Goldeneye Lacewing vs Common Spongillafly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goldeneye Lacewing Common Spongillafly
Scientific Name Chrysopa oculata Sisyra fuscata
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Chrysopidae Sisyridae
Size 15-20 mm 6-10 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Ponds & Lakes
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Goldeneye Lacewing

A common North American green lacewing with prominent golden eyes and a distinctive black head marking. Frequently found in gardens and orchards.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, goldeneye lacewings release a foul-smelling odor from specialized glands as a defense mechanism.

Common Spongillafly

A small dark lacewing whose larvae are aquatic parasitoids of freshwater sponges. One of the few neuropterans with aquatic larval stages.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae breathe underwater using specialized pointed mouthparts that also pierce sponge cells for feeding.