Giant Lacewing vs Desert Lacewing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Lacewing | Desert Lacewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polystoechotes punctata | Chrysoperla comanche |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Ithonidae | Chrysopidae |
| Size | 40-75 mm wingspan | 20-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Giant Lacewing
Once widespread across North America, it vanished from the eastern US by the 1950s. A single specimen was rediscovered in Walmart parking lot in Arkansas in 2012 after 50 years.
Did You Know?
This giant lacewing was thought extinct in eastern North America for 50 years — until a single specimen was collected at a Walmart parking lot in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2012.
Desert Lacewing
A pale green lacewing adapted to arid environments of the American Southwest. Both adults and larvae are important predators of aphids and other small pests.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are called aphid lions because a single larva can consume hundreds of aphids before pupating.