Dicromantispa Mantidfly vs North American Spongillafly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dicromantispa Mantidfly North American Spongillafly
Scientific Name Dicromantispa sayi Climacia areolaris
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Mantispidae Sisyridae
Size 18-28 mm wingspan 6-10 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dicromantispa Mantidfly

A brown mantidfly found across eastern North America in forested habitats. Named after the eminent entomologist Thomas Say.

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Did You Know?

Females lay thousands of eggs on stalks, but only larvae that find spider egg sacs survive.

North American Spongillafly

A small spongillafly found across eastern North America near fresh water. Its larvae feed on freshwater sponges attached to submerged rocks and logs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae pupate on land inside double-walled cocoons after crawling out of the water.