Eastern Hanging Scorpionfly vs Lace Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Hanging Scorpionfly Lace Bug
Scientific Name Bittacus strigosus Corythucha ciliata
Order Mecoptera Hemiptera
Family Bittacidae Tingidae
Size 20-28 mm wingspan 3-4 mm
Habitat Meadows Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America North America, Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Eastern Hanging Scorpionfly

A North American hangingfly that hunts small insects while dangling from vegetation. Females assess male quality based on the size of prey offered as nuptial gifts.

💡

Did You Know?

Females will only mate with males that offer prey items above a certain size, rejecting males with inadequate gifts.

Lace Bug

A tiny bug with extraordinary lace-like transparent wing covers that resemble intricate stained glass windows. It feeds on sycamore and plane tree leaves, causing silvery discoloration.

💡

Did You Know?

The delicate lattice-like wing structure of lace bugs is so ornate and regular that it has inspired designs in jewelry, architecture, and 3D-printed materials.