Green Lacewing vs Thread-Winged Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green Lacewing Thread-Winged Lacewing
Scientific Name Chrysoperla carnea Nemoptera sinuata
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Chrysopidae Nemopteridae
Size 12-20 mm body, 30 mm wingspan 25-30 mm body; 40 mm hindwing streamers
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Predators Pollen Feeders
Regions Worldwide Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Green Lacewing

Delicate green insects with lace-like wings and golden eyes. Larvae are ferocious predators nicknamed "aphid lions." Widely used in biological pest control.

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Did You Know?

Lacewing larvae are such effective predators they are nicknamed "aphid lions" — a single larva can devour 200 aphids per week during its development.

Thread-Winged Lacewing

An unmistakable insect with elongated, ribbon-like hindwings that trail behind in flight. Found in dry Mediterranean habitats where it feeds on pollen.

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Did You Know?

The extraordinary ribbon-like hindwings are thought to confuse predators by creating a misleading silhouette in flight.