Cape Antlion vs Spoonwing Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cape Antlion Spoonwing Lacewing
Scientific Name Crambomorphus sinuatus Nemoptera bipennis
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Nemopteridae
Size 40-55 mm wingspan 20-28 mm body
Habitat Heathland Grasslands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions South Africa, Namibia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cape Antlion

A southern African antlion found in fynbos and sandy coastal areas. Its larvae inhabit loose sand in wind-sheltered spots.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the characteristic antlion species of South Africa's unique fynbos biome.

Spoonwing Lacewing

A graceful insect with spatula-shaped hindwing extensions, giving it an ethereal appearance in flight. Common in Iberian Peninsula grasslands.

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Did You Know?

The spoon-shaped hindwings create an unusual fluttering flight pattern that makes the insect difficult for predators to track.