Common Antlion vs Egyptian Spoonwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Antlion Egyptian Spoonwing
Scientific Name Myrmeleon immaculatus Nemoptera aegyptiaca
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Nemopteridae
Size 30-45 mm wingspan 28-35 mm wingspan (forewings)
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America Egypt, North Africa, Middle East
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Antlion

A delicate lacewing-like insect whose larvae are famous pit-trap predators. Adults are nocturnal and resemble slender damselflies.

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Did You Know?

The larva flicks sand grains at prey to knock them back into its funnel-shaped pit trap.

Egyptian Spoonwing

A North African spoonwing with striking wing patterns and long trailing hindwings. Found in arid habitats from Egypt across the Saharan fringe.

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Did You Know?

Ancient Egyptians may have depicted this insect in tomb art due to its ethereal appearance.