Paul writes: this is a dramatic-looking creature, unfortunately not seen in the UK. It is an Owlfly (Ascalaphidae), Latin name Libelloides coccajus. The body has an overall length of 25mm and a wingspan of up to 55mm. The size together with the black and yellow colouring make it difficult to miss. At first it may resemble a dragonfly but the long clubbed antennae soon tell it apart. The adults are aerial predators of other insects, usually hunting during the day.
They’re seen mainly in southern and central France and down through Italy, occurring in areas with sunny rocky slopes, up to around 1500m. I saw this one in the French Pyrenees. It is a rare insect so I was lucky to be with someone who knew that they occurred locally. We were keeping our eyes open and after some searching came across this one sunbathing.
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I know that one! Found it at a site on the causse near Meyruis. Fine creature.