   • Locus: Summary | Records       • Species: Records | Distribution map
VM-number: 10428 - photo: 1

Comments by the Expert Panel on this record:

Comment number:   1
By:   Mervyn Mansell
Comment:   Unfortunately it is not possible to identify any further. Ascalaphidae are known as “owl flies”, probably because of their large eyes. They are characterized by long clavate antennae, sometimes forming distinct rounded apical knobs. They are strong and rapid fliers, usually hawking their prey at dusk. Larvae live on bark of trees, and some under stones, where they ambush their prey. They can remain motionless for long periods of time as they await prey. They are very well camouflaged to avoid predation.
Date:   2017-12-04 07:13:07
Species name:   FAMILY Ascalaphidae -- Unidentified Ascalaphidae
Species code:   320480

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