Black Leafcutter Ant vs Dusky Green Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Leafcutter Ant Dusky Green Lacewing
Scientific Name Acromyrmex lobicornis Chrysopa dorsalis
Order Hymenoptera Neuroptera
Family Formicidae Chrysopidae
Size 3-9 mm 14-20 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay Southern Europe, Turkey
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Leafcutter Ant

A cold-tolerant leafcutter ant that builds conspicuous mound nests from vegetation debris. Workers are dark brown to black with prominent thoracic spines. This species can survive in temperate climates unusual for leafcutters.

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Did You Know?

They are the most cold-tolerant leafcutter ants, surviving in regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing.

Dusky Green Lacewing

A green lacewing with a dark dorsal stripe running along the abdomen. Prefers wooded habitats across southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few European lacewings that strongly prefers forested over open habitats.