Common Spongillafly vs Green Lacewing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Spongillafly | Green Lacewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sisyra fuscata | Chrysoperla carnea |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Sisyridae | Chrysopidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm wingspan | 12-20 mm body, 30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Worldwide |
| 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.
Green Lacewing
Delicate green insects with lace-like wings and golden eyes. Larvae are ferocious predators nicknamed "aphid lions." Widely used in biological pest control.
Did You Know?
Lacewing larvae are such effective predators they are nicknamed "aphid lions" — a single larva can devour 200 aphids per week during its development.