Context:
Recently, a rare species of owlfly species Glyptobasis dentifera has been rediscovered after 75 years from Kerala by researchers.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Owlflies
- Owlflies belong to the order Neuroptera, which comprises holometabolous insects. This sets them apart from dragonflies, which are categorized under the order Odonata and are hemimetabolous.
- Due to their similar appearance, owlflies are often mistakenly identified as dragonflies by those unfamiliar with entomological taxonomy.
- During daylight hours, adult owlflies are typically found perched on grass blades in lateritic soils or around homes within densely vegetated areas.
- Distinctive Features:
- Owlflies are recognized by their long, clubbed antennae, nearly as long as their bodies, and prominent bulging eyes.
- Post-emergence, some owlflies exhibit color changes in their wings.
- Diet and Defense:
- As aerial predators, owlflies primarily feed on other insects.
- They are known to emit a strong, musk-like chemical when threatened, which serves to repel potential predators.
- Reproductive Strategy:
- Owlflies typically deposit their eggs in clusters at the extremities of branches or twigs.
- To safeguard the eggs from predators, the female constructs a protective barrier beneath the egg clusters.
- Larval Development:
- Owlfly larvae are generally found either in soil or residing in tree clusters, leveraging these environments for protection.
-Source: The Hindu
