Dobsonfly vs Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dobsonfly | Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydalus cornutus | Croce filipennis |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Corydalidae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 40-55 mm body, 125 mm wingspan | 15-20 mm forewing; hindwings up to 80 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dobsonfly
Large insects with intimidating mandibles in males that are actually too large to bite effectively. Aquatic hellgrammite larvae are prized as fishing bait and indicate clean water.
Did You Know?
Male dobsonflies have terrifying mandibles up to 40 mm long, but they are so large the males cannot actually generate enough force to pinch — the females bite harder.
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing
A bizarre nemopterid with extremely long, thread-like hindwings. Males have hindwings that can be several times their body length.
Did You Know?
Its hindwings can be four times longer than the forewings, trailing behind like fine threads.