GLYPTOBASIS DENTIFERA : ENVIRONMENT
NEWS : Rare owlfly species rediscovered in Kerala
after 75 years
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Adults
of owlflies are misidentified as dragonflies by non-taxonomists because of
their morphological resemblance. Owlflies can be easily distinguished by their
long distinct antennae
Owlflies
·
Taxonomy:
- Order: Neuroptera (Holometabolous
insects)
- Often
misidentified as dragonflies (Order Odonata, hemimetabolous insects) due
to similar morphology.
·
Habitat:
- Perch on grass blades in lateritic
soils and village households with dense vegetation during the day.
·
Appearance:
- Long, clubbed antennae, nearly as
long as the body.
- Bulging
eyes.
- Some species develop wing color
after emergence.
·
Behavior:
- Adult owlflies are aerial predators,
feeding on other insects.
- When disturbed, release a strong,
musk-like chemical as a defense mechanism.
·
Reproduction:
- Eggs are laid in groups at the tips
of limbs and twigs.
- Females create a protective shield
below the eggs to prevent predation.
·
Larvae:
- Initially found in soil or on trees,
living in clusters for defense.
Source
:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/rare-owlfly-species-rediscovered-in-kerala-after-75-years/article68536162.ece