American Dustywing vs North American Spongillafly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute American Dustywing North American Spongillafly
Scientific Name Conwentzia californica Climacia areolaris
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Coniopterygidae Sisyridae
Size 3-5 mm wingspan 6-10 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Western North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

American Dustywing

A tiny western North American dustywing found on fruit trees and ornamental plants. Valued as a natural mite predator in orchards.

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Did You Know?

Citrus growers consider it one of the most important natural enemies of citrus red mite.

North American Spongillafly

A small spongillafly found across eastern North America near fresh water. Its larvae feed on freshwater sponges attached to submerged rocks and logs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae pupate on land inside double-walled cocoons after crawling out of the water.