Australian Spoonwing vs Desert Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Spoonwing Desert Antlion
Scientific Name Chasmoptera hutti Brachynemurus abdominalis
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Nemopteridae Myrmeleontidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan (forewings) 35-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Southern Australia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Spoonwing

One of the few Australian nemopterids, with distinctive elongated hindwings. Found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Australia.

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Did You Know?

It is the only nemopterid genus found in Australia, making it biogeographically significant.

Desert Antlion

A large antlion species common in desert regions of North America. Unlike some relatives, its larvae hunt without building pit traps.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae ambush prey from just beneath the sand surface rather than constructing elaborate pit traps.