Banded Antlion vs Mantidfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Banded Antlion | Mantidfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Glenurus gratus | Mantispa styriaca |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Mantispidae |
| Size | 55-80 mm wingspan | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Banded Antlion
A North American antlion with distinctive banded wing patterns. Commonly attracted to porch lights on warm summer evenings.
Did You Know?
Unlike classic antlions, its larvae are ambush predators that hunt without constructing sand pits.
Mantidfly
A remarkable insect with raptorial forelegs strikingly similar to a praying mantis, a textbook example of convergent evolution. Adults ambush small insects from vegetation.
Did You Know?
Mantidfly larvae are parasitoids that enter spider egg sacs and feed on the eggs before pupating inside.