Giant Lacewing vs Great Red Sedge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Lacewing | Great Red Sedge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polystoechotes punctata | Phryganea striata |
| Order | Neuroptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Ithonidae | Phryganeidae |
| Size | 40-75 mm wingspan | 20-25 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
Great Red Sedge
A large cinnamon-colored caddisfly with distinctive striped wings, well known to European anglers. It hatches in early summer on lakes and slow rivers.
Did You Know?
This caddisfly inspired one of the oldest known artificial fishing flies, the "Great Red Sedge," used since at least the fifteenth century.