owlfly

Owlflies are fascinating insects belonging to the order Neuroptera, specifically the family Owlidae. Despite their name, they are not closely related to owls or even flies. They are more distantly related to lacewings and antlions. Owlflies are characterized by their large, forward-facing eyes, which are reminiscent of an owl's, hence their common name. These eyes provide them with excellent vision, crucial for their predatory lifestyle.

The morphology of owlflies includes two pairs of long, narrow wings, often held at rest in a roof-like position over their abdomen. Their antennae are typically clubbed. Larval owlflies are also predatory and are often found in leaf litter or soil, where they hunt other small invertebrates. The adult owlfly is also a voracious predator, feeding on other insects such as moths, butterflies, and flies, which they often catch in flight. They are most active during twilight hours, which further contributes to their owl-like association. Their distribution is primarily in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.