Dune Spoonwing vs Spoonwing Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dune Spoonwing Spoonwing Lacewing
Scientific Name Halter halteratus Nemoptera bipennis
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Nemopteridae Nemopteridae
Size 20-28 mm wingspan (forewings) 20-28 mm body
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Grasslands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Mediterranean Basin, North Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dune Spoonwing

A small nemopterid with spoon-tipped hindwings found in coastal Mediterranean habitats. Commonly seen fluttering over sandy ground near the sea.

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Did You Know?

The species name 'halteratus' refers to the haltere-like form of its modified hindwings.

Spoonwing Lacewing

A graceful insect with spatula-shaped hindwing extensions, giving it an ethereal appearance in flight. Common in Iberian Peninsula grasslands.

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Did You Know?

The spoon-shaped hindwings create an unusual fluttering flight pattern that makes the insect difficult for predators to track.