Giant African Antlion vs Common Spreadwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant African Antlion | Common Spreadwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Palpares speciosus | Lestes sponsa |
| Order | Neuroptera | Odonata |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Lestidae |
| Size | 100-130 mm wingspan | 35-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southern Africa, East Africa | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant African Antlion
A massive African antlion with strikingly marked black-and-yellow wings. One of the largest neuropteran insects in the world.
Did You Know?
It is among the largest living neuropterans, with some individuals exceeding 13 cm in wingspan.
Common Spreadwing
A slender metallic green damselfly that characteristically holds its wings half-open at rest. It is widespread across Europe and northern Asia.
Did You Know?
Spreadwing damselflies lay their eggs into the stems of plants above the waterline, and the eggs overwinter before hatching when water levels rise in spring.