Giant Green Lacewing vs Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Green Lacewing Antlion
Scientific Name Nothochrysa fulviceps Myrmeleon formicarius
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Chrysopidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan 30-35 mm body (adult)
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Central Europe, Northern Europe Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Giant Green Lacewing

One of the largest European lacewings with a tawny head and green body. An uncommon species associated with old-growth deciduous forest.

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Did You Know?

Its dependence on old-growth forest makes it an indicator species for ancient woodland habitats.

Antlion

Larvae build conical sand pit traps to catch ants and other small insects. The larva waits buried at the bottom and flicks sand at prey trying to escape up the slopes.

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Did You Know?

Antlion larvae engineer their sand traps using physics — they build at the exact angle of repose so any disturbance causes an avalanche, sweeping prey to the bottom.