Libelloides coccajus Net-Winged Insect Neuropter Owlfly Ascalaphidae

Libelloides coccajus cm 2,5 wing span cm 4.5-5.5 Net-Winged Insect Neuropter Owlfly Ascalaphidae, rare, difficult to find.
Order: Neuroptera.
Family: Ascalaphidae.
Common name: The Owlfy Sulphur.
Syn. Ascalaphus coccajus, Ascalaphus libelluloides, Libelloides italicus.

Ascalaphidae is a family of about 450 species of insects of the order Neuroptera distributed all over the world, commonly called owl-flies. They have mostly crepuscular habits (hence their common name). They are easily distinguished from dragonflies by their long club-like antennae; dragonflies, on the other hand, have short bristle-like antennae. Closely related lionant (family Myrmeleontidae) also have short, weakly club-like antennae, smaller eyes, and reticulated wing veins.
Owlflies are predators, catching and feeding on other fast-flying insects. The larvae are also predators, which tend to ambush like the ant larvae: they hide in the litter of the ground or on the vegetation, sometimes covered with debris, and wait for the prey, which they capture with their large toothed jaws. In some genera, the larvae actively place sand and debris on their backs to blend in with camouflage liveries, making them important for maintaining a natural ecological balance and helping to control pests.
During the day, adults rest on stems and twigs with the body, legs and antennae typically pressed to the stem. Some owlflies raise the abdomen at rest, imitating a broken twig. Other Old World species, such as Libelloides macaronius, are active during the day.
When disturbed, some owl flies release a strong moss-like chemical to deter enemies.
Owlflies are known from fossils of adults and larvae, often encased in Baltic amber. Most are known from the Oligocene.
In Greek mythology, Ascalaphos was the keeper of the orchard of Pluto, god of the underworld; the goddess Demeter transformed him into an owl.