Ant Strepsipteran vs Pale Green Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ant Strepsipteran Pale Green Lacewing
Scientific Name Myrmecolax incautus Chrysoperla pallida
Order Strepsiptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmecolacidae Chrysopidae
Size 2-4 mm (males) 12-18 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasites Nectar Feeders
Regions South America, Neotropics Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Ant Strepsipteran

A remarkable strepsipteran that parasitizes ants. Males parasitize ants while females parasitize crickets or grasshoppers, a unique life history involving two different host orders.

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Did You Know?

The two sexes parasitize hosts from completely different insect orders, a phenomenon found nowhere else in the animal kingdom.

Pale Green Lacewing

A light-colored lacewing recently distinguished from the carnea species complex. Identified partly by its unique courtship vibration signals.

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Did You Know?

It was only recognized as a separate species in 2001 based on vibrational song differences.