Mantis Lacewing vs Arctic Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mantis Lacewing | Arctic Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mantispa perla | Syrphus torvus |
| Order | Neuroptera | Diptera |
| Family | Mantispidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 15-20mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mantis Lacewing
A delicate insect with mantis-like raptorial forelegs and lace-like wings. An ambush predator of small insects.
Did You Know?
Larvae enter spider egg sacs and consume all the eggs, emerging as adults from the silk cocoon.
Arctic Hover Fly
A medium-sized hover fly with bold yellow and black banding that mimics a wasp. It is a skilled hoverer that can remain stationary in midair. Larvae are voracious predators of aphids on subarctic plants.
Did You Know?
This hover fly is an important pollinator in subarctic regions where honeybees are absent, visiting many northern wildflowers.