Dune Spoonwing vs Tropical Green Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dune Spoonwing Tropical Green Lacewing
Scientific Name Halter halteratus Chrysoperla rufilabris
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Nemopteridae Chrysopidae
Size 20-28 mm wingspan (forewings) 12-18 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Mediterranean Basin, North Africa North America, Central America
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.

Tropical Green Lacewing

A widely distributed green lacewing used commercially for biological pest control in greenhouses. Larvae are aggressive predators of whiteflies and mealybugs.

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Did You Know?

This species is mass-reared and sold commercially, with millions released annually for organic pest control.