Common Brown Lacewing vs Alder Spittlebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Brown Lacewing Alder Spittlebug
Scientific Name Hemerobius humulinus Aphrophora alni
Order Neuroptera Hemiptera
Family Hemerobiidae Aphrophoridae
Size 6-10 mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Brown Lacewing

A small brownish lacewing with mottled wings commonly found on deciduous trees. Adults and larvae both feed on aphids and other small insects.

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Did You Know?

Unlike green lacewings, brown lacewing adults are also predatory and actively hunt small insects.

Alder Spittlebug

A common European spittlebug found on willows and alders. Nymphs produce copious frothy spittle masses and adults can jump impressive distances.

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Did You Know?

The frothy spittle mass protects the nymph from temperature extremes, predators, and parasitoids while also preventing desiccation.