Atlas of African Neuroptera and Megaloptera

Record details

   [ Record 24 of 25 ]   
LacewingMAP:   17575
Province:   Gauteng
Country:   South Africa
Locus:   2528AD
Observer:   Kleynhans D; Sarieta Kleynhans
Date of record:   2020-12-21
Number of photos:   1
Notes:  
Last updated:   2021-01-02 17:41:19
Sp. code:   321940
Species name:   Tmesibasis laceratus
Common name:   Owlfly
Family:   Ascalaphidae
Record status:   ACCEPTED
Collector's species id:  
Institution:   ADU-UCT
Record URL:   https://vmus.adu.org.za/?vm=LacewingMAP-17575
Links:   • Locus: Summary | Records       • Species: Records | Distribution map
VM-number: 17575 - photo: 1

Comments by the Expert Panel on this record:

Comment number:   1
By:   Mervyn Mansell
Comment:   This beautiful owlfly species is widespread in southern Africa, extending to the DRC in the north. Also most SA provinces, except the Cape provinces. The beautifully patterned enhance its crypsis when at rest. Eggs are laid in batches on branches and twigs and the larvae live exposed, albeit well camouflaged, and are known as "sit-and-wait or ambush predators.
Date:   2021-01-02 17:41:19
Species name:   Tmesibasis laceratus -- Owlfly
Species code:   321940

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