Kenyan Green Lacewing vs Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Kenyan Green Lacewing Antlion
Scientific Name Chrysoperla agilis Myrmeleon formicarius
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Chrysopidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 12-17 mm wingspan 30-35 mm body (adult)
Habitat Mountains Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions East Africa, Southern Europe Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Kenyan Green Lacewing

A recently described species from the carnea complex found in East African highlands. Occurs in both natural and cultivated habitats.

💡

Did You Know?

It was only separated from Chrysoperla carnea as a valid species in 2015.

Antlion

Larvae build conical sand pit traps to catch ants and other small insects. The larva waits buried at the bottom and flicks sand at prey trying to escape up the slopes.

💡

Did You Know?

Antlion larvae engineer their sand traps using physics — they build at the exact angle of repose so any disturbance causes an avalanche, sweeping prey to the bottom.