Downy Emerald vs Desert Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Downy Emerald Desert Lacewing
Scientific Name Cordulia aenea Chrysoperla comanche
Order Odonata Neuroptera
Family Corduliidae Chrysopidae
Size 47-53mm 20-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Downy Emerald

A metallic green dragonfly with a distinctive downy thorax covered in fine golden hairs. Males patrol tirelessly along woodland lake edges. Its bright green eyes are a key identification feature.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol relentlessly along a fixed beat at the water's edge, often for hours without stopping.

Desert Lacewing

A pale green lacewing adapted to arid environments of the American Southwest. Both adults and larvae are important predators of aphids and other small pests.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are called aphid lions because a single larva can consume hundreds of aphids before pupating.