Large Square-headed Wasp vs Trash-carrying Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Square-headed Wasp Trash-carrying Lacewing
Scientific Name Ectemnius cephalotes Chrysopa nigricornis
Order Hymenoptera Neuroptera
Family Crabronidae Chrysopidae
Size 12-18 mm 16-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Square-headed Wasp

A large solitary wasp that nests in dead wood and provisions its nest with captured flies. Has a distinctively large, square-shaped head. Common in gardens and woodland.

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Did You Know?

Nests in old beetle holes in dead wood, stocking each cell with paralyzed flies for its developing larvae.

Trash-carrying Lacewing

A North American green lacewing with dark antennae. Its larvae camouflage themselves by piling debris on their backs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae stack the remains of consumed prey on their backs as both camouflage and defense.