Cromwell Chafer Beetle vs Desert Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cromwell Chafer Beetle Desert Lacewing
Scientific Name Prodontria lewisii Chrysoperla comanche
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Scarabaeidae Chrysopidae
Size 1-1.5 cm 20-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions New Zealand North America
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Cromwell Chafer Beetle

A small chafer beetle endemic to a tiny area near Cromwell in Central Otago, New Zealand. Adults are nocturnal and feed on native grasses.

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Did You Know?

Its entire habitat is protected within an 81-hectare reserve, one of the smallest nature reserves created for an insect.

Desert Lacewing

A pale green lacewing adapted to arid environments of the American Southwest. Both adults and larvae are important predators of aphids and other small pests.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are called aphid lions because a single larva can consume hundreds of aphids before pupating.