Mantis Lacewing vs Spring Dor Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mantis Lacewing Spring Dor Beetle
Scientific Name Mantispa perla Geotrupes vernalis
Order Neuroptera Coleoptera
Family Mantispidae Scarabaeidae
Size 15-20mm 12-20 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Predators Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

Larvae enter spider egg sacs and consume all the eggs, emerging as adults from the silk cocoon.

Spring Dor Beetle

A medium-sized, metallic blue-green to violet dung beetle active in spring. Unlike other dor beetles, the metallic coloration is visible dorsally. It digs deep burrows provisioned with dung for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, this beetle is actually most active in autumn in many parts of its range.