Mantis Lacewing vs Dune Spoonwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mantis Lacewing | Dune Spoonwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mantispa perla | Halter halteratus |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Mantispidae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 15-20mm | 20-28 mm wingspan (forewings) |
| Habitat | Heathland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Mediterranean Basin, North Africa |
| 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.
Dune Spoonwing
A small nemopterid with spoon-tipped hindwings found in coastal Mediterranean habitats. Commonly seen fluttering over sandy ground near the sea.
Did You Know?
The species name 'halteratus' refers to the haltere-like form of its modified hindwings.