Yellow Owl-Fly

Suhpalacsa flavipes

Description:

Owlflies are dragonfly-like insects with large bulging eyes and long knobbed antennae. They are diurnal or crepuscular predators of other flying insects. Owlflies are readily distinguished from dragonflies because the latter have short bristle-like antennae. Adult owlflies are aerial predators feeding on other insects. When disturbed, some owlflies will release a strong, musk-like chemical to deter enemies.

Habitat:

Seen near flowering gardens.

Notes:

Thanks to Atul for help on the ID, without even looking at the pic.

Species ID Suggestions

6 Comments

Wild Things 11 years ago

Thanks a lot Gerardo!

Gerardo Aizpuru 11 years ago

Wow this one is fantastic look at those antennas great spotting Satyen :)

Wild Things 11 years ago

Thanks Atul for all the help :-)

Wild Things 11 years ago

Thanks Mark! Even I was not aware of them. :-D He would have asked me to disturb and sniff if I had called him while I was photographing this fellow.

Atul 11 years ago

Super spotting Satyen .....! you know you are always welcome :))

Mark Ridgway 11 years ago

Good spotting Satyen. I love the metallic sheen. Nice info too - I have not heard about these before.. Typical Atul.. Did he tell you to disturb it and sniff it? :-)