Large Brown Lacewing vs Margined Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Brown Lacewing Margined Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Drepanepteryx phalaenoides Hemerobius marginatus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Hemerobiidae Hemerobiidae
Size 18-28 mm wingspan 8-12 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Brown Lacewing

The largest European brown lacewing with distinctively hooked wing tips. Resembles a dead leaf when at rest on branches.

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Did You Know?

Its hooked wing tips and brown mottling make it one of the best leaf mimics among lacewings.

Margined Brown Lacewing

A European brown lacewing with darkened wing margins found in deciduous woodland. Common but often overlooked due to its small size.

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Did You Know?

It is often found in old orchards where it helps suppress aphid populations on fruit trees.