Owlflies like antlions look superficially like dragonflies or damselflies. While there are a number of differences, the easiest way to distinguish them is to look for the antennae. The antennae of dragonflies and damselflies are short and not apparent unless you are very close to the insects. The antennae of owlflies, however, are obvious and look much like those of butterflies. (Many people in the jewelry industry sell "dragonfly" pieces that really look more likely owlflies.)
Adults are capable of dragonfly-like flight. Unlike dragonflies and damselflies which fly mainly during the daytime, most of our owlflies are crepuscular (fly at dusk or dawn) or nocturnal. Adult owlflies are predators who feed on small insects. The juveniles are mobile and predaceous as well.
I have been told that at times, owlflies can be quite abundant in the desert. In 2001, I did not find any during my nocturnal trips to the Visitor Center; in 2003, I only found a couple. On several occasions in 2003, I also found owlflies on the walls around the lights of the Texas reststop along Highway 62/180 near the Texas - New Mexico border.
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