Common Spongillafly vs Common Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Spongillafly Common Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Sisyra fuscata Hemerobius humulinus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Sisyridae Hemerobiidae
Size 6-10 mm wingspan 6-10 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae breathe underwater using specialized pointed mouthparts that also pierce sponge cells for feeding.

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.