About Libelloides longicornis (Linnaeus, 1764)
Libelloides longicornis (Linnaeus, 1764) is a large species of owlfly. Adults reach a body length of 25–30 mm (0.98–1.18 in), with a wingspan of 38–58 mm (1.5–2.3 in). The body is black, quite hairy, and marked with some yellow patches. The head is also black, and bears large compound eyes. It has long, sturdy, clubbed black antennae. Its wings do not have scales, are partly transparent, and show a network of translucent lemon yellow veins. The forewings have a small dark basal spot that extends to the base of the wing. The hindwings have a characteristic squared dark area near the apex, and a dark triangular sickle-shaped spot that points to the wing tip. When in sunny areas, this species usually holds its wings spread out, similar to dragonflies; when at rest, it folds its wings into a roof shape over its abdomen. This species is rather similar to Libelloides coccajus, but can be distinguished by the fact that the basal black area of its hindwings does not reach the anal angle. Libelloides longicornis is found in South Western Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. It mainly inhabits sunny meadows at rather high elevations.
