Dark Spongillafly vs Australian Spoonwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Spongillafly Australian Spoonwing
Scientific Name Sisyra nigra Chasmoptera hutti
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Sisyridae Nemopteridae
Size 6-9 mm wingspan 25-35 mm wingspan (forewings)
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Deserts & Drylands
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe Southern Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark Spongillafly

A small blackish lacewing found near European freshwater habitats. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights near waterways.

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Did You Know?

Larvae must find freshwater sponges within hours of hatching or they will not survive.

Australian Spoonwing

One of the few Australian nemopterids, with distinctive elongated hindwings. Found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Australia.

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Did You Know?

It is the only nemopterid genus found in Australia, making it biogeographically significant.