European Antlion vs African Predatory Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Antlion African Predatory Lacewing
Scientific Name Euroleon nostras Chrysopa pudica
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Chrysopidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 16-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Pollen Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, North Africa West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Antlion

A large neuropteran whose larvae build conical sand pits to trap ants and other small insects. Adults resemble damselflies but are weaker fliers.

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Did You Know?

Antlion larvae can survive for months without food while waiting at the bottom of their sand traps.

African Predatory Lacewing

A robust lacewing found across tropical Africa in forested and cultivated areas. Adults and larvae both contribute to pest suppression.

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Did You Know?

It is frequently collected in cocoa agroforestry systems where it helps control cocoa mirids.