Ascalaphus sinister: Copper-red Owlfly

Ascalaphus is a genus of owlflies belonging to the family Ascalaphidae. The habitat of this genus is often found in Asia and Africa.

Recently, I found an owlfly in the North Aceh area. I think this is a male Ascalaphus sinister sp. It can be characterized by its long and slightly slender abdomen, which is different from a female in that its abdomen is fatter.

Ascalaphus sinister has the same shape as other owlflies species in the Ascalaphidae family, except for its copper-red body, with dark metal brown compound eyes.

The most striking feature of the owlfly is located on its two long antennae. If their antennae were short, they might be classified as a member of the Odonata family.

In some of the places I explored, I didn't find owlflies, except in places close to swamps or brackish water ponds. I have an assumption that they live close to the robber fly's habitat because once I saw an owlfly being preyed on by a robber fly.