German Scorpionfly vs Wesmael's Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute German Scorpionfly Wesmael's Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Panorpa germanica Wesmaelius subnebulosus
Order Mecoptera Neuroptera
Family Panorpidae Hemerobiidae
Size 12-16 mm 10-16 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Carrion Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

German Scorpionfly

A scorpionfly with bold wing markings found in shaded woodland habitats across central Europe. Like other Panorpa species, it has a distinctive elongated face.

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Did You Know?

German scorpionflies frequently steal prey from spider webs, delicately plucking trapped insects without becoming ensnared themselves.

Wesmael's Brown Lacewing

A medium-sized brown lacewing with subtly patterned wings found across Europe. Frequent in gardens and deciduous woodland.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the earliest lacewings to appear in spring, sometimes active as early as March.