Desert Antlion vs Wesmael's Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Antlion Wesmael's Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Brachynemurus abdominalis Wesmaelius subnebulosus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Hemerobiidae
Size 35-50 mm wingspan 10-16 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Woodlands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Desert Antlion

A large antlion species common in desert regions of North America. Unlike some relatives, its larvae hunt without building pit traps.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae ambush prey from just beneath the sand surface rather than constructing elaborate pit traps.

Wesmael's Brown Lacewing

A medium-sized brown lacewing with subtly patterned wings found across Europe. Frequent in gardens and deciduous woodland.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the earliest lacewings to appear in spring, sometimes active as early as March.