Common Spongillafly vs Australian Spoonwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Spongillafly | Australian Spoonwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sisyra fuscata | Chasmoptera hutti |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Sisyridae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 6-10 mm wingspan | 25-35 mm wingspan (forewings) |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Southern Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Spongillafly
A small dark lacewing whose larvae are aquatic parasitoids of freshwater sponges. One of the few neuropterans with aquatic larval stages.
Did You Know?
Its larvae breathe underwater using specialized pointed mouthparts that also pierce sponge cells for feeding.
Australian Spoonwing
One of the few Australian nemopterids, with distinctive elongated hindwings. Found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Australia.
Did You Know?
It is the only nemopterid genus found in Australia, making it biogeographically significant.