Long-Necked Antlion vs Elegant Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long-Necked Antlion Elegant Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Palpares libelluloides Sympherobius elegans
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Hemerobiidae
Size 100-110 mm wingspan 5-8 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Orchards
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Long-Necked Antlion

One of the largest European antlions with a wingspan exceeding 100 mm and boldly patterned wings. Adults are strong fliers active during warm evenings.

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Did You Know?

This is the largest neuropteran in Europe, with a wingspan rivaling many dragonfly species.

Elegant Brown Lacewing

A tiny, delicate brown lacewing found in bark crevices of broadleaved trees. One of the smallest hemerobiid species in Europe.

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Did You Know?

At barely 5 mm wingspan, it is small enough to hunt insects living inside bark fissures.