European Spider Wasp vs Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Spider Wasp Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing
Scientific Name Episyron albonotatum Croce filipennis
Order Hymenoptera Neuroptera
Family Pompilidae Nemopteridae
Size 8-14 mm 15-20 mm forewing; hindwings up to 80 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Spider Wasp

A medium-sized black spider wasp with white markings that hunts orb-weaving spiders across Europe. It nests in sandy soil near the edges of paths.

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Did You Know?

It carries captured spiders by flying short distances while holding them underneath its body.

Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing

A bizarre nemopterid with extremely long, thread-like hindwings. Males have hindwings that can be several times their body length.

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Did You Know?

Its hindwings can be four times longer than the forewings, trailing behind like fine threads.