Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk vs Pacific Brown Lacewing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk | Pacific Brown Lacewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pepsis thisbe | Hemerobius pacificus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Pompilidae | Hemerobiidae |
| Size | 25-45 mm | 10-14 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk
A large metallic blue-black spider wasp with vibrant orange wings found in the Sonoran Desert. Females hunt blonde tarantulas as food for their larvae.
Did You Know?
It is the official state insect of New Mexico despite having one of the most painful stings of any insect.
Pacific Brown Lacewing
A brown lacewing native to western North America found in coniferous forests. Important natural enemy of hemlock and spruce adelgids.
Did You Know?
It is being studied as a potential biocontrol agent against the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid.