Goldeneye Lacewing vs Hop-Garden Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goldeneye Lacewing Hop-Garden Earwig
Scientific Name Chrysopa oculata Forficula lesnei
Order Neuroptera Dermaptera
Family Chrysopidae Forficulidae
Size 15-20 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Detritivores
Regions North America Europe
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.

Hop-Garden Earwig

A small earwig closely related to the European earwig but distinguished by its shorter wing cases. It is found in southern European gardens and orchards.

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Did You Know?

This species was long confused with the European earwig and was only recognized as distinct in the early twentieth century.