Dustywing vs Dune Spoonwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dustywing | Dune Spoonwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coniopteryx tineiformis | Halter halteratus |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Coniopterygidae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 20-28 mm wingspan (forewings) |
| Habitat | Orchards | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Mediterranean Basin, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dustywing
A tiny moth-like lacewing covered in a white waxy powder that gives it a dusty appearance. It is an important predator of mites and scale insects on trees.
Did You Know?
Dustywings are the smallest of all neuropterans and are often overlooked because they resemble tiny moths.
Dune Spoonwing
A small nemopterid with spoon-tipped hindwings found in coastal Mediterranean habitats. Commonly seen fluttering over sandy ground near the sea.
Did You Know?
The species name 'halteratus' refers to the haltere-like form of its modified hindwings.