Cape Spoonwing vs Hagen's Green Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cape Spoonwing Hagen's Green Lacewing
Scientific Name Palmipenna aeoleoptera Leucochrysa pavida
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Nemopteridae Chrysopidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan (forewings) 20-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions South Africa Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cape Spoonwing

A South African nemopterid with broad, paddle-shaped hindwings. One of the most spectacular insects in the Western Cape fynbos.

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Did You Know?

Its broad paddle hindwings are wider than those of any other nemopterid, making it instantly recognizable.

Hagen's Green Lacewing

A large neotropical lacewing with broad wings and pale green coloring. Found from Mexico through Central America to Brazil.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae build particularly elaborate trash packets from lichen and prey remains for camouflage.