Elegant Brown Lacewing vs Dark Spongillafly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Elegant Brown Lacewing | Dark Spongillafly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympherobius elegans | Sisyra nigra |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Hemerobiidae | Sisyridae |
| Size | 5-8 mm wingspan | 6-9 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Elegant Brown Lacewing
A tiny, delicate brown lacewing found in bark crevices of broadleaved trees. One of the smallest hemerobiid species in Europe.
Did You Know?
At barely 5 mm wingspan, it is small enough to hunt insects living inside bark fissures.
Dark Spongillafly
A small blackish lacewing found near European freshwater habitats. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights near waterways.
Did You Know?
Larvae must find freshwater sponges within hours of hatching or they will not survive.