Subject: What’s this flying beastie?
Location: tuscany
April 26, 2015 8:42 am
Took this photo in N. Italy last year. Cannot find what species it is. Can you identify I please?
Signature: Eric
Dear Eric,
The first time we received an image of this particular European Owlfly, Ascalaphus libelluloides, we did not know how to classify it as it has characteristics associated with several different insect orders. Owlflies are related to Lacewings and Antlions, and they are classified in the order Neuroptera.
Great…your are a star…it’s been bugging me (sorry) for a while.
Thanks